While the New Jersey temps and humidity rise, watering has become a daily chore in the vegetable and container gardens. I’m also trying to keep up on the weeding but it is so hot out! I don’t enjoy weeding in the summer heat so I try to get out in the early morning or evening when the temps are a bit cooler.
Since it is hot and humid, my garden chores consist of watering, weeding, deadheading and harvesting fruits and vegetables. In July, we visit the beach a lot and spend more time together as a family so I try not to bog myself down with a lot garden stuff now.
When we are not at the beach, we spend a lot of time on the decks and at the fire pit together. With three busy teenagers, it’s great to have these outdoor spaces where we can regroup and enjoy small moments. To see these outdoor living areas see, Decorating the Deck for Summer and Outdoor Fire Pit.
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Patriotic Decor in the Garden
Since we celebrated the 4th of July this week, I decorated the gardens with some American Flags. Aside from tucking flags in here and there, I usually don’t do too much in the way of patriotic decor because we are usually away at the beach.
Front Garden
If you read last week’s garden tour blog, you know I removed all of the Tall Phlox from the front border because it was badly affected my powdery mildew. In its place, I planted “Conefections” Cherry Fluff Echinacea, Russian Sage and Rose Mallow.
While it is best to plant a garden in spring or fall, the huge hole in the front border will drive me nuts. Therefore, I will do the work to keep these new plants alive and well in the summer heat. I’m really excited to see how the garden will look as my new garden tenants acclimate and grow in the front border.
Mailbox Garden
The Mailbox Garden is still doing really well. I added a few flags to greet visitors who stop by the house. The Daylillies that flank both sides of the bed are almost ready to bloom – hopefully by next week!
Well Garden
The Well Garden’s orange blooms are still going strong. I am loving the Daylillies with Smoketree and Zebra Grass. It’s such a fun combination right now!
Backyard Gardens
I’ve been weeding the back borders little by little. Every time I go out there, I find a new small patch of Poison Ivy. Ugh! Since I’m finding it among my perennial gardens and had a really bad case last year, I recently blogged about the Best Over-the-Counter Poison Ivy Products.
Aside from finding Poison Ivy, the Blueberries are ripening so we are able to pick fresh berries every day. Blueberries are super easy to grow, but you need two varieties so they cross-pollinate. Be sure to site them in full sun and give them a year or two to develop a good root system before expecting a good harvest.
Berry and Vegetable Gardens
Deck Gardens
Backyard Border
Final Thoughts
Do you like to decorate for the 4th of July? I would love to know what you do – please let me know in the comments. I enjoyed the flags in the gardens this year and would love to do more decorating indoors next year.
I hope you enjoyed this week’s garden tour and appreciate you joining me. If you missed a few tours or want to see how the garden has progressed, you can see them here:
- 1st Week – Bulbs and Early Spring Perennials
- 2nd Week – Cool Season Vegetables and Spring Flowers
- 3rd Week – Growth, Change and Everblooming Design
- 4th Week – Growth and Transition in the Spring Garden
- 5th Week – Container Gardens and Outdoor Living Spaces
- 6th Week – Adding Color with Annuals
- 7th Week – The Importance of a Tidy Border
- 8th Week – How to Create a Hummingbird Garden
- 9th Week – Spring to Summer Transition
- 10th Week – Summer Perennials, Pest and Disease Control
Do you love to garden too? I would love to hear about it and see some photos of your gardens, no matter how big or small. Please leave your ideas, comments & more below or contact me here. Be sure to find me @bricksnblooms on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram! And feel free to tag me on any photos you post so I can enjoy your garden too!
Thank you for following along and touring the gardens with me. Happy planting – enjoy your day! xo