ORGANIZE YOUR YEAR JULY

Hang the flag

Stock up on citronella candles

Cook

Bake a patriotic pie (page 52)

INDEPENDENCE DAY

(July 4)

Watch fireworks

Pets

Keep pets calm during fireworks (page 52)

Entertain

Pack a picnic (page 53)

Plant basil

Cook

Pick and freeze blueberries (page 53)

Stake dahlias

Replenish sunscreen supply

Restock flea-and-tick protection for pets (and always check outdoor pets for ticks)

Host a lawn party with badminton and croquet

Garden

Grow tomatoes (page 54)

Pick herbs; make pesto

Bake fruit tarts

Take in an outdoor movie or concert

Cut hydrangeas for flower arrangements

Feast on fresh Alaskan salmon

Take a garden tour (check your local conservancy)

Host a clambake on the beach, or in your kitchen

Declare this a do-nothing (other than reading and relaxing) day

Savor fresh cherries while they last

Weed and water the garden

Raise lawn-mower blades as grass growth slows

Garden

Help the bees (page 54)

Gather friends for a bike ride and breakfast

Go water-skiing or paddleboarding

Schedule back-to-school haircuts for kids

Visit a pick-your-own farm for peaches and plums

Make peach cobbler and peach ice cream

Cook

Prepare no-cook meals (page 55)

Treat your feet to a spa pedicure (it’s the height of sandal season)