July Newsletter 2024
June 30, 2024
Lizette Sliter
A very pleasant month is this
To be in a country town.
The sunlight doth the foliage kiss,
Each verdant leaflet beams with bliss,
I see not one that's brown.
Fresh zephyrs fan the thrifty trees
The oaks, the elms, the willows,
The lake's face caressed by the breeze
In imitation of the seas,
Is flecked with tiny billows.
Robert F. Skillings "July"
We are doing our seasonal pruning of water sprouts and root suckers on fruit trees. At this time of year we are also pruning lilacs, rhododendrons and mountain laurels after they have bloomed before they set flower buds for next season. We prune inner branches to allow light into the inner part of the plant to encourage full, balanced growth.
With all the rain from last season we are observing fungal issues we have rarely seen before. Rhododendron gall - deforming growth on rhododendrons. During our garden care visits, we are scouting for the gall and will prune it out out of plants when we find it.
We are trying like heck to encourage annual plants to perform this season. The last couple years were tough and we want everyone to feel happiness at their properties and enjoy the added color :)
We hope everyone enjoys their long weekend and please reach out with any questions!
-The Garden Life Team