Tension and Release

For two days the skies have been teasing us with roiling clouds, distant thunder, strong winds and occasional sprinkles - but no real precipitation. The weather forecasters have not helped either by warning us each day about all the inches of rain headed our way. Finally after two days the heavens released and we got much needed rain. Unfortunately some people in the area also got trees on their houses and limbs on their cars. If you can believe the weather man/woman, we may see the sun again on Sunday.

At work we look forward to rain days, not just because the plants need it, but it also gives us a day(s) off from having to hold hoses and we are able to get other things done. We have a very limited supply of water that is safe to use on the plants, so we water everything by hand - no irrigation system for us. During a morning break I was able to take a few well-hydrated shots.

This is a simple edible Cabbage planted at the end of last fall, but we have found that it will make a fine ornamental that will last most of the summer.
Canna Tropicanna (Canna indica 'Phasion')
Royal Cloak Barberry (Berberis thunbegii 'Royal Cloak') with Rubidor Weigela (Weigela florida 'Rubidor')

Robb's Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides var.robbiae)

Variegated Giant Reed Grass (Arundo donax 'Variegata' )

One of my favorite combos, an unknown Siberian Iris (Iris siberica) with Ogon Spirea (Spiraea thunbergii 'Ogon')

Star of Persia Allium (Allium christophii)

Golden Dawn Redwood ( Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Ogon')

Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla mollis)

Purple Heart (Setcreasea purpurea)

I hope your garden is well hydrated, your car is limb free and your house has no trees on it.