šæJune in the Native Plant Gardenšæ
June in Southern California arrives with the hum of pollinators, the soft crunch of sun-dried soil, and the scent of native wildflowers in the air. Itās a time when the garden catches its breath before the heat of high summer settles in.
Hereās what to notice, tend, and celebrate this month:
š¼ Whatās Blooming in June
Depending on where you are, you might see:
California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) bursting into soft, pale pink clouds that will deepen to rust as the season moves.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) standing tall and radiant, loved by both pollinators and people.
Sticky Monkeyflower drawing hummingbirds and bees into the garden like living music.
If you're in a cooler region, some spring bloomers may still linger. In hotter zones, the early summer show is in full swing.
š Pollinators to Welcome
Keep an eye out for:
Native bees sipping from buckwheat and sage.
Hoverflies and butterflies making their rounds.
Hummingbirds staking out their territories.
Think about leaving some water out. A shallow dish with pebbles makes a beautiful pollinator bath. Weāll post a DIY video soon.
š What to Tend
Water deeply, less often: Encourage roots to grow deep. Early mornings are best. If youāre using irrigation, watch how your plants are responding and adjust accordingly based on microclimates or heatwaves.
Mulch around young plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Deadhead sparingly: Let some flower heads go to seed for birds and natural reseeding. Only prune if plants are diseased or sprawling.
Now is also a good time to pause on new plantings in hotter areas unless you can offer consistent water and shade. Focus instead on observing and supporting whatās already thriving.
š Seasonal Rhythm
The Summer Solstice (June 20th) marks the longest day of the year. Itās a beautiful time to set intentions for your garden.
Sit outside in the early morning or at dusk and listen. Notice whatās thriving and whatās struggling. Future you will thank you.
Write down your observations in a garden journal
š A Thought for June
"The garden is not a place. It is a process." ā Geoff Lawton
A gentle reminder: gardening is a relationship, not a checklist. This month, let your garden show you how to slow down and listen.
