I’m always interested in the world’s weather. Europe is experiencing an historic heat wave. I heard on NPR that over 10,000 people have died. I chaperoned the charter school Italy trip when Violet was in the eighth grade. It was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. No one had air conditioning and, oddly, we did not see any screens on windows. I’m sure some of these conditions still exist. I’m ashamed to admit, I begin complaining when the temperature reached the upper 70s. Wonder if I’ll ever just plain be grateful?
Speaking of grateful, last week’s rain caused gardens to explode. I noticed a lovely stand of platycodon on Skiff avenue. I’m a big fan of the shade lover. Sometimes called balloon flower, it’s one of a handful of mid-summer blue bloomers. It also comes in pink or white, but the blue is particularly striking. Deer will occasionally nibble, but for the most part it is pest and critter resistant.
The Martha’s Vineyard Bank in Chilmark at Beetlebung Corner has a border of impressive crocosmia. A hardy perennial, it multiplies over the years by way of corms. Nothing attracts hummingbirds better, especially the cultivar, Lucifer.
The June blooming roses have seen better days and are looking sad with their spent flowers. It’s on my “to-do” list to have at it with my clippers. Sadly, they will not produce another show this season. Hopefully, we all enjoyed them while they lasted?
It’s time to dead-leaf dallies. It’s not a task I mind. I put a small pillow on a bucket and let my mind wander while pulling the brown leaves. It’s a very satisfying job.
I’m writing this week with a trusty Ticonderoga Number 2 pencil. I heard of a man who copied the entire To Kill A Mockingbird with one Ticonderoga. By the time he finished, it was barely on inch long. How I digress! The vegetable garden is producing.
I am finally getting zucchini. It’s amazing how a two-inch one can become six overnight — not a joke (my inner Joe Biden speaks).
For another year, I neglected to get the row covers on the cole crops. The white cabbage moth is doing their dirty work. I soak the leaves in either salt water or a white vinegar solution to make sure the little pests are removed.
I missed my calling in advertising. An off-Island reader, Aristides X. Maravel sent me a copy of his book, The Gardens of Willowbend. I have an entire bookcase of garden books. None of them compare. It is a beautiful and inspiring work. I highly recommend. Thanks Ari.
Say what you will of the Democrats and many seem emboldened to do so. I will say that the Eric Swalwell and Graham Platner debacles have brought out some strong opinions. I’m happy that both men have been disowned by the party. Too bad the Republicans cannot do the same with the likes of senate candidates in Texas, the scandal ridden Ken Paxton and, oh yeah, our sitting president. So much for the party of family values.
This article appears in July 17, 2026.