Water Problems (and Solutions!)

Today was another unseasonably hot one with temperatures again reaching over 90 degrees F.  Watering was the order of the day although our water system was off for a hour or so due to some “compromised” water lines that we had to fix quickly.  I’m not a big fan of this late season heat but it didn’t keep away the many visitors we saw around the gardens today.  Larry O. did a lot of watering today and helped with a wide range of other challenges.  Larry H. also has myriad watering duties, mowed and also put in significant time on Holiday Light Show (HLS) preparations.  Cindy continued to restock our mum selection at the Parker Education Center, tidied and also had plenty of watering.  Bobby K. was on hand to mow and help with the water line repairs.  I helped water today and continue to get ready for the upcoming fall season.  Nice shot above of ‘Raydon’s Favorite’ aromatic aster (Aster oblongifolius).

love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus ‘Red Tails’) – annual

Sweet William catchfly (Silene armeria) – perennial

‘Elephant Head’ amaranth (Amaranthus gangeticus) – annual

‘Limelight’ panicled hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) – woody shrub

Our tough volunteers weathered the heat today and accomplished projects such as leaf raking, path tidying, brush cutting, errands, watering and much more.  Above are Marilyn (driving) and Suzy coming back from raking.  Lloyd and Bob C. tidied up paths while Marv B. worked on his moss areas.  Bob K. and Alan cleared brush to help our view of oncoming traffic (coming down the Sharon Road hill).  Maury ran errands and Rollie went and picked up some engraved bricks for us.  Dr. Gredler mowed while Dave, Vern, Steve and Jim worked on carpentry projects.  Ron P. continued repairing lights for the looming HLS set-up.  Winifred and Vera were also involved with tidying and watering.  We also saw Elaine, Marv, Betty, Big John and many others today.

Kathy (left) and Eva

Mike’s Tree Moving was on site today moving two trees (fun to watch!)

Lloyd, Bob C. and Dr. Gredler (left to right) – above

‘Numex Suave Orange’ hot pepper (Capsicum chinense) – annual

the dark “Gothic theme” out on the terrace (above and below) is still looking exceptional!

‘Arendsii’ monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii) – perennial

the border above (nicely maintained by volunteers Don and Pearl) features Megawatt™ Pink Bronze Leaf begonia (Begonia hybrida) en masse!