Drier and Drier

 Can't we enjoy a warm, sunny 4th of July without fretting about drought? For those of us who grew up here in the Northwest, we know all too well that historically, summer usually hasn't even started yet.

All the brown lawns (like the one left) by the end of June are a clear clue as to how unusual this weather is. Do you remember any other year when lawns browned out so early? I've been noticing dormant parking strips in Seattle and brown lawns here on Whidbey Island.

So I went to meteorologist Cliff Mass's blog for reassurance, but found none. Check out his post from yesterday for the full story, but here's the gist of the bad news. The last 40 days, from May 20 through the end of June, were the driest here for 116 years!!  Get this - we only had 0.18 inches of rain during those traditionally wet months. No wonder our gardens are looking a bit tired already. So keep watering, and ask your neighbors to put those illegal fireworks away, fire danger is too high.

 Just think - maybe it'll rain most of August like last year and we'll look back on June as the big hurrah of summer '09. But for the next ten days, anyway, no significant rain is predicted. If you're feeling vaguely guilty about all this good weather (why do we do that??) remember we paid in advance with last winter's deep freeze and a very chilly spring...enjoy the sunshine....

Comments

[David Lewis]

George and I have been watering our new garden copiously since mid- May. I remember years when we didn't even bring the sprinkler out until after the 4th of July.....

While I don't keep a diary of seasons past, this year does seem to be abnormal. With a frigid, snowy winter ( killing off plants in the garden that had been around for 15 years!) and the lack of rain this spring and summer, it is a very challenging year.

[Michelle Kirby]

We haven't had that problem here in north Florida of late. I just wanted to drop you a line and tell you how much I am enjoying your "A Pattern Garden" book. I checked it out from our local library to merely look at the pictures - to get a sense of space - however I was captivated by the beauty of your word assembly in your introduction. You truly capture the essence of the heart of living spaces.

[valerie Easton]

Thanks so much, Michelle, for your kind words about "A Pattern Garden" - I worked on that book for four years, so I really appreciate hearing from you. And I'm also glad to hear you aren't suffering drought where you live - another mid-80's dry day here in Seattle!
Valerie