AGP Executive Report

Community Gardens & Food Access: Project Self-Sufficiency is calling for volunteers to plant, maintain, and harvest at its Newton campus gardens, with fresh produce delivered to low-income families. School Gardening: D.M. Smith Elementary in Cleveland, Mississippi, opened a new garden education center, pairing hands-on growing with a pop-up farmers market for students. Learning for Home Gardeners: Lake Michigan College is offering a summer series of gardening classes in South Haven (June 25, July 16, Aug. 6) focused on pests, diseases, weeds, and nutrients. Local Markets: Mendota’s Kalmmd Petals & Presents opened downtown, adding flowers plus patio and gift finds for last-minute shoppers. Outdoor Recreation & Wildfire Safety: Eastern Washington’s WDFW wildfire restrictions begin Monday, tightening campfire, target-shooting, and welding rules. Gardening as Community Culture: A La Milpa seed-planting gathering at Summit Community Gardens + EATS brought people together around corn, beans, and squash traditions. Plant Sales & Events: Eureka Sequoia Garden Club hosts its annual plant sale June 20, and DEC Region 3 runs “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day” June 13 across Catskills locations.

Community Gardening & Youth: The Red Shield Community Garden and Urban Farm in New York is launching its first youth camp, with kids learning where food comes from and how to grow it—cell phones notably absent. Native Plants & Pollinators: Missouri’s Jefferson Farm and Garden hosts a free Butterfly Festival (June 20) with native species, garden tours, kids’ crafts, and a plant sale; meanwhile, the Lehigh Valley’s Spring Native Plant Swap drew 300 plants and 100 species for native-focused trading. Garden Markets & Local Growers: Lake Forest Park’s Garden Market (June 20) spotlights locally grown, uncommon native and heirloom plants from regional nurseries, with a free public event and plant lists online. Hydrangea Care: A hydrangea specialist shares three summer strategies to keep blooms lush and color-rich, starting with smarter watering. Practical Garden Help: Experts say to tackle patio moss with pressure washing and scrubbing instead of harsh chemicals. Health & Outdoors: Tick season is surging in Superiorland, with guidance to avoid high-risk brushy areas and protect clothing and skin before gardening. Fundraiser: Bergeron Garden Centre’s “Blooms for Cancer” (June 20) will donate a portion of sales to the Canadian Cancer Society and a local food bank. Watering Timing: Garden experts recommend watering early morning (about 6–10 a.m.) so plants absorb moisture before heat hits.

Garden Center Spotlight: HGTV has named Montana’s The Garden Barn near Bozeman a must-visit garden center, praising its “flora and fauna” mix of plants plus animals like peacocks, koi, and resident cats. Community Garden Events: The Southern Butler County Garden Club’s 18th annual Garden Tour runs June 27 with seven local gardens open for questions and design tips. Soil & Native Planting: Johnson County’s Pocket Prairie Program is expanding, offering homeowners a chance to convert turf to 10’x10’ pollinator gardens with training and native plants, plus a three-year maintenance commitment. Garden Learning & Sharing: St. Charles Parish Library launched a Seed Library at its West Regional Library, letting patrons take seasonal seeds matched to local growing conditions. Food & Garden Charity: Bruce Botanical Food Gardens got a spotlight update from the Ripley and District Horticultural Society, highlighting its mission around food insecurity, sustainable gardening education, and heirloom preservation. Garden Festivals: Evansville’s Southwestern Indiana Master Gardeners host the free “Art in the Garden & More” event June 14 with local art, live music, and gardening Q&A. Planting Guidance: Kansas State University advises delaying winter squash and pumpkins until mid-to-late June to help plants dodge early squash bug damage. Wildlife-Friendly Gardening: A Reddit buzz around a striking lupine variety sparked lots of talk about pollinators, soil needs, and pest management. Gardening for Accessibility: A guide shares practical ways to make gardening easier for seniors and people with disabilities, including raised beds, wider paths, and simpler weed control.

