July in the Garden

Market explained that the small feeder roots of vegetables like squash and pumpkin drown with this much rain, making the plant unable to take up water so that it dies from dehydration. He also shared with me that he is seeding in some vegetables, such as collards, mustard and lettuces, which he would normally seed later in the month.

My yard has been a source of pleasure for me this summer. One morning I was sitting on the porch and I noticed a cardinal on the fence. He swooped down and got him a worm, hopped back to the top of the fence and crowed down. At the same time, I noticed a hummingbird gathering nectar from the plants below him and a butterfly drinking from my butterfly bath. What a sight to start the day with!

I�d like to caution you about invasive plants. Some time ago, a friend gave me a few plants that she called ground roses. I put them in the ground, and now wish I hadn�t. They are taking over my yard, coming up yards away from where I planted them. Every time I see another one poking up, I yank it up. Another plant I had bought is the dune sunflower. This one also is spreading all over. Wedelia is another ground cover that quickly takes over and is very hard to contain or get rid of. The Golden Rain Tree, one of our most beautiful trees, is also an invasive species. I had some Wandering Jew in a hanging plant with another plant. The pot broke and fell. Now I have Wandering Jew all over my beds and it has even spread in my lawn (which is not so bad as my lawn is not so great - I just mow it like grass!).

I�d like to share with you some exciting news: starting this month I will be carrying FLORIDA GARDENER MAGAZINE in my flower shop. If you have never seen this magazine, be sure to stop by and check it out. It is the only gardening magazine specifically for Florida and features many articles geared towards our Central Florida area. Many of the authors are local people. This magazine has provided me with endless hours of reading and information on all areas of lawns, gardens, and indoor and outdoor plants.

�Till next month - onward thru the weeds!