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Nature’s Way Resources honors the contributions of our late owner, John Ferguson. “The Lazy Gardener” Brenda Beust Smith and Shelby Cassano welcome your feedback and remain grateful to the many horticulturists who share their expertise.

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Published July 1, 2026

Lovely azalea (red flowers) placement near falls at Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden

by Brenda Beust Smith | The Lazy Gardener

CELEBRATIONS ABOUND, EVEN IN OUR GARDENS 

(with their annual gifts from the Saharan Desert!)

Got your red, white, and blue flowers decorating everything in sight for Saturday celebrations? You can bet they’ll be prominently displayed in nurseries and other flower resources this week! Best part, you don’t need plant names. You just need colors! Makes shopping easier.

Had to smile at weather reports. They’ll say “really hot” when it’s going to be in the ’90s. Are they kidding? Compared to the 100º+ temps ahead, 90ºs will seem mild.  

Tip o’ the trowel to Angela Martin, who asked: “Will the Saharan dust hurt my flowers?”  Actually, it looks like we’re not going to be affected by it as much as they indicated we “might” be. But, then, it might be something we don’t even really notice. Truth is, this is NOT a new phenomenon for us. It happens about this time every year, passing waves that linger for about two to four days at a time before clearing out or shifting west. Weird things might happen in your garden that even just a little might have triggered — Feel free to send any notes I haven’t covered (or correct me!!  lazygardenerbrenda@gmail.com).  

On the plus side, many plants welcome the dust’s supplies of phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and iron.  Of course, by now, Saharan dust passing over may have left gritty iron oxide (rust) layers on patios and leaves. Even less noticeable would be effects below soil lines. “Blood rain,” dust is rich in iron oxide (rust). Usually, the worst “Blood rain” might do is cut off some sunlight, slowing down plant growth. Falling sand particles can be abrasive, tho that’s not always the case, and folks with asthma, allergies, etc. might not welcome it.  A quick review of gardens and outside pieces for piled-on dust is a good idea, but probably won’t show much. What you don’t want — and probably won’t have but always pays to check — is dust collected around plants. Recommended if you see anything suspicious, gently rinse it off early in the day, then let the leaves dry naturally.  

On the plus side, be sure to check for very vibrant sunsets! Sure wish it would ward off mosquitoes. They’re attracted to high humidity and standing water, so aim watering straight down into the ground; don’t let it collect and stand above ground. Roots will thank you, too! Hopefully, the extremely dry air will quickly dehydrate and kill many of them. Don’t take this lightly. (Husband had West Nile Virus, highly suspected from a mosquito bite. NOT FUN!) 

If you have any other post-Saharan dust gardening tips, do share! Best news shared by the media: The dust haze may help save us from hurricanes! One can only hope…!

We have a real treat below! My ‘boss’, Shelby Cassano, former Nature’s Way Resources garden manager, is sharing pictures and taking a look at the ever-expanding Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Garden collections!

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By Shelby Cassano

Horticulturalist

Technical Editor of The Lazy Gardener & Friends Newsletter

Marketing Director at Nature’s Way Resources

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John’s Corner

NEWS FROM THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SOIL AND PLANTS

This article has been condensed for clarity and ease of reading, find the link to the original article below.

Mosquito Spraying, Weeds, and Working With Nature 

by John Ferguson

In an issue of American Gardener, there was an excellent article on the myths surrounding mosquito spraying. We have known for years that mosquito spraying often makes mosquito problems worse, not better.

As the article states:

“Mosquito spraying propaganda follows a well-worn playbook of false product marketing: 1) name a target; 2) spread myths about that target; 3) invoke guilt by association about other misunderstood targets (usually ants and spiders); and 4) promise a paradisiacal existence once all targets are eliminated.”

It can take up to a million droplets of insecticide to kill a single mosquito.

Unfortunately, the spraying also kills beneficial insects and mosquito predators that do not reproduce nearly as quickly as mosquitoes. The result is often more mosquitoes over time, not fewer. These chemicals can also drift into our homes and have been linked to cognitive problems, reproductive issues, and increased cardiovascular risks.

