In a stroll around the garden toward the end of May, it’s clear that it’s been humid and drippy here in Austin, Texas.

May (and April!) rains have given rise to a powerful, flowerful show.

Lots of cloudy days–unusual here in sunshiny Texas–have provided nice light for the blooms and photographs of those blooms.

Colors are richer when the Texas sun-blast is diffused by clouds.

Sunshine has crossed the garden, brightening some days, or parts of days,

…and enticing bees to action.

The honeybees of my hive, Scar, are quieter this past month–only working when there are no raindrops to dodge.

Mild temperatures and plenty of moisture allowed for new growth on the roses,

…and full-to-bursting gardens.

May is typically a wet month for us here in Central Texas–downright floody at times. But this May, at least thus far, it’s just been grey, damp, and steamy.

Very steamy.

Some autumn bloomers thought it was just fine to test out the late spring air and send forth a sampling of fall floral scouts.

Those two perennials will bloom prolifically in September, October, and November–after they conquer the summer months.

Summer blooming trees have kicked into action,

…adding dollops of color to the palette of arboreal green.

I grew up in Texas and am mostly comfortable with the long, toasty summers; I develop goose bumps when it’s below 60 degrees F/15.5 degrees C.  However, I must admit to a love/hate relationship with the Texas summer season–both dreading the long, hot, and sticky, while at the same time, reveling in the abundant flower show and the wildlife which typically accompanies that show.

But in the end, it doesn’t matter whether I like or dislike summer–it’s well on its way.

As May draws to a close, we’ll mark Memorial Day on Monday, May 29–remembering those who’ve served this country.

 

Then, schools will dismiss for summer vacation and we’ll move into a different sort of busy in our lives.

Wishing a good and safe end to May–and a happy summer to come.