Iconic Gardens & Tourism: Longwood Gardens keeps drawing crowds year-round with its 1,100-acre mix of indoor displays, outdoor landscapes, fountains, concerts and workshops—built from Pierre S. du Pont’s early push to save the estate’s trees. Community Fundraising: The Martha Washington Garden Club’s “Alice in Wonderland Tea Party” scholarship gala turned tables into storybook scenes, showing how local garden groups keep investing in students. Labor & Local Services: Great Yarmouth waste workers, street cleaners, tree surgeons and gardeners are voting on strike action over a pay offer they say won’t match the minimum wage—raising fears of “summer stink” and service disruption. Wildlife-Smart Gardening: David Attenborough urges gardeners to skip one common summer job to protect backyard wildlife, highlighting gardens as mini habitats for pollinators, hedgehogs and birds. Urban Gardening Shift: Queensland Garden Show spotlights how younger Australians are making do with balconies, courtyards and indoor or edible micro-gardens as lots get smaller. Plant Safety: A New York guide warns how to spot and respond to poisonous plants like poison ivy/oak/sumac, including cleaning tools and clothing after contact. Garden Business Expansion: Donaroma’s Nursery seeks retail and even future employee housing at an Oak Bluffs site, adding greenhouses, sheds and parking to its wholesale operation. Local Learning & Events: Transylvania County Master Gardeners host free garden tours at Allison-Deaver House and the Pisgah Ranger Station, and a “Growing Vegetables” program shares basic veggie families for community plots. Mulch Basics: Nebraska Extension Master Gardeners remind readers to mulch 2–4 inches deep, keep it off the trunk, and avoid “volcano” piling that can invite pests. Gardening for Wellbeing: A “grounding/earthing” class at a wellness community links outdoor contact with wellness trends—while noting experts question how strong the health claims are.

Community Gardening & Youth Programs: Alton’s City Council is set to consider up to $5,000 in ARPA funds for a youth gardening program, including the Elm Street Youth Garden, with support for trips and tools. Local Learning in the Garden: Morgan Park Academy students are digging into sustainability through hands-on garden beds and native plant work tied to classroom lessons and pollinator-friendly goals. Public Beautification: Rumford’s Beautify Rumford volunteers filled dozens of planters for downtown flower displays, keeping the town’s “in full bloom” tradition going. Gardening Help for Real Problems: Cape Cod gardeners can use a free Horticulture Clinic for plant, insect, and disease ID plus soil pH testing, with photo uploads encouraged. Health & Safety in the Yard: Northern Colorado health officials reported tularemia linked to a dead rabbit in Berthoud, urging gardeners to protect hands, use repellents, and wear masks when mowing or digging. Garden Culture Events: Brooklet, Georgia is launching an inaugural Tomato Festival with music, vendors, and a homegrown tomato contest.

Community & Culture: A pet-friendly cafe, Brody’s Coffee, opened in Westhampton Beach with a gardening-themed decor nod, while a pollinator-garden STEM project at Youngstown State University’s College of STEM partnered with South Side Academy to get K-8 students growing. Garden Care & Safety: UK homeowners face potential £1,000 fines for noisy DIY/gardening during night hours, and wildlife groups urge simple June help like leaving fresh water for birds and pollinators. What to Do This Month: Experts say June’s “deadheading” can extend blooms, and gardeners can fill the “June gap” with fast-growing annuals; rose lovers also get a low-cost tip using teabags for nutrients. Food & Plants in the Real World: Front yards across the US are shifting from lawns to vegetables as grocery costs rise, and RSPB-linked guidance warns against certain nesting-season bird foods that can spread trichomonosis. Local Events: Open gardens days and garden walks are on the calendar, including Whorlton Village Open Gardens and Wells County’s Master Gardener Garden Walk on June 27.

Historic Garden Honors: Vermont’s von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort in Stowe landed on Historic Hotels of America’s Top 25 Most Magnificent Gardens list, with Maria von Trapp’s alpine-inspired design still shaping winding paths, terraces, cutting gardens, and pollinator plantings. Community Garden Momentum: In Bradford West Gwillimbury, the BWG Community Garden Tour runs June 25–July 12, inviting residents to show off front gardens visible from the street and vote for favorites. Lawn & Water Planning: WSU Master Gardeners are hosting a June 9 talk on lawn replacement options at Neill Public Library, covering removal methods and greener alternatives. Rainwater Prep: After a wet spell, an expert urges gardeners to start collecting rainwater now to be ready for the next hot stretch. Tick Safety Alert: Connecticut tick testing shows Lyme-infected ticks already spiking early, with infection rates rising to 38.5% by May 19—so plan for protection outdoors.

Garden Events & Community Reuse: Prague 6 is bringing back its “Reuse Sunday” swap and repair day, with gardening supplies among accepted items, while Cornwall’s Potager Garden has finally reopened as a café and social enterprise after nearly two decades of abandonment. Garden Openings & Shows: Sissinghurst’s Greek-inspired “Delos” garden is now fully open after a long renewal, and the National Garden Scheme is spotlighting multiple Steyning gardens opening in June. Drought-Wise Landscaping: Colorado State University urges homeowners to “embrace the beige” by adjusting watering and rethinking what “beautiful” looks like during extreme drought. Practical Plant Care: June guidance includes what to do with raspberry plants now, plus tips for keeping hydrangeas’ color on track by shifting soil pH. Weed Control (Natural): A popular patio hack recommends horticultural vinegar to kill weeds fast—effective, but it will also damage plants it touches. Wildlife & Pollinators: A workshop on invasive plant management is scheduled in Maine, and gardeners are reminded to support pollinators with the right plant choices. Gardening Lifestyle: A dog named Chewy is celebrated for “saving” family members at the beach, tying gardening and outdoor life to community stories.

