Do you ever have to play the “Hurry Up and Wait” game? In April, we (well, it was just me and after almost 50 years together, David agreed) decided to update our kitchen.

Today we are waiting for the person to make the template for the countertop. I got up a little after 6 a.m. to be sure everything was ready, and nothing would be in their way. They did not get here at 9 a.m. and the clock is fast approaching the 1 p.m. window. Let us rethink our to do list for today.

Word of advice – do not be late signing up to be a Mississippi Master Gardener. Sign up began Aug. 13 and will close Sept. 12. The online training begins Oct. 1 and must be completed by Dec. 2. The one-time fee of $125 will cover the cost of the curriculum, supplies, your name badge and one year membership. After your 40 hours of online educational training, you must complete 40 hours of volunteer service within one year. Come join us and be a part of the 1,400 Mississippi Master Gardeners. Visit msuext.ms/mg for more options and details.

Since becoming a member in 2008, I have learned about bees, lawn care, bugs, soils, growing flowering plants and vegetables, butterflies, managing fishponds, taking care of gardening tools, and so much more. I have also met some very dear people that I now call friends. Be a lifelong learner! After the first year, volunteers are required to complete at least 20 volunteer hours and 12 educational hours. Your hours are easily obtained by being an active member of the Lowndes County Master Gardeners.

The Lowndes County Master Gardeners invite you to our annual Butterfly Bonanza. We hope to see you on Sept. 7 at the Butterfly Garden at 40 Moore’s Creek Road. We will be there from 9-11 a.m. We will have MSU handouts, and kids’ events. You can enjoy a cool glass of lemonade as you stroll through our beautiful garden observing the various stages in the life of a butterfly and host plants. Butterfly Betty will fly in for that special photo to remember the day! We hope to see you there!

Life can become a bit stressful at times. We were very thankful to find a hardworking, willing to learn young man to help with the projects around home and Camp David this summer. Dealing with the kitchen remodel has kept me in the bonkers mode and I have even given up the lawn mower for several weeks.

Do take the time to slowly walk around your home and gardens. Watch for those weeds that pop up overnight. Using a plant app on your phone will help you identify an invasive weed or a rare garden beauty that the birds gifted you. Weed eating may be a temporary fix, but pulling up by the root usually works. You could work your magic with a good sharp hoe. I find that weeding after a rain is easier when the soil is damp. Be alert! Weeds produce thousands of seeds. It may take several workdays to be successful in even a small flowerbed. Do not forget mulch!

It is also a suitable time to get a plan together for fall cleanup. Go ahead and move that flowerpot and dead plant! That Strings of Pearls is not going to be resurrected as you never repotted them into a larger real flowerpot and forgot to water.

The hot, dry weather affected many annuals and perennials. When you water, do not just spritz the foliage. Water deeply around the roots gives them a good soaking.

Now is a good time to order flower bulbs. Daffodils will do best with fall planting. Local gardening centers will soon have them in stock. Pick up a bag and get them planted. You deserve a treat!

If your favorite houseplant needs to be repotted into that cute container you found on the World’s Longest Yard Sale, do it now, while it is still outside. It will be much easier to clean up than on your kitchen counter!

P.S. The guy did arrive to measure for our new kitchen countertops!

Happy Gardening!

Former elementary teacher and avid gardener Olivia Sansing lives in the New Hope community and shares timely tips on behalf of the Lowndes County Master Gardeners.