WHAT TO DO IN THE SUMMER GARDEN

The nights are still rather cool, our tomatoes starting to take off, but mornings warm up quickly with the sunrise. June still had some rainy days and even thunder, and, confused as our plants, we now can enjoy days that are lovely and sunny, in the mid-80's for now. It will heat up pretty fast as we wander into July! Our gardens always have something new to show us. Wisteria's leaves turned color in the fall and this spring bloomed in heavy, hanging lavender loveliness, so fragrant! They catch the morning sun, swaying gently in the breeze.  Our plants actually bloomed twice this year! Lovely cascades of blooms, so fragrant, delightful in a garden. The lovely old Wisteria tree was chopped down by our landlord one summer day while we were at church. It was horrific to discover it when we returned. We were not alerted, nor informed. It was just gone. Evidently the roots had caused a problem in the septic tank area. I am just glad we have such lovely photos of the last four years; she was so magnificent! A little bit of our hearts died with her that day.

Seems like the whole garden is alive and blooming! Violas, rosemary, lavender, all still bloom cheerfully throughout the warmer winter months, and now again bring wonderful color to our summer gardens. The trailing geranium on our front porch is perched on an old-time kitchen stool, happy to spill out of her planter and dazzle passer-bys. Tiny brilliant purple flowers of Lobelia cascade from the window box, twirling and dancing. Tim is having to water the garden as often as every other day. Yes, it is heating up! 

Great time now to plan your fall and winter gardens; a great selection of bulbs is available at most nurseries. Select trees and shrubs with great fall color, and interesting limbs. Consider planting a red twig Dogwood in your garden, especially if you enjoy snow in your area; it is a lovely contrast! Bare root roses are now potted up, and the selections are wonderful, new varieties, colors and award winners. Try something exciting and new in 2009.

Bulbs require such little work and give such pleasure. Keep up with garden chores, deadhead for longer bloom periods, trim straggly annuals, and keep perennials tidy. Now is a good time to bring house plants outdoors once nighttime temps are above 65 degrees; it's still cold at night! Deadhead your roses; if you need help, call a nursery center for advice, and take a class if you want to plant roses and don't know how. Remember, have fun in your garden! And also....Garden With Your Kids! Click on the Star for some tips to create an interesting garden.

           

Our climbing red rose is magnificent!