Thursday, July 30, 2009

Dark Skies, Bright Gardens

Today had some drizzle and has been overcast all day. I hope we get some more rain to save us watering time tomorrow. It's amazing how liberating it is to not have to water, thus shifting attention to other gardening tasks and needs! Nice shot above of our Ornamental Edible plantings along the larch area. This space is filled with herbs, vegetables, plants with edible flowers, etc. This bed will be utilized as part of a hands-on portion of a horticultural therapy symposium in August here at Rotary Gardens. Below is the center planter in the reception garden. Note the reliance on foliage color and texture. In the center is a clump of variegated giant reed grass (Arundo donax 'Versicolor') that we use every year (non-hardy). Repeated along the edges is the wooly sage (Salvia argentea 'Hobbit's Foot') that attracts children of all ages to touch and appreciate its soft texture.
We had a good turnout again for the Grumpies with Del removing old fence as Dick P., Rollie and Maury put in some more sections. Gary and Ron picked up debris and started assembling plant sale tables. Ed worked on graveling some paths while Bob T. staked lilies and air edged at the horticulture center. Bob A., Jim, Dave and Vern finished some potting benches and are producing parts for our 30 new obelisks (to be sold in the gift shop and at our September plant sale). Suzanne, Suzy and Glenna weeded a large flower berm today, doing a great job even thru the sporadic drizzle. Shirley cleaned out weeds in the color rooms garden while Dan (our new volunteer) did some damage (good) in the weedy woodland walk. Geesje brought in some yummy treats for break and we hope to have her talents out in the gardens again when she is 100%. Various master gardeners and volunteers have also been doing a great job with our vegetable collection at the Horticulture Center (Rose and Karen yesterday, Beth today). Larry is now off for a well-earned vacation and kept busy today dealing with various projects and coordination of tasks. Bill helped tidy this afternoon as well. To the left is a close-up of one of our beans (Phaseolus) in bloom. The Japanese beetles are starting to work on the leaves but the blossoms are quite showy and variable on our collection of 25 different heirloom runner and pole beans. Speaking of blooms, examine your hosta blooms at a close distance. They are quite beautiful and many varieties have been selected for fragrant blossoms. We usually deadhead (cut off) the flower stalks beneath the foliage once they brown out but they sure look nice now ('American Sweetheart' to the right). Our moss island (below) is looking pretty good right now and loves the cool temperatures and ample moisture. We tried a dangerous experiment this year when we sprayed Round-Up over this area to eradicate the thousands of weed seedlings brought in with the flooding from last year. The moss yellowed, the weeds died, then the moss "greened up" again. Amen. Janice has done a great job with this popular garden feature.



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