Summer in the Garden

HOME & GARDEN Summer in the Garden

WRITER/ Judy Mitchell

Flowers are at their peak now if they have been watered and fertilized. I use a timed release fertilizer that feeds them 3 to 4 months. At this time of the year, it usually doesn’t last that long. I usually sprinkle it around the flowers when I plant in the spring and again in July. Jim also sprinkles a pre-emergent herbicide around the flowers to prevent weed seeds from germinating. The herbicide doesn’t harm the flower, but prevents seeds from germinating and saves a lot of time weeding. We don’t fertilize trees and shrubs after the end of July. This will tone them so they won’t be actively growing when winter comes and will be less likely to freeze.

Crape myrtles bloom in July and August. They are one of the longest blooming trees and are tough. If you cut off old blooms many will rebloom. Leave the last of the blooms in the fall to feed the goldfinches in the spring. We have flocks of them at the nursery. There are many new types of crape myrtles that don’t grow as tall. Moonlight Magic is a new white that grows 8 to 12-feet high with dark maroon foliage. What a nice contrast!

Midnight Magic grows 4 to 6-feet with purple maroon foliage and dark pink flowers.

Newly planted crape myrtles will wilt when dry. They are my kind of tree. Soak them well when you water usually only once or twice a week. It is best to water in the early morning. As long as you run the hot water out of the water hose, it will not hurt any flower to water in the heat of the day. We water anytime the flowers are dry, except late in the evening. The foliage needs to dry before dark. If the foliage stays wet all night, it could cause disease.

Butterfly bushes live up to their name now. Many butterflies feed off of the flowers. They bloom in shades of purple, pink, white, yellow and one that is almost red named Miss Molly.

To keep them blooming continuously, remove flowers as they fade. There is a butterfly bush to fit any space. Their sizes-feet range from one of the smallest: Pink Micro Chip at 2-feet to Black Knight which will grow to 8-feet or more.

Don’t neglect your garden and it will bear all summer. Have a friend or neighbor pick your vegetables when you go on vacation. Spread the bounty. We usually give excess produce to King Outreach Ministries. You can donate surplus to other soup kitchens or food banks in your county.

Happy Gardening!

To learn more contact:

1088 W. Dalton Road, King (336) 983-4107 www.mitchellsnursery.com