Greetings mates. Wilson here. I know, I know…we’re like a broken record but I think anyone who has been caught in this summer version of Groundhog Day, you probably can identify. The 90’sF are returning and these temps tend to limit our outdoor times unless absolutely necessary. The hot weather makes people grumpy and Mum is no exception. Early this morning, she stubbed her foot on a tray that holds my food and water bowls and gosh…you would have heard the the most horrible imprecations imaginable floating in the air. Even I blushed and I was half asleep. Well enough of that, let’s join our furry friends from the Adventures of the LLB Gang‘s blog hop and hope Mum is civilized today. Be sure to check the link out to see what great posts and pics are shared around Blogville.
The Mum: {grumbling under her breath and shuffling her feet into the room} Yawn…’morning House Pony. Are we doing this heat thing again today? What’s the forecast for today?
Wilson: Now Mum…you’ve got to let it go. We’re all sick of it but for all that’s holy, let’s just focus on the…ahem…paltry selection of flowers we found this week, shall we?
The Mum: {more grumbling} Whatever. I’m just hoping the coffee kicks in soon to improve my disposition.
Wilson: {softly whispering under his breath} Amen.
The Mum: What’s that you say?
Wilson: {pivoting} Oh nothing. I just realized we neglected to include one photo from our time spent in Boulder. I must say, that weekend seems like so long ago. The variety up there was such a delight.
The Mum: Yes, Boulder was truly lovely with an enchanting variety of plants we don’t often see in our neighborhood. Take a gander at this Crocosmia. Isn’t it fabulous? With those colorful flower clusters on branched stems, it can flower from early summer into early autumn. It belongs to the iris family and were you aware that their genus name comes from the Greek words krokos, meaning “saffron”, and osme, meaning “odor.” Apparently the dried leaves give off a strong scent of saffron (the spice derived from Crocus that’s been immersed in hot water.
Wilson: Hmm, fascinating and like you said, quite beautiful. Lately I’ve noticed garden annuals are in full bloom. Our zinnias planted from seed are flowering into nice pops of color in their pots and I’ve notice that the marigolds have come back with a vengeance this year. Looks like you’ll be busy deadheading them or we’ll have to host an Indian festival to Lord Shiva soon.
The Mum: Well, they’re cheery and bright and not the worst thing to volunteer in the garden.
Wilson: Right-o. They’re as cheerful as the Coreopsis (also known as Tickseed) that have popped up in a few unexpected places. Just yesterday I saw a small patch in the Plumbago that’s also begun to bloom. 
The Mum: I’m a huge fan of the Plumbago and it’s really thick and luscious this year. The blue flowers are beginning to bloom and in a few weeks, the leaves will start their morphing into a gorgeous shade of mahogany. I know I wax on about it, but I truly love Plumbago since it isn’t picky about its growing conditions and makes for an easy to grow ground cover.
Wilson: I noticed you found a quirky scene on our early walk this morning. I’ve heard of vertical gardening but this kind goes beyond that, don’t you think?
The Mum: I had to chuckle when I saw those plants growing in the rain gutter. Apologies for the overcast skies. Smoke from wildfires in Utah and Arizona are clouding up our normally crystal blue skies.
Wilson: You humans have a strange sense of humor. Lastly I thought I’d share how our little fig plant is doing. The two little figs seem to be doing well and the plant has really started to leaf out. You get so giddy whenever you go outside and check on it. It’s exciting to see you enjoying them as well as seeing them doing well. Well done, Mum.
The Mum: Thanks, House Pony. I’m can’t wait until they ripen. Well, that’s about it for us. We hope you are able to enjoy little glimpses of nature around your neighborhood.
Wilson: Cheerio, mates. But before I go sashaying off, I have to share the award I earned from Lutheran. I’m still somewhat new to the pet therapy thing but I received this little trophy to acknowledge that I had completed than 20 visits this year. Actually it was 26 but who’s counting. The next category is 50 or more visits. While I did not attend the event in person (they tend to be filled with a bit more canine energy than I can comfortably handle, but Mum brought it home so I could pose with it). Getting the dogs to pose was a bit like herding cats but everyone enjoyed a good laugh about it.
Have a pawsome weekend!
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Wow! You got the best photo of Zoe to come out of that photo op! Of course, it’s obvious that she’s begging for treats, but I guess you can’t have everything…
Thanks. She’s such a delightful sweetie and deserves every crumb she can find.
Lulu: “You sure have lots of beautiful flowers there! Maybe they like the heat, even if no one else does.”
Java Bean: “We have some of that plumbago stuff growing over the fence into Mama’s rose bushes! Dada has to periodically go after it with the trimmer or it would get all over them. The flowers are pretty even if it does have a name that sounds like lower back pain, which is what he gets when trimming it. *snicker*”
Lulu: “Congratulations on your award recognizing your good service! Well done!”
