After you spent April and May digging and planting and watering, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your gardening labor, as flowering plants, such as daylilies, roses, dahlias, jasmine and coneflower, reach peak blossom and veggies start to pop out on vines. Set out some lawn chairs and relax in your own personal outdoors.
If you notice some bare spots, garden centers still have plenty of plants left. Putting in bedding annuals now is probably a waste of time and effort, but adding a perennial such as Russian sage or lavender that’s already well along in size can add some color and density to your garden — and it will come back next year. Many garden centers are having sales right now, getting ready to bring in fall plants (already!) such as mums and decorative kale. It’s also a good time to look at pottery and garden décor to add a personal touch to your home oasis; garden centers often have specials on those this time of year.
And it’s never too late to add some herbs to your window box. If you haven’t done so, grab some already-started basil, mint, oregano or parsley to add to a planter, and you can cut sprigs to toss in your dinner for a fresh, summery taste. (Try some chopped mint in your salad — and there’s nothing easier to grow).
Bask in one of the true pleasures of summer, and staying home won’t seem so difficult.