We had a very wet growing season in 2009, as a result some things prospered (such as pine trees) and others drowned and died (such as some iris). Pines were definitely the perfect dance partner for rain.
Once you think you know exactly what a plant needs, the weather turns and it's a different dance entirely.
The spot you worked so hard to make it drain, has to be continually watered the year of the drought. The music plays, the song has changed.
The year of the early warm spring allows planting fields and gardens in April. We all know we'll have crop maturity early enough to fill our baskets and grain bins. That's when Mother Nature waltzes through with hail in her eye and wind in her dance steps.
For farmers, it's the reason for crop insurance. For those of us who garden for beauty or to add to our recipes, it can make or break a good year.
Unlike those who depend on their crops for livelihood, we can fill our dance card with a different partner every song. Do you realize there's a whole lot of people out there that have never heard of a dance card, let alone know it's use? But, back to crops and weather.
The key to a successful yard is diversification. If I had a yard full of only pines, there would be years when my yard would be very bare because of continued drought or disease. I've lost pines but since I've planted many different varieties of trees, I never loose everything.
Same with flowers and garden plants. A variety will not only keep a weather or disease problem from eliminating all outdoor enjoyment, it will enrich the ecosystem to sustain a more diverse group of plants, animals and insects.
So, even thought you may be madly and totally in love with one plant type, I wouldn't bet my prom shoes on just that one kind. It's a sure way to have to sit out the dance.
You know how fickle dancers - aaa - er - I mean plants can be.
Photo of Maxim Chmerkobskiy from ABC's "Dancing With The Stars".
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