Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Dog Days of Summer

It has been very hot and humid for the last few days. We finally received some much needed rain last evening, for that I am very thankful. There were just spotty showers in the area and we were the blessed recipients.

I was glad for the rain, but I was in the midst of a neighborhood project, and really wanted to finish it last night. I looked at the radar and it didn't look like much rain in the area. We had just started planting when the rain started back up. I thought it wouldn't last too long so we continued in spite of the downpour. My husband and I were completely soaked and our work came to a screeching halt when it began lightening.

I finished the project this morning in spite of the heat and humidity. I didn't think I would ever cool down when I came back inside. It has been a long time since I've overheated like that. I was just bound and determined to finish it today.

We did a complete overhaul of our neighborhood median. The three trees that were in the median had been dead for a while. Our entrance has lacked color and was never landscaped particularly well. It has been a fun project and so far the neighbors seem to be very pleased with the new look. Many have stopped on their way in or out of the neighborhood to express their gratitude, one neighbor even brought me a bottle of water on her way out today. It has taken a lot of my time and energy to do this project but it has been very rewarding.

Now I have just a few more things to do to the sides of the entrance and we will have more color and nicer look for a fraction of the cost to our homeowners. We had a bid for all three sections and the total was $5637.49. The median bid alone was $1800 and that didn't include the removal or replacement of the dead trees.

I've spent about $1000 on plants and soil amendments. I love buying plants and it was so much fun to shop the different nurseries in the area and spend someone else's money!

Once it's mulched I'll have to take some pictures of the project. I wish I had thought to get before and after shots.

Enough about the neighborhood project. Here at Robin's Nesting Place only the hardiest of plants are looking good. It has been so dry and hot that many of my plants are looking a little ragged. I have a lot of sunflower's blooming and the grasses look so pretty with their plumes.


We are so very thankful that New Orleans was spared the worst from Gustav. My husband's brother lives there and we feared that he might be displaced again. He lived with us for several months after Katrina. He has often talked about the stress of living around the aftermath of Katrina. It has taken so long to rebuild and a lot of people are just worn out and depressed. They sure don't need more to cope with. We hope he finds everything alright when he returns home.

17 comments:

The Giraffe Head Tree said...

BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS!!! I bow in your general direction!!!! Lovely!

beckie said...

Robin, you are such a worker in your neighborhood. I remember you did a playground project too! The rain you got has danced all around us and still we are DRY. I am still watering. At least the temps have cooled a little this evening. Your sunflowers still look great and I love the red one. Mine are all done and the finches have picked out most of the seed. I should be out there cutting them down along with a lot of other trimming up that needs to be done. It will wait on me though. :0 I am anxious to see your finished project. Job well done!

Sherri said...

Robin, so glad New Orleans was spared the terrible flooding. The wind did a number on things though. Glad your DH's brother is safe! Hurrican Hanna is headed towards Charlotte, NC where I live and I hope they are wrong about the path it is taking!

Jayne said...

Your sunflowers are spectacular Robin. I am sure your neighborhood is so grateful for your expertise and attention to detail. Can't wait to see the finished result. :c)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful sunflowers and I am so pleased to hear of your husband's new job! Great news.

Debbie said...

What a project, Robin! It must have been fun buying all those plants. Hope you post some pictures.

You photos are gorgeous as always.

Gail said...

Robin,

Your photos are beautiful. There is nothing quite like yellow flowers against a brilliant blue sky! Lovely, really lovely!

Katarina said...

I'm also happy that Gustav turned out to be milder than expected. You sure do get a lot of nasty storms these days in the States.

Nice shots, as always!
/Katarina

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Your median project sounds great. I can't wait to see pictures of the after. I can imagine the before. Hopefully the fall rains will come and your work will settle in well.

Your pictures are just great. The wet hummers are sweet.

Connie said...

Sounds like a fun project, be sure post the after photos!
You have a beautiful selection of sunflowers.... the stars of the late summer garden.

Yolanda Elizabet Heuzen said...

Now I am very curious to see the result of your hard work on this neighbourhood project of yours. :-)

Katrina was bad and I too am glad that Gustav wasn't anywhere near as bad. I live in a delta too, just like the people of New Orleans and I know how worrying it can be when there is a big strong wind and you live several meters below sea level.

Have a great weekend!

CIELO said...

Another beautiful nature post... thank YOU for the inspiration....

Have a lovely weekend--hope you can participate in our Window Party... you're still on time... :)

cielo

A New England Life said...

A baby hummingbird! I love it! They are so darling.

Not sure if I've ever seen a pink Sunflower before, but it sure is gorgeous! I might have to look for seeds next Spring!

Anonymous said...

Ive been browsing your blog and may i say, GOOD JOB!! your photography skills are amazing, as well as your gardening!!

I have a question for you...your bird bath that looks like its a big terra cota pot, (i think the bath itself is painted blue??) where did you get it or how did you make it??? Its beautiful!

Anonymous said...

i second that... beautiful photos!

Barbee' said...

I never remember to get 'before' photos. I get so annoyed with myself. Once a project is finished, I step back to admire, then I remember and think: Oh, I wish I had taken some before pictures!

I didn't know that praying mantises would go after humming birds! Learned something there.

Anonymous said...

My favorite thing in the world is the transformation of the butterfly. I love, love, love, your site. Thank you!