The newscasters and weather forecasters are having a field day with the heat wave. They’re frying eggs on the pavement and baking cookies in cars and they have a new term, “heat dome,” to describe the blistering weather pattern. The urgency in their voices reminds me of “The Twilight Zone” episode where the Earth is moving closer to the sun. These are the same people, mind you, who whip up winter hysteria when snow is predicted. It seems that no matter what Mother Nature throws at us, she’ll never make everyone happy.
I must admit, though, I am enjoying the heat dome — or as I call it, summer. Yes, it’s hot, and yes, I’m spending lots of time quenching my thirsty plants. For lots of reasons — too many to get into here — I like the warmth. I like the casualness of the season. And I like the time spent in the garden, because the days of the heat dome are numbered.
In honor of this sentiment, I would like to share a few hot colors from around the yard, as well as a few cool thoughts to remind us of what was and what will come.

I have always enjoyed Four O'Clocks and their ability to tell time. I also love the seeds, which look like miniature black urns.

Not a "hot" color, but a soothing one. Zinnias are my favorite plant to start from seed -- easy to sow and not fussy about water.

This Morning Glory is a reseed, climbing up the trellis and interwoven with a double blooming variety.
Your flowers are just gorgeous especially the Canna. I’m so used to staying near the Equator, I wonder how one can adjust to such fluctuations in the temperature.
It’s part of life here, but the older I get, the more difficult it becomes. Thanks for visiting.
Very “cool.”
Thanks! Hope you’re cool where you are.
Love your morning glory! Thanks for putting the heat in perspective.
Celia, nice to hear from you. Hope you’re enjoying the summer and the heat and finding ways to cool off.
Beautiful canna!
Thanks. I really love them. They can make my New York garden feel and look like the tropics, as short-lasting as it may be. Take care!