Did you know you can tell the temperature by counting cricket chirps? The frequency of chirping varies according to temperature. To get a rough estimate of the temperature in degrees fahrenheit, count the number of chirps in 15 seconds and then add 37. The number you get will approximately equal the outside temperature.
Last night there were no crickets chirping. The over night temperature was hovering around 40-degrees--pretty cold for August. Strange weather this year. We've broken two record low temperatures and set two records for rainfall amounts.
Helenium "Mardi Gras" reminds me of a country square dance. Ladies twirling across the floor with frothy skirts billowing out in perfect circles. Or maybe it's more like a hat of many colors worn in some sunny climate by a very cheerful woman.
I should make a list of plants that make me smile. Don't we all have plants that make us feel light hearted? Some plants make us sigh "oww" or 'ahh" when we see their beautiful blooms. A few plants make us frown;) For me it's the sunflower types that just turn up the corners of my mouth.
Mardi Gras' flowers have been very long lasting. It began blooming in July and the flowers still look nice. Helenium needs more moisture than I like but I sited this one near the birdbath so it could get a little extra water when needed.
I found "Mardi Gras" at Home Depot along with a darker colored version that hasn't bloomed yet but has lots of buds.
Hope everyone has a wonderful week.
