We are halfway through August and that means summer will soon be coming to a close, but there is still plenty to see in the garden. While many plants are suffering due to the continuing intense heat and drought conditions, the native plants in my garden are thriving. The blooms of the Echinacea (coneflower) and Rudbeckia (Black-eyed-Susans) have been going strong for over a month now and look very colorful next to the brown of my burnt up lawn. Many natives like asters, and goldenrod are getting ready to put on their spectacular fall show. The native grasses, still green without any irrigation, are developing their seed heads that will add interest to my landscape all winter long. More color is added to the late summer garden as many of the native shrubs like Aronia (chokeberry) begin their berry display. If you and your garden have suffered from the heat this summer maybe it’s time to incorporate some natives into your landscape