The summer heat is here this week with temps in the low 90’s. It is breezy at times which provides a bit of relief but being outdoors in the afternoons makes me weary from the heat. Garden work must be done in the mornings. It has been dry but a welcoming rain is forecast for this weekend.
The summer bloomers are appearing but there has also been some unexpected visitors.
My first picture today is morning sunrise on the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast. The dunes are magnificent. This shot is overlooking the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge.
Next are the “Nikko Blue” hydrangeas. They are on the shady side of the yard where they have been happy but the last two years with drought and then excessive rain there have been no blooms. This late spring though they are coming out. Joy.
Third is the astilbe. I also have these in the shady portion of the yard where they add needed color and contrast. They grow slowly but they are now coming into their own after several years.
The butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is now mature enough that it will be attracting the butterflies. As a host plant, it is a needed food source for many caterpillars including the magestic Monarch. It is a beacon in the sunny perennial bed.
This blanket flower (Gallardia) is another beacon in the sunny perennial bed. It also attracts butterflies. This one has a skipper visiting.
A surprise visitor the other morning was this guy. He had flushed two female deer and was trying to run them down. He was outclassed in speed so he took a break on the driveway and had a scratch.
Enjoy the weather. For us in the southeast USA, it is time to stay hydrated and seek shade at mid afternoon.
Happy gardening and don’t forget to look at the Propagator.
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Summer is here as well (South Florida) I am amazed you can grow Astilbe there…
Yes. It does quite well in the shaded area of my garden where there is brief morning sun and then dappled sun into early afternoon.
Is that a domestic dog or a wild one? Or even a wolf? Forgive my ignorance from across the pond.
The coyote is wild. It is a member of the dog family. It was native to the southwestern USA but in the last 20 years it has crossed the Mississippi and is thriving in the southeast USA. We see them often and they are not shy to be seen during the day. Many people are unhappy with them because they are a predator of domestic cats and small domestic dogs.