Busy Monday

Posted: June 5, 2017 by Mark Dwyer

Nice shot directly above of ‘Phoenix Pink’ beardtongue (Penstemon hartwegii) in the Hummingbird Haven theme in the Nancy Yahr Memorial Children’s Garden. This plant is one of thousands and thousands that have been installed in the last two weeks with many more yet to be planted. We’re making great progress with planting but have to make sure we also focus on weeding and watering as both of those tasks have become increasingly more important as well. The gardens continue to look excellent although the constant drifting and billowing of cottonwood (Populus deltoides) seeds fluttering in the breeze is an interesting sensation to observe and experience first hand when you breathe some in or get it caught in your eyes, nose and ears! Unfortunately, we think we have a bumper crop of these seeds and will have to be diligent with their removal after germination.

Our grounds staff had a busy day. Big John set up sprinklers, ran the rented edger in MANY locations and helped tidy up those same edges. Cindy watered, planted, cut back bulb foliage; mostly with a strong focus in the Hummingbird Haven theme. Larry H. watered and spent lots of time in the entrance garden in front of the Parker Education Center preparing it for planting later in the week. Larry O. helped with many projects, watered containers, unloaded deliveries and watered the entire yard. Trevor did a whole lot of watering today and helped rototill and prepare another bed for planting. Bobby K. had quite a bit of troubleshooting and continues to spend significant time getting the Giant Aquarium ready to go. I was able to tour the entire garden, pull together more plants for planting and caught up with a whole lot of paperwork as well.

‘Caspian Blue’ false indigo (Baptisia australis) – perennial

Star of Persia (Allium christophii) – perennial

‘Moon Frost’ Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) – woody tree

climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris) in bloom! – woody vine

We had an unbelievable turnout of volunteers (like Ron R. above) today! In lieu of listing their myriad tasks, I’d like to simply thank Ron R., Lloyd, Bob C., Bob K., Alan, Greg P., Cheryl P., Stan, Kristin, Jenny, Dave, Peg, Steve E., Garrett, Derrick, Dennis, Dr. Gredler, Rollie, Maury, Ron Y., Steve J., Jim, Dave, Vern, Dick P., Dick H., Kathy P., Eva, Shirley H., Marv, Kay, Del, Ron P., Bill O. and anyone else I missed. That’s 34 volunteers which is an exceptional turnout for a Monday – or any day for that matter! Duties ranged from tidying, weeding, cutting back bulb foliage, building a boulder wall, carpentry and much more.