SUMMER
Pruning, staking, and general maintenance are in order during the summer
months. If you go away for an extended period in the summer, make sure there is
someone around to water the gardens if needed, especially for a new planting.
You may want to experiment with cutting back some or many of your
summer-flowering plants before you leave for a long period so that you can enjoy
their regrowth and flowering upon your return. You may also want to get weeds
under control before you leave so that you don’t have to face them when you
return. Pruning in midsummer is done to promote the autumn display. Take
notes throughout the summer of plants to move or remove or divide or add, of
new pruning techniques to try, of new colors to incorporate, and any other
changes you may want to consider in planning for autumn and next year.
JUNE
Planting usually continues into and sometimes through June, but if the weather
starts to get too hot by late June, the perennials will have a more difficult time
establishing. Also, plants that have been in containers all spring should be
planted at this time. June is a big month for pruning, including cutting back,
thinning, deadheading, and deadleafing.In summer, my gardens are kept
fresh with irrigation when
needed, every 4 days or so.