Here, as across much of the continent, it has been hot, hot, hot and dry, dry, dry. In fact, from July 1st last year until June 30th this year, the weather has been both the warmest and the driest ever recorded during any previous July to June period in the Ottawa region. Our poor little river is no longer flowing. It has been reduced to a series of puddles interrupted by dry river bed.
Here, as elsewhere, there is talk of farmers losing crops. As climate change takes hold, we can expect plenty more of the same. Dave Phillips, Environment Canada senior climatologist, notes ‘Canada is not the Great White North that it used to be.’ If only Conservative denial of the problem could halt climate change, we’d be in good shape, but their strategy doesn’t seem to be working.
Still, my garden has been performing well, in spite of the drought. As you can seem in this overview of the main garden, it is mainly the grass pathways that are suffering. That’s not because the garden is well-watered. I don’t water anything except new plants still settling in. The rest are mostly on their own. When I do water, I use buckets or a watering can so that I can deliver water directly to the root area, rather than broadcasting water with a sprinkler.
Here’s my secret weapon. Mulch, and lots of it. I purchase it in bulk from a local tree service, shredded branches. The mulch both keeps down weeds and helps the soil retain moisture so it isn’t baked dry by the sun.
As I write this, there are thunderstorms in the forecast. Exciting! Last week, we had one single storm. It brought a 45 minute downpour of rain. What a blessing! I stood outside on the porch and enjoyed the rain as the garden sighed with relief.
Willow House Chronicles 
Despite the drought, your garden still looks beautiful, but I know what you mean – we are baked dry as well. At least my bee balm made it this year. Last year the drought was so bad, the blooms just withered – so sad. Ah – that last picture sure “feels” good – I hope we get some soon.
All the rain keeps passing us by. We had a sprinkling of rain last night for about one minute – 0.3mm, according to Environment Canada – I think that’s the first rain we’ve had in about a month. They’re saying “risk of thunderstorms” for tonight – fingers crossed.
I’ve had to water almost everything in my garden. Nothing is more than 2 years old of course, so they’re not as settled in as they could be… but I’m getting a chance to see what’s REALLY drought tolerant, as advertised. The phlox held out a long time before needing watering. I haven’t watered potentilla, but it doesn’t look really happy about it. The smaller hostas are OK – bigger ones are suffering. Hydrangeas, astilbe, bleeding heart, ferns, brunnera, & dwarf delphinium have been very demanding. Things I haven’t watered yet, that are doing just fine, are Rose of Sharon, elderberry, serviceberry, sweet woodruff, lavender, thyme, eryngium, and roses.
Would you come and transform my yard(s) into a garden paradise like yours? >sigh< They are lovely.
We are in a magically-induced no-rain zone. Once in a while we get a smattering, as a tease, but nothing of any substance. Around us there is flooding, while we remain, for all intents and purposes, dry. Should I ever move, I am adding to the list of important questions “Does it ever rain here?”
P.S. Your garden is beautiful. Mine has not done well this year, due to the fact that areas that were once full sun are now shaded by mature trees, and, as noted, it is incredibly dry.
Thank you, Anya. We got a bit of rain this evening as a thunderstorm passed through. Sending it your way!
Fiddlegirl, you’re keeping close tabs on things. Daylilies are pretty drought resistant. They may not bloom as well, but the plants usually are okay. Yarrow is pretty good. Many of the ornamental grasses too.
Ellen, thanks for the nice compliment! I’ll do your flower beds if you come do my veggie garden.
Deb, interesting that your sun and shade patterns have changed so much over the years. The dayliies won’t like that.