Plant What You Can
This one will depend on your gardening zone, of course, but you will be surprised at what you can plant in August. For example, in Arizona, you can plant Queen Palm trees. In much of the south, you can plant Crepe Myrtles that are already in full bloom.
In most of the country, you can plant kale, marigolds, alyssum, and evergreens. These plants are exceptionally hardy and will pay off almost immediately by offering lush greenery or bright blooms.
A visit to your local nursery will give you an idea of what you can plant right now. Since this is generally the “end of the season” for most spring and summer gardeners, you can also find a lot of plants and trees on clearance, helping your budget go farther.
If you’re looking to spruce up a side or backyard, you can also start establishing a fall garden. Cucumbers, beans, squash, lettuce, spinach, and radishes will thrive if planted now.