Tips for the Garden - June 2021

            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. This month I will begin with a reminder that June is National Perennial Gardening Month. Perennials make perfect additions to gardens (as well as native plants) for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and birds!

 

Here are 10 quick tips to Fabulous Perennials:

1.            Begin by preparing the soil.

2.            Choose plants carefully, sun vs. shade, etc.

3.            Purchase plants that can establish in one season.

4.            Space perennials to give them room to grow.

5.            Fertilize

6.            Mulch

7.            Control weeds

8.            Control insects

9.            Additionally, clean up the beds each season.  Enjoy!!

 

            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 out of doors, enjoying our gardens and the fruits of our labor from the last 3 months. If all of you have kept up with your tasks, then this month should be easy.

 

Here are garden tips for June:

 

·                     Watch for the outbreak of bagworms on garden plants, especially junipers.

·                     Deadhead bulbs and spring perennials as blossoms fade.

·                     Repeat plantings of corn and beans to extend the harvest season.

·                     Spray roses with a fungicide to prevent black spot disease and fertilize monthly.

·                     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!

·                     Move houseplants outside for the summer. Place plants in areas with dappled shade and some protection from hot summer winds.

·                     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.

 
           

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 plenty of time. Plant selections should still be pretty strong. Fully enjoy your garden; it is the only true place to connect you to Mother Nature.

 

See you in the Garden…

Sandi Hillermann McDonald

 

 

 

Garden Solutions - June 2018

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. This month, I will begin with a reminder that June is National Perennial Gardening Month

Past and present Perennials of the Year (these are proven performance perennials that have been named since 1991) 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 plus gardening tips.

 

Here are 10 quick tips to Fabulous Perennials:

Begin by preparing the soil, choose plants carefully, sun vs. shade, etc. Purchase plants that can establish in one season. Space perennials to give them room to grow. Fertilize, Mulch, Control weeds, Control insects, Additionally, clean up the beds each season.  Enjoy!!

Here are other garden tips for June:

• Watch for the outbreak of bagworms on garden plants, especially junipers.
• Deadhead bulbs and spring perennials as blossoms fade.
• Fertilize Zoysia grass now while it is actively growing.
• Renovate strawberries after harvest. plow the rows; thin out excess plants; remove weeds; fertilize and apply mulch for weed control.
• Spray roses with a fungicide to prevent black spot disease.
• 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.

            Are you late getting planting started in your garden this year? YOU ARE NOT ALONE! As busy as we were this May, and as different as the weather was, many people have commented that they haven’t even begun their planting. That’s okay—you still have plenty of time. Plant selections should still be pretty strong at independent garden centers. Fully enjoy your garden; it is the only true place to connect you to Mother Nature.

See you in the Garden……………..

Sandi Hillermann McDonald

Garden Solutions - June 2016

                Let’s talk PERENNIALS! June is National Perennial Gardening Month.   Perennials are plants that grow and flower every year, and only need to be planted once!  Most perennials are considered low maintenance and just need some general care to keep them happy and healthy.  Pollinating plants fall under this category too, so join the efforts to help pollinators in your little corner of the world. 

                It is important to choose plants that are appropriate to your garden site. Full sun plants can be in areas with six or more hours of sunlight every day, four to six hours is partly sunny, and four hours or less is a shade garden.  Good drainage is essential for successful plants

                When planting, loosen the root ball and tease the roots so they will grow outward. The plant should be set at the same depth as they were growing in the container. After filling the hole back in with soil/compost mixture, water thoroughly.

                Perennials should receive 1-2” of water each week to develop a deep root system. A soaker hose works well for this purpose and saves water usage. Fertilize in Early Spring when new growth begins. During the growing season, fertilize once a month until the end of July. Mulch should be applied after planting to help hold in moisture and reduce weeds.  Additional mulch applied in winter is also recommended, especially for new plantings.

                The art of deadheading is removing the faded, spent flowers on a plant. It will help lengthen the bloom season of many plants as well as improves the appearance of the plant. Some perennials with attractive seedpods such as Rudbeckia, Sedum, and Ornamental Grasses can be left alone. Once the initial display of flowering has ended, cut back the entire plant by two-thirds. This will help promote additional blooms.

                Now in closing, let’s discuss several other tips for the month of June. Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems make the most efficient use of water during dry times. Continue spraying roses with fungicide to prevent black spot. Mow lawns frequently enough so you don’t have to remove more than 1/3 of the total height of grass per mowing. There is no need to remove grass clippings from the lawn unless they are excessive. Prune flowering shrubs after they have bloomed. Hand prune or shear evergreens now. Watch for bagworms AND JAPANESE BEETLES. Milky Spore, Grub killer, and Japanese Beetle traps are available to eradicate Japanese Beetles. For bagworms, use insecticide with the pest listed on the label or hand pick them if the numbers are light.

                Plant pumpkin seeds now to have Jack-o-lanterns for Halloween. Stop harvesting asparagus when the spears become thin. Repeat plantings of corn and beans to extend the harvest season. As soon as cucumber and squash vines start to “run,” begin spray treatments of Permethrin to control cucumber beetles and squash vine borers.

                Enjoy your harvest………………………….see you in the garden.

Sandi Hillermann McDonald

Garden Solutions - June 2014

 

            Let’s talk PERENNIALS! June is National Perennial Gardening Month.  Perennials are plants that grow and flower every year, and only need to be planted once!  They die back to the ground in the fall, but the roots remain alive and will produce new foliage in the spring. A wide range of sizes, flower colors and blooming times are available to fit any size garden.  Most perennials are considered low maintenance and just need some general care to keep them happy and healthy.

            It is important to choose plants that are appropriate to your garden site. You need to know whether it is a sun or shade garden.  Remove any grass or weeds from the area you wish to plant. Good drainage is essential for successful gardens. Amend the soil with Missouri Botanical Garden Compost, also known as Black Gold, locally available. This will help improve drainage and aeration. Prepare the bed to a depth of 18” to allow for maximum root development. Fertilizer can be mixed into the soil prior to planting.

            Perennials should receive 1-2” of water each week to develop a deep root system. A soaker hose works well for this purpose and saves water usage. Fertilize in Early Spring when new growth begins. During the growing season, fertilize once a month. Mulch should be applied after planting to help hold in moisture and reduce weeds. Apply 2” over the soil, leaving 2-3” of space around the base of the plant. Additional mulch applied in winter is also recommended, especially for new plantings.

            The art of deadheading is removing the faded, spent flowers on a plant. It will help lengthen the bloom season of many plants as well as improves the appearance of the plant. Some perennials with attractive seedpods such as Rudbeckia, Sedum, and Ornamental Grasses can be left alone. Once the initial display of flowering has ended, cut back the entire plant by two-thirds. This will help promote additional blooms.

            I hope this information gives you the desire to plant some perennial color and texture in your yard! There has been a “Perennial of the Year” named by the Perennial Plant Association since 1991. These varieties are tried and true plants. You may check out the list at www.perennialplant.org.

 

Here is a list of other duties to you can attend to this month:

·         Watch for the outbreak of bagworms on garden plants, especially junipers.  Then spray affected plants with Permethrin.

·         Deadhead bulbs and spring perennials as blossoms fade.

·         Repeat plantings of corn and beans to extend the harvest season.

·         Fertilize Zoysia grass now while actively growing.

·         Renovate strawberries after harvest. Mow the rows; thin out excess plants; remove weeds; fertilize and apply mulch for weed control.

·         Plant tropical water lilies and lotus when water temps are above 70 degrees.

·         Prune spring flowering trees and shrubs before month’s end.

·         Spray roses with a fungicide to prevent black spot disease.

·         Continue pinching back mums till July 4^th to promote bushy growth and good fall color.

