Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
YOU’VE PROBABLY HEARD THIS SUMMER IS APPROACHING THE HOTTEST ON RECORD. I think it’s one of the driest, too. Even plants in my shady Woodland Garden are showing signs of stress, including the sad subject pictured up top. Click the image, and you’ll see how this young rhododendron has curled its leaves inward, in an effort to conserve moisture. I’m watering the poor thing now. How are your plants holding up during this damnable drought?
Tammy says
We're suffering the same fate over here in NH, Kevin — no real rain in almost two months. Grass has all gone dormant and crunchy. We're using drip hoses and once weekly individual waterings to keep vegetables and shrubs with shallow roots alive. The ferns lining our stone wall have all died (I hope it's dormancy and not real death). So sad!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Tammy – It's bad. Here, I saw bees hovering over newly-watered pachysandra – they must be desperate, too. Many but not all of my ferns have retired, and 2 Japanese andromedas have dropped much of their foliage. Like you, I'm keeping vegetable garden watered, but really — how much water can we spare?
Eric says
I sent my lawn service away today, the grass is so parched. Hanging baskets are failing in the heat, too, even though I water daily. Albany is like a dust bowl.
Phoebe says
For me, the worst thing about high heat/humidity is that it zaps all my energy. Gives me a headache, too, probably because the air qualtiy is so bad.
Yolanda says
I want winter!
Anonymous says
Hello,
I live in Salem Oregon and we also are having water problems.
Where we live, we get our water from wells. Neighbors have dug deeper but it has not given them any more water.
THis is has been going on for several years.
My Problem:
Two neighbors that water almost 24/7 ! Don't they see that everyone's else lawn has pretty much dried up.
How do we get the point to them that we don't have a lot of water to waste on the lawn.
marie says
Everything is wilted, even big 100+ yr old trees.
I save my washing machine and dishwater water to help out selected plants, and pray daily for rain……… Iti's as bad as the year we had to dig a new well, so I'm using water at least twice.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Anonymous – Welcome. If a drought warning has been issued in your area, you can always report your thoughtless neighbors. There is no excuse for watering lawns, washing cars, etc., when resources are scarce.
marie – Lovely to meet you. I know how painful it is to see cherished, long established plants suffer the effects of drought. Let's all hope for a VERY wet autumn.