While we finally got some glorious rain and relief from the very hot weather, my area and so many others, remain in a drought. How do we fertilize plants, trees, shrubs and the lawn in these conditions? August is also, typically, hot and dry. How does that affect our plants? Learn when to fertilize, how much to fertilize and when to just say no to fertilizing on today's Garden Bite. 

Strawberry season is all but over for most home gardeners. The heat wave we had speeds up the fruiting. So what do you do now for an even better crop next year? Strawberry patch renovation! I share tips on how to do that on today's episode of Garden Bite. Be sure to check out my website too. 

Lupines always make me think of the North Shore. Riding motorcycles Bayfield, Wisconsin, I was thrilled to see all the fantastic lupines blooming! There are native lupines and also some invasives, however, they're still being sold and you can manage them. Find them on today's Garden Bite. 

Succulents have found increasing popularity. It’s easy to see why. There are numerous options, some really beautiful. There are a large number of succulents. Create some beautiful containers indoors and out. Or plant them in the ground, as many are also perennials too! Find them on today's Garden Bite. 

There are good bugs, the kind that help keep down pests and disease, and then there are bad ass bugs! These are miniature assassins. In fact, one is called just that. Learn about these awesome insects on today's Garden Bite. 

I found my first Japanese beetles on my native Leadplant. Grabbed him, squished him. Then I wandered over to my roses and found 2 more. Two days later, there were 10 of them munching on the last of the roses on my ‘Music Box’ rose. Soapy water does the trick especially when you catch them in the afternoon when they're slower. However, there's good news on the horizon due to an insect that lays eggs on them! Learn all about it on today's Garden Bite. 

Last week I talked about how allergy season is growing. Climate change, with it’s warming temperatures earlier in the season has meant that trees are triggered into flowering earlier. Today I want to talk about trees that are less likely to cause the ah-choos. As mentioned, trees are the biggest contributors to allergy season. Learn about them on today's episode. 

Sunday we celebrate Independence Day. But this year, again, is different for Americans. The pandemic is slowed but the scars remain and the call to remind ourselves of our Declaration of Independence: paraphrased, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all people are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.  As you all know, my pursuit of happiness is in the garden! Diverse plantings means a stronger eco-system. I have several on today's show! 

While my area has been suffering drought, I have a number of hardy perennials that can handle the heat. Likely better than we can! I feel like wilted lettuce. Anyway, hear it all on today's Garden Bite and find pictures and more on my website, gardenbite.com. 

Are your irises rising out of the ground?  They’ve been left alone for years and are now fighting for room!  Generally it's a good idea to divide your iris every 3 to 4 years. Learn the ins and outs of dividing iris, when is the best time to do it, how to do it and find some outstanding bearded iris on my website, gardenbite.com.