My lavenders planted next to the boulders began going to heaven in early August. Even on a twice-a-day irrigation drip. Even with an extra twice-a-week water hose. 

Some plants just can’t handle granite blast furnaces.

I planted firecracker plants in their place. I figured the name will give them a running start.

If you run a background check they’ll come up under fountainbush and coral fountain. A weeping subshrub of south of the border descent. 

Egg-frying granite will be putty in their hands.

The popping red blooms and slight chartreuse foliage attracted me years ago. They’re hardy enough for the hill country. Humming birds adore them.

 Evidently so do ground squirrels.

One of the coral fountains appears barren. Unsure of his purpose. 

In reality he’s perfectly located on the front stoop of a ground squirrel burrow. Almost breakfast in bed.

How often our waiting for results results in more waiting. No pretty. No showcase. No blooms like we envisioned.

No success or satisfaction. Only bare. Only trying again.

Only disappointment that I laugh off. God decided some squirrel needs the blooms more than me.

 He needs food. I just want a gardening ribbon.