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.