Mastering the Year Round Garden: July - September

Photo by The Lehman Collective

As summer progresses, the garden enters a critical phase. July, August, and September require thoughtful maintenance, steady watering, and a bit of planning ahead. From managing the heat to preparing for fall planting, this is the season to keep your garden healthy, beautiful, and ready for what’s next.

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"August into September is a transitional time for the nursery; we continue the maintenance of our nursery stock which involves pruning evergreens for heavy but natural forms and pruning shade trees to promote good branch structure with central leaders.  We also continue controlling weeds throughout the nursery which has been an uphill battle this year due to the weekly deluge of rain.  As we approach fall, we begin focusing on the upcoming digging season in which we harvest trees for wholesale orders and fall landscaping jobs.  We know the work we put into the nursery now, will pay off in the fall as our trees go to market."

-Dan Gregg, Founder, Grelen Nursery

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July: Tidy, Tend & Troubleshoot

July is all about managing growth and guarding against stress. By now, your plants are in full swing—but so are weeds, pests, and dry spells. This is the time to keep things neat, stay on top of watering, and prepare your garden for late-summer transitions.

Grelen Tips:

• Water deeply in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation and prevent disease.

• Keep an eye out for pests like Japanese beetles and aphids—early treatment is key.

• Deadhead summer perennials and annuals to encourage continued blooms.

• Cut back any leggy or overgrown plants to promote bushier growth.

• Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, especially around new plantings.

• Harvest herbs and flowers regularly to keep them producing through the season.

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August: Maintain & Multiply

Late summer is often underestimated in the garden. While the heat may tempt you to slow down, this is actually a prime time for dividing spring-blooming perennials and setting up your garden for a beautiful fall.

Grelen Tips:

• Divide and transplant perennials such as daylilies, hostas, and irises.

• Use a gentle, organic plant food like Rosy Soil to reduce transplant shock and encourage healthy new growth.

• Weed thoroughly now—many weeds are going to seed, and pulling them now saves headaches later.

• Water deeply and less frequently to encourage drought-resistant root systems.

• Add late-blooming annuals or shrubs to containers and beds for a boost of end-of-season color.

Photo by Hank G. Media

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September: Refresh & Reimagine

With cooler nights and shorter days, September is the perfect month to plant trees, shrubs, and cool-season perennials. The soil is still warm, which encourages root development, but the stress of summer heat is fading.

Grelen Tips:

• Plant new trees and shrubs—fall is the best time to establish them in Virginia’s climate.

• Replace tired summer annuals with fall favorites like pansies, ornamental kale, and asters.

• Keep watering newly planted items until frost, especially if rainfall is light.

• Lightly prune overgrown perennials and shrubs, but avoid heavy shaping until winter dormancy.

• Refresh container arrangements with seasonal textures and colors for a beautiful transition into fall.

Photo by Hank G. Media

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Look Ahead & Stay Inspired

July through September is a season of high reward—for both the hard-working gardener and the landscape itself. Stay consistent with care, make thoughtful changes, and you’ll be rewarded with a garden that transitions gracefully into fall and beyond.

RESOURCES:

🪴 Garden Tools & Accessories: Stock up at GrelenOnline.com or stop by the shop for curated essentials.

🎨 Workshops & Events: Check the Grelen Calendar for hands-on classes, floral demos, and seasonal fun.

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Trails: Take a walk through our 6 miles of nursery trails to see what’s blooming and what’s coming next.

🌼 Get Inspired: Visit Virginia is for Lovers to find gardens and outdoor destinations across the state.

Photo by Hank G. Media