June

As California shifts from spring to summer, we become more sensitive to the lack of rain, typically not returning to our skies until October. Elevation makes a big difference here because mountainous gardens may still receive rain cloud bursts, and top elevations may still have snow. March through June can be exciting because spring in California is a moving target depending on location and microclimate. This means we can follow “Super Blooms” from Southern California and desert locations early in the season, then travel to far Northern California or mountain regions to revisit our state’s wildflowers.
Most spring growth has occurred in greater low-lying areas of California. Hedges, vines, espaliers, and topiaries can become “hairy,” looking unkempt and needing reshaping. When we start to reshape these plants, the Royal Horticulture Society will remind readers of The Garden to first check plant masses for inhabitants, such as nesting birds and den-making native rabbits. It will not hurt to take a few moments to do the same here in the United States. As habitats continue to dwindle, provisions for wildlife become critical. Our landscapes, regardless of being small gardens or large-scale developments, provide opportunities to live with rather than vacate or extinguish native wildlife. We can contribute to these benefits simply by being mindful of our gardening practices.