MID-SUMMER GARDEN CHORES

Since spring is now in the rearview mirror, it is time to . . .

CUT BACK HARDY GERANIUM, CATMINT AND LAVENDER

 Cut flowering stems back once blooms begin to peter out.  The plants will begin to bloom again in a few weeks. Gernanium x ‘Johnson’s Blue’ is pictured above.

 PRUNE  SHRUB AND CLIMBING ROSES

Prune vigorously growing shrub roses (like Knockouts) back at least 12 inches, cutting each branch to just above a 5-leaf stem, to keep the roses from growing too big.  If you don’t mind them being 4 to 5 feet tall, just dead-head the spent clusters of blooms. Prune climbers as needed to train and keep under control. Feed roses every 6 weeks during the growing season (until early September).

CONTINUE TO CUT BACK LENTEN ROSE (HELLEBORUS) FLOWER STALKS AND LEAVES WHEN THEY BEGIN TO YELLOW

 PRUNE  STRAGGLY GROWTH OF EVERGREENS, IF NEEDED

FEED AND DEAD-HEAD ANNUALS TO KEEP THEM BLOOMING

 REMOVE DYING FOLIAGE OF PLANTS GOING DORMANT

Virginia Bluebells (pictured above in background), Bleeding Heart, Arum and spring-flowering bulbs go dormant in summer.  Once the foliage begins to brown you can cut it to the ground.

WEED!!!!!