Tuesday, September 30, 2008

End Of Summer

It's the end of summer--well, almost the end. The daytime temperatures have been hovering around 100º F. but the overnight temperatures are around 72º F., cool enough to give all the plants some relief. Much is in need of trimming and shaping and the whole place needs a good blow-out and raking. Most of this will be done by a landscape maintenance crew because of the size of this place. I have to keep an eye on them as they love to go around shearing all my bushes. It's almost a compulsion for them. No matter how many times I tell crew leader, the crew, which is different each time, always has a sneaky, shear-happy individual.
The Queen's Wreath (Antigonon leptopus) has started to produce fall flowers. This variety is called Baja Red. I planted this fast-growing vine last year at this time, and it has struggled along, so it didn't grow as much as I expected. In late winter I will cut it to the ground and in spring, it will come back. Maybe next year it will really take off.
This sad looking rose (Rosa 'Tiffany') is the first one in months. It's not yet cool enough for the roses to produce nice flowers. At least I hope that's the problem. It looks deformed, but I won't get worried until late October, when the temperatures are cool enough for the plant to put some energy into the flowers.
I moved my Madagascar Palm closer into the patio a month ago to protect it during a 70 MPH wind storm, and it really loves it there. This is as lush as it's been in two years. I'll need to move it back out into more light in October, but back in again when it gets too cold. At least now, I know exactly where to keep it next summer!


Every year at this time, the skies are extra blue and clear. This will last all of October and maybe into the first few weeks of November. As it cools down later in the year, we get an air inversion, causing a smoggy look to hover over the Phoenix Metro area. I live in a semi-rural area, so it's not as bad as closer into town.

18 comments:

Grammy said...

Good to meet you. This is my first time on Bloomin Tuesday.
I love your Queen's Wreath.Even though it is the end of summer Your garden still look great. Have a great week.

Alice said...

Thank you for visiting my blog. I'm always amazed at how you manage to survive summer in Arizona, perhaps more surprised at how plants manage to survive. Nature certainly is astonishing.

Unknown said...

Very nice, and you better keep an eye or two on the gardening crew.

Anonymous said...

The Queen Wreath & your Rosa 'Tiffany' are really pretty. I can't wait to see all the blooms you get come next month when it cools off some.

Anonymous said...

Your Madagascar Palm is cool looking! Love it!

Manuela

Carla said...

So pretty!!!! I'm replacing a Tiffany this year (my stepdaughter is Tiffany and that rose is SO her). I hope your days cool off soon, we are having lovely cooler days in TX and I'm loving it!!

Teri said...

I always love looking at your gardens, I get so inspired!

beckie said...

Aiyana, I had to laugh when I read your title-I thought how can you tell when summer ends in Arizona? :) Just keep a close watch on those guys or you will have perfectly trimmed little balls. I love the palm it looks so tropical. And the Queen's Wreath is really a gorgeous color. Here's to cooler days!

Jean said...

The Queens Wreath and the rose are lovely! It's fun to see the Whole picture of your area. Can't wait to see more. I can't even imagine those temps! I guess I'' take my teen temps and be happy! Jean

Anonymous said...

It's always so interesting to see weather and flowers across the country. I'm glad you're a part of Bloomin' Tuesday!

Rosie's Whimsy said...

Oh goodness, that is a BEAUTIFUL sky!! So crisp and clear. I hope you make plenty of time for sky gazing!

Julie said...

How beautiful...love your story about the maintenance crew shearing your plants! WHY DO THEY ALWAYS DO THIS????? Sheesh!

Anne Fannie said...

Hi Aiyana, glad to hear it starting to cool off in Arizona. We are headed to Parker on Thursday. Love your blooms today! Can't wait to see your blooms when it cools down more!
Love, Ann

Gilbamar said...

I am from Brazil visiting your blog. It's really very interesting and amazing. My wife loves plants -as I do - and takes care of them everyday, I'm sure she will love your blog too.

Gail said...

I thought our October blue skies were gorgeous but yours are spectacular! Such a very different gardening world you live in...it's a pleasure to visit and learn. Gail

kesslerdee said...

Lovely pictures! My roses are not blooming at all right now- I cut them back-I hope I didn't pick the wrong time to do that.
I love the blue blue sky picture- AZ has the best sky views I think!

Gin said...

Lovely photos and that sky is wonderful!!!

Barbara said...

You are writing about the end of summer...and still have high temperatures compared to ours. It's always very interesting to see what is blooming in your climate zone. There are so many unknown plants which I can see in your very special and amazing garden. Our sky in fall is also very clear and stunning, thanks to the fresh air, I think.
Enjoy the autumn days!
Barbara