Michael Mills gardens in Northwest Philadelphia, concentrating on ornamentals and shade planting. He is a board member of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, is involved with exhibits at the annual Philadelphia Flower Show, and regularly contributes plants to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's plant dividend program for members.
His column appears Fridays in Home & Design, alternating between questions-and-answers and "It's time to . . . ," a compendium of what garden tasks are appropriate for the season.
Email Michael at gardenqanda@earthlink.net
Enjoy the lower-key nature of high-summer garden maintenance. It's too hot to be planting or transplanting.
Take advantage of the experts and get some choice plants from plant society sales. These events are the best source for superb varieties rarely found in commerce.
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Time to ...
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Consider this weekend as a deadline and turning point in the garden. Several tasks should be completed as soon as possible, because putting them off will have disappointing results.
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Time to ... stake or cage anything prone to flopping
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Stake or cage anything prone to flopping when taller, even if the plants are little now. Old shoelaces are excellent ties - soft and thicker than twine, usually made of a non-decaying synthetic fiber. Or repurpose the giant twist-ties that come with lettuce and other produce. With both, be a little loose with your bindings - plant stalks should be able to sway a little in the breeze.
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Time to ... get the last of the nursery stock into the ground
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Get the last of the nursery stock acquired in April and May into the ground - now. Wait until direct sun has left the site and be generous with water for the rest of summer.
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Time to ... get newly purchased plants into the ground
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Complete your acquisitions for flower and vegetable beds and get newly purchased plants into the ground promptly - the solstice is barely four weeks away, when nights start getting longer, shortening veggie growing time. Wait until direct sun has passed the planting area. If hot sun is forecast for the following days, shade small plants for a couple of days (newspaper tent, upside-down clay pot, bushel basket). Water well.
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Time to. . . Plant, plant, hallelujah, plant!
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Plant on a cloudy day or in late afternoon when shade has returned to the site. Water well and if a heat wave arrives, consider rigging some shade for midday.
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