There is no doubt that we have officially entered the annual doldrums of summer. For gardeners that means embracing the cooler morning hours donned with the armor of sun protection as the sunlight rapidly gains strength in our cloudless skies. But there is a solution, whether you are a gardener or an aspiring one, to the ravages of San Joaquin Valley summers-daydreaming about the fall!
These months are not the ideal time to plant perennials but it is the perfect opportunity to research all the possibilities for garden color to be planted in the cooler months and enjoyed all year long. Our very own Anna Wattenbarger, a Master Gardener since 2001, is the ultimate perennial person. At the 3 Sisters Garden, she oversees three ornamental gardens as well as a kitchen garden so if you want to see the possibilities of a feast of color throughout all four seasons, her gardens are the ones to seek!
Anna keeps her advice for perennial beds simple and direct — don’t underestimate the value of colorful foliage, particularly ones with variegated leaves or dramatic color. Fringe Flower, Orange Rocket Barberry or Angelina Sedum are examples that quickly come to mind.
Seek long blooming perennials. Anna recommends using catmint, plumbago and a multitude of salvias.
Cut back the perennial flowers and spent roses once they finish blooming to promote a second bloom.
For seasonal color, get your annuals in early before the seasons shift. Don’t wait too long, particularly when spring is turning into summer.
Consider bulbs like daffodils for spring color. They come back every year for a lovely surprise.
Maintenance is KEY throughout all the seasons.
If you would like to visit the 3 Sisters Garden and see Anna’s perennial beds, master gardeners are there every Tuesday morning and the garden is open seven days a week. Located just behind Madera Community College at 30277 Ave. 12, follow signs for parking lot C.
Happy gardening!