Gladiolus add lots of pizzazz to container gardens in sheltered spots.

Up On the Roof

Gardening on a rooftop or exposed balcony is a demanding endeavor. The challenge has given me a new appreciation for plants and their tenacity for life. My rooftop container garden has become both a source of pride and inspiration. But it took a lot of thought and planning to get it established. If you're starting from scratch ... more >>

Young lambsquarters are relatively easy to pull and the leaves are edible.

Weed It and Reap

Weeding is the main garden chore of summer. Like sweeping or vacuuming, it's a constant necessity that makes everything look better. If left unchecked, weeds can overwhelm garden plants. They reduce the beauty of ornamentals and the harvest of crops. Without weeding, gardens quickly turn into ... more >>

Composting is the ultimate recycling practice.

Thinking "Green"

There is a haze of green confusion. What does "green" mean? Which practices are green, which are not? Can you trust everyone and everything that claims to be green? more >>

July Q & A

Question: We are driving with our reluctant teens up the coast of northwest Michigan in July. Would you know of any green opportunities for learning, staying etc? more >>

July 2008

William Moss
E-mail your question and I'll choose two to answer in each newsletter.

Crinum powelli is one of my favorite summer bloomers.

July Gardening Tips

Bring sun-loving houseplants outside for a summer vacation. They will put on healthy new growth with the sun and rain. Start them in a shady area to slowly acclimate them to outdoor conditions. Keep them sheltered from damaging winds and water them well.

Maintain 1 to 2 inches of mulch around perennials and annuals to conserve moisture, moderate soil temperatures, and inhibit weeds. Dried grass clippings make a good, temporary summer mulch. As clippings decompose, they add nitrogen to the soil. Replenish as needed.

Twice a week, get out and walk, bike, skateboard, etc., to a destination instead of driving. This saves on gas, reduces emissions, and gives you some extra exercise. Plus it's a chance to get outdoors and better appreciate lilies, roses, hydrangeas, crinums, and other summer bloomers during their peak season.