The Plant Desk fields so many questions in May and June about winter damage on evergreens, both needled and broadleaf. Evergreens adapt to winter cold differently than deciduous plants. Trees and shrubs that lose their foliage are able to go into dormancy without those leaves, conserving moisture and exposing less tissue to bitter temperatures. Evergreens do not drop their leaves, but have developed strategies to cope with winter weather.

Although June usually ushers in the gentler garden, the kaleidoscopic colors of May might linger with us a bit longer. We had a very cool spring, but finally, feel like our temperatures have caught up to the calendar! Do try to be a little patient when evaluating viability though. Some woody perennials like Butterfly bush, Caryopteris and Hardy Hibiscus may be a bit later than usual this year.

Late May is usually a gardener’s favorite time of year! Every yards looks a bit like Munchkinland in technicolor. This spring’s weather has certainly delayed almost everything. So we find ourselves looking forward to a stellar June.

It’s almost June and by the end of the month, many a gardeners’ most hated day of the entire summer will soon be here – the annual emergence of the dreaded Japanese Beetles. Not much has changed for treatment of adult beetles, but there are a couple of really good options for controlling the grub stage.