“What is a weed? A flower whose virtues have not yet been discovered.”~ Emerson
Because of the late-season rains, the weeds have been overwhelming. I have been pulling, cutting, smothering, and eliminating “these flowers whose virtues have not yet been discovered” since early March. I’m now on my third round of weeding. Yes, many of the weeds have pretty flowers, including vetch, bindweed, cut leaf geranium, Italian thistle, euphorbia, hemlock, and a plethora of grasses. Dandelions are abundant. I use the leaves for salads, while the flowers are fed to the birds.
The much-desired “discovered” blooms are also ample. My hill is blanketed in a sea of blue nigella, orange and yellow nasturtiums, and California poppies. Clematis and nigella flank stairways. The roses are spectacular this year in everyone’s landscape. Deep pink Oriental lilies in my garden are being enjoyed as long-life cut flowers indoors. One of the most colorful specimens is the fluorescent yellow and pink lantana, a heat-loving, deer-resistant shrub that thrives in our climate. Society garlic is also deer-resistant and requires very minimal water, boasting pretty purple plumes.
What else is blooming in my garden and local neighborhoods?
Petunia
Magnolia
Ice Plant
California lilac
Lavender
Sunflower
Zinnia
Hydrangea
Marigold
Peony
Dahlia
Echinacea
Snapdragon
Allium
Mexican Sage
Tithonia
Cosmos
Honeysuckle
Jasmine
Bird of Paradise
Morning Glory
Sword Lily
Bee Balm
Penstemon
Red Hot Poker
St. John’s Wort
Canna
Larkspur
Calendula
Chamomile
Calibrachoa
Agastache
Gladiola
Snapdragon
Feverfew
Bachelor Button
Queen Anne’s Lace
Shasta Daisy
Statice
Iris
Pelargonium
Cape Fuchsia
This is a short list of joyous June blooms, and there are many more, including super succulents. Look for them at your favorite nursery or garden center. Most will prosper throughout the summer and into the fall, offering a flush of blush for months. Plan on sowing seeds in the autumn for many of these.
In my garden, the gloom this June is the loss of fruit on my trees. Again, because of the heavy rains and the strong winds, the blossoms on my fruit trees were destroyed. Pollinators could not do their important work. The sad result is that I have no Meyer lemons, no apricots, no cherries, and no peaches developing.
Thankfully, I do have loquats, tangerines, limes, and a semi-crop of plums this year. Tomato vines are tall and filled with yellow blossoms that will soon drop to be replaced by tiny growing green tomatoes. Other planted vegetables and herbs are already providing nourishment, although my eggplants are still puny. My grapevines are looking fantastic and hopefully will provide a bountiful harvest.
ALERT: Speaking of grapevines…did you buy a grapevine from Costco between April 21 and May 19? If so, your vine may have included a very invasive insect called the glassy-winged sharpshooter. These dangerous insects spread a bacterium, causing a fatal grapevine disease called Pierce’s disease. This pest damages not only vineyards but also citrus and many other plants. Costco is issuing refunds; however, you must isolate the plant and contact the County Agricultural Commission, which will remove and dispose of the diseased grapevine. Do NOT plant or toss into your garbage or green bin. Here’s the website for Contra Costa County: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/7509/Preventing-the-Spread-of-Pests. The phone number to call is 925-608-6600. For more information on this frightening, invasive pest, visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/pdcp/gwss-costco-plants.html
Cynthia Brian’s Goddess Garden Guide for June
ü REPOT your crowded cymbidium orchids. Divide and share with friends and family.
ü ADD a snake plant, broad sword fern, Peace lily, or rubber plant to your indoor living space for the maximum amount of natural air purifying.
ü PREPARE your property for fire resilience. Grasses regrow, and ladder fuels return. Slow fire spread and support fire response. Fire season is now year-round.
ü FENCE areas visited by marauding deer. Although fuzzy and poisonous plants tend to be deer-resistant, nothing is deer-proof except a fence!
ü MAKE a teepee for cucumbers, beans, melons, and other climbers by inserting three to four, eight-foot bamboo poles straight into the ground.
ü STAKE your gladiolas before they topple.
ü REFRESH your wooden patio furniture with a splash of colorful paint, or if it’s teak, give it a good cleaning.
ü SWING in a hammock while reading a good book.
ü CUT out dead wood from privets, boxwoods, holly, and other hedges.
ü SERVICE your home and garden with a subscription to Honey Homes. With this code, you will get a $250 discount. https://honeyh.me/eXEn
ü PUT on your overalls to work in your vegetable garden. Take it from the farmer in me-the more seeds you sow, the more food you’ll grow.
ü THIN fruits (if you are lucky enough, have them on your trees)when they are the size of a penny on your overly populated trees.
ü SURPRISE dad with a new garden tool. (Keep the receipt in case he wants to exchange it!) Happy Father’s Day to all great dads!
ü CELEBRATE the summer solstice on June 21 by including neighbors in a midweek cookout.
ü DEADHEAD roses and perennials regularly to encourage voluminous flowering.
ü CONTINUE weeding. As you water, weeds will sprout. If you like the weed flowers, discover their virtues!
ü ENJOY the stunning June blooms in your garden and think about what you want to plant for next June.
Happy Gardening! Happy Growing! Happy Summer!
For more seasonal gardening tips and inspiration, grab a copy of Growing with the Goddess Gardener at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books.
Raised in Napa County vineyards, Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach, as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3.. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at https://www.StarStyleRadio.com
Her best-selling children’s series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures, is available at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store.
Your photography is outstanding!!! Enjoy your Spring, summer is almost here. And yes, even the Olympic Peninsula saw a great rose turn out! Sally