Weekend Waterview: No April Showers at Lake Norman

Happy Sunday! It’s been a while since I shared a weekend waterview.

It’s been a different kind of spring here at the lake. Like much of the southeastern U.S., we’re feeling the effects of drought conditions in North Carolina—thanks to lower-than-normal rainfall and warmer-than-average temperatures.

And it’s showing. . . especially along the shoreline of Lake Norman.

We’re on a well and usually rely on lake-fed and drip irrigation to keep our garden beds and flower containers happy this time of year. But with the lake level so low, our irrigation head has been out of the water for a couple of weeks now.

That’s put a pause on any spring planting and has me rethinking expectations for the season ahead.

Sadly, this won’t be a banner year for our beloved Endless Summer hydrangeas.

They thrive in moist conditions, and right now, “moist” is not a word I’d use to describe our soil. Fingers crossed for the rain in today’s forecast. . .we had just a smattering yesterday, just a tease but not nearly enough to make a dent.

In 20+ years here, we’ve never seen the lake this low in the spring. The shoreline has stretched farther out than usual, revealing wide swaths of mud flats that are normally hidden beneath the water’s edge. Drought conditions are causing fires and are cause for concern for farmers, worried about crop loss.

On the brighter side, the snowball viburnum and azaleas put on a beautiful show for a couple of weeks. . .right on cue for spring.

Their blooms felt especially welcome this year, like little reminders that even in a dry spell, there’s still beauty to be found.

The mallards seem completely unfazed by it all. In fact, they’re quite content, happily rooting around in the newly exposed mud flats like it’s their own personal buffet.

So for now, we wait . . .and watch the skies and hope for rain! 🤞

Is it dry where you are?

Thank you for your visit!