We’re in a new month. And how sweet June is after the physical and mental exertion—and accompanying exhaustion—of a typical May.
The first four months of every year are spent in preparation for May, the month when each single seedling, bulb, corm, tuber and root must be planted. When May ends, we seem to quickly forget just how tiring the month was for us flower farmers, which is why I encourage you to keep a journal that documents your work each growing season and helps you visualize the next successful harvest.
Now that it’s June, it’s time to start looking back at all the spring bloomers. What has fizzled out? What needs cutting back or even pulled out? You don’t want tired spring bloomers taking up precious space for the coming months. They’ve done their duty, so don’t hesitate to replace them with a higher commodity for the summer.
May brought peonies and alliums to the show. Now, we’re ready for performances by dahlias, gladiolus, lilies and the tried-and-true perennials that adorn our gardens or fields.
At my farm, Allium Silver Spring was a hit last month, beautifully displaying its colors and height in fresh and dried floral pieces.
Have you gotten your summer annuals in the ground yet? The first succession should be in the ground by the end of May or the first week in June. Make note of that in your journal for next year.
We now have about six months of full-on growing season ahead of us. June is a busy time, with harvesting, processing and creating. But then, growing flowers and getting them into the hands of folks to enjoy is what we’re all about. Just remember to stop and smell the roses every once in a while!
Happy Gardening!
-Pamela Anthony
Beehind Thyme Farm & Garden