Typically, rainy season in Atlanta lasts from September through April. During those months, it rains at least once per week, and those are good, drenching rains that last for hours. Many, if not most, of these rains originate in the Gulf and move north and east. From May until September, rain is spotty, consisting of pop-up storms that tend to be stationary. Thus, during the summer, it might rain in my neighborhood, but not two miles away. Summer rain is unpredictable.
I had to do much more cleaning than usual to get the garden back in decent shape. And the challenge this year was to get 80 new plants in the ground before the rains switched to their summer pattern. The last major group of plants went into the ground on April 29, so I was worried that the spring rains were behind me. Not so! Since April 29, the garden has received nearly five inches of rain! All the plants look very happy, and the last few days of rain have kicked off bloom season big time!
Already, the garden is taking on its summer ambiance. The badly damaged gardenia put forth its first blossom. Not to be outdone, the blue angel hosta is larger than it has ever been, and it is already blooming. Honey bees are visiting the catmint. A couple of butterflies stopped by recently, and one curious hummingbird buzzed the yard. Season 12 is off to a great start!
Great!
Thanks!