Central Indiana – Record rainfall has drenched much of the state this August, with areas east of one gardener’s zone 6a plot receiving amounts that shattered previous marks and triggered widespread flooding. Homes, businesses, and roads have been inundated, prompting the governor to declare a statewide disaster. In the midst of the downpours, local gardens continue to offer color and continuity as summer transitions toward fall.
Weather’s Heavy Toll on the Region
The deluge arrived in repeated waves, leaving saturated soil and standing water in low-lying spots. Eastern counties bore the brunt, with emergency declarations highlighting damage to infrastructure and property. Central Indiana gardens received steady moisture as well, though without the same level of destruction reported farther east. Gardeners have noted that consistent rain has kept many plants hydrated but has also encouraged weeds and slowed some outdoor tasks.
Hardy Plants Holding Steady in August
Despite the wet conditions, several reliable performers are still in full display. Hardy begonias stand out for their carefree habit and late-summer presence. Nearby, a stand of Black-eyed Susans thrives beneath a pawpaw tree, their bright faces contrasting with the surrounding greenery. A viburnum nearby carries clusters of berries that birds have so far left untouched, fulfilling the reason they were planted in the first place. Nasturtiums, which began blooming weeks earlier, show no sign of slowing and are expected to continue until frost arrives. The gardener captured these scenes on the afternoon of the 14th once the rain paused, focusing on whatever caught the eye in the moment.
Unexpected Additions and Patio Favorites
A volunteer sunflower has taken root in the vegetable garden, its cheerful face turned toward a blue sky dotted with clouds. The plant was not sown intentionally, yet it earned a place by being allowed to grow. On the patio, variegated basil of the ‘Pesto Perpetuo’ variety adds both foliage interest and delicate flowers, proving more appealing than anticipated when first purchased for its leaves alone. Other plants remain visible but were not photographed this round, including Allium ‘Millenium’, white phlox, coneflowers, roses, daisies, Verbena bonariensis, signet marigolds, hostas, leadwort, heucheras, zinnias, and snapdragons. The decision to keep the update brief reflects the season’s steady rather than dramatic changes.
Marking the End of a Long-Running Tradition
This August post closes a series that has run since 2007, with the monthly bloom-day practice scheduled to conclude in January 2027 after two decades. Past entries chronicled varying conditions, from drought recovery to abundant displays, and noted plants that have since disappeared from the garden. The consistent thread remains the simple act of observing what is in flower around the middle of each month. Gardeners elsewhere are invited to share their own observations on or near the 15th through blogs, social platforms, or other channels. As one longtime observer noted, flowers can appear in nearly every month of the year when attention is paid.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.