June 2018 Tips

Dear Gardening Friends, It seems like we skipped spring entirely and went right into summer, now we’re back to early spring! I started to write this when it was 90 and the poor garden was really wilted from the hot, dry weather. As I finish today it’s 61 and still dry! April garden chores were impossible due to the wintery weather, early May wasn’t much better. Then we had 2 great weeks with enough rain and everything just grew like gang busters. Now more strange weather. I just hope it’s not a prediction of what the summer will be like. The following are some tips for June: - Ordinarily early June is still a good time to divide and move plants. This year is different. The plants have gotten so big so quickly and along with the extreme heat and lack of rain I have stopped dividing and moving plants. They will just have to wait till fall. It’s just too stressful for well-developed plants to be moved in this dry (sometimes hot) weather. - If you have to move something put an umbrella or tarp up for shade and keep it very well hydrated. Another method for reducing the stress of moving a large plant is to remove the flowers or buds. This will enable the plant to set roots and not have to spend so much energy on flowering. - Planting annuals or perennials purchased from a nursery is fine. The above protection methods can apply to these. - Any newly planted or moved plants should be watered almost daily depending on how much sun they are in. It’s best to water them before they get droopy as drying out saps their strength and makes them weak. Early morning or evening are the best times to water. Once their roots are well established they will be more tolerant of dry periods. - Weeding is a huge priority. Don’t let them get ahead of you. Once they are well established weeds are much more difficult to remove and they drop seeds to make more weeds for you to deal with. I’m finding it hard to keep up with the weeds this year! - Pinch back perennials that get very tall to reduce the final height and promote branching and increase bloom. Common plants for this are phlox, asters, mums and sedum. - Fungal diseases are starting to show up. Keep an eye out. Organic products are available to treat fungal disease but must be applied before symptoms show up. Pre-treating susceptible plants is important. - The deer tick population is increasing as has the incidence of Lymes disease. People are finding them in their gardens. Wherever there are deer and black footed mice there is a chance of ticks. For complete information and suggestions check out the Department of Health in Erie County’s website: http://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=ticks-lyme-disease. It has a video of how to remove a tick and info on how to prevent as well as identify. -We reuse pots so please drop off left over pots and trays at my home, 170 Pine St (driveway on Lawrence) or 37 N. Union in Wmsvl. (behind the house by back door). I do not use 6 packs or pots smaller than 4 inches. THANKS!  -Upcoming Garden Events: Lessons from Nature Classes: To register call 652-2432 or e-mail [email protected] If you have a group of 3 – 5, I will schedule a class at your convenience. Classes are being scheduled for late June so call or e-mail to set an appointment. Hypertufa Planter class: Hypertufas are light weight concrete planters. The cost is $30/person including materials. Each person makes 2. Concrete Birdbath and Stepping Stone Class: Make your own garden art birdbaths and stepping stones. The cost is $30/person including materials. Each person makes 2. Draped Concrete Planters: This is a new technique that looks liked draped fabric but is concrete, really interesting looking. The cost is $30/person including materials. Each person makes 2. Garden Consultation: Now that the perennials are up, it’s an ideal time for a garden consultation. I can help you decide what needs to be moved, divided or removed from your garden. We will cover whatever questions and concerns you have from maintenance to disease and insect control. Just give a call or e-mail. Lewiston GardenFest: Saturday, June 16 & Sunday, June 17 This June marks the 13 th Lewiston GardenFest. Located along Center Street, it includes vendors selling flowers, plants, garden art and more to beautify one’s outdoor space. There is also a container gardening contest which is open to the public. All proceeds from the event are given back to the local community for civic beautification and scholarships. Buffalo Style Garden Art Sale: June 30 & July 1, 10:00 – 5:00. This garden art sale has become so popular it’s been expanded to 2 days and moved to the grounds of the Buffalo Botanical Gardens. It’s a great place to find that perfect item for your garden. Other garden themed vendors includes jewelry, stationary, glass and much more. Happy Gardening! Lyn Chimera Lessons from Nature 170 Pine St. E. Aurora, NY 14052 [email protected] 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