July 2015 Tips

Dear Gardening Friends, Can’t believe I was worried about a dry June! In light of all the wet weather we’ve had, the following are a few tips:   Powdery mildew – treat susceptible plants with an environmentally friendly fungicide. This can be done now. It is most effective BEFORE symptoms show up. Japanese Beetles – Yes, I saw my first one the other day. Start keeping an eye out. If you see some, you can use a container with a few inches of soapy water (use dish soap like Dawn). Simply hold the container under the leaf where the beetles are and tap the branch. They will drop into the liquid and drown. Getting rid of the first ones will cut down on your overall infestation. Remember, don’t use the beetle bags. They draw more beetles into your garden than they capture. Perennials are growing like weeds and many areas have become overcrowded. This is a big issue in my garden and many others I have been in. To reduce the chance of fungal disease it would be good to thin out or move some of the overgrown plants. Cutting back a few stems will not hurt the plant and lack of air circulation is a major cause of fungal disease. - June was such a busy month I haven’t started any hypertufa or concrete birdbath/stepping stones classes. These will start mid July. If you’re interested let me know. The classes are $30 and you get to make 2. If you have any questions or concerns contact me for a consultation. Mid-summer usually brings out a lot of issues I can help you with. Open Gardens, Garden Walk Buffalo and many area Garden Walks occur in July. Check on line at buffaloniagaragardening.com for the full schedule of events. My gardens will be open each Friday from 10-2 starting next week. Stop by and say hello. Happy Gardening! Lyn Chimera Lessons from Nature 170 Pine Street East Aurora, NY, 14052 652-2432 Copyright © 2014 Lessons From Nature, All rights reserved. You're receiving this message because you requested to receive Lessons from Nature newsletters. Our mailing address is: Lessons from Nature 37 N Union Rd Williamsville, NY 14221 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences