Good News!

Really.  Even though today, as of this writing, is on track to be 100°, it really is getting cooler.  We can't feel it yet, but the days are getting shorter.  Today, sunset is exactly 13 hours after sunrise.  One month ago, the day was 13 hours and 43 minutes long.  Don't laugh!  It's the longer nights that helps the soil begin to cool down.  In just a few weeks, we will be able to see our gardens breathe a sigh of relief.

Fall Container at Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery & Garden Center

And speaking of fall gardens, are you going to rush out and buy mums?  I'm not.  I like ornamental peppers better.  The foliage is tidy, the flowers, though small, are cute and the fruit is vividly colored, right up until we get the first freeze.  I've had ornamental peppers return after mild winters with no problem.  The hot colors are perfect with ornamental grasses and cool-season annuals (when it gets much cooler!).  Try a container of peppers, 'Jade Princess' millet, creeping jenny and dianthus.  You'll have outstanding fall color for much longer than your mums would last.

Ornamental Pepper 'Black Pearl'

Ornamental Pepper 'Explosive Blast'' (I think!)

Ornamental Pepper (unknown variety)

Here's a Day Length calculator that works for all US cities and towns.  Believe!