After inches of rain in recent weeks, the lushness of foliage in the garden fades in the afternoon heat. Redbuds plumped by damp soil show their misery by midday. Nothing horrible, but few plants or animals thrive in this heat.
The garden is ready for the return of afternoon rain showers and a few cloudy days. After whining several days earlier that there was no sun, I should feel guilty wishing it would hide away for a day or two. Of course, I ask for that perfect combination when storms move in for an hour or two each evening. I should add a cool breeze onto the wishlist, but perhaps that’s a step too far.
In case there was a question, this typical summer heat is all that’s needed to justify planting a garden for shade. This garden borders a swath of forest bisected by a small spring-fed creek, so the start of a shaded garden was there before dozens of trees were planted.
Over thirty-six years, we’ve witnessed the tree canopy spreading to shade much of the property. On occasion, I wish for a bit more sun. I’ve run short of space for flowering shrubs and perennials, but today’s heat reminds me that this is just right.
Ramblin' through Dave's Garden 
Such a beautiful walk on the green side, … and yes, much too hot, … and not enough rain, … every time I do some washing up, the cooled water goes onto the garden, I’m not one for waste. … (and I haven’t got a dishwasher., 😉)…💫
I don’t water anything except containers when they’re very dry and new plantings if it’s not going to rain for a day or two. We typically get enough rain through the summer that I don’t have to bother.
Our Summers, (& Springs now) Are getting so hot and dry, hardly any rain the past few weeks, I have to keep watering, and now there’s a hose pipe ban, so ex washing-up water it is, …💫
Hi Dave, I’m curious if you get the waves of flying insects in your garden like we are down in southern VA; fungus gnats, etc. And if you have any methods for reducing their populations! We’ve tried nematodes and reduced watering but not much has changed. Your advice on the deer spray has worked great at reducing damage from browsing but man there are so many bugs out there I mostly just want to stay inside and look at the garden through the windows. Many thanks for your blog, the stories and images are always inspiring. Craig
I spray a cedar-based repellent when mosquitoes become a problem, but I’m careful to spray early or late so other insects aren’t out. Otherwise, birds and dragonflies seem to control gnats. Near the five ponds, there is no need for the repellent since dragonflies take care of mosquitoes.
Thanks Dave, I guess it’s time for a pond or 5 then! Our birds clearly aren’t doing their job and I haven’t seen many dragonflies around so we’ll need to change that. Craig