Up until yesterday, this is what my backyard flower box looked like. I had to photograph the front yard flowerbox this morning because....
THIS is what the backyard one looks like now. Nary a plant left. And why, you might ask?
We are in the middle of an extreme heat wave/high humidity weather pattern here in the Northeast, not fit for man nor beast. As a result, I went out to refill bird baths a few times yesterday as they're quickly going dry from the constant bathing and drinking going on (the little creatures, not me)...
Anyhow, while refilling the birdbath down by the backyard patio yesterday afternoon, I noticed that my gorgeous flower box was EMPTY!
Or was it???
Upon closer inspection, I spied Sammy (even though he was trying his best to hide behind the one remaining vinca vine!)
As I got closer, he got a little skitterish... But with the weather being as blasted HOT as it was, he could muster only a few steps before collapsing at the other end of the flower box. I'm certain his little squirrel-sized brain was thinking, "Maybe if I drape my little paw over the side and look adorable she won't be angry and cut off my peanut supply."
You know what, Sammy? If I was a squirrel, I'd have done the exact same thing as you... That cool soil is a necessity on days like today.
So Sammy got peanuts tossed to him (I always have them in my pocket when out in the yard) and I made the decision to just leave the 'dirt' box like it is for the rest of the summer. The Sammy's need their cool soil more than I need my flowers in this unbearable heat...
And no pictures of the hummers yet. Whenever I spot them, I don't have my camera handy. Whenever I have my camera handy, I don't see one. But the chair is still parked there and if I have any spare time I'll try to plunk myself down and get a photo before the bee balm is done blooming (it's already started the downward turn!)...
Hoping you all have some way to keep COOL if you happen to be going through a heat wave like we are!