After Endless Watering

Many in northern Idaho will remember 2015 as the summer that wasn't. A big part of summer in this region is getting out into the national forests that surround us. We fly-fish, canoe, pick berries, cut firewood, hike, picnic, camp and snap photos of mountain wildlife.

The fires of 2015 shut down access to public lands and restricted open fires.

At home, that meant we couldn't have bonfires or burn weeds. The dry spring, early heatwaves and ensuing wildland fires also hit gardening. Watering became a huge task just to keep alive a few apple trees, gardens, roses, porch flowers and lawn.

We are lucky to have a deep well of cold, clear water to drink and to sprinkle. For six hours a day, five days a week I moved water. Now I have the rain, morning dew and cool temperatures to ease the job.

The reward was hummingbirds in sprinklers and big fat beets from the earth. Here's a look at the late summer garden dressed in hues of orange and the ongoing harvest, joining Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday.

First Harvest, Second Harvest Continues to Grow

Colorful Flowers, Dwarf Sunflowers, Squash & Pumpkins

With Marigolds, Patty Pans & Red Corn All in a Row