Enjoying 75 Degrees F

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The weather was unseasonably cool today and in the mid 70 degrees F.  No one was complaining though as it was perfect working weather with a nice mix of clouds and sunshine.  Above is a nice shot of the fern & moss garden which continues to look green and lush.  Our half inch of rain Sunday morning wont last much longer so the irrigation was back on today to help keep up with a warming week.  The nice weather brought out some great volunteers and we focused primarily on weeding the front entrance garden with a side project of planting in the sunken garden.  It was a busy day for staff and volunteers and we also saw lots of visitors as well.

 

Cindy watered and fertilized a couple of areas then spent more time in the Nancy Yahr Memorial Children’s Garden which features the spectacular Hummingbird Haven theme.  Larry H. spent a good portion of the day weeding the front slope with five or six volunteers.  This is our All-America Selections display which has become over-run with weeds.  This team did a great job and Larry moved on to rototilling and weeding.  Big John pruned, watered, weeded, rototilled, ran irrigation, set up sprinklers and juggled multiple projects all day.  Trevor and Nolan did the pushmowing and moved on to other projects which included plenty of watering.  I was able to get out for fertilizing and weed control out in the turf.  It was a nice day to be outside (I type as I sit at my desk…).

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cigar flower (Cuphea ignea) in the Hummingbird Haven – annual

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Meteor Shower™ South American verbena (Verbena bonariensis) – annual

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elevated planter with lantana and ‘Golden Jubiliee’ hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) in the foreground

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‘Heather Queen’ hummingbird mint (Agastache cana) – marginally hardy

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double false sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides ‘Asahi’) – perennial

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‘Pink Cotton Candy’ wood betony (Stachys officinalis) – perennial

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We had a strong volunteer turnout and I’m sure the weather helped as well.  Above is Larry O. repairing an irrigation head.  I pointed out that he had the shovel backwards and reversing this would help with his digging….Larry also watered the entire yard (much appreciated!).  Kay, Eva, Janet M., Donna B. and Cheryl D. all worked with Larry H. on the major project of weeding the front entrance gardens slope.  This nightmare had become over-run with one weed in particular and the gang got 80% of this project done which was truly amazing.  Brian spent the entire morning planting in the sunken garden.  Kay was in for tidying her assigned garden area and then helped Brian plant in the sunken garden.  Sue M. and Mary D. planted in the shade garden and tidied up as well.  Ron P. spent the morning repairing lights for the Holiday Light Show which is only 6 short months away!  Bill O. was in for mowing and Maury worked on some projects.  Kristin tidied up in the Japanese garden and we also saw Julie G., Judy L. and many others today.

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Kristin (above)

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Cheryl D. (above)

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Sue (left) and Mary D.

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Brian (above)

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the weeding crew today (Eva, Kathy, Cheryl, Janet, Donna and Larry H.)

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seed head (literally) of Allium karataviense ‘Ivory Queen’ – perennial bulb

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the willowleaf bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) is turning chartreuse and headed toward gold! – perennial

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‘Sentimental Blue’ balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) – perennial

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sunken garden container with King Tut® papyrus (Cyperus papyrus), ‘Freckles’ coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) and sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas) – all seasonals

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plants waiting to become “aquatic” in the koi pond

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‘Charlotte’ variegated speedwell (Veronica longifolia) – perennial

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‘Ultra Crimson Star’ petunia (Petunia) – annual (1988 AAS Winner!)