MBGC: Hard work has paid off

July is here and all our hard work has paid off. 

Tried and true annuals like begonia, zinnia, vinca and New Guinea impatiens are in full bloom. Some members have planted impatiens this year. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the blight that affected them five years ago is completely gone. 

Tiger lilies, Asian lilies and day lilies all have buds and are ready to bloom. 

Watch out for the lily bug; if you have holes in your leaves, you probably have them. They are red, the size of a ladybug, but without the spots. I keep a container of soapy water near the lilies to collect them. Check for them every day.

The butterflies are moving in this month. Just in time, because July is National Pollinator month. Along with birds and bees, butterflies are important pollinators, so be kind to them. Treat them to a basin of clean water every day. 

The interactive summer youth gardening program at the Yaphank Farm starts on July 10 and ends on Aug. 28.  Sharon Ott and Lori Silverman (both master gardeners) are involved with this program. 

For registration information go to Cornell's website:  http://ccesuffolk.org.

We are looking forward to our luncheon on July 18.  Hope to see you there.  Still time to make a reservation—check our website for information: http://morichesbaygardenclub.org.

Take a minute to check out my deer. I guess my grated Irish Spring soap didn't work. Aargh.