The "Annual Annual Influx"

Today was a very busy day of running for plants, planting and taking care of all sorts of projects. Speaking of projects, above is one of Little Jerry's recent creations. We've had a "cow path" for years in this Japanese garden bed where people would cut thru and decided to accomodate their inclinations. Jerry had some help from Jumbo Jim and the RECAPPERS but did an awesome job and is finalizing the details. We've seen people use it already and it was definitely a nice improvement. Larry and Bill ran for plants this morning with Larry accomplishing another quick run to finish the order from that supplier (Jenka Blossoms in Lima Center, WI). Marianne and I ran out for impatiens and wax begonias as we'll probably plant many of these at our workday this weekend. So, the "annual annual influx" will continue unabated thru next week as we accumulate all our custom-grown plants that began as seed packets ordered six months ago. Nice shot to the left of yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon 'Herman's Pride') and to the right, the beautiful foliage of the 'Lady in Red' ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) that has some really deep red/maroon spring foliage and looks to be quite different from the more maroon varieties like 'Diabolo' and 'Summer Wine'.

John worked on composting the hosta hollow garden which was long overdue but addressed nicely by John today. It is a challenge working around the obstacles of plants, trees, signs, etc. He also planted roses and some perennials along with watering and other duties. Marianne tidied two areas, one of which was later rototilled and prepared by Marv and Terry. She also planted many perennials in the woodland walk area. Larry continued his work on the koi pond after his plant runs and Little Jerry started pruning many of the pines that are showing vigorous growth early this year. Marv and Terry rototilled, hung our hanging baskets, prepared containers and planted two of our large phormiums in the formal gardens (see below). The horse trough was being delivered for Larry to put our fish in temporarily during his pond cleaning process.We had many great volunteers here again today with Kay working in the fern & moss garden, preparing it for composting. Jan did a nice job tidying the Scottish garden and we had Dr. Gredler here working on mulching with Bill (after his morning plant pick-up with Larry). Julie was over here today and we met Josh, another UW-Extension guy who will be helping Julie facilitate her youth and nutrition programs. Dr. Yahr was here today and we saw some others as well. I was pleased with our progress and the momentum continues. Two more plant trips tomorrow and two on Friday... Nice shot to the left of one of our ornamental locust trees (Robinia x slavinii 'Hilleri') in the fern & moss garden and to the right, is a nice combo of shasta daisy (Leucanthemum sp.) and 'Globemaster' ornamental onion (Allium). Despite the four acres of flower beds that we haven't planted yet with annuals, there is lots of color in the gardens and we've had many visitors. Marianne and I were agreeing that neither of us is having trouble finding samples to either photograph or include in the cutting display. Below is a shot of 'First Frost' hosta and I've been taking lots of hosta shots while the foliage is fresh, young and not yet nibbles by the slugs!.