Are we done with the June gloom?

Here we are, in late June and STILL waiting for our first 80-degree day. Normally, the first one is June 13 or earlier. Of course, I said that word "normally." So far this year, nothing much has been normal. As I write this, there IS a slight possibility we could see one the 21st, which would be a great way to herald the official first day of summer.

There are many newer types of Oriental poppies on the market. You don't have to settle for the old fashioned bright orange one as they're now available in pink, peach, white and lavender. Nothing is easier to grow. Give them lots of sun and not much water. They will grow for years in vacant lots with only rain.

Remember, if you're wanting to cut back your lilacs, (and other early flowering shrubs,) do so within a month after they're done blooming. If you wait longer or do it in early spring, you will be cutting off next year's flower buds. One of the prettiest lilacs is called Sensation. It has dark purple flowers with a white edge on each petal. There are many new varieties to choose from including some that stay short.

Some of you may have the same problem I do. I love feeding the birds, but don't enjoy the "unwanted guests" such as squirrels and mice. After a squirrel knocked my favorite blue glass feeder to the cement recently, I bought a new one which is touted to be squirrel proof. We'll see.

Then there are the mice. I caught several out back this winter and early spring. Thought I was done, but spotted one recently, so had to set another trap. I put it where I thought it would be safe from the birds. Wrong. I heard some strange fluttering the other day. Upon investigation, I found a little Pine Siskin dragging the trap in which his feet were caught. Even after removing the trap and giving him TLC, he was a goner. So, back to the original problem. To feed the birds and put up with the varmints or stop feeding? Not an easy choice.

On a happier note, the annuals are taking off. Remember when you deadhead those petunias, marigolds, etc. to pinch off both the spent flower and the calyx behind it. If not, the plant will still be able to set seed. Once that happens, those annuals think they have finished their job and will stop blooming.

Do you own a color wheel? If not, you may want to get one. They are a great help in learning which colors look good together. We've all seen beds and pots that are just a mishmash of colors thrown together. Not very appealing. With a color wheel, you can easily see which colors work well together. Some of the best choices are colors directly across from each other on the wheel, such as yellow and purple, red and green or orange and blue. Other good combinations use colors next to each other on the wheel such as yellow and orange. The third and probably easiest is to use several shades of the same color such as lilac, light and dark purple. A dash of silver leaves or white blossoms work well to "cool down" a too bright grouping.

There are many plants with colorful leaves on the market nowdays. With these you don't even need flowers, or maybe just a few. Try a plant such a lime heuchera or sweet potato vine with purple flowers. Hot pink works well with lime foliage also.

One good thing about all the cool temperatures is that the flowers last longer than usual. See, there IS a silver lining after all!

Elaine Cerny has gardened most of her life, starting in 4-H. Since then, she has always kept a garden of some sort, growing everything from fruits and vegetables to flowers and house plants. She has belonged to garden clubs in three states and is an active member of the River City Gardeners Club in Post Falls.