Well, it has been a minute since I posted. It was in late June and the title was BLOOM THYME: Beauty with Challenges .  In a nutshell from that post some of our large challenges were stormy weather, raccoons and changes from RRD. You can read about those challenges and more; plus see the fresh blooms of the early summer garden HERE.

I’ve decided that when the “heat” is on like it was this summer … well, it not only slows down the plants, it slows down the gardener! It’s cool now so, let’s catch up.

JULY:  FIREWORKS AND FAMILY

July was fantastic, our country turned 250 years old and we had the pleasure of spending time with all our family in one place. IYKYK It doesn’t get any better than that! In the garden it was heating up but there were plenty of blooms to enjoy!

AUGUST: SOME LIKE IT HOT

But not that hot! I truly do love warm, sunny weather but August was a test — SUPER hot and dry. This weather made us so happy that in 2024 Mr. G started adding some drip irrigation to the garden. This year he added more and there are plans for even more next year. At this stage of our garden and life, we travel more and have less time and energy to devote to the garden. So “automatic” water from wherever we are is such a treat to the gardener and the garden. Mr. G is very happy with his irrigation app and so our the plants.

While it has been hard to see some of our foundational shrubs get crispy far too early, look at those blooms below… obviously for those getting some water the heat was much more bearable. Now for the gardener…. she stayed inside for most of August… not the kind of weather to work out in! Better safe than sorry.

Is this heat a trend and something that will become our new normal? Time will tell. If so, it is good to note who did well and who didn’t! All of these were where they received water from the irrigation.

These guys did quite well!

SEPTEMBER:  COMING OUT OF THE HEAT WAVE

For quite a while September was content to be August with all the heat. Many plants were still on break and I didn’t blame them! But there was always something in bloom to enjoy and I certainly took note of what was performing during that time to be sure we have them again next year!

Throughout the season we had more hummingbirds than ever before and I attribute that to some of the plantings we did up close to our patio and out in the borders … Rockin’ Playing the Blues Salvia, Rockin’ Blue Suede Shoes Salvia, Cleome Sentorita Rosalita and Lantana. Show stoppers all season. Absolute must for next year. If you don’t grow those salvias yet… take a look at them – drought resistant and deer resistant blooming machines!

🌹When you see the large bokay below, know that it took almost every rose in the garden! I was asked to bring an arrangement to the IL IN District Rose Show… and I did.

THE FAUN

Several have asked me about THE FAUN. Here is a video I did two years ago … she is the same each year… gorgeous.
LINK

Heirloom has her, but you might have to get on the waiting list.

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER: Better Weather and Big Changes

A lot going on and changes to the garden are happening. But more about that later. Hoping this good weather continues!

How was your summer?  Hot, cold or just right?

Until next time friends, let’s all bloom where we are planted.