Weather report

Went out late this morning — a little after 7 a.m. — to get some watering started. Since the temp is only supposed to get into the low 80s° today, I thought I would also plant a few things that have been sitting in pots for weeks. Managed to get a Heuchera and an autumn fern in the ground before I had to come in. It's only 10 a.m as I write and the temperature is already at 87°F with humidity in the 70% range. 

Despite endless watering the plants in the entire front garden are coated with grit and dust from the street construction. It was lovely having a four-day holiday weekend with no noise or dust. I watered out there in particular hoping to clean the leaves as well as give all those plants a drink. 

This is what the deck looked like the last time it rained. It wasn't heavy enough or long enough to get any water through the tree leaves and into the ground. We've had rain forecast for days and days and it just passes us by. We're currently 6 inches below normal. 

I know it's summer and supposed to be hot. But I am quickly wiped out with the kind of high temperatures we've been having. I've spent way more time watering than planting, weeding or fine tuning the garden so far. OK, rant over. Maybe today's predicted rain will materialize.

Comments

[Kris P]

I hope you get that rain, Linda! Summer rain is a foreign concept here so watering is a regular chore. I'm always mildly shocked to hear that summer temperatures are higher in your part of the country than mine. Although parts of Los Angeles county are getting triple digits right now, we remain on the comfortable side (77F at noon right now), thanks to the morning marine layer that's apparently intent on carrying on into July this year. Not that I'm complaining!

[Dee Nash]

Linda, I really hope you get decent rain soon. It has done nothing but rain in my part of Oklahoma. I would send it on to you if I could. The thing is I'm used to the heat, but not your humidity. That 70% is horrendous. Hang in there my friend.~~Dee

[Beth@PlantPostings]

Yes, I was afraid the drought would go on, but we got some rain today, did you? It puts a dent in the drought, anyway. Long-lasting droughts are so very frustrating.

[Susie at pbmGarden]

Hope the rains find you Linda. It can be so discouraging when the wait is too long.

[Jerry]

Hot and dry here in western Oregon too. No significant rain since April. I'm in maintenance mode until the fall rains resume. Hoping you get some rain soon.

[Linda Brazill]

BETH — ​I'm thrilled. We got 1.35"

[danger garden]

Like Kris wrote, the concept of summer rain is foreign to me (as is that kind of humidity with your heat), but I also know a change from what is typical for an area is trying. Glad you got a break from your construction!