All the signs of the end of summer are popping up.
The mornings are getting crisp; the kids are getting ready to head back to school; and some of those lovely flowers you planted in your garden are looking a little – well, done.
But don’t give up on summer yet! We haven’t even gotten to Labor Day Weekend, for goodness sakes!
These are actually some of the best days of summer – the monsoon rains have made everything seem cool and fresh. Your veggie garden is overflowing. You’ve probably already had your vacation and are refreshed and rejuvenated.
Here are some ways that my family and I are planning to celebrate these last weeks before gearing up for fall:
-
- Barbeque – Since the monsoons have arrived, it’s finally felt safe to really enjoy a barbeque; the first part of summer was so dry and the danger of wildfire so prevalent we really couldn’t. It’s a great excuse to gather the kids in the backyard for a few games while dinner is on the grill.
- Freshening up the garden – Most of your garden is probably doing fine, but it’s likely that some of your annuals have either exhausted their blooms or gotten overwatered in the monsoons. Grab a few six packs of things like portulaca or diamond frost euphorbia and use them to patch up sections of your garden. They are great late summer plants and can tolerate any end of season hot spells we get.
- Hiking – We are lucky to live in a place where we are spoiled for choice in terms of hiking. Buffalo Park. Fat Man’s Loop. The Arizona Trail. And if you are looking for a great hike with a purpose, there’s still time to sign up for the American Cancer Society ‘Climb to Conquer Cancer’ fundraiser on August 18 – six and a half miles of scenic beauty up Snowbowl Road with a party at the top!
- Spend every moment you can outside. No, summer isn’t over, but it is in limited supply. The days are getting shorter, the temperatures will soon drop and the holidays will be here before you know it. So make hay while the summer sun shines.
I hope you fully enjoy this last phase of Summer 2018. Remember, if you ever need assistance with your garden or outdoor space, we’re here to help.
Happy gardening,
Misti