Gardening Update: July 31, 2025Charlotte's gardening theme since mid-June has been intense heat and dry conditions. My South Charlotte garden received only 0.7" of rain between June 17th and Monday night's welcome 1.7" downpour. Combined with consistent 90°+ days, plants have been stressed. In my own garden, this has meant spot watering recent plantings weekly and finally giving in to run sprinklers for 45 minutes per section last week—the first time I've used sprinklers all summer. My garden has definitely looked rough. Columbines under maples appear parched, and taller moisture-loving Joe Pye Weeds and Cutleaf Coneflowers are wilting almost daily, with some leaves browning and crisping. This doesn't worry me—they'll bounce back once conditions improve. On the bright side, warm season grasses like Little Bluestem and Purple Love Grass—along with heat and dry soil loving perennials such as Butterfly Weed, Threadleaf Ironweed, and Wild Bee Balm—are handling the current conditions with ease. These plants were slow to get started due to May and early June's wet weather, but they're thriving now. While native plants handle local conditions better than most, those preferring average moisture conditions will need supplemental water during extended dry conditions—especially if you're not comfortable with them looking stressed. As we move into late summer, adjust irrigation based on actual conditions (plants need different amounts when it's 95°+ with no rain versus 85° with regular rainfall), and expect deer to visit gardens more frequently as natural food sources diminish. Consider increasing deer repellent applications, especially for new plantings. Keep Gardening, Doug
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