Quick Arrangements
Flowers are one of the simple joys of summer. Enjoy the bounty of these blissful days, and visit your local farmers market for bargain blooms. Go early in the morning for best selection. Season's picks include zinnias, sunflowers, cosmos, gomphrenas, tuberoses, celosias, blazing stars, Mexican sunflowers, and dahlias. Create easy bouquets by choosing one type of flower or the same color of several types. Echo the casual side of the season by using whatever is at hand for vases, such as oversize glasses, colorful tin cans, or jars. --Gene B. Bussell

Smart Watering
Pay close attention to your hanging baskets, pots, and window boxes this month. By this time of year, the plants have grown out and their roots have developed fully, maximizing water usage. Watch plants closely, and water regularly. Daily watering is not unusual.

Tasty Vegetables
Pick tomatoes, peppers, and tomatillos early in the morning on the day you plan to eat them. Select okra, eggplants, squash, and cucumbers when they are small. Use sharp clippers or a small knife to harvest these to avoid tearing the vines or stalks. Southern peas should also be picked when tender for best flavor; make sure the pod is filled out before harvesting. In the Lower and Coastal South, there is still time to set out transplants for another crop of tomatoes in time for a fall harvest.

Aloe
This handy houseplant (Aloe vera) can be your friend. Cut and use the gel inside the fleshy leaves for burns. Caring for your plant is simple. They prefer bright light. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering.

Mosquitoes
You can reduce the number of mosquitoes breeding in your yard by following a few simple steps. Empty all sources of standing water from buckets or plant saucers. Keep roof gutters clear of debris so water does not collect. Change the water in birdbaths at least once a week. Areas around ditches, low spots in your yard, and places of standing water--such as water gardens and goldfish ponds--can be treated for these pests. An easy, convenient product to use is Mosquito Bits (granular) or Mosquito Dunks (solid).

Choosing Seeds
Plan your fall garden now for spring blooms. Review mail-order catalogs, and select flower seeds for autumn planting. Good choices include larkspurs, bachelor's buttons, and poppies.