I played around with a graphic about petrichor, because this is what I currently desire--for myself and for the garden. You've probably experienced petrichor, but here's the Merriam-Webster definition:
petrichor nounpe·tri·chor ˈpe-trə-ˌkȯr: a distinctive, earthy, usually pleasant odor that is associated with rainfall especially when following a warm, dry period and that arises from a combination of volatile plant oils and geosmin released from the soil into the air and by ozone carried by downdrafts.
I want this. Maybe you do, too? So many of us are living in dry, hot conditions this summer, and it would be wonderful to have some rain so we don't have to lug water around the garden, and/or watch our plants wilt, go dormant, and/or die. It would also help alleviate some of the rampant wildfires. There's hope it will happen for some of us soon.
Today it's time for "Six on Saturday," hosted by Jim at Garden Ruminations, where we compare what's happening in our gardens. This week, I looked past the brown and wilting things toward plants I've watered or plants that are extremely drought-tolerant and "keep right on dancing."
First up, the Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) and False Sunflowers (Heliopsis helianthoides). Both barely need water and, while they're looking a little tattered, they continue to bloom with abandon.
I'm regularly watering the potted foliage plants, so they are happy.
This little wonder gives and gives and gives. 'Summer Beauty' (Allium lusitanicum) blooms from midsummer through August, and it even looks fabulous after it dries ... until about December, when the first big snowfall flattens it. I rarely water it. I love it and the bees love it. I planted it around the mailbox several years ago, and now I simply enjoy it, whether we have rain or not.
Brown-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are somewhat drought-tolerant, but these are getting watered with other plants in the potager. They dominate the center of the bed.
The Tomato harvest won't be impressive (because of my garden conditions and the drought), but I must have Tomato plants for delicious BLTs. The pantyhose prevent insect damage and critter nibbling. (I don't remember which variety I planted this year, and I'm being lazy about checking the tag.)
Finally, the Zinnias: Like Tomatoes, they're a "must have" for me. Shown here are 'State Fair Mix' and 'Zowie Yellow Flame.'
Onward! I hope you'll get some rain if your garden needs it. If not, please send some my way. Head on over to Garden Ruminations to see what's thriving in other gardens around the world!
