Don’t let the gloom ruin the garden
THE GARDEN FANATIC
“I can’t get no, satisfaction.”
-- THE ROLLING STONES
“Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.”
-- RUSSELL BAKER
June is a difficult month to be satisfied in your garden.
Gardeners must overcome the daily gloom that promotes melancholy,
mildew on everything and fungus gnats in the lawn. Occasionally, a
blazing afternoon sun parts the clouds, which then requires prompt
watering of new flowers, protecting oneself from sun scald and
renewed battle with spider mites and caterpillars.
After the rush of spring blooms, many of us become a bit
noncommittal about our gardens. After all, summer travel are just
days away for many. This is, however, very dangerous, because there
is much to be done. Why risk garden decline due to benign neglect? As
Catharine says, “Don’t let your garden down.”
Our gardening list begins with an application of mulch on
everything -- annuals, perennials and trees. This will help to
conserve moisture and reduce water consumption. The sun will
eventually decide to visit for an entire day. Consistent levels of
moisture are the key to success. Established plantings should be
watered as needed, in response to the weather, rather than on a time
schedule.
Roses should be fed with a balanced fertilizer, Miracle-Gro for
Roses is an excellent product. This is particularly important after a
flower cycle ends. Soak the soil thoroughly following application.
Annuals, perennials and vegetables will also benefit from monthly
applications of fertilizer.
With anticipated warmer weather, raise the lawn mower so the grass
is cut higher. Water deeply and as infrequently as possible to
encourage deeper root growth. Fertilizer should be applied monthly
during the growing season. Your local nurseries can assist you with
just the right product for your specific type of grass. Sensible use
of herbicides can be effective in controlling weeds and crabgrass.
Many of your potted plants, such as fuchsia, tuberous begonias and
other shade plants are at their peak during the early summer months.
Provide plenty of moisture and light shade. Watch plants in
containers carefully, don’t allow them to dry out during warm
weather.
Summer pruning should be completed carefully mainly to maintain
space for your plant and yourself. It is OK to pinch back leggy
growth to make a plants more attractive. Don’t forget to deadhead
“spent” flowers on all of your plants.
Summer arrives by the calendar tomorrow, although with no
guarantee of sunny days ahead. However, what we can expect are
visitors: at the beach, the festivals and our homes. So, rather than
getting caught up in all the congestion, get back to the garden and
think green. See you next time.
* STEVE KAWARATANI is the owner of Landscapes by Laguna Nursery,
1540 S. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. He is married to local writer,
Catharine Cooper, and has three cats. He can be reached at (949) 497
2438 or e-mail to steve@lagunanursery.com.
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