The heat only got worse here as we moved into the past weekend, reaching 100F and higher (38C). The scorching temperatures are predicted to remain in effect until Wednesday when they could drop ten degrees into the upper 80s (31C) before very slowly creeping down during the following week. The only positive has been that the intense heat hasn't been accompanied by high humidity on this occasion.
Remarkably, the heat didn't take out everything I had left in my cutting garden, although it did significantly diminish my options this week. However, Dahlia 'Enchantress' at last decided it was time to produce more than two flowers at the same time.
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| I got 8 flowers from 'Enchantress' this week (only 2 of which were lightly singed) |
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| Back view: I filled out the vase with zinnias |
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| Overhead view |
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| Clockwise from the upper left, the vase contains: Agonis flexuosa 'Nana', Salvia discolor, Dahlia 'Table Dancer', D. 'Enchantress', noID pink Zinnia, Z. 'Benary's Giant Purple', and Z. 'Oklahoma White'. Unfortunately, the Salvia, which has tiny almost black flowers, was virtually hidden by the other plant materials. |
I've managed to squeeze in some watering, as well as outdoor exercise walks, very early in the morning during the current heatwave, although I can't say either activity has been pleasant even when competed by 7:30am. The nighttime temperatures haven't dipped much either, stuck in the low 80sF (28C) throughout the overnight hours. The days may be shorter but it certainly doesn't feel like fall here yet!
For IAVOM posts from more hospitable areas, check in with Cathy at Rambling in the Garden to see what she and other contributors to this weekly meme have found to fill their vases.
All material © 2012-2026 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party