Another Frantic Friday

Note the beautiful, fragrant valerian (Valeriana officinalis) above. The flower clusters have a superb scent although this perennial will reseed and spread quite vigorously. Valerian has many herbal and medicinal uses dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. We keep two large clumps in our Scottish garden with the understanding that any "strays" will be destroyed.

Today was another crazy Friday. We came in to a light mist which didn't stop us from hitting the ground running with hauling plants out for our work day, planting, weeding, tidying, path clean-up, etc. We had plenty of rain yesterday thru last night so have to deal with the repercussions around the gardens. Marv and Terry went and picked up our annual vinca (Catharanthus) collection that Marianne is already sorting for planting next week. It sounds like we'll have more flooding soon as some rains from further north make their way down the Rock River thru Janesville. Riverfront businesses including our library are building sand bag bunkers to help prevent the inevitable.

The image to the left is of the arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) in bloom. Later this native shrub will develop blue berries (tasty for birds) and sometimes a nice fall color depending on the variety. Mature height can be 8-10' but for those that like a more compact variety, look for 'Little Joe' for half that height with all the same features. Neat, late blooming bulb below. Ornithagalum (forgot the species of this one) has come back for many years for us and has wonderful spires of clear white blooms.