Summer Ideas, Tips & Guides

As the growing season winds down in the temperate zones of the US, gardeners have their work cut out for them. Flower and vegetable gardens alike have mature plants that have become scraggly and leggy with brown leaves, an overwhelming array of dead flower heads…the list goes on.How can you begin to tame this jungle and get things back in shape?Pe

Despite the recent heat wave here in Utah, summer is definitely on its way out. (Where has the time gone?!) I did quite a bit of planting, pruning, and general gardening earlier this summer, so for the past several weeks we’ve been able to sit back and enjoy the fruits of all that labor.

The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Amy Sheehan / Hamlin Row Shop

Image Treatment by The Spruce / Etsy

This summer, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself and your family from summertime pests like mosquitos. While a mosquito bite may seem like no big deal, mosquitos are notoriously effective at spreading disease, and could easily transfer that disease to you through that little bug bite. This year, there is a lot of concern about the Zika virus. Back in February, the World Health Organization declared the Zika outbreak a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” Zika virus disease has fairly mild symptoms for most people, like fever, joint pain, and irritated eyes. However, Zika can cause severe birth defects if contracted by pregnant women, which makes this virus a significant cause for concern. (For additional information about Zika virus disease, visit the CDC’s Zika virus website.)

While perennials add longevity to our gardens, annuals are great for adding a single-season punch of vivid color, interesting form, or a splash of fragrance wherever they’re needed.They’re terrific in beds and borders, and

Summer is the perfect time of year for so many things—dining outdoors, hosting events, and reconnecting with nature. Thanks to longer days and warmer weather, the coming months are also ideal for finding a new activity or rekindling your love for something you haven’t had a chance to do in a while. 

Do you love the bright flavor and aroma of fresh herbs? Then you should really devote some time and garden space to growing summer savory.An annual herb, Satureja hortensis is a low-growing plant tha