Lazy Days of Summer

Summary

Sandra Barrett reflects on the enduring beauty of her garden's fading hydrangeas and other plants during the hot and humid Georgia summer, while also participating in a #photoadaychallenge to appreciate the surrounding natural beauty.

Abstract

In the midst of August's oppressive heat and stormy weather in Georgia, Sandra Barrett finds solace in the resilient beauty of her garden. Despite the wilting effect on her plants, she admires the delicate transition of her hydrangeas from vibrant purple to a softer hue. She takes care to plant foxglove high up due to its toxicity, while also enjoying the hummingbirds it attracts. Barrett has incorporated companion planting strategies to enhance her vegetable garden's vitality, noting the impressive growth of her tomatoes and the increase in pollinators. Her indoor orchids, benefiting from the humidity and light of her bathroom, lift her spirits. The #photoadaychallenge has heightened her awareness of the beauty around her, supported by a community of fellow photographers and garden enthusiasts.

Opinions

Sandra Barrett appreciates the fading beauty of her hydrangeas, finding it difficult to remove them despite their loss of vibrancy.
She values the delicate beauty of foxglove flowers, despite their toxicity, and enjoys observing hummingbirds feeding on them.
Barrett has a positive view of companion planting, noting its effectiveness in her garden as an alternative to pesticides.
She enjoys the presence of a grasshopper in her garden, seeing it as a helpful creature in managing erosion.
The indoor orchids are a source of joy for Barrett, particularly on rainy days when she is confined indoors.
She expresses concern about the potential danger of fallen branches, referring to them as "widowmakers."
Barrett has a favorable opinion of moss roses, praising their resilience and ability to provide color even in harsh summer conditions.
She is grateful for the #photoadaychallenge and the community of photographers who inspire her to notice and capture the beauty in her everyday life.

August has come to Georgia and not only are my plants drooping, so am I in this heat, humidity, and stormy weather.

The fading hydrangea blooms in my garden still have their soft delicate beauty, and I don’t have the heart to cut them off for the compost pile yet. Just last month they were the most vibrant deep purple you could imagine. But with the August heat, they now seem as faded as my energy as I wander about the garden pulling weeds and cleaning up from the week's storms.

Foxglove ©Sandra Barrett 2021

I planted foxglove on the side of the shed in a hanging planter. I keep it planted high because it’s toxic to humans, even though it has medicinal properties. Just like the hydrangea, I love the delicate beauty of the blooms. But you have to look inside the bell-shaped bloom to see that beauty. Best of all is watching the hummingbirds enjoying the nectar.

Grasshopper ©Sandra Barrett 2021

This little grasshopper was working alongside me while I was replanting a side yard to stop some erosion from the heavy rains. As this area has a lot of scrub they are certainly welcome to clear as much as they want!

Companion plants ©Sandra Barrett 2021

This was the first year I got more serious about matching more companion plants with my vegetable plants as an alternative to pesticides. I used marigolds with my tomatoes and was pleasantly surprised with the size of the plants as they developed in pots on my back deck. They have grown to about four or more feet high and are attracting a lot of pollinators for the tomatoes and pepper plants.

This week we have had as many rainy days as sunny, which means I have been stuck inside. I am blessed with a large picture window in my bathroom that I have filled with potted plants, including orchids that love the humidity and light. It puts me in a good mood before starting my day no matter what is in store for me.

My husband calls these branches widowmakers, he says if you were standing under it when it fell well I guess you know the rest. …

When the other flowers are fading from the heat of the summer and the storms are raging, moss roses are a flower you can count on to provide brilliant color to potted arrangements or a garden bed.