Hurricane Isaias passed over us but there was little damage. It struck as a Category 2 hurricane but the upper level sheer winds quickly reduced its force. By the time it reached us 250 miles inland, it was significantly weakened but gave us a steady soaking rain. Total rainfall for me was a little less than 3 inches.
The rain has been so welcome. We were dry and parched. We still have a dry spell ahead of us but the temperatures are moderating so the plants will be much more able to tolerate it.
The monarchs are coming through. I have seen several in my yard every day this week. They are migrating south to the Gulf of Mexico and onto the northern mountains of Mexico.
As is my custom, I will be joining Six On Saturday tomorrow and I hope you will also.
1. Skullcap
This pretty blue native was a gift from my friend Judy. As you can see, it is already thriving. It is a host plant for Hummingbird Clearwing Moth.
2. Resurrection Fern
This grows on a Post Oak in my back yard. In dry spells, it shrivels to a brown crisp but after a steady rain look what happens.
3. Confederate Rose
This gorgeous bloom belongs to the Dixie Rose Mallow which starts out white but turns into this magnificent pink. It is in the Mallow family. It is tall and propagates easily from cuttings. I have some cuttings that I am preparing to give to friends. Although it is non-native, it attracts nectar seekers like the bumble bee and the honey bee.
4. Rain Lily
Here’s another example of a beauty that appears after a refreshing rain.
5. Rock Rose
This small shrub likes to grow in tough conditions. As you can see, it is also in the Mallow family. Best blooming that I have seen from this plant in several years.
6. Monarch
Here is the Monarch nectaring on the lantana ‘Miss Huff’.
The Plant Ladies visited the Corner Garden last week and gave us some wonderful, learned advice. They helped us in our quest to formulate a plan to progress and improve over the future.
Happy Gardening.
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