These dog days of summer are no excuse to let the garden fend for itself. Despite August heat, our flowers, vegetables, trees, shrubs and lawn require our attention.

Dedicated gardeners know that planning, planting and fertilizing are needed. Fortunately, we can pace ourselves and take it slowly. There’s no rush to get it done in one weekend. And, some of the changes may take several weeks to accomplish.

Vinland Valley Nursery manager Richard Rawlings demonstrates how to divide a clump of irises in the nursery's stock bed. Be sure to water well after replanting, said Rawlings.

August is the ideal time for dividing daylilies and bearded irises that have become too crowded. Left undivided for longer than three to five years, irises slowly diminish in plant vigor and flowering. Dividing daylilies is an excellent way to increase your supply.

To divide an overgrown clump of irises, plunge a fork into the ground, aiming away from the rhizomes to avoid damaging them. Lift the clump from the ground. This is easy to do since the roots grow close to the surface. Shake off excess soil.

The iris root system contains familiar thick rhizomes and multiple string-like feeder roots growing from the rhizomes. Split the clump of rhizomes apart by hand or with a sharp, clean knife so that each segment has a substantial section of the rhizome and a spray of leaves. Doubled fans are more likely to produce flowers the following spring. Smaller divisions may not flower for two years. Discard soft, mushy rhizomes or old, dried ones.

Trim the foliage back by two-thirds, making the cut at an angle before planting the newly divided rhizomes. Replant irises in a circular or triangular pattern so that their fans are pointed outward to give them room to grow. The rhizomes should be spaced from 6 to 10 inches apart.

Continue to fertilize roses until Aug. 15. Spray for insects and diseases if needed. Keep roses watered during drought.

Fertilize fall blooming perennials, like mums and asters, now to give them energy to produce plenty of blooms. Do not fertilize woody plants, however. They will use this time to harden off before winter arrives.

Add mulch to garden beds, if needed. Aerate and remove thatch buildup from the lawn. Turn the compost pile and moisten if it becomes dry. Continue to weed the garden and deadhead annuals to promote blooms.

Harvest the profusion of vegetables that are ripening in August. The dinner table of the vegetable gardener is filled with fresh peppers, onions, tomatoes, sweet corn, beans and melons.

Pull out finished crops to make room for planting the fall season of cool season vegetables like spinach, leaf lettuce, cucumbers, summer squash, beets, carrots, beans and turnips. Some would argue that vegetables that ripen in the coolness of fall are better flavored than those that have ripened in the heat of summer.

Lilies that have become too crowded also can be separated in August. Richard Rawlings divides day lilies into pots at the nursery, which is north of Baldwin.

August is a popular vacation month in this college town. Arrange with someone to keep your garden watered and your lawn mowed in your absence.

Our gardens, like people, change over time. New flowerbeds are made; old ones become exhausted. Trees grow taller or die, changing the amount of shade cast upon the garden. During August take the time to walk through your garden with pencil and paper in hand to make plans for the fall and spring garden. Gardens you toured this summer or ones you saw while on vacation may have inspired you. Plan to incorporate some of those ideas into your ever-changing garden.

Note, too, the health of the plantings and jot down what plants need to be relocated, what plants need to be thinned and what plants need to be removed altogether from the garden.

One thing we know for sure is that we have devoted much time and energy into our gardens this growing season. They have become a source of pride for us and we will not abandon them this late in the game. Besides, cool weather is only a month or so away.

Carol Boncella is education coordinator at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and home and garden writer for the Journal-World.