Is Mother Nature trying to say something?

   

Pounds of pollen recently collected on the driveway; part of the debris from
American Linden trees that line the space. It was swept up and deposited elsewhere.

    It could be that Mother Nature is trying to send a message, as odd as that may sound.     

    When we Eastern Iowa gardeners try to work outdoors, she often, lately, sends rain. This enthusiastic gardener generally loves when it rains, but ... The timing is hilarious on one hand but frustrating in another.

    Picky? You bet. One example of this is driveway upkeep. Our driveway is lined by three large American Linden trees.  I like to keep the driveway fairly tidy.

    This necessitates the use of a blower, brooms, and a place for debris. A lot of debris comes from these tall, stately trees.

    The American Linden, first cultivated in 1752, grows 60 feet tall or more. It is beautifully shaped and was named Tree of the Year when I invested in three of them.

    Japanese beetles love them dearly! The beetles have started to appear and will be a presence for many weeks. 

    Two weeks ago the Linden trees dumped pounds of pollen on the driveway; the photo (above) is from when I swept them up and husband Steve carted them off to the neighborhood compost pile.

    The orange pollen is not too funny; we have family members with asthma, made worse by the presence of the pollen. I even started sniffling and sneezing as I swept it up!

    We also have a large new area that needs to be planted and landscaped in a pleasing manner. This involves pulling weeds and moving dirt and rocks. This gardener needs time outside, preferably when the area is somewhat dry.

    I tried to work in the new area Monday. The main chores were basically done. But when I tried to do still more it was a different story.

    I headed outdoors to haul equipment to our big birch tree by the lake. It started to rain. I came back in and waited a while, then still more rain. I finally had enough time to finish moving gravel and to start on weeding. Then it rained again.

    That's when I threw in the towel and started to clean inside the house.

    In late afternoon I tried to meet a friend outdoors. I got as far as the patio door before ... More rain! 

    Of course.

    

    

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