After the rains ...

After nearly three weeks, the rains have ended. We're promised a week of sunshine and climbing temperatures.Jody and his crew came by to mow on Tuesday, June 5. They did not have time to spread any mulch as they were still several mow jobs behind.

Three weeks of rain and the grass grew! It looked so much better after its trimming.

The three paulownias are growing, some better than others.

This is the paulownia (Empress Tree) tree that came from Fast Growing Trees. It is doing well. I was concerned that it might be the wrong kind of paulownia because of the initial leaf shapes, but the new leaves are shaped more like the ones I expected, so all is well. 

This paulowna and the one pictured above it are the two that came from a different online nursery, which shall remain nameless. I didn't check the business reviews and am kicking myself for the oversight.  These two are not growing as well, although they were in the ground about two weeks before the healthy one. Note the curled leaves on the top one and the limp leaves in the bottom photo. Research tells me that these trees are not happy with extreme drought or extreme moisture. The ground they are planted in had soil amendments added but comprises more clay and rocks than where they healthy tree is planted. Perhaps it does not drain as well.

These two are also putting out leaves in the expected shape, so all is good. My concern was that one kind is invasive and hard to control. This kind behaves. :)

The three lavender plants are growing well. They have begun to put out buds. Can't wait for the lovely, fragrant flowers to open!

The ground is still pretty wet. I'm going to give it a day before I start the weeding and edging and mulching routine. My garden muscles are telling me they like the 3-week respite and will no doubt complain once I'm back outside.

Two new birds came to visit. I think they were a male and female Baltimore oriole couple. I haven't seen them since. They were too big to fit into the caged seed feeder and found nothing on the ground, so they apparently moved on.

Sorry for the poor photo. I took it through the window. Didn't want to startle him. His colors were much more vibrant in person. His wife was a more muted version.