Deadhead. That is the term gardeners use for cutting off spent blossoms. This is a particularly good practice for rampant self-seeders such as bachelor buttons and bleeding heart.

Cutting back. Many perennials get rather leggy and floppy after they bloom. They often sprout new, fresh growth at the crown. When you see this happening, cut the floppy old growth down to the new growth. Your garden will suddenly look much tidier.

Fertilize Roses. Roses are very heavy feeders. They benefit from an initial spring feeding but also like to be continually nourished throughout their growing season. Manure tea (yuk!), fish emulsion (yuk, yuk!), and compost (pleasant compared to the other two!) are the preferred menu. Keep the roses well watered and clip spent blossoms to perpetuate flowering.

Fertilize bulbs. Tulips and daffodils were SPECTULALAR this year. Cut off the flower stalks but leave all the greens. Fertilize with Pro Gro or other organic fertilizer. Water during dry spells. Remove greens once they have withered and turned an ugly moldy
looking brown. At this point you can easily pull them out and you may dig them up and relocate if you choose.

Fertilize annuals. Keep those blooms going all summer long. Annuals grown in containers can get bedraggled and unattractive after a few months. To keep them looking fresh fertilize with a formula designed especially for flowering plants (Peter’s Blossom Booster) once a week. First water all your potted flowers so the soil is good and moist. Then mix fertilizer in a large watering can and water the plants again.

Prune evergreens. Hedges, especially, need a yearly summer pruning. We prune our arborvitae (cedar) yew and hemlock hedges in early July after the new growth has hardened off. Use sharp clippers so you make clean cuts. Do your pruning when you know you will have several days of clear skies.

Harvest herbs. The more you pick the more they grow. Don’t allow herbs to go to flower, except lavender of course! Pick parsley, basil, dill, and marjoram frequently. Snip thyme, savory, sage, oregano, and rosemary. Stop snipping these woody perennials in August.