Prune, water, fertilize to beat summer heat

Summer in the garden always includes a list of chores.

Spring’s flower displays and surging leaf growth leave lawns and landscapes in need of some tender-loving care.

Many sun-loving flowers, including salvias, butterfly bushes and penstemon, have enjoyed their first round of blooms. Salvia Hot Lips, a popular perennial with bi-color red and white flowers, needs a healthy trimming after the spring rush. Prune to remove a third of the growth, shaping the plant into a sphere. This may feel too structured for this free-growing salvia, but it is the best way to renew the plant and get the maximum second floral display.

Butterfly bushes have panicle-shaped flowers in jewel tones of red, rose, lavender and purple. They are fantastic, sun-loving, large shrubs that look great on Clayton Valley hillsides and fence lines. Even if it’s still trickling bloom, now it the perfect time to prune the canes back about a third. Make you cuts just above a leaf, then apply a dose of multi-purpose water-soluble fertilizer to the base of the shrubs. You will see the rewards of your effort soon.

Penstemon is another excellent perennial selection for local landscapes, with trumpet-shaped flowers of red, pink, purple and bi-colors that bloom May through October. The trick is to prune after a rush of flowers. Remove faded flower stems clear down to the second round of new leaves, then fertilize to get the plant blooming.

Hydrangeas should also be deadheaded at this time. Remove expiring heads and stems far into the shrub. Hydrangeas bloom on old wood. But once a stem has bloomed, it becomes underproductive and should be removed. Follow up with a dose of water-soluble fertilizer for acid-loving plants.

Lawns can struggle in the summer months. Mowing too low or watering at the wrong times can cause burn and brownouts. Consider mowing every other week, or set the mower to the highest setting. Long lawn blades shade the roots and help prevent water loss from evaporation. Water in the very early morning hours, in five-minute cycles, so the water will have the chance to seep in rather than run off. Check your irrigation to make sure you are not watering the sidewalks or driveways.

Boost your lawn during summer with a premium soil conditioner. Rake a thin layer into the lawn’s soil using a flexible tined rake, then water. This will make nutrients available to the lawn naturally, instead of using synthetic fertilizers.

Another way to support your lawn is to apply a soil penetrate a few times a year. This helps break the barrier the soil surface creates and allows nutrients to penetrate deeper. You can apply soil penetrates when you use water-soluble fertilizers to assist the fertilizer in getting to the roots.

Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. You can contact her with ­questions or comments by email at gardengirl94517@yahoo.com