Collier's Garden Scoop
August 2017
In summer, the song sings itself. 
Welcome to deep summer!
We have been blessed with ample rain and relatively mild temperatures- fortunately, Alabama gardens are faring much better than last year! Although availability from our growers is slim compared to what it's like in spring, we continue to receive weekly shipments of annuals, perennials, groundcovers and shrubs for those who want to refresh their gardens or start a new landscaping project. Plus, there are some plants in stock now that can't be found any other time of the year. We hope to see you at the nursery this month! 
August Hours
Monday - Saturday 9 to 5
Closed Sundays 


Garden Must-Have 
Moonflower Vine 
Moonflower ( Ipomoea alba), a night-blooming morning glory, is an extremely fast growing annual vine, ideal for railings, fences, trellises and arbors, that quickly climbs up to 8 feet or more. The moonflower's unique charm lies in the fact that its massive (5-7 inch wide) white flowers open at dusk in the most magical fashion- literally popping open before your very eyes! This is an old-timey gem that you simply must have in your summer garden if you enjoy relaxing there in the evening, and especially if you have children, or are a child at heart. There is still plenty of time to enjoy a moonflower this year. They can be grown in a large pot, or in the ground, in 3 to 4 hours of sun or more each day. Be sure to gather seeds in the fall to share or save for next year! 

Late Summer Finds

While the variety and selection of spring is unparalleled, there are some plants that are nearly impossible to find until summer.

In spite of how far we've progressed into the growing season, we actually have our best selection of these beauties right now...

Coneflowers

Native to eastern and central portions of the U.S. An iconic American bloom and one of the longest lasting cut flowers. Clumping perennial for part to full sun. Requires well-drained soil. Extremely drought tolerant once established. Attracts butterflies.

Perennial Hibiscus

Also known as rose mallow. Native to the southern U.S. An old-fashioned favorite for part to full sun. Sports the largest of all hibiscus blooms- up to 12 inches across- from June to frost. Shrubby habit; 3 to 5 feet tall and wide. Dies down to the ground in winter.

Sun-Loving Hydrangeas

The 'panicled' hydrangeas that can be grown in full sun! Chartreuse buds open to extra-large white flowers in mid summer and fade to fantastic shades of pink and rose by fall. Great for cutting!

Yucca &

Perennial Grasses 

Hands down some of the hardiest perennials around. Grow happily in the hottest, sunniest locations. Very drought tolerant. Grasses produce ornamental plumes in fall.

Stonecrops

Tall-growing sedums produce an abundance of flowers in late summer and fall, in lovely shades of cream and pink, that are adored by bees and butterflies. And of course, they're drought tolerant! 

Summer Survivor
Lantana
It's difficult to find a warm-season annual that boasts more positive qualities than lantana. Not only does this summer jewel bloom profusely from spring until frost, it thrives in the hottest, sunniest areas of the garden. It's even forgiving when you forget to water it! To top it off, lantana provides nectar for both butterflies and hummingbirds to feast on. Lantana can be grown as an annual in containers. When planted in the ground, even "annual" varieties often survive our winters and return year after year. 'New Gold' lantana is pictured here with butterfly bush- a combination that is guaranteed to draw butterflies to your garden in droves!


New Item

A coarse mixture containing granite sand and perlite, which duplicates conditions found in arid environments, helping to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ideal for potting succulents of all kinds.
 

August Lawn Care 

to centipede lawns in early August    
   
 
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Collier's Nursery 
205-822-3133
2904 Old Rocky Ridge Road
Birmingham, AL 35243