August is when your garden really gets to shine.
With long evenings, warm weekends and spontaneous gatherings, it’s the season of laid-back outdoor living. But while you’re setting the table and lighting the lanterns, it’s worth thinking about how to keep your plants looking their best – especially in hot weather.
At Orchard Nurseries, we work with many clients designing spaces for entertaining. Whether it’s a courtyard dinner party, a sun-drenched terrace or a poolside afternoon, here are a few easy ways to keep your garden looking cool, calm and utterly inviting.
Watering Wisely
In warm conditions, water early in the morning or late in the evening so plants can absorb moisture without it evaporating too quickly. Prioritise container plants and anything newly planted – they dry out fastest.
- Water at the base rather than over the leaves to reduce evaporation.
- Soak, don’t sprinkle – a deep water once or twice a week is better than a daily surface splash.
- Mulch helps retain moisture – top up around shrubs and pots with bark or decorative gravel.
Positioning and Shade
Move potted plants into shadier spots during heatwaves if possible – especially flowering plants like camellias or hydrangeas. Mediterranean-style plants like olive trees and agapanthus will thrive in full sun but even they benefit from a little shelter in extreme conditions.
Keep it Simple with Structure
Evergreen topiary and larger potted trees provide instant structure and elegance, even if the flowers are flagging. Yew cones, olive trees and spirals continue to look polished and sharp with little effort.
Add Instant Colour
August is a great time to refresh your planting with pops of colour. Try:
- Agapanthus for bold blue or white blooms
- Azaleas for structure and soft purple hues
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Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ Standard (Small Leaf Variety) for impactful colour
Garden Furniture and Finishing Touches
It’s not just about plants — make your garden an extension of your living space. Position a teak bench beneath a shady tree or set out pots of scented herbs near your dining area. A few sculptural planters or tall urns make any space feel more considered.
Relax and Enjoy
Don’t worry about getting everything perfect. A garden is for living in, and sometimes a bit of wildness is all part of the charm. With a little help from Orchard Nurseries, your space can look fantastic without endless upkeep.
Need help choosing the right pieces or preparing for an event? Give us a call or book an appointment to visit the nursery.
Explore our full range of sculptural trees, pots and garden accents online – and make this summer one to remember.