Pollinator Science: A new look at why flowers smell so good (and sometimes so bad) explains how scent helps insects find the right blooms, with day- and night-blooming strategies tied to bees vs moths. Master Gardener Training: Extension Master Gardener volunteer classes kick off June 16 in Calcasieu Parish, with 40 hours of training and 40 hours of service. Waterwise + Firewise: With drought still lingering in Northern Arizona, gardeners are urged to shift toward drip irrigation and water harvesting, not just hope for monsoon rain. Garden Culture & Community: Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden marks 25 years as a native-plant oasis in Polliwog Park, celebrating biodiversity and volunteers. Pest Watch: Gardeners are warned about ticks—reduce hiding spots and limit spread with mulch/gravel while staying vigilant outdoors. Practical Growing: Monty Don says to cut bolting stems low on spinach, chard, and beetroot to keep harvests productive. Food-Garden Reality Checks: One gardener’s daily harvest posts sparked neighbor comparisons, changing the vibe from fun to pressure. Local Events: A June 14 bittersweet garden tour highlights low-water design and private blooms.

Garden Deals & DIY: Home Depot’s plant markdowns tend to hit during peak growing season, so shoppers can time buys for perennials and other garden staples. Upcycling & Style: A wine rack gets a second life as a tabletop planter, while retro thrift finds (like Rubbermaid ice buckets) keep mid-century charm in the spotlight. Outdoor Storage: Walmart’s $300 walk-in shed is drawing attention for fitting lawn tools, benches, and more. Pest Control (No Panic): Carpenter bees are framed as mostly docile pollinators—still, readers get practical ways to deter them and stop the telltale holes. Plant Care Basics: Alan Titchmarsh urges gardeners to prune specific plants now (including plum trees) rather than waiting for winter. Weed & Ant Tactics: Natural deterrents for ants and “no herbicide” approaches for dandelions focus on prevention, mulch, and plant health. Safety Alerts: California warns some Costco grapevines shouldn’t be planted after an invasive pest was detected. Community & Pollinators: A butterfly garden marks 20 years at Yazoo NWR, and local community-garden events keep volunteering and seed-sharing front and center.

Storm Aftercare: Perth and Western Australia gardeners are being urged to slow down after wild weather, check for hazards like hanging branches, then start with safe clean-up and sorting debris for compost or chipping. Waterlogged Soil: In Greater Columbus, heavy rain has left yards soaked; experts warn against walking on wet ground to avoid compaction and root-rot problems. Heat + Drought Smart Gardening: Aurora’s water-wise program is pushing lush, colorful landscaping with low-water plant choices despite restrictions. June Fruit Fixes: A Louisiana gardener says picking tomatoes before rain can prevent splitting, and fig growers are reminded that fruit needs the right heat, light, water balance, and pruning. Compost Boosts: If a compost bin stalls, adding worms may speed breakdown, while hot composting can help reduce weed-seed survival. Community & Pollinators: Ross Park Zoo’s Butterfly Education Day gives out milkweed for monarchs, and a new Growing Communities event is set to spotlight local garden groups. Small-Space Gear: IKEA’s portable outdoor coffee table and compact cabinet-style storage are getting attention for patios and balconies.

Garden Safety & Scams: Kingston Police warned residents about a jewelry-swap theft tactic where suspects use “directions” to get close, then place a gold chain on the victim and hand over a bag of jewelry before stealing necklaces. June Garden Chores: Experts say June watering should be deep but less frequent (1–2 days weekly) and timed for early morning to avoid fungal stress. Tree Care: Avoid cutting or covering exposed surface roots; mulch under trees is the safer way to protect shallow-rooted trees. Weed & Pest Reality Checks: Star of Bethlehem is invasive and toxic—don’t mistake it for a harmless ornamental. Couch grass can support butterflies, so removal isn’t always the best move. Sustainable Living: A Surrey community fridge in Knaphill keeps surplus food moving to help hundreds of families, while cutting waste. Pollinator Push: Lee County’s “Connect the Plots” campaign aims to certify yards as pollinator pathways. Community Gardening: Bradenton opened the Patricia and Dr. Carroll Geraldson Community Garden with 20 raised plots for people without land. Invasive Species Watch: Tallinn’s Pirita district plans up to €20,000 in weekly control for invasive Spanish slugs. Gardening Culture: Chelsea Flower Show AI controversy gets a twist—small trade-stand gardens were designed to showcase an app’s landscaping capabilities, not to replace human designers. Wildlife Health: RSPB urges changes to bird feeding practices amid disease concerns affecting finches.

