More Late Bloomers

In addition to the Japanese quince and re-blooming iris, another resident of the garden is getting ready to bloom -- the Paulownia!

The squiggly twig is growing up. It formed a Y-shape. I was a bit concerned that it might split as the branches got bigger, but the trunk is sturdy. This shows the strange way the leaves grow: curly edges eventually straighten out. It's hard to tell from this angle, but the tree is about 30" tall.

Here are the buds. I thought the blooms are supposed to be pink. The buds seem to be yellow. Guess I'll have to wait until they open to know.

Raked up the mulch from the grass and pulled some weeds this morning. Too hot and muggy to do much more.

My friend from Missouri is coming to visit next week. Her garden always looks pristine. I'm torn between simply apologizing for how rough my garden is and handing her a pair of garden gloves.  😏

Splish, Splash, I was taking a bath ...

Well, not really taking a bath, but there was six inches of splish-splashing happening over night. A fair amount of lighting and thunder came with it. This is nothing compared to the devastation in the Carolinas, but was something of a surprise after several days of predicted rain that didn't materialize.

The gauge reads 6" exactly. 

The mulch was soon -- the grass is so soggy that there's no walking on it right now. I bought some edging that rests on top of the ground, held in place by spikes -- no digging a slot or pounding into the rocky dirt -- but it may be some time before it can be installed. It is only 1-1/2" high, so this deluge would have over-topped it, had it been in place.

The mulched area in Buddha's realm turned into a wading pool. Buddha got a new coat of paint a few days ago. He was safe in the garage in the spray booth during the storm. 

It is too wet to get to the back of the yard to see what damage may have occurred. I don't think much, as it is a more rugged, less manicured area.

I know I promised pictures of the new screened porch, but my heart's not in it. I'm disappointed with the quality of the work, capped by the skylight leaking last night. :(  I do like sitting out there. :)

A Confused Iris

This morning I spotted an iris in bloom and buds on the Japanese quince bush. Really? In September? Go figure.

The hummingbirds are still coming to the feeder, but not as many as a few weeks ago. I believe migration has begun. 

It has taken a month, but the screened porch is nearing completion. Just a few minor items that should be taken care of today. Can't wait to get the indoor-outdoor rug down and furniture set up. Photos to come. :)