Forced Renovation

Heavy rainfall on Sunday caused a flood of water across the Upper Garden. Except for silt on grass where water stood for a short time, there was little plant damage. Water rushing out of the garden took the path that leads down to a sort of Dry Creek/Stone Steps that I use as a shortcut and water channel. Plants behind the stacked bricks are actually in a raised bed

Lantana beside steps took a beating.

Bricks washed off the stacked wall. Pine straw washed off the path  and

holes appeared but no weeds washed away. It may remain a swept path until

pine straw falls  in Autumn. Small stones washed out of the steps.

 

River stones washed all the way across the driveway. I picked them up and

tossed them back around the steps. I brought in two new stones where

 a hole washed on the left side. 

 

Path in April.

 

Also in April, from above.

 

 

Water is a powerful force.

Cold Is Coming

A cool north wind is blowing. I was reading all about frost and nighttime cold temperatures Here: Frost.

It won't frost here the next couple of nights but it will get chilly. We've ordered propane for the newly painted tank, to be delivered when Tim gets around to it. He's hauling gas to Bridges' peanut dryers right now. Gas doesn't kick in until the temperature drops to 37 degrees, so we'll be fine.

Pentas

I'm still bringing in cuttings: more Alternanthera, Pentas and Persian Shield. After I read a University study that said only one in 10 Pentas cuttings rooted in soil and a few more than that in water, I looked at the cuttings that have commenced to grow in soil while their neighbors sit there and cut little bouquets of 4 different colors to try to root in water. Even if they don't root, they bloom for a long time in a vase.

Tomorrow I'll cut more Purple Heart. I'm noting where November's seeds will be scattered for Spring bloom. It's finally cool enough to work outside without gnats covering my face. 

Here's yesterday's completed chore:

New steps to the Upper Garden.

Lane moved the biggest piece of broken concrete to where I wanted steps/dry creek going up into the upper garden. The dog and I have moved and placed broken concrete, stones and river rocks. Now I have to do something about what was formerly the Herb Garden. It's now the Rosemary Forest.

Today I filled two 24" long boxes with potting mix and planted a Mesclun mix from Renee's Seeds. A free package that came with something else, it is described thus: "Wine Country Mesclun combines eight different sweet red and green lettuces with just the right amount of tangy greens in a perfect balance of crispy and buttery leaf textures." I look forward to fresh greens tossed with olive oil and lemon juice.



Flowers and text are from the garden of Nell Jean blogged on Dotty Plants Journal in hot, humid Southwest Georgia.