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Celebrations From Page 1 throughout the whole summer, whether it's annuals or perennials. Well, sorry to say, it just isn't going to happen. Well, at least not all of it. What may look good in June may not look so good in September. Also, if you're relying on perennial plants, there are many factors that are associated with when a plant blooms so you can never guarantee the exact time of full bloom. You never know what insects or disease might attack your plants along the way. The weather plays an important role. We can't control how much or little rain we may get, or the storms that may arise and do damage, or even the temperatures. The practices of cor- rect watering and fertilization are also important. All of these elements need to be close to perfect for our plants to look their best and bloom to their fullest. Do you see where the dilemma lies? But there is a solu- tion to keep these areas looking their best, but it involves a little preventative mainte- nance and some timely shopping at your local favorite garden center. Preventative maintenance means main- taining the plants you have to the best of your ability, and the help of the experts at the garden center, as problems arise. This involves some scouting, or as I like to call it, my leisurely walk around my outside oasis. By taking the time to walk around outside every two to three days, you can get on top of any problems you may notice. It could be tent worms making a nest, broken branches from a storm, spots on the leaves on a par- ticular bush or plant or even finding insects chewing or sucking on leaves. If caught early, you can keep the damage to a minimum and the plants performing as they should. If you sit and wait until a cou- ple of days before an event, without any other scouting, you may have a mess on your hand that just isn't salvageable. Then you are in crises management and that is never good! But not all is lost. Timely shopping is your friend in many ways and can even save you if you are in crises mode. Since so many factors are involved in keeping plants looking their best, you need to make sure you have a sum- mer plant budget, especially if you have planned events. Garden centers that stay open throughout the growing season always have fresh plants and fresh decorative containers available at all times. Plants simply tire out as the season progresses and we know peo- ple will need to spruce things up around the landscape. So about a week or two out from your event, head out to the garden center and see what is in bloom and looking good and go from there. So with a little preventive maintenance, and some timely shopping, your garden oasis can look its best, no matter when, for any event you have planned. (Michael Timm is the chief horticulturalist for Ebert's Greenhouse Village in Ixonia.) Photo courtesy of Michael Timm Personalize your backyard displays with statues, pots and more. Use your creativity and a few of your favorite things. JUNE 2020 HOME 3 MICHAEL TIMM Photo courtesy of Michael Timm Fresh annual containers can create a beautiful back- yard ambiance.