Post Storm Beauty

We had a busy day today at the gardens after some heavy winds and pounding rain last night.  Larry H., Cindy and Alex headed out to tidy up the gardens right away and I wasn’t much help at all as I had meetings and a gig on Wisconsin Public Radio (Larry Meiller’s Show – Garden Talk).  Above is the “Big W” planted with annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus) and while I enjoyed Madison on a nice day, it was getting busy around town with the fall semester looming!  Volunteers that helped today included Ron R., Dennis, Kathy, Eva, Peg, Bill O. and likely others that I missed.  The gardens were in good hands and saw MANY visitors today.  The recent rains have alleviated watering concerns and our collections continue to fill out nicely.  I returned to the gardens to share the gardens with Sarah R. (Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University) and her wonderful family.  Great day.

‘Illustris’ elephant ear (Colocasia esculenta) – tropical

the New Guinea Impatiens Collection (seed grown varieties) looks great!

the raised beds in the new Wellness Garden have filled out well!

our three-tiered planters have filled out well!

‘Wicked’ ornamental hot pepper (Capsicum annuum) – annual

Plants of the World Collection featuring plants from 13 different countries

the annual beds are at peak color right now!

Malabar spinach (Basella rubra) – annual vine (edible!)

‘Red Kaoliang’ sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) in the Plants of the World Collection

lots of cosmos looking great out in the gardens!

cool double zinnia (Zinnia elegans) in the Nancy Yahr Memorial Children’s Garden – annual

Viette’s Little Suzy black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Blovi’) – perennial

peek-a-boo plant (Spilanthes oleracea) – annual

‘Mura Kumo’ morning glory (Ipomoea nil) – annual

cool zinnia (Zinnia elegans) of unknown variety – annual

‘Zulu Prince’ cape daisy (Venidium fastuosum) – annual

this dill (Anethum graveolens) just appeared (reseeded) and works great! – annual