The brightest of the stars in the Big Dog constellation is Sirius, the Dog Star. In the mid-summer, it can be seen rising and setting with the sun. This conjunction caused the ancients to believe that Sirius’ heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather. They named this stretch of time, from 20 days before the conjunction to 20 days after, the Dog Days, which in 2018, began on July 3rd.
These hot days often usher in drier weather, so please be sure to water! July rainstorms are notoriously fickle, so please pay attention to the conditions in your own yard. If a period of dry weather sets in, any tree or shrub planted in the last two years will need its roots soaked once a week. Perennial and annual borders will benefit from watering as well. If dry weather continues, it’s also a good idea to root-water even established trees and shrubs, especially Beech, Japanese Maples and Redbuds. Drought stress weakens a plant’s ability to fight off disease and pests, and can affect winter hardiness.
June was Perennial Gardening Month, but July has its own charm. If your garden looking a bit tired, you can add some flower power with Garden Phlox, Liatris and Coneflowers. You can continue to plant perennials all summer as long as you are paying attention to their watering needs. Newly planted flora will need some baby-sitting if the temperatures start to soar. So if your personal gardening energy is still in planting mode, go ahead and insert some new colors and textures.
Shear perennials after their first flush of blooms to encourage a second flowering. Coreopsis, Veronica and Salvias all respond beautifully to this haircut method of pruning. You don’t have to prune stem by stem. Grab a handful of stems and cut the whole bunch at once. They will grow out and look natural in a week or so. And for those perennials that re-seed a bit too vigorously, this is a must-do gardening chore, unless you relish weeding out unwanted seedlings later this summer or next spring.
While you’re deadheading, shear back your Japanese Spirea and Potentilla that have finished flowering. Continue to dead-head Roses to encourage re-blooming. And there is still time to prune Arborvitae, Yews and Junipers now that the new growth is darkening in color. Be prudent though and leave enough of this year’s growth to develop buds for next year.
We heard reports of Japanese Beetles last week. Watch for them on Roses, Hibiscus and other flowering shrubs. When they do arrive, you can pick them off and drop them in a bucket of soapy water. Or try an insecticidal spray, like Eight. These contact sprays work the best if the product actually touches the insects. Insecticidal soap will not be effective. Use traps only as a last resort in a remote area of your yard. They will attract as many beetles as they catch. And you’ll have to clean out the trap. Yickers!