More August-like weather

The forecast is for at least ten days of 80+ degree temperatures, and no rain in sight. I've been watering plants that ordinarily are on their own, especially ones that look a bit peaked. At least the nights are (relatively) cool.

This past week I've been helping my daughter at her new house. The property had been uninhabited for a year, so while a neighbor kept the lawn mowed, not much of anything else was done. While daughter works on the inside (removing carpet, etc.), I whack weeds, then spray them. With this heat, I last about three hours before having to call it a day. I saw a couple of butterflies and a praying mantis - no pix because I am not fast enough - and spiders.

The yard contains "mature trees" which is another way of saying "call the tree service". They look like fast-growing silver maples and locusts that have been there for probably sixty years. My inclination is to get rid of all of them, but we'll have an arborist give us some advice first. I hate to cut down trees, but these are not exactly the most desirable ones to have, especially regarding sewer lines and electric service. For replacements, I'd recommend some elms in the front yard, Japanese maple and redbud in the back.

There are garden beds all around the house, just aching for something besides pachysandra. I'm pushing dwarf conifers for the front of the house proper, heuchera for a narrow bed that runs along the garage, hostas on the north side, then natives in the backyard, as we can source those from my yard.

I make it sound like this is *my* property. Right now my daugher is too busy with the house itself to give much thought to the yard. She likes to garden, though, so I know she will want to do *something* with the outside.

On my own homefront, there are still weeds to contend with, although they seem to recognize that the growing season is coming to an end. There have been some different visitors to the birdbath this week. A downy woodpecker has discovered the "wildlife" tree as well, but it is too shy to photograph.

Northern flicker

Blue jay

Something I have completely forgotten about are the wild strawberry and wild petunia seeds in the refrigerator. They never sprouted, so I think I will scatter them outside come December, and let Mother Nature have her way with them. Maybe I should put a reminder in my calendar so I don't forget about them *again*.

More autumn-like

The temps are moderating - again - but the forecast calls for another hot spell later this week. Last Friday we did get about a half inch of rain, which was welcome, but none is expected in the foreseeable future.

The other day I was examining the oak tree to see if there were any acorns. No nuts, but lots of oak galls. And wasps! That is a phenomenon that I had not observed before. Mother Nature is simply fascinating!

I mowed today, even though it wasn't strictly necessary. The past week has been busy, so I feel like I need to get caught up, or even a bit ahead of myself. Who knew retirement would be so FULL?

Changing seasons

August wasn't done with us last week, as the temps soared into the 90's with plenty of humidity. Today, it is more autumn-like. But it's not time to put the gardens and yard to bed for the winter yet. Rain has been scarce, so I continue to water, plus control weeds.

When my son and his girlfriend were here a few weeks ago, we strolled around the yard. She commented on the lovely scent of the hydrangea. I had never noticed it before - it is rather delicate - but now I sniff them whenever I am in the yard. As the blossoms age, the scent becomes less and less noticable.

Fruit on some shrubs is beginning to turn red. I was suprised to find some berries on the spice bush - it must be a female and someone else nearby must have a male.

Most of the winterberry holly is bearing fruit, but not all. Of course, the male bushes don't, but some of the female randomly don't as well. I noticed this phenomena last year. No real reason that I can discern.

Of course, the goldenrod is putting on a show. This tall variety which I have no memory of planting may be Solidago altissima, known as Canadian goldenrod. Or it may be Solidago gigantea, Giant goldenrod. I'm planning to swap the shorter fence in this photo with the taller fence around the 'meadow'.

The Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks', also known as Rough goldenrod, is a bit behind its big brother.

My daughter is moving to a new-to-her house that has not been occupied for a year. I asked if there were any way I could help that didn't involve stair climbing or heavy lifting. She suggested I take on weed control in the yard. That I can do!