Place thirsty potted plants in decorative containers or bowls without
drainage holes during the worst of the summer heat. When you water, make
sure it drains
through into the outside container. This keeps a little extra water available
for plant roots. Just make sure plants aren't constantly sitting in water
or the roots could rot.
Plan ahead for fall color. Mums are available at some garden centers
now. These young plants are not yet blooming, but if you buy them now they
will
be well acclimated to your space before the show begins. Now is the time
to order fall-blooming bulbs like autumn crocuses, saffron crocuses, and
autumn
daffodils.
Visit conservatories and botanic garden greenhouses. Most will have
desert or cactus rooms filled with cacti and succulents that love the heat.
These
are great places to get ideas for balcony or patio plantings that thrive
on sun and neglect. Many of these plants are hardy in the Southwest and Florida.
In other areas they make dramatic winter houseplants.
