Sorry Driad the storms wont really have helped the gardens, rain that heavy simply runs off into the storm drains. What you actually need is a long period of gentle rain to really wet the soil to a good depth.

I remove 1/3 every year after flowering to keep it in check. that way not too much leaf and some flowers every year.

we didnt have the heavy rains but not enough steady rain either. just not satisfied with the weather. too hot yesterday.

The weather is infuriating this year SBG. Fortunately yesterday the thunder rumbled around us. No torrentials or lightning, a bit of rain too. It was quite chilly this morning, followed by a lovely sunny day. We got rid of our large Philadelphus, cos no matter what we did to it.....hardly any blooms.

We got rid of ours too

Thanks for the comments , OH would love to be rid of it , but I'd like to give it one more chance .
I'll try removing 1/3 and see how it gets on {I'll have to borrow next door's green bin too !} Big job ahead .