land of oz

We have had several hard rains the last few days, in between the heat and humidity. And we have reached that point in summer when the world is achingly green, a deep emeral, rich and thick and soft. Grass and tree are alive in the greeness, something that is felt briefly in April in Texas before it is lost to the harsher months.

I have been feeling sorry for myself, watching perennials still unfolding from the earth, seedlings remaining too small. We've just been through the transitional period between the blooming of bulbs, shrubs and trees and the more flowery period of summer.

My monardia or bee balm started opening up today. There is a summer aster (Starr Aster?) that is opening up now as well, with a deep purple edge and a white center.

I weeded the vegetable garden and my perennial beds in between rain. Best time to weed, particularly if the weed has deep roots.