I am now officially tired of the continuing rainfall. Following a significant storm while Barbara and I were traveling, the garden was not dry when we returned. The few areas exposed to the summer sun were dried in hundred degree heat, but soil remained moist in the larger, shaded areas. Still, I hoped for rain, but enough is enough. Let’s space it out a bit instead of every day.

Thunderstorms have too often passed nearby the past two summers, so I anxiously monitor weather radar to follow the path of approaching storms. Of course, this does little good except to elicit moans and groans when we’re missed, or to bring a rare smile when torrents of rain are falling.

Idiot that I am, I recently planted several Mountain laurels (Kalmia latifolia), inspired by ones flowering in Seattle area gardens we recently visited. Inventories are often depleted in garden centers by late summer, when I should be planting rather than just before a wave of heat. I also planted two creeping dogwoods (Cornus wardiana) and a Peruvian lily (Alstromeria isabellana) purchased on our trip and hauled home in my backpack. Fortunately, an afternoon storm followed my planting so I haven’t worried much over any of the newcomers.

I’m certain that plants, even in the shade, show signs of stress with the summer heat. Some of this is imagined by the overly worried gardener, but by late afternoon hydrangeas, waxy bells (Kirengeshoma spp.) and mayapples (Podophyllum spp.) wilt until the sun sets. By morning, they’re back, looking fresh, but I’m happier after a deluge or two when there’s no doubt about soil moisture.

I don’t expect to see anything wilting in tbe afternoon sun anytime soon. While recent storms have limited my work hours in the garden, by mid-July I can often see the garden’s gradual fade of vigor. I don’t expect to see that this year, and hopefully my pleas to space out rainfall through the next six weeks of summer heat will be heard.