The lazy, dog days of summer are upon us. Spells of hot, sticky, humid weather preclude much outdoor activity in tending to our gardens and yards. But what joy when we get those perfect summer days as in this past week, with intense blue skies, fluffy white clouds, and freshened air. How energized we feel!

Luckily, this time of year, the grass slows its growth, affording a week’s break here and there when mowing is not really needed. Should there be a lack of rainfall, one can just let the lawn go naturally dormant. Yes, it browns but with rainfall, it will suddenly spring back to life, and you will have saved precious drinking water for its better purpose.

Trees are stressed right now, dropping leaves due to lack of much rainfall this summer. Mature, well established trees should do alright.

If, however, there are young trees in your yard, newly planted this spring or within the past year or two, it is important to put a slow-drip hose at their base, so they can receive a deep watering.

Place the hose at the drip line, the distance to where the foliage reaches out from the trunk. Move the hose every so often to another spot at the drip line, over the span of an hour or two. Do this once a week in prolonged dry spells.

Until now, you have busily amended soil, planted, watered, pruned, deadheaded, and mowed. It is truly time to kick back, and relax. Indulge in the warmth of the season and the fruits of all your labour.

Take notice of the many varieties of beautiful butterflies that may be wending their way through your yard — monarchs, swallowtails, and painted ladies — just to name a few. Enjoy!

Image by artemtation from Pixabay