For dedicated gardeners, here are suggestions...

For dedicated gardeners, here are suggestions from the California Assn. of Nurserymen on what to do in the garden during July: * Remember to keep the mower blades 2-2 1/2 inches high to give the lawn enough foliage to produce food.

* Mulch heavily around the base of rose bushes and follow a regular watering program. Roses love deep, thorough waterings.

* For interest in foliage color and texture, check out coleus, dusty miller or creeping charlie the next time you’re at the nursery.

* Trim off old flowers on summer annuals to prolong blooming.

* Plant a kitchen plot of herbs. Many of them are perennial.