Monthly Archives: July 2024

Respite from the Heat

Yukimi and Waterfall
Heatherwood Japanese Garden

During these hot summer days with the temperature in the high 90’s to mid 100’s, Heatherwood’s pond and waterfalls cool things down. The sight and flow of water creates a feeling of coolness even though the temperature is hovering around 100 degrees. This vignette was created while I was sitting comfortably in one of our Adirondack chairs overlooking the pond and waterfalls. I know that one typically does not see an Adirondack chair in a Japanese garden. We have chosen to mix a couple of cultures to provide a comfortable place to relax and enjoy nature.

This sitting area is a works-in-progress. It is shaded from the east and south but is relatively open to the afternoon sun from the west. We have planted Japanese maples, a Japanese pagoda tree, and an akebono cherry on the west to help enclose the seating area. This year we planted a honey locust tree to finish the enclosure. Now we just need to wait until the trees get a little taller to provide a 270 degree protected room with an open view of the waterfall and pond to the north.

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A Palette Full of Color

Summer Color
Heatherwood Meadow

Heatherwood’s summer meadow is like a painter’s palette full color. The colors are brilliant and constantly changing. They blend into each other creating a vignette that reminds me of a Monet painting. My imagination wanders as I envision how Monet might view the scene.

Garden Meadow
Monet’s Perspective

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Another Hot One

Early Morning View Over Lower Garden
Heatherwood Summer

Today will be another hot one with the temperature forecast to reach 104 degrees. The early morning, around 7:00, is the most comfortable part of the day to be outside. I took the opportunity to stroll around the garden with my camera. This is the first scene that I encountered after I walked out to the upper yard. It was a great way to begin my morning walk.

Now it is time to put on my farmers straw hat and mow the yard.

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It is HOT!

Lower Meadow Area
Heatherwood Summer

The temperatures are in the mid-100’s. We are watering 24 hours per day to keep the garden healthy. The heat is taking its effect, but so far we have not lost too many plants. Even with the heat, the garden continues to put on its beautiful display of color. We try to get out in the more comfortable times of the day to enjoy its gift us.

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