It’s late summer now, and the plants feel like they’re done. It’s been far too hot, far too rainy and the plants are tired. My eastern redbud is dying, its leaves have been dropping all summer and at the base of the tree, you can see the borers doing their damage. The shock of ERJ being sick combined with several other losses this summer broke my heart a little bit. But after some tests, the doctor says my heart is normal. It broke, but it is getting better. I saw a hummingbird a few days ago. I opened the front door and it was hovering above the red Zinnia, staring at me. It looked displeased. I apologized for the lack of selection, but most of the Zinnia had to be pulled because they got powdery mildew. A few days ago, a monarch butterfly arrived to the same plant, and was visibly irritated by the lack of selection. Hopefully they don’t leave me a bad review. I’d like more visitors next year.
I’ve seen a cicada shell, in the usual space I see them. On the clothes pole. I never catch the live bug – I arrive too late.
Ma’am has been here on and off. She had babies this summer, and her face is totally healed. I saw her last week. She’s looking good.
I have four fledgling robins in my backyard, two young squirrels, many sparrows, and very demanding Cardinals. My backyard is the nursery for all of the babies. There was plenty of water at ground level and above in the birdbath, and there are peanuts, served daily. I just wish the moms would come back and pick up their kids!
The hibiscus just finished up blooming. Acorns are dropping prematurely from William I, my 100-year-old Willow Oak. It’s likely due to the weather, or the small acorns not being pollinated. As I said, it was a rough summer.
We’re heading into spider season. I’ve got an office mate named “Stephen with a ph,” and he takes care of any fruit flies for me. I have to be careful not to bump him with my chair or he runs and hides. His cubicle is quite small, so I don’t insist he pay rent. Plus, he’s doing me a service. I only wish he could get the mosquitoes down to his lair.
Here are some photos of late spring and summer. I haven’t posted photos here in a while, and I have missed it. Watch the space for a 🕸️ post.
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“It's Amy,” I said. 
So sad, really that summer is a such a short period. I feel for those that have a really short summer. Where I live, it can feel like summer for many long months, not just the official months and that’s great. It’s been a good summer so far, but I hope it will be a warm fall as well.
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Lovely writing and stunning photos
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Thank you, Marie-Gaye!
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Amazing photos, Amy. I hate when plants die. I’ve lost a couple already, but I keep trying to find ways to keep them happy. As a novice, it’s mostly my fault for not knowing how much water and nutrients they need.
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Thanks Edward. I’ve been doing everything I can for the plants, but the weather has been too extreme. As far as my favorite tree, it must’ve become stressed a few years back and the borers took note. It’s a tough lesson to learn.
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Wow, incredible. That’s pretty tough, but you have a magic touch, so the long-term prognosis is good.
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😊
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Almost missed this long % thoughtful, if a little melancholy post. What beautiful photos and love you pour into the life that comes to play and rest within your sphere. Nursery, I love that.
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Thanks, Stephanie. It’s my sanctuary. 💗
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