Time to kick back, loll in the hammock and sip a tall, cool glass of lemonade.

But don't neglect the garden altogether. Even in August there are still chores to be done - nothing too strenuous mind you.

We don't recommend planting in the late summer heat but do maintain what you already have.

Keep up with you dead-heading and watering. And here's a tip on deadheading: take the dried flower heads and hang them in paper bags to catch and collect the seeds. Store the seeds in a cool dry place until you are ready to sow them.

When you water the garden, water deeply. That means water the garden for a long time a few times a week instead of quickly every night. Deep watering actually saves on water because the plants develop stronger and deeper roots that pick up natural water reservoirs in the soil.

Dead-heading and watering should pretty well take care of your garden work in August. But this is also a great month to get creative. Take a stroll through the garden now while everything is at its peak. Notice the plant and color combinations you like and the ones you find less than pleasing.

Draw a map of the areas you want to change. Sketch in your ideas now and when fall arrives you'll be ready to dig up and move your plants. Visit some local public gardens to get those creative juices flowing. In Victoria visit the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific, located at 505 Quayle Rd, phone 250- 479-6162. This garden boasts wonderful plant combinations that work year round.

When all the hard work of drawing maps and generating ideas is done, don't forget to get back to the hammock and the lemonade - relax, kick back and enjoy your beautiful summer garden.