Reading and weeding on a rain-soaked Monday

Since last Thursday, it’s rained every day throughout most of Oklahoma. I took these pictures after this morning’s rain. I’m not sure how much rain we’ve received because I forgot to empty my rain gauge before drops began to fall. According to the Oklahoma Mesonet, Guthrie received 3.28 inches in the last seven days. I know RDR received more, maybe because we’re a bit south of the city. I woke up to a rainy Monday. The garden is waterlogged with moisture. Mr. Sun needs to come out from behind the clouds and shine so I can weed before the grassy weeds decide to make my garden their permanent home. I’m definitely three steps behind, but lucky for me, a friend, Kari, offered to come and work with me in the garden for a few weeks to catch up. This is the first time I’ve ever hired help, but it’s been such a blessing.

I’m always a bit superstitious to complain of rainy days–and I’m not complaining here–because I’m afraid no rain will fall until late September–if then. Over half of Oklahoma is still in extreme drought or worse, although the latest rainfall totals should alleviate it some. Our pond is still low after three years of extreme temperatures and little rainfall. Drought is something Oklahomans always discuss when they get together during the dry years.

Since I’ve had so much indoor time, I finally did some reading. Normally, I don’t read many garden books in summer because I usually save garden dreaming and reading for winter days. However, I started a book I bought when I spoke in Augusta. I’m only in Chapter Two of Deep-Rooted Wisdom: Stories and Skills from Generations of Gardeners, by Jenks Farmer, but I’m really enjoying it. There’s a lot of good garden information to digest in its pages, and once I’ve finished it, I’ll try my best to post a full review. I’m also reading Niki Jabbour’s new book,Groundbreaking Food Gardens: 73 Plans That Will Change the Way You Grow Your Garden. I haven’t had a chance to say much about Niki’s book, but if you’ve ever wanted a plan for your garden, this book will give you 73 options. Niki gathered her friends to offer diverse information and ideas. My Southern Spring Garden is on pages 145-147. Never before have I read a book with designs based upon so many different conditions and interests. It’s a wealth of information and a great introduction to other garden personalities.

Here are a few more photos of the garden which is thriving. I only have one spot where a coleus threesome is sulking. I think it’s because they are situated in the bottom third of a terraced border. Unfortunately, all moisture drains into it and overwhelms the plantings when we get a lot of rain very quickly. Such is life full of its failures and successes. Now, let’s focus on success.

My photo of Hemerocallis ‘Lace Cookies’ doesn’t do this daylily justice. It is a lovely golden yellow, but it also has a golden edge to its petals that frames the flower. ‘Lace Cookies’ grows in front of a red rose, ‘Dame de Coeur’ that just bloomed and needs deadheading. Mexican feather grass grows behind both of them providing a nice contrast to the strong scapes (stems) of this daylily.

Daylily season is just starting which is unusual, but I’m glad things are unfolding slowly. In a week, I hope to have a lot more blooms because I’m entering our local club’s daylily show. So much fun.

Below is H. ‘Black Sheep’ a Trimmer introduction. I really love it against my ‘Tamukeyama’ Japanese maple. Such a great color echo.

Here’s one from one of my favorite local hybridizers. Just look at that shade of pink. Scrumptious.

The daylilies and roses are loving the rain. I can’t wait to see what else they all do this week. Oh, by the way, I also wrote a new post on The 20-30 Something Garden Guide blog called “You don’t need Miracle-Gro®” because you really don’t. Just improve your soil to make your plants fat and happy.

Have a great week everyone. Here’s hoping you get a rain-soaked day too.