Does this hydrangea look like you feel?
Heat and dry weather can take a toll on your garden. Watering your shrubs and flowers less often and more deeply is the most beneficial way to keep them healthy. Generally you want to water so that the soil is moist to a depth of 6 inches. This should last the plants about a week. You can up the watering schedule to three times a week when it's been excessively hot and dry.
If you have drooping shrubs, keep an eye on them. Hydrangeas will flag in the heat - which means they droop. Check them in the evening and see if they still perk up. You don't want to over water them so if you're unsure if they are thirsty, do a knuckle test. Remove mulch and stick your finger into the ground up to your second knuckle. If the soil is moist, the hydrangea is ok. If it's dry, water!
(Fun fact: The name Hydrangea comes from a combination of two words meaning "water" and "pitcher")
Speaking of dry, New Jersey and surrounding states are not experiencing a drought at this time but one way to prepare for a drought, or better yet, just to conserve water because it's one of our precious natural resources, is to use a rain barrel to collect water for your gardens.
There are some considerations to make when it comes to rain barrels. It's not just a matter of putting a barrel out under your roof or gutter. You need to position it on a solid sturdy surface so there's no danger of it tipping over and causing injury. Keep in mind the safety of your building's foundation in case the barrel overflows. Cleaning and winterizing are other things to think about.
If you're making your own, materials matter! Metal can rust so use a dark heavy grade plastic to keep out light which can allow algae to grow. Keep it in a shaded area. You need a secure lid to keep mosquitos and falling debris out of the water and a spigot if you want to attach your hose to it. Of course if you are not inclined to make your own, you can find rain barrels for sale. Here are Bob Vila's top picks, which also includes more general information about them.
For more details on making your own, check out this video for a DIY rain barrel.
No matter what kind of barrel you use be sure to use the water within a week because the construction of any barrel is not intended for keeping water over a long period of time.
We all need extra hydration in the summer - and that includes birds and other wildlife. Birdbaths provide water for drinking and bathing which makes it important to keep the water clean and fresh. It's really a delight to watch feathered friends taking advantage of the cool down!
Birdbath designs vary so when choosing look for a wide lip that birds can land on and reach the water from when drinking. If the basin is deep, consider adding a few large rocks to make shallower areas for smaller birds. Metal baths are pretty but can get very hot. if you already have one, place it in a shady spot. Birds like to be be able to feed and bathe in places where there is an escape option, like a higher branch in case of predators. Avoid putting fountains and feeders in places where predators can hide.
Birds love moving water so fountains and bubblers are great features you can add, or you can purchase birdbaths with this functionality built in. Options exist for every budget. Here are some ideas.
While thoughts of Winter are far from our minds, birds need water in the winter too. If you're planning ahead, here are some bird bath heaters to consider.
And speaking of hydration, some plants are better at retaining moisture than others. Some of these are succulents, which make a great addition to rock gardens. Not only do they offer striking areas of texture to contrast with other plantings, they attract a wide array of pollinators as well. You might be surprised to learn that there are many varieties which are winter hardy and can be left outdoors all winter long either in containers or your garden. Summer is a great time to explore adding these to your outdoor living space.
Here's a great informative video that tells you which kinds to choose and where to plant them
The Fourth of July is over but it was a special celebration for me as I became a U.S. citizen in May. I'm happy, grateful, and proud to be here. May the spirit of the 4th and celebration stay with you all summer long! Need something? Planting, mowing, decorative lighting for special events and occasions? Give a call or text at (973) 452-0354 Please forward my newsletter to anyone you think might enjoy and find it useful. The best compliment is your referral to friends and family. I appreciate your patronage.
--Raf