We're having a heat wave, a not so tropical heat wave

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 So I put a few umbrellas out yesterday.  It's a one day 100° event, so I'm not overly concerned.  However, I have a few new plants in the ground that are worth the effort. I shouldn't be calling it a wave, I suppose.   Shot from upstairs this morning, 6:30am.

And I grabbed the last 3 parasols to cover the trio of Acacia cognata 'cousin itt' above the pool. Popped into the ground, supported by a few rocks. Wind will easily send these to the pool, I'll check on them later. I really need to give the Acacia a trim, they are dipping their toes!I spent some time yesterday scooping up some of the debris from the pepper tree that lands on the back end of the slope.  I filled several buckets worth and then gave up, it was continuing to fall and get trapped in my hair. 

And one rickety shade cloth & stake setup, lol.  I need ONE more beach sand type anchor  -they screw into the ground and the umbrella can be popped in & out when needed.  

I leave the anchor in the ground year round.  There is a young Phylica pubescens here, I've lost one to heat when it was tender and I don't want a repeat. 
This side by the fence is beyond the needing cover stage, hopefully!  It doesn't hurt that it gets shaded by the fence late in the day.
Dr. Feelgood is always interested in my efforts, especially hole digging.  He stopped to chew on the catmint before a second much needed early morning nap. 
I promised myself no close-ups today, but I spotted this and have to share.
Protea cynaroides 'Mini King' -I think these are the first blooms?  I've had this plant at least 3-4 years.  The buds are so sturdy.  
I'll take more photos when it isn't in the bright sun.  Are you up to anything fun this weekend?!  I am! 

Comments

  1. Liz A.May 30, 2025 at 9:43 AM

    I hope your plants survived the hot day. That's a good idea to keep anchors in the ground. I'm sure there'll be quite a few blistering days in the coming months.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. tz_gardenMay 30, 2025 at 10:56 AM

      Yes, absolutely! And I'm thankful this is a short one.

      Delete
  2. Kris PetersonMay 30, 2025 at 10:08 AM

    100F! Ugh. I hope that heat "event" isn't headed our way. With the exception of the "rickety" screen, your umbrellas are quite stylish ;) I hope all goes well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. tz_gardenMay 30, 2025 at 10:58 AM

      Haha, agreed. I've got another anchor & umbrella coming so I don't have to look at that ugly screen all summer.

      Delete
  3. ksMay 30, 2025 at 10:49 AM

    Wouldn't it be great if all our heat waves only lasted one day ? Maybe I need some parasols for my Dahlias-one of those plants that don't really like it much here in Napa that I grow anyway. I am jealous of your Phylica pubescens -I've killed two so far but have been looking in vain for a replacement for a few years. Did you actually find that locally ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. tz_gardenMay 30, 2025 at 11:01 AM

      Oh I wish - hate it when it's a week! You should try it on the Dahlias, mine wither in the heat as well. Waltzing Matilija has Phylica available, he sends amazing plants. I have 2 that are flourishing, KNOCK ON WOOD- the first year I cover and water them more than I've been told to.

      Delete
  4. Jenn JilksMay 30, 2025 at 12:02 PM

    That is an amazing yard! I appreciate the view from above. Wow! Sorry about the heat. Poor plants!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. tz_gardenMay 30, 2025 at 12:54 PM

      At least it's early enough in the year that the morning was still cool, 50's and the evening should cool down as well.

      Delete
  5. JerryMay 30, 2025 at 1:11 PM

    The heat is no fun to garden in either. One of my day hikes near Leavenworth, WA this last week climbed up around 2000 feet in 93F sun with no shade. Not used to the heat. It was a grind. The evening strolling around town was so pleasant though! I should plan ahead for some heatwaves of our own. But, I am sure I will wait for the last minute and then scramble around like mad trying to cobble something together.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. tz_gardenMay 30, 2025 at 1:51 PM

      OOOoof! That sounds intense, especially climbing. I hope you hydrated during your evening stroll, that sounds especially nice. Last year I did tire of looking at the shade cloth, especially since I was using 2 different colors. I bought the umbrellas on sale in September, I'm happy for the upgrade - it just looks tidier.

      Delete
  6. AlanaMay 30, 2025 at 2:29 PM

    In my 20's and 30's I lived in some places where it got above 100 degrees several (or more!) times a year. I don't miss that kind of heat because I melt in the 90's. Gardening was not fun in that heat. I hope this really is a short heat wave for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. tz_gardenMay 31, 2025 at 7:10 AM

      Down to 92 today, and then it looks like extended 80's for a while. My preference! Where did you live?

      Delete
  7. AnvilcloudMay 30, 2025 at 4:49 PM

    We will have to work around a planned power outage on Sunday, and that is pretty exciting.

    ReplyDelete
  8. BeaMay 30, 2025 at 7:26 PM

    I had read that Sac was to get into the 90s today. I can only imagine how toasty it was out in your neck of the woods. Out by the ocean, it was in the 70s, I think. The breeze made it feel a tad cooler.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. tz_gardenMay 31, 2025 at 7:12 AM

      Ooooh, 70's ! I think Sacramento was a bump hotter than here, we hit 99. -I think they got 104. I supposed when it's that hot, what difference does it make? I hope you are enjoying that perfect weather Bea :)

      Delete
  9. AnonymousJune 1, 2025 at 6:53 PM

    Festive solution for the heat. I like the Protea 'Mini King'.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Gerhard Bock (Succulents and More)June 1, 2025 at 7:05 PM

    What a difference a day makes! Yesterday 102, today 80! Crazy! Not that I'm complaining! Enough exclamation marks?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. tz_gardenJune 2, 2025 at 7:15 AM

      Ha haha, yes we dropped 20 degrees (and it was still hot in the afternoon!!!!!!!)

      Delete
  11. Jeff the ChefJune 2, 2025 at 5:55 AM

    Tough luck with the heatwave! It's always tricky when the weather plays games with your garden. Hope they bounce back quickly!

    ReplyDelete
  12. danger gardenJune 2, 2025 at 8:52 AM

    I hope nothing was harmed by the heat! Rumor has it we might be hitting 100 next week, *sigh*.

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousJune 2, 2025 at 1:57 PM

    parasols are the answer for sneaky hot days. So exciting to get blooms on the protea!

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousJune 2, 2025 at 4:00 PM

    Proteas?! I am soo jealous. The umbrellas are used to shade the plants until they establish?? Amelia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. tz_gardenJune 3, 2025 at 7:38 AM

      Yes, they just take the edge off smaller profile plants when it's near 100°.

      Delete

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