What the Garden Survived This Week

May 29, 2026

This week, the garden survived heat. Always heat. That is part of gardening in Texas. Some things understand it better than others. Basil and peppers usually handle themselves well. Other things have to learn quickly where they have been planted. Anything that underestimates a Texas summer is going to struggle. I find that both funny and true. The garden does not let me live in theory. It tells me what is working and what is not. It shows me what is thriving, what is stressed, what needs water, what needs shade, what needs patience, and what may not make it no matter how much I wanted it to. That kind of honesty is useful. Growth includes stress.

I think we forget that sometimes. We imagine that if something is meant to grow, it should look good the whole time. But gardens know better. Heat comes. Pests come. Water management becomes a work in progress. Leaves wilt. Some plants surprise you. Some volunteers do better than the things you planned. Some roots are getting stronger before the top looks impressive. The work is to keep tending what is still alive. Check the garden. Water what needs water. Notice what is thriving. Adjust what can be adjusted. Let the season teach you. That is true outside the garden too.

In a season of building, it can be tempting to judge progress too early. A hard week can make you wonder if something is working. Heat, pressure, delay, uncertainty, and unanswered questions can make growth look less beautiful than you imagined it would. But some growth happens under stress. Some strength is formed because conditions are not ideal. Some lessons only come because the season required more attention than you planned to give. The garden survived heat this week. So I will keep paying attention. Keep watering. Keep learning what this season requires.

With love and intention,

Jennifer