Gardening at the Hottest Time of the Year

Euonymus americana, Strawberry Bush, Burning Bush, Hearts-a-Bursting are the names I'm most familiar with for this gorgeous plant. I have three in the garden, but this is the only one to receive full sun all day and the only one already turning colors. I originally bought the shrubs for the birds. They're attracted to the fruit. Although Strawberry Bush is native to Texas (traveling up the eastern U.S.), I wasn't very familiar with it. I was therefore surprised and thrilled by the changing colors late last summer and well into fall.

For the second summer in a row, I've not succumbed to my annual gardening boycott during the hottest months. But it's not easy. High heat, humidity, and insects are formidable opponents. Aggressive weeds sometimes make gardening feel like a thankless task. But my garden is still evolving, as is this gardener. If things aren't working out there, I hold myself largely responsible. 

Of course, the things that are working do make me smile.