July welcomes the heart of summer, inviting a sweet pause as lawns stand emerald-thick, flowers burst into full bloom and tree canopies rustle like whispers between best friends. Spring’s work now pays dividends, and a touch of care keeps the show going. Set mower blades at three inches for high and dry cuts, give one deep dawn watering each week when rain is scarce and scatter a thin blanket of compost to feed soil life.

With essentials tended, the outdoors becomes a stage for gathering family, friends and neighbors. Blankets beneath leafy shade trees host relaxed potlucks that drift into twilight, followed by magical “I spy” sightings of fireflies and stargazing. Sprinklers arcing across the grass on warm afternoons invite kids of every age to skip through cool mist and share laughter. Backyard cookouts and bonfires welcome quiet stories where soft music floats like butterflies on summer air.

Mid-summer moments pass in a blink, but shared wonder roots them in memory. Enjoy creating many backyard memories this summer.

Patti Beres is the owner of Be Green Pro LLC, sustainable landscape services, in southeastern Wisconsin. For more information, call 262-361-4034 or visit BeGreen.pro.