How many 'dog days' have we had this summer?

It's kind of hard to call this August the "dog days of summer." Seems like we've been having them over and over since early June. You are to be congratulated if you've managed to keep all your growing things green this summer. Give yourself a big pat on the back! And give thanks that we haven't run out of water ... yet.

Those of you with veggie gardens have, no doubt, been reaping your rewards for quite a while. Funny how ripe tomatoes aren't nearly as interesting after eating 20 or 30 of them. I noticed in the newspaper recently that August 8 is designated as "National Sneak Some Zucchini Into Your Neighbor's Porch Day." Good one.

Now is the perfect time to take a little jaunt over to the VA in NW Spokane. The Dahlia Society Garden is in full bloom and will take your breath away. This group plants these beauties every spring for all to enjoy. The garden features every shape and size of dahlia, from the tiniest button-shaped flowers to the huge dinner-plate types.

Have you noticed an influx of grasshoppers lately? I have and am not surprised. With all the surrounding areas losing their vegetation to the heat and no rain, the hoppers and all their friends are moving into town. These little guys can do a lot of damage in short order. I declare war on any I see. And then there's Bambi ... and his relatives. Don't be surprised if you wake up one morning and see deer in your yard, feasting away.

As I've mentioned before, there are few deer deterrents that actually work. The sprays will do the job for a week or so, until your sprinklers wash them off. There are really only two reliable ones: Tall fences and outdoor guard dogs. In order to work, a fence needs to be 8 feet tall and a dog needs to be outdoors day and night. My dog only weighs 9 pounds, but thinks he's closer to 90 and will gladly chase any critter who ventures into "his" yard. That might work on a deer, but no moose is going to be spooked. Guess I'd have to go to Plan B, whatever that is.

Do you notice any of your trees losing leaves? If so, you need to take action ... immediately. When a tree loses leaves in August, there is usually only one reason. It is crying for water! Soak each tree overnight by letting a hose trickle somewhere within the drip line. That will make all the difference. Otherwise, you may have a dead tree next spring.

Something to remember, "The only thing worse than finding a worm in a cherry is finding half a worm!"

Elaine Cerny has gardened most of her life, starting in 4-H. She has belonged to garden clubs in three states and is currently serving as secretary for the River City Gardeners Club in Post Falls. Her column appears in The Press every other Sunday from early March until late October.