1. If you haven't planted tomatoes, you have probably decided it's too late. But, no!  Most varieties, (and they are all nice and tall right now) can still be put in - look for something in the 80 days to maturity range. Tomatoes are currently HALF OFF. Plant them deep and enjoy the bounty when it's back to school time. Plenty of interesting heirloom tomatoes to choose from. We also have a selection of annuals, and annual hanging baskets, on sale.

2. Our staff has a few picks, now that most gardens are basically planted, but maybe have some "spots".
Aren't we all about solutions this time of year - always the quest to make it work better, look more attractive, create more shade (or be able to thrive in shade)?  And so for shade, here's the first one:  Snakeroot, "Little Black Dress" (Cimicifuga simplex).  Great darker leaved color for the woodland garden and almost a substitute for a shade shrub at two and half feet (foliage) and up to four for the contrasting white flowers. Likes it woodlandy - evenly moist and shady.
If you need a real shrub or tree, how about a fresh look at your old sweetheart, the Dogwood (Cornus)?  There are so many great varieties, from the winter lovely Red Twigged to the nicely shaped Huron to the shade brightening Ivory Halo, this is definitely a solution shrub.
If you need annual filler, try kicking it up a notch to the bigger bordering plants. We like the new Pincushion flower, Barocca, a Scabiosa hybrid. What does it have to recommend it?  Why, a deep rich color, a fine but substantial leaf and an upright habit on a sturdy stem, of course!
Check out our pictures on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/Mother-Earth-Gardens/329738524737

Finally, on to our fun tips and jobs for the mid season.
First, prune your spring flowering shrubs by the 4th of July! After that, leave them to grow and set their buds for 2012.
Plant some basil now! It will be just right for layering onto that tomato sandwich in August. Try the succession planting way:  every two weeks for cilantro, arugula, baby bok choi.
Weed. Weed. Weed. Yes, they not only bug you aesthetically, they steal root space and nutrients from your intentional plants. Mulching helps!  Top it off with some mulch.
Deadhead your pretty annuals so they stay that way.  If it has a flower with a substantial head, cut it back to the next main stem so you don't have a bunch of withering sticks left over. Many perennials benefit from deadheading as well: Purple Coneflower (Echinacea), Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum), Rudbeckia, Yarrow (Achillea), Blanket Flower (Gaillardia) and Beebalm (Monarda). Cut bleeding heart back to a few inches, cut back your brown tulip foliage, cut back anything you don't want to seed all over.