The scorching hot days of summer have finally arrived! I really haven’t gotten as much done as I would have liked by this time of the year, but what can you do? At this point, I still have to mulch a rather large bed, plant a 3 gallon hydrangea and a few perennials, finish pressure washing the pollen laden patio furniture. I would really love to replace the gazebo top…..the pine sap from the trees have glommed all over the top and stained it…..it may be fruitless though, the gazebo is stationary, so if I change it it will get stained again! Ugh!
There is good news though……the state has lifted the drought restrictions. We’re not out of the woods yet, we are limited to watering only thrice a week and preferably not between the hours of 10 am to 7 pm…….which technically makes sense since the water would only evaporate during those times. Not nirvana, but it sure beats a 100% ban on outdoor watering! I’m still collecting roof water with my water tank, it will be a nice backup on those extra hot days. Even though we have the go ahead to water, I still would like to conserve whenever possible.
I will have to say that my roses are a blessing and a curse this year. Initially, the shrubs and climbers were awesome! Their blooms were prolific, bold and the epitome of gorgeousness. However, it’s been awhile since I’ve seen any decent floral display from most of them. I don’t know where I went wrong. I do know that I waited too long to use the dormant spray…..as a result, I have a lot of blackspot and yellowed leaves. I applied the alfalfa pellets in late winter so the first blooms were nice….not exceptional, but nice. Since then, it’s been a comedy of errors. I am not impressed. I did use the 3 in 1 systemic for roses, but BLAH! I only have myself to blame so I’ve resolved to do better next year.
Now, this is year three for my very disappointing climbers. I guess the third year’s the charm! Finally, they look like something I can be proud of! I did nothing out of the ordinary, I just think that it takes that long for climbers to come into their own. I can get used to this! Lol
This is the first time since the mid 80s that I’ve tried my hand at growing veggies. Since I’m a bit rusty, I decided to go slow and plant romaine and a purplish variety of lettuce, tomatoes and a single bell pepper plant and a single cabbage plant (which was more or less just a test for me to see if I could do it). I am pleased to say that the lettuce was an absolute success since we eat lots of salads. The salad mix in the store is ridiculously expensive. So, for just $3.48, I got nine plants and a summer’s worth of salads. Ditto for the tomatoes which are now small and green, the price was a steal compared to what the grocery stores want for them. All it takes is a little dirt and patience and I’ve got lots of both.
The one thing that I am waiting for this season is to see how my new daylillies pan out. I bought several colors from this daylilly farmer for $5.00 per clump and they were beautiful. I hope that they put on a show for my yard like they did for his. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a display of total Awesomeness!
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So neat! Love it and thanks for the ideas!