Besides the Ponderosa pine, lilac and lavender, plants that have defied the wrath of summer’s sun and lack of water include: smoke bush cotinus, peonies, juniper, ornamental grass, Karl Forester, sedum, and of course, native plants that have proven their faithfulness for eons.
Plants that have appeared to “bite the dust” such as varieties of spirea, barberry, burring bush euonymus, hydrangea and roses may be pruned to stimulate new growth.
Perennials such as the penstemon, Husker Red and hostas have rejuvenated after the gift of August rain.
Though you may not appreciate your “yellow grass” your lawn is merely in a state of dormancy and the roots will not grow again until the night time temperatures are lower and irrigation is restored. If you intend to encourage a green lawn wait to fertilize until the grass begins to grow again.
Most lawns have a mixture of grass seed and some varieties are more drought resistant than others, hence the patches of yellow or brown grass. If these spots die out completely, they can be removed and over-seeded. To enhance the quality of your lawn, rather than replacing it, a regiment of aerating and over-seeding is recommended. Usually, once in the spring and/or once in the fall is adequate.
Moss seems to be an issue in my lawn. I don’t recommend power raking but I do plan to use my tined rake after the pine needles fall to remove them and the moss.
Though we have experienced a few uncomfortably hot days in the Inland northwest this summer, I am convinced we still live in one of the most diverse and beautiful places on earth. I guess you could call this place home.
— Margaret A. Swenson is a WSU Master Gardener. To contact a master gardener, call 509-477-2181 or email [email protected].
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