Now that we are well into the growing season, weeds are becoming a common challenge for gardeners. Here are a few principles that can help keep them under control.

1. Prevention Starts With Healthy Soil

Many plants we call weeds are actually nature’s response to soil problems. Missing nutrients, soil compaction, low organic matter, excessive fertilization, and poor soil biology all encourage weeds.

Nature dislikes bare soil, which is why maintaining a good layer of mulch is one of the simplest and most effective weed-prevention strategies.

2. Start Early

Hand digging remains one of the best tools for controlling weeds, especially when they are young. This is particularly true for species such as nutgrass.

Early action is critical. Some weeds can multiply rapidly once established, making them much more difficult to control later.

3. Let Plants Compete

Weeds have a much harder time establishing where desirable plants are already thriving.

Established plants compete for water and nutrients while also providing shade.

Since many weed species are sun lovers, reducing available sunlight significantly weakens them.

4. Don’t Overwater

Most plants require oxygen in the soil for healthy root growth. When soils remain saturated, oxygen levels drop, and roots suffer.

When conditions become overly wet, Mother Nature often sends in her cleanup crew, what we call weeds, to help correct the imbalance.

5. Protect Beneficial Fungi

Many garden plants depend on fungal-rich soils. Unfortunately, tilling destroys fungal networks and favors bacteria-dominated soils.

Many common weeds thrive in bacterial-dominated conditions. Excessive tillage can unintentionally select for weeds while making conditions less favorable for many desirable plants.

When planting seeds or transplants, disturb the soil as little as possible.

6. Smother or Solarize

For large areas, solarization can be very effective. Cover the area with clear or black plastic and allow the sun’s heat to build beneath it. I prefer clear plastic because it allows more solar energy to penetrate and heat the soil. Once the vegetation underneath has died, the area is ready for planting.

Newspaper and cardboard can also be highly effective.

For newspaper, apply a layer at least five sheets thick, overlapping each section by one-third. Wet it thoroughly and cover with mulch. The combination blocks light and air while holding the paper firmly against the soil.

Cardboard works similarly. A single layer is usually sufficient as long as seams overlap enough to prevent shoots from emerging.

I prefer these methods because the dead vegetation, decomposed paper, and mulch all become part of the soil-building process.

7. Flame Weeders

One of my favorite tools is a flame weeder attached to a one-pound propane cylinder. Most models have an electric igniter and are very easy to use.

A brief one- to two-second exposure is often enough to kill small weeds. They work particularly well on patios, sidewalks, and driveway expansion joints.

8. Alternative Weed Killers

Agricultural vinegar is much stronger than household vinegar and can be used much like a conventional herbicide. Be careful, however, it will damage any plant it contacts.

Some gardeners use mixtures containing Everclear, vodka, or gin combined with water and a small amount of liquid soap as a surfactant. While I have read about this approach, I have not personally tested it.

Others simply use boiling water on weeds growing in cracks and expansion joints.

6 Great Tips for Growing Weeds

The Woodlands Water newsletter recently shared a humorous list titled “6 Great Tips for Growing Weeds.” While tongue-in-cheek, it makes some excellent points:

Don’t skimp on synthetic fertilizer

Cheap, non-organic fertilizers can reduce oxygen levels and beneficial soil organisms. Great for weeds, not so great for your plants.

Apply a full-spectrum fungicide

Your weeds will appreciate the bacteria-dominated soil that often follows.

Water a lot

Overwatering fills soil pore spaces, reduces oxygen, and creates conditions many weeds enjoy.

Use low-quality mulch

Cheap mulch with a high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio can weaken desirable plants while encouraging weed growth.

Use Roundup®

Weeds may dislike glyphosate in the short term, but research suggests it can alter soil biology in ways that favor future weed problems.

Rely on landscape fabric

Over time, organic matter accumulates on top of the fabric, creating an ideal seedbed for weeds. Eventually, the fabric deteriorates, and weed roots move right in.

The best long-term weed control is not a product; it’s healthy soil. When soil biology, fertility, moisture, and organic matter are balanced, weeds become far less of a problem.

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