Gardening Wisdom

 A garden becomes something truly special when it begins to hum with life.

June is peak season for butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators that play a vital role in our environment. By choosing the right plants, you can transform your landscape into a haven for these important visitors.

Why Pollinators Matter

Pollinators help flowers produce seeds and fruits, support biodiversity, and contribute to healthy ecosystems throughout the Lowcountry.

Even a small garden can make a meaningful difference.

Pollinator Favorites for Charleston Gardens

Consider adding:

• Milkweed for monarch butterflies
• Pentas for butterflies and hummingbirds
• Salvia for bees and hummingbirds
• Lantana for continuous summer color
• Coneflowers for bees and butterflies
• Native flowering shrubs for shelter and food

Simple Ways to Help

• Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides whenever possible.
• Provide a shallow water source.
• Plant flowers with staggered bloom times.
• Include native plants in your landscape.

The reward is more than beautiful flowers—you’ll enjoy a garden filled with movement, color, and life all summer long.

June is one of the most rewarding months in the Charleston garden. The cool-season blooms of spring have given way to the rich colors and textures of summer, and everywhere you look, the landscape seems alive with growth.

This is the month to slow down and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Morning walks through the garden reveal new blooms, pollinators hard at work, and vegetables steadily maturing in the warm sunshine.

What to Focus on This Month

Water wisely.
As temperatures rise, consistent watering becomes essential. Water deeply in the early morning to encourage strong root development and reduce evaporation.

Mulch generously.
A fresh layer of mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep plant roots cooler during hot afternoons.

Deadhead spent blooms.
Removing faded flowers encourages many annuals and perennials to continue producing new blossoms throughout the season.

Watch for pests.
Regular garden walks help you spot issues before they become major problems. Healthy, well-watered plants are naturally more resilient.

June Beauty Picks

This is a wonderful time to enjoy:

• Coneflowers
• Black-eyed Susans
• Salvias
• Lantana
• Pentas
• Crape Myrtles

These summer performers provide weeks of color while attracting butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. At Hyams Garden Center, June is one of our favorite months because the garden truly begins to tell its story.

May is one of the best times to plant, as warm temperatures and longer days encourage strong, healthy growth. Whether you are starting fresh or adding to an existing garden, this is a season full of opportunity.

Here are some excellent choices to consider:

 Flowering Plants

Marigolds

Zinnias

Cosmos

Petunias

These flowers are vibrant, resilient, and perfect for adding color to beds and containers.

 Herbs

Basil

Mint

Coriander

Lemongrass

Easy to grow and wonderfully useful in the kitchen, herbs are a rewarding addition to any garden.

 Vegetables

Okra (Lady’s Finger)

Cucumbers

Spinach (in partial shade)

Gourds

These thrive in warm weather and can be grown in both garden beds and larger containers.

 A Few Tips for Success

Water early in the morning or late in the evening

Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot

Add compost or organic matter to enrich the soil

Start with healthy seedlings for best results

Gardening in May is about embracing growth and possibility. Whether you plant a single pot of herbs or a full garden bed, each small effort brings life and beauty into your home.

At Hyams Garden Center, we’re here to help you choose the right plants for your space and guide you every step of the way.

Come visit us and start planting your May garden.