A Weird Summer in Carla’s Garden

30.08.2024 - 06:04 / finegardening.com / GPOD Contributor

Happy Friday GPODers!

We’re back in the garden of frequent contributor Carla Zambelli Mudry (She most recently shared Hydrangea Season in her garden and the Abundant Spring Blooms she got this year, but you can also check out her garden in years past here, here, and here.) Today she’s reflecting on a turbulent summer.

It has been a weird summer here in Pennsylvania. It seems like it’s either brutally hot and full of drought, or angry storms and flooding. Climate change is so truly real, and when I was a child this area was somewhere in zone 5 and now I am 7A.

The month of August started with a bang, when I walked into a hornets‘ nest while pruning. I definitely don’t recommend that. Fortunately, my allergic reaction was not too severe but the dozen stings I received were perhaps the most painful I’ve ever experienced.

The deer continue to be really ridiculous and I actually interviewed a spraying service. I am going to try them out.

However, there are still things of beauty in the garden. More hydrangeas, and other flowers. And lots and lots of baby figs!

From the GPOD submissions we’ve received this summer, I’d say it was a stellar year for hibiscus. When many other plants wilt from extended periods of intense heat, most hibiscus can take it in stride and even thrive. While rose of Sharon are often pretty drought tolerant, many others in the genus—like this stunning ‘Luna Rose’ (Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Luna Rose’, Zones 5–9)—will need regular watering to maintain these stunning blooms during dry spells.

Of course, it’s not a visit to Carla’s garden without a look at her extensive hydrangea collection. For steadfast summer blooms despite heat and drought, you can never go wrong with a pretty panicle (Hydrangea