Lawn, Bulbs and Roses

The three most important areas to focus on for your summer outdoor environment is your lawn, bulbs and roses.   Your lawn should have a care program which includes 4 applications per season of a slow-release, granular fertilizer which is important in caring for your lawn.  The “more is better rule” does not apply to fertilizers since incorrect use of fertilizers can damage healthy soils. Additionally, the excess chemicals will find their way into your ground water where they can contaminate drinking water and wildlife.  To avoid issues with your fertilizer make sure you read and follow the labels carefully.  Raising the mowing height during the summer months helps your lawn retain moisture.  If watering is required, it should be done infrequently, and heavily to establish deep roots.  A full-season lawn maintenance program will ensure that the investment in your lawn is protected.

Early summer is the best time to view your landscape to see where additional color may be needed for next spring or summer, and then plan for your fall bulb planting.  When purchasing bulbs for spring or summer bloom, they should be of the highest quality to ensure vigor. Consider the light requirements of the plant: full sun, partial shade or full shade.  Keep in mind early spring bulbs bloom before most trees or shrubs leaves are out so they can successfully be planted under trees and shrubs. Many summer blooming bulbs require full sun or partial shade.  Remember once the blooms fade; the foliage should not be removed until it has turned yellow. Green foliage means your plant is photosynthesizing and gives the bulb what it needs for next year’s bloom season.
June is known as Rose Month and there is a rose for every garden. There are many varieties with a wide assortment of colors to pick from and include: shrub roses, hybrid teas, antique roses, climbing roses, tree roses and multi-flower roses.  Each variety requires a different maintenance program, which may include fertilization, spraying for fungus and insects, deadheading, cleaning, and winterizing.  Selecting the right type of rose and the care it needs are reasonable approaches when selecting your rose plants and think about planting your roses in combination with other plants so you can cut down on rose plant issues.  The best way to solve for rose problems is to have a good prevention plan in place.  Keep your roses water, pruned and fed.  Pruning is good but it is important you stop pruning at least 6 weeks before the first frost so not to damage new plant growth.  Clean up debris and dead plant parts around your roses.  Leaves remaining on the ground can get mildewed sending spores to your plant and debris like dead branches invite insects and pests.   Lastly, a dormant fungicide rose spray containing cooper or lime should be applied after pruning because this is a great choice to restrain diseases.
A certified landscape technician is a great resource to answer your landscape questions.