Wigelia

   One wigelia bush is gone but the other is just coming into profuse bloom.

I love the big long strands. I pruned it severely last year and it is coming back well. More heavy rain today but I did get out in the garden for an hour this afternoon. Always something to do there!

At the Garden Centre

   It's been raining all afternoon but I took a quick trip out to the lilac bush to catch the blooms before the rain spoiled them. They look pretty.

    This morning, before the rain arrived (remnants of storm Bertha), I dug up an old Wigelai bush which was only sending out a couple of branches. It was quite difficult to get out but it is now gone and I need a replacement. So, since I couldn't work in the (by now very muddy) garden, I ventured to the Garden Centre!

   The garden centres only opened last week and my one attempt to visit was met with frustration as there was a huge lineup and it was inevitably jammed with erstwhile gardeners. So a rainy afternoon seemed like an ideal time to venture forth. A good move as it turned out as I was able to get in and out without much trouble. 

   I bought a clematis for the empty spot where the wigelia had been, some Swiss Chard and a big pot of basil to share with Judy. She had found tomatoes so it was a good exchange. They will go in the garden tomorrow and that will be all I can fit in my tiny vegetable patch.

A Day Brightener

   I had an early morning walk today, because of the heat, and came home with this beautiful bunch of lily-of-the-valley from the local church yard. The perfume is wonderful. My own plants only produced two flower stalks!

Breakfast on the porch.

A Bit of a Blow

   When the pool guys came to open the pool last week they couldn't get the heater to start up. It has been a bit "iffy" for the last couple of years. Now, I don't mind swimming if the water is at least 70F but my guests (grandkids) like it closer to 80F so a heater is basically a necessity. So, I had to bite the bullet and get it replaced. It is over 30 years old so certainly doesn't owe me anything.

    Problem was how to remove it and get the new one in - the shed that houses the pool equipment is very close to my neighbours fence and I guess was put up after the heater was installed. Solution? Remove the shed! It also is very old and quite decrepit. 

   Yesterday my handyman son came over with all his tools and dismantled the shed and we stacked it by the front curb. It took about 4 hours on the hottest day of the year and we were both sweaty and grimy by the time we were finished. But, lo and behold, overnight it is now gone to scrap metal heaven, we presume. At least it is no longer there.

   The new heater will be installed in a couple of weeks and my bank account will be empty. Never mind, " 'fits money?" as my old uncle used to say. I just hope I won't have any more major expenses for a month or two.

Once the new heater is installed I will see about getting a new shed.