are those freakishly cool temperatures we experienced around the 4th of July. The heat is most definitely ON (mid to high 90's)! Despite the excessive warmth, we decided we can't or won't give up our outdoor time so a mister was purchased to make it a touch more comfortable (touch being the operative word here):
If you get so lucky to have a breeze blow some of those fine water droplets in your direction, it's like a little slice of heaven. If that doesn't happen and all else fails, standing directly over it works too! The thought occurred to me, as I was doing the latter, that a mister might just be the "grown up" alternative to running thru the sprinklers (which I am still not opposed to doing either).
You'll be happy to know, whatever the number on the thermometer, we haven't let it interfere with our plant shopping! Our latest purchases are a rescued flat of 'Zahara' pink zinnias ~ from the clearance aisle at Lowes:
Another Verbascum ~ this one 'Carribean Crush' from our local nursery:
along with a pink Butterfly bush (Buddleia d. 'Peacock'), not pictured. Now to plant them ~ that may have to happen late one night since I don't seem to make it up early enough in the AM's to beat the heat.
While sitting in the cooling spray of the mister yesterday, I snapped a couple photos for you (yes, I kept the camera safely out of harms way). Another of Veronicastrum virginicana with Verbena bonariensis ~ just because they are such a nice combination:
and one of White Physostegia (Obedient plant) with a leftover Centranthus 'rubra' bloom:
Don't you just love late afternoon light? It has such a wonderful softening quality to it that makes every photo more dreamlike. My favorite time of day in the garden.
Now I must skedaddle ~ the cooling waters of the lake are calling to my daughter and I. Hope you're finding ways to stay cool too.
Can one have enough verbascum, veronicastrum or any other plant that catches their fancy. I think not~which is why I have a small nursery on my carport~gail
Posted by: Gail | July 16, 2010 at 05:32 PM
I really need to add a Verbascum or two to my garden this fall. Can't believe I've overlooked that plant for so long. Shame on me! ;) Love your new additions, no shopping here, just too hot and dry. :(
Posted by: Racquel | July 17, 2010 at 02:30 PM
All great choices for the heat. Wowee, what heat we're having 101F and it's 4:47 p.m. It does feel like summer though.~~Dee
Posted by: Dee @ Red Dirt Ramblings | July 17, 2010 at 03:47 PM
It is hot there! We had a few days of 90's and now we've cooled back down again. Those misters do feel really good. What a pretty Verbascum. I never find them, or at least not ones with such pretty colors.
Posted by: Catherine | July 17, 2010 at 07:37 PM
I hope the lake was most cooling. It is hot here too but mostly it is the humidity that kills me. Urgh. It is awful so I wind up staying inside. Your combos are great and pictures even better. The sun just highlights your talents Kathleen.
P.S. I'd love a bit of your veronicastum if you have some extra. Email me when you get the chance to divide it and we can talk a trade or two:)
Posted by: tina | July 17, 2010 at 08:53 PM