August is the perfect month to sit back and savor your garden’s summer beauty. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply enjoying a quiet morning coffee outside, this is the time to enjoy the color, shade, and tranquility your landscape provides. Keep your garden looking its best with a little help from our expert maintenance team. At A Yard & A Half, we’ll take care of the weeding, pruning, and edging—so you can focus on relaxing. Let us help you protect your investment and extend your garden’s vibrant season. Explore our maintenance services.
Watering Wisely During Hot Late Season Days
As September cools off August’s intense heat, your garden may still need some extra care to stay healthy and vibrant. The key? Watering smart. Early morning is the best time to water—before the sun is strong and evaporation is high. Deep, infrequent watering encourages stronger roots, helping plants withstand dry spells. Be sure to check container plants and this year’s plantings more often, as they dry out quickly in the heat. Newer irrigation systems run by apps may need to be re-programmed for the shorter days and cooler nights. Not sure if your garden is getting what it needs? Our maintenance team can help fine-tune your watering routine and keep your landscape thriving through the dog days of summer.
Is Your Garden Asking for a Little Extra TLC?
By late August, gardens are in full swing—but sometimes, they start showing signs of wear. Have you noticed leaves turning yellow or plants looking a bit droopy, even after watering? That could be a sign of too much or too little moisture. Chewed-up foliage might mean insects have moved in, and if your plants are flopping over, they could use some gentle support or a midsummer trim.
It’s easy to miss these signs when you’re busy enjoying summer. But your garden quietly lets you know when it needs a hand. A little extra attention now can make a big difference heading into fall.
If you’re unsure what’s normal or what’s a red flag, we’re here to help. Our team can stop by, take a look, and give your garden the care it needs to keep thriving. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh set of eyes—and a little love.
Birdsong and Morning Light
There’s something magical about those early hours in the garden—when the air is cool, the dew is still clinging to the leaves, and everything feels calm and expectant. We step outside with our coffee, sit quietly, and just listen.
The robins are usually first, calling from the treetops like they’ve got morning announcements to make. Then come the woodpeckers—steady, rhythmic taps echoing from nearby trunks. And tiny Carolina wrens propel us into action with their impossibly loud and forceful voices.
Lately, we’ve been using the Merlin app to help name the voices we hear. It’s become a favorite part of our morning ritual, adding a new layer of connection to the landscape around us.
In a world that moves fast, these quiet moments in the garden remind us to slow down, listen, and appreciate the small, beautiful things right outside our door.
The Magic of a Little Water
We added a small water feature to the garden a few years ago—just a simple container with a solar fountain—and we’re still amazed by how much life it brings. Birds stop by to sip or splash, bees drink at the edges, and butterflies flutter around, drawn to the gentle sound and shimmer.
You don’t need anything fancy. A large ceramic pot or wide bowl with a solar-powered fountain is enough to create movement and attract wildlife. Add a few water lilies or floating plants, and you’ve got a beautiful, low-maintenance centerpiece.
Worried about mosquitoes? We use mosquito dunks, which are safe for birds and other wildlife—and if you’re lucky, dragonflies will show up to help out too.
Whether it’s a charming container feature or a larger pond, we design and install custom water features to fit your space. A little water goes a long way—for you, and for the creatures who call your garden home.
Planning Ahead for Fall Landscape Projects
As the heat of summer starts to mellow, fall becomes the perfect season for landscape construction. Cooler temperatures and drier weather create ideal conditions for building—whether it’s a new patio for gathering, a stone walkway to guide guests through the garden, or a retaining wall to shape and support your space.
Fall projects not only make outdoor spaces more beautiful and functional, but they also give plantings time to settle in before winter. Starting now means your garden will be ready to enjoy come spring.
A Yard & A Half designs and builds custom hardscapes that blend seamlessly into the landscape—crafted to last, and tailored to how you live.
If you’ve been dreaming about upgrading your outdoor space, now is the time to start the conversation. Let’s turn those plans into something solid before the first frost. Contact us to get started.