A New Start

Iris are finishing their bloom period, and new growth is beginning, so now is a good time to divide them. Those delivered from commercial growers often have only one small rhizome (because of shipping costs), but recovery is quicker if three rhizomes are left together in the shape of a Y . Rhizomes should be planted barely below the surface--perhaps an eighth of an inch. Iris don’t tend to stay put, so when you’re planting, face them in the direction in which you want them to move.

When making vacation plans, don’t forget to put garden care on the list of things to do. Is the gardener going to put in extra time, or is a neighbor going to help out? Nearly all established trees and shrubs can get by for three weeks or longer with one really deep watering. However, shallow-rooted shrubs--such as azaleas, fuchsias and hydrangeas--may need extra water. Potted plants, hanging baskets, lawns, flower borders and ferns require the most conscientious watering. Before you leave, take the person who will be the caretaker on a plant-watering tour so he or she will learn what the important tasks are and where to find the faucets. Make a calendar to make sure that important items aren’t missed.

Many cool-weather perennials that have appeared to be survivors suddenly start looking as though they’re going to poop out this month. It’s because they can’t take either the heat or the aridity. Cyclamen are an example, especially the florist type. Keep them as cool as possible. They are semi-dormant now, so if they’re in pots, turn them on their sides and wet only occasionally, to avoid rot. English primroses that have looked fine into July might suddenly look sad. Check the underside of the crinkled leaves for the fine webs of the almost-invisible spider mites that suck out the chlorophyll. They thrive where the air is dry.

Dahlias should be tied up so that they don’t break as result of their own weight. Keep snipping off the old flowers, cutting back to the first set of leaves from the main stem. Remove some of the buds for larger flowers. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer, such as liquid fish. Watch for snails and slugs, and spray for mildew if it appears. Dahlias are fast growers and need a constant supply of available moisture, but not bog conditions.

Exotic fruit trees are increasing in Southland yards. Summer is a good time to plant one of these trees, and the litchi is a prime candidate for your yard if you live in an area where the temperature does not drop below 28 degrees Fahrenheit. The litchi is a magnificent tree with sweet-tart, succulent fruit that is encased in brilliant red shells, and has a pleasant aftertaste and a texture not unlike that of a peeled grape. The flesh surrounds a brown seed.

The fruit grows in spectacular clusters that contrast with the tree’s evergreen foliage. The tree attains a height of 20 to 25 feet. It blooms in early spring, and its fruit ripens from August through October, although the tree tends to bear fruit every other year.

‘Brewster’ is the best litchi variety for most Southern California areas. Visit Pacific Tree Farms, a rare-fruit nursery in Chula Vista, or have your nursery order a tree from them. Watermelons start ripening this month. How do you know when your home-grown watermelons are ready for harvest? When the skin color under the melon turns from white to cream color and the tendril on the stem starts to dry up, it’s probably ready to pick. The old thumping method is effective only to determine whether the melon is overripe . If there is a dull, rather than a sharp sound, the melon is probably past its prime.