Wish it were candy I was referring to, but it is not. Parts of my garden are brown & crunchy.
Variegated Weigelia (Weigelia florida ‘variegata’) in April…
Weigelia today.
Truth be told, I have neglected this part of the garden. There is just so much water one can pump out of a well during a period of drought. I do not remember the last time we had any rain, nor can I remember the last time the temps were lower than 90 F. Choices had to be made.
This part of the garden has been in a bit of decline and it was never ‘designed’ to my satisfaction. Another winter project on the To Do list.
The native plants are so much more tolerant of drought. Below, a photo of both the Native Oakleaf Hydrangea ( Hydrangea quercifolia) and the French mophead (Hydrangea macrophylla).
Both were watered last week.
I would like to introduce you to my new, constant companion! (below)
This is the best type of sprinkler for many parts of my garden, lots of water over a large area.
Moving on…
Recreating Eden Landscape Blog 
Mmmm, I will have to try this recipe! Your weigela still looks great and your basil full and plentiful. Is there a secret there? Mine is a tad spindly.
Shirley, I start to pinch the basil when it is quite young. It is also in full hot sun. Thanks for your comment.
Great show and tell on the hydrangea, makes me want to run out and buy another quercifolia.
I am going to look for basil at the farmers market tomorrow, I need a little taste of sunshine myself.
that is a cool looking companion you have. is it one of those sprinklers that stake into the ground? i really, really need one of those. parts of my garden didn’t get watered much this summer either. there is only so much of me and water to go around. the basil looks fantastic.
~janet
Hi Janet, This sprinkler is on a stand about 3-4 feet high, I like that it is adjustable. It can swivel 360 degrees or any radius needed. Thanks for stopping by.
Bring on the oakleafs! I have almost had it with french hydrangeas (almost, which means I’ll keep a few).
I have many ferns and hostas that look just like your weigelia, sorry to say. That companion looks like something you could put your arm around on that bench and all. I have put mine through a workout this summer.
70% chance of rain on Sunday and some temps next week that may actually be below normal. I can’t wait.
In this heat, I don’t have the energy to make pesto in a mortal & pestle. Thank goodness for Cuisinart!
Dear Sandra, I am saddened by your pictures of dessicated shrubs. It seems to me that you are being remarkably philosophical about it all, but it is rather distressing to see plants wither before one’s eyes for lack of water. Your weather has been severe and I do so hope that autumn will bring more gentle conditions.
That said, I must confess that I am not a fan of Weigela. I always think that it looks slightly ill and I have never owned one where the flowers added up to anything much. I look forward to hearing of your new plans in that area of your garden!
Dear Edith,
Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving an insightful comment. I agree with you on the Weigelia. The flowers are nothing much, but I did like the variegated foliage. Unfortunately that area had too many ‘impulse’ plants that were already past their prime, so when choices had to be made on watering…
Thanks for visiting my blog! I have discovered that some of the things I feared dead are only dormant…since we (finally) got rain Saturday i’ve noticed some green leaves emerging. Good luck. You just can’t water it all with a well for sure.
Glad to hear green leaves are emerging!
E+J