Happiness is the return of rainfall

It has been raining off and on since Sunday and I couldn't be happier. According to our rain gauge, we've received about 1.5 inches as of Monday afternoon. The temperatures are cooler as well with highs in the low 70s and high 60s. Overall, this summer has not been like the hellacious one we had last year. I think there have only seen a few days in the 90s. 

I am always amazed to see how plants respond to rainfall. The Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) seems to put out an inch of growth overnight.

Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica)

Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia 'Charles Grimaldi') has also has another bloom display although the leaves are very yellowish. 

Begonia 'Bonfire' and Creeping Jenny 

I've just discovered Caryopteris and this is the second one I've planted. It is called 'Good as Gold'.

Clerodendrum trichotomum (Harlequin Glorybower) (Peanut Butter Tree) - I've been warned about this one reseeding but the flowers are incredible. 

Coreopsis 'Sunray' 

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake'

Lantana 'Miss Huff' 

Leucosceptrum japonicum 'Golden Angel' (Japanese Shrub Mint)

Tibouchina (Princess Flower)

Rose 'Lady Emma Hamilton'

'Lamarque' - so happy to have this rose again and it is just now blooming. Very strange time for it but I'm not questioning. 

Rosemary 'Foxtail'

Solidago 'Fireworks' (Goldenrod)

And last, rhododendron 'Anah Kruschke' is blooming - what the heck?

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy