It’s hot. It’s humid. Thanks be, it’s great to be in NC! We get a taste of everything weather wise, so it’s easier to appreciate the winter weather when we’re experiencing these hot summer months and to anticipate the heat of summer when it’s below freezing outside. While we always have something to look forward to, the middle of summer very well may be the least favorite time to be working in the garden.

If we all don’t have our gardens looking good by now, all the sweating we can do isn’t going to improve the situation all that much until things cool off again. But, after a good rain cools things off for a bit, summer is the perfect time to enjoy the garden—when last winter’s planning, and spring’s planting is settling in – if you chose well and included plants that like the heat and humidity.

If you missed it this year and want to freshen up next year’s summer garden there are some wonderful choices in trees and shrubs that deliver fantastic flowers, and interesting foliage. Consider the Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) a true Southern favorite 10-20 foot tree with fine lacey leaves and bright blue flower panicles that start in early summer and continue through the summer heat.

For more cool blue tones to calm the heat, try the blue-mist shrub Caryopteris x clandonensis.  This shrub can take the heat, the humidity and can handle stingy watering. They are deer resistant too.

 A favorite by many is the large Smoke Bush Cotinus coggygria.  It’s the 15 foot purple variety for a lot of people. The plumelike flower panicles look like clouds of soft purple smoke, and the burgundy leaves are spectacular. Deer don’t go for this pretty shrub either.

Summer can be a tricky time of year to plant, not impossible – but you’ll need to take precautions and pay attention. If you have plants in containers, especially the black plastic ones, they’re hot – likely over 100˚F. Plant them in the ground if you can keep them watered adequately to buffer the temperature – but don’t overwater them. The roots still need air! Blending in organic matter into the soil will help retain water and air better, and provide nutrition to your plant as the compost breaks down. Make sure the plants you “just had to buy” are under as little stress as possible before you plant them. Plenty of root space, well hydrated, not suffering under insect or disease pressure. Just like us, too many stressful situations result in a breakdown. There really isn’t anything you can do about the weather, so manage the other stresses as much as possible.

While you’re taking care of the plants in your garden, take care of yourself too. Keep your body cool with lightweight, light-colored, loose clothing. Keep that wide-brimmed hat and pair of sunglasses handy and get an early start. Don’t forget: the morning after an evening’s downpour is prime time, don’t just stand there – go pull some weeds!

Amanda Bratcher is the Horticulture Agent for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Lee County.