Prayers answered by early, wet start to autumn
The garden responds to the rain: Mexican heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia), foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus ‘Meyersii’), and softleaf yucca (Y. recurvifolia)
As if in answer to the desperate prayers of wilted Austin gardeners, the first days of autumn have brought us several inches of rain and unseasonably cool temperatures. Today we expect more of the same, with high temperatures in the 60s. For some perspective on how unusual this is, our average high on this date is 88 degrees (31 C).
Agastache ‘Ava’ with Wheeler’s sotol and Rudbeckia ‘Irish Eyes’
Still, Indian summer will no doubt reassert itself (unless the world has been turned on its head), and we’re expecting temps to be back in the 80s and 90s by the end of the weekend. Which is how it should be.
The drought is far from over, but recent rains have helped. Perhaps if El Nino comes through for us with a rainy winter, as predicted, we can rest easier when contemplating our gardens next summer.
All material © 2006-2009 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
Glad you got some rain. I would have sent more but I needed some to get the forest shrooms growing. Flowers are starting to give up the ghost here and I need something to point my camera at. Looks like we’re going to get our first killing frost this weekend.
Hello,
I love your Mexican Heather. We grow it here in AZ as well.
We had a exceptionally dry summer as well and are hoping for El Nino and more rain this winter.
Noelle
The cool weather and gentle rains have been so delightful, and it’s such a nice thing to experience an early fall. On some days I’m hindered in my gardening by the rains and soggy soil, and it makes me amused to know that just a few weeks ago I was hindered by the heat and sun and lack of water. Ah well, give me rain, give me rain.
Yes, the rains are welcome here in Houston too. The seeds I just planted in the raised are sprouting and the cooler days mean that a volunteer cucumber plant I transplanted into the raised bed will make it. Last night I wore a light jacket to walk the dogs. Oh my! It feel so good….
What a nice beginning to your fall. Your plants look like they’re enjoying it.
I am so glad you are enjoying our Portland weather…and you may keep it as long as you like!
Hi Pam, I am amazed at those cool temps, we have not seen that sort of weather here yet, just lots of rain. Your garden and the gardener must be mighty happy. 🙂
Frances
Pam , how I envy you with the cool temps. Ah…to put on blue jeans again. Can’t wait.Meyersii has always been a fave of mine. Sprengerii is very over used down here.
Scott
I can just imagine how perky all your plants look after getting a good long drink.
Oklahoma has been covered in rain and cooler temps too lately. However, here in North Carolina, it is hot and humid. I thought of you when I visited the Sarah P. Duke gardens today because they have a native garden with a section of drought tolerant plants. Yuccas galore. Saw a pretty silver plant too. I’ll send you a pic.~~Dee
Congratulations on the much needed rain. Your garden looks really appreciative of it! I’ll be doing my El Nino dance for the good of all of us.
Nothing like a cleansing rain to raise the spirits and the vascular systems of plants! We are in the dry at the moment but the temps have been warm with cooler temps promised for the weekend. Sounds like we are the yin and the yang at the moment.
Glad your plants are happier, but you are still very naughty to request an El Nino!
That hyssop is a stunner.
The wet weather is certainly good for the soul, isn’t it?
Prayers haven’t worked for us this year…it’s been one of our driest on record. My garden shows it! I hope you’re right about El Nino. We could sure use a wet winter.
Aiyana
I’m glad you got some relief from the heat and drought Pam. I’m a heat lover but maybe I can say that because we really don’t get much??? If I had day after day of scorching temperatures, I concede, I may not like it so much. I’m wondering if El Nino means more snow for Colorado? I am forgetting how that works at the moment. After our wet, cool summer, I was hoping for a milder winter but we had one of those last year so maybe two years in a row is too much to ask?? A weekend in the pool with your family sounds like fun!
Kathleen, there are lots of people in Austin who love the heat—and we get plenty of it. I figure people are either hot-natured or cold-natured, therefore hating the heat or loving it, regardless of where they find themselves. I hope you get a mild winter, but then you probably need the snowmelt in the spring, right? —Pam