Hot enough
The full sun of summer wilts plants and people. Faced with a southwestern exposure, most living things welcome the relief of afternoon shade—our “Elysium,” according to the little mountain’s favorite son.
Large trees like red maples and willow oaks cast canopies that lower temperatures 20 degrees. Dogwoods and redbuds suit smaller spaces and thrive in full sun if they have good soil (yearly topped with leaf mold or compost and not compacted by a constant stream of feet or wheels) and adequate water.
If you’re trying to shade the house, plant at least as far away as half the mature width of the tree. A mature red maple can reach a spread of 40′ to 50′, a dogwood perhaps 25′ to 30′.
 Geraniums can stand the heat and then some. |
If there’s no room for even a tall shrub like doublefile viburnum or lilac (both 10-12′ all around), consider the vine-covered cottage effect, especially for sheltering a west-facing porch. Perennial woody vines like Carolina jasmine or trumpet vine soon cover a large sturdy trellis and morning glories and hyacinth beans make quick annual screens on a zig-zag of twine or fishing line.
I have a friend whose porch and front walk are consumed in a fairy tale each summer by the prolifically re-seeding cypress vine with its tropical feathery emerald foliage starred with deep red flowers. Not for everyone, but quite an effect.
If you have a deck or patio where you can fry an egg on a sunny afternoon and shade is not an option, think barrels of rosemary and thyme, boxes of lantana and petunias or pots of sedum (dark “Matrona” or burgundy “Autumn Joy”) and geraniums. They love to sizzle, but not without some help. Don’t skimp on the size of the container and mulch with compost or finely ground bark to conserve moisture.
Modern bedding geraniums are made for full sun but have also been bred for durable, double, rather meaty flowers—somewhat like leathery pom-poms if you get my drift—and have been forever spoiled for me by the delicate tracery of the single-flowered scarlet, Pelargonium inquinans, perpetuated by Monticello’s Center for Historic Plants. We over-winter ours each year in the back room and sink them for the summer in a pair of turquoise glazed pots that flank the start of a gravel walk.
I’ve mentioned compost twice already, and regularly allude to it in these columns as an all-purpose elixir. It is indeed the magic potion we all seek, recycling organic nutrients while amending the soil and improving its structure. Most people are familiar with the concept, but there are many misconceptions, the chief being that the only way you can make it is with a big stinking pile in the back yard that beckons skunks and possums.
We will delve into this rich matter in further columns, but for now suffice it to say that it should be a crime to wrap organic waste—from coffee grounds to eggshells to leaves—in plastic and bury it in a landfill. If you’re guilty, you can redeem yourself—even if you live in an apartment without an inch of green space—by acquiring a small bin that you can rotate with a handle, and throw all the kitchen scraps into it.
The black gold that results is dandy for potting soil or fertilizing turfgrass. Trade it with your rural friends. At least one good soul is giving her garbage away to country composters via craigslist.
Shine on.—Cathy Clary
Gourmet greens
Unlike the gourmet version of asparagus, the shoots of the asparagus fern are poisonous to eat, so don’t try it. These plants bloom and billow during the summer months, and are heavy feeders—so make sure to keep them well fertilized. About every two weeks is recommended.
 The asparagus fern also grows in a leggier, more finely-leaved form. Either way, it’s a looker. |
Ferns have shallow roots, so they don’t need big pots. Only when the fern is completely spilling out does it need to be re-potted. Ferns do not like excessive heat, and especially at night, preferring something under 60 degrees. What they do like is greater humidity than most plants, so standing them in water or near a humidifier is a good bet.—Lily Robertson
July in the garden
-Make shade with trees, shrubs and vines
-Use large containers for full sun
-Think compost