Returning to our Littleton, Colorado, farm, we found that it is greener than ever before (at least since we bought the property, 33 years ago). Thanks to a wet spring and early summer, even our "lawns" are densely carpeted with vegetation.
In most years, the farm has lost is spring verdancy by mid June, entering a hot, dry period until monsoon thunderstorms revive the plants in August. As I discussed in a post last August, global warming may gradually alter the ecosystems of the American Southwest and the steady rains along the Front Range this year may be another sign of that effect.
After a few sunny days, thunderstorms are expected to return by the end of the week. Whether the Southwest Monsoon is prolonged or just early this year will become evident over the next few months. For now, our plants are enjoying the water and we appreciate the lush greenery.
