By REBECCA NORTON RYAN

Penn State Extension Master Gardener

Now that temperatures are consistently in the 60-degree range it is finally time to weed, edge and mulch our perennial borders and foundation shrubs.

We need to get that lawn mower and weed whip ready for our beautiful summer lawn, all the while setting up lawn furniture, painting the deck and porch and planting containers — in the next three weeks! Memorial Day and the annual Welcome Summer barbecue is on the horizon.

Does it sound impossible? Well, it is.

First, what is most important to you? If the lawn furniture needs to be painted, then maybe they can get painted by the Fourth of July. Weeding, mulching and edging perennial beds and foundation borders can be back-breaking work. This is after you have put in a 40-hour work week and maybe a rainy weekend.

How about starting in the front of your property?

Pulling in the drive and seeing everything tidy in the front yard may give you the momentum needed to continue. If you do get a rainy weekend, get the lawn furniture into the garage for a painting spree. When the sun comes out you will be ready.

It is possible to find a hard-working teenager who would help you after school or on weekends.

You must work closely with young people and expect that they know nothing about gardening.

Who knows, you may be the one who interests a young person in gardening as a hobby.

Over the last few years, I have worked with three wonderful teenagers.

However, more than once I have had to throw myself in front of my tree peonies to save their lives. There are also wonderful professionals at the garden center who would come and do the jobs that you can’t get to. I have heard wonderful things about these garden crews. It is important to remember that gardening is supposed to be fun. Do what you can and let the rest of the garden tasks go. You still have June, July and August. You can hold a Celebration of Summer barbecue.

(Rebecca Ryan is a lifelong resident of and gardener in the Bradford area.

She retired from teaching at Bradford Area School District.)