Summer officially arrives this month - the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer that the song recalls. Schools get out, lemonade stands appear and the scent of freshly mowed grass fills the air. In the garden, birds, bees and bugs are already busy, and even weekend gardeners have realized that it’s finally warm enough to fill the yard with flowers. Any flower or vegetable seeds started indoors should be hardened off and ready to plant in the garden. Don’t forget that you aren’t being cruel when you thin out seedlings, you are helping the remaining seedlings to develop into stronger plants.

Pests and poisonsŒ

Along with everything else that thrives in a healthy garden, there are sure to be some weeds and plant pests. While tempting to wipe out these invaders with the latest in chemical weapons available to gardeners, remember that there may be fallout from this type of weapon, too. You may kill beneficial insects along with the troublesome bugs - bees and butterflies are often the victims of these toxic treatments, and children and house pets can be vulnerable, too. Weed killers can leach into the water supply, and, like pesticides, may only be effective when applied strategically at specific times of year.

The state of Illinois requires landscape contractors and other professionals who deal with pesticides (applicators and operators) to be trained and licensed. If you have questions about whether an insect in your yard is friend or foe, check with your county extension agent. Use mulch to help control weeds in planting areas.

Herbal delights

Some new gardeners are intimidated by herbs, thinking that they somehow require more care or knowledge than flowers. Herbs are one of the easiest and most satisfying types of plants to grow.For the most part, herbs are sun-loving plants, and many show their Mediterranean roots in their tolerance of heat and drought.Until you become familiar with their growth habits, you might want to experiment with herbs in containers instead of in plant beds. A number of herbs, particularly those in the mint family, can be invasive. Advanced gardeners might want to try designing a modern replica of the traditional knot garden, with herbs contained within borders of low, tightly trimmed boxwoods or dense, low-growing perennials.

Since ancient times, herbs have been used for medicinal and culinary purposes. In addition to their practical purposes, many herbs are ornamental enough to find a place in most ornamental garden beds. Herbs such as basil, oregano, dill, marjoram, thyme, mint, scented geraniums and others have the added benefit of sweet, spicy or exotic fragrances.Herbs include both tender annual plants and hardy perennials, from prostrate ground-covering forms to those that tower several feet high. No garden should be without at least a few herbs, but once you’ve dabbled in herb gardening, you may find it hard to settle for just a few.Allergy awareness

Some plants, including poison ivy and the herbs thyme and rue, contain oils that can cause allergic skin reactions in some people. While most people are familiar with allergies to airborne pollen, there is less awareness of this type of allergy. In the case of poison ivy, some people may not be sensitive to the oils while others may require hospitalization after the smallest exposure. It is important to remember that all parts of the plant are toxic - leaves, twigs, berries - and people have had serious reactions even by inhaling the smoke from burning poison ivy plants. In the case of rue and other plants including arums, gas plant (Dictamnus), primula and monkshood, the allergic reaction can be intensified if your skin comes in contact with the plant oils in direct sunlight. This type of allergy, called photodermatitis, can cause a rash of varying intensity and duration, sometimes with itching and blistering, while exposure on an overcast day may be much less severe.Wear protective skin coverings while working with these plants, but if you do come in contact with the plant oils, wash the area immediately with cool water and do not rub or scratch the skin.

The kindest cut

June is a good time to prune spring-flowering shrubs. Some shrubs may need to be thinned or cut back drastically, while others may benefit from a simple removal of dead flowers and broken or diseased branches.As different shrubs have different pruning needs, do a little research before putting the pruning shears to work. Many books illustrate different pruning techniques or consult a landscape professional.Tie back the dying foliage of bulbs until it is completely dried out. Pinch back mums to ensure bushy, compact growth. Other perennials that bloom in late summer or early autumn can benefit from pinching back in early summer, include asters, ornamental goldenrod, tall sedums, tansy, Russian sage, obedient plant, Joe Pye weed, sneezeweed and boltonia.

• ILCA offers free color brochures, “Your Landscape Begins With A Dream,” for planning, budgeting and creating outdoor spaces and “Garden Centers Are ‘Natural’ Resources,” with guidance in garden center selection. Included is a list of member landscape contractors and garden centers. Call Monday through Friday (630) 472-2851, or write ILCA, 2625 Butterfield Road, Suite 204W, Oak Brook, IL 60523 or e-mail information@ilca.net. The Web site is www.ilca.net.

source : www.dailyherald.com