Late Summer Blooms, Biochar and Free Garden Consultations
As the summer season transitions towards its latter stages, Sonoma County's gardens are graced with a vibrant display of late-blooming plants that keep the landscape lively and colorful. We’re going to delve into biochar and it’s applications here in Sonoma County. Finally a great free opportunity for both new gardners and seasoned plant lovers.
Achillea Skysail Fire from Sonoma Mission Gardens Nursery in Sonoma CA. Photo by Laura M. Bassett
Late summer in Sonoma County offers a vibrant display of blooms from plants like Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), which are known for their bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Another popular option is the Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus), which features balloon-like buds that open into star-shaped blossoms in shades of blue, pink, and white, perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to late summer gardens (Gardener's Path) (homesandgardens.com).
Echinacea ‘Powwow White’ mixed in with Muhlenbergia rigens. Photo by Laura M. Bassett
Photo by Pixabay
Horticultural Innovations: Biochar is a form of charcoal created by heating organic material in the absence of oxygen, which can significantly improve soil health and increase water retention. The Sonoma Biochar Initiative promotes the use of biochar as a sustainable solution to enhance soil fertility, reduce greenhouse gases, and support agricultural productivity in Sonoma County and beyond(Sonoma Biochar Initiative).
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Prairie Sun’ Photo by Laura M. Bassett
Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ come in a great range of reds, oranges, and yellows. Photo by Laura M. Bassett
Garden Consultations in Sonoma County: Local experts in Sonoma County offer personalized garden consultations to help residents create beautiful, sustainable landscapes. These consultations focus on selecting native plants, implementing water-saving techniques, and designing gardens that thrive in the local climate. (Press Democrat).
Overall summer is a great time for full color perennials and native flowers. Adding biochar into the soil helps retain water and sequester carbon. If you’re looking for a personal consultation to ensure your landscape is more water wise reach out to the Master Gardeners.
Pollinator garden with Salvia ‘Allen Chickering’ in a front yard of Sonoma CA. Photo by Laura M. Bassett
Sonoma County Weather
Next week in Sonoma County, the weather will start off cooler with temperatures in the low 80s, but by mid-week, it will heat up, reaching highs in the low 90s. Expect mostly sunny skies throughout the week with minimal cloud cover and no significant chance of rain (Weather Underground).