Treasures in the garden

I have had this small, but growing clump of what appeared to be iris (judging by the leaves) that has not produced a flower - until this summer. All of a sudden it is covered in buds and I just happened to find one open this afternoon...

Not your run-of-the-mill Toad Lily, but that's the identity I am best able to come up with. Mine has grayer leaves, runs more pink/orange than the standard purple, and has flatter petals. Still...a beauty!

Thank goodness for the rain,

Lyn

Coping with the heat outside

Here comes the heat wave...water tonight, deeply, at ground (root) level. Most plants need the water BEFORE it gets hot and dry. They are better prepared to resist disease, pests and decline in general health. 
Not too different than us, really. We should also be hydrating BEFORE we exercise or exert ourselves in this type of heat. Proper hydration actually cools our systems, reducing the intensity of the heat we feel.
So, protect yourself and your plants - drink up BEFORE you're thirsty! 
In the shade this week,
Lyn