Reports from Death Valley

Ok, it only feels like Death Valley. Much of the country is stuck in the oven, but I don't expect to be done with our "heat wave" until mid-September. I'm just praying/hoping for fall rains. The state really needs it.

We've been lucky here in our neck of the woods, no severe water restrictions yet. Happy to report that our lawn is still green and most of the plants are fine. My 'Little Rascal' hollies are brown and crunchy. I think this ongoing heat is just too much for most of the hollies. Even the 'Sky Pencil' hollies from the builder, which should be established by now (watered on a drip system), are looking a bit yellow on the bottom (I think it's heat induced chlorosis). Now I'm really appreciating native plantings and those Yaupon Hollies around the area. Think some will be making their way into my landscape. Wonder how my old garden, full of xeriscape stuff, is fairing.

Have also seen reports we could be starting our fall tomato plantings now, but I'm holding off. I don't want to plant anything, let alone water anything more.

What's blooming, August

I hope dragonflies (and damselflies) are good luck. It's been hot - of course, it is August in Texas. We got a good rain last week, but I'm hoping for more in the future. Keeping up with the watering gets old. But I am pleased to report the horticultural oil I sprayed on my trees had a greatly reduced my pests (scale, aphids & spider mites). I may have to do another application on two of my crepe myrtles, but the pest load was likely reduced by 90 percent.

Damsel fly resting on crepe myrtle 'Nachez.'

The dwarf wax myrtles have really taken off. A happy surprise.

Bloom on crepe myrtle 'Nachez.' These trees were slow to set flower, but it's still their first summer.

Pink 'Knock Out' rose. Still doesn't look like much, yet.

Butterfly bush 'White Profusion.' Starting to get big and fill up the empty fence line. Good.

'Caldwell Pink' rose. This is a compact and very tough little rose. I actually got this plant as a freebie when ordering climbers for my last garden. It had been living a very stressed life in a pot until last fall, until I finally got it in the ground. If a plant could have danced for joy, this would be the one. It's been blooming and healthy, despite the pest plagues around it.



The 'Teddy Bear' magnolias are still looking pretty decent, even when not in flower. The glossy effect of the horticultural oil made the leaves look very nice. Another benefit of spraying I never considered.



The grasses, 'Adagio' maiden grass, are starting to put out their plumes.



I'm loving this recent acquisition, humming bird mint 'Cana.' And I actually saw a little humming bird at it one afternoon last week! The leaves have a very lovely scent. A great, tough plant.

One of the many blue dragonflies. The frequent the back garden regularly, buzzing up and down the pathway. The boulder is a nice warm landing pad.