Big, Bold Flowers

Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) offers large blooms in Crayola colors to brighten any sunny spot in your garden. These tropical plants work especially well in containers where you can enjoy their flowers close-up. Perennial hibiscus (H. moscheutos) will reward you with huge flowers year after year. Plant three to five shrubs en masse for a sea of color in your flowerbeds. Good choices include lady Baltimore' (pink with a red center), lord Baltimore' (deep red), and luna' (white with a red center). They all prefer a sunny location with rich, well-drained soil. -GENE B. BUSSELL

HERBS

Frequently pinch or trim basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme to keep these plants in full summer production. Tip: An easy way to do this is to use these plants when you are grilling; they'll add a healthful zest to your summer meals.

COILED HOSES

These spiral hoses don't take up much room and work well in tight areas around decks and patios. Even these hoses can become tangled though, so keep them in check with a coil hose storage post available from www2. yardiac.com, or call 1-866-927-3422.

LAWN MOWERS

Cutting your grass too short can stress your lawn, especially during summer heat and drought. Adjust the height of your mower to fit your lawn type. Elevate your mower blade 2 to 4 inches for St. Augustine, 1 ½ inches to 2 inches for centipede, ½ to 1 ½ for Bermuda, 1 to 2 inches for Zoysia, and 2 to 3 inches for Kentucky bluegrass and fescue.

HOSTAS

These are some of the best perennials with colorful foliage for shady spots in your yard. Good choices include 'August Moon,' 'Royal Standard,' 'Frances Williams,' 'Guacamole,' 'Halcyon,' and 'Honeybells,' Tip: Snip a few of their beautiful leaves to give your summer arrangements a splash of "wow"!

REBLOOMING HYDRANGEA

This new shrub will quickly become one of your favorites. 'Blushing Bride' is a hybrid Endless Summer selection; its white flowers mature to a light pink. The blooms are set off by dark green leaves and the plant's compact growing habit.

HUMMINGBIRDS

These aerial acrobats will amuse you throughout the summer with their air show. Attract them to your yard by providing a few flowers they love to sip. Choose blooms such as cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), pineapple sage (SaMa elegans), autumn sage (S. greggi), bee balm (Monarda didyma), and firebush (Hamelia patens).

FOR MORE INFO

Online "Around Your Garden" archive: southernliving.com/july2007

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2007
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved