Irrigation the key to a beautiful landscape

▪ If you want a beautiful landscape, you have to water it. This year the rain has been fairly regular, but watering is still needed. Yes, you can drag around the hose and sprinkler, or you can install an in-ground sprinkler system. An irrigation system isn’t as expensive as you might think, and when combined with the newest digital smart timers, these systems can use up to 30 percent less water than older systems. The key to watering is consistency, and that is what irrigation does. Like a refrigerator or a dryer, an irrigation system should be on the list of your home amenities. It’s good for re-sale value, too. Contact me if you need more information.

▪ As daylilies stop blooming, it is time to divide these plants. Dividing daylilies promotes more blooms next season. Using a shovel, dig up the clump of plants, and use a knife (a steak knife works great) to cut the daylily into two to four new clumps. Plant and water.

▪ It’s time to prune shrub roses like “Knockout.” Use a hedge trimmer, and prune to a height of 12 to 18 inches. Yes, they will be ugly sticks for a few weeks, then they will start to grow and bloom until Christmas!

▪ Treat fire ant mounds again. Use a bait type control for long lasting results. Treat in the morning. Boric acid powder works well, too.

▪ Begonia grandis is a perennial (hardy) begonia that looks great in the shade garden. It offers excellent foliage and pink flowers in the middle of summer.

This story was originally published July 20, 2016 at 9:00 PM with the headline "Irrigation the key to a beautiful landscape."