Gettin' Wild in The Gardens

John Manion recently assumed the post of Curator of the Kaul Wildflower Garden, and he would now like to invite you to get involved as he settles into his new role. John will be hosting regularly scheduled volunteer sessions for any plant enthusiasts, gardeners or otherwise curious volunteers to join him in the Kaul Wildflower Garden to learn about pruning, propogation, plant history & folklore, design, botany (including those ever-elusive botanical names) and much more! The consummate plantsman, John is certain to share personal plant stories, tips, trivia and other priceless info on a variety of plant issues.

These sessions will take place on the second and fourth Thursday as well as the third Saturday of each month. That means that starting Thursday, June 10, anyone interested in joining these sessions can meet at the gazebo in the Kaul Wildflower Garden at 8 a.m., lasting until about 11 a.m.

Gardening Tips for July

Here are some good tips for gardening in Alabama during the month of May. We update these regularly each month, so stay tuned for more in the Gardening Tips series!

Tips courtesy of Alabama Cooperative Extension System; for more information, see www.aces.edu.

• Protect figs and other ripening fruit from birds.
• Continue to root shrub cuttings until late in the month and mulch to keep soil moist.
• Remove faded blooms promptly from crape myrtle and other summer-blooming plants.
• In lawns, watch for diseases. Mow regularly, and water as needed.
• Keep roses healthy and actively growing.
• Apply fertilizer as needed. Wash off foliage to prevent burning if any fertilizer falls on plants.
• Water annuals and perennials as needed to keep plants active.
• Iris and spider lily bulbs may be planted late this month.
• Keeping flowers, shrubs, trees, and lawns healthy is the major task this month. This demands close observation for insects and diseases, and frequent watering.
• Plant beans, field peas, rutabagas, squash, New Zealand spinach, and Irish potatoes. Plant cabbage, collards, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and celery for the fall crop.
• Plant tomatoes in Central and North Alabama.