WELCOME TO Val's Alentejo -I write about my region of Alentejo. My art ,painting, my cottages, Family life, my animals -Travels And my love for Roses- and rural country life.

Sunday 28 July 2013

keeping the flowers watered

With temperatures up in the high 30's - somedays 40º.. Its a battle between me and the sun.   I have been getting up at around 6 and going out to water, as its just too hot during the day. By the time the evening comes , I am often too tired to water.  I do have a piped water system,only noticing a few weeks ago that the little holes where the water drops out are clogged with calcium.  So it will be another new project for winter time, to get the pipes and sprinklers sorted. Now I have to do it by hand.  I cant complain. As it really is a great time to wake up during these hot days and enjoy the garden.   This year is another exceptionally hot summer, loosing a lot of my rose blooms to the heat.  On Wed. I had the garden centre deliver the bark cover for my one bed of roses. The other two deliveries for the other rose beds will come this next week.   
When one has a garden, there is always something to do or that needs doing.  If we want some beauty around us ..its all work. Playtime comes at sundowner time. With that long icy drink. 
THE TOP VASE I THINK IS VERBENA! And Geeraniums. The blue flower which is a creeper. (dont know the name) I have two that are now growing fast. I transplanted them last year.   I am very pleased with my rose in the pot. That has taken some time to take hold.  Some of my roses.. and another creeper with a purple flower..its going crazy.
                This pomegranate tree was a gift from a friend.  We planted it 2 years ago.  It was touch and go at one time...but now it has about 5 pomegranate's on it.. I am thrilled.  Its a lovely tree.  Its only bare  for a couple of months.

 Am off again out into the garden, to dead head my roses,while there is a little breeze.

Wishing you all a very pleasant weekend. Whatever you may be doing.

val

44 comments:

  1. This time of year is such hard work keeping the garden watered Val. It is the same with us, a very very hot summer, and no rain.
    I would love a pomegranate tree, but I should imagine it would have to come indoors during the winter here.
    Your pale blue plant looks like the gorgeous Plumbago - lucky you. I have a passion for pale blue sky coloured flowers.
    Keep up the watering Val and enjoy your icy drinks.

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    1. Hello Rosemary,
      Its true. Its really hard work. and I just hate to see the flowers withering. I have also had problems with my well. the water keeps cutting off. so waiting for the well man to come and see what is wrong. I am wondering if i am using up all the water.
      I dont think you would have to put a pomegranate tree inside! dont they grow in England!
      I too love the pale blue creeper and think i must acquire a few more. Thank you for telling me its name.
      Happy gardening to you too Rosemary.

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  2. Hi Val...I'm so many miles away from you, but I still have many of the same problems you have with the garden. It is hot here, although we've had some relief for a few days. My watering system has the same problem, so I am hand watering many plants.

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    1. Yes, true Meggie, I know Texas and our weather here in Alentejo is pretty similar.
      I only water my inner garden. The olive trees get enough water during the rainy season.
      Today its been slightly cooler.
      We will both have to get our systems working. I do enjoy watering the plants by hand. I remember a couple of times I forgot to turn the timer off and water was all over the next morning.. xx

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  3. your blooms are beautiful. but that's the top reason i don't really plant much here - too hot and dry and requires a lot of water to keep it alive thru the texas summer.

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    1. I am not sure where you are in Texas Tex. I know parts of Texas.
      and many of the areas are like our Alentejo during the summer. Our heat is dry.
      I remember when in Houston it was humid.

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  4. Dear Val,
    and here in Greece,it's very hot these days!37c!!!
    I have the same problem watering my plants and trees!
    Sometimes early in the morning and in the afternoon too!!
    Have a lovely week!!!
    Dimi...

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    1. Hello Dimi.
      Yes, you will be having the same temp. as we are having.
      I think most of us who have gardens are busy watering to keep them at least from not dying.
      wishing you a good week too.

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  5. Good morning, Val. It's nearly 0900 here and I have just come in from watering. Three big beds are done, and there is still some watering to do, but it will wait until evening - the sun is too high already. We certainly work for our garden pleasures!

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    1. Hello Pondside.. It is a task to keep watering. Indeed we do work at our garden.. and it gives us much pleasure. I love to see my blooms.. Thanks for your comments.. nice to see you. x

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  6. We've had little pop up showers this summer that have been welcome. It's hot here in Florida so the showers help. Love those pomegranates! How unusual! Happy Sunday!

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    1. Hello Diane.. How great to get even a little shower..it would be most welcomehere.
      Do you not get pomegranates growing there.. I am sure they would grow well!
      I am so happy with my tree.

