9 Mulch flower beds.
9 Plant caladium bulbs in shady areas.
9 Pinch back the growth on newly planted annuals and perennials to encourage shorter, more compact, well-branched plants with more flowers.
9 Irrigate your beds and lawn as needed, so they receive at least one-inch of water per
9 Prune spring flowering shrubs.
9 Be vigilant in weed control so that they don’ t go to seed. One year’ s seeds result in seven
9 Fertilize flowering annuals monthly and roses every 2 to 4 weeks.
Landscaping Updates
Plant of the Month: Althea
Scientific Name: Hibuscus syriacus Common Name: Althea, Rose of Sharon Uses: Large shrub, small ornamental tree
Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained soil, drought tolerant once it is established
Watering: Water regularly during the growing season, less water in winter
Blooms: July through September, flowers can be white, red, purple, violet or a combination, they can be single or double and are 2- 4 inches in diameter, heavy pruning in the spring will encourage larger flowers
Exposure: Full sun but will do okay in partial shade Fertilize: Once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Growth Habits: A large shrub, up to 10 feet, it can also be used as an ornamental tree. As a member of the hibiscus family, it blooms on new growth. If you experience bud drop, it typically means that it is being over-watered.
9 Mulch flower beds.
9 Plant caladium bulbs in shady areas.
9 Pinch back the growth on newly planted annuals and perennials to encourage shorter, more compact, well-branched plants with more flowers.
9 Irrigate your beds and lawn as needed, so they receive at least one-inch of water per
week.
9 Prune spring flowering shrubs.
9 Be vigilant in weed control so that they don’ t go to seed. One year’ s seeds result in seven
years of weeds.
9 Fertilize flowering annuals monthly and roses every 2 to 4 weeks.
Avoid Volcano Mulching Around Trees
When applying mulch around trees, proper placement is essential for maintaining tree health. One common landscaping mistake is“ volcano mulching,” which occurs when mulch is piled high against the trunk of a tree, creating a volcano-like shape.
While mulch provides many benefits such as retaining soil moisture, reducing weeds, and regulating soil temperature, it should never be piled against the tree trunk. Excess mulch around the base of a tree can trap moisture against the bark, leading to rot, fungal diseases, insect infestations, and the development of girdling roots that can eventually strangle the tree.
Instead, apply mulch in a flat, donut-shaped ring around the tree, approximately 2 – 4 inches deep, while leaving several inches of space between the mulch and the trunk. This allows the tree’ s root system to benefit from the mulch while keeping the trunk dry and healthy.
Remember: Mulch the roots, not the trunk! Proper mulching helps trees thrive and can significantly extend their lifespan.
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