Everyone in Texas is complaining about the heat! I agree, it is HOT! But, in being consistent with my authentic personality, I try to look at the positive side of things.
First, it is August - duh! Therefore, it's supposed to be hot. Isn't it reassuring to know that, as far as the world of weather in Texas, we are perfectly "normal"? Not helping your mood? Hmmmm.....
Well, late this afternoon, with the temperature near a sweltering 100 degrees, I walked around my yard with my camera to see what sort of beauty could thrive in our inferno-like conditions. Note that I also took a hand towel to wipe the dripping sweat from my face and neck!
Hibiscus LOVE this heat! This one is a lovely shade of peachy orange with a double bloom. The more the sun shined on it the prettier it was. But, I was starting to melt!
From the hibiscus to this beautiful blue-violet flower that I found at the nursery and put in a terracotta pot on my back porch (in full sun). I don't even know what it's called, but I loved the delicate spikes of blue so I thought I would try it. It is thriving in the sun and heat! Time to mop my brow and move on!
Native Texas Skullcap is a delicate pink flower that not only doesn't mind our summer heat, but it doesn't need much water either. Perhaps it likes the salt water dripping from my body right now! Where's that towel? Whew, time for some shade...
Another native Texas plant delights in the shade, but isn't bothered at all by the heat. Turk's Cap is a butterfly and hummingbird magnet, enticing them with lovely twisted bright red flowers that sit amongst large, showy green leaves! And, it is a plant that keeps reseeding so you never have to buy more!
Here is a native shrub that I adore! You can't find it commercially, but it grows all over our property. It's called St Andrew's Cross and for a short time in the spring and summer it has small yellow four petaled flowers that are about the same size and texture as the leaves covering the branches. I've tranplanted a number of these from our woods into our garden and they are amazingly hardy in addition to being pretty.
Why am I so wet? Is the sprinkler on? Oh, dear - it is dreadfully hot out here! Where's that air conditioning? It may be brutally warm, but, I managed to find
Beauty and The Heat!
Be blessed,
Tammy
