IF we had these 90° temperatures, day after day after day, along with substantial rainfall, this could be an ideal growing season. Fact is, we have had no rain for weeks and no rain in sight for the future forecast. With the rain barrels empty, we are watering, watering, watering with village water from the tap. Unlike the rain, the heat persists.

When the dirt has become barely wet from the watering, a few wasps always appear to suck up as much moisture as they can. The birds are grateful for the water in the bird bath. I’m grateful for the water that splashes on my hands and feet and face and for the all-too-rare breeze that offers a moment of respite from the heat. I’m also grateful for the bird songs that frequently fill the air. I’m grateful for the heat, too, feeding the flourishing tomato plants.

Stressed Hick's yew in the dry weather - Photo of hedge - June Garden Tour Part I - Two-bit GuruThe hedge is stressed. Several of the Hick’s yews look like they might not make it. These yews are nearly indestructible, but what can destroy them is root rot if they get too much water … but the hedge is on higher ground … but the clay soil has poor drainage … but to the best of my knowledge you don’t see these hedges in the Sahara … but … this is not an uncommon sort of gardening dilemma.

I’m mixing up a batch of worm tea to spray on the hedges. It will be ready by tomorrow morning. Worm tea seems to perk everything up that’s not already perked up.

As the video shows, the garden is generally fairing pretty well.

The gardener, me, prefers to avoid the higher temperatures but once I get going I seem to thrive on the heat and tend to not want to quit. There is a feeling of satisfaction that comes from working in the hot sun. Maybe the heat hypnotizes me until temporary insanity sets in and that carries me right up to the point of exhaustion, evening.

It might be a good gardening season but most likely not a perfect one. What is perfect to the gardener isn’t necessarily perfect to nature. Nature’s got wider considerations than whether it rains right here, right now. Nature manages to keep the whole she-bang in balance and so far she’s never failed.