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.
I had never seen so many flowers on it before. It was practically bowing under the weight of them. It looked so beautiful, I ran inside to get my camera.Wednesday morning we woke to this:
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
