Another Hot One!

Today was another hot one with temperatures reaching 91 degrees F.  The weekend was quite hot as well and watering our new plantings is a priority.  The recently cool weather has preserved many blooms but this scorching heat tends to finish off blooms quickly.  Peonies and other late May bloomers are finishing their abbreviated “bloom windows” very quickly due to the heat right now.  Nice shot above and below of fragrant abelia (Abelia mosanensis) at peak bloom which is amazingly fragrant on this shrub.

Our grounds crew consisted of Shania, Alex, Larry H., Cindy, Big John, Terry and myself.  We all had myriad duties and I most of us also had watering tasks to address throughout the day.  Our volunteer crew was extensive with Dr. Gredler, Bill O., Alan, Bob K., Ron R., Dick H., Marv B., Vern, Barb, Sandi, Steve, Eva, Peg and many others in attendance.  We also saw Maury, Becky, Derrick and many others throughout the day.  We’re hoping the rain arrives on Wednesday for a nice soaking!

maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum) – perennial

Baptisia hybrida Decadence® ‘Cherries Jubilee’ (left) and Decadence® ‘Lemon Meringue’ above – perennials

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

‘Hartlage Wine’ Carolina allspice (Calycanthus raulstonii) – shrub

‘Roseomarginata’ European beech (Fagus sylvatica) – woody tree

unknown bearded iris (Iris germanica) that I’ve enjoyed for 20 years! – perennial

rhododendron (Rhododendron sp., unknown species) – woody shrub

Lydia woadwaxen (Genista lydia) – above and below (woody shrub)

Japanese iris (Iris ensata) – perennial

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

Dream Catcher® beauty bush (Kolkwitzia amabilis ‘Maradco) – woody shrub

Our Volunteer Shindig went well tonight with over 80 volunteers in attendance.  Above are Dylan and Flannery and below are Alan and Maryam (former RBG volunteer coordinator / membership coordinator).  We had a nice time and chatted about the year ahead and dispersed many door prizes.