·         Water turf as needed to prevent drought stress.

·         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 weekly to prevent fungus (1 part sugar to 4 parts water—no food coloring please).

            Enjoy your harvest………………………….see you in the garden.

Sandi Hillermann McDonald

Garden Solutions - June 2013

            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. This month I will begin with a reminder that June is National Perennial Gardening Month. Perennials are herbaceous plants that die back to the ground in the winter but return year after year to dazzle us with color.


Solomon's Seal Plant

            Past and present Perennials of the Year (these are proven performance perennials that have been named since 1991) are usually great choices for anyone’s garden, as they are tried and true varieties. The 2013 Perennial Plant of the Year is Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum,’ commonly known as variegated Solomon’s Seal or striped Solomon’s Seal. This all-season perennial has greenish-white flowers in late spring and variegated foliage throughout the growing season. The foliage turns yellow in the fall and grows well in moist soil in partial to full shade. We are in planting zone 6, so it is always important to check that bit of information on all plants you plan to leave in the garden from year to year as well. Check the Perennial Plant Association website at http://www.perennialplant.org/ for perennial plants of the year since 1991 plus gardening tips.

Here are 10 quick tips to Fabulous Perennials:

1.      Begin by preparing the soil

2.      Choose plants carefully, sun vs. shade, etc.

3.      Purchase plants that can establish in one season.

4.      Space perennials to give them room to grow.

5.      Fertilize

6.      Mulch

7.      Control weeds

8.      Control insects

9.      Additionally, clean up the beds each season.  Enjoy!!

            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 out of doors, enjoying our gardens and the fruits of our labors from the last 3 months, (plus). 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.

            The first task that we need to do this month is to get the spring flowering trees and shrubs trimmed. Flowering crabapples, serviceberry, dogwoods, magnolias, lilacs and viburnums all set their buds for next years’ flower on the new growth they develop this year. These plants should be pruned now to encourage new growth and therefore flower buds for next year. It is recommended that you complete the pruning of these plants by early this month.

Here are other garden tips for June:

 

·         Watch for the outbreak of bagworms on garden plants, especially junipers. Then spray affected plants with Permethrin sold under the label ‘Eight’.

·         Deadhead bulbs and spring perennials as blossoms fade.

·         Repeat plantings of corn and beans to extend the harvest season.

·         Fertilize Zoysia grass now while it is actively growing.

·         Renovate strawberries after harvest. plow the rows; thin out excess plants; remove weeds; fertilize and apply mulch for weed control.

·         Spray roses with a fungicide to prevent black spot disease and fertilize monthly.

·         Continue pinching back your garden mums till July 4^th to promote full, bushy growth and good fall color.

·         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!

·         Move houseplants outside for the summer.  Place plants in areas with dappled shade and some protection from hot summer winds.

·         Rejuvenate your older lilacs by cutting back to one third of the largest branches. This will create a fuller, more lush specimen.

·         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 plenty of time. Plant selections should still be pretty strong at independent garden centers. Fully enjoy your garden; it is the only true place to connect you to Mother Nature.

See you in the Garden……………..

Sandi Hillermann McDonald

 

 

 

Garden Solutions - June 2011

This month I will begin with a reminder that June is Perennial Gardening Month. Perennials are herbaceous plants that die back to the ground in the winter but return year after year to dazzle us with color.

The Perennial Plant Association’s “Perennials of the Year” (proven performance perennials that have been named since 1991) are usually great choices for anyone’s garden, as they are tried and true varieties. We are in planting zone 5, so it is always important to check that bit of information as well, on all plants you plan to leave from year to year in your yard.

Here are some quick tips to Fabulous Perennials: Begin by preparing the soil, then choose plants carefully, sun vs. shade, etc. Purchase plants that can establish in one season and space perennials to give them room to grow. Fertilize, mulch, control weeds and insects. Clean up your beds at the end of each season and enjoy!!!

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 and the fruits of our labor from the last several months. 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 get caught up.

