Heat Wave in Wisconsin in May..Say What?

What is up with this weather?  I'm confused.  We are accustomed to wearing sweaters here in Wisconsin  at least until after Memorial  Day.  We have been having August like weather here and to keep from absolutely fainting from this heat I've had to turn on the central air.  I think I turned it on twice all last summer. It's driven me from my beloved gardens until almost dark in the evenings.  I am watering  all the newly planted things to keep them from croaking.  The only thing that seems to be enjoying this wicked heat spell is.............




......the resident garden alligator!   He is a might out of place in these parts but has resided along our stone path for the last few years in seemingly utmost content.  He over winters in a box in the basement.

The garden angel is doing a good job at protecting my tender herbs and grasses in the herb garden.

The newly planted lavender is coming along with the red hens and chicks I transplanted from another rock garden. Yes, that is  a bowling ball.  Anything that can withstand Wisconsin weather and comes at a cheap price is fair game for garden decoration around here.  It finds a new use as a planter or garden art.








The Blue Lupin has started to bloom.  What a fascinating plant. It blossoms from the bottom up. I love the foilage.  It has taken a couple of years to get established but is well worth the wait.




I need to pick the rhubarb and make something delicious.  The ancient bridal wreath is in full bloom along the fence.  Hey!  I heard some thunder in the distance!  We are supposed to get some storms rolling through this afternoon and evening.  I always worry about the gardens and all the tender plants if we should get hail.  Well garden angel......... do your work!