Today was extremely productive with lots of planting and other activities out in the gardens. The weather was quite nice and we saw a lot of visitors as well. The Giant Aquarium continues to be popular (see photos further below) and we had a group of kids really enjoy it today. While the yard still has quite a few plants yet to be planted, we’re seeing a dramatic shift in more plants installed in the gardens and the yard supply dwindles daily. Today was no exception with planting occurring in over five areas.
The grounds staff had a busy day which included plenty of watering as we’re headed in to a hot end to the week. It looks like some rain tomorrow. It was all dudes today for grounds staff. Terry sheared many shrubs, watered and had other duties as well. Big John rototilled, watered and bounced between other projects as well. Trevor and Nolan both worked in the Giant Aquarium to start and then Nolan moved on to weed whipping and Trevor was skimming and replacing gravel. There were lots of smaller projects and teaming up to accomplish some other tasks. Everyone worked great together and I spent the day hauling and placing plants to keep ahead of our planters!
‘Tortuosa Purpurea’ European beech (Fagus sylvatica) – woody tree
‘Autumnale’ hybrid fuchsia (Fuchsia hybrida) – annual
‘Fenway Gold’ Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) – woody vine
‘The Governor’ lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) – perennial
Our grounds volunteers continue to aggressively weed and plant out in the gardens on a daily basis. Above is Kathy (left) and Eva near the gazebo where they are clearing a large area of weeds in advance of planting this Saturday as part of our fifth of sixth Volunteer Work Days (8 am – 12 noon). Directly below is Marleen (left) and Magda planting in their assigned garden area. The ladies put in lots of colorful plants. The second photo down shows Mary (left) and Myrt planting along the larch wall bed which features lots of pink this year. Kathy, Mary and Roy were also on hand to help plant. Mary and Roy planted more annuals in their section of the shade garden and shifted to the entrance garden to help Kathy install plants. Kay was in to tidy up her area (looking great) and we saw Stan and Kristin working in the Japanese garden. Mary H. and Kathy P. did more planting in their assigned garden area and two of our new volunteers (Terri and John) were in the Nancy Yahr Memorial Children’s Garden. Jumbo Jim brought four RECAPPERS to help with various projects this afternoon. Bill O. was in for some mowing and Larry was again a huge help with watering the entire yard. The third photo down shows Deb (left) and Bev helping plant in the entrance garden. Maury ran errands for us and we also saw Dick H. and many others.
‘Morden Blush’ rose (Rosa) – woody shrub
‘Blue Moon’ wisteria (Wisteria macrostachys) – woody vine
‘Zebra Stripes’ plantain lily (Hosta) – perennial
foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) – biennial
here are some of the All America Selections plants going in to the front garden
The Giant Aquarium is looking pretty sharp (see above and below)…
cool anchor (created and painted by Vern)