07/22/2026
We are finally expecting some generous rainfall, but also with wind risk. I walked outside to restock birdfeeders and take pictures, never knowing if wind brings no damage or mows down trees and flowers.
The last storm we had over a week ago, I looked out my back door and saw sideways rain from the southeast and a rain funnel over my patio. Fortunately for me, my patio umbrella (not raised and was secured in the stand) was the only damage when it tipped over onto patio furniture. However my neighbors had a tree down and many large limbs down at another neighbor’s and has major damage to her rafters and roof!
But not all is well. The Genista Broom Moth wiped out my Baptisia plant within days. Hungry buggers. Their frass is good fertilizer, and this plant has lived through their buggy infestations many times in its 17 years of life and still comes back and blooms well. And the moths the caterpillars become are good pollinators for my gardenias. Circle of life!
I hope the rain comes and is softer than predicted. We are all suffering in this severe drought. I put out water a couple times a day for wildlife and birds. I water the potted plants daily, but my other plants either need to adapt to drier and hotter climate or they die. I’ve already had a few natives, including a beauty-berry and an 8-year old dogwood, die. I know how to Xeriscape if needed.
I am worried about the heritage trees though. While they are native species, climate has changed, and I’m not sure if they will adapt without a little help with water from me. I have a feeling fall will reveal some answers.
Since I’m not a fan of grass, of course the fescue died in May. I’ll sow annual rye and white clover in fall… if it ever gets here. And this year’s plan for beds is a thick layer of bark mulch in early spring. I should have done that this year. Always a money flow issue when it comes to buying that much mulch! So the thistle and mulberry weeds are thriving in bare spots. They must be pulled or dug up, but they aren’t budging in the brick-hard soil. Hoping early spring mulch stops their sprouting.
That’s it for me. I go back to work in less than two weeks. Just want to clear up a myth for those who don’t get it… teachers (at least profs and most likely K-12) work during summers! I had two weeks off this summer. Keep that in mind when people say teachers have it made during summers. 🙄
Enjoy your gardens and hoping we all have gentle, soaking rain here in the Piedmont of NC.
