Slate

I love slate! Well, I love most stone, but slate is so versatile. And cheap, sometimes even free. It can change the whole look of a garden, as a path, or a low wall, or a patio. Even when found in the woods, it is usually quite flat, so it is ready to use. Sometimes I buy a box, 5 square feet for less than $10 in Home Depot. The pieces sometimes break a bit when walked on, but that makes it look more natural. I set the pieces in mulch, instant patio.

Container gardens

I love my containers, and of course they are movable, so less affected by weather issues. This does not protect my back, whcch is certainly affected by my moving large heavy pots into shelter from the rain, then back out into the sun!

But they are very useful for filling in spots that need some color, or setting up a sitting area for a party. If they don't grow successfully, they can be changed out quickly and cheaply.

I spoke too soon

Once again, the Weather Channel forecasts rain, chance of thunderstorms, chance of severe thunderstorms, and showers, as far ahead as they'll guess. Oh, I mean "predict".

But even a couple of days of partial sun made a big difference, my poor little plants perk right up.

The hibiscus loves the humidity, it is loaded with buds right now, and when the sun does come out the flowers are beautiful. And of course, the weeds are thriving.

The sun is FINALLY shining!

July is almost over, but at least it finally feels like summer. Better late than never. It should make a big difference in the garden, some of my stuff is really not thriving. The vegetables are not too much bigger than they were a month ago, but after just a few days of hot sun, if we have a few days of hot sun, I bet there is a big change. I never tried to grow eggplant before, I hope I get at least a few to eat. The black eyed susans are happy, anyway.

So it has been awhile since I've been on. Strange summer, weatherwise. My zinnias and portulacas have had a hard year, and Im disappointed. So I have been working more with perrenials, so I have dependable color next year.

Tomorrow, I'll put up pictures.