While you may be enjoying these languishing weeks of summer, soaking up the sun and warm weather while it lasts, your garden may feel differently. In order to protect your garden into the fall, be sure to take the following steps when a heatwave is forecasted, courtesy of Calum Maddock at HomeHow.co.uk:

Keep your plants hydrated. During a heatwave, your plants will require more frequent watering to maintain moisture levels in the soil. When the temperatures rise, the best time to water is early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak sun and heat. This will help the soil absorb the water and send it down to the plant's roots before the intense midday sun has a chance to evaporate it. 

Relocate vulnerable container plants. Move any fragile container plants to a shadier spot when the temperatures soar, or even inside a shed or your home. For those plants in the ground that are particularly vulnerable to heat, add an extra layer of mulch to protect them from the harsh sun.

Create impromptu shade. Another strategy is to add shade over plants with a pergola or shade sail. In smaller gardens, make use of a patio umbrella or smaller parasol for whimsical yet effective sun protection. 

Create natural shade. Late summer is a great time to plan out a more permanent shade strategy for next year. Privacy trees and climbing plants on trellises are great for blocking out the neighbors, but they can also be effective in blocking out the sun and creating shade for both the people and plants in your garden.

Protect your lawn. During a heatwave, it is more important than ever to be vigilant about caring for your grass since heat can be very damaging to the health of your lawn. Avoid cutting your grass too short during summer heat—the longer it is, the better it will retain moisture and protect the roots. Also be sure it gets plenty of water, provided there are no drought restrictions in your area.