In the Northern Hemisphere, July is the last summer month to trim back deciduous trees. If deciduous like this Chinese Quince are cut too late, past the first week of August, we can set up two problems: not enough time to finish growing before frosts set in, and not enough time for some species to set flower buds for next year. Wisteria and Satsuki azalea are examples of the second issue.

August is a good month to begin working on junipers, such as wiring. Also, to trim back and thin shoots on juniper, hemlock, and pinch hinoki. Wiring single flush pines is a summer possibility, as the needles have stopped growing. Any conifer wired in summer is best placed in a windless place sheltered from too intense sun, like a greenhouse.

In August we can continue pruning off dead stubs and applying sealant. June and July are also good wound closure months.

Finally, August (and July) are fun months for assembling accents. Seems an odd time of year to do so, but herbaceous perennials re-root strongly in the warmth of summer and there is another huge benefit: you can see what you’re doing. In the spring, there is no foliage to organize your planting around, as herbaceous perennials are just lumpy root masses. Here pearly everlasting, Pleione orchid, and strawberry are assembled.

A lady fern on a rock.