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  7. Dearest Val , these days is very hot and the plants need so much water ...And is hard work if you may to do alone ...This weekend we were to our field and there is no water .....for a week ...the the water machines of village have spoiled and they must fix them ...so no water for a week for my trees ...I made an automatic system to water them but if there is no water they can't water ... I love your pomegranates tree and you could do liqueur !!!

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    1. Hello dear Olympia.
      you will be getting the same heat as we are.. My well pump keeps cutting off, so i have had to be careful with the water. : I am so sorry you have had problems with yours.. poor trees. I too have an automatic system..but its not working due to too much calcary.
      Hope you have pomegranates too.. I will make liquer..even if its a little.
      happy days Olympia.. love val xxx

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  8. Good morning Val......It seems as I scroll down and read all your comments....every gardner has the same comment....hot weather and hand watering in all this heat. Here in AZ...the same is true....it does seem as though a gardner's job is never done.

    xoxo

    Jo

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    1. Hello Jo.. its 8.33pm here.
      Yes, It seems everyone with gardens are watering and tending their flowers. Its been very hot here.
      Its nice though. I am going to make a new flower bed hopefully this next week.
      thanks for coming by Jo. x

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  9. Hello Val, Early mornings are my favourite part of the day too. I enjoy pottering around and doing the morning chores, in the cool of the morning - although our temperatures are nothing like those which you are experiencing. We have had a nice warm day, then this evening we had very high wind and torrential rain for half an hour, so no need for us to water the outdoor plants tonight!

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    1. Dear Elaine, Thanks for coming over, always enjoy reading your comments.
      I seem to get much more done in the mornings. I know you have had some nice weather..but a little rain will water your flowers.. wish we had a little over here.
      x

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  10. We too have been doing lots of watering over the past few weeks. It must be hard work in the heat, I always enjoy early mornings in our garden too. It must be so lovely to have a pomegranates growing in your garden.
    Sarah x

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    1. Hello Sarah, I see on the news, that you also have had some high temps.
      I dont work in the heat. Always in the morning..
      I am so thrilled with my pomegranate tree, thought it wouldnt survive.
      thanks for coming over Sarah.

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  11. Were you here in Boone, North Carolina, USA.....you would have plenty of rain.

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    1. Hello Wild Magnolia,.. well I can say, that we could do with a couple of days of good rain.. its so dry. But its usual for this time of the year. Thanks for coming over

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  12. Gardening is hard work. I love that cold drink after weeding!

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    1. Indeed it is Jen. Its gratifying .. a good cold drink is always welcome

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  13. oh I know all about extreme warm weather dear Val!
    although I love summers when it gets so hot it gets tiring

    We are having a warm July here in Norway too. It's not usual on this part of the world and we are enjoying it a lot!

    pomegranate tastes delicious!

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    1. Hello Dimie.
      am so happy to see you.
      yes, too hot , one cant do too much.
      Today seems a little cooler here... but i do love the summer.
      happy days. Thanks for coming over.

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  14. I love that you have a pomegranate tree, and it is producing! We had very hot weather for quite a while and now it is a bit chilly. This is unusual for this time of year. I actually had to turn on the heat. The change in temperature has brought rain and storms. I am glad you are enjoying your garden in the mornings and that "long icy drink" sounds nice.

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    1. Thank you Lisa.
      It was touch and go, weather it would survive or not..and it has.
      Today its a little cooler here must be about 32.. no rain here.

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  15. Ciao Val! First time I've looked at blogs in ages. This house is big (three floors) and full of stuff, amongst which 2.500 books, paintings, furniture... oh, it's hard work and my husband says it's to hot to spend time in the library, putting books away, so they are in boxes, on the first landing (still has 30 boxes of books to sort through!)

    Same temperature here, Val. I water stuff at least twice a day, then late at night. No rain, ever and sun, sun, hot sun---

    I hope to be posting soon. I miss blogging!

    LOTS OF LOVE

    ANNA

    xxx

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  16. Ciao Anna , nice to hear from you.
    Its always a busy time moving.
    I know what its like with three floored house.. we sold ours in Cascais.. 5 bathrooms..
    Its a lot of work. I hope that you can get some help in..
    I suppose its best to put the books on the shelves at sundown.. its cooler.
    My son looks after his own library.

