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Summer Fun!!

The season has really been quite enjoyable.

Our family has had the opportunity to take frequent trips to the family lake house in Rhode Island.

With no drought to speak of, all of the annuals planted up there have held in quite well. Even the geraniums and portulaca at the cemetery are just fine. I did use the soil moist crystals when planting there and I'm sure that made a difference.

My plantings at home have required a bit more maintenance. Watering has been minimal - except for the tomatoes - they always seem thirsty. When watering, it's best to water less frequently but thoroughly. I prefer to water in the early morning. Make sure the water reaches all those bottom roots. A little water on top of the soil is just not enough. And always be sure to water the base of the plant not the top - the sun could fry the leaves if water is sitting on them. Every ten days or so I feed with a weak solution of fish emulsion.

Deadheading-the removal of old blossoms-is an ongoing chore. It keeps your plants-whether perennial or annual-from getting too leggy, encourages new blooms, and discourages the plant from putting all its energy into seed production. Removing ratty leaves is important as well.

A favorite chore would be cutting flowers to bring inside! Especially after cleaning house, it's always nice to treat the indoors with some fresh flowers. Put a fresh cut on each stem before plunging them into your container filled with warm water. Some that I like to bring in are black-eyed susans, sweet williams, cosmos, phlox, queen anne's lace, and zinnias. The leaves of hosta look great as a substitute for ferns.

When my indoor arrangement has faded, I always toss it back to some out of the way place in the garden with hopes the seeds will drop and come back next year! 

7/8/00