The past week has been unseasonably warm with record breaking temperatures for the month of May. Last year we never saw 30C on the thermometer all summer but we have reached that more than once this spring. Tomorrow we start with summer time water rationing and can use the hose in the yard for six hours on one day of the week. I planted 12 new tomato plants a few days ago and went out to water them this evening. All but two of them were leafless with bare central stems sticking up from the ground. This is the first time my tomato plants have been eaten. So I watered the ferns and other plants in the wild back corner of the garden and created rainbows in the evening sun.
The rainbow ended behind the flowering Blue Flags or Fleur-de-lis, one of my favourite blooms. I knew for certain that no pot of gold was hidden in between the ferns, hostas and toads which thrive in the shady corner by the fence. The Robins weren't looking for gold but sought out the moisture and grubs in the wet soil.
The Lupins are also blooming a good couple of weeks ahead of schedule. The watering flattened a few of the flowers and bent the stems to the point of breaking. So I have a bouquet of June blooms on the counter at the end of May.
Life is never perfect. It can be too hot or cold, too wet or dry, too tedious or absolutely overwhelming at other times. One thing is eaten and destroyed, and another flourishes and grows. But there is always opportunity for joy, for making rainbows and bouquets, and enjoying the beauty that is present in small things.
Sorry about your tomato plants, but everything else looks good.
ReplyDeleteHow do they time you, and does targetted watering with the hose count the same as general sprinkling? I've always thought otherwise, but I don't know what your rules are.
Hate to hear your tomatoes were enjoyed a wee bit early Ruth. Pretty rainbows to enjoy as you soak in the beauty around you.
ReplyDeleteAC- When our watering restrictions started, we could only water with a hose on one day. Some people with disabilities complained that they were unable to lift watering cans to water plants the other days. (rightly so!) So I don't think people would report someone using a hose a little to water a few plants. Watering is allowed in the morning and evening only and offenders have to be caught or reported by neighbours. Plus we can top up pools and wash cars on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteJayne- I am thinking that I will not be around enough this hot summer to look after tomatoes anyway.
Beautiful fleus-de-lis and peachy lupine. We have mainly blue lupine growing wild here.
ReplyDeleteI love sprinkler rainbows! Hope your tomato plants thrive.
Lovely lupins though! I've never had much luck with lupins, though so far are tomatoes are doing okay.
ReplyDeleteThe beauty of nature is no small thing.
ReplyDeletelovey photos and post..Life is not perfect but you are so right..always opportunities for joy.
ReplyDeleteLife is never perfect. It can be too hot or cold, too wet or dry, too tedious or absolutely overwhelming at other times. One thing is eaten and destroyed, and another flourishes and grows....be positive and make others to be positive..Thank you Ruth..My blog name is vasanthalathika.
ReplyDeleteIam working as a college professor.I am following your blog.
with regards.