It did well the first couple of years, but then two years ago we entered a season of drought that sent it into decline. Last summer it barely struggled along, producing only a few leaves and no flowers at all. I remembered a lesson I learned about gardening from my Italian grandfather who could work magic in a garden. He pruned everything back to within an inch of its life.
So....armed with my trusty pruning shears I attacked my poor Texas Sage. I took it down to just a foot or so of growth. In spite of the continued drought, it flourished this summer. It grew taller than me and was lush and full - but only a few little flowers here and there.
I mentioned the lack of flowers to my friend one day as we were walking. She said that a nurseryman once told her that they bloom just before a big rain. I digested this bit of information with a good measure of skepticism and kept a look-out for flowers.
On Tuesday afternoon, as I walked up to the porch I glanced in the direction of the Texas Sage and was astounded.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0V_rsC_cmUVb_O3Ws7Ol0XAuGZXA18snnQN4IT7q75GwwHA0can3uUlzkzsZHva4-071_8ueu-zTMYR2FjynOOAqmSKWmB8p4yD_s1QFdzFJYUuqN2WGp2EXclO7AeGPzGIIAshHqXI/s320/DSCN1185.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATZZ2ng-ptPVBOGH7T9uDJ9zANFQzCjV96jzplGY7Ra-nV6vvz1xs5tNn5FMsc8CJI0OaPyyGXZ0oeTixNc_jDOlkN02elWfBxl_LzGytxQ2xEeeVKbbJuLQz2fXLGkXKfseGsn8SSEA/s320/DSCN1186.jpg)
Wednesday morning we woke to this:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4NCe4jtF1xGpKl5Oz_HXnGsoSf6SoSj8O0Kjtr1DC7oBLdOc9-K5dtQEuR2uT-LYB6LoMtIl_Pu3r3So6Hqv_QQRa7jzBoWklVhMbNN9WAT2U2KIrPCt4kQTpVXBjIfC2sqX1rZQ9Es/s320/DSCN1181.jpg)
I'm a believer. In fact, I just looked up Texas Sage and found this bit of information: the common name of the Texas Sage is Barometer Bush! A testament to its accuracy - seven inches of rain, and it is pouring!
I never cease to be amazed at the wonder of God's creation. It is an unending source of JOY!!
"I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart;
I will tell of all Thy wonders.
I will be glad and exult in Thee;
I will sing praise to Thy name, O Most High."
Psalm 9:1-2
Blessings,
Linda