See the proud gardener, displaying the new rock border while showing off her stylish new gardening hat. Bought as a broad-brimmed sun-warding-off hat, it served a dual purpose on this day, since within minutes after the last rock was laid, the heavens opened up and a deluge of hail and rain descended on the whole garden. Newly set-out tomato plants acquired sporty lacerations on their tender leaves, seedling melons in pots lost all their soil, and cats scattered in terror as thunder rumbled and water poured from the sky. This storm dropped the 2nd highest amount of single-day rainfall in June, since 1901. Donnerwetter!
On the other hand, the dusty substance in the new bed optimistically labeled 'soil' (aka sand) was nicely laid down down and settled in. Now for some compost.
The hat, frumpily English to my eye, was acquired during last week's vacation in wonderful Ashland Oregon, home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. This gem is set in the midst of beautiful Lithia Park, which has to be one of the most wonderful civic parks anywhere. The top photo shows the back of the 2 larger theaters, from a spot next to Lithia Creek, which fills the miniature lake seen here.
Rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the rest of the week. Excellent planting weather, from the plants' perspective.
Sounds like you've been hit with that weird weather too. I'm in Portland and we had a terrible storm- but then I expect it here! I may be moving to a much sunny location in Oregon really soon- possibly Redmond, Prineville, or maybe even Bend. I'll be reading your blog quite a bit to catch the weather action!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a Shakespearean garden. My day job is as a theatre director so maybe it's something I should give a go!
ReplyDeleteThat would probably work well in England. Here in the States, well-meaning Shakespearophiles in the 19th Century tried to do the same with birds (releasing birds of every kind mentioned in a Shakespeare play), and ended up introducing, among others, the starling, which has become a major, major pest over the entire continent.
ReplyDeleteBTW I am enjoying your blog. I liked your post comparing creating a play production and creating a garden -- seeking balance in form and beauty is the same, no matter the endeavor.