If you’re existing anywhere in the northern hemisphere right now, you’re probably hot and sweaty. And here in Atlanta is no different (and the heat is no joke). So we’ve been calling it quits early in the day in order to remaining semi functional and healthy.
Which has given me a little time to actually come back to the less gardeny part of having a garden business; media management. Which I’m sure anyone with eyes can tell is my least favorite part of anything.
But the heat itself is a pretty good subject to talk about in regards to our gardens.
Here in Atlanta, we’ve had a hot and wet summer. It’s a far cry from the decades long drought conditions we’ve had in the past (oh ho! But don’t be fooled…we will have drought conditions again, mark my words). Many of our new clients are looking for water mitigation solutions before we even discuss how they would like to use their existing garden spaces. And all that water has been great for the garden plants…to a point.
Unfortunately, the wetness and heat can lead to some fungal issues. Especially in heavily planted areas. Fungal issues can present in a number of ways.
Leaf spot diseases are some of the most common funguses. Easy to identify on roses and close relatives (black spot), maples, hydrangeas, and fruit trees are all susceptible to different fungi that cause discolored spots on the leaves.
Rusts and powdery fungus are also fairly common. Leaves look dull or fuzzy, sometimes with bright orange or red growth on the leaves, while the leaves themselves start to contort and wilt.
When these fungi appear it is often a good indication that there is a lack of air circulation (it often indicates too much water, but there’s only so much we can do when the rain gods are feeling generous). Improving circulation is going to be one of the most helpful things you can do. It can also be a challenge for those of us super attached to our plants as some editing is often needed. Make sure plants of the same species are planted so that they can touch, but aren’t growing too much into one another. Give groupings of plants in different species a little elbow room. I like to imagine enough space for a cat to slink through without touching the plants. Cut away diseased parts of the plants and dispose of (don’t compost) the trimmings.
Another way to prevent fungal issues is to prune open super compact plants. Hollies, boxwoods, herbal shrubs, camellias, etc…these plants are often pruned to create dense shapes. Though they look great, the dense foliage can create nice humid little nurseries for fungus (and insect pests). Don’t fret, though! Opening the plant up doesn’t mean getting rid of its shape or function. I like to reach into an area and grab a branch and gently move it. It it moves only a small section to create a gentle opening, I remove it at 1/3 of the way into the plant. A half a dozen cuts like this will often provide the proper amount of circulation to keep fungus at bay.
If fungus is already out of control, copper fungicide is a great treatment (use as directed). I find it works a bit more reliably than neem as a fungus treatment. I do still highly recommend the above steps as well.
Now, don’t misunderstand me and think that all this heat brings some fun guy to wreak havoc on your garden. No no! There’s more. And I’ll be discussing them this week so we can get all of our gardens back on track to be the beautiful oasis we need them to be.
Until then, stay cool. And contact us if you need advice on any garden service.
Alchemy Gardens and Design 