Today, I am thankful for sunshine and good shade.
To the best of our knowledge, our Sun is the only star proven to grow vegetables. ~Philip Scherrer
There is nothing more agreeable in a garden than good shade, and without it, a garden is nothing. ~Betty Langley
The front yard garden is a lesson in moderation. It faces east and gets its daily dose of summer sun during the morning and early afternoon. Then, as the afternoon shadows grow, good shade falls quietly over the perennials, offering welcome relief from the scorching, often unbearable heat.
The back yard garden is a lesson in extremes. It bakes all day under full-strength sunshine. The exceptions: the north garden and strip of land along the fence - two areas where good shade reigns for a few hours.
The high maintenance vegetable and berry plants love the sun. I pamper them, ensuring they get a generous daily ration of water and a monthly feeding of Super Thrive and organic fertilizer.
The shrubs and perennials are doing all right, but not as spectacularly as last year. July has been quite hot and dry so periodic deep watering is a must. Mr. Sun is merciless - doesn't care if his relentless solar power singes the Viburnum's leaves or fries basil seedlings.
Still no yellow roses on the Father Hugo rose bush (darn it!). The dianthus did poorly this year - not enough rain. The Shasta daisies wilt so quickly despite my watering. Only a few bee plants returned this year. I hope the Italian herbs and chocolate mint plants survive the summer. Oh, what I would give for a few more hours of good shade.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
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