Summer Blooms

Currently, various levels of drought conditions are being experienced across Minnesota, including here in the Twin Cities of St. Paul/Minneapolis.

Not surprisingly, the impact of these conditions are starting to show in the garden of the triplex where I live in south Minneapolis. In response, I’ve been out watering the flowers, lawn, and vegetables in the cool of the evening. This past Saturday, however, I spent time in the garden in the morning. That’s when I took the photos that comprise this evening’s Wild Reed post.

Writes MPR’s Riham Feshir:

Heat and drought conditions are forecast to continue this week in Minnesota, with temperatures climbing into the 90s across much of the state and little rain – putting additional stress on crops and expanding the threat of wildfires.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said Friday that with 52 percent of the state in severe or extreme drought, there’s now a drought warning in effect. Water levels are low on the Mississippi River, which supplies drinking water for many communities, and widespread rain isn’t in the forecast anytime soon.

Related Off-site Links:
Hot, Dry Conditions Show No Sign of Letting Up in Minnesota – Riham Feshir (MPR News, July 20, 2021).
In Light of Drought, Minneapolis Sets Watering Restrictions – MPR News (July 20, 2021).
Air Quality Alert Expanded Across Minnesota Over Canadian Wildfire Smoke – MPR News (July 20, 2021).

See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
• Summer Garden
• Summer Blooms (2015)
• Summer Blooms (2014)
• Summer Blooms (2009)
• O Breath of Summer
• In Summer Light
• Summer Boy

Images: Michael J. Bayly.