•Revitalize summer annuals that have gotten leggy. Cut back petunias, verbena, sweet potato vine or any that are looking scraggly by one-third. Give them a shot of liquid fertilizer, and they will bounce right back.

•Since this month is usually hot and dry keep flowers and grass well watered. One inch of water per week is the general recommendation.

•Continue to use herbs to keep the plants bushy and vigorous.

•Cut and use your flowers. For the longest vase life, cut flowers early in the morning or late in the day. Carry a flower tote (We especially like the Bloomsaver tote, because it doesn’t turn over on uneven ground.) into the garden so that the blooms can be put directly into water. Recut stems and put the stems in water up to the bloom if possible. Leave in a cool place for a few hours before arranging. Add a few drops of bleach to each vase to keep bacteria growth down. Flowers will last longer, and the water won’t get a disgusting odor. A convenient way to keep the bleach handy is in a mustard or ketchup squirt bottle under the sink. Label the bottle to avoid confusion.

•Be vigilant about insect damage in your garden and spray as necessary. Note the spray dates on your calendar.

•Use pot feet to elevate pots on porches and patios. Not only is drainage in the pot improved, but the surface benefits when a wet pot doesn’t sit directly on it.

•Add a water feature such as a fountain or a bird bath to provide water for birds. If you want to be a friend to butterflies, put a sponge or a colorful nylon scouring pad in the birdbath to give butterflies a place to light while they drink.

•Keep hummingbird feeders filled with fresh nectar. To make nectar, add one-fourth cup sugar to a quart of boiling water. Let cool. Store in refrigerator until it is ready to use. Don’t add red food coloring. The color of the feeder or its red tip will attract them.

•Continue to cut back fall-blooming mums until the middle of July to insure bushy growth.

•Plant pumpkins if you want them for Halloween. Leave them plenty of room to grow.

•Sit on your porch with a glass of iced tea and think about your fall garden.