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The big show is over, the grasses and wildflowers are drying out, the big
bloom season is fading, and it’s time to kick back and relax. The coyote
mints and buckwheats are blooming, and the Zauschnerias and golden rods
are on their way. It’s likely going to be a warm summer, so find a good
book (have you read the new Theodore Payne book yet?), a comfortable
chair, and a shady spot. Of course, once you get tired of resting, there’s
still plenty to do in the garden . . .
Seeds
►Fruits will ripen during the summer. If you’re interested in collecting
seeds from your plants, keep an eye out for brown, dried capsules. Store
in paper bags
and keep dry. Some capsules, like lupines and poppies, pop open and throw
their seeds when they’re ready. To capture these seeds, wrap the capsules
in cheese cloth before they open. When they’re dry and pop, the seeds
won’t have anywhere to go. This is the perfect time to sow warm season
grasses. See the Spring Planting Guide for suggestions concerning
Bouteloua species. This also works for Aristida, Muhlenbergia, Pleuraphis,
Sporobolis,
and a few others.
Plant
►You can plant riparian species and desert species from spring through
summer. They will take the extra water you’ll need to provide them through
the warm season. Desert regions usually get monsoon rains in the summer,
so desert species are accustomed to getting water this time of year.
Water
►Be sure to give new plantings from the last year an occasional deep soak.
Always check first to make sure the soil is dry, especially in clay soils.
Remember: most native bulbs want absolutely dry conditions through
October, especially Calochortus.
Prune
►Dead-head Salvia and Penstemon flower stalks as they finish up, unless
you’re looking to collect the seed. When your sages have finished their
bloom, you can cut them back by a third. Trim cool season grasses back to
a couple of inches above the crown of the plant. Prune and shape any
shrubs that have grown top-heavy with new growth. The incredible rains
have produced lots of lush growth, but the shrub’s branches may not be
strong enough for all that growth. Selective pruning will help.
Plan
►This is the key time to plan your next steps in the yard. Kick back in a
hammock or favorite chair, smell the sages and mints, and think through
your next steps in the garden. What would you like to change? Where do you
need to fill in? What’s the next big project or small refinement? This is
the time of year to put your plans together. If you need help or
inspiration, stop by the Foundation to browse the library and bookstore,
wander through the sales yards, or talk with our knowledgeable staff and
volunteers.
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