For gardeners, July means heat, humidity, weeds, and bugs—plus long hours with a water hose. But what pleasure to work surrounded by lush flowers and ripening vegetables!
(Editor's Note: Originally published July 11, 2011. Comments welcome, but authors of previously published articles may not respond.)
July garden favorites vary by zone, but many sunny borders showcase hemerocallis, monarda, phlox, astilbe, liatris, veronica, hibiscus, and sweet-scented Oriental lilies. Annuals—petunias, geraniums, zinnias, marigolds, impatiens—overflow containers. In shade, hostas grow fat and handsome, sending up white or lavender flower stalks. Northern vegetable gardens soak up heat; warmer climates have been harvesting tomatoes, peppers, and beans for weeks.
July ushers in the year's second half and is typically the northern hemisphere's warmest month. Originally Quintilis (fifth) in the early Roman ten-month calendar, it kept its name after January and February made it the seventh month. After Julius Caesar's death in 44 BC, his birth month was renamed Julius—July in English—in his honor.
"Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language." ~ Henry James (1843–1916)
July begins the "dog days" of summer (July 3–August 11 per the Farmer's Almanac). The term derives from Latin dies caniculares, referencing the Canis Major constellation. Ancient Egyptians named its brightest star Sirius to honor Osiris, whose hieroglyph resembled a dog. Romans believed Sirius rising and setting with the sun created extra heat—the twenty days around this conjunction were "dog days." They even sacrificed a brown dog to appease Sirius. Today we associate the term with the laziness high temperatures bring.
"Hot July brings cooling showers,
Apricots and gillyflowers." ~ Sara Coleridge
Although July 4th didn't become a paid federal holiday until the 20th century, Americans have celebrated since the Revolution. The Continental Congress actually voted for independence on July 2, 1776. That day, John Adams wrote Abigail that July 2nd would "be celebrated... as the great anniversary Festival" with "Pomp and Parade... Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations." But July 4th, when Congress formally adopted the Declaration, became the recognized celebration day.
The first annual July 4 commemoration was in Philadelphia in 1777, during the Revolutionary War. General Washington issued double rum rations on July 4, 1778. Early celebrations included speeches, concerts, parades, bonfires, cannon/musket fire, and Declaration readings. Modern July 4th may lean more summertime celebration than political observance, but flags remain a proud reminder of the day's importance.
St Swithun's day if thou dost rain
For forty days it will remain
St Swithun's day if thou be fair
For forty days 'twill rain nae mare
This old English weather proverb reflects the belief that mid-July weather determines conditions for the next forty days. It refers to Swithun (or Swithin), a 9th-century bishop of Winchester whose feast day is July 15. Legend says he requested burial in the churchyard where raindrops and footsteps would fall. When monks moved his remains to an elaborate shrine on July 15, 971, a torrential downpour occurred—feared as the saint's displeasure. The weather-lore connection may predate the saint, stemming from ancient pagan prognostication. Interestingly, there's meteorological basis in western Europe: the jet stream settles into a pattern in midsummer determining weather for weeks. The French have similar lore for St. Gervais' day (July 19); Germany observes Siebenschlaefer (Seven Sleepers Day) on June 27 (July 7 pre-Gregorian calendar).
July's birthstone, from Latin ruber (red). A corundum type, 9.0 on Mohs scale (second only to diamond). Colors range from pink-orange-red to purple-red; true bright red is most valuable. Ancients believed rubies bestowed good health and warned of misfortune by darkening. In the Far East, "glowing stone" or "lamp stone" for its inner light. Mined largely in Asia; Burma produces the finest "pigeon's blood" red.
July's birth flower, named for the flower's spur-like shape resembling a lark's foot. Also called "lark's heel," "lark's claw," "knight's spur." Consolida grows across the northern hemisphere with finely divided leaves and spikes of delicate blue, purple, white, or pink flowers. Annual form of delphinium; both are buttercup family members and beautiful cut flowers. Victorians loved larkspur, symbolizing open heart, lightness, and levity.
Alternate July birth flower (Nymphaeaceae). Aquatic plant in freshwater lakes and ponds. Hardy types bloom only daytime; tropical forms bloom day or night. Rounded leaves and tiered flowers float serenely but root in underwater soil. Colors: primarily white, pink, red, yellow; some tropical blues. Symbolize purity of heart; favorite of Monet. White water lily is Bangladesh's national flower.
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