Gardening

Where did the summer go?  We are already into the first week of August, and if your garden is anything like mine, it could use a little freshening up.  We have had many bouts of extreme heat and frequent torrential downpours which can take their toll on perennials in full flower (like tall garden phlox and helianthus) leaving them drooping to the garden in a sodden mess. Clumps of daylilies, lady's mantle and cranesbill, may be looking a little messy in the border.  Perhaps your annuals are leggy and tired looking. 

The Christmas decorations are packed away, extra fat has been packed on and some of us are lucky enough to be packing suitcases en route to more gentle and balmy temperatures.

The gardeners all seem to be gazing longingly at the frozen landscapes that, just a few months ago, were lush and green...and almost exotic in comparison!  Even our friends in ‘tropical’ B.C. have been dealt their share of ‘old man’ winter (and a grumpy old man at that!).