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.

Thinking cool

It's summer in Texas. It's hot. This this the windiest year I've spent in this state. Couple that with the triple digit heat (which arrived way too early) and you have the recipe for environmentally-stressed-out garden plants.

I tell people I quit gardening in May, because that's when the heat starts. Of course this isn't true. Really I try not to plant anything other than annuals or containers in May or later. Too hot for me and the plants. But the onset of heat means the fun of new planting is over and the chore of watering has begun. All those new babies I had to have now need lots of water love. The veggies? Water hogs, especially without enough mulch in those raised beds. One of my favorite moments on a garden tour was a faux headstone engraved,"He moved hoses." This is the time of year is when I can truly relate to that sentiment.

So let me leave you with the thoughts of upstate New York: Imagine strolling around the shady grounds surrounding an aged white house with bits of moss growing on the slate tiled roof. Amble over the bridge, passing a quiet stream and wandering into the wood. You come upon a sturdy red structure, a renter's quarters. Try to peak inside the hazy, vine-covered window as a breeze lifts your hair off your neck, cooling you slightly. Of course you hadn't realized you were even warm.

Inspiration

One of the walled gardens which inspired my humble kitchen garden. This shot was taken peaking from over a wall of balusters at the Dallas Arboretum.

Garden Touring: Women's Garden fountain

A brief video featuring one of the fountains in the Women's Garden, one of the gardens at the Dallas Arboretum.

FYI: this video doesn't seem to work on an iPhone, even though it was posted with my iPhone. Technology is so fun. Maybe non-Apple devices will have more luck.

Peaking into the kitchen garden

It really is a delight to be able to harvest ingredients from your own garden, especially right before dinner. I'm feeling so Alice Waters right now.

BTW, that empty pot really is a working fountain. Really. I'll be revisiting this DIY container fountain later in the season. Maybe a stronger pump, planting it out or something completely different.

From garden to table

Home-grown tomato salad with dinner tonight. We all enjoyed the tomatoes and basil fresh from the garden, even he kiddo.

morning's harvest