Well, if you are not tired of all the rain, I can guarantee you that most, if not all, landscapers are. In general, we started the year off in Central Virginia with a lot of rain. Then as it usually does in these parts, we go from warm to hot. Excessive heat in July and August, wet weather, excess weed growth, and turf that had never stopped growing have made what is hard, sometimes even harder.
After Labor Day is a great time to plant many things. The risk of heat stress is reduced and, because evaporation is generally less of a problem, watering is easier. Also, in the fall most plants are not putting much energy into growth of branches, stems, flowers, or foliage; thus, their energy can be applied to establishing roots.
While we have not had an actual Hurricane in Richmond or Central Virginia for some time, the first threat for the season, Florence, is making her journey towards the East Coast of the United States with possible impact on Virginia. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency Saturday in anticipation of the potential impact of Tropical Storm Florence, which the National Weather Service expected to become a “dangerous major hurricane.”
It still early to know a lot of the dynamics, oscillations and circulations in both the atmosphere and the ocean. But we do feel there will be bouts of cold weather and also some pretty decent cold spells in our future. Winter lovers this is for you. The countdown is on.
Here in Central Virginia we all know that it’s a challenge to care for annuals, perennials and other flowers and plants during the hot summer months! With over 10” of rain this past May and now such oppressive heat in late June and the first week of July, keep your plants healthy and lush is certainly a challenge.
So, you just made the biggest purchase of your life. You’ve moved into a new home, you have unpacked and your new home is starting to have the comforts of ‘Home’. You know have some time to somewhat relax. Stepping outside to survey your new property, you get that feeling of uneasy again. So many ideas, but where to start?