Heat Wave – Monday

Today was another hot one which required the watering attention of most of the grounds staff (Larry O., Larry H., CIndy, Big John and myself).  Terry was in to help with Holiday Light Show (HLS) set-up and Bobby K. was around to help with a new project at the gardens.  After watering duties, the grounds staff had diverse projects but ultimately the HLS is becoming a larger portion of everyone’s day!  We do continue to make efforts to extend interest out in a garden which continues to look more “autumn-like” every day! Nice shot above of ‘Stripe it Rich’ Hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra) looking good in the woodland walk garden.  It looks like he heat will break late tomorrow with Wednesday ushering in more appropriate temperatures around 70 degrees F.

‘Miyazaki’ toadlily (Tricyrtis hirta) – perennial

‘Jewel’ copperleaf (Alternanthera hybrida) – annual

‘Dale’s Strain’ coral bells (Heuchera americana) – perennial

early fall color on fragrant snowball viburnum (Viburnum carlcephalum) – woody shrub

We had a great batch of volunteers today that weathered the heat for a seventh day in a row.  It was another 90 degree F day although at least the morning temperature was reasonable.  Our volunteers worked on myriad projects.  Volunteers included Kathy, Eva, Firefighter Cathy, Ron R., Lloyd, Derrick, Bob K., Alan, Dick P., Dick H., Maury, Ron Y., Jim, Steve, Vern, Dave, Dennis, Garrett, Rollie, Marv, Barb T. and many more.  We also saw Maryam, Hayley and some others on this productive, albeit very hot day!

Dennis (left) and Garrett (spaced out)

straightening and re-staking a recently moved Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) – conifer

Dr. Gredler mowing in the distance

Jim (left) and Steve working on new obelisks

Ron “Darth Vader” Yoss working on a cool sleigh

‘Peter Harrison’ aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii) – perennial

aster (Symphyotrichum sp.) – unknown variety – perennial

fall color on golden larch (Pseudolarix amabilis) – deciduous conifer

‘Hot Pops Purple’ ornamental hot pepper (Capsicum annuum) – annual

popcorn cassia (Cassia didymobotrya) – tropical

‘Purple Dome’ aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) – perennial