A gardeners arch nemesis?

We all know that a garden needs a couple of basic things to thrive. Sunlight, which it gets to some extent even on a cloudy day, but is just not the same as pure, unadulterated sunshine. And water, of which, we have have had our fair share of lately.

What is a gardener to do on a rainy day? As it almost always happens, it has to rain on my days off. Why is that? There are 5 other days of the week to spew forth the life giving elixir. I usually plan what I am going to do in the garden during these 5 days, daydreaming almost.

I might get a chance after work to mow the grass, which by the way, I had to do twice this past week due to all the aforementioned rain. We need the rain, don't get me wrong. It is the best stuff in the universe for growing things, better even than tap water. My water bill will be low this year, that's nice. But I have things to do.

The constant rain has brought out many undesirables also. The mosquito population is intense. You can't go out in the yard without being inundated. During a normal summer, evenings through early mornings is the main "Skeeter ares" as they say down south. That is "Mosquito hours" for you northerners, or Californians. The slugs are working overtime also.

So, it seems I have some time on my hands to plan and ponder what I am going to do next in the garden. My wife has already planned out a new bed extension project. I know I have some major pruning of some large limbs to be carried out, but standing on a wet ladder with a saw just doesn't sound appealing. Some potted plants need attention also.

A nice little surprise from the compost bin the other day. You know the stuff is working when you get a surprise Mango from the middle of it! I dug it up and have potted it already. It will have to come in for the winter, but it can be treated as a "patio plant"

Mango grown from seed in the compost bin

So as far as my enemy. No, rain is not my enemy. Sometimes it is like an unwanted house guest, or an ill timed visit from your annoying aunt. But it is still family.