Start haunting the local garden centers for deals on annuals and tender perennials that like it hot and dry. They usually take a while to get going, and here really start up about the beginning of August. Dahlias, tender salvias, annual salvias, things like that.

Also think up a 'neatening' work schedule for the end of August. Plan on clipping/cutting the beds edges, and trimming/mowing the lawn. Those things can go a long way towards making the garden look good, regardless of what the plants are doing.

Awhile back I posted here that I was digging small pits near my rosebushes and then spreading mulch over the whole business---sort of creating reservoirs under mulch. It is working wonderfully. We've had a series of days over 100 degrees, and the blossoms fry, but the bushes are holding strong. You might consider a similar technique. Also, what about cutting bouquets very early in the day for about three days before your party and then placing the bouquets in the garden (or the house) on the actual evening. I have the best results if I start bouquets in vases of icewater---with actual ice cubes, lots of them. It is also great to refrigerate bouquets overnight like the florists do, to give them some staying power.
Buying flats of "plug-in flowers" like the Gallica said is also a wonderful idea, and maybe some fern baskets? Good luck with the party!

Water. Keeping them well hydrated is very important. You won't be able to guarantee blooms, and don't try to push it. Hydration is most important in July and August, party or no party.

Dahlias are an excellent suggestion -- so many summer flowers (rudbeckia, coneflowers) look weedy to me but dahlias are classy. Caladiums and coleus are good too, you don't need blooms for good looks.

I knew I could count on you guys!! Love your ideas so far.

Mad G, funny you should mention, I put a hurtin' on my wallet today at the local garden center that went 50% off today. Actually went back for a second visit 2 hours after I came home from my 8 AM visit!

Please keep them coming. I have never had a beautiful garden in late August, so I'm listening to every word!

You can do sort of what people do who prune for the fall shows. Prune quite heavily in early July to try to set things up for late August. Get rid of blooms and encourage only good new canes. If you do it right you will have six weeks of no blooms and a nice new flush just when you want it. And it will be past the bug season.

Pots of annuals that can be placed where splashes of color that are needed work great for me. You can find inexpensive clay pots and pot up your annuals, and them move them where needed.

Oh, if you are a member (or know one) Costco, Bj's or Sam's Club should have 2 dozen roses for less than $17. You could make a few nice vases from those.

I didn't realize RRD was in PA too -- what county are you in, if it's ok to ask?

Good luck with the party!

I have RRD in Montgomery County, right outside of Philly.

You may be able to find some gladiola bulbs. If you plant them in pots now, you can put the pots where you need them in August.

Kathy

Some more awesome ideas, thanks. I love the cut rose idea, I am a member at Costco too!

I was thinking about cutting things way back, like Henry suggested to get things looking healthier and greener. Will perennials that are already done blooming grow new green growth if I prune them back? I keep having visions of my beds in late summer, after I have sort of neglected them during August, they're not party ready that's for sure! If I keep everything fertilized and watered, can I avoid past blooming perennials from looking scraggly and yellowed out? We've had 40 days and 40 nights of rain here this Spring/Summer, so everything is so lush and green so far.

About the RRD in PA - unfortunately I had my first confirmed case (by Ann actually), in 2003. At that time she told me I was the first she heard of so far East. I am in Bucks county. Sadly my property is surrounded by wild Multiflora that is badly infected, so every year I dig out several of my own roses that have been infected. Those 3 letters give me the shivers!

I prune my perr. after they flower. There is new growth and quite often I get a second set of flowering, at the least your perr. do not look scraggly and stay green. Do not be afraid to use props. A good looking chair, a unexpected piece of china, A urn, candles, mirrors, hanging ornaments, you know junk that is interesting. I love Dahlias, amaryllus, gladiolas, coleus and petunias. The scent of petunias in early evening is fantastic. The lighter the colours the brighter and sunnier your garden looks, plus the 'glow' in early evening is great. I buy most of my products this time of year and fall. It is my way to justify my hobby. It can't hurt if it was on sale. Good Luck and make sure every one else does the rest of the work so you can enjoy the party.

What about Heuchera in your area? I love the peachy ones and the chartreuse colors would be terrific also to brighten the garden without depending on flowers.

What about Heuchera in your area? I love the peachy ones and the chartreuse colors would be terrific also to brighten the garden without depending on flowers.

This year I got those wire basket liners that have holes in the sides for side planting and really filled them with mounding and trailing annuals - they are stunning now and make a huge statement. They can be mounted on strong shepherds crooks, hung from eaves, or even set in special holders. I got mine at Kinsman, but I'm sure they are at other places too. If you have some bare spots by your house or in your garden, you can add these. They look great in my garden where the poppies were earlier in the spring.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kinsman side-planted baskets