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Thursday, June 16, 2011

June blooms on the hill

Blooms here in Hays County are few and far between right now. According to the Texas Forest Service, Hays County turned red yesterday on the drought index (see map at right). We can see it and feel it. Not only is it dry, but it has been unseasonably hot (98 degrees F here today).

Our water comes from a well, so I must be quite conservative with water. I may need to get even more conservative before it's all over, and cease watering completely.

Even so, there are a few drought tolerant, heat resistant plants that are putting on a show with the minimal water they've received this year, as if to say, "Bring it on! I can take it!!"

I love, love, love this plant. Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) blooms all summer with
little to no water. It's fragrant, deer-resistant and edible. What more could you ask from a plant?

The phlox (don't know what kind)
was given to me by a dear gardening friend.
Takes some water, but oh so lovely.
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
is doing pretty well, but the deer have
been shearing blooms occasionally.

Flame acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii) is my best bloomer right now -
without any supplemental water.

This makes me sad. Zexmenia (Wedelia texana) is usually cheerily blooming at this time of year.  However, these wildflowers are not in a bed and receive no supplemental watering.
They are suffering terribly from the drought.


10 comments:

  1. Awww, poor little Zexmenia.

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  2. We are on a well, too, and I worry, too. Love that Mexican oregano, and your garden phlox is beautiful. Do you grow lantana? Lavender, too, is good with drought. Your flame acanthus looks amazing - with no watering! I'm impressed!

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  3. Hello! I'm in Texas too and I know what you mean about the heat! Your garden still looks lovely!

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  4. I can't imagine how disheartening it would be to see one's gardens in need of water and not being able to meet the plants' needs... I feel so blessed that there has never been a water shortage here... Larry

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  5. @HG - I have four lantanas (Texas, new gold, trailing & pink & cream), but none are blooming much now. Waiting for rain! I killed lavender years ago - maybe it's time to try again.

    @Gale - thanks! Are you ready to head for the mountains like I am?

    @Larry - It is! I want to go out and pour water on all of them, but then the animals (human and otherwise) might not have any.

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  6. I've been amazed at how beautiful my mexican oregano has been. The blooms are getting spent just last few days. Should I deadhead or even more, or will they keep on sending out blooms regardless. ps, thanks for planting it!

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  7. Beautiful blooms surviving your heat. Prayers for life giving rain, soon!

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  8. This drought and heat are getting a bit scary, aren't they.
    I need to get a Flame Acanthus. Drought resistant and the deer don't like it. Along with the Mexican Oregano....you're right, can't ask for much more.
    Stay cool....

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  9. @Anon - I don't remember planting it, but you're welcome. I pruned it back this winter for the first time since planting. I have never deadheaded, and it seems to continue blooming.

    @Carolyn - Thanks! Chance of rain this week . . .

    @Linda - It is indeed getting scary and wearying. You, too, stay cool & hydrated!

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  10. such a pretty garden.

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