Wow, it’s still hot. And the garden is baking. The day lilies that were in glorious bloom just a week ago are now fading. I’ve begun removing bare scapes and scraping at the lifeless brown leaves that seem more prevalent this year than seems normal. The garden gets watered daily thanks to the in-ground system. Michigan, surrounded by water, rarely gets water restrictions. But the heat is taking its toll, especially on the hydrangeas. In fact, I may lose a couple even though I give them extra water each day. Sadly, there seems to be no end in sight. At best, we have a chance of thunderstorms this week. Weeks of 90 degree heat just isn’t what my garden is used to.
Veronica Spicata, Sunny Border Blue…the Great Black Wasps are loving this!This tattered Purple Cone Flower has been a feast for Japanese Beetles.
Crocosmia, a nameless pale yellow day lily, and to the far right rear Barbara Mitchell day lily. All of these are weeks early. Man of the day lilies now have budless scapes that need to be removed.A few Endless Summer hydrangeas are blooming, but the heat is really getting to them. Behind them is a pot of petunias. To the right is one of several Great Expectations hostas.NosferatuAt least the annuals will still be blooming in August…Fragrant Angel Cone Flower
The old Rose of SharonDaturaA single geranium bloom
I haven’t always been a gardener, but I have always loved gardens. It has taken 16 years to get my gardens into the shape they are today. And, I’ve had help. I’m 74 years old, have rheumatoid arthritis, and had a late stage cancer six years ago. I am, though, intrepid. I’m the kind of person who plods along, tailoring my goals as I go. Last November I had a long overdue knee replacement surgery and I’m hoping this spring, summer, and fall will be able to maintain and find even more joy working in all of my garden beds. Full disclosure, though. I have a garden guy who comes once a week to work in my gardens.
Garden 337 