Things to notice:
A large number of flowering cacti bloom only at night. The flowers are short-lived, and some species bloom only once a year, for a single night. Many public gardens(and private gardeners) will send notices by email when the blooms are within 12 hours to any who are interested in witnessing this remarkable phenomenon of nature.
Spending more time outdoors can occasionally lead to insect bites. Try vinegar to relieve any itching.
The spectacular bluish-purple flowers of the Chaste tree are in bloom this month. Few trees are as easy to grow in your yard or on the patio!
Enjoy long sunlight evenings leading to Summer Solstice—the longest day of the year!
Night Blooming Cereus, Epiphyllum oxypetalum
“Gardening requires a lot of water, most of it in the form of perspiration.” –Lou Erikson
Things to do:
Figs and Plums should be ready to pick. Be sure to pick up any fallen fruit from the ground. Rotting fruit invites pests and diseases.
Make sure that your citrus trees receive deep, but infrequent watering to keep roots fed—this will prevent cracking rinds on ripening fruit in the fall. Beware of hot hose water!
Remove faded flowers to promote new flower bud formation.
Keep your eye on peppers and tomatoes as temperatures rise; they may benefit from shade to increase fruit set and reduce sunscald on ripening fruits.
Make sure to keep birdbaths filled with water!