One of the underrated perks of being a homeowner is having the opportunity to personalize the greenery around your home. Whether you have a green thumb or not, planting seeds, witnessing flowers bloom, and reaping the rewards of your efforts is one of the most rewarding feelings. While the new homes in Braselton at Traditions of Braselton come with well-planned and beautiful landscaping already installed, there’s still room to give your new yard the personal touches that make a house a home. Let’s look at some great tips for late summer landscaping in north Georgia.
Planting according to the hardiness zone you live in will make gardening and landscaping a breeze. Braselton is in hardiness zone 8a, so we’ve compiled a list of plants that thrive in this area to save you some research time. Find out the best flowers to plant in the late summer, beginner-friendly herbs to liven up your gardening journey, and overall landscaping tips to keep your yard healthy and happy while taking advantage of the late days of summer heat!
Perennials to Plant in Late Summer/Early Fall in North Georgia
Japanese Anemone
These lovely Japanese Anemones are the perfect flowers to transition your late summer garden into fall. Thriving in full or partial sun, they bloom from August to October and reach heights of 2-4 feet. Oh, and did we mention that butterflies love them? These pale pink, eye-catching beauties are a compliment to any garden!
Aster “Sapphire Mist”
Aster? I hardly know her! Aster comes in endless varieties, but we’re specifically highlighting Aster “Sapphire Mist.” Its flowers grow 12 to 16 inches tall and up to 24 inches wide. It blooms from August to October and tolerates drought well. Lastly, if you’re looking for flowers that attract butterflies, Aster is a perfect choice!
“Autumn Joy” Stonecrop
If you like succulent leaves and bright splotches of color, “Autumn Joy” Stonecrop may be next on your planting list! It blooms from August to November, and changes colors throughout its lifespan from pink to red to copper. Not only do butterflies love the vibrant colors, but these plants support bee and pollinator populations in north Georgia. Stems grow about 18 inches to 2 feet tall, and the plant itself can get up to 2 feet wide. “Autumn Joy” Stonecrop is known for being a low-maintenance flower and will certainly add some radiance to your late summer garden.
Chrysanthemum (Hardy Mum)
The beautiful Chrysanthemum, also known as the Hardy Mum, blooms from August to November (and even longer in North Georgia). The Hardy Mum stands at around 2 feet tall and comes in a wide array of colors, including pink, orange, red, white, and lavender. It attracts butterflies, and is also a deer-resistant and rabbit-resistant flower, which makes it great for homeowners who don’t want to worry about their flowers getting eaten. The Chrysanthemum is a reliable North Georgia favorite!
Beginner-Friendly Herbs To Grow
Basil
Calling all Caprese and pesto lovers! Basil is a great summer plant because it loves sun, gives you free basil to use for cooking, and is a mosquito-repellent plant. Water it when the leaves get droopy, and don’t forget to harvest those big basil leaves! Basil is a good plant for beginners because it thrives wherever it’s planted, whether it’s in the ground, in a planter, or in pots on your porch. Pro tip: if you’re using the basil for dishes, be sure to pinch off the budding flowers, as basil tends to become more bitter after they flower. Even if you let the flowers bloom, they are delicate and aromatic, so it’s a win-win regardless! Try all the different varieties: sweet Genovese basil, Thai basil, lemon basil, and purple basil.
Mint
Make your summer drinks even more refreshing! Mint loves full or partial sun, and tends to grow like crazy. This fragrant herb helps keep biting insects away (specifically, mosquitoes, flies, and ants) and is an annual plant in north Georgia, although you can sometimes maintain it through the frosty periods with care. Get creative with your mint by freezing the leaves in ice cubes to add more flavor to drinks, use the leaves in your tea, or even incorporate the stems in flower bouquets to add an enticing aromatic element!
Rosemary
Rosemary is a perennial herb (although it should be protected from extreme frost/ice) that’ll add some interest to your garden. It does well in the ground or in a pot, makes an excellent addition to cocktails, and elevates chicken, salmon, and potato dishes. Other advantages include being a natural insect and deer repellent, as well as being a drought-resistant plant. Give this culinary herb full sun and it’ll thrive!
Landscaping Tips for Every Homeowner to Keep Your Yard Happy
Don’t want to get your hands too dirty planting flowers? No worries. Below are 5 tips that can help any homeowners maintain and better their yards:
- Water your yard all at once in the morning or evening when it’s coolest. Not only does this allow the grass to absorb water most efficiently before it can evaporate, but it also encourages deep root growth. Watering in the morning is considered the best time to water because it decreases the risk of fungal growth.
- Keep the lawn cut around 3-4 inches. Taller grass promotes healthier and deeper roots. With deeper roots comes better water absorption, and in turn, makes your lawn more drought-tolerant.
- Use sharp lawnmower blades to maximize grass longevity. Dull or rusty lawnmower blades can damage grass by creating rips and tears. Damaged grass is more likely to brown, creating an unsightly lawn. Using sharp blades keeps grass healthier and alive longer, especially during cooler weather.
- Mow your lawn in the morning or evening hours to protect it from scorching heat. You don’t worry about mowing the area between the sidewalk and the roadway – that’s on us!
- Reseed areas that have turned brown or patchy. You can use tools like a broadcast spreader to effectively plant new seeds in areas that need some love, like brown or dead patches of grass.
Your Home at Traditions of Braselton
Now that you know what to plant around your new home, make your landscaping dreams a reality at Traditions of Braselton! Once you move in, don’t forget to join our Traditions in Bloom Garden Club to build community with other local gardeners. Don’t wait – secure your luxury home at prices starting from the low $400s, and pick the perfect option to suit your lifestyle needs, whether it’s a ranch-style home or a 4+ bedroom estate for large families. Contact us today to find your dream home!
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