A "Normal" Summer

I've only lived here in central Ohio for ten years, which still seems long enough to notice patterns in the weather. But every time I think that I've got it, I realize that I don't. Summer in particular just baffles me. Most of the time, it's just hot and dry. We've watched storms pass to our north countless times, without giving us a drop. In response to this, I use mostly plants that are drought tolerant. Makes sense, right?

Snapdragons Tall Ribbon Mix

Rudbeckia Goldsturm

Only it doesn't. Every few years, we have a "normal" summer, with plenty of rain. I must admit, it's wonderful to have most of the water we need. And my dry-loving plants seem to take it in stride, so they must have the drainage they need. But I noticed something interesting.

Pennisetum Karly Rose

Pennisetum Karly Rose

Pennisetum Karly Rose

In the years when we have plenty of rain, I get way more blooms out of my flowers, even those that supposedly don't like much water! I can't figure it out.

Monarda Jacob Clline

Sunset Hyssop

Endless Summer hydrangea

I've come to the conclusion that I may own plants that actually need more water than I thought. The most amazing difference I've seen this year is with my phlox plants. I had almost forgotten that I even owned phlox Nicky and phlox Pixie Miracle Grace, because they are always so stingy with their blooms. Not this year! This year, they are making themselves known. Perhaps the bitter cold winter gave them a boost?

Phlox Nicky

Phlox Pixie Miracle Grace

This one is new this year, so I can't judge if this is how well it always blooms. I've never had enough blooms from any of them to actually smell there fabulous fragrance. This year, that fragrance perfumes the whole area. I think I need more of them. Fragrance is crucial in my garden.

Phlox Purple Flame snuggling up with a mandevilla

  Phlox David has always done fairly well, but this year it's blooming like crazy. I've decided that all of the phlox just need more water than I give them.

Phlox David

  I've grown Nigella, or Love-in-a-Mist for years, simply letting the seeds fall where they will for the next year. This year, I actually dropped some new seed, and have been rewarded with the prettiest blooms ever. I won't leave this to chance anymore.

Nigella or Love-in-a-Mist

Nigella/Love-in-a-Mist

Nigella seed pods

The coneflowers have really surprised me. Being a drought tolerant native plant means that I plant them, and just enjoy the beauty. But this year, even they have bloomed better than ever. Again, I'm not sure if it's the rain, the cold winter, or if I just got lucky.

White Swan echinacea

Pow Wow Wildberry echinacea

Magnus echinacea

Green Envy echinacea

I guess I'll just enjoy this lovely "normal" summer and all the blooms that it brings. Next year will probably be dry as a bone, and that will feel normal too. I just can't figure this place out! Maybe another tens year ought to do it.