Late summer garden

Our overnight low was an unbelievably warm 71 degrees last night, yet another weather record broken.  That is close to our usual daytime high in September. Today will hit the 90's again and unfortunately the wildfire smoke is back, making life even more unpleasant in Seattle.  But makes interesting light for garden photography. 

Everything is so dry! There's a slight (20%) chance of showers on Thursday, not nearly enough to water the trees and wilted shrubs but at least it will bring in some fresh, cooler air and help the firefighters.

The dahlias and roses have their last hurrah now, thanks to all the expensive water I've poured on them this summer.  I've already cut back and hauled out cartloads of spent, ugly foliage from crocosima, iris and daisies.  They are beautiful perennials (until they are not.) This is hard work but I always enjoy seeing some open space in the flower beds again.  

Today is the first day of school for many districts. Nova starts 3rd grade, if you can imagine that. Even the newer schools don't have air-conditioning, so pity the poor teachers, especially in high school. My brother Dave, a teacher for 30+ year and incapable of being surprised by any teenage behavior, expects to be greeted with a whining chorus of hot, scantily clad kids demanding to have math class "outside."  Good luck with that, boys and girls.