Dirt Therapy

  The intense heat ended with a bang last night and dropped as much as 50 degrees in some places. Yesterday's high was a miserable 112. It is back in the high 80s today and feels so much better. It is still hot though and I would like our regular highs in the 70s back please. Watering again this morning and taking a closer look at the plants. Overall, the garden looks pretty good with more good-looking plants than bad ones. I think our diligent watering helped matters tremendously. I will remember the umbrellas next time though. The above photo is one of the good areas. That is Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose', Wall Flower ( Erisymum ), Red Hot Poker ( Kniphofia 'Poco Orange') and Smoke Tree ( Cotinus 'Royal Purple') in the background. A view of the Smoke Tree from the street - More of the good include surprises like Japanese maples and daphne which appear unscathed. All of our maples in pots are in shady areas. My favorite one at the moment is 'Mo...

I am probably being immature as our horrendous heat wave will continue today with temperatures predicted to be even higher than yesterday's inferno of 109. I've never experienced such, not even in Alabama. Although the humidity isn't as bad here, the sun is noticeably hotter. You can feel your skin blistering when standing in it. Looking around the garden this morning and there are lessons to be learned. Overall, most everything looks okay. These daylilies and hypericum seem unfazed and the bees are swarming - But there is some damage and in unexpected places. We have been watering heavily in the evenings and mornings before the heat hits and were concentrating on the pots and usual suspects (hydrangea).  However, I didn't give the smaller conifers or, of all things, barberries, a passing thought. That was a mistake. Norway Spruce ( Picea abies 'Pusch') Picea orientalis 'Tom Thumb'  I had no idea barberries were so delicate! A newly planted barberry an...

Back in the day when I gazed longingly at photos of gardens in the Pacific Northwest, I would bet that I came across some of Thomas Vetter's gorgeous garden in Portland. I got the chance to see his garden in person three years ago and stopped by again last Sunday for another visit. It continues to inspire me and is one of my favorite gardens. It was hot and the sun was bright on Sunday but there is a calming and cooling factor the minute you enter.  At the driveway entrance, a large collection of potted plants greet you. A pathway leads through the small front garden. His garden is jam-packed with plants, all artfully arranged with lovely combinations and contrasting textures.  A narrow side garden leads to the back - The back garden is a dream.  Underneath a porch are more potted plants and a collection of succulents - And, back in the corner, a towering locust ( Robinia) . A big crow sat in it almost the entire time of my visit. Thank you again for opening your garden ...