HIVE
•
AUGUST 2026
Now Launching
Live Webinars!
I'm excited to launch live webinars where we can explore gardening topics in far greater depth than is possible in a short social media video, connecting all the pieces into a complete, practical approach. Each webinar also includes a live Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and get personalized guidance as we learn together. My first webinar is How To Transition Your Garden to Native Plants — just in time to start planning for fall planting.
Limited On-Site & Virtual Appointments in August
I will not be doing virtual appointments in August, and with some vacation time there aren't as many appointments available. If you live in the northwest suburbs, check the system on Fridays for new openings. Everyone else, check Wednesdays and Thursdays. Appointments open at 11:30am, 1pm and 2:30pm.
In My Garden
We finally finished building and installing the 2′ × 12′ raised bed that will serve as our raspberry patch. I'll be planting several types of plants. We are figuring out how to trellis them, keep the runners from leaving the bed, and keep the birds from eating them all. Stay tuned!
August Garden Checklist
Native Plant Spotlight
Tall Thimbleweed
Amy's Design Tip: This is a great dry-shade plant for under trees. I use it in the middle of a border, behind a low edging plant like Carex albicans.
Fun Fact: Bruised leaves supposedly smell like fox urine — which is said to be why deer and rabbits leave it alone!
Did You Know?
70% of native bees nest underground.
Leaving small patches of bare soil provides nesting habitat. Stepping around a nest area won't damage it — these bees are solitary and not aggressive unless you step directly on them.
Pollinator of the Month
Leaf Cutter Bees
Plants They Love: They target soft, pliable leaves like roses and lilacs.
Amy's Favorite Question This Month
Do you fertilize tomatoes?
When I top up my raised beds in spring with a bag of fresh potting soil, that has enough fertilizer in it for about a month. Once it runs out around July 1, I start fertilizing my vegetable garden once a week with liquid fish emulsion fertilizer mixed into my watering can.
Amy Recommends
Mini Spearhead Spade, 30″
This is the most useful tool — Mr. Powers Plants and I use it regularly, and it only weighs 2 lbs! I use it for digging up the roots of invasive Lily of the Valley and for planting small plants (which is predominantly all I plant nowadays). You couldn't dig up a shrub with it, but it's wonderfully light and convenient.
This Month's Videos
Coming Next Month
Next month I'll be back with more on-site coaching session times as the weather cools — and I'll share my favorite late-season native bloomers, like the turtlehead the bumblebees can't resist!
