Janet Hommel Mangas: Stuck in a Drought

As one goes, I looked through the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) after broken promises of 0.2 inches of rain came and disappeared like dust after a recent mowing job.

The NIDIS states that “139,654 people in Johnson County are affected by the drought.” They also inform us that we are currently celebrating the “48th. driest August since records began for the last 130 years.

Like many of you, I have come to question weather forecasts because they are quite unreliable. Of course, I still check the weather report before I put my head on my pillow at night and when I get up. But let's put it this way: I don't put out my yellow galoshes and slickers unless I actually hear the sound of incessant water flowing through my gutters and downspouts.

A more reliable weather forecaster is my hosta friend Carol, who lives in Monrovia. She lives just to the west. So when she posts on social media that it's raining, I know it's going to rain. Lately, she's been delivering bad but honest news: “Well, the dreaded I-70 split has reared its ugly head!” That is, the rain has missed us and moved north. The gardener's interpretation of this statement is: “Get the water hoses out again.”

Of course, not everyone is feeling the drought. My Celosia are very happy and bloom with great passion. I remember seeing a courtyard of celosia blooming in the Red Fort in India during ongoing drought and 97 degree heat, so a drought in Indiana isn't a big deal for them.

My Luscious® Citrus Blend Lantana continues to thrive and bloom, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. My hydrangeas are surprisingly blooming blue again. Our field of zinnias is starting to look a little worn and worn, but unlike the absolutely blooming sunflowers, they continue to bloom.

The pink/purple New England asters I've been meaning to pull out for years continue to grow and bloom profusely – it seems the pollinators have overruled me, so they're here to stay.

My bright dark blue, black and flowering salvia continues to feed the honey bees and hummingbirds. And my “Red Ombre” coneflower, which is actually in the orange palette, continues to bloom and provides a great sparkle in the garden.

The 10-day forecast called for an 85% chance of rain on Friday and a 60% chance of rain on Saturday – meaning I'll definitely be watering today.

But maybe I have my galoshes within reach in case Helene comes by.

Janet Hommel Mangas grew up on the east side of Greenwood. The Center Grove resident and her husband are parents to three daughters. Send comments to [email protected].