When summer opens, I see how fast it matures, and fear it will be short; but after the heats of July and August, I am reconciled, like one who has had his swing, to the cool of autumn."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
August in North Carolina is the last true month of summer with average temperatures in the high 80's and 90's. The one respite is its frequent rains that bring some cooler days in between and much needed moisture in the garden.
My boulder garden this August has flourished with the abundant rainfall. The hummingbirds and bees visit the flowers of autumn sage , lantana, phlox, catsmint and coneflowers.
This month marks the first year since my beloved garden companion Duke passed away. While he can never be replaced in my heart and mind I brought home a new puppy which I named Odie. He is a sweet, smart and affectionate Schnoodle that follows me about the garden, investigating the many wonders of nature .
As August wanes, I, too am reconciled to the cool of Autumn as September leads the way .
