Yes, I know I haven’t posted in a while—six weeks, to be exact. But the garden hasn’t been great this summer. Extreme heat and severe drought have taken a toll on some of my most dependable plants. But you can still find something blooming 365 days per year somewhere out there, so I’ll show you around now as we hope for better days this fall.

As you see in the top photo, I’ve had to bring out the sprinklers to keep things alive. But hose water doesn’t compare with God’s life-giving, rich rain. I read an interesting article recently about how plants respond to electrical charges from thunderstorms. (I wanted to say, “respond positively to electrical charges,” but I’ll spare you the pun.) We usually experience at least one tropical storm, if not a hurricane, by this time of year. I’m certainly not wishing for disaster, but they do bring necessary rains that raise the water table every year. And my plants have missed a good soaking from a named storm.

But, on to the flowers. The white and fuchsia altheas have been dependable despite the weather, blooming continually since May.

The plumbago has really begun to bloom well in the past few weeks. It’s growing up through the canes of my hot pink Knockout rose, spreading those white clusters all around.

Fewer spider lilies came up this year. Ordinarily, the bulbs have continued to multiply, and I’ve had good September showings in the past. Maybe next year will be better again.

The tropical gingers didn’t do as well this summer, either. All three types seemed too limp and didn’t flower as prolifically as usual. The “pinecones” of the shampoo ginger were smaller and didn’t turn as deep red as I’d expected.

No complaints about the flowers on the garlic chives. They seem to thrive on neglect.

Finally, my roses probably could have used more TLC this summer, but they bloomed anyway.

Above, you see my miniature Red Cascade climbing rose.

I can’t say we’ve turned the corner on summer just yet. We’re not expecting cooler temperatures for another couple of weeks. Even then, it won’t be “sweater weather.” I won’t put away the sandals and short sleeves for a while, but I do expect to have more pleasant mornings for gardening. So, weeds, watch out! I’m coming for you!