A Cool Respite

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Today was quite a bit cooler than yesterday (by 18 degrees F!) so it was excellent working weather with overcast skies.  The fragrance of the regal lily (Lilium regale ‘Album’) above was entrancing!  There was no shortage of color out in the gardens and I was glad that I had my camera with me throughout the day.  We had a strong showing of volunteers and I was amazed at the number of visitors out in the gardens.  It has been nice to see the transition of empty beds being planted as our holding yard empties by the day.  With a looming Volunteer Work Day (planting!) this Saturday (8 am – 12 noon), we can likely knock out a couple more large areas.  The weeds are catching up too though so we’ll have to start addressing that perpetual problem.  All in all, it was a great day brightened by another huge donation of plants that was delivered this afternoon.

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‘Paprika’ yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – perennial

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‘Unstoppable Upright Fire’ begonia (Begonia boliviensis) – annual

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‘Rubenza’ cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) – annual

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delphinium (Delphinium sp., unknown variety) – perennial

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‘Tidal Wave’ weeping katsuratree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) – woody plant

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Our volunteer turnout today was superb.  Marilyn (above) was just one of many volunteers that took advantage of the cool weather to come in and help with a wide range of tasks.  Our planters included Hal, Doris, Marilyn, Suzie, Donna and Eva.  Kathy and Eva also weeded.  We ended up planting two large areas which was beyond my expectations!  Our Grumpies had a good showing as well.  Ron R. and Lloyd swept up paths while Dr. Gredler did all of his mowing.  Maury helped with some projects and got Steve J. going on some projects as well.  Ron P. worked on repairing lights for the Holiday Light Show while Ron Y., Dave, Vern and Jim continued with carpentry projects.  Dick H. ran to the dump and worked on some repairs.  Alan has done a great job making our “curbside appeal” so much nicer along Palmer Drive with his weeding efforts.  Nancy came in to paint this afternoon and we saw many others today as well.

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Suzie (above)

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Eva (above)

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Kathy (above)

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Ron R. doing a nice job sweeping up the Observation Pier

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Dr. Gredler (above)

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Lloyd (above)

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Maury (left) and Steve (above)

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Dick H. getting another load ready (above)

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Hal and Doris (above)

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Alan (above)

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Donna (above) was a planting demon today

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Ron Y. (left) and Ron P. keeping out of trouble

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this is the second large area planted today!

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Larry O. has been a huge help with yard watering

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Nancy N. (excellent painter) above

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ornamental onion (Allium giganteum) looking good – perennial

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our All-America Selections slope is filling in nicely!

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‘Tassel Dark Salmon’ fuchsia (Fuchsia hybrida) – annual

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yellow meadow rue (Thalictrum flavum ssp. glaucum) – perennial

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‘Guinea Gold’ Martagon lily (Lilium martagon) – perennial

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‘Irish Poet’ tassel flower (Emilia javanica) – annual

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Vern finished securing sea shells on our Little Library for the Giant Aquarium