My "Year Round" Preferred Climate

Awesome weather. If I could have 365 days of these temperatures (40 in morning, 70 in afternoon), I would be content. The garden hyacinths (Hyacinthus) are starting up now in the sunniest spots. This is about 2 weeks early but who really cares!? The nice blue variety above is 'Kronos' and looks good in front of the golden foliage of the falsecypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Golden Mops) and has a wonderful fragrance. Years ago we had a hyacinth collection of over 80 varieties and I was impressed with the color range and fragrance. Lots of color out in the gardens today but my camera is still having issues although the shot above is from today. I ordered up a Canon Powershot SD1100 and hope it had less issues than my Olympus has had over the years. A digital camera is a great garden aid and always good to have around for quick shots! Out in our parking lot today, I took the shot below of some nice daffodils. About eight years ago, we planted over 8,000 daffodils representing 300+ varieties/species throughout our parking lot. Daffodils arae grouped in to 13 different categories called divisions. See www.daffodilusa.org/daffodils/div.html for some of the basic divisions. The "windswept" look below indicates a cyclamineus daffodil and I enjoy these early bloomers for that interesting flower shape. Not sure of the variety but we'll become heavy on daffodils in the coming weeks!
Larry worked on removing some large limbs off of two hackberry trees in the gazebo garden while Bob helped him out and also accomplished lots of mulching in the arboretum. Janice and Shirley H. did weeding throughout the formal gardens as we attack weeds as soon as we see them. The Grumpies had a great turnout with Ron, Gary, Charlie and Rollie working on composting and some mulching as well. Dr. Gredler has been hauling loads to the dump and the ever-helpful Maury has been running around town for various supplies, drop-offs and pick-ups. Dave T., Jim D., Vern, Bob A. and Del were all working on carpentry projects (more obelisks) while Bob T. and Dick H. have been repairing our pressure washer (which we need operational to clean our ponds and other features). Geesje brought more treats and we look forward to when her health allows her to be our #1 weeding demon again. See below. The forsythia are blooming and it's recommended that you apply crabgrass preventer (if needed) before the forsythia are done blooming. The dormant crabgrass seeds are triggered after nighttime soil temperatures are over 50 degrees F for over three days. The window has started.