I’m predicting it…. for my area, anyway. Ohio was hard hit by thunderstorms in some areas, but again the rain passed us by. The proverbs illustration reminds me to tighten up my promises and over extensions as I ponder the way expectations dashed are particularly disappointing. I remember the drought of some years ago, when clouds would come and go and leave the earth still parched. No amount of watering replaces the drenching luxurious saturation of a summer downpour, we just keep things in existence. They need more to than we can manufacture to flourish. I hope we aren’t in for that kind of drought this year.
In the news recently there had been report of how widespread drought is in the USA this year, and how some parts are adjusting their idea of what “normal rainfall” is because drought has been so entrenched in their part of the nation. Time to think “xeriscape”! Although I have been convinced that is the smart way to garden for quite some time. Watering is a way of life for places like Phoenix, but it just seems wrong to have too much green grass expanse. Not that the occasional oasis wasn’t a relief, but there was more beauty in the natural desert plants and the interesting uses of gravel, boulders, and spots of container plantings.
We are a long way from desert here in the Midwest, but sometimes we need sturdy drought resistant plants, especially when our area was once prairie. I would love a wooded garden with trilliums and wild phlox, but one year like this and not even daily watering would keep them alive. Which is why I am happy that I replanted the lavender hedge.
It needs water this summer- and I have dutifully been out there with the hose every day to keep my new little plants happy. Once established they will weather dryness just fine. Since it is obvious how much I like lavender, I decided to resurrect my old efforts at writing plant profiles by adding one on lavender. I’ll likely add to it after taking some pictures of lavender to add, as well as giving some thought to combinations I like, but I wasn’t sure whether to just make a page on that topic (perennial combinations I like). One of the fun things about writing on a focused topic is that researching it introduces one to some very interesting websites.
Today was fruitful for me, I planted all my tomato plants that I purchased a bit late, but made up for by getting large plants with fruits. There are two ‘Celebrity’, one ‘Super Sweet’, and one ‘Brandy Boy’ or something. Those are all new varieties for me; usually I plant ‘Better Boy’, and ‘Early Girl’. I just wanted to be adventuresome this year. The neighborhood green house was closing up for the season and had a sale. I bought some beautiful geraniums which I hope to be diligent about keeping alive through the winter. (I always tell myself that, but this time I mean it!). I don’t need more work, but I can’t resist beautiful plants at a good price. Plants are my weakness. Other women buy shoes, but I go plant shopping. Always tell myself I’ll just look…but like my husband said- I just can’t seem to leave without some plants. And I was almost done with planting everything I had purchased before.
I’ve been pretty on target with most of my resolutions this year. Gardening more and renovating the garden in earnest were on the list, and this is the one -along with exercise @ Curves- that I have been best at keeping. Still not losing much weight, though Could it be the all that ice cream ? …nahhh
I think I will have a post listing the things I planted this year- just for posterity. Or my own reference next year, anyway. One thing I was happy to get was a few plumbago for containers. I had a picture of containers overflowing with beautiful sky blue flowers, and didn’t really know what plant it was; but finally tracked it down and then, lo and behold, it was on sale at the greenhouse. I bought several sky blue hue flowers this year- don’t usually have much in that color.
Well, this is getting way too long, so will continue tomorrow sometime 🙂
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