Temperatures for the period averaged slightly below normal, with a range of 44 degrees, from the low of 34 on the 23rd, to the high of 78 degrees on the 17th.

There was rainfall on three dates and it totalled 0.50 of an inch. Those deposits brought the month’s total to a low of 0.82 of an inch. Garden soil is still extremely dry for this time of year. With the recent strong winds, exposed garden and field soil acreage, there has been considerable sheet erosion, as the top soil became air-borne.

Dry conditions have hastened the “heading-out” of foxtail, Kentucky blue and orchard grasses. Before this column is read, predicted showers should help to alleviate the dry conditions and reduce the high fire hazards.

As reported in last week’s column, the absence of desirable migratory birds continues. In addition the absence of honey and bumble bees is evident. As I sprayed the fields for dandelion control, I saw very few pollinators of any type visiting the blossoms. Usually, my old plum tree is in full bloom and pollinators in great number visiting each blossom but not this year.

While working in different areas of the farm I observed more winter-kill of shrubbery, including elderberry, flowering quince, forsythia, fruit trees, and raspberries. Only one of the three peach trees is leafing out and a large number of strawberry plants failed to grow.

New bloom observed recently include: short-stemmed purple iris, apple, flowering quince, scarlet elderberry, false Solomon seal, and ground phlox. Our white lilac came into bloom over a week ago and the purple lilacs have much larger clusters of blossoms this year, with no evidence of the blight that hit them the last two years.

Presently I have two amaryllis in bloom for the third year in a row. Each spring after they have bloomed and have grown their long leaves, I plant them outside in fertile soil. In early October I dig them up and dry them to store in a dark place. When I desire to be enlightened by a growing and blossoming plant, I place them in pots with a good, moist growing mixture in a well lighted area.

This period of time last year had only slightly cooler daytime readings but warmer nighttime or early morning readings. There was a narrow range of only 26 degrees, from the low of 42 on the 20th, to the high of 68 degrees on the 21st.

There was rainfall on five dates and it totalled 2.09 inches that added to the month’s total of 5.09 inches.

Week of May 17-23

Day High Low Precip.

Sun. 78 49 0.19

Mon. 68 50 0

Tues. 72 48 0.31

Wed. 58 45 0

Thurs. 69 37 T

Fri. 67 45 0

Sat. 58 34 0