What I don’t know is a lot! For example, all the petals of the echinacea are being eaten by a tiny worm. I can barely see it with my reading glasses. Sadly, only the center of the blossom remains on many of the flowers. I had several varieties in different colors. Honestly, it is always something!

I gave it my best shot all last week — trying to develop some acceptance of the weather. As an outside worker, I would prefer rain, wind, and/or snow to the heat and humidity. Now, granted, I am grateful to not live in the southwest or a big city but honestly, who would like it? Oh I know — weeds, mosquitoes and garden insect pests.

Since I’ve written nearly 400 of these columns, I feel justified in plagiarizing myself.

I went back several years to July 10, 2008 and found several paragraphs that could be written any year at this time.

I suggested that dead-heading is the order of the day. Blue queen salvia will continue to bloom all summer if the flower stock is cut almost weekly It is obvious on the plant to go down to the nearest v-joint where the next flower wants to start.

Bean Thyme By LYNNE IRONS

I pretty much make it up as I go along. I planted an enormous amount of English thyme from seed a couple of years in a row. Never being able to waste a single life, I tediously transplanted every seedling. Now, many of the vegetables beds are edged with thyme plants. I would never live long enough to use all that thyme so I decided to cut each plant down to tidy little six-inch globes of cuttings. I spread the bushels all over my hay mulch around the potato plants in hopes of deterring both voles and Colorado potato beetles.

It has been my habit for the past several years of column waiting to jot down points of interest as I drive around. This past week, it has been nearly impossible to point out beautiful plantings because there are so many. Holy Hydrangeas! They are everywhere in full and glorious bloom. I’m not a slave to absolute blue. I love seeing several colors ranging from the palest pink to deep blue on one plant. Even when I load a particular planting with aluminum sulfate, it is not a sure thing. Mother Nature has a mind of her own.

I’m just not that fond of summer. It’s too darned hot. The beginning of the week reminded me once again how long and miserable a day can be when working outdoors in the blazing sun. I’m happy for you vacationers who spend time at the beach.