According to the local weather folks, the hot weather could be out of here! All told, I would guess that we had a total of about 10 days above 90 degrees since July so we are not complaining at all. We love the Pacific NW weather.
Of course there are a few drawbacks - tomatoes did not begin to ripen until mid-August, the puny canteloupe I planted has fruited but seems to be at a standstill and some of the heat-loving flowers like Hyacinth Bean vine, lantana and marigolds have been small-growing. However, this is not a bad price to pay for a humidity-free climate.Gardening-wise, the most difficult thing for me to adjust to is the dry summers. We have not had an inch of rain since mid-June! Even though I water faithfully, I honestly do not know how plants are still alive, especially the ones that grow in the wild. It is typical weather in this maritime climate though. Tomorrow we have an 80% chance of rain and we got a good sprinkle yesterday and today.
 |
| Persian Ironwood (Parrotia persica) |
The trees, perhaps due to the lack of water, have begun to turn color. These are the leaves on the Persian Ironwood (Parrotia persica) tree. The moisture-loving hydrangeas too have looked a bit sad for some time now.
 |
| Hydrangea 'Preziosa' |
There are many plants that love the dry weather. It is all a learning experience!
Some of the dry summer lovers -
 |
| Mexican Feather Grass Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima) |
 |
| Celosia 'Intenz Purple' |
 |
| Agastache 'Tutti Frutti' |
 |
| Sedum 'Cherry Truffle' |
 |
| Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) |
 |
| Hollyhock (Alcea) grown from seed - it is only 2 feet tall |
 |
| We are in love with Heliotrope, which smells like baby powder. |
 |
| Gladiolus |
 |
| Dahlia ‘Dahlightful Lively Lavender’ has been covered with blooms all summer. I just keep pinching off the faded blooms and more appear. A definite winner! |
Rain is now falling outside the window as I type this. I think I can hear the plants growing!
Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
