The lack of rain is starting to get serious here at Struan Farm. John has been keeping an eye on the spring from which we get our water, while all of the paddock water troughs for the stock are fed from roof tanks which are still okay. There has never been a problem with the spring in over 80 years, but the longer this goes on that could change. There is also still enough feed/grass for the number of sheep on the property, Farmer John hasn't had to reduce numbers as yet.
Given the situation this summer we've talked about getting some extra small water tanks to capture water off those roofs we currently don't, like the workshop and a shed or two. In case this summer isn't an aberration but rather the new norm.
I'm not watering the flower gardens, obviously. This pains me, and I feel for the flowers. When I see a perennial or flowering shrub that truly looks like it's dying I do grab a bucket and give it a very deep drink. John has been carrying water to my sister's white oak tree every few days, and I have been doing the same for the two wee "Peter the Hermit's Golden Delicious Apples" I grafted onto rootstock this past winter. We are wanting special things to eke their way through this dreadful weather if at all possible.
I'm not weeding or deadheading. Everyone is so stressed with the heat and dryness I don't want to push them any further.
May the rains come pretty please Mother Nature.
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