Not exactly lazy, but don’t lose spirit because the best of Connecticut is before you. Take a moment to enjoy alfresco dinners with friends and family, or steal a quiet moment alone in the garden to contemplate and renew your energy.
In the garden it’s a time to reap the rewards of your efforts. The excessive heat can bring your Hydrangeas to their knees at midday but they will cleverly revive themselves in the cooler evening air, so all is well.
However, the issue at hand is the huge amount of rain Connecticut has experienced combined with excessive heat. This has caused mites, white flies, rust, black spot and all sorts of fungus. I cannot think of a better example than the Dahlia for lasting summer color, but this morning the usually carefree plant needed additional attention to assure its kept beauty! If you brush up against any of your plants and see tiny flies taking to the air, or if you notice discoloration of the green on its leaves - reach for a good organic spray. It can be a matter of life or death (for a plant).
All-in-DIY Natural Insecticide Spray
I found a recipe to make your own on Rodale's Organic Life website. It is said to be a combination of many different recipes submitted by readers. Puree 1 bulb of garlic and 1 small onion, add 1-teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder and let steep for an hour. Strain the mixture and add 1-tablespoon of liquid soap and mix well. To apply this homemade insecticide, spray it full-strength early in the morning, on a day with no rain and little breeze onto both the upper surface of the leaves, as well as the undersides. Store the remainder in the refrigerator for up to a week if desired.
Sandra Visnapuu is President of SEV Design Group and has been realizing peoples dreams for over 30-years. From pruning and planting, to orchestrating entire garden overhauls.
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