After two weeks alternating visits to splendid gardens with equally inspiring mountain and forest trails in the Pacific Northwest, I’m ready to plant. I’ve noted plants from my travels that must be added to the garden, but ninety and hundred degree temperatures since returning home discourage immediate planting.

Waiting is hard, though I did plant several small treasures obtained on a visit to a favorite mailorder nursery between hikes in the Olympic Mountains. I’ve also ordered several inexpensive Dierama and Hypericum (below) for delivery next week to please my wife who took a liking to them in a few gardens we visited. By late August, I’ll be encouraged to order anything remaining on the list.

The objective in midsummer planting is to minimize the stress of summer heat, and here is where I fail too often. I plant just before a rain is expected, or I water, and that’s it. Sometimes, I monitor the new plantings, sometimes not, and today I pledge to be more conscientious. Yeah, I know, you’ve heard this a thousand times.

I know where one dierama and a hypericum will be planted, but I’ll have to figure spots for two more of each. Of course, each is a different species, and I don’t expect much of a problem unless the weather turns hotter and drier.

I’m sure I’ve planted a little every summer, so this is nothing new. I’ve been particularly anxious after returning from our trip to get out to do something in the garden besides pulling weeds that have been pervasive following the recent period of rainfall. I doubt this will resolve my anxiety, and certainly these few plants won’t keep me busy, but it should help to occupy me enough not to jump onto my extensive list of have-to-haves until cooler weather arrives in September.