makes me so happy! They do not get me down as in the lyrics of the song by Carpenters with the same title.
“Colors shone with exceptional clarity in the rain. The ground was a deep black, the pine branches a brilliant green, the people wrapped in yellow looking like special spirits that were allowed to wonder over the earth on rainy mornings only.” Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood
We’re in for a week of rainy days which isn’t beneficial for every sector but for the garden it’s a tonic like no other. My hair is dripping from just a few minutes of being outdoors taking these photos of what the garden looks like this morning.
Somehow colour is so vibrant on cloudy days. Trees are a green that looks artificial and statuary is washed clean of the dust and grime from recent blustery winds. The fountain and bird baths are running over.
Although the past winter provided some moisture to the ground, trees, shrubs and perennials are now thirsty after breaking dormancy. And have you noticed how your garden responds so much more to rain water than tap water? There is science to prove that…
The following is information I’ve pulled from Google and YouTube:
Natural Nitrogen Boost: Lightning and rain pull atmospheric nitrogen down, converting it into nitrates that plants easily absorb for lush, green growth.
Zero Chemicals: Rain is 100% soft water. Tap water often contains chlorine, fluoride, or sodium (from water softeners) that can build up and stress plants over time. Free of salts and chemicals, plants can focus on moisture uptake instead of toxin filtration. The chemicals in tap water can indirectly affect macro and micro-organisms in the soil (earth worms).
Deep Soil Penetration: Slow, steady rain thoroughly soaks the root zone, encouraging deeper, drought-resistant root growth.
Nutrient Availability: Rainwater’s slight acidity helps wash away alkaline salt buildup in the soil, unlocking vital trace nutrients for your plants.
pH of Rainwater: Most veggie crops prefer a pH range of 6 to 6.5 with is usually the pH of rainwater.
Organic Matter: Collected rainwater from roof or bucket may contain leaf litter, bird droppings and if lucky bee pollen.
*** rain water is beneficial for indoor plants too.
The rain today is knocking off the petals on most of the tulips in the back but they were on the way out anyway. Unfortunately, I’m not smelling the intoxicating scent of my lilacs today and thankfully, the peonies aren’t blooming yet because they would be flattened to the ground. Before we know it the sun will be shining again…everything will look shiny and new!
I’m cleaning house today…not fun but a necessity!
This will be my sign off until after Summer. Have fun in the garden. We will catch up in September.
xox Judy❤️