Winter seemed to hold on far too long this year and we jumped straight in to summer, a spring-feel day every now and then, and the garden has suffered. My tomato plants are tiny and my peonies bloomed late and short, some not at all. I'd agree, slow summer.

Some of the plants love this weather, like the elephant ear you mention. (Mine is Colocasia esculenta, to be specific.) Most of the plants are not too happy though, definitely behind previous years.

Most of my bulbs did not even poke out until a week ago. The caladium is just starting to look a bit substantial. However in the past week lots of growth! very humid and warm, in the mid 80's. This seems to be the sweet spot for most plants!