This summer in Connecticut has just flashed by!

After a really awful winter and a cold, overcast April, summer really arrived here in Connecticut the first of May. Temperatures soared into the upper 80’s and stayed there during May, June, July, and August. I think there were only three or four heat waves (over 90 for three or more days), and the humidity came and went this season, never hanging on for too long.

Rain has eluded us this season, so I have been very busy with my watering wand and my hose. I have been watering daily as I rotate around the gardens. At this stage, my hybrid teas are stretching 8-10 feet high. They wouldn’t usually do that for another six weeks! Most of my floribundas are 5-6 feet at this point, and I think we’re due for some spectacular blooms in a couple of weeks.

The forecast for well into September is more of the same warm to hot conditions we experienced during August. This means here in Southern New England, we will have at least a five-month summer this year. It’s been a very unusual summer for us.

The Late Summer in Connecticut Rose Garden

I had to cut back on my spraying this season because the heat we’ve been experiencing can cause the foliage to burn around the edges.

Surprisingly, though, there is little to no disease in the gardens. Between the English Sparrows and the Tufted Titmice picking beetles out of my blooms and the blue solo cups coated with sticky Pam to trap thrips and other pests, I am not having much trouble with insects in the gardens, either.

Oh, JOY! It truly is a magical summer in the rose garden.

Now that we’re into September, it is time to stop deadheading our roses. The days are remarkably shorter than they were just a few weeks ago, and if we let our roses set hips if they are able, Fall hormones will be released inside the plants that will help them to get ready for winter.

Cut a few blossoms for the house and to give to someone special, because Fall roses are big and beautiful. Their color and fragrance are enhanced because it takes them longer to develop. We’re coming into a more relaxed time in the garden until it’s time to start cutting back for the Winter in New England.

Now is a good time to strap on those kneepads and pull those stubborn weeds out of the garden. Keep up your watering schedule if the heavens don’t supply the needed rain. And, don’t forget to take the time to breathe in the fragrance of those beautiful blooms!