I am my absolute worst self when it's hot, so I really feel for you, Dan.
We water our vegetable garden (small, about 10 x 10) and that's it. Water is too expensive in our village, so we get by with native plants that do just fine (even when the agriculture crops are going through a drought, which we narrowly avoided this year thanks to a ton of spring rain).
I used to have a lot of pots, too -- we have a large deck and an even larger patio that's fun to pack with pots -- but got so overwhelmed in 2020 with, well, all of it, that I didn't plant them and somehow haven't since. I do miss them, but I don't miss watering them every damn day. I'd rather sit in my basement in my underwear and count the days until it gets dark at 4pm, my favorite time of year physically and emotionally (it really fits my temperament, if that's not already obvious 😂)
I have a very Goldilocks approach to temperature. I hate being too hot. I hate being too cold. This hasn’t previously been an issue in the UK, but it’s becoming one. I don’t have a basement, but I do have underwear. Wish me luck.
A rain dance! Maybe that’s where I’ve been going wrong - there is a distinct dearth of dancing in my garden, rain or otherwise. I will give that a go in the morning, and if (when?) it doesn’t work, I will retreat to my sweaty chair and my sub-par fan. Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement!
We've barely had any rain in Pittsburgh this summer and it's definitely been a struggle, especially since I'm still planting new portions of the garden. Like you, I'm also planting drought-tolerant plants but they still need help getting established in the first year or so. There was a "chance" of rain today that never materialized so now my fingers are crossed for a supposed shower on Sunday!
I’m sorry to hear that, Boaz. The only consolation in my garden is that I’m not establishing any new plants this year. Which is shocking to me, actually, seeing it typed out like that. Hm, think I need to take myself to the garden centre… just as soon as this heatwave ends…
It’s sad, and shocking, to see supposedly resilient plants struggling in the heat. The Met Office here has issued extreme weather warnings for next week - it is going to get EVEN HOTTER. I dread to think what impact it’ll have in the garden… and beyond. Lots of wild plants looking very beige and lifeless at the moment
Good point: if something perishes while you’re away, I guess it’s an indication that that plant might not have been future-proof anyway… Still, I wish your garden well while you’re away, and I wish you a good trip!
I am my absolute worst self when it's hot, so I really feel for you, Dan.
We water our vegetable garden (small, about 10 x 10) and that's it. Water is too expensive in our village, so we get by with native plants that do just fine (even when the agriculture crops are going through a drought, which we narrowly avoided this year thanks to a ton of spring rain).
I used to have a lot of pots, too -- we have a large deck and an even larger patio that's fun to pack with pots -- but got so overwhelmed in 2020 with, well, all of it, that I didn't plant them and somehow haven't since. I do miss them, but I don't miss watering them every damn day. I'd rather sit in my basement in my underwear and count the days until it gets dark at 4pm, my favorite time of year physically and emotionally (it really fits my temperament, if that's not already obvious 😂)
I have a very Goldilocks approach to temperature. I hate being too hot. I hate being too cold. This hasn’t previously been an issue in the UK, but it’s becoming one. I don’t have a basement, but I do have underwear. Wish me luck.
Underwear is a powerful force even on its own 😉
Hey Dan.
The travails of a gardener. I miss the days when a weekly shower or two could be depended on to keep the garden moist.
I hope you find some consolation for the water expense in the soul and body nutrition a beautiful garden brings.
Going out to do a rain dance now. Garden on!
A rain dance! Maybe that’s where I’ve been going wrong - there is a distinct dearth of dancing in my garden, rain or otherwise. I will give that a go in the morning, and if (when?) it doesn’t work, I will retreat to my sweaty chair and my sub-par fan. Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement!
We've barely had any rain in Pittsburgh this summer and it's definitely been a struggle, especially since I'm still planting new portions of the garden. Like you, I'm also planting drought-tolerant plants but they still need help getting established in the first year or so. There was a "chance" of rain today that never materialized so now my fingers are crossed for a supposed shower on Sunday!
I’m sorry to hear that, Boaz. The only consolation in my garden is that I’m not establishing any new plants this year. Which is shocking to me, actually, seeing it typed out like that. Hm, think I need to take myself to the garden centre… just as soon as this heatwave ends…
I loved this, thank you.
That is so kind, Lauren, thanks so much! I'm really pleased you enjoyed it.
It’s sad, and shocking, to see supposedly resilient plants struggling in the heat. The Met Office here has issued extreme weather warnings for next week - it is going to get EVEN HOTTER. I dread to think what impact it’ll have in the garden… and beyond. Lots of wild plants looking very beige and lifeless at the moment
Good point: if something perishes while you’re away, I guess it’s an indication that that plant might not have been future-proof anyway… Still, I wish your garden well while you’re away, and I wish you a good trip!