Savour Summer. Plan for Fall.

Back-to-school is almost here, but summer isn't finished yet.

The vegetable garden is overflowing. Warm days are still ahead. The patio is still calling. And there's still plenty of time to enjoy everything you've grown and created this summer.

But late August also gives us a little glimpse of what's coming next.

The days will gradually get shorter. Cooler nights will arrive. Fall colour will begin appearing in gardens and garden centres.

That doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to summer.

Instead, savour what's still here while starting to plan for the season ahead.

Harvest the Best of Summer

Late August is one of the most rewarding times in the vegetable garden.

Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, herbs and other summer favourites are reaching their peak, giving you plenty to harvest and enjoy.

One of the best things you can do right now is keep harvesting regularly.

Picking ripe vegetables encourages many plants to continue producing, giving you even more to enjoy before the growing season winds down.

So don't wait for everything to ripen at once.

Pick tomatoes when they're ready. Harvest cucumbers while they're still tender. Gather herbs regularly and enjoy zucchini before it becomes oversized.

And most importantly, enjoy the harvest you've worked so hard to grow.

Summer's best flavours don't last forever. Savour them while they're here.

Give Your Lawn Some Love

Your lawn has worked hard all summer, too.

Heat, foot traffic, drought and periods of dry weather can leave grass looking thin, tired or patchy by late August.

The good news? Late summer into early fall can be an excellent time to help your lawn recover.

Depending on your lawn's condition, this can be a good time to:

• Repair thin or damaged areas
• Overseed
• Address bare patches
• Feed your lawn
• Prepare it for the cooler months ahead

The goal isn't necessarily to create a perfect lawn overnight.

It's to give your grass the care it needs now so it can head into fall stronger and healthier.

Bring on Fall Colour

You don't have to wait for September to start thinking about fall colour.

Mums, ornamental kale, ornamental grasses and other cool-season favourites are beginning to arrive, giving you an opportunity to slowly transition your outdoor spaces.

Start small.

Swap out a tired container. Add a seasonal planter to your front entrance. Introduce a few fall-toned plants into an existing garden bed.

You don't have to replace your entire summer garden.

Think of it as adding a little preview of what's to come.

Warm yellows, rich oranges, deep reds, burgundy and earthy greens can instantly begin shifting the feeling of your outdoor space toward autumn while summer is still in full swing.

Plant Now. Enjoy for Years.

If you've been thinking about adding a tree, shrub or perennial to your landscape, late summer is a great time to start planning.

And as we move toward fall, planting conditions can become even more favourable.

Cooler temperatures mean less heat stress for newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials, while the soil can remain warm enough to encourage root development.

That gives plants an opportunity to establish their roots before winter arrives.

So if there's a spot in your landscape you've been thinking about filling, don't wait until next spring to start planning.

A little planting now can give you something beautiful to look forward to for years to come.

Fall Looks Good on You

The garden isn't the only thing changing seasons.

As we move toward cooler mornings and crisp fall days, it's also a great time to start thinking about what's next in your wardrobe.

Stop by Lilie's Boutique at Bradford Greenhouses to discover fresh fall fashion, cozy layers and new pieces that will take you into the changing season.

Because preparing for fall doesn't have to be all about the garden.

Sometimes a new outfit is part of the fun, too.

The Season Isn't Over

Summer isn't over.

There's still harvesting to do. There are still warm evenings to enjoy. There are still flowers blooming and plenty of time to sit outside and appreciate your garden.

But fall is beginning to make an appearance.

And that's part of what makes late August so special.

You don't have to choose between enjoying summer and preparing for fall.

Savour the harvest.

Enjoy the garden.

Plant something you'll enjoy for years.

Add a little seasonal colour.

And start planning for what's ahead.

Summer isn't over. Fall is just beginning.

Visit Bradford Greenhouses and make the most of both.

Happy Gardening,

– Gabby & The Bradford Greenhouses Team