Friday, April 18, 2008

The Momentum Builds...

Colorful species tulips blooming today. This is a nice "hot spot" with heat from surrounding rocks. I'm not sure which Tulipa this is but it sure stands out with that blue Chionodoxa. Back in 2000, we planted over 500 varieties of tulips in tight groupings of 50. That first spring (we left the display in for two years) had cool temperatures and really preserved the vibrant display. It was an unbelievable collection. I doubt we'll ever replicate that display as it was quite costly (and labor intensive!). We have tulips around the garden but not to the extent that we used to. Regardless, it's beauty like this that should encourage and motivate us to continue gardening in the fall with the intent of planting bulbs for spring rewards.
The daffodils shown here are determined to do their thing despite the "damp" conditions. Years ago we planted 20,000 daffodils along our north path, both along the shoreline and up the slope of the old sand and gravel pit. It's inspiring to think that visitors will see these daffodils in 100 years and wonder when they were planted. Unfortunately, these submerged clumps are doomed. Oh the vagaries of nature!

By the way, if you are reading this blog, there is a a little blue "comment" tab at the bottom of each post. Feel free to comment, add input and/or ask questions. The intent of this blog is not only to give a "smidge" of what is going on daily out in the gardens but to interact with volunteers, visitors and those interested in what we're doing at Rotary Gardens. The image below is of a small, golden fullmoon maple (Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon') in the Japanese garden near one of our lanterns. Of course deciduous plants haven't "leafed out" yet, but they will soon. Are we forgetting about winter yet?!


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