Ah summer. By now, the thermostat is flirting with triple digits. The bugs have come out of their winter hiding places to devour large swaths of helpless vegetation before disappearing unseen into the foliage to plot their next nefarious scheme. Plants that were once healthy, green specimens are starting to go brown around the edges despite frustrated gardeners’ best efforts. The flowers in particular have gone from wearing their glorious spring colors to donning hues which leave no question in anyone’s mind that they’re bound for the compost heap. However, those living in warmer environments don’t have to give up their plans for having leafy green plants and colorful blossoms during the hottest months of the year. All they have to do is get a mandevilla for their yard instead of trying to coax the ubiquitous pansies and snapdragons into surviving yet another month. Read More