Quite a rainy season

As I mentioned in my last post, I've been hiding inside from the heat this summer. While doing so, it's been raining a little more than usual, but after a dry spring, I was more that OK with that.

I had no idea how much the gardens were sprouting. Now that we're getting hints of cool air, I ventured outside to see how everyone faired.

They did fine. In fact, the Jungle Growth out there is making me afraid they are plotting to take over the world. Don't cry Miracle Grow on me, these suckers are all organic.

So here's the front bed last spring. It had been a hard "winter" and frost had bitten the garden badly.

Wow, I think it's recovered.

A wider look at the front yard this spring was kind of embarassing. We had bottles thrown into the yard a couple times a week by jerk neighbor kids.

Now I'm pretty sure the hibicus will kick the jerk neighbor kids butts if they throw anything.

I really wondered if these would all make it when I planted in the backyard last spring.

They took off, filled out, kicked butt.

The back fence this March. Dear little plants, specifically umbrella, phiolodendron and hibicus. All fast growers. They have been recruited to block the windows of the neighbors, who I imagine are nosey but who, in reality, couldn't care less as I run around the house half naked, looking for a pair of pants in the dryer that don't make my butt big.

Also the back fence in March.

The back fence today.

This is the poor little Chenille plant that almost kicked it this summer because the tag said full sun. It's not a full sun plant. In fact, given partial shade, this thing has gone from 18 inches tall to 5 feet in finve months. Also going to take over the world. Look at the cool red thingies.

I'm afraid I don't have anything more philospohical to say than, "Holy Crap."

Are you ready to gardahhhhhhn?

OK, it's not "are you ready to rumble", but I still have the theme song stuck in my head.

Because I'm in Florida. Zone 9b to be exact. And it's freaking hot here in the summer. Hot enough that many plants go dormant. Impatients are toast. Even the Vinca are dying off. Forget growing any veggies beyond rosemary (does that count as a veggie?) and okra.

It is frustrating when you hear from gardeners in other places. My gardening podcasts and websites are all about harvests and the bounty of summer. While I sit inside and wait out the heat from the air conditioning.

But we've come to the end of all that. It's Labor Day weekend. It's going to be cooling off soon. And I can run outside and get my hands dirty. Can't wait.

Now my whining should not be taken to mean that everything has turned into desert. Just the opposite. We've gotten more of our summer rains than usual this year, meaning the tough plants - hibicus, umbrella plants, porters weed - have gone nuts. Lots of water and sunshine have meant lots of growth everywhere you look. You can practically watch the lawn grow. It's exciting to see that I planted all these plants and they're taking off while I'm not looking. My backyard is getting jungle-like. Which is just what I'm looking for.

Pictures coming soon! Next ==> Welcome to the Jungle!