During these dog days of summer, when even an hour outdoors brings on the vapors, this is an excellent time to sit in a cool place with a cold drink and a good book. Admittedly, as a transplant from balmy Southern California, I still have a hard time adjusting to the heat and humidity of this region, even after nine years of living here. So I was glad to see that respected garden expert and writer, Nellie Neal, reports the same thing in her new book, “Deep South Month-by-Month Gardening,” recently published by Cool Springs Press.

Also known as “Garden Mama,” Neal learned to garden in Monroe, La., from her grandfather. She studied English and horticulture at LSU earning a bachelor’s in 1974, and has a successful writing and speaking career. Her columns appear in the Jackson Clarion-Ledger, and she hosts a weekly call-in radio program. A stalwart gardener who lives and gardens in this region, she has a keen knowledge of what gardening practices work here — and which don’t.

In general, gardening books and articles written for nationwide audiences don’t apply to Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama. As a Southern California transplant to Natchez, I learned quickly that this region presents its own pluses and minuses when it comes to creating and maintaining a beautiful garden.

Although our location of zone 8b is milder than much of the nation when it comes to plants subjected to freezing temperatures, the intense humidity and heat day and night for many months puts tremendous stress on plants as well as the people tending them. Then there are the numerous pests, insects and fungal, which a dedicated gardener combats much of the year. So it’s helpful when local experts share their knowledge so we can do our gardening and still have time to enjoy the results.

This is the month to complete garden tasks as quickly as possible in the wee hours of the morning or at twilight, and then spend the day in air-conditioned comfort. Neal’s book provides detailed gardening activities for each month, covering ornamental and edible gardening.

August consists of 13 pages, including some color photos, covering a wide range of plants that might already be growing in your garden. In addition to caring for annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, lawns, bulbs and edibles that need attention this month, useful information about planning for fall is included.

If you prefer small-scale gardening, Neal covers this, too, with loads of suggestions for gardening with containers. I especially like her tip for August to grow herbs in wide, shallow pots placed near the kitchen door. I have herbs growing in my mixed bed, but when dinnertime looms, I prefer to snip some springs of garlic chives right outside my door for speedy seasoning.

In addition to the monthly guides, Neal incudes her recommendations for overlooked, easy-care, colorful plants that thrive in our deep South.

Need a tree with fast growth? She recommends Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii) or Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica). Shady spots can be tricky, and Neal suggests annuals like Nerve plant (Fittonia verschaffeltii) and wild basil (Perilla frutescens). Step-by-step instructions, illustrated with detailed photos, cover garden projects like building a raised bed, planting a container, making compost and clearing brush.

This comprehensive gardening book is available locally at Turning Pages, Natchez, or through Internet sources. For more information about Nellie Neal, her website is www.GardenMama.com.

For this month’s garden calendar, see page 3C in the print edition.

 

Karen Dardick is a Master Gardener and author who lives and gardens in Natchez.