In case you haven’t noticed on the news, the weather people, at least those not living in the south central part of the U.S., keep pointing gleefully at the big “H” centered over Oklahoma. For me, the big “H” has outlasted his welcome because he was never welcome in the first place. No one can garden in weather of 112F. Even the agaves in the pots are gasping for a drink.
Because my agua still comes from a well, I can water, and I do it carefully in dibs and dabs. I no longer have any gardening advice except hang in there.
My mother used to have a saying, “Get glad in the same pants you got mad in.” Since I’m a world-class cranky pants today, I’m going to go walk on the treadmill, watch the Olympics, and then get a massage. Take that heat dome, and fly off to cooler climes like Great Britain during the Olympics. They need warmer weather. We need rain.
While I’m away, here’s a little video I did two days ago. I wanted to share my small green sea in an ocean of brown with you. Those of you who work outside and are going in before dawn to avoid the oppressive heat, this one is especially for you.
I wrote this before wildfires decimated the town of Luther and part of Slaughterville. There were also fires in Ninekah and so many other places in the state, I’ve linked to our local NBC affiliate if you’d like to read more. I am most angry about the fire in Luther because it appears it was intentionally set. As someone who lives in a wooded, rural area, I am terrified of wildfires. They are much more dangerous than tornados, believe it or not, and there is often no warning.
Check out my Garden Love column. Praying for rain to head your way. 🙂
As someone who backs up to a state nature preserve, has a lot full of forest and lived through the terror of my adjacent neighbor’s very devastating house fire, I can wholeheartedly agree with you. We have survived hurricanes, tornadoes, massive thunder storms, nothing is nearly as terrifying as waking up in the middle of the night to an orange flickering glow and odd crackling sounds. We had no warning and found ourselves out on a Jan. night connecting a garden hose and battling flames back out of our trees with the garden hose and jugs of water. You have my deepest sympathy – I know the anxiety that you are facing!
Hang in there.
Hi there! I enjoyed the video of your garden, it looks beautiful and very interesting with so many different areas. The fountain is a real eye-catcher! Sorry that you have such high heat and drought conditions. I garden in Boise, ID where we get a lot of high heat too but we have water for growing via irrigation canals. This place never gets much rain so the irrigation network is just part of the landscape. Hope your heat/drought ends soon!
Someday I hope to see it all for myself!
I enjoyed seeing your garden in the video. Pictures are always nice, but when you can see how things are layed out and relate to the whole, you get a better sense of where someone gardens.
It was a much more pleasant video than what I saw on the news last night about Oklahoma wildfires, or not so wild as one was apparently the act of an arsonists, as you mentioned. To see people who have lost everything (but their lives) is really tragic. One said that at least with a tornado you might stand a chance of finding something left behind, but not with complete incineration.
Enjoyed the video tour. You’re doing well with many plants in the heat. Hang in there is right!
So saddened by the fires. A friend’s son lives in Luther. His family’s home was spared but they obviously know all those who lost everything. It was very scary for them leaving the area for safety. Praying for rain for us all!!!
Thanks again for the video. I like how each segment swept in from a different angle. You have a lovely voice too.
What fun getting to stroll through your garden via video. Thanks so much for showing us your garden. Good to hear your voice too.
I thought about you when I saw on national news about the wildfires. It is scary. I hope you and yours stay safe.
I watched several fire videos this morning and the loss and destruction just about broke my heart; then I looked at the Drought Monitor, watched the clouds roll over and past our house. I must have been a glutton for punishment! Watching your garden video, seeing your lovely garden and hearing your voice just made me smile again. Thank you dear. xoxogail
I have been cranky too of late because it has been too hot and no real rain. Enough already. I was so sorry to hear about the fires. Hang in there Dee.
May rain grace Oklahoma AND Texas soon. Ernesto is more than welcome to stop by!
Loved your amazing video! Thanks so much, Dee. Your garden looks great considering the heat you are enduring — I pray it’s over soon with no more fires! P. x
Thanks for that pick me up, Dee. I loved taking the tour with you and hearing in your own words about the garden. It was just like being there in person, which I hope to do someday, when the weather is nicer.
Dee, the wildfires are heartbreaking — so sorry. Makes my 9 weeks of drought not seem so bad. I confess, Id be a little mad too!!
Enjoyed the tour a great deal!! Love the metal rooster in the bed, no mention of him?!?? hahaha
I know it is so hot there. Saw a picture of the streetlamp globes in Stillwater, melting. Oh boy. Hope the fires are taken care of and you have no threat from them. Stay cool!!
I did see the fires there.
We had that problem down here last summer. It’s so scary.
Stay safe. We’re all praying for some rain.
I absolutely love the seedling bed. I hope you stay safe and the garden continues to thrive.
Yes, hang in there is just about the only advice that really works during this drought. So, Hang in There and thanks for sharing your garden with us.
I remember the fires. I also remember the strangers who stopped near our home, just driving past, saw the fire and stopped to help put it out. That’s how it is there, wonderful neighbors. God bless you all. I love your mother’s saying. I have one that I developed in Oklahoma: It will rain, it always does rain eventually. And so it is. Love~