The first task that we need to do this month is to get the spring flowering trees and shrubs trimmed. Flowering crabapples, serviceberry, dogwoods, magnolias, lilacs and viburnums all set their buds for next years’ flower on the new growth they develop this year. These plants should be pruned now to encourage new growth and therefore flower buds for next year. I recommend that you complete the pruning of these plants by early this month.

Here are other tips for the garden for June:
• Watch for the outbreak of bagworms on garden plants, especially junipers. Then spray affected plants with Permethrin sold under the label ‘Eight’.
• Deadhead bulbs and spring perennials as blossoms fade.
• Repeat plantings of corn and beans to extend the harvest season.
• Fertilize Zoysia grass now while it is actively growing.
• Renovate strawberries after harvest. Mow the rows; thin out excess plants; remove weeds; fertilize and apply mulch for weed control.
• Spray roses with a fungicide to prevent black spot disease and fertilize monthly.
• Continue pinching back your garden mums until July 4th to promote full, bushy growth and good fall color.
• 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, 1 part sugar to 4 parts water---no food coloring please!
• Rejuvenate your older lilacs by cutting to the ground one third of the largest branches. This will create a fuller, lusher specimen.
• 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.

Fully enjoy your garden; it is the only true place to connect you to Mother Nature.

See you in the Garden…
Sandi Hillermann McDonald

www.hillermann.com

Garden Solutions - June 2010

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. This month I will begin with a reminder that June is National Perennial Gardening Month. Perennials are herbaceous plants that die back to the ground in the winter but return year after year to dazzle us with color.

Past and present Perennials of the Year (these are proven performance perennials that have been named since 1991) are usually great choices for anyone’s garden, as they are tried and true varieties. The 2010 Perennial Plant of the Year is Baptisia australis, commonly known as Blue false indigo. It grows three to four feet tall and three to four feet wide in an upright habit. This exceptional perennial grows across a wide range of zones and is one of the most adaptable native species. We are in planting zone 6, so it is always important to check that bit of information as well, on all plants you plan to leave from year to year in your yard. Check the Perennial Plant Association website at http://www.perennialplant.org/ for perennial plants of the year since 1991 plus gardening tips.

Here are 10 quick tips to Fabulous Perennials:
1. Begin by preparing the soil
2. Choose plants carefully, sun vs. shade, etc.
3. Purchase plants that can establish in one season.
4. Space perennials to give them room to grow.
5. Fertilize
6. Mulch
7. Control weeds
8. Control insects
9. Additionally, clean up the beds each season. Enjoy!!

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 out of doors, enjoying our gardens and the fruits of our labors from the last 3 months, (plus). 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.

The first task that we need to do this month is to get the spring flowering trees and shrubs trimmed. Flowering crabapples, serviceberry, dogwoods, magnolias, lilacs and viburnums all set their buds for next years’ flower on the new growth they develop this year. These plants should be pruned now to encourage new growth and therefore flower buds for next year. It is recommended that you complete the pruning of these plants by early this month.

Here are other garden tips for June:

• Watch for the outbreak of bagworms on garden plants, especially junipers. Then spray affected plants with Permethrin sold under the label ‘Eight’.
• Deadhead bulbs and spring perennials as blossoms fade.
• Repeat plantings of corn and beans to extend the harvest season.
• Fertilize Zoysia grass now while it is actively growing.
• Renovate strawberries after harvest. plow the rows; thin out excess plants; remove weeds; fertilize and apply mulch for weed control.
• Spray roses with a fungicide to prevent black spot disease and fertilize monthly.
• Continue pinching back your garden mums till July 4th to promote full, bushy growth and good fall color.
• 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!
• Move houseplants outside for the summer. Place plants in areas with dappled shade and some protection from hot summer winds.
• Rejuvenate your older lilacs by cutting back to one third of the largest branches. This will create a fuller, more lush specimen.
• 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 plenty of time. Plant selections should still be pretty strong at independent garden centers. Fully enjoy your garden; it is the only true place to connect you to Mother Nature.

