By Melinda Myers

Photo:  Removing spent flowers on many perennials will encourage additional boom and keep gardens looking their best, courtesy Melinda Myers, LLC

June 18, 2019 (San Diego's East County) - A bit of grooming and care will keep your flower gardens looking their best throughout the hot summer months and into fall.

Remove the flower stems of salvias, veronicas and similar flowers as the blooms begin to fade. Use a pruner or sharp garden scissors and cut just above the first set of leaves or above the side shoots where new flower buds are forming.