Sun Daze Ahead

Ok, today is Friday, June 25th. All in Oregon who toil in nurseries or in other aspects of agriculture are under extreme duress because the weather forecast predicts more than a smashing of record heat for the date, but indeed the highest western Oregon record of all time. Predictions are for a high between 110 F (43.3 C) and 114 F (45.6 C).

Cornus kousa 'Summer Fun'

Cornus kousa 'Summer Fun'

But, before my – and my company's – demise, I wanted to share a photo-first, the documentation of Cornus kousa 'Summer Fun' in flower. The white bracts will certainly sour in our anticipated inferno, but these freshly pleasant photos were actually taken two weeks before...when early June was still the gardener's friend. I discovered 'Summer Fun' over 20 years ago but I have never seen it in flower, or if any have I missed it. Now, the tree in my front yard – by far not my oldest – is smothered lustfully. Hopefully it's not a sign that it's ready to give up the ghost.

Try to stay cool, my friends.