Here we are, nearing the end of another summer. In a way it seems to have just flown by. But when you think about how early it actually began, it has been a long summer. We got our first hot weather, 90 degrees, the first week of June. That just never happens here.

The experts tell us that the end of August is the time to create the conditions to ripen the rest of those tomatoes. To do this, the plants need to be stressed. Water each plant deeply, then don't give it any more water until it begins to wilt. This will send the message to the plant that it needs to ripen that fruit in order for seeds to mature, thus carrying on to the next generation.

If you are new to growing pears, there are a few things to remember. Don't just go out and start picking green pears. They need to be at a certain stage or they will never ripen off the tree. Grasp each one and hold it out horizontally. If it snaps off, it is time to pick it. If not, leave it on a while longer. Once the green pears get to the right stage, they can be picked and will continue to ripen off the tree.

Many hydrangeas suffered this summer as conditions were not ideal for them. These plants prefer cool temperatures, damp roots and early morning sunlight. They really hate hot afternoon sun. If you have one in the wrong location, don't be afraid to dig it up and move it.

August is the time we are rewarded with blooms on hardy hibiscus plants. These have huge flowers that will knock your socks off. The only downside I can see to growing one of these shrubs is that the bloom time is short. Mine are done in less than two weeks. Still, nothing else has their "wow" factor.

The long blooming perennials continue to reward us with wave after wave of new blossoms. Among my favorites are black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, coreopsis and blanket flowers. Once these finally go to seed, most of them have another plus: they attract pretty birds who seem to find them mighty tasty.

We often hear admonitions about overhead watering. We are told never to do this. I find this kind of interesting. When you think about it, isn't overhead watering kind of a normal thing? We call it "rain."

I recently saw a list of toxic foods for dogs. Some are common knowledge, such as chocolate and grapes. Others were a big surprise to me. No. 1 on the list was avocado. It makes me glad that we're not able to grow those here as they fall on the ground to ripen. Good luck keeping your dog away from them if you were to have a big avocado tree in your back yard. Another surprise was No. 2, alcohol. Sorry, Buster, no more tasting dad's beer!

Here's something to remember, "It takes a long time to grow an old friend."

Elaine Cerny has gardened most of her life, starting in 4-H. She has belonged to garden clubs in three states and is currently serving as secretary for the River City Gardeners Club in Post Falls. Her column appears in The Press every other Friday from early March until late October.