Rainfall!

 Thanks to Hurricane Isaac, Arkansas enjoyed substantial rainfall last week for the first time in months!  From Thursday afternoon until late Saturday, we had a total of 3.43" of rain.
The response has been immediate.

The cypress vines are blooming and forming seed pods

 

My garden has few things remaining, but the arugula (blooming with yellow flowers) and the jalapeno pepper plant survived the blistering temps.

The crepe myrtles usually bloom in July and August, but conditions did not encourage.  At last the tall, colorful shrubs are bursting out.  In the background the asparagus bed (with a soaker hose) is flourishing.
 Below, the roses are again budding and blooming.

Rose 'Crepuscular' takes over the fence.

Rose 'New Dawn' added to its canes.

 The mango did not mind the heat so long as it was watered twice a day.  I gave it partial shade to protect it, even so.  The new crown has been growing madly, adding another 18" to this tree.

I thought this geranium was dead...but it has hung on and now it's blooming again.

The rains have encouraged all of us, even the Brave Little Dogwood.

The little dogwood and the irises received watering, but rain always has more effect than a sprinkler.

The Norfolk pine enjoys summers outdoors.