It always amazes me what a difference humidity makes. Here in the Phoenix metro area, our humidity starts to go up in July when our "monsoons" hit, and you can really tell the difference. And it is still not that high, but it is much more uncomfortable. Still, I look forward to the rain we get with monsoons. However, they have become more unpredictable than they used to be (or they seem to be). There has been so much (mindless) building on the outskirts of town which has resulted in a heat island. Now, it seems the rains cannot make it into town as it dissipates on the edge of town due to the heat. Someone I know was in San Diego this past week and thought it was almost as uncomfortable as here due to the higher humidity. Amazing, as everyone around here tries to get over to San Diego in the summer to escape our heat.

I think the issue that I am having is seeing a tiny band, looking at a couple of the 2 year old teas and not thinking, oh ya....that will fit the space. On that note, Lady Hillingdon has put out a 24" cane and a couple of blooms. Crepuscule is still about a foot tall, but looking fairly happy. And Safrano has gone from sitting and doing nothing since mid June to exploding with new red growth. Still no planting holes, but lots of fence post holes are in and some garden wire fencing, should keep mom from scaling the berms and funnel the access to areas we can keep an eye on. Since I started this idea, the use of the garden space has flipped. What was going to be open for the chickens to free range and the chicken free zone are now opposite. I now have some roses to protect from chickens, but even more I do not have to worry about. Anyway, another few Sundays and the fencing/arches/gates will be done and painted and ready to put those roses in for that first real rain....when ever that is.

You may be able to find a local fruit growing club in your area. Either do a web search, check with Nafex (North American Fruit Explorers), or contact living history museums in your area. When I joined Backyard Fruit GRowers (based in Lancaster PA) I got to learn to graft, as well as gaining access to about 300 varieties of apples, pears, small fruits, et cetera. They also host an apple tasting meeting for members every fall. perhaps there is a local group in your area? Last fall I attended the tasting meeting and tried a wonderful apple called Ditlow's Hardwinter, which tasted like the perfect candy-apple apple. You know, the perfect blend of crisp, sweet, and tart, and big, too. Unfortunately, the only member who lists the tree just passed away in December. His name was Bob Ditlow. Somehow, I don't think the names are a coincidence. If you learn to graft, you can make your own multi-variety trees with YOUR choice of varieties. You can also grow dwarf trees and espallier them to walls, fences, trellises...well you get the idea. Dwarf trees are also much easier to care for, since you can reach the tops much easier. I spray mine with an organic horticultural oil (when I remember). Of course, I'm not selling them and I don't mind a few bug spots. If I did, I'd be more diligent with the oil.

Wow....what an amazing list of people.... too many of them no longer with us or active here. It is nice to remember some of their names and their struggles that we shared. Thanks for the memories.