In this country, it either swelters or freezes, it seems. After two much too cold June weeks, we fell into a heatwave overnight, which ended after two days with a massive thunderstorm, but gathered steam within a day and then turned into the most sweltering week in the history of our country! In my tiny flat the night time temperature reached 29,5°C, so I spent three days in the dark, with everything closed, to try and keep out the 38° heat.
By 9 p.m. it was 31°C still, and the sky turned black. I made sure my largest plants were safe, and waited for what was to come with my dog Puck. Puck is terrified of thunderstorms.
Now this I had never seen before: a band of cloud moving from left to right, but another band moving straight up. Anyway, at 21.30 the first lightning appeared, and my old rescued doggie turned into a shivering, teeth shattering, sorry wreck.
She did not sleep. So I did not sleep either, since she paced the floor endlessly. At 5.30 a.m. we went out, to enjoy the peace and quiet, and it was as if that storm had never been.
I cycled to Hunky Dory at 06.30, to see if my greenhouse was okay, and if my plants were still upright.
My Hydrangeas are always happy with a good soak.
The first Hemerocallis in flower. At the top of this page is the other one.
The Hollyhocks, which self seed all over the place.
My Malaysian friend Li Ping with some Hollyhocks elsewhere in Brielle.
The Houttuynia, which I had planted in the raised bed, but who escaped and now is doing very well all around it.
The Fennel reaching for the stars. After I planted one three years ago, it has self-seeded all over the garden. I pull out the ones who are in awkward positions (right on the path, for example), but leave quite a few, as I adore the scent and save the seeds for cooking.
The Monarda is enjoying itself in the heat.
My attempt to keep out that scorching sun. It did not work!
Puck was not impressed.
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Have a good week, wherever you are!
Renée Grashoff
