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

Our featured flower of the month is the Dahlia. Named after a Swedish botanist Anders Dahl, this tuberous root is an absolute pleasure to grow. The Dahlia has bold and vibrant colors and will thrive in a garden setting or make an excellent cut flower for that special bouquet. The bulbs can reach heights of up to 3ft and when planting, be sure to spread the bulbs 18”-24” apart in fertile soil. Cheers

Although it is spring, we are still experiencing snow in zone 4. I will take this wintery weekend to review my landscape plans and change or tweak ideas before planting.  All I have to do is look at photos I took of municipal scenes, view natural settings as I drive in my car or just check out my neighbor’s garden.  I’m always on the lookout for ideas and inspiration is everywhere! Cheers

Every season has its challenges when it comes to dealing with garden pests. We have several pests in zone 4 ranging from Japanese beetles, potato bugs, cabbage moths, flies and mosquitoes. I like to grow a combination of flowers and herbs in my garden to help keep pests at bay. Not only are these plants attractive they will help you avoid utilizing harmful insecticides. I grow Marigolds which keep certain types of beetles away and I add basil which will keep the flies and mosquitoes in check. By utilizing the right combination of flowers and herbs you are sure to have a pest free environment.  Cheers