Mountains And Plains

Flower & Garden Magazine, June, 1999 by John Cretti, Jeri Cretti

Now, summer watering begins in earnest, and it's time to evaluate how successful you've been at grouping landscaping plants according to water use. If you see a wilted plant surrounded by vigorous, turgid neighbors, it's likely the wilted plant is in the wrong location. It will do better in a community of plants that need more frequent watering. Just take a look at nature -- plants live in harmony with neighbors having similar needs. Identify problem plants and landscape situations now, and transplant them in early autumn.

To conserve moisture while also reducing weed germination, apply a layer of organic mulch such as pine needles, aspen shavings, shredded cedar or dried grass clippings around and under shrubs, trees, flowers and vegetables.

If you want a garden of irises, dig overcrowded clumps of bearded irises after flowers fade. Discard any dried-out or mushy rhizomes, separate healthy ones and replant in well-drained soil amended with compost in full sun. Don't plant the rhizomes too deep, as this will delay flowering; let the shoulders of the rhizomes hug the surface of the ground.

Continue the process of composting by adding any disease-free leafy debris, grass clippings and annual weeds (before they produce seed heads) to the compost pile or pit. Turn and water the materials every few weeks to hasten the decomposition process. By fall, you can add this rich source of organic amendment to the flower and vegetable garden.

In the high country of the Rockies, pluck the faded flowers and seed heads from tulips, daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs. Let the leaves remain until they naturally ripen or turn brown. When bloom is finished, fertilize the bulb garden with a 5-10-5 all-purpose plant food and water it in thoroughly.

Watch for mottled leaves and fine webbing on landscape plants. This is a good indication of an invasion of spider mites. Spray with a homemade soap spray or, if needed, use a stronger miticide. Read and follow label directions carefully. Keep the foliage of plants free of dust and discourage mites by rinsing the top and bottom of leaves with water.

Above all, enjoy the summer season, and if you need more detailed high plains and rocky mountain garden information, visit our website at www.greenthumb.net.