by C.L. Fornari

Some in the Northeast might think all landscaping and outdoor improvements need to be finished by Memorial Day. The professionals know, however, that many outdoor improvements can and should be done in midsummer.

Avi Chertock, owner of highly rated Landscapes Plus in Silver Spring, Md., reveals that many of his customers are looking to refresh their plantings at this time. "We're working as hard in July as we are in April because there are so many ways to improve a midsummer garden," he says. The Landscapes Plus crew helps its clients replace spring or summer potted annuals that no longer look their best.

"Container plantings are important and the choices of plants make a huge difference," Chertock says. "Some of the sedums are very hardy and these perennials stand up better in the hot sun than many annuals." His company often recommends some of the tougher perennials as the base plants in pots and boxes because they can withstand the heat and periodic dry spells.

Using bright colors helps rejuvenate containers and flowerbeds. Those pastels that were so beautiful in June can look washed out in the July sun. Adding annuals such as zinnias, marigolds and cannas can bring the midsummer garden back to life.

Chertock acknowledges that many people believe July is too late for putting plants in the ground, but he disagrees with one caveat. "We always make certain that the client will be around all month," he says. "So many people go on vacation in July - if you've recently spruced up containers or planted new beds, you want to be sure that everything will be watered in the hot weather."

In addition to updating beds and containers, take time this month to evaluate your outdoor living areas. Jason Jordan, president of the highly rated JMJ Landscape Construction in Southampton, Pa., says come midsummer, his clients often realize they want to spend more time in the yard. "I'll ask a customer what they like," he says. "Do they need more sitting area or a cooking station? I might suggest an outdoor fireplace or fire pit that's an enjoyable place for people to gather around."

Keeping cool while being outdoors is a concern for those in the Northeast as well. "My clients might need pergolas for shade," Jordan says. "In the heat of the summer, it's good to have structures that are both aesthetically pleasing and function as a cool place to sit."

Chertock and Jordan agree that at other times of the year, people don't focus on making the places where they do their summer socializing as functional and beautiful as possible. But when summer sizzles, homeowners realize that a colorful, cool garden is exactly where they want to be. Fortunately, you can utilize this ideal time to improve outdoor living areas.

C.L. Fornari is a writer, garden consultant, professional speaker and radio host who is dedicated to creating beautiful landscapes and successful gardeners. She gardens on Cape Cod, blogs at WholeLifeGardening.com, and offers other garden articles at GardenLady.com.