Lots to do in the shade

We have lived here for 24 years and I think this has been the hottest and longest summer during that time. Although many of the trees in our garden were selected to grow in hot conditions, plants like annuals were very short lived this year, although I was able to collect the seeds from some of them to try again next year. Even herbaceous perennials have struggled hard in this extremely hot summer. Of course, a lot depends on where you live. Coastal towns may have more humidity than those at higher elevations...