IT'S A HOLIDAY!
Someone, somewhere thought up “holidays” for every day of the year. We have chosen a select few for July, noting that there were so many ice cream days that we had to narrow it down to just a couple of our favorites. While we admit that many of these have a definite Southern connection we think you’ll find at least one that seems like a good excuse, er, reason to lock up the office and go celebrate!
July is . . . . National Baked Beans Month, National Ice Cream Month, and Anti-Boredom Month
July 1 is . . . . . Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day
July 4 is . . . . . National Tom Sawyer Fence-Painting Day
July 5 is . . . . . Workaholics Day
July 6 is . . . . . National Fried Chicken Day
July 13 is . . . . Fool's Paradise Day
July 14 is . . . . National Nude Day
July 15 is . . . . National Tapioca Pudding Day
July 16 is . . . . International Juggling Day
July 17 is . . . . National Peach Ice Cream Day
July 20 is . . . . Ugly Truck Contest Day
July 26 is . . . . All Or Nothing Day
July 27 is . . . . Take Your Pants For A Walk Day |
Many parts of the Southeast continue to experience severe drought conditions and outdoor watering restrictions, challenging landscapes and landscape contractors. Although you cannot completely “drought proof” your landscape, steps can be taken to help plants survive periods of limited rainfall.
Make certain plants have an ample mulch layer over their root system. A minimum of three inches of mulch helps hold moisture and prevent evaporation from the soil surface. Fine-textured mulches such as pinestraw, pinebark mini-nuggets and shredded hardwood do a better job of conserving moisture than large particle mulches. Make sure to apply mulch to as large an area as possible beneath plants, remembering that roots of established woody ornamental plants extend well beyond the canopy width.
Routine pruning, especially shearing, stimulates new growth and should be avoided during dry periods. Selective pruning may be necessary to shape plants.
When severe drought occurs you may have to decide which plants to water for just for survival. Newly planted trees, shrubs and groundcovers (installed within the past six months) should be a priority because they do not have a well-developed root system. Some established plants are less drought resistant than others and will require supplemental watering. Some turf grasses may go into a state of dormancy during droughts, resuming growth upon the return of ample rainfall. Consider replacement cost/value of plants when deciding what to water.
Drip irrigation and a soaker hoses are efficient ways of watering. Drip irrigation uses 50% less water than conventional sprinkler irrigation and applies water slowly and directly to the root system.
Congratulations to Melody and Bill Limbaugh on the birth of son William Hunter! Hunter joins adorable sisters Taylee and Kailyn who are thrilled with their new brother. Best wishes to the entire family!
Get out the white gloves, Linda Gordon has taken over the interior janitorial maintenance inspections. Contact Linda at 
OLM’s owner and president, Tommy Medlock, celebrated his 50th birthday in May by taking wife Cissy and some friends sailing in the Caribbean. Congratulations to Tommy on all his achievements!
