We've chosen to feature marigolds (
Tagetes sp.) as our 2011 specialty collection. Over the years we've probably grown 40 or so varieties of this stalwart annual and have always been impressed with its toughness out in the garden. I imagine we plant 1,000 or so marigolds each spring representing a dozen varieties. In recent years, we've also featured many of the signet marigolds (
Tagetes tenuifolia) that have edible flower petals and have been included in all of our "ornamental edible" displays. While I've always personally liked the appearance of marigolds, I still have nightmares of my youthful days spent deadheading marigolds with my mom. She always had a nice patch along the side of the house and was religious with her commitment to pinching off spent blooms. At the end of the season, she would shake seeds down in to this bed and we had marigolds year after year (much to my chagrin). Perhaps that was my indoctrination in to the joys (and challenges) of gardening? While we don't have much time to pinch back the marigolds at RBG, we will enjoy featuring over 150 varieties of this annual in our demonstration beds this next summer. I could mention the various variety names featured in this blog but I'll just encourage everyone to visit next summer and see these and many more.
Today was sunny, clear and FRIGID. It was downright painful to be outside this morning. However, we did have a nice volunteer turnout. Marv joined Larry immediately to remove snow from
around the visitors center and in select locations along the route of the Holiday Lights Show (starts this Friday, 5-8:30pm). When they came back in, they needed some serious thawing out. I went out with Larry after break with the snowblowers and we finished clearing the paths. While there was a crust of ice (Saturday night's slush) underneath the fluff, it cleared nicely and we'll touch up the paths as needed this week keeping in mind there is more snow
predicted for Wednesday. Dick H. and Dick P. worked on cutting culvert pipe which created a decibel level that would rival a jet engine. I'll show pictures tomorrow of this project. Dr. Gredler was in to stain benches and Urban came in to prime the newly cut culvert pipes for their future as yellow, modern planters next year. The carpenters (Dave, Jim, Bob A. and Vern) worked on various projects but their priority is creating 35 wooden butterflies that will be part of our 2011 Art in the Garden project (similar to the daisies from this year). Their outline is nice and these will be available by February for a nominal entrance fee (more details to follow). Maury and Tom C. worked on some projects at the other building and Maury ran some errands for us as well. Bill came in to help Larry out in the horticulture center and we also saw Gary and Big John. It was a nice day to be inside. We'll see how the week progresses. The deer tracks out in the gardens are significant....
around the visitors center and in select locations along the route of the Holiday Lights Show (starts this Friday, 5-8:30pm). When they came back in, they needed some serious thawing out. I went out with Larry after break with the snowblowers and we finished clearing the paths. While there was a crust of ice (Saturday night's slush) underneath the fluff, it cleared nicely and we'll touch up the paths as needed this week keeping in mind there is more snow
predicted for Wednesday. Dick H. and Dick P. worked on cutting culvert pipe which created a decibel level that would rival a jet engine. I'll show pictures tomorrow of this project. Dr. Gredler was in to stain benches and Urban came in to prime the newly cut culvert pipes for their future as yellow, modern planters next year. The carpenters (Dave, Jim, Bob A. and Vern) worked on various projects but their priority is creating 35 wooden butterflies that will be part of our 2011 Art in the Garden project (similar to the daisies from this year). Their outline is nice and these will be available by February for a nominal entrance fee (more details to follow). Maury and Tom C. worked on some projects at the other building and Maury ran some errands for us as well. Bill came in to help Larry out in the horticulture center and we also saw Gary and Big John. It was a nice day to be inside. We'll see how the week progresses. The deer tracks out in the gardens are significant.... 
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