The Calm Before the Storm

Nice shot above of our best goatsbeard patch (Aruncus dioicus) in the sunken garden. Typically promoted for part shade, goatsbeard will tolerate full sun (like the patch above) with ample moisture. This patch sits around an irrigation head that really soaks this area. What beautiful "flower architecture"!!! Great day out in the gardens. Ron and Bev planted in the sunken garden as the remnants of Badger Days (tent, etc.) were taken down. They did a nice job. Peg planted in the English cottage garden while Marianne planted the gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia hirta) collection with intermittent help from Kay (after her weeding wrath), Terry and myself. That was about 3,000 plants and the collection should look dynamite in a month or so if it ever warms up (60 degrees and possible rainshowers tomorrow!). I had the pleasure of working with another group of young volunteers today. We had 16 kids and their teacher (Heidi) from an elementary school in Beloit, WI. They did a great job planting in the reception garden and put in another 1,500 annuals or so. It was a great day outside and the kids had fun (as seen by their 'funny faces' below!).
Terry and Janice worked on pushmowing among other activities like watering and hauling plants in preparation for our work day tomorrow morning. Dr. Gredler did his mowing and was photographed by the Janesville Gazette because of his recent accolade of becoming Volunteer of the Year thru the Helping Hand Program of United Way. This is for his service at Rotary Gardens and his volunteer commitment here. I hope it doesn't go to his head... Bill was here cleaning up and tidying and overall, we had a great day and were able to accomplish all that we set out to do. We've had a lot of interest in the iris collection (seen below) from visitors, staff and photographers alike. There are some really neat and funky colors out there. As we were warned when we planted these last summer, only half would bloom this year which is about right. Next year, it should be amazing and we look forward to sharing this collection with the public and the National Iris Society. Nice shot at the bottom of one of our "most asked about" annuals. This is the ornamental shamrock (Oxalis 'Charmed Wine') that looks great in part shade and has almost a sheen to the leaves. Don't let the upside down picture distract you from the "foliar merits" of this tropical. We plant this throughout the gardens each year.