Lack of rain again this past week has aggravated already dry conditions. Soil at the surface is cracked and split in several areas. Many plants are wilting or have dropped a good amount of foliage. These include rose of sharon, peonies, Viburnum, mockorange, lily of the valley, hibiscus, morning glory, day lilies, decorative grasses, hostas,and certain roses. Annuals are beginning to diminish as the daylight shortens but they too are struggling with the lack of rain. Some are being hand watered as are the container plants. No mowing was necessary this past week. Turf is for the most dormant and brown except for a few patches of green here and there. Even weed growth has lessened except in shaded areas. Most Trees are holding their foliage nicely throughout this dry spell as are yews, Alberta spruce, euyonomous, and boxwood. Primrose continue to flower without much in the way of attention as are the lavender and crepe myrtyl. Retention pond islightly below normal water levels. Water color remains a brownish green. Another flock of Canadian Geese were spotted at the water's edge. Some also were flying circling above. Grasshoppers and crickets are in abundance right now as are flies. Many flowering crab trees have dropped most all their leaves with the small apples clinging to the branches. Sunflowers also are nearly finished flowering. Goldfinches continue to feast on their seeds. Birds at the feeders and the bird bath were sparrows, house finches, goldfinches, starlings, mourning doves, and occasional blue jay. We are supposed to have some rain this week. Fingers are crossed.