Nature Note:More Fine Days

The spectacular July weather has persisted in the Mid-Atlantic region.You would think you are in Arizona,with the low humidity.The early stages of drought are beginning to be evident.Dry leaves are starting to fall from the trees.Mowers are getting a welcome break.Weeders aren't,as garlic mustard continues to poke up everywhere.As the ground dries out,it becomes increasingly difficult to pull weeds.You can feel the hardness of the drying land on the soles of your feet.Eventually,the land will get so hard,it hurts to walk on it.Humidity is supposed to return to the region by tomorrow,but the thunderstorms it brings often do not yield enough rain to reverse the dessication.

Out of Drought Risk

The below normal water table has been remedied by recent rains.Now we have more water than we need.It's hard to envision any drought this summer.Indeed,wet conditions are hindering growers.It's best not to disturb wet soil,as its structure is damaged that way.Mowing isn't possible,and it's hard to get a clean cut while pruning wet vegetation.These rainy days are a setback in that respect,but,in the end,we have to be grateful for this gift.It sets us in good store for the arid days that may well come,and it fills the ponds for the red-winged blackbirds who live by them.