August Gardening Tip: Late Summer Colour & Seed Saving in Hampshire
August is the month when many gardens start to look a little tired, but with the right plants and a bit of late-summer attention, you can keep things looking colourful right into September and beyond.
Add Late-Summer Colour
Rudbeckias, echinacea, sedums, agapanthus, and late dahlias are all at their best in August. If your borders look sparse, grab a few pot-grown perennials from a garden centre and drop them in for instant colour — they’ll establish well before autumn.
Collect Seeds for Next Year
Many annuals and perennials — including nigella, aquilegia, poppy, and foxglove — set seed readily in August. Collect seedheads into paper envelopes, label them, and store in a cool, dry place for sowing next spring. It’s free plants.
Lawn Care in Dry Spells
In a dry August, leave grass slightly longer (4–5cm) and avoid feeding. A brown lawn will recover once rain returns — don’t panic or over-water. If you’re considering replacing an old lawn with artificial grass or a new landscaped area, August is a great time to get a quote.
Helyers’ August Tip: Book autumn landscaping work now. September and October are ideal for patio laying, driveway installation, and garden clearance — and our schedule fills fast.
Get in touch with Helyers of Hampshire to plan your autumn garden project.