Wimpy Storm – Salvaged Day!

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As I watched the doppler radar progress this morning, it looked like some significant rain heading our way only to have it only sputter a bit and move on.  While we’re not dry, we’ve missed some recent storms and could use a good soaking soon (maybe tomorrow!).  Nice shot above of ‘Jade Butterflies’ ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) underplanted with ‘Purple Sensation’ ornamental onion (Allium).  While the lack of rainfall created more watering for us later on this 85 degree F, muggy day, we ended up with a very productive day with plenty of volunteer action (seen below).  Our grounds staff of Cindy, Larry H., Trevor and Nolan all had a busy day which included ample watering for sure, especially for our holding yard, containers and newly planted garden areas.  Our education volunteers ran more solid Plant Programs today for a wide range of area students.

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‘Rick’s White Tip’ Colorado spruce (Picea pungens) – woody tree

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‘Mt. Everest’ ornamental onion (Allium sp.) – perennial

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‘Island Breeze’ plantain lily (Hosta) with nice red stems – perennial

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columbine (Aquilegia sp.) – perennial

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With heavier storms predicted this morning, I almost cancelled a work day with some eager 7th grade students from St. Paul’s Lutheran School here in Janesville.  I’m glad we toughed it out and while it was a bit muddy, this group of students, their teacher (Mr. Kroll) and three other adults, all worked together to plant in two garden spaces.  I think the group planted over 4,000 plants and did an excellent job (see photo above and two below).  As the clouds parted around 9 am, most of our staff and volunteer work inside moved outside.  Volunteers included Magda and Marleen planting, Kathy and Eva weeding, Alan and Bob mulching and also a wide range of projects and activities from Dick P., Maury, Dick H., Dave T., Vern, Ron Y., Steve, Ron P., Bill O., other Dave, Dr. Gredler, Lisa I. and many more.  We also saw Rollie, Gary, Bob D., Bobby K., Peg and many others.

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Magda (above) was planting with Marleen most of the morning

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Dr. Gredler (above) had a full day of mowing

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Dick H. was working on one of our tractors among other projects

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‘Carolina Moonlight’ false indigo (Baptisia hybrida) – perennial

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‘Copper Ridges’ doublefile viburnum (Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum) – woody shrub

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‘Shaker’s Prayer’ Siberian iris (Iris siberica) – perennial

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‘Rikugi Sakura’ Siberian iris (Iris siberica) – perennial

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‘Ivory Queen’ ornamental onion (Allium karataviense) – perennial

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the “layered” form and flowers of pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) can be seen above and below

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Marv’s moss area (one of two) looked great – the bright spots are dappled sunlight!

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tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa) galore are blooming!

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the alpine garden was looking nice today!