The deluge continued last night all the way through the late morning today. At one point, I couldn't imagine more rain coming down at one time than what was pounding the gardens. Above is the third day in a row that this primary path has been flooded. The water does ultimately drain away but we haven't had much of a break from the rain over the past six days. While the rain abated late in the morning, the sky was still overcast and it was relatively cool, windy (but still sticky with humidity). The sun did emerge by early afternoon though. The next two photos down (from today) also show some of the ponding and washouts. The fact that the gardens are built on an old sand and gravel quarry really is beneficial for quick drainage and we're not suffering like many of those with heavier soils. The third photo down shows the first storm passing over the formal gardens.
The day started with a full crew of Terry, Big John, Cindy, Cheryl, Pat and myself. With pounding rain and limited indoor projects, the gang took off and saved their hours for future garden work which will certainly include garden clean-up later in the week. I thought I offered a viable and fun indoor project for the gang when I suggested that we start testing and repairing lights for the Holiday Lights Show.... I think that prompted the "death stares" and subsequent departures! :) I don't think the potential for rain is over quite yet but my tour of the gardens today didn't reveal significant damage. Our pond level is still ok although there are some muddy paths and washouts on some of the sloped gravel paths. I did see some visitors in the gardens late this morning but I was on my own most of the day and trudged through more desk work (including bills!, ugh). I had some volunteers stop by including Dr. Gredler, Dr. Yahr, Julie G., Mary W., Dick P., Dick H., Dave T. Dorothy T., Deb G. and Maury. Below are some colorful shots from today (identified under each image). With a nice warm up and some dry days, the gardens should really be lush and colorful although the weeds will respond just as well!
'Pretty Belinda' yarrow (Achillea) in the formal gardens
'Dark Towers' beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) in the North Point garden
'Climax' plantain lily (Hosta) in the gazebo garden (HUGE!)
'All Gold' Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) cascading from rock wall gaps near fern & moss garden
'Prichard's Variety' milky bellflower (Campanula lactiflora) in the sunken garden (4' tall!)
'Ringsabell Mulberry Rose' hybrid bellflower (Campanula hybrida) in the English cottage garden
pale coneflower (Echinacea pallida) in the prairie
butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) in the prairie
close-up of above
shoreline patrol cruising the pond
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