Throughout most of the Southwest rainfall this past season has again been far below normal; snowfall in the Sierras has been scant, so some areas may face a curtailed supply of water for gardens. But prudent use and proper conservation can stretch the available supply so that your garden will not suffer. Apply ample mulches to flower beds, roses, and other bare soil areas. Mulches of bark, shavings, crushed volcanic rock, and other readily available materials aid rapid penetration of the water and reduce evaporation. Avoid hand sprinkling which seldom penetrates more than an inch or two, and often not that much.
Investigate the various types of sprinklers and soakers and choose ones that will fit the pattern of your lawn and garden areas and give complete coverage without waste. Run them intermittently until deep penetration is obtained without run-off – in early morning to avoid waste from evaporation by hot sun or wind. Root feeders are valuable where it is difficult to get deep penetration from the regular surface irrigation.
Roses, which started blooming about a month earlier than usual this year, may need special attention now. Spray or dust with an insecticide-fungicide combination to keep the foliage healthy. Apply a little extra food to both foliage and soil. Continue to irrigate. Dormancy from dryness will seriously weaken the Lushes.
Late planting. Many gardeners are not inspired to plant a rose, flowering tree, shrub, or perennial until they see one in bloom. Fortunately, nurseries now make these available the year-round, usually in metal containers. Remove plants without disturbing the roots. Make two or more vertical cuts through the rim and right down to the bottom of the container so that the sides may be spread back and the ball of earth removed intact. Your nurseryman will do this for you, if you ask him, but there are several disadvantages to having this done in advance. It may prove worth your while to get a can cutter of your own. If you wait until you get home to do this, the soil balls will not dry out, there will be less danger of injury from the sharp edges of the cans, and the soil will not be loosened in transportation.
To plant in full bloom now are cannas in many colors including both dwarf and tall varieties, hibiscus and bougainvilleas in new colors, crape myrtles, oleanders, blue and white agapanthus, geraniums, hydrangeas, fuchsias, begonias, and others to brighten your summer garden.
Acanthus, grown for its bold, classic foliage and interesting flower spikes, becomes rather shabby now. Cut off the dead flower stems and leaves and thin out the plants if they are crowded. Fertilize and water them and they will quickly produce luxurious new growth.
Violets take a short rest during summer. Use a mulch so they will not dry out completely. Keep them neat. Remove discolored foliage. Choose a mulch that is attractive in color and texture.
