That is the scene I came home to after my 6 day vacation. Now, mind you, I was not the neglecting plant mother you may think I am… explicit instructions had been given to my dear sibling, not once, not twice, but AT LEAST three times to WATER the flowers!!! They are living things as well and while they may not take to bread too much, they do need water to survive. Especially in the heat and humidity of our region. The morning I left on my greatly anticipated vacation, I carefully watered all of my plants and repeated my instructions to the caretaker left behind. I trusted her. Little did I comprehend the betrayal about to be played out on my Garden stage. It should be noted here that said plant guardian had to walk past most of the beautiful flowers and plants every time she stepped foot out the front door but that was not apparently enough of a reminder to water them. So, my plants languished in the heat of the day… at least the refuge of night was something for them to look forward to. Thankfully, after three days, their Creator sent some heavenly liquid and quenched their thirst and another sibling took pity on them the following day and watered them again. It was not in time to save some flowers that were awaiting their final placement in my Garden stage though so they have gone to Plant heaven, I guess. At least most of the other plants were hardy and courageous in the face of unfathomable circumstances.

It's unbelievable how many weeds have suddenly sprouted as well as this fast-growing viney thing that is threatening to take over the entire yard! I made attempts a couple of weeks ago to erradicate it but apparently, it was stronger than the chemicals I used. I will continue to wage my war against it this weekend. Maybe I'll even take a picture of it and you can check it out on my squidoo page – landscapeamateur – so you can see what I am dealing with.

Have a fleurific day!