United News of Bangladesh

As summer temperatures rise, people can escape the heat indoors, but garden plants have to endure it on their own. Many flowers struggle in extreme heat, becoming dry, weak or failing to bloom altogether. However, choosing the right plants can help gardens stay colourful and healthy even during long, dry spells. Container plants are usually the most vulnerable because they depend entirely on regular watering and nutrients. Even after a morning watering, pots can dry out quickly under strong sun. In contrast, well-established heat- and drought-resistant plants develop deeper roots, allowing them to access moisture from the soil and survive with less care. Gardeners have plenty of resilient flowering options to choose from. Coneflowers (Echinacea), hardy in zones 3–9, are among the most reliable summer bloomers once established. They require little maintenance after their first season and continue producing flowers throughout the hot months. Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) are equally tough and pair well in the same garden beds. Blanket flowers (Gaillardia) are known for their bright red, yellow and orange blooms that spread across garden beds, creating a vibrant “blanket” effect even in intense heat. Zinnias also perform well in hot conditions, although they can sometimes be affected by powdery mildew in humid weather. Moss rose (Portulaca) is a low-growing, drought-resistant plant with succulent-like leaves that store water, making it highly adaptable to dry heat. Other hardy options include stonecrop (Sedum), prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) and ice plant (Delosperma), though ice plant should be avoided in some regions where it is considered invasive. Lantanas are another strong performer, producing clusters of multicoloured flowers that attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. They bloom from late spring until frost and are valued for both beauty and pollinator support. Several other sun-loving plants also thrive in high temperatures. Petunias, including varieties such as Supertunia and Tidal Wave, are known for their resilience. Petchoas, a hybrid of petunias and calibrachoas, handle heat well but may need deeper watering during extreme conditions. Cosmos are light, airy plants with daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, white, orange and yellow. Sunflowers are naturally suited to full sun and require little introduction. Marigolds remain one of the most reliable summer flowers, available in shades of orange, yellow and copper-red, with newer cream-coloured varieties also emerging. A new compact African marigold variety called Lana Lace, featuring crisp cream blooms, is expected to reach garden centres in 2027.

As summer temperatures soar, frozen drinks like milkshakes, malts, frappes and concretes offer a refreshing escape, but their names and recipes vary across regions and eateries in the U.S. Milkshakes, the most iconic of the bunch, are typically made by blending ice cream with milk and flavorings such as syrups, extracts or fruit. At Manhattan’s century-old Lexington Candy Shop, vanilla remains the most popular flavor, followed by chocolate, coffee and strawberry, according to co-owner John Philis. Specialty shakes include the black and white (vanilla and chocolate) and the Broadway (coffee ice cream with chocolate syrup). Malts are milkshakes enriched with malted milk powder, which combines malted barley, wheat flour and evaporated milk, giving a toasted, nutty flavor reminiscent of 1950s diners. How to know when your garden vegetables are ready to harvest Frappes differ by region. In Massachusetts, a frappe resembles a milkshake, sometimes just flavored milk. Coffee-based frappes, popularized by chains like Starbucks, are blended icy drinks topped with whipped cream. Other frozen treats include concretes — ultra-thick frozen custard blended with mix-ins like cookies or candy, requiring a spoon to eat. Ice cream floats mix ice cream with soda for a bubbly dessert, while ice cream sodas are made with syrup and seltzer, then topped with ice cream. Smoothies, often viewed as a healthier option, combine fruit, yogurt or juice and sometimes ice, though rich ingredients can make them high in sugar and calories. From creamy shakes to frothy floats, frozen drinks offer a variety of flavors and textures for summer indulgence.