Plenty of Preparations

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The day started with the boys muscling out our three, 300 lb. culvert pipe planters painted a nice purple (our dedication to Prince).  Above (left to right) are Terry, Big John, Trevor and Nolan.  I would have helped but had to take the photos…Below is Terry moving them with the end loader and in the opening you can see the blue trash can that is secured in the top and will be filled with soil once these are in place outside.  Trevor and Nolan later dug the holes for these and we’ll get them in place soon.  Terry, Big John, Larry, Trevor, Nolan and Janice all had a wide range of tasks to say the least and we accomplished a lot of projects and goals.  We had a lot of activity on a very humid day that we thought would include more rain.  We had some sprinkles here and there and dark skies but also plenty of sun.  It was unbelievably humid after the 3/10″ of rain we had last evening although apparently it was quite spotty with many local folks getting very little or nothing.  With lots of coming and going of volunteers, it was a busy day that included trips for another 15,000 annuals or so….

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‘Purple Sensation’ ornamental onions (Allium) with rhododendrons and the Russo Family Fountain in the distance

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unknown azalea (Rhododendron sp.) looking nice – woody shrub

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‘Vernoniae Cristata’ criss-cross fern (Athyrium filix-femina) – perennial

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‘Kokumon’ tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) – woody shrub

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columbine (Aquilegia sp.) – perennial

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‘Sun King’ Japanese spikenard (Aralia cordata) – perennial

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‘Batik’ bearded iris (Iris germanica) – perennial

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We had quite an impressive volunteer turnout today.  With my trip today I may miss mentioning some folks but we certainly appreciate the efforts of everyone.  Kathy (above) and Eva (below) continued to weed in the reception garden.  Alan helped Trevor with a project after smoothing out some mulch.  Bill pruned, spread gravel and worked with Dave on some equipment.  Stan and Kristin continued work in the Japanese garden.  Mary H., Patty and Nancy all helped with some significant weeding near the gazebo garden.  We also saw Maury, Dave T., Urban, Vicky O., Gary and many more folks!

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Bill (above)

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Dave T. with his sea turtle creation

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Mary, Patty and Nancy (left to right)

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variegated moor grass (Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea ‘Variegata’)

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Scotch rose (Rosa spinosissima) – woody shrub

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double creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens var. pleniflorus) – perennial

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the Hummingbird Garden Art Projects are getting lost of attention and below is just one reason why!

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