A look back at July

Begonia's

 Summer here in Michigan has be hot, really hot, and dry.

 This July was one of  the hottest and driest on record

While most of us complained about the heat, the gardens loved it.
and why wouldn't they, most of the annuals we plant in our gardens are from tropical  parts of the world and love the heat

Geraniums

Hot and dry weather means that a Gardner has to work a  bit more.

Keeping up with watering can become a chore, and can really challenge a Gardner.
When mother nature holds off on the rain, gardeners have to step in.
It was definitely a summer for dragging out the water hoses, the sprinklers, and adding some extra minutes
to the irrigation systems.
Unless you prefer the straw and hay look of lawns .... you watered

Hosta's

Watering can be tricky, too much water and a plant my rot, too little and a plant may wilt and eventually die.

This is when plant knowledge comes into play
It's best to know how much water a plant really needs

Daylily's

Our July provided

temperatures averaging near 90 for most of the month.

Potato Vines

Hydrangea's

Not every plant enjoys the heat so much 

Some plants may bloom and then go into dormancy right in the height of the season, the heat was just too much for them, a form of protection
but most enjoy the heat and perform beautifully.

Here's a look at some of the plants in my garden that did enjoy the heat of July

Mandevilla's and Petunia's

Hydrangea's

 Purple cone flowers

Choke cherries

Butterburs enjoyed the heat, but not the drought or the blazing sun. These big leaf beauty's will wilt and look horrible without water and shade

Caladiums are another plant that enjoyed the heat, but not the sun. Their leaves will scorch in too much sun

Zinnia's