Jungle Jim Sez...

Written by Jungle Jim

Here it is, July 2011. We had January, February March, a couple of weeks of April weather, a couple weeks of June weather and now it’s July.

Yes, it is July, but there are still plenty of garden things you can do.

Look for spaces to add color. I love to use landscape roses to add long lasting color with minimal care. Good landscape roses require no spraying, little pruning and provide flowers from April through December in our climate.

One thing you to do is be sure to pick the right variety for the size of the area. Landscape roses do get larger than you might think by looking at them.

The well known Flower Carpet series needs about a five foot space for little pruning. Drift roses about four feet, and mini roses about three feet.

We carry a large selection of accent and filler plants for shady areas through the summer. This includes a large selection of colorful foliage like Coral Bells. Or use Silver Lamium for a ground cover, with white, pink or lavender blooms. Do remember that there is bright shade and dark shade. Most shade plants need at least reasonable light levels.

For sunny areas I love the bright and colorful yellow Bidens, the many Cranesbills, Goldstrum Daisy, the summer blooming African Daisy and the low growing Million Bells.

While you are here it might be time to replace that shrub that has died or overgrown its spot. Ask for our Hot Weather Planting Guide for tips on successful summer planting.

Remember: Deep Watering! Space your waterings so oxygen gets back in the soil. If needed, it is ok to cool plants in the heat of the day by showering the foliage. It will not burn the foliage.

Happy Gardening!

Jungle Jim