A Break from the Rain

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The forecast indicated a cloudy day for this Thursday with some rain possible later in the day.  The doppler radar looked promising for earlier rain (which we really don’t need) but that never materialized and everyone took advantage of the dry day and accomplished a wide range of tasks.  I warned everyone to work quickly before it rained and while that ended up being a fib, it got people moving!  This border above, despite the removal of some spent annuals, continues to be exciting to view.

The grounds staff kept busy with some minor watering duties, mowing and much more.  Larry O., Larry H. and Big John all did their mowing today and while Larry O. moved on to watering and some other tasks, the other two guys continued putting up lights for the Holiday Light Show (HLS).  I placed some plant signs and welcomed a tour among other duties.  I was able to meet and greet Irvin Etienne who is a horticulturist from the Indianapolis Museum of Art which has a gorgeous campus.  We had a great time chatting about plants and enjoying the gardens (first visit of Irvin).

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‘Versicolor’ variegated giant reed (Arundo donax ‘Versicolor’) – annual

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this showy border continues to have a rich saturation of colors!

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this border (above) in the Hummingbird Haven was seeing lots of hummingbird activity this morning!

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‘Queen Red Lime’ zinnia (Zinnia elegans) – annual

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‘Fireworks’ rough-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago rugosa) – perennial

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the tropicals along the gazebo garden border are still quite colorful!

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Our volunteers had a productive morning even after I lied to everyone and said that rain was inevitable!  Above are Bob K. (left) and Alan collecting leaves although the guys were involved with some other tasks including taking down a tent and sweeping up here and there.  Suzie, Marilyn, Kathy, Eva and Vera all worked on tidying in the front entrance garden which worked well as we had a tour arrive later this morning from Illinois.  Vicki and Steve tidied multiple garden areas and planted some mums.  They do an excellent job of clean-up!  Kristin and Stan were in for some tidying in the Japanese garden and Jim H. came in to continue some of that same attention in that garden.  Vern, Dave and Steve worked on some carpentry projects while Ron P. continued to prepare lights for the Holiday Light Show (HLS).  Dr. Gredler did his mowing rounds and Rollie made a road trip to pick up some bricks.  Peg was in to check on labeling and plant records needs.  We also saw Maury, Maryam, Gary and many others today.  With my tours and meetings, I likely missed some of our volunteers but certainly appreciate all their efforts!

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Marilyn, Kathy and Suzie (above) and Eva below

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We had a VIP at the gardens today….Irvin Etienne, horticulturist from the Indianapolis Museum of Art, stopped by this morning for a tour after giving a presentation last night for the Wisconsin Hardy Plant Society up at Olbrich Botanical Gardens (Madison, WI)

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Monarch Promise™ variegated milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) with ‘Purple Knight’ calico plant (Alternanthera dentata) – annuals

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‘Torch’ Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) – annual

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‘Lime Time’ coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) – annual

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‘Stainless Steel’ false eranthemum (Pseuderanthemum sp.) – annual