If you have gaps in your gardens, or want to re-fresh your containers, July can be a good time to bargain shop for good plants at reputable garden centres.
July in the Garden
For the love of monarchs
Jodi DeLong plants rosy milkweed (Asclepias incarnate) and several of its relatives to support monarch butterflies. Monarchs are pollinating insects.
Rio portulaca for hot spots
Rio portulaca plants are now on Judith Adam’s front walk gallery of ornamental plants because the location is too hot for tomatoes in containers.
Dealing with mildew on phlox
Drenching rains can cause an early onset of mildew on phlox. These scented, long-blooming perennials are one of the backbones of summer gardens.
Plants struggling with the heat
Plants are struggling to stand in the heat and wind. Watering suggestions. Caliente Hot Coral ivy geraniums show surprising heat resilience
Appreciating unique nasturtiums
Suggestions of named cultivars (and available seeds) for nasturtiums that we don’t often see. current favourite is nastutium ‘Peach Melba’
The luxury of hydrangeas
The choice in hydrangeas grows more enticing each year. My ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea is developing broad domes of creamy white flowers.
Healthy roses in bloom
The roses are looking healthy and so far I don’t see any sign of the dreaded black spots that often plague the foliage of these shrubs.
Sharing the harvest
There may be an organization near you eager to share the harvest or pick that fruit to distribute or sell in your community.
Coping with clay soil
Clay soil can be difficult it can be to work with. Simple clay amending techniques for a clod-free garden.