Flamingo Sighting!

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We had over 1″ of rain from yesterday morning until this morning.  I was happy to hear rain drops on the roof during the evening.  We had some washouts and evidence of a storm out in the gardens but having that nice soaking from Mother Nature allowed us to not worry about watering and we were able to move forward with other tasks and preparations.   Nice shot above of ‘Sarastro’ hybrid bellflower (Campanula hybrida) looking beautiful.  There were many visitors out in the gardens today despite the heat wave and high humidity that made the afternoon less than comfortable out there!  With our fifth of six Volunteer Work Days tomorrow (8 am – 12 noon, meet at the Parker Education Center), much of my time was spent with getting plants ready for installation in six different areas (with help from co-workers of course!).  We had a nice turnout of volunteers and prepared for a busy weekend.

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Star of Persia (Allium christophii) with lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis ‘Thriller’) – both perennials

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‘Fruhlingsgold’ variegated sundrops (Oenothera fruticosa) – perennial

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‘Bowles’ Golden’ sedge (Carex elata) – perennial

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‘Silver Falls’ Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum) – perennial

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Big John was modeling the latest in aquatic-themed hats today….

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Our volunteers weathered the heat fairly well and were vital today with preparations and gardening duties.  Above is Alan sweeping near the sunken garden.  Alan did some excellent gardening and moved on to tidying up our two wedding gardens (sunken and gazebo) for the weekend.  With the storms, they were quite messy.  Below are Kathy, Eva (driving) and a flamingo along the pink-themed wall planting.  These ladies did a great job tidying up the two main parking lot islands.  These gals continue to come daily during the week and float around taking care of a wide range of projects.  Bill O. was in for early mowing, Maury ran errands (shopping) and Janet M. did a nice job weeding in three different areas.  We also saw Gary S. and many others today.

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‘Obsidian’ coral bells (Heuchera) – perennial

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‘Triple Play’ variegated smooth phlox (Phlox glaberrima) – perennial

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‘Marcus’ compact perennial salvia (Salvia nemerosa)

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Snow Pavement rose (Rosa ‘Schneekoppe’) – woody shrub

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The Giant Aquarium continues to be popular and now an octopus has taken up residence….

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