"The nine months between October 2010 and June 2011 have been the driest in Texas for that three-quarter period since 1895, when the state began keeping rainfall records," reports the Austin Chronicle. Ouch. And it sounds like we are in for an even hotter and drier August.
The thing that worries me most are all of the big, mature trees that I see dying, especially on our side of town where people don't necessarily have the money or motivation to keep them watered. Around my hood, we are losing huge old American elms, pecans, and many of our younger trees planted over the past years are turning crispy brown too.
Still, I went out with the camera in the garden yesterday and found some beauty, like these inland sea oats catching the afternoon light.
Also, our American beautyberries are starting to turn purple (the ones that don't have dried, shriveled fruit).
The datura seed pods are always interesting.
But the poor datura looks like this in the evening. Droopy.
We'll survive the drought (I hope), but I venture to guess that it's going to have some lasting effects on our landscapes. It will be interesting to see how this all turns out...
7 comments:
I keep noticing more and more trees showing signs of stress around town. And this is the first year I've actually had to write out a watering strategy to keep everything alive (mainly the over 40 foot trees). Thank goodness for the survivors like sea oats and cosmos!
My cosmos look like your datura. And my potted beautyberry--ugh. I don't want to talk about it.
Today I am surfing on Mexican Oregano and Retama trees and your blog keeps coming up! Love that.
Well, ain't that fun Mama Holt! I've had the same experience one time. Searching for something and finding my own dang post there in the googlegob. Awesome!
Caroline, my in ground beautyberries are looking pretty weepy. Only the one that's in the fullest shade looks partly happy and trying to put on these purple berries!
Post a Comment