I know that life isn't fair but still...NO FAIR! Woke up at 5 am to the radio announcing that it was 80 degrees outside with a projected high of 101 today. Then he kindly reminded everyone to drink plenty of water and not forget that we've had 24 heat related deaths in the county so far this month...make sure you check on the elderly and those without AC! Well, I spent 8 hours as one of those without AC, and I get to do it tomorrow when it's just as hot. There are 2 things I hate about the south...July and August! One of the guys I worked with today came from PA and he couldn't wait to tell me it was 65 when his wife woke up this morning. NO FAIR! NO FAIR! NO FAIR! We had a very brief thunderstorm tonight, dropped at least 10 raindrops which did nothing but add to the humidity. They were the first raindrops I've seen in weeks and I ran outside to stand in them. After a few minutes, I ran back inside so I could breath. It felt like a warm, wet wool blanket was being wrapped around my head. UGH. The gardens look worse than they ever have. Even the psycho plant (as Suzanne calls it) is starting to die. The "survival of the fittest" no longer applies. Nothing is immune to heat and drought. Nothing except ants. And cockroaches. And they seem to find the tiniest crack to gain entrance to the house. The cats do not like the ants but are quite enthralled with the roaches and I know exactly what they're doing when I hear the pitter patter of their tiny feet half the night...cockroach soccer! On the bright side, I haven't had to mow grass in weeks. Last time I remember the summer being this hot, it was followed the a winter of record snowfall. Can't help but wonder what this winter will hold in store. And on an even brighter note, I've been called for a job interview! It's a staff job with the Special Forces in an office where I turned down a job twice before. But this one is as the Chief of that office, something I've wished for for a long time. I'm surprised I was called since they usually promote from within, but it seems my reputation preceeds me. And I have many friends who are happy to spread word of my reputation around. So, I at least have a shot, and for that I'm thankful. Now, if I could have a little luck and land it, I'd be walking on cloud nine! Of course, I'd definitely wear spike heels and pierce that cloud and make it rain! Keep your fingers crossed for me! I've had enough of this fox hole, it's time for me to move on to another one.

Thanks everyone:) Hi Mary :) As far as Monarda is concerned I just belief M. didyma and most of it's cultivars are most susceptible to infection. Spraying plants with plain ol' water can aid in the prevention of the spores ability to germinate and often kills them, however it's hard to keep up trying to keep the leaves wet and doing so could also lead to other fungal issues that flourish with free moisture...especially at night or in humid climates, ect.; Botrytis, Downy Mildew, ect. Didn't even realize the Hollyhock flower was in that picture! Actually I only had a handful of about 30-40 Hollyhocks that looked worth a damn....the grasshoppers came in droves this year! The earwigs also did a fare share of destruction this year on these and several other plants as well. Today I noticed several earwigs hiding within the Yvonne's Salvia flowers and sunflowers...good grief! Tiffy, I'd be happy to save seeds for the M. fistulosa...this is just the common prairie species native to my home state of North Dakota as well as S. Dakota and Nebraska. I'm pretty sure it's also native to MB, SK, AB and ON. Seeds are ready to harvest in October. Might have to remind me when it's gets to be that time :)) Karen, Sure hope to bite into some tomatoes soon. My mouth waters every time I walk by LOL! I wonder how will I know when the Cherokee Green are ripe? I guess it will be by feel huh? Regarding fungal or bacterial infection of leaves; whatever it is if it's not severe you can remove and properly discard infected leaves....when dry...never wet. I'm sure you are already mulching beneath plants to prevent soil splashing :) Some more Hollyhocks that didn't look too bad. This giant red one had to come down after several days of rain/wind...my hummingbirds weren't too happy 'bout that LOL! It's ok though there's plenty others they visit....can't believe how much them go for the blue and purple larkspur! Here it was on July 8th...a monster ....again on the 14th... close up... Some hollyhocks in front on July 30th...

Ooh - That will go well with all my bright pink & purple & white crepe myrtles. Thanx!

Thank you Margo!! Finally packing up prizes and such for August swaps and it's GREAT to see someone using a gift you've sent. Made my day! I didn't pop in on your hummingbird question on the other thread as I have a couple of Anna's (they're the hardiest) that overwinter here - or at least do until there's a few snow storms. I'd keep feeding until you don't see one for a week or two - you might get stragglers who stayed close to feeders migrating late.