Feeling Hopeful Again
September has finally arrived, and the days are becoming more reasonable. The air feels lighter, the humidity less oppressive. Yes, we still see 90-degree afternoons, but anything under 100 feels like mercy.
I am a gardener in Zone 8b — or at least I am trying to be one. For the past four years, I’ve been learning, experimenting, failing, and trying again. Gardening in Texas is not for the faint of heart. There is always a moment when it breaks me, and that moment is August.
I dread August. I try not to — I make plans every year to embrace it, to treat it like something worth celebrating. But the truth is, August is when the heat is at its cruelest, when my plants look their saddest, when everything I’ve worked so hard to keep alive seems to wither at once. It’s exhausting, heartbreaking, and humbling. My husband, whose birthday is in August, wishes I didn’t resent it so much — but I can’t help it.
Lessons the Heat Taught Me
Here’s what I’ve learned: “Full sun” on a plant tag does not mean full Texas sun. Almost everything here needs a little protection, especially in the afternoon. That’s not easy when your house faces northeast and your backyard is practically shade-free.
I’ve also learned that being a gardener means signing up for an emotional rollercoaster. Every spring I forget the pain of summer and throw myself back in with renewed hope — buying plants, laying out flower beds, dreaming big. This year, I’ve promised myself I’ll finally plant in the fall. I say that every year, but September and October are always our busiest months, so it never happens.
But after the heartbreak of past summers, I’m determined to be as relentless as an August sun and carry on. I will not be defeated by the Texas heat. I planned ahead this time, and I’m making it happen. Fall really is the best time to plant — it gives the roots time to settle in and grow strong enough to survive our dreadful summers. I’ve even put it on the calendar and on my fall bucket list. I laid the tarp back in May, so by October I’ll be ready to build the flower bed.
And one more thing: I wish more gardening books were written by zones. There are so many wonderful books that teach garden design and philosophy, but very few that speak directly to gardeners in my climate — to our soil, our heat, our struggles. We need more books that say, “This works in Zone 8. Here’s how you can use it.”
Think about it — Zone 8 includes many parts of the southern U.S.: much of Georgia, Alabama, Missouri, southern Arkansas, central Texas, portions of the Pacific coast states (west of the Rockies), parts of North/South Carolina. That’s an estimated 12–20 million households living in Zone 8! Even if just a small percentage of that audience bought a book (or subscribed to a series), it’s a large enough base to be worth it. A book tailored to Zone 8 wouldn’t just be pretty — it could solve real, practical problems for gardeners here in a way that general books never quite do.
What I’m Planting This Fall
This year’s garden will focus on drought-tolerant, sun-loving plants:
Coneflowers, there are so many different colors. They really thrive in this climate. So I will be adding so many of them through whole backyard. Great for pollinators too.
Yarrow, long-blooming, cheerful, and practically bulletproof.
‘Denim ‘n Lace’ Russian Sage (Proven Winners)
I cannot say enough good things, she thrives beautifully in my back yard. I will be planting more of them. It flowers since May and through fall at least in my region. And the amount of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds it brings is crazy. She is the MVP of my garden and I will be honest, I don’t water it as much as I should and she is still thriving.
Garlic Chives, a kitchen essential for me. Grocery-store chives are often disappointing, so I’m growing my own. Thrips may be a battle, but it’s worth it.
Alliums, I love their sculptural form, even as they dry. I’ll try both ‘Globemaster’ and drumsticks this year.
Roses, obviously David Austin. I am not buying new ones. This roses have been with me for 3-4 years. The challenge is thrip. My plan is to have more companion plants by next spring.
I even bought a ladybug house in preparation for next spring.
I still dream of growing tomatoes and pumpkins, but between the squirrels and the pests, it may not be the year for that. For now, I’m embracing the plants I know will reward me — and leaning into the fact that I spend more time outdoors in fall than any other season.
Fall in the Garden
The garden is where I grill, where I work on my laptop, where we host dinner parties and have our slow Saturday breakfasts. Dylan loves to set up tea outside — it’s become one of our rituals.
So maybe this is my sign to focus more on fall-blooming plants, the ones that make my garden a place I want to be right now, when I need it most.
This Week at the Table
Roasted Poblano Corn Chowder. A comforting yet elevated corn chowder layered with smoky roasted poblano, roasted corn, bacon, shiitake mushrooms, leeks, shallots, white wine and fresh thyme. Creamy, flavorful, and perfect for late summer into fall.
🌿 Want more recipes?
Browse the full Sun-Drenched Table Archive for seasonal dishes, cocktails, and weekly inspiration.
A Note from Lily
If you’re a gardener in Zone 8b (or anywhere hot and humid!), I’d love to know what you’re planting this fall. Drop me a comment below and tell me what’s thriving in your garden.
Thanks for being here — I can’t wait to share more about this fall’s garden projects as they come to life.
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