I haven't quite completed everything on my May and June to-do lists (the practical, useful things like empty the compost bins and weed, for example) but I did accomplish a few things I didn't originally plan (like finish the front yard garden ahead of schedule and plant some new plants I bought at the spur-of-the-moment). So it goes...
Most of the major planting and re-arranging is done for me now, for the summer. Now it's time to just tend the garden - weed, deadhead and thin, mostly. But of course I do have a few big projects in the back of my mind too, if the opportunity arises!! Here's my July to-do list:
Weed and deadhead (cut the finished flowers off plants to either tidy them up (most perennials) or encourage more flowers (most annuals)). A little bit every day doesn't seem like a chore.
Water the veggies regularly and the perennial gardens anytime we've had a week of hot weather and minimal rain.
Thin out the veggies as they grow - yum, baby greens!
Cut back cranesbill geraniums and centaura (blue cornflower) after they finish flowering, or else they get leggy and ugly. They'll look not so great immediately after shearing, but will grow back quickly.
Prune lilacs right after they finish flowering because they will soon set flower buds for next year.
Sit back and evaluate the garden. Are there spots that need a little something? Plants that could use a sunnier spot? Take some pictures and notes now so that you can move things or add new plants in the fall.
My project plans:
More on these soon. Still have to replace that retaining wall (the big project) and I want to paint the front door and steps (the more reasonable project)! Cross your fingers that these will get done this summer - the retaining wall especially so that the area around it can be planted with new shrubs in fall.
Comments