Ghetto Gardens: August weather in June

The weather is a bitch. Hot and dry, dry, dry. It has been awhile since we have had any rain, and its not looking good anytime soon. I spend a good amount of time wandering the garden with a ridiculously long garden hose. This task is quite therapeutic to me, with the exception of three things. Fighting with the hose not to crimp, tangle or be dragged over a plant and kill it.

I use a soaker hose and water the base of each plant rather than a sprinkler. I also try to water in the morning or evening. I only water young plants, anything in containers, and some perennials that show signs of severe drought.

Here is the newest flower bed.

The Moon plants are full of buds.

Probably one of the easiest flower bed extensions I have ever done. Let the seedlings take over the sparse grass and move the rocks. I seriously have only pulled about 5 weeds out of this bed. I think the new plants are hiding them nicely.

Magenta Bee Balm looking lovely beneath the Rainbow Butterfly Bush.

I want to mention, with all the bee balm and butterfly bushes around the garden and two hummingbird feeders, I have not seen one Hummingbird. I take that back. I have seen two hummingbirds, but none since the flowers started blooming and the bird feeders were filled. It might behoove them to return.

I moved the Brugmansia to the back patio to protect it from the hot afternoon sun.

The Alaska Daisies are not taking well to the dry conditions I have watered her twice, and she looks like she could use another drink.

I still have no idea what this plant is. The sad reality is, I remember planting it. It has reproduced and I enjoy her, but what is she?

This is a closeup view of the foliage.

More Hydrangea are blooming.

And the Endless Summer Hydrangea is still standing in her majesty.

Since the weather has been so hot, I thought it was smart to move a few plants. Part of my gardening style is too do things when I think about them, instead of waiting for a time that would be better for the plant. In any case, I moved a few things recently.

The Banana tree needed to be divided. I had never divided a banana tree before. Hell, I never had a banana tree survive a winter so this is all new territory. I read up on the subject went for it.

I put a few here.

And a few here. I have my doubts that these will survive. Not being a negative Nancy, I do not think I got enough of the root from the mother plant. But we will see if they defy the odds.

That night, I researched some more on the subject and discovered a few things. The one of most importance, if the baby bananas (pups) are drooping, cut off the leaves. Well here is what the transplants look like today.