Garden Solutions June 2019

     Although I’ve never been accused of being short on words, there is often this blank in my mind about where to start the article. There can be so many things to discuss. This month I will begin with a reminder that June is National Perennial Gardening Month. Perennials include POLLINATOR plants to help save our butterflies, bees and birds.

     Past and present Perennials of the Year are usually great choices for anyone’s garden, as they are tried and true varieties. Check the Perennial Plant Association website at http://www.perennialplant.org/ for perennial plants of the year since 1991.

     Well, June is also the month of graduations, weddings, vacations, Father’s Day, and the beginning of summer. This is the month that we all begin to spend more of our free time outdoors, enjoying our gardens. If all of you have kept up with your tasks, then this month should be easy. However, if you are like me, June will be a month you can get caught up.

Here are garden tips for June:
- Watch for the outbreak of bagworms.
- Investigate the importance of Pollinators, and consider how you can help.
- Water turf as needed to prevent drought stress and watch for fungus problems.
- Mow lawns frequently enough to remove no more than one-third the total height per mowing.
- Continue enjoying the antics of the wildlife in your yard and gardens by continuing to supply
food and water sources for them.
- Change hummingbird nectar at least weekly to prevent fungus from growing. You can make your own nectar using 1-part sugar to 4 parts water---no food coloring please!
- Orioles (if you were lucky enough to keep them around) begin building a gray woven nest; this takes about a week.
- Watch for birds carrying food to their young.
- Gray squirrels begin a second breeding.
   
      Are you late getting planting started in your garden this year? YOU ARE NOT ALONE! As busy as we were this May, and as wet as the weather was, many people have commented that they haven’t even begun their planting. That’s okay - you still have time for many things. Fully enjoy your garden; it is the only true place to connect you to Mother Nature.

See you in the Garden……
Sandi Hillermann McDonald