Category: Outdoor Living

Nothing is more welcome than a cool breeze on a hot summer day. We are experiencing a very hot summer in zone 4 and across the country this year. During periods of high temperatures it is important to remember to protect your plants from extreme conditions. Always hydrate your plants when the ground is cool and before periods of full sun. Cultivating your garden will keep weeds from utilizing vital nutrients that your plants require during these crucial months. Combining these essential methods will help you beat the heat.  Cheers

Daily routine maintenance is a prerequisite for a successful garden. No matter what type of garden you have, you must perform soil enhancements, weed removal and floral deadheading.  By removing spent flowers and foliage you can increase the blooms and prolong the lifespan of most plants. Blooming flowers ranging from marigolds to daisies will benefit from this procedure. Some blooms will produce seeds when fully dried and can be added to your collections for seasons to come.  Cheers

Enchanting generations of gardeners for centuries, is our flower of the month the Marigold. Marigolds come in numerous varieties, shapes, sizes and colors. Introducing this annual flower into your garden’s landscape will add brilliant hues of bold yellows, bright oranges and russet tones. Not only are they easy to grow but they can assist in keeping certain garden pest at bay. They are full sun and drought tolerant which makes them a special favorite for dry climate regions like zone 4. I start seeds in early spring after the last frost for blooms that should last until fall. Cheers

Summer time is the perfect time for picnics and family gathering and with the 4^th of July holiday on the horizon, I thought I’d share one of my favorite grilling recipes called the” Fat Burger”.

Fat Burger

1 pound of ground chuck

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

4 rolls of your choice

¼ cup of pesto sauce

4 slices of smoked mozzarella cheese

1 large ripe tomato sliced

Create 4 patties out of the ground chuck and season them with salt and pepper to taste. Grill patties over direct heat until internal temp reaches 160 degrees. During the last 30 seconds grill the rolls with cut side down until they are slightly toasted. Top each burger with a slice of cheese and a dollop of pesto sauce and tomato. Serve with toasted rolls.

Cheers

With the recent passing of” Summer Solstice”, now is the time to take full advantage of the summer months ahead. We experienced a long winter in zone 4 and a very short spring, the heat appears to be on and frequent.  We’re already experiencing temps ranging between 90 to 100 degrees with a lot of sun and an occasional evening shower. Challenging weather patterns persist not only in zone 4 but around the country.  So, while you’re out soaking up the beautiful sun rays of summer, just remember to wear plenty of sun screen and stay hydrated. Cheers

If you love vintage flowers, then you will love adding Heliotrope (Helioropium arborescens) to your unique garden setting. This annual is an absolute standout with tiny floral clusters imbedded on deep veined dark green foliage. To add this sensational plant to your landscape simply start seeds indoors. Then after the last frost, plant them in well draining fertile soil. Cheers

Our featured flower of the month is the Pansy (viola x wittrockiana). Gardeners have grown and admired pansies for decades. They are my personal favorite flower for boarders and pots. Its versatility allows the pansy to flourish in full sun or partial shade. One plant is capable of doubling its size in height and can spread up to two feet in length. The often fragrant blooms are about two inches in diameter and are surprisingly durable. I suggest starting seeds at the end of winter for blooms that should last throughout summer. Cheers

Now that the last frost has subsided in most regions, it is time to plant annuals. It is also a safe bet to start sowing seeds for annuals or garden vegetables in a fertile area with well draining soil for best results and remember to fertilize. Make this a great season and don’t forget to have fun. Cheers

If you love bold colors, then you’ll love Calendula (officinalis). Calendula blossoms are typically 2 inches in diameter and come in a large variety of colors. The ultra double flowers produce an endless supply of cut flowers for that special bouquet. I prefer to start seeds in my garden after the last frost in fertile soil. Cheers

Tip:

To extend the blooming season simply remove spent flowers.

One of my favorite flower perennial bushes is Hydrangea. It is a beautiful free flower shrub with tightly clustered florets that create a magnificent ball that can resemble the moon. Hydrangea blooms can come in a variety of colors and sizes and the flowers are surrounded by thick green foliage. The bushes can reach heights of up to 6’ and can be as wide as 9’. These plants tend to thrive in zone 5-8 but with careful planning you can add this timeless classic to your summer garden for a season of joy. Cheers