Greetings from Earthen. June is here and the warmth of summer has teased us a few times. Our good (very, very good) dog Ochoco is enjoying basking in the sunshine. The Summer Solstice is just around the corner, on June 20th this year, and we have a full moon right after. 

 

The June full moon has lots of beautiful names. Strawberry Moon (Algonquin, Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota peoples), Berries Ripen Moon (Haida people), Green Corn Moon (Cherokee people), Blooming Moon (Anishinaabe peoples), Hoer Moon (Western Abenaki people), Birth Moon (Tlingit people). In Europe, it's called the Mead Moon, Honey Moon, Rose Moon, Dyad Moon, and more. It's also known as the Lotus Moon in China. By any name, just after sunset when it rises is the best time to observe the June Moon. 

 

June Botanical Spotlight: Mock Orange | Philadelphus lewisii

The Mock Orange is a Central Oregon native shrub with fragrant white flowers that bloom in early summer. It smells like orange blossoms, thrives in well-drained soils, and loves growing wild along stream banks. We love watching the flowers attract tons of bees and butterflies.

 

- Plant in full sun to partial shade. Mock Orange likes at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate a variety of soil types. Adding compost can improve soil quality.
- Water regularly the first year to establish roots. Once established, it's moderately drought-tolerant but likes occasional deep watering during dry periods.
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage growth. Remove dead or weak branches for air circulation.
- Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. This also helps suppress weeds.
- Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and abundant blooms.

 Once established, Mock Orange requires minimal care, making it a great choice for sustainable gardening. Its root system will help stabilize soil, preventing erosion, especially in sloped areas. 

 

Now that the sun has melted most of the snow off Black Butte, it's safe to plant hardy flowers and vegetables. We're making sure everything is well-watered and thinking about water conservation. Drip irrigation systems are highly efficient for this. We're also pruning plants that have finished their blooming season for the year...lilacs, forsythias, etc.. Carpe'ing the diems. 

 

Enjoy the warm days and clear skies. Until next time...

 

Stay grounded,

Mike