Sunshiny Day!
Nice shot directly above of golden orixa (Orixa japonica ‘Aurea’) which is a relatively new, shade tolerant shrub that is starting to gain popularity in the Midwest. We have a nice grouping of five of these near the arched bridge and they are thriving in this partly shaded location. It was a cool start today with temperatures around 45 degrees F. It warmed nicely with ample sunshine to about 77 degrees F and it was nice to see lots of visitors out in the gardens. The rain last week helped carry over some moisture but we hope for a bit of rain later in the week and it sure looks promising. We had a great crew of grounds staff and volunteers working on many general gardening projects. Big John, Larry H., Janice, Trevor and I represented the grounds staff and we had Kathy, Eva, Firefighter Cathy, Elaine, Jenny, Bill, Maury, Gary, Steve J. and many others on hand as volunteers. We still have some planting to finish and the weeding continues in earnest! It was another great day out in the gardens.
the fern & moss garden (above) is looking great right now
golden sedge (Carex elata ‘Bowles’ Golden’ ) – perennial
a sunken treasure chest (made by Vern) is a new feature in our Giant Aquarium which interprets the story Commotion in the Ocean (Miles Andreae)
note that our aquarium elements echo the story line…
golden meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) – perennial
reliable, old-fashioned ‘Palace Purple’ coral bells (Heuchera) – perennial
cool shot in the Scottish garden with a big patch of yellow fumitory (Corydalis lutea) – perennial
breadseed poppies (Papaver somniferum) seen above and below are peaking right now – annuals (note bees above!)
‘Ringsabell Mulberry Rose’ hybrid bellflower (Campanula hybrida) – perennial
purple poppy mallow or wine cups (Callirhoe involucrata) – perennial
Snowflake™ oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Brido’) – woody shrub
interesting flower (1″ diameter) of ‘Golf Beauty’ drumstick flower (Craspedia globosa) – annual