I’ve just about had it with fighting Mother Nature. Between the bugs and bunnies in the vegetable garden, fleas in the house, a huge deer in the perennial beds nightly,

I

I’m much happier in the sixties. I’m talking temperature not the decades, although that works, too! What a week — nationwide. I am very grateful to live near a large body of water. I can’t imagine being trapped in some sweltering river valley somewhere in the Midwest. Let’s not even talk about Texas.

I have two methods of last resort for weeding. I take a shovel to the huge clumps of grass and flop them over.

I could never live in Florida or Arizona. I’d rather it snow than be 90 degrees and humid. The Weather Channel reported 117 degrees in Phoenix.

By LYNNE IRONS

I could never live in Florida or Arizona. I’d rather it snow than be 90 degrees and humid. The Weather Channel reported 117 degrees in Phoenix. Have mercy! I hate it when people say it’s dry heat. I only hear heat. I will say the warm, humid days are finally forcing some real growth to peppers, tomatoes and squashes.

On some of the job sites I have been busy deadheading. The Nepeta and Blue Queen salvia both have seen better days. Both will rebloom nicely in a few weeks if cut now.

By LYNNE IRONS

On some of the job sites I have been busy deadheading. The Nepeta and Blue Queen salvia both have seen better days. Both will rebloom nicely in a few weeks if cut now. The Nepeta can take a severe cut but needs to be watered heavily right away. It will look pretty sad for a week but do not be discouraged. You will be pleased soon enough.

How is it possible for weeds to grow waist high with no pest damage when the favored crop is bug-eaten and pathetic? It is becoming difficult to maintain a positive outlook.