Gleanings from the Editor

Well, this has been the craziest growing season I can remember. We began with terrible drought that lasted through spring, with young plants just barely holding on and water bills skyrocketing. Then came the floods, and everything burst into bloom.

Frankly, I don't know which was worse. I still haven't gotten the weeds under control that came with the July rain. Seeds that had been waiting patiently for years sprouted and grew like crazy.

Wild morning glory attempted to smother my giant mullein of which I was so proud, not to mention the lantana, barbeque pit and whole eastern edge of my deck and patio!

We kept having branches fall off the trees, crazy winds break off the branches, and so much rapid growth that limbs almost touched the ground with their extra load of foliage. Trimming up trees in the middle of the summer has never been an essential task before, but this year it is. Instead of sitting in the shade, we have to sort of hunker down under the limbs - or wear hard hats just in case.

At the beginning of August, the rains have stopped again and we're wishing for more. As usual, we're beginning to think that perhaps a little hurricane might not be a bad thing.

The fall garden is going in even though it's too hot to even think about fall. The spring plants are looking better than they usually do this time of year, but not good enough to make it until the first frost in November or December.

Gardening continues to be a challenge and a joy, even though the challenges and joys vary from year to year. As I sit here listening to a mockingbird sing, I'm just grateful that I have a garden to complain about and weather to keep me on my toes!