Rain Rain go away, the sun is out we hope to stay.

So now we can finally go out and view the garden and landscape without a rubber suit, an umbrella or the need for wipers on our eyeglasses.

Be sure to check for slugs as they will be abundant this year. I'm even finding them in the lawn.
Hostas are always plagued by the little critters so be sure to choose types that are labeled as slug resistant. Types that have ruffled or textured leaves are less preferred by slugs.

I don't really use any slug baits or traps, I find it takes too much of my time to be ruled by a slimy little wormy looking thing, they don't ever destroy the whole plant but maybe a few leaves which can be removed if they start to look really bad.

Oh and I've seen hummingbirds visit the HoneyBells hosta flowers, so for those of you who want to cut off those flower spikes you're missing something, the hummers are wonderful to watch, you can always remove the spikes when the flowers are done.

July is nearly here a time to relax and enjoy the season. Try to remember why we plant the things we do and stop and smell the roses while they're in bloom.

If you're in the Northshore area there is a lovely garden at the Trustees of The Reservations Headquarters in Beverly, Ma. - Long Hill

http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/314_long_hill.cfm

here's a photo of an area planted with hosta that is lovely to visit.