July hit us with a collection frenzy.

Within a couple weeks, the unusually cool, wet spring I enjoyed my first month here evaporated into a blazing hot summer, and with it, our collection timetable. We had expected many species to set seed later; instead, they ripened on double-time. Just another reminder that Mama Nature isn’t interested in sticking to our silly human schedule.

For five weeks, we worked around the clock, trying desperately to keep up. Hot spells, dry winds, and a general lack of predictability kept me on our toes, continually visiting sites, always with a paper bag in hand in case today was the day. Fortunately for me, I now had help. On July 1, my new partner, Justyna, rode into town. With twice as many hands at work, our original goal of 25 collections seemed manageable again.

Time passes quickly when you have a lot on your plate, and as quickly as it began, our main project is now wrapping up. We are now turning our attention to other things, some botany-focused, some not. I’m looking forward to gaining new experiences as the summer wraps up!