flyfisher51's Blog

I put the canopy up over the deck today. I also went canoeing, first time this year, but this blog is about what is happening in my back yard. June has stunk for rain. We had some early in the month, but everything since seems to go north or south. We had 9days of 90 degree weather and a total of 17 over 87 in June. We just had a three day reprieve but it goes back to the 90's tomorrow. Water levels in the reservoirs are near capacity so there is no panic yet. This is the opposite of what it was like last year with the rainfall. We water our plants and not the lawn. This is the second week I have not had to cut the grass. Usually this would happen in the middle of July.

I do not know how the animals are reacting to the lack of rain. The Rabbit got jealous of the Chipmunks burrowing in the garden and the tree stump, or should I say Tree Condo. The Rabbit burrowed under the Yucca next to the Stone Garden. I think it's a rabbit. I was growing my lettuce in containers on the shelving unit when I noticed the bottom tray looked shell shocked from the heat. It wasn't, it was eaten by some creature that could not reach the second shelf. I think it was a rabbit. The deer would have eaten everything. So far this year they have eaten the top of my red maple I planted last year, nibbled on the day lilies, and eaten the sunflowers the critters planted in the garden.

I am already enjoying the baby chipmunks and cardinals. They are fun to watch as they learn the lessons from their parents. I think the baby Blue Jays are born obnoxious. The chipmunks have worn a noticeable path from our shed to the feeding area.

I have cherry tomatoes. The others are soon to follow. Some Squirrel was nice enough to plant an acorn in the Hot and Spicy Oregano. If I have a choice I will save both. I want the oak tree. I stopped taking the apple tree down for now. It's been way to hot. I planted Red Nasturtium to attract Hummingbirds and it is feeling the heat. I planted all red flowers in the back this year for that purpose. I haven't seen a Hummer yet. That doesn't mean they haven't been to the feeder yet, I just haven't seen one.

I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend, Happy Gardening and Happy 4th of July.

John