On a personal level, it is hard to be a gardener in this weather. Relentless watering whilst attempting to be frugal with supplies, relentless rehydrating of not only plants but self. Skulking in the shadows as much as possible, worrying about which plants will survive and if precious ones will succumb. Wondering exactly what constitutes a client’s definition of “I’ve done the watering”.
On a world level, it is scary stuff. What we are experiencing here at the moment is so much more than just a few uncomfortable nights and Waterers’ Elbow, we are on fire and it is only going to get worse. “Plant more adaptable plants” they say – unicorns that can cope with excessive winter wet and extreme summer temperatures and drought. No talk of soothing our affliction by planting shade trees, baning plastic grass, reducing our greedy consumption. Some are griping about not being able to wash the car with a hosepipe, let me tell you, that is going to be least of your problems. Time to look on the bright side? It is going to be tricky today but I will do my best. If you want to see how other gardeners are coping with their particular lots, pop over to Jim at Garden Rumination for some more positive messages.
Ever optimistic nasturtium. I spotted this one lurking in the shadows when I was putting the washing out this morning. It doesn’t look quite so special as I thought. The teeth look splendid though.
These pretty pinks, again, don’t appear quite the same as the image in my head or indeed in my eye.
There are far too many teasels in this garden. They are OH’s favourites. He is greatly looking forward to the return of the goldfinches. I have, often surreptitiously, culled them. Still they dominate, still they come up, still I weed them. In true wildlife photographer style I waited patiently for a bee to come and pose on this flower. After 30 seconds I got bored, you will have to use your imagination.
Tagetes, fabulous. Makes me feel a little better.
Other worldly, intriguing, wonderful; your name is eucomis.
I grew this Dahlia coccinea var. palmeri from seed last year. It over wintered well and has begun to flower. I do love an orange flower.
Today I watched swifts carousing above the garden, joining the house martins that have been in town for a few months now. They were enjoying the insects that our full to bursting garden have encouraged.
Today I publically bemoaned the obsessive mowing on the estate where previously meadows had been allowed to thrive.
There is so much we can do. We must keep keeping on.
Lighthearted, fun-filled Gill is having a break at the moment. Hopefully she will be back next week.
Off The Edge Gardening 
Beautiful plants—like tagetes, dahlias, and nasturtiums—with colours perfectly suited to the heatwave. ! My Eucomis are starting to suffer from the lack of water and look completely “flappy” by the end of the day.
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This eucomis is in a pot, probably not the best place for it, but I want to be able to take it into the greenhouse for the winter. Do yours stay out?
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No i lift them up in November. In a large pot too in the shade though
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’We are on fire and it’s only going to get worse’ and we get gardeners get a ringside seat. They’re only plants, not terribly important, except for the bit where they are what made the planet inhabitable in the first place, and keep it so, and providing all our food, directly or indirectly. Europe wide crop failures might get people’s attention but whether it will change people’s behaviour is a different matter. I rather think we will find out soon enough. I have Tagetes to plant, perhaps they’ll make me feel better.
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Well said that man! I hope the tagetes work.
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You and I both are on the same wave length, the garden and IAVOM help to keep me sane. Lovely Tagetes, and nasturtium, again the same in my garden. I am starting to appreciate annuals. In a small garden it means there can be an annual change around.
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I didn’t doubt it for a moment, Sis x
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I totally agree with you, and it’s so frustrating to watch the continued, endless consumption that doesn’t seem to be seen as a problem by most. I got quite angry at people making fun of schools trying to reduce their impact by using buses/trains instead of flying yesterday. It feels like everyone’s complaining about the heat, but not willing to do anything about it.
On a more positive note, your garden is looking lovely. I planted my first teasels this year, so am hoping that they self-seed next year when they flower. Can’t wait to get to the point where I have to rip some out!
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Well done for speaking out. People have to change the way they live from choice or they will be forced to. And thank you. The garden is not getting much attention from me at the moment.
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Awwwww 🥰 This heat is really frightening. When a neighbour came round, sighed and said isn’t it lovely?…it was all I could do to stay silent… She’s right it is lovely and we need to enjoy our lucky lives on the this beautiful planet and everything which lives and grows here, but it is at the same time very scary…I just have to do my best to be kind and do the least amount of damage possible. I find myself consciously forcing myself not to think about how things will progress in the near and further future and how the next generation …how my beautiful son in particular, is going to cope with all this damage we have done…and I can’t stop crying, so I have to make myself be positive and keep my little plants and creatures and people alive….
Sorry for the depressing splurge.
It is lovely…she’s right.
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And you are doing a good job and you are the perfect good example for others. Keep being you xxx
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Keep on keeping on is all we can do, whilst doing what we can in our own small way and you’re doing that in spades.
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Thanks and straight back at you!
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When you find out which of the unicorn plants can survive excessive wet winters, excessive storms and excessive heat, please let me know. I daren’t even plant trees here for fear they will be blown down. (Fortunately I already have a few). For once I am grateful for my north facing courtyard. But it is still warm in the shade.
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I expect I will find it in the same section as “moist but well-drained”. Hope you get another paddle in soon.
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Someone was grumbling to me about not being a able to use a hosepipe, and all I could think is that I haven’t been using one for about 15 years. The writing is on the wall and it’s getting all too easy to read.
lovely teasel shot. I think I need to get further under mine for a better angle.
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I agree, we don’t even own a hosepipe. You get much better results with a watering can. I think, anyway.
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Ha, teasel! Was it planted intentionally, or did it just grow wild? Some came up here in past years, but I did not appreciate it, and it somehow died out.
It is again good to see nasturtiums getting some attention.
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It was planted, I would imagine they would do well with you. They have deep tap roots and love it hot and dry. Nasturtiums are rad 😁
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