Aquarium Preparations

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I never thought I’d feature a shark in this horticulture blog but here it is above (one of two)!  Our Grumpies have embraced creating more decorations for our Giant Aquarium which we should finish by next week.  Note some of the additional elements seen below!  We’re working with the Hedberg Public Library (Janesville, WI) on also interpreting and sharing the book, “Life in a Coral Reef” by Wendy Pfeffer.  It was overcast most of the day although the sun popped out a couple times and really heated things up!  We were really hoping for some rain and ultimately received a 1/2″ storm later in the afternoon.  Our grounds staff and volunteers accomplished a lot of work today with many of our preparations being for the Volunteer Work Day tomorrow (8 am – 12 noon).

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our colorful coral above and starfish below

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Dave (above) continued work on his sea turtle and the foam anchor is looking good

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‘Nugget’ golden hops vine (Humulus lupulus) – perennial vine

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snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum) – perennial

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‘Taylor’s Sunburst’ lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) – woody tree

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‘Rohanii’ European purple beech (Fagus sylvatica) – woody tree

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variegated Corneliancherry dogwood (Cornus mas ‘Variegata’) – woody tree

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‘E.A. Bowles’ variegated mockorange (Philadelphus coronarius) – woody shrub

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‘Red Lightning’ coral bells (Heuchera) – perennial

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We had some great volunteer help today.  Larry and his grandson Hayden (“Bear”) helped water the entire yard which was very helpful.   Maryann G. (below) helped Janice plant in the Heirloom Garden.  Kathy and Eva weeded near the gazebo garden and Kay (second photo down) continued tidying the shade garden which continues to look better and better.  Many members of the Janesville Area Herb Society were on hand today for planting as well.  Marv B. worked on both of his moss areas and Urban was on hand for pruning.  Bill O. did lots of mowing and Dick H. had multiple projects.  We also saw Maury, Dave T., Vern, Gary and many others.

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‘Black Sprite’ bachelor’s button (Centaurea montana) – perennial

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Dream Catcher beautybush (Kolkwitzia amabilis ‘Maradco’) – woody shrub

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Chardonnay Pearls® slender deutzia (Deutzia gracilis ‘Duncan’) – woody shrub

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‘Vanity’ variegated red maple (Acer rubrum) – woody tree

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