Fresno Gardening Green

Are you ready for autumn to begin and be done with the heat of the summer? I am looking forward to the fall and it can start anytime in my book! However, looks like we are (still) in for warmer than normal temperatures for the foreseeable future.

When planning the fall changes in your garden, think about drought tolerant plants. A garden is a thing of beauty and a job forever ~ Richard Briers Tasks Despite a few last very hot summer days, fall is rapidly approaching with shorter days and cooler nights.

Our weather patterns and conditions in the Central San Joaquin Valley are directly influenced by the water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean.

This cross between Chilopsis (desert willow) and Catalpa was introduced just a few years ago and is the only shrub form Chitalpa. Growing 5 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, it produces pinkish purple orchid- or snapdragon-like blooms in spring and sporadically throughout summer.

Fall planting begins in September but summer heat can persist, so you may need to wait until later in the month. September and October are great months to do major lawn renovation or consider replacing lawn with drought-tolerant plants.