I don't know how "easy" it is, but we sure had a nice May. Planting was possible earlier than usual. If only that happened every year, we'd have a nice long growing season.

If you want to grow gladiolas, they should go into the ground right away as they take approximately 60 days to bloom. Other bulbs such as lilies, need to be planted now too.

And now for those that have finished blooming. For tulips, daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs, be sure to cut off only the bloom stems, keeping the foliage on the plants as long as possible. This is the stage where they are building up their energy for next year's blooms. Only cut the leaves off after they have turned yellow.

This has been a banner year for the local rhododendrons and azaleas. To be sure that they'll have a good chance to repeat the performance next spring, give each bush a dose of acid fertilizer two or three times during the summer. These plants have shallow roots, so you barely need to scratch this into the soil surface.

Tall growing dahlias need to be staked at the time of planting. This prevents an accidental "spearing" if done later on when you can't see where the bulb is. These plants are truly the queens of the flower garden. Nothing compares with those huge dinner-plate-sized flowers.

Now for my all-time favorite flower ... the iris. They have had a marvelous bloom season this year. Like everything else, they bloomed earlier than usual. I have more varieties than I can count. It's hard to choose a favorite because each one is prettier than the last one at bloom time. To extend the season as long as possible, plant miniatures as well as the tall bearded types. The minis will start to bloom first. If you plant the tall ones that are bred to bloom twice a year, these will bloom both in May and again (weather permitting) in October.

Are you tired of growing the same old boring annual flowers every summer? I enjoy planting something different than marigolds and petunias, etc. Some of my current favorites are mimulus, million bells and different types of coleus.

An old favorite that is seeing renewed popularity is nasturtium. These now come in many colors. For one with pretty variegated leaves, try "Alaska." Keep in mind that nasturtiums should not be given fertilizer as this promotes nice big round leaves but very few flowers.

For a plant with a long bloom period and spreading habit, look for a cranesbill geranium called Rozanne. This plant has nice maple-shaped leaves and pretty lavender blue blossoms and will cover a large area. This plant is hardy here.

If you haven't already done so, be sure to mark your calendar for next Saturday, June 13. That's the date of this year's RCGC annual plant sale. The place is 416 E. Third Ave. in Post Falls. The sale will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. No early birds, please.

Fair warning: Any and all early birds will be put to work!

Elaine Cerny has gardened most of her life, starting in 4-H. She has belonged to garden clubs in three states and is currently serving as secretary for the River City Gardeners Club in Post Falls. Her column appears in The Press every other Sunday from early March until late October.

River City Garden Club annual plant sale

When: Saturday , June 13, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: 416 E Third Ave., Post Falls.