When I think of ornamental grasses, I am reminded that some are hardy for our region and others have to be treated as annuals and discarded at the end of the season. Purple fountain grass for example, is a year around staple in Southern California gardens where its pinkish/purple feathery blooms just cry out to be touched.  

Let’s face it, there aren’t a whole lot of shrubs that bloom in August. Rhododendrons dominate spring and hydrangeas take front stage in early summer, but when it comes to late summer, the pickings are slim.

Of the few players that actually come into bloom this time of year, hibiscus are on the top of my list.

Now that the summer weather has arrived, it never fails that someone will ask me: “Can I still plant now, or should I wait until the fall?” 

For the record, as a landscape contractor in the Sacramento valley where it was routinely 85 to 105 degrees, I planted all summer long and never lost a single plant. 

There is an old expression attributed to Aristotle, “Nature abhors a vacuum,” that basically means every space in nature needs to be filled with something.

It would serve us all well to remember this when it comes to controlling weeds in our gardens.

Now that summer has arrived and we are spending more time out in our yards, it is becoming increasingly apparent that at certain times of the day we are not alone. By that I mean that the mosquitos are out in force and looking for some sustenance.

Now that the frenzy of May plant-buying is behind us, I always wonder just how many of those beautiful Mother’s Day baskets and pots full of flowers are actually still alive.

Or once the thrill of the purchase is gone, how many have at least been neglected to the point of near death?

Plants in our yards that require seasonal pruning to keep them to certain sizes or shapes go through growth cycles. It begins in early spring with soft, tender new shoots that can grow anywhere from a few inches to a few feet depending on the growth habit of that specific plant. 

When it comes to plants that are sun tolerant, drought resistant, and pretty much maintenance free, nothing can compare to sedums.

They fit nicely into rockeries, spill over retaining walls, blended into sunny mixed borders, and are great just about anywhere you want a carefree plant. 

Springtime has arrived and with it multitudes of Rhododendron blooms - our state flower that shines in every color imaginable! Along with their beautiful flowers comes interesting and attractive foliage too. Rhododendron foliage offers every shade of green, in all kinds of shapes and sizes.

Whatever your reason is for feeling moved to plant a vegetable garden in these times of turmoil, it’s a good idea. It is good to get out in the fresh air, get some exercise and any time spent in the garden can be therapeutic. All it takes is some effort and a few tips will help too.