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
It looks like your dahlias actually welcomed the furnace treatment. I'm looking forward to it cooling off!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure the dahlias welcomed the heat so much as tolerated it, although they did surprise me, Tracy. I expected to find all of them withered to a crisp. I haven't checked them yet today, however - the temperature is currently sitting at 102.2F.
DeleteThe hot color of your arrangement seems fitting. The system that has been baking your part of the world has given us sunny warm fall days in the high 70's and low 80's, it's been lovely. I'm sorry you've been suffering.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you've had the opportunity to enjoy some comfortably warm temperatures, Loree. It's toasty here again today but it's looking better as we head into Thursday.
DeleteI really like the pink of the dahlias and the Zinnia, Kris, and the white blooms and greenery stop it from being just TOO pink! I don't envy you your hot days nights, Kris, and really hope temperatures drop for you soon
ReplyDeleteFingers are crossed that the temperatures will drop to more hospitable levels by Thursday, Cathy.
DeleteI'm glad to hear that the forecast calls for a return to more moderate temperatures for you. That's just too hot for October. I did spy a hint of the salvia in the arrangement - what an unusual color!
ReplyDeleteThat Salvia discolor is a pretty plant even if it tends to be a bit wispy and very, very sticky, Jerry.
DeleteBeautiful, Kris. It's funny how sometimes the flowers really reflect the weather - scorching! My mind is still boggled by how hot it is there. Stay cool. A.melia.
ReplyDeleteI can't claim that we haven't experienced temperatures like this in October before but it's unusual that they soar this high and get stuck there for days on end this late in the season. Unfortunately, I'd started replanting a few small areas just 2 weeks ago :(
DeleteOne of my favorite vases on show today! 👍🏼 The pink dahlias and zinnias are so pretty in it. I can't imagine 100º, such a long distant memory is summer's heat. I hope your temps improve soon... we're heading into the 30s for the next two nights, but I won't wish that on you or your besieged garden! Eliza
ReplyDeleteHa! It's been a long time since I've had to contend with temperatures in the 30s, Eliza! We all have our climate challenges - they're just packaged differently!
DeleteThis is one of my favorite vases....and those gorgeous dahlias are perfection.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna. And again, my condolences on your loss.
DeleteLovely arrangement Kris. Sorry to hear it's still so hot there but I'm sure the temps will be lowering soon. We have had light frost several times so my dahlias are toast. Will be digging and bringing them in for winter soon. However, still lots of colour and days are lovely to be outside working in the garden.
ReplyDeleteWe've had record breaking heat since last week but it looks like we may see may be just 2 more days of that before the temperatures fall. There's even a chance of light rain next week. I'm hoping for maybe one more vase containing dahlias ;)
DeleteConsidering that heat I think you have done remarkably well to water, walk AND produce a vase! I am sure air conditioning helps (which we don't usually have here in Europe) but I would still hate being stuck inside at this time of year so I do hope it cools down for you soon Kris! The dahlias are stunning, and zinnias seem to take the heat in their stride too, don't they.
ReplyDeleteI admit that I'm getting more than a little stir crazy despite my early morning scrambles to get as much done as possible before the heat becomes too intense. Hopefully, the forecasters are right and we have only 2 more days of this heatwave left to endure.
DeleteFantastic vase to hold those beautiful Dahlias. I'm surprised they are laughing off the heat and blooming with such gusto. Hope the weather gets better soon.
ReplyDeleteNot all the dahlias are equally resilient but overall I've been surprised by the number that have produced fresh blooms in this heat, Susie! Our temperatures have repeatedly reached above 100F this week. There are still buds developing too.
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