See you in the Garden……………..
Sandi Hillermann McDonald

June Tips for the Garden 2009

Let’s talk PERENNIALS! June is National Perennial Gardening Month. The 2009 Perennial Plant Symposium will be held in St Louis this year on July 19-21. They are expecting hundreds of visitors to tour gardens and garden centers around the region to see what we have to offer in the Midwest. That is pretty exciting! Perennials are plants that grow and flower every year, and only need to be planted once! They die back to the ground in the fall, but the roots remain alive and will produce new foliage in the Spring. A wide range of sizes, flower colors and blooming times are available to fit any size garden. Most perennials are considered low maintenance and just need some general care to keep them happy and healthy.

It is important to choose plants that are appropriate to your garden site. You need to know whether it is a sun or shade garden. Full sun plants can be in areas with six or more hours of sunlight every day, four to six hours is partly sunny, and four hours or less is a shade garden. Remove any grass or weeds from the area you wish to plant. Good drainage is essential for successful plants. Amend the soil with Missouri Botanical Garden Compost, also known as Black Gold, now locally available. This will help improve drainage and aeration. Prepare the bed to a depth of 18” to allow for maximum root development. Fertilizer can be mixed into the soil prior to planting.

When planting, dig the hole as deep and twice as wide as the container it is currently growing in. Loosen the root ball and tease the roots so they will grow outward. The plant should be set at the same depth as they were growing in the container. After filling the hole back in with soil/compost mixture, water thoroughly and apply Fertilome Root Stimulator for plant success. Read the plant tags for spacing recommendations because many will spread more than their current size. Don’t be afraid to mix textures.

Perennials should receive 1-2” of water each week to develop a deep root system. A soaker hose works well for this purpose and saves water usage. Fertilize in Early Spring when new growth begins. During the growing season, fertilize once a month until the end of July. This will help the plants harden off for winter. Mulch should be applied after planting to help hold in moisture and reduce weeds. Apply 2” over the soil, leaving 2-3” of space around the base of the plant. Do not smother the crowns of shallow rooted plants. Additional mulch applied in winter is also recommended, especially for new plantings.

The art of deadheading is removing the faded, spent flowers on a plant. It will help lengthen the bloom season of many plants as well as improves the appearance of the plant. Some perennials with attractive seedpods such as Rudbeckia, Sedum, and Ornamental Grasses can be left alone. Once the initial display of flowering has ended, cut back the entire plant by two-thirds. This will help promote additional blooms.

I hope this information gives you the desire to plant some perennial color and texture in your yard! There has been a “Perennial of the Year” named by the Perennial Plant Association since 1991. These varieties are tried and true plants. You may check out the list at http://www.perennialplant.org/.

Now in closing, let’s discuss several other tips for the month of June. Soaker hoses and Raindrip irrigation systems make the most efficient use of water during dry times. Check out the systems available. Continue spraying roses with fungicide to prevent black spot. Mow lawns frequently enough so you don’t have to remove more than 1/3 of the total height of grass per mowing. There is no need to remove grass clippings from the lawn unless they are excessive. Prune flowering shrubs after they have bloomed. Hand prune or shear evergreens now. Watch for bagworms AND JAPANESE BEETLES. Milky Spore, Grub killer, and Japanese Beetle traps are available to eradicate Japanese Beetles. For bagworms, use insecticide with the pest listed on the label or hand pick them if the numbers are light.

Plant pumpkin seeds now to have Jack-o-lanterns for Halloween. Stop harvesting asparagus when the spears become thin. Repeat plantings of corn and beans to extend the harvest season. As soon as cucumber and squash vines start to “run,” begin spray treatments of Permethrin to control cucumber beetles and squash vine borers.

Enjoy your harvest………………………….see you in the garden.
Sandi Hillermann McDonald