In the garden with Shobha Vanchiswar

July 4, 2008

Things to do in July

1. Continue regular mowing. Raise mower blades. This is not only healthier for the grass but it also helps in moisture conservation.
2. Keep weeding. At this time of year, they are prolific.

3. Dead head repeat flowering perennials to optimize flowering.

4. Stake those lilies! Also, prop up other plants that may be flopping over. As my friend Henriette says, “Staking shows respect for the plants.”

5. Cut back plants that look tired or are spent.

6. Trim hedges and topiaries.

7. Harvest ripe seeds. Lay them in a single layer on a screen and keep in a cool, dry, and well ventilated place. When dry, put them in envelopes or packets. Don’t forget to label, noting plant name and date.

8. Take cuttings to root from non-flowering stems of shrubs and climbers. Even if you may not want anymore of these plants, they will make nice gifts for friends and family.

9. Fertilize plants growing in pots.

10. Keep your garden tidy. Neaten edges of beds and borders, except for plants placed to spill over. Cut back dead limbs and pick up spent flower debris.

Order spring flowering bulbs. They will be shipped to you in the fall in time for planting.

Baby robins in nest almost ready to leave

acquillegia with seed heads

Baptesia with seed pods

Iberis sempervirens with seeds