This Week is Warming Up!

Today was pleasantly warm and it looks like the warming trend will continue through the weekend with some days reaching 90 degrees F.  Plants are really growing now out in the gardens and it’s nice to see all the fresh and colorful foliage as well as flowers.  Above is the interesting leaf of a variegated horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum ‘Variegatum’) in the alpine garden.  We had quite a few visitors today and our youth education program was in full swing.  Our grounds staff of Larry H., Shania, Alex and I all had a wide range of duties.  This time of year we’re juggling lots of tasks including mowing, weeding, watering and planting.  Our volunteers today included Kathy P., Eva, Kay, Stan, Kristin, Marleen, Connie, Sharon, Dennis, Jenny, Gena, Patti, Sue, Myrt, Vern, Barb C., Sandi, Maury, Dick P., Kath and many others.  It was another very productive day!

‘Sunglow’ vine maple (Acer circinatum) above and below – woody tree

‘Kelly’s Gold’ boxelder (Acer negundo) – woody tree

‘Zebra Stripes’ plantain lily (Hosta) – perennial

shredded umbrella plant (Syneilesis aconitifolia) – perennial

more planting today! – Sue (far left), Patti, Gena and Myrt (closest)

‘Dre’s Dagger’ lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) – perennial

grape hyacinths (Muscari sp.) are finishing up quickly with the heat – perennial bulb

golden leaf mukdenia (Mukdenia rossii ‘Ogon’) – perennial

‘Hanky Panky’ plantain lily (Hosta) – perennial

umbrella leaf (Diphylleia cymosa) – perennial

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

yellow fumitory (Corydalis lutea) – perennial

‘Tidal Wave’ katsuratree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) – woody tree