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 this week:

* For more masses of summer color in the heat, consider growing bottlebrush, hibiscus or Brazilian Flame Bush.

* If you are going on vacation, prepare your garden ahead of time by mulching and giving the garden a thorough soaking the day before you leave. This is not the time, however, to fertilize as new growth will suffer if there’s a heat wave while you’re gone.

* Dwarf citrus may be small in stature but their fruit is full-sized. Consider planting them for year-round beauty in the garden.

* Food is the key to continued bloom from your flowering plants in summer.