Since weather records have been kept, which goes back to the late 1800s, Tampa has never recorded 100 degrees. Correction – had never recorded 100 degrees. On Sunday, July 27th, Tampa broke the all-time heat record for the area, breaking the previous record of 99 degrees from 2020. Of course, you don’t need the weather channel to tell you it’s hot. All you need to do is step outside. I don’t know about you, but my body immediately erupts in sweat at the first blast of hot, humid air.
And you would think in all of this heat, that it would be tough for plants to survive, but time and time again, Mother Nature proves that where there is a will, there is a way. After rowing one morning, Kim and I walked over to Armature Works to grab a coffee and enjoy the Tampa Riverwalk for a little bit. As we crossed the bridge on Laurel Street, we came across this little guy:
Stuck in the metal grate of the drawbridge, just growing away. I think maybe it is a little magnolia tree, and if that’s the case, then it is a Florida native plant and somewhat accustomed to our weather. But for this little plant to live there, it had to sprout as a seed in a little crease of metal, grow roots, and sprout leaves, and now it must grab whatever water it can as the rain runs past it and through the bridge. Think about all the plants that you have un-alived over the time that you’ve been gardening. I’ll give you a moment if it’s been a lot . . . it’s hard to believe that plants don’t make it when we give them great care and attention, and here is this little seedling growing strong in next-to-nothing!
And while Mother Nature does often find a way, like this little seedling, it usually takes some help from us to acclimate our plants to their new homes. Whether they are houseplants that we are decorating our homes with or landscape plants that we are using to beautify our outdoor spaces, the basics of planting well and watering consistently are always worth reviewing. Good soil and proper planting sets new plants up for success. And consistent watering helps them get through these tough summer months where the temp is high and rain is sometimes inconsistent. If you want a solid refresher, check out our videos on planting and watering (below) and see our website for written instructions and tips as well: Kerby’s Planting Instructions and Kerby’s Watering Instructions.
But this week has seen a slight relaxation in those record temps, back to our normal Florida heat, and just because it is hot doesn’t mean you can’t get outside and have some fun. Grab your tickets here for Yoga in the Garden this Saturday at 9:30 am with Kristen from Keystone Yoga. Hot yoga is a thing, right? And on Saturday from 10 am to sell out, Spellbound Sourdough will be here with tasty bread and baked goodies. On Sunday, Daddy Pig’s returns with their amazing BBQ, and to sweeten the deal, A Slice Above Cakes will have your desserts covered. Both will be here from 11 am to 3 pm. And then to close out the Dog Days of Summer, be sure to sign up for the 4th Annual Plants & Pets event. It’s on Saturday, August 23rd from 9 am to 12 pm and features fun for you and your fur babies. So don’t forget to water your plants, hydrate yourself, and come out for some joy in the garden. I know Mother Nature won’t hold you back.