Many thanks, Lulu and Bean. Yeah, annuals pretty much the heat-dang if we know why though! Plumbago does have a tendency to ‘spread and naturalize.’ It’s one of the reasons I like it, but I can imagine when it gets into the neighbors flowers, it’s not as well liked.
Lovely flowers in the garden. I especially liked the yellow/orange marigolds 🙂
Thank you, Paul. Summer annuals like the marigolds are thriving in the hot, sunny conditions.
Wahoo for your award Wilson!! We are so thankful for pups like you who are available to comfort humans!!
We used to see weeds growing out of the gutters when we lived in California, but so far we haven’t seen any in New Mexico.
Thanks for joining us for Nature Friday!
xoxo,
Rosy & Sunny
Thanks Rosy & Sunny. Wilson has come a long way since he first walked through the front door of Lutheran and I couldn’t be prouder of him.
I noticed that gutter garden last year and was surprised they didn’t clean it out this spring. I think it’s a rental but the occupants have put a lot of effort in xeriscaping the front garden. Oh well, not my monkey, not my circus! Have a great weekend.
I wonder if plumbago is a safe alternative to grass? (I’m thinking dogs who love to eat grass.) And if it would survive in this beach-sand like soil I have in the back yard?
It’s about 9-12 inches tall so while it’s lush and green, it might not be the best choice for dogs. Maybe something more like creeping thyme that has a low profile might be better.
These captures are succulent . . yes . . succulent! And wow! Sixty more days before we break out of this joint created by Mother Nature? I’m ready!
Nature always finds a way doesn’t it? Even in the gutters . . .
Look at this! Not only is the boy handsome . . not only is the boy SUCH a good boy . . . but he’s also an award winning handsome good boy! Way to go!
Have a great weekend Ranchers
You’re too kind, Marc. Thank you. Nature does manage to find a way but it appears in many cases, she’s fighting back in ways that are somewhat scary to the humans that are trying to compete with her. She will always figure out a way to survive. The handsome boy and I hope you have a swell weekend, no matter what you do.
Nature finds such divine ways to let us know she’s doing her due diligence. But yes, the scary evidence is more and more these days.
Hugs to mama and handsome boy!
First THANKS for the photos – especially the “gutter garden” ! Tee Hee Congrats to Wilson for that wonderful award – YAY!!!! We always love seeing all the beautiful gardens around you. It’s been so hot here nothing is staying pretty for long – I think it’s all cooking in the heat……Tee Hee
Hugs, Teddy and Mom
Thanks, Teddy and Mom. Nature is trying hard to wake up humankind but I’m not sure enough people are listening. Have a wonderful weekend-we hope you are able to enjoy some quality porch time.
I have never seen a fig plant. Beautiful blooms. I hope the heat goes away soon. XO
I’ve had a fiddle leaf fig house plant for over 25 years but had never seen a fig plant that actually fruited figs. It’s been a blast watching this Mother’s Day gift develop. We’re with you about hoping the temps start dropping soon. This whole melting thing is not fun at all…for (wo)man or beast.
We’re ready for some cooler temps here too. Wilson, you are one cool pup!
Aren’t you sweet, thank you, Terry. We’re praying the temps start dropping…and soon! Hope you and the kitties have a great weekend.
Here, our weather so far has been a tad cooler and much wetter than for the last few years. Thank goodness!
You guys definitely have deserved the moisture. Hope you have a great weekend!
Awww Wilson you are the best! (even when mom is grumpy!) We had a high of 71 today after a week of 90s. So welcome. I’m almost cold! 🙂
Thank you! We’re quite envious o your cooler temps but know full well after all the heat and humidity, you definitely deserve a break. Enjoy a mellow weekend of temps!
Well done, Wilson McDonald, for your therapy work. My sister, Angel Lexi, never got an award for her faithful therapy visits at the children’s hospital. She would have liked that, She sure cherished her award for Directors Choice at the theatre! XOX Xena
Oh, and Mommy said to tell Miss Monika that she thinks those red flowers are gorgeous. And that her lone pot of not-petunias finally “gave up the ghost.”
Thanks so much, Xena. Both Sam and Norman received trophies over the years. I look at them so fondly and hope Wilson continues in their paw-steps. Please tell your mom I’m glad she enjoyed the Crocosmia. And that one was one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen. Such deep beautiful red flowers. LOVED coming across it. So sorry her not petunias did not fare well. Maybe your TN weather was just too much for them? Hope you have a good weekend.
Another good, albeit hot week around the town. Congratulations on the award. Well deserved, Wilson.
Thanks, Dan. It wasn’t our best week for flowers but that Crocosmia kinda made up for the other weak pics. Wilson appreciates the congrats. Have a wonderful weekend.
Congratulations sweet Wilson and your trophy is so well deserved! 🎉 Wishing you and Monika a fabulous weekend and we hope the cooler weather heads your way soon too 🤗💖🐾 xxx
Thank you, dear Xenia. Wilson is really getting good at visits and seems to enjoy it more each month. We feel like it’s a dream come true that he can make people so happy. Have a great weekend.
