Fine, warm and dry. It continues. There was one brief shower but the garden barely noticed it. On we go. Here’s my six for this week.

One

The hibiscus has been putting out flowers for a few weeks now. This is one gets a can of water a week. It seems to be managing quite well.

Two

The roses continue to amaze. Yes the flowers are smaller but they are surviving without additional watering. This is ‘Gertrude Jekyll’.

Three

I managed to plant out some nicotiana before the drought really took hold. Some have shrivelled up, but these in part shade have survived. It’s a surprising mix of white and lime green in what was a ‘Lime Green’ packet of seeds. I much prefer the white. These are also treated to a watering every now and then. Behind are the wilted stems of phlox, which doesn’t get watered.

Four

The geraniums and lavender in pots are the pampered ones. These are probably watered four times a week.

Five

Salvia blackcurrant (salvia microphylla), This seems to be doing pretty well on virtually no water. The leaves have such a lovely smell and the colour pops beautifully.

Six

The lawn. Not watered at all, of course. The old garden path reveals itself every year but this year I do wonder if the grass will come back. It’s interesting that other parts of the lawn are still green(ish). I think we have some underground water that drains down from further up. Historically there were ponds in the area. Something is keeping the lawn green in parts. The apple tree on the left hand side has put out so much summer growth this year. It used to be in the shade of a large fig tree and clearly enjoying its freedom.

My six is getting posted later and later as I spend the early part of Saturday morning watering. I was patting myself on the back for not getting blossom end rot on the tomatoes this year but today I was proved wrong. The cucumbers are slowing down and several young fruits have dried up. Clearly they were not getting enough water. I’m up to two courgettes. Certainly no glut there. I thought temperatures were dropping off but oh no, another heatwave arrives next week. On a brighter note the warm weather has brought a humming bird hawk moth into the garden. I’ve spotted it twice now but I’m never quick enough to get a photo. I’ll keep watch. Jim our genial host continues to find plenty to share, even though there are some casualties there too. Take a look at Garden Ruminations. Happy watering for those without the magic stuff from the sky!