Ready a snake den or toad hibernaculum for overwintering amphibians and reptiles.

Top up ponds during dry spells.

In hot weather, clean hummingbird feeders and change nectar often.

If skunks are digging up your lawn to get at grubs (this is a very useful form of insect control) rake the grass back in place and water it. The grass will regrow to fill in the spots. For serious grub infestations you can use applications of nematodes instead of poisons.

Water your lawn deeply (about 1" of water) once a week when necessary. This is better than light daily waterings.

If your water supply is limited, you may safely let your lawn go brown. This is a natural and protective dormancy. Grasses have evolved to survive summer droughts and will revive in rainy, cooler weather.

If you use sprinklers to water your garden, it is wiser to do so in the morning. Foliage left wet overnight is more vulnerable to mildew and fungus disease.

Water container plants daily if needed.

Turn compost pile.

Don't cut grass too short - keep it 2 - 3" high so that it is better able to withstand drought and compete with weeds.

Check your garden regularly for signs of insect damage and avoid the use of pesticides.

Prepare beds for fall planting by adding compost.

Remove faded flowers to encourage second blooming for plants such as purple coneflower and bergamot.

Avoid moving plants in the heat of summer. Mark the plants you need to split or move so that you can find and identify them once cool fall weather comes.

Summer phlox which has mildew on its leaves should be replanted later in an airy location with good wind.