Labor Day weekend is here, and I can think of no better way to celebrate than with a little garden-center browsing and finally completing a DIY project or two. Or three. Or four. (Tommy's gonna love to hear this!)
 

If you’ve had a gardening project on your list all summer, this is your sign to finally tackle it.  This past Thursday, my friend Jenn and I went live from Home Depot Garden Center to share some great ideas to inspire you over this long weekend.

Your LONG WEEKEND HONEY-Do LIST

1. Refresh a Tired Container
Annuals only get one life to live, and if yours have called it quits this season, that's OK! There is absolutely no shame in giving that tired container a fresh start. I have never once regretted replanting a container in late summer, and I promise you won’t either.

2. Make a DIY Weed Killer
Mix up a simple vinegar-based weed spray and tackle the weeds taking over your driveway, walkway, or patio. Harness the heat. The blazing hot sunshine is on your side for this project!

 

3. Create a Fresh Garden Pathway
Give a side entryway or forgotten corner a little makeover with fresh gravel, stepping stones, or pavers and some beautiful plants around the edges.

 

4. Cut and Dry Your Limelight Hydrangeas
If your Limelights are starting to turn papery, this is the perfect time to cut them and preserve the blooms for wreaths and arrangements.

 

5. Get Your Porch Cleaned up for Fall
Toss out the dead annuals, take a broom to those cobwebs, wash the dust off the windows, sweep the porch, and add a pretty new welcome mat to prepare for the season of entertaining ahead!

Let’s be real, y’all. It’s WAY too hot to tackle the whole yard.

 

Pick one small, shady spot and make it fabulous. Then head back inside, fix yourself a cocktail, turn on the TV, and cheer for your favorite football team.

 

Y’all, take care of yourselves out there. The rest of the garden can wait until it cools off!

XOXO,💚
Carmen

 

Welcome to The Bloom Report Vol. 048

A Gated Garden Landscape Plan

 

Download my free ‘Gated Garden Welcome’ landscape plan for the complete layout and plant list to recreate this fabulous look at your home!

It's Time to Preserve Your LimeLights!

When your Limelights start turning papery in late summer, don’t let those blooms go to waste! That’s your cue to cut them and bring them indoors. I’m sharing my step-by-step method for drying Limelight hydrangeas so you can turn those end-of-summer blooms into beautiful wreaths and bouquets.

GARDENING TIP OF THE WEEK

Looking for a weekend project that actually gets EASIER when it’s blazing hot outside? This one is for you!
 

Grab the vinegar and give those invasive weeds in your driveway, gravel paths, or sidewalk cracks a good soak. The hot, sunny weather is actually ideal for this DIY weed spray, and you can start seeing those pesky weeds shrivel up surprisingly quickly.

 

Just remember: this will not only kill weeds but also plants and shrubs, so keep it far away from your flower or vegetable beds and anywhere else you want to keep alive. 

THIS RECIPE Can TAKE THE HEAT

Who says you have to wait for sweater weather to plant your fall containers? Not me! Here in the South, we can still see 85 to 90 degree days well into October. The trick is choosing tough plants that can handle these lingering summer temperatures while giving your containers that beautiful fall look. You can have gorgeous color now and all the way through first frost!

Most Popular This Week

I hope you’re having a wonderful Saturday morning and feeling motivated to knock a few things off that to-do list this weekend. 

Hopefully cooler temps will be here soon. See y'all next week!

 

💚XOXO💚
Carmen

 

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