We finally have cooler weather here this week, which is most welcome. The flowers are gorgeous as always and congrats to Wilson (and you!)
Thanks much, Debra. Hadn’t realized we had that many visits since we started. He gets better with each month. Enjoy that cooler weather this weekend!
Mee-yow WOW such beeuteefull flowerss Wilson an Miss Monika!!! Wee loe them all…speshelly THE Crow…ummm croo…ummm….crock….ummmm RED flowerss!
MOL/LOL at ‘vertical gardenin’!! Well spotted Miss Monika 😉
~~~head rubss~~~BellaDharma~~~ an {{huggiess}} BellaSita Mum
Thanks so much-glad you enjoyed the flowers. Crocosmia is such a beautifully showy plant. there should be more of it planted! Have a wonderful weekend and hopefully the heat dome of the eastern part of the hemisphere starts to break up.
Cro-cosmia…mee meowed it!!!! Wee wuud love to have that inn wee garden!
Our heet dome did brake up thanxfullee. It will warm up midweek. So fore now, wee enjoy tHE tempss inn 70’ss! 😉
Ooh, 70’s sounds like paradise to us!
Sheer purrfection Wilson an Miss Monika…
You’re too kind. Thank you.
Congrats on the well-deserved recognition, Wilson!
Hang in there in this heat, you’ll get through it, fall is right around the corner. 🙂
Thanks, Eliza. Receiving that award was a bit of a surprise-I hadn’t realized how many visits we’ve made in such a short time. We can only hope the heat is nearly done-it’s playing havoc all over with the environment. The Dragon Boat races had to be postponed because there is so much toxic algae on the lake that’s made worse with all this heat and I swear, there are a jillion flies and spider webs everywhere which have also been made worse with the heat. It’s very weird. Have a lovely weekend!
Congrats Wilson! Your pet therapy friends are so cute. Beautiful red color on the crocosmia, looks like a great hummingbird attractor.
Thanks, Lisa. They’re a good group of dogs who bring such joy to the hospital staff and patients. I’m enchanted by crocosmia…it’s so striking! Enjoy a great weekend.
Surprised you ventured out long enough to snap all these beautiful flower photos! Equally surprised the hots haven’t withered them all away! NOT surprised you’ve won a well deserved, certainly earned award sweet Wilson: you go guy! Our Wash Post weather person noted this morning that July will go on record as the consistently hottest ever (did not need to be told that). Happy Dog Days of Summer!
Aww, thanks Ann & June. He’s becoming quite the hospital favorite. Early mornings here are fairly pleasant (unless we’ve had multiple consecutive days of 90+F temps like earlier this week (3 days of 97 in a row and the house didn’t cool down at night and how could it…it was still 82 at midnight).
I cannot imagine being on the East Coast where you get hammered with heat AND humidity. You have our deepest sympathies. Try to stay cool and have a great weekend.
I never tire of your darling dogs.
Aww, you’re too kind, Jacqui! Thank you. Have a great weekend.
Congratulations on your award! It’s nice you and your mom enjoy the therapy thing together. Bailie would be an awesome therapy dog but Mom has no interest so she is staying home doing not much of anything. The flowers in the photos all look very pretty. We have a lot of smoke from Canada here, not supposed to be out much but Mom refuses to give up her morning run with Olivia and walk with me and Bailie. We need exercise. Cheers to better weather coming soon.
Thanks-It’s an easy job…Wilson does all the work and I just drive. I empathize with your Mom not want to miss out on morning walks/runs…being out in the smoky conditions though sure messes with my sinuses. Have a great weekend.
Hi Sweetheart! You look fabulous in all this grumbling about heat! You oughtta hear MY mom! Man, she gets p-i-scribble scribbled every time she goes ou—t and her hair does too Gets all frizzy and sweaty.
LOL, I like that p-i-scribble scribbled…The humidity can wrought all kinds of mayhem (otherwise known as frizz or curls). I just returned from a walk over to the post office only about a mile away and my back is all drippy sweaty now. Awk! We hope you have a great weekend!
I love your watercolor of Wilson. I also enjoyed the neighborhood walk. I like zinnias,too. They give so much for such little care. Wilson ought to be proud of his award. He sure looks like he is. I hope you have a super weekend, Monika.
Aww, thanks, John. Appreciate the kind thought. Being a good therapy dog has been a process with Wilson. At first I wasn’t sure if he’d be any good at it but he’s taken to all the attention and seems to know what folks need. He’s a pretty good boy. We hope you guys have a paw-tastic weekend!
What a super header!
Congratulations, Wilson! Best to enjoy your award peacefully at home.
That photograph reminds me…I need to clear the gutters before the rains come round again!
Aww, you’re too kind, Helen. Thank you. There has to be a lot of built up soil in that rain gutter! Have a great weekend.