03 AUG 2008 Hot, Hot, Hot

The Forest of Pots: In Atlanta it's hot, hot, hot, over 90F most days, with large swings between very wet and very dry. All 10 giants seem to be adapting acceptably to the alternating conditions. Peachy Two and Sycadee are doing particularly well, increasing their heights by 36% and 20%, respectively, since the last measurements three weeks ago.

Side Note: A single Goblin Egg endured, while the gourd plants faded rather quickly and have been summarily removed.

Apple Forest: Apples One and Two both have crumply leaves and are dusted with a modest amount of whiteness. It's definitely not snow, but the Rubbing Thumb Treatment has removed most of the whiteness. No wee beasties have been observed. All-knowing Google indicates that it is possibly Powdery Mildew, a fungus that grows on upper leaf surfaces and stems. Outbreaks mostly occur in humid, shaded areas, so moving the Apple Forest into a less shaded region may help. Humidity reduction has been a long-term goal in Atlanta, but no obvious solutions have yet been achieved on any meaningful scale.

Peach Forest: Peachy Two is OUT OF CONTROL, at 62.8 cm having spurted nearly beyond the double ruler used to measure heights. All three Peachys seem to be acting like real trees, starting to drop leaves at their lower levels. Are they getting ready to be transplanted, or are they considering making a play for blossoms?

Sycamore Forest: Four of the five Sycamore giants are doing well, while the final member (and last member from Sycamore Forest #2 in the east), TE Sycamore, looks a bit ragged. Only Sycadee has stretched upward, but the others seem to simply be relaxing their upper leaves in the heat.