Hot, dry, and out of town

Just prior to this wave of summer heat, Barbara and I left to hike in the French Alps. This was my first vacation since retiring, and soon, I’ll follow up with photos of the glorious alpine meadows and rocky slopes and perhaps a picture of snow-covered trails that are horticulturally relevant since many plants are experiencing their early spring in late June as they emerge from the melting snow.

Hydrangeas were wilted on the afternoon sun upon our return, but that is typical of every summer afternoon. They revive in late evening as temperatures cool slightly.

The first of Hydrangea paniculata varieties to flower does not wilt in the afternoon sun.

The yellow leafed ‘Little Honey’ oakleaf hydrangea flowers sparsely in dry shade, but oakleafs are resilient in almost all situations.

Of course, I was aware of the severity of the heat and the lack of rainfall back home since the entire planet is connected, even at high altitudes where I checked radar for precipitation that passed through on a few afternoons. We were slightly below the snow line, but it was a chilly rain.

Buttonbush thrives in damp soils, but there is no apparent ill effect from the heat and lack of rainfall.

Predictably, rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccafolium) has thrived in the heat.

The weeks before we left were quite dry, and while I watered the potted plants before leaving, I didn’t think it necessary to bring someone in to water while we were gone. So, I was at least slightly concerned that we’d return to heat stricken plants, though I was just as concerned by my transition from the chilly mountains to hundred degree heat.

The coneflower seedlings along the driveway greeted our return.

Predictably, a few bellflowers (Campanula) planted a few weeks earlier are badly wilted, and container plantings in half sun look pretty sad. But, after a drink, I think all will recover, so not too bad and probably not much different than if we weren’t traveling. I’ll carry a jug around to give the pots a sip of water, and I probably would have done the same for the bellflowers, but I wouldn’t have watered anything else.

Several lavenders thrive in the gravel soil mix of the rock gardens.

Much of the garden has been established for decades, and most of it has thrived without irrigation. A good portion is now shaded by the many dogwoods and redbuds and dozens of large Japanese maples and various other trees, so except for some root competition, the shade conserves soil moisture. But sun or shade, all parts of the garden are parched, so I hope for an afternoon thunderstorm on one of the next few scorching days.

Plants on the rock garden thrived in the heat and dryness with a few exceptions.

I did screw up. I should have sprayed the deer repellent the week before we left when it was due. I often delay spraying until I see the first nibbled hosta, but I can’t do that thousands of miles from home, so a few hostas took a hit (below). Nothing too bad, and between the deer damage and a few wilted plants, the garden survived better than expected.

But ….. this is a clear case where you should not follow my lead. In this garden, there is enough shade and naturally good soil, so I’m able to cut a few corners. Plants need water, particularly ones recently planted, so you should give the garden a good soaking before your summer travels. If your travel is longer than a week without recent soaking rains, hiring a neighborhood kid to water is a good idea. This garden would be impossible to water by hose, and I was confident everything would survive. Fortunately, I believe that all will be fine.