June Is the Payoff
Remember all those April weekends spreading mulch while it was still cold? June is why you did that.
Everything is full, the evenings are long, and the Hudson Valley is doing that thing where it's so green it almost doesn't look real. This is the month to stop working on your outdoor space and start living in it.
That said, a short list of things worth staying on top of:
Deadhead Your Spring Bloomers
Spirea, salvia, allium — once they've finished, remove spent blooms to redirect energy back into the plant. It often triggers a second round of flowering and takes about five minutes.
Water Smart
Newly planted perennials and shrubs need about an inch of water per week. Morning watering is always better than evening — leaves dry out faster, and you avoid fungal issues. If you have irrigation, walk your zones and make sure everything is aimed correctly.
Stay Ahead of Weeds
Weeds love June. Warm soil, occasional rain, long days — it's everything they want. Catch them before they seed and keep that mulch layer topped up. A little attention every week or two saves a lot of work in August.
Give the Lawn a Break
If you fertilized in May, you're set — let it work. Raise your mower height slightly. Taller grass shades the soil, retains moisture, and crowds out weeds naturally. Less is more this time of year.
Plant Your Heat-Lovers
Zinnias, marigolds, lantana, ornamental grasses — all still great to plant in June. And if you haven't added Black-eyed Susans yet, now's your window. Native, drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly, and they bloom all summer long.
Then Go Enjoy It
Light the fire pit. Eat outside. Let the kids run around until dark. That's what all the work is for.
If a project has been on your mind — a patio, pergola, fence, or garden refresh — summer books fast. Reaching out now means enjoying it this season, not watching it get built from the inside.
Peak Landscaping — Beacon, NY