Tropical to temperate, arid to downpours June is proving to be a month of contrasts, so far. The lack of weather condition continuity makes deciding what to put into the bed difficult. Summer heat, present now, makes for a long, hot growing season, with no idea what the rainfall will be. It may be a heavy watering season, or at least more than usual. Plan on using more water and if you do not use it, that is good.
Fertilizer should be used, but lighten the nitrogen in the blend as it promotes leaves. Flower growers want blooms, a lot of them, without deformity. Try potassium in a slightly higher blend. For large-size blooms, prune off most buds on one stalk and concentrate on just 2 or 3 buds in growth to get larger blooms. For even larger blooms, prune to 2-3 buds per plant. Unless you are in a contest or have a special occasion coming up where you want a really big bloom available, I would stick with whatever the plant normally produces. You will have to make the decision yourself when you see what the plant produces for buds. You may need to snip a few off for good hygiene. The stems can only hold up so many full-blown blooms without splitting the stem or tipping the plant over. Top-heavy plants easily catch any breeze, which also can cause plant damage of all kinds.
I would stick with tough perennials that tolerate hot, dry conditions and full sun. Day lilies, sedum(most kinds), roses, agaves, dianthus, English Ivy, dahlias, coneflowers, daisies, lavender, Catmint, mint, sage, rosemary, oregano, etc. These plants would be easy to look up on a computer using the parameters given above. Otherwise, call the local extension office for information and perhaps printed handouts for this area for you to reference.
When you shop for plantings, read the labels and double-check with the staff at the business you are at. Prices are higher than they used to be, but if you know a gardener, go to them and ask them if they could give you a small start for this year only. You may have something they would like, so a trade might be workable, if not now, then next year. Always try to give something back to those who help you and say “thank you.” If you do have some extra funds, please try giving that to them. For many, it is a needy time.
In my bed, the roses are not really filled out yet — looking not quite right. The Clematis has been in bloom at least 1 week, is in full bloom, and looks happy. The day lilies are just starting to shoot their bloom stems up above the foliage — no blooms yet. The ornamental cherry has long finished her
“Herolding of Spring’s Arrival,” done well with beauty. She is now housing a couple on the top of her branches in their attempt to keep the bird population up. Down in the birdhouse, the Bluebirds are raising their young and are busy feeding the family. The birdhouse is a very kind update done by my neighbor and his son, complete with a trendy new leather hinge for cleanout and emergencies. The Bluebirds are most pleased. Thank you.
The fish pond is still here. The thoughts are now to replace the spot where the pond is with putting the flagpole from the very front, back to the bed and plant it where the pond was. I think this would be a wonderful addition to the bed with a built-in theme to work with every year.
There are no further plans for the back area; all are on hold. As water levels have changed here, no change in land use will be done or planned at this time. All is stable in the current situation.
Shrub roses are in full bloom in most of our area now. They have a primary bloom season in June and may bloom occasionally throughout the summer up to frost, but this is their main showtime. They require little care other than pruning them. These shrub roses must be climbers, as they will grow well over your head and start to bend over yard sheds if not pruned. Even with pruning, they are not short on blooms. The rose scent is old fashioned rose as heavy as you can smell and process it. Beauty, scent, easy care, what more could you ask for? These are my favorite roses. I share these shrub rose photos only by not telling their location. Shy owners.
Keep a check on the weather. Plant what you have decided will work for you in your situation. Observe what happens and make notes for next year’s garden. You will be glad that you did.
Garden on!