    I am sure you are having the same temp as we are Anna.
    I am having trouble with my bore hole and the water.. I am waiting for the specialist to come now and see whats wrong.
    But how i love the warm summer days.
    looking forward to reading your posts.
    will you be living there now all the time!
    val x x x x

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  17. Hello Val. Its been hot here this last few days but today it is very windy and a bit cooler. I love your flowers. I notice you say that your roses don't like the hot weather and you're losing blooms. Well, I mentioned this to Linda at A Rich Tapestry this morning - we bought a rose and potted it in a large patio pot last weekend - it was full of blooms and very pretty. Today however, all the blooms have gone! It is very windy but I don't know whether I've over watered them or maybe they got too dry when I didn't water them. I paid quite a bit for it too. Any ideas? I've never grown roses before and its such a shame. Take care
    Patricia x

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    1. Hi Patricia,
      Roses are very hardy plants. However there are many varieties.
      Most of my roses are fairing very well. If I dont dead head them.. they become stagnant.. They love water.. especially early morning. I also have one in a pot I planted last year..but its taken a year to really settle down. its in the photos on the post. just give the rose bush a little trim..they love food Patricia..you must feed them..especially when they are in a pot. They need water every morning or evening..but not overdoing it. It will come back again...take it out of the way of the wind..put it in a more closed area. wish you luck.
      I have just bought 100 £ of bark floor covering for my roses.. just for one bed.. i now need two more beds to cover.. I had never grown roses before..but within the last 5 years, i have learnt a lot about them. Tell me how it goes.

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  18. Dear Val, your garden is beautiful...I see also you have the intensity of the sun in your beautiful corner of the world..My Geraniums are favouring the warmth, and my roses too! Olivia did a sterling job of watering and taking care of the garden and plants, whilst we were away! Enjoy you beautiful garden Val and take care in the heat, my friend! Thank you for always being a lovely blog friend on here! Hugs Maria x

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    1. I think we all love our gardens Maria.. they give us such joy. seeing all the flowers and our hard work during the winter months.
      Olivia must like gardening too.
      I am inside now Maria. Too hot outside.
      Same to you dear friend.
      hugs val xxxx

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  19. Hi Val
    I have missed so many of your posts I think since you have your old blog back. So I have filled in the email subscription again so I don't miss any more. Despite the heat you have some lovely plants that bring colour into your garden. I too get up early to do the watering - I think it is the best part of the day.

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    1. Thank you Elaine,
      I am so pleased to see you. I know too, that you are a keen gardener and have a lovely one.
      I am up late. The weather has gone a little colder.
      Its always the same here in Âlentejo.. during summer can be very very hot.. and i dont want myplants to die.

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  20. Interesting, Val to see your garden! I am sorry for the roses dying - it is always like a family member goes... they are in our hearts! I am jealous that you have pomegranates in your garden... magic! Nina must be very lucky to travel between the two worlds and on top to have such a great and wonderful mum! Enjoy the mornings but also the rest of the day with lazying around! xxxxx Christa

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    1. Hello Christa.
      Yes, i dont like to see the blossoms die with this heat. But i will bring them back to life again. its just so hot. It was indeed super to be with Nina.
      thank you for coming over Christa.
      lots to do this week
      x

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  21. Hello Dearest Val,

    Thanks so much for your kindly visit and support. Sure you understand what I am feeling right now ;),
    here also...oh my so hot this summer, prisoned inside the house during the days.
    I can understand you, by the way you have a beautiful roses and flowers. this year I abandoned my vegetable potager and garden ;(

    one thing surprise me. when I scrolling down on your post I found my link on your right side bar, so kind of you. Thanks so much, then I will put you too so I can follow you better.

    thanks so much Val I do appreciate it.
    wishing you a great week
    hugs

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    1. Thank you for coming over and supporting me again Ayu.
      blogging hitches we can loose nice friends.. but my blog seems to be getting backto normal now. I dont do vegetables.. they need a lot of water and a lot of work.
      see you soon x

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  22. How true that growing a garden is hard work! One has to LOVE it to devote the time required to keep it going. How neat that you have a pomegranate tree with fruit! I have one and it blooms profusely but the blossoms drop and leave no fruit behind. I'm wondering what to do. Perhaps it needs a pollinator? One of those garden mysteries! Have a great week, Val.

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    1. My pomegranate tree I planted two years ago. The first year it did the same.. I had quite a few flowers on it.. they all died off , and i was disappointed ... This year i have gone crazy with fertilizer ..It could be the soild Sanda.
      Gardening we do sure see some difference with the flowers.
      nice to see you Sanda

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  23. I wish you a little cooler temps and rain - we had the first day near 100 degrees today and let me tell you it was hot.s andie

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  24. Today here is exceptionally hot. i am indoors with the aircon on. It would be great to get a couple of days of rain, but never rains at this time of the year.
    thanks Sandie.

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