As I
hunted squash bugs Tuesday evening, I watched the clouds do acrobatics. The clouds looked so odd. Eventually, this formed east of us.
As I took the camera back into the house, I checked the weather and discovered there was a lot of severe weather brewing to our west. Soon after, a tornado warning was issued for us. The area of rotation stayed north of our town. I did not hear of a tornado reaching the ground but large hail was reported in several areas. A downpour like we haven't seen in ages drenched us. You can just barely hear the tornado sirens in the rain.
After the all clear was given, I surveyed the garden as it was still light out. 1.50" of rain in the gauge. Full rain barrels, but no damage.
As we were going to bed, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for us. This time, hail pounded. I hate the sound of hail. Most of the hail was small. I could just see that my
single surprise lily was broke. You can just see the hail on the ground in the dark.
It was raining still when we went to sleep.
Around 2 am we were awoken by such a howling wind. Another severe thunderstorm warning was issued. The wind roared. As it calmed a bit, we looked out the patio doors and could see one of our red bud trees was broken over. We barely fell asleep and at almost 3:30 am, another severe thunderstorm warming was issued. The worst of this storm passed south of us but we got our share of thunder, lightening and rain.
While I've seen a line of storm train over the same area for hours, I can't remember having separate storms do this. Each one with such intensity too.
I left for work at 5:30 am and we got more rain after I arrived at work. I found 2.00" of
rain in the gauge when I got home in the afternoon.
I surveyed the garden.
The tomatoes, spaghetti squash and zucchini look rough.
The yellow squash plant was beautiful. The cage tipped over. I will try to right it later.
The cucumber and peppers have some broken stems but not bad.
How did the basil which is out in the open not have a single broken leaf?
Since I saw this red bud tree laying over at the edge of the light from our patio, I was surprised to see it like this.
Looks like my wonderful husband had too much time before he had to be at work this morning. It would need a much better splint job than this, but I don't even think this is a possibility. I'm prepared for it to come out.
**update**
My WH and I looked at the tree closer after he got home from work. It appears that part of the trunk was dead. There is dry wood in the area it broke that also extends up the trunk a ways. It looks like the tree may have been declining and the storm just sped up the process. It will come out and we'll plan a replacement.
The
zinnias are not looking very happy today.
I am very grateful for the rain. Sometimes, we must sacrifice some plants for the good of the garden in general.
Personal note: I know I've posted occasionally this month, but I've hardly made the rounds to garden blogs. I am hopeful to have my blogging time back soon. My mom had back surgery August 1. In addition to the nursing hospital stay, she is currently in rehab getting therapy to strengthen and to learn how to function once home. Even though she is almost 80, she is really progressing well. Since the hospital and rehab facility is in my town, I've been busy visiting her, updating my out of town siblings and getting things she's needed. I haven't seen my mom this many days in a row since right after college when I lived at home while starting my first job and apartment hunting. That part is nice. Word is she should go home soon. Dad will be happiest about that. It's almost 61 years for them and they're best when they're together.
**update**
It looks like my mom will go home Thursday afternoon!!!
