mulch circle, tucking in a shallow-rooted companion nearby can help shade the ground. I’ve had good luck with low annuals and small clumps of alyssum, but I avoid anything aggressive that will compete too hard.
4. Deadhead spent flowers and seedheads to redirect energy
If your clematis is a reblooming variety, August is the time to remove faded flowers before the plant puts too much effort into making seed. I snip just above a healthy pair of leaves or a strong side shoot. On vines that are still actively growing,
