June in the garden | Knock Out's disease | TomatoFest June 8

Nature Nights: insects and arachnids are the stars of this evening's free event at the Wildflower Center. There'll be lots to see, including Spider Joe, Small Wonders Puppet Theater, and a butterfly and moth walk. 6 - 9 p.m. Nature Nights ❦

Texas TomatoFest Saturday: $600 in gift cards await the champions, along with heaps of garden supplies at this exciting new event at the Natural Gardener. 10 - 2 p.m. (Full disclosure: the Austin Garden's editor will be one of the judges!) TomatoFest ❦

Perennials seminar Saturday: Join Reeve Hobbie from 10 - noon as he shares dozens of his favorite tried and true perenn-ials that thrive here with minimal care. Thanks to Travis Co. Master Gardeners for putting on this event. Zilker Botanical Garden. (Free with admission ) TCMG ❦

How to make phonograph needles from a cactus: for Austin's weirder cacti enthusiasts, a fun idea to explore. 'Victor Ola' harvests some needles from a towering Saguaro, and attaches one to the arm of his Victrola. YouTube ❦

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Rose Rosette Disease: this virus, once used to control rampant multiflora roses from Japan, is now taking down our Knock Out roses, and nothing can stop it. The Grumpy Gardener shares thoughts on the subject. Southern Living ❦

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The Austin Garden is sponsored by Hays Free Press

Central Texas Gardener: on tour, a visit to a honeymoon paradise in rocky Cedar Park. In the studio, a chat with Casey Aicklen (Barton Springs Nursery) about 'flashy plants for splashy summer.' Saturday 4 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. KLRU ❦

Seven June Activities

by Chris Winslow

1. Water Early morning is the best time… otherwise most of the irrigation water evaporates. Deep soaking is best because it gives the plant a greater reservoir to draw from.

2. Native tree care This month generally turns out to be pretty hot and dry. Remember your trees are going to be thirsty too. A small amount of rain does little to carry moisture deep into the soil.

3. Mulch This will cool the roots and slow the water loss from evaporation. Mixing your mulch 50:50 (bag-for-bag) with compost, will add nutrition and relieve stress.

4. Slow release fertilizers When feeding flowerbeds and turf, be sure to use an organic-based, slow-release fertilizer. You will avoid burning plant roots in the summer heat and will have little impact on our watershed. Foliar sprays with seaweed will also help reduce heat stress.

5. Care for your roses The first flush of your spring roses has finished. The flowering ends of the rose stems have probably formed hips (seed pods). Cut them off and there will be a new round of flowering. Also, give them some rose food. Examine them for any sign of insects, especially spidermites, and treat with horticultural oil (Sunspray or All Seasons) or Spinosad.

6. Mow high Cut your grass as high as you can stand. Longer grass blades will help shade the turf and conserve water. Leave clippings on the lawn.

7. Add summer color This is the right time to plant heat-loving summer color in those empty spaces. Planting in the morning and evening is best. For summer color, zinnias, purslane, moss rose (photo above), and vinca seem to be the hardiest. Make sure they get enough water when they are establishing themselves. Happy gardening everyone! ❦