June Planting Still Possible: Southern Oregon master gardener Lynn Kunstman says you can still get crops in during June, but watch for fast weather swings—use shade cloth or even old lace curtains during heat waves and watch for slugs/earwigs early. Container Care for Summer: A guide urges gardeners to keep container soil evenly moist by using the right pot size, adding compost, topping with mulch, and watering deeply when the top inch dries. Therapeutic Gardening Volunteers: Thrive (Reading) is recruiting volunteers for weekday therapeutic garden sessions for people living with disabilities, ill-health, or disadvantage. Local Garden Events: Everett’s Sorticulture festival kicks off as a three-day garden fair with 140+ vendors, while Sedgwick County Master Gardeners host a weekend garden tour featuring Kansas-friendly plantings. Wildlife & Legal Safety: UK gardeners are warned not to disturb bird nests in hanging baskets or planters—active nests are protected under law. Pest & Plant Health Alerts: Emerald ash borer damage is being reported in Kandiyohi County, and gardeners are urged to avoid risky tree-root conflicts by mulching rather than digging or cutting roots. Hydrangea Alternatives: Irish and UK coverage warns hydrangeas may struggle in hotter, drier conditions, pushing gardeners to consider substitutes.

Urban Wildlife & Bird Care: The RSPB is urging gardeners to change summer feeding habits—pause seed mixes and peanuts from May to October and avoid flat-surfaced feeders—to reduce trichomonosis risk, while still supporting birds safely. Pest Control (Low-Toxic): The RHS says slugs can be deterred with one simple move: lay straw around crops like strawberries, plus consider morning watering and gentle nighttime slug checks. Plant Care How-To: Bigleaf hydrangeas are tricky outside maritime climates, but “Endless Summer” style reblooming types can be more reliable; and Monty Don warns lavender turns “leggy” when pruning is neglected, recommending a mid-August cut back above green shoots. Garden Design & Community: Strasburg’s Secret Garden Tour returns June 6–7 with eight local gardens; and Manila relaunches the Luneta Urban Garden to boost food security using greenhouse and smart-ag tech. Gardening Lifestyle: A new wave of “slow” outdoor time is framed as a mental-health reset, with gardening used as exposure therapy after anxiety. Market Watch: A report projects the lawn and garden consumables market could hit $26.3B by 2030, driven by organic and landscaping demand.

Community Gardens & Youth Learning: Volunteers and local groups keep turning gardens into real-world skills—Sumter County Middle School’s garden was named “Garden of the Month” by the Dogwood Garden Club, and school gardens in Connecticut are feeding classrooms and cafeterias with hands-on growing and taste tests. Outreach With a Gardening Link: Orphan Grain Train’s New England volunteers shipped 44 boxes of shelf-stable Harvest Pack Meals to a Lutheran mission in Liberia, with the food also meant to supplement the school’s gardening during droughts. Gardening for Health: AARP is hosting a two-day web seminar on growing healthy gardens and functional garden spaces, pitching gardening as a boost for mental focus and gut health. Practical Plant Care: June tomato pruning can pay off—root tomato cuttings to grow free new plants—and UK gardeners are being urged not to assume rain means you can stop watering. Invasive Control (DIY): English ivy on walls can be tackled with a homemade vinegar, salt, and washing-up-liquid spray. Pollinator-Friendly Picks: Kansas State University recommends heat- and drought-tolerant annuals like lantana, zinnia, and gomphrena for summer color.

Kitchen-to-garden composting: A new “black gold” guide is making the rounds, showing how to turn vegetable peels, tea leaves, and eggshells into homemade organic fertilizer using a simple covered “sandwich” bin on a shaded balcony or roof. Community gardening with purpose: Purdue Extension and Gibson County Master Gardeners are reviving a raised-bed project with Gibson County Community Corrections—clients build, plant, and maintain beds while learning budgeting, parenting, and pollinator-friendly gardening. Bird-friendly June basics: Experts say June yards should focus on fresh water, protein-rich foods (seeds and insects), and nesting support with native plants to help birds through breeding season. Plant sale season: Spokane’s Friends of Manito are gearing up for their Saturday plant sale, with perennials, houseplants, and native picks ready for shoppers. Pest and weed reality check: The RHS is advising gardeners not to kill slugs—straw around crops like strawberries can help deter them—while a separate tip targets invasive ivy using a vinegar-based spray. Green waste rules: Dorset’s rural partners are launching a campaign urging residents and contractors to dispose of garden waste responsibly to curb fly-tipping and protect wildlife. Dahlias in June: Dahlia growers are reminded that June is the key month for planting out remaining tubers, adding support, and giving them the care needed for blooms through autumn.