July in the Yard

The unrelenting heat and the continuing lack of rainfall (just 0.37" this month) are very hard on our plants.  I am trying to water enough to keep things going, but inevitably we are going to lose a few things.  The things that get shade for part of the day seem to be faring best, along with the plants that most-resemble weeds!

  
Crepe myrtles bloom over a period of weeks and are brilliant splashes of color.  These can grow very tall and seem impervious to the heat and drought.








In a burst of enthusiasm, I planted a trumpet vine next to our fence.  It's been wildly successful.  I plan to cut this back severely once winter arrives.

 Close-up of one bloom-cluster.  The brilliant color is so striking!

  

The rose 'Little Pinkie' also seems to thrive in adverse conditions.  It continues to bloom and grow.

  

Obedient plant (a misnomer given its habit here in Arkansas) has been stunted by drought (thank heavens!) and is blooming early.  Once the blooms are finished I plan to use Round-up on these invasive plants, though I have little hope of eradicating them entirely.

And the wonderful black-eyed Susans (which I usually just call Rudbeckia)-- given to me by a quilting friend-- are likely to spread, but are more welcome than the obedient plant.   I am very grateful for the flowers that can thrive under such adverse conditions and make the spirit of Summer so cheerful.