This Dogwood's flower buds have died and the leaves show stress from lack of water.This year my zone 5 garden experienced a very dry growing season. We started the year out with lots of rain and the garden was growing great. Then we started getting less rain or a light shower that was not enough to wet the ground. August was the driest in over 100 years in my area. Many flowers, trees and shrubs have been stressed from the lack of rain. We are now having "no burning" bans due to the lack of rain. It seems that everyday the news on TV is about corn and bean fields catching on fire.
If you live in a zone that has been experiencing drought, watch your trees and shrubs for water. I have been seeing many shrubs and trees with curling leaves or loosing their leaves due to lack of water in many landscapes. It is not good when the small limbs "snap" due to die back. Take a look around your landscape and if you are seeing problems, start watering before it is to late. Check closely on shrubs or trees that are growing under larger trees. I would suggest putting your garden hose at the base of the tree and allow the water to run for about 1/2 hour slowly. If your soil is really dried out, and you run the water fast it will run off the top of the soil and not go where it is needed most, the roots of the tree or shrub. Repeat the procedure several times a week as needed based on rainfall in your area.
This Burning Bush will not be red in color for fall this year.Now is the time to make sure that your trees and shrubs are healthy and strong for that long winter to come. Remember to continue to check on them during the winter for water if we a have a dry winter and don't be surprised that some trees and shrubs may still have problems come next year.
Happy Gardening and hope for rain!
The Creative Gardener