As August begins to wane and the golden light of late summer settles in, Southern Ontario gardens are at their fullest expression. Tomatoes are ripening on the vine, pollinators are busy in the flowers, and there’s a certain richness to everything—the kind that only comes after months of tending and growing.
Here’s what we’re focusing on in the garden and landscape at this time of year:
Harvest Time & Garden Gratitude
For vegetable gardens, late August is prime harvest season. Tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, squash, kale, and herbs are often in abundance. It’s a great time to preserve what you can—freeze, ferment, dry, or share with neighbours. This part of the season is about gratitude and enjoyment as much as it is about maintenance.
Deadheading & Prolonging Blooms
To keep your perennials and annuals blooming into September, take a few minutes to deadhead spent flowers. This redirects the plant’s energy into continued blooming rather than seed production. Plants like rudbeckia, coneflower, and zinnias will thank you for it.
Late-Season Planting
Believe it or not, there’s still time to plant! Consider fast-growing fall crops like radishes, spinach, lettuce, or arugula. You can also plant perennials and shrubs now—late August through September is a great window for root establishment before winter.
Lawn Recovery & Overseeding
If your lawn took a beating during the heat of summer, now’s the time to help it bounce back. Dethatching, top-dressing, and overseeding are best done from late August through early September, when the nights are cooler and moisture is more consistent.
Planning Ahead
Now is a good time to think about fall landscaping projects, such as garden bed expansion, tree planting, or natural stone work. The soil is still warm, and with a few good rains, fall installations can settle in beautifully before the frost.
Final Thoughts
There’s something almost sacred about late August in the garden. It’s a time of ripeness and reflection, when you can feel both the fullness of summer and the gentle pull of autumn. It’s a perfect moment to pause, harvest, breathe deep, and take note of all the work that’s led to this abundance.
If you’re looking to prep your garden for fall or start dreaming up a new project, we’re happy to help. At Wind Whistle Landscaping, we love the turning of the seasons—and there’s still plenty of beauty and potential left in this one.