Rain On The Way

It looks like there is a chance of precipitation over the next six days or so. We could use the rain but the sporadic forecast might affect our activities out in the gardens which also includes the painting that Big John and Pat have been accomplishing recently. The recent rain has allowed us to remove weeds fairly well although that begs the question of whether or not we're removing weeds as fast as new ones are sprouting? Probably not! The top photo shows the light pink bloom cluster of the 'Toba' hawthorn (Crataegus x mordenensis) getting ready to open (near the observation pier). Many of our other hawthorns (Crataegus sp.) are starting to bloom as well. Directly above is the dark foliage of the 'Dark Towers' beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) in the English cottage garden. Our new volunteer, Lynn S., is doing a dynamite job keeping that garden clear of weeds and the perennials are quite prominent. This perennial (introduced by the University of Nebraska) will have tubular, light pink blooms in early summer and will reach a height of 36" or so. While I like the similar variety 'Husker's Red', this one seems superior in dark leaf coloration. Speaking of foliage, to the above right is the variegated foliage of the 'Stairway to Heaven' Jacob's ladder (Polemonium reptans). The pink highlights in spring will fade to a nice cream and the variegation offers interest well beyond the blue flowers in spring. We have lots of these throughout our woodland gardens and the foliage on these 18"-24" perennials is striking. To the left are the chalky blue stems of one of our hybrid false indigos (Baptisia hybrida). Most of our false indigos will be blooming within the week but the colorful stems really caught my eye as well. To the right is another species of quamash or camassia out in the gardens. I've recently featured the darker 'Blue Danube' camassia (Camassia leichtlinii) but this lighter blue Camassia cusickii has a nice, lighter, pastel blue look to the flower spikes (24" in height). Directly below are three of the eight grain selections that will be part of our Grains of the World collection out in the gardens. I went to our sign maker today to start the process of creating educational signage for this collection (organized by Janice) that will include eight economically important (and nutritious) grains. The selections include amaranth, pearl millet, quinoa, oats, teff, triticale, barley and sorghum. The next photo down displays the short but showy flower spires of the carpet bugle or bugleweed (Ajuga sp.). All bugleweeds are vigorous groundcovers that can become a nuisance but I feel they all have merit as tough groundcovers that can be neglected (and occasionally controlled).

We had another busy day out in the gardens. Big John and Larry jumped right in to mowing duties. John later connected with Pat for painting the back porch (behind the Rath Center). Pat cleaned up around the rose crescents in the French formal garden earlier in the day. Janice and Jenny (with some help from Pat) also took all of our plants outside for some fresh air and warmth. With evening high temperatures around 60 degrees F, we'll keep everything outside for now as many plants were languising inside the Horticulture Center. Janice and Jenny then both moved to weeding and clean-up projects in various areas. I was able to fertilize about 1/3 of our lawns and timing was perfect with the impending rain. I'll try to finish the remainder of the fertilizing during the dry spells this week. To the right is the orange spring foliage of the 'Sweet Tea' foamy bells (xHeucherella) in the shade garden. I'm a big fan of every foamy bell variety that I've met in the past and this one is no exception with those warm orange colors. To the left is the sub-tropical looking, copper-toned foliage of the Rodger's flower (Rodgersia podophylla 'Rotlaub'). This perennial, preferring rich soils and part shade, should be sending up some creamy flower plumes in the coming month or so. I enjoy the foliage of all Rodger's flower varieties as much as the flowers. Most of the spring bronzing will turn green by mid summer but the bold texture is certainly not lost.

Kay was in for some weeding duties near one of our entrance gates. She did a nice job cleaning up this nightmare area and this space looks the best it has in years. Ron K. continued his monumental weeding task in the woodland walk garden and has proven his worth very quickly! Del was in to do some mulching along the east end of the gardens. Dr. Gredler came in for some mowing duties and we also saw Maury, Dr. Yahr, Dick H., Gordy and many others. Rose and Urban stopped by and went out to water some of our newly planted trees. To the right is a close-up shot of a Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) bloom. They tend to get lost under the foliage so you have to look closely. Directly below are the blooms of the yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium) which is an uncommon small tree / large shrub with foliage like a mountain ash and very showy spring blooms. At the bottom is a "root box" that our carpenters just finished that will be installed in the Nancy Yahr Memorial Children's Garden shortly. Note the sliding green panels for checking out roots. We totally copied this design from the same structure I observed at Bookworm Gardens on the UW-Sheboygan campus (go visit!). I hope this works out. The challenge is making sure the green panels stay closed with the exception of observation time. I've seen too many root boxes that get algae, condensation and other substances that screen the intent of actually observing the roots.