A Message from YOUR Landscape Artist

Hello July!

We are officially in the second half of the year. HOW?!

What’s happening this month:

Ed's Concrete in Stratford is having their annual garage sale (cash only) on Saturday, July 11th from 7am-2pm. Don't miss it!
Plant Bingo at Anderson Craft Ales on July 16th
Live music, Theatre & Art at the Princess Ave Playhouse in St.Thomas on July 18th (I'm one of the artists who will be there painting!)
Competitive Advantage Masterclass on July 29th in Ottawa

What to do in the garden:

Flowers in bloom: Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Monarda, Daylilies, Hydrangeas & Ornamental grasses starting to gain height and movement
Seeing nibbled bits on your plants? A few chewed leaves are often a sign that your garden is functioning as an ecosystem.
Deadhead & tidy annuals and perennials for a tidy appearance
Cut back tired plants for a second flush like: Catmint, Salvia, Hardy geraniums & Lady’s mantle
Proper Watering SO IMPORTANT. Water deeply and less often. Water more during extreme heat, sandy soils, or drought and less if we get good rainfall. Watering in the early morning is ideal. Early morning watering means less evaporation, plants hydrate before heat arrives, and leaves dry quickly. Aim to water the base of the plants and the roots - not the leaves or flowers.

Watch out for:

Japanese Beetles. Hand-pick into soapy water in the morning and avoid beetle traps near your garden (they can actually attract more)
Powdery Mildew on Beebalm, Phlox & Squash. Improve airflow and avoid wetting leaves late in the day.
Slugs. They love Hostas, young seedlings & damp shady areas. Try placing a copper ring or pennies around plants to deter slugs from munching.

Are you taking antidepressants? Antidepressants—such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and TCAs—can impair the brain's temperature-regulating hypothalamus, reducing your ability to sweat and cool down. This dramatically increases the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and life-threatening heat stroke, especially during hot summer weather.

Never stop taking your medication abruptly
Stay hydranted
Limit sun exposure
Avoid alcohol & caffeine (as best you can)
Take lots of shade breaks

What's New & Exciting with Me

I'm headed to the cottage later this month with my bestie - Angela! <3
I'm directing a play in November called "A Stork Club Story" and rehearsals are underway!
I've been working out with my personal trainer Miranda at Moving Forward Fitness, and am finally starting to see results! YAAASSSSS!
I am looking forward to being the workshop leader and adjudicator for this year's Minifest Festival in August!