The first potential heat wave of the season is predicted in my area this week which reminds me that we’re in the middle of the dog days of summer. According the Old Farmers’ Almanac, this period occurs July 3 to August 11 in the Northern Hemisphere. Living in central New England, these 40 days are truly a gift from Mother Nature that I treasure. Sure, the heat and humidity can be uncomfortable during a heat wave, so I do appreciate having central air when it’s needed. But overall, I embrace the summer heat. I patiently wait all winter for warm weather, so when the hot days hit, I try not to complain knowing I’d gladly welcome them in January.
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I look forward to the small window every spring when we wait with bated breath for the world to burst into bloom. Right now, where I live, it’s happening. I love watching the trees transition from buds to fully unfurled leaves. Then one day … just like that … the trees are suddenly lush and the world just seems so much better. It’s during this period that I like to take stock of what’s growing in my yard. While still early, I like to investigate that my faithful perennials have returned while hopeful what I planted the previous year is starting to come up. In this post, I’ll take you on a tour (even before I started sprucing up my beds!) of what’s growing so far to set the stage for this growing season in central New England.
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When it comes to growing flowers, I wouldn’t say I have a green thumb because not everything I attempt to grow turns out as expected. Instead, I’d say I’m tenacious and patient. Determined to have color in my flower beds throughout the summer, I’m willing to try new plants, move them around and give them a chance if first they don’t succeed. In fact, I always use brown mulch as it helps hide the evidence of moving things around throughout the season.
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How I wish we could bottle up this time of the year as we approach Memorial Day and the unofficial start of summer. As a New Englander, you have to admit it’s one of the best times of the year as we get ready for the warm-season groove. Why not? The days are longer and warmer as we march into summer solstice. And where I live in Massachusetts, all the trees are finally in full bloom. It seems like overnight the world turned lush and green. Memorial Day marks a date on my calendar where I strive to check outdoor work off my list. I wonder … Is this true for others? Is it your personal prerequisite to have certain pre-summer preparations underway before Memorial Day to start your summer off on the right foot?
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