Landscaping

        • If you prune taxus (yew), complete by mid-July. Even though fall seems far away, the pruning will stimulate new growth which needs at least two months to get toughened up for the first frost.

Lawn

        • To prevent outbreaks of brown patch fungus, mow at a height of 2-2 1/2 inches, cutting off only 1/3 to 1/2 the leaf blade in any one mowing.

        • Avoid excessive nitrogen applications and frequent, light watering, especially in the evenings.

Flowers

        • Cut spent flowers of Siberianiris as the pods develop. Leave no more than 1/3 of the pods on the plant for fall/winter interest. Leaving more spent stalks will reduce the vigor of the plant. Hang cut pods upside down to dry and use in fall arrangements.

        • Cut yarrow blooms when almost fully opened for best drying success. Hang upside down in dark area for best color retention.

        • Try to finish all planting of perennials this month, and be certain to keep new plantings well watered while they become established.

        • Finish transplanting perennials. Some plants will need to be cut back and shaded while becoming established.

        • Delaying or staggering the bloom of summer-flowering perennials such as echinacea, phlox, veronica, and heliopsis can be done by cutting back by half in June. This will delay blooms for three weeks and result in a shorter, bushier plant.

Houseplants

        • Check houseplants for brown leaf tips or “burned” leaf margins (edges). Avoid excessive fertilizer and give proper amount of water to relieve the problem.

        • Monitor regularly houseplants spending the summer outdoors for needed watering and for pest infestations.

Pest Patrol

        • To foil rabbits' interest in your prize plants, hang a salt disc (available at local feed or pet stores) on a nail pounded into the side of a wooden stake 8-10 inches from the ground. Locate far away from tempting plants. The rabbits will go for the salt and may leave your plants alone.

        Contact the Civic Garden Center Hotline by e-mail: hotline@civicgardencenter.org, or phone, 221-8733.

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