Here in Illannoy we have had very little rain recently, this after a
historically dry spring. It is also HOT - the first week of June alone we
had more 90 degree days than in the preceding several years. Right now we
are in a week - long spell of sunny 90++ degree weather.
The grass is brown, trees are wilting, certain suburban municipalaties have
water restrictions already (ya thought that living a few miles from Lake
Michigan guaranteed you LOTSA water, huh!?). Chicago officials have asked
citizens to help water trees if they can. They just did streetscaping on
the main drag at the end of my street, lotsa nice new trees in sidewalk
planters. What with all that BRIGHT new sidewalk concrete and no "shade"
for the poor trees, some of these trees are gonna be goners like SOON (I
don't think they are connected to a watering system, they just get water
from rain). There is a nice new tree right in front of our corner tavern,
we give that and several others 10 or so gallons a day, but these were
planted *during* a drought, so who knows if it does any good.
Friends with gardens are keeping busy watering them every day...they've
pretty much given up on yards if they are of any size.
[The tropical plants in my apartment are loving it, they are growing like
weeds. I am having to cut some of them back already (some can be used for
cuttings for new plants, hooray!). Natcherly they are lovingly watered
every day. Don't tell me that plants are not sentient in their own way,
these green pals 'o mine are having the time of their lives they haven't had
in years (last few summers have been downright chilly). They think they are
on the Riviera...or back in the swamps of Plant City, Florida from whence
they came]
Downstate IL the sitch is pretty dire, especially for crops. Corn as high
as an elephant's eye by the 4th of July? Forgeddaboutit, it's barely two
feet tall from the reports I've seen, if it doesn't rain soon a lot of these
crops will be a total loss. Beans ain't bloomin'. One farm reporter said
that the situation could be approaching Dust Bowl conditions fairly soon if
no rain arrives...
Gardens down there are wilting, wiiiiiilting without constant daily
watering...if you have a big garden it can take a big chunk of time and
effort (and may not be all that feasible if you have well water that is
getting low)...
I know that parts of WI, MN, and IA have received downpours lately...
A nice cool front arrives Friday, no promise of widespread rain. Then back
to the 90's on Monday the 4th.
--
Best
Greg