“In June, as many as a dozen species may burst their buds on a single day. No man can heed all of these anniversaries; no man can ignore all of them.”
– Aldo Leopold
How does your garden grow? Like many of you, I’m sure, I walk around most of my yard and garden every morning just to do a little contemplating and to check things out. Depending on the day I can be either elated or devastated (can we talk about squash bugs?). Yet, the garden is where I find my peace and happiness. Aldo Leopold’s quote rings true for me this month. The daffodils of spring were indeed beautiful, but June has brought mealy blue sage, blackfoot daisies, and hyssop-not to mention baskets, boxes, and armfuls of garlic, onions, potatoes, and green beans. Even the tomatoes are starting to share their bounty. Taking notice of all these gifts from my garden keeps me busy. I’m cleaning, cooking, freezing, drying, and eating my fill of vegetables, but I can’t ignore how the baked earth holds tight to the multitudes of weeds, small creatures rush to take more than their share, and how the need for daily watering one plant or another has become my new routine. I simply cannot ignore any of them let alone all of them. June is a month of labor for the gardener. So keep in mind the need for a little extra time and attention in your gardens, and keep your eyes peeled for problems. Keep in mind the need for drinks of water for plants that may ordinarily take care of themselves. Keep in mind the advantages of a nice 3-4″ layer of mulch. Most importantly though, keep in mind the bounty and beauty of June, and don’t forget to celebrate!
Georgette Recker
Somervell County Master Gardener