Pine Ridge Garden Club News: June edition

by Helen Nicolaou

June weather has been a roller-coaster, between frigid cold to hot/humid temperatures. There were some regrets with planting tender annuals and vegetables in early June, as those plants would have struggled, due to the cold soil temperatures. Now, as of June, I am struggling in the heat to catch-up in the latest planting of my own garden. I will remind all gardeners, because of the extreme heat, take care of yourself and do light gardening early in the morning, keep hydrated, take breaks and quit early!

As with everything, heat can impact garden plants, affecting growth, their health and survival. By proper watering, providing shade, mulching and choosing heat tolerant plants, gardeners can protect their plants during periods of high temperatures. Heat stress and dehydration can cause leaves to wilt and stunt growth. Heat-damaged plants are unable to uptake nutrients, resulting in a poor crop yield. In heat, cold weather crops, like lettuce and spinach, will bolt into premature seed. Remember to water plants deeply, early in the morning or evening, to reduce evaporation and encourage deep root growth. Container plants should be moved to shaded areas, and tall plants should be planted to help shade smaller ones. Add mulch to help plants retain moisture and choose plants native to your area or ones which are known for heat tolerance to help keep your garden looking healthy and reduce the need for maintenance. After all, summer is meant to be enjoyed, relaxing in your comfy lounger, sipping on a cold glass of ice tea, while admiring the garden view.

Thank-you to Silvia Strobl, who, on Tuesday June 3rd, spoke on Invasive Species and their negative impact on Native Plants and risks to wildlife which depend on Native Plants. Great information was given on keeping invasives from spreading, by bagging or using solarization to destroy the spread of future seeds.

Although cold weather kept most Iris' from blooming for the Iris Flower Show, there were many lovely specimens which were entered. Anna S. won first in the Tall, Bearded Iris, Joan Z. won first for her Red Itoh Peony, Maryann V won first for her red Lupin in the Any Other Perennial class. Best In Show Horticulture Class went to Lynda B., for her Collection Of Spring Blooms, and Best in Show Design went to Norma H., for her Leafing Out Design. There were 54 entries in total: congratulations to all who entered.

Our upcoming meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 8th, at 7:30 p.m., with speaker Avery, from Vandermeer Nursery. She will speak on the topic of "Maximizing Your Garden: Small Spaces." Members, remember it's the Flower and Vegetable Show. Please drop off your entries between 6 and 6:45 p.m. There is a class for everyone, with 30 classes this month; please consider entering. Check pages 20 to 21 of your yearbook for classes. and pages 12 to 13 for "Tips on Showing, Hardening and Conditioning." Help is available at the Workstation Table for filling out entry tags.

There will be a "Self Drive Garden Tour," planned for Wednesday July 16th, to Anna Myzin of Annas Perennial Gardens, to a private 1-acre garden and Garrys Garden Center, in Lindsay.

There is limited space for members and/or friends at the July 8th meeting. More information is available and there will be a fee of $10. To become a member see Carolyn at the membership table. Refreshments are available, and there will be door prizes and don't forget, please Lug-a-mug. Guests are always welcome.Pine Ridge Garden Club: where gardeners come to bloom.