Like many of you, this summer the weather has not been a gardener’s friend. We have had almost no rain for 5 weeks. During most of this time, our ability to water was limited as we dealt with well issues.
I am looking at my garden as I write today. Every time I look up, I start dividing the plants I see into categories … you are doing well in drought conditions/you are not.
In almost every case the ones doing the worst are the newest. Shallow roots.
By definition, roots are that part of a vascular plant normally underground. Their primary functions are:
- ANCHORAGE
- ABSORPTION (WATER & MINERALS)
- AERATION
- FOOD STORAGE
You often hear WATER DEEPLY. There is a reason for that. Shallow watering keeps the roots close to the surface to get the refreshing drink… but also where the heat can zap them. Watering deeply sends those roots down to where is it cooler and they are safer from the heat! And, those deep strong roots will keep them better anchored for the “windy” seasons to come.
LAVENDER…
These plants have their “roots” in the Mediterranean so they have dry, hot summers in their DNA. As you would expect, this summer’s weather has not bothered my established plants very much at all. However, I have 6 new lavender plants in the “refreshed” herb garden and they are not doing well! To date, I have 2 that are already gone and 2 that are almost gone, and two that look a bit sick. Even though they were watered almost every day – they struggled. Those shallow, thin, fine roots weren’t happy dry, or wet in all the heat.
NOTE: While I have tried almost every lavender on the planet, Munstead is the lavender that not only tolerates our winters best but also gives me the lavender bloom and fragrance that I like best. With all the new varieties, bloom shape and fragrance differ a great deal. Many of the Munsteads in my garden I started from seed and they are doing very well.
TURMOIL
Turmoil is not a word I use often, however these days it seems to fit … a state of disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty. We feel it. We see it on the faces of others. Our hearts are breaking for all that is happening around the world and to our friends experiencing the storms of life and the literal storms that are wreaking havoc. Just like the plants I mentioned earlier, the deeper our roots, the more grounded we are, the better we will withstand what comes our way. My life is rooted in my relationship with Jesus. While that does not remove the hurt or struggle, it gives assurance of who will walk with me. I’m trusting in his ways and his timing. King David was no stranger to turmoil either… When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. PSALM 56:3
Scripture reminds us how God’s care for us by inviting us to CONSIDER THE LILIES OF THE FIELD ….
Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither labor nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. Luke 12:27
While we are talking about roots, I would add to that … consider the Black-eyed Susans. Those girls dig deep and have quite the anchor! I don’t think they have even noticed that it has not rained in weeks! 🙄🌼
BLOOM THYME
“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God’s handwriting—a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson
Let’s dig deep friends. Find our anchor. Surround ourselves with what and who offers us refreshment, strength, and purpose to continue to bloom and to lift up those around us regardless of what this world keeps tossing our way. 😘