April Windchill Factor

The wind was again howling today with temperatures barely reaching 50 degrees F. It was a lot colder on the west side of the gardens near the pond! While this isn't unusual for April, we're all hoping for a prompt return to warmer spring temperatures soon. There was still plenty of color in the gardens today like the marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris) seen above and the photos further below were taken today. While I only ventured briefly out in to the gardens, the grounds staff all had outdoor duties as well as some indoor tasks. Cheryl and Cindy potted up many of our cannas and elephant ears (Colocasia esculenta) that were stored over the winter months. They did a nice job potting up a couple hundred items including some delivered plants. The ladies then moved to outdoor gardening tasks with Cheryl doing tidying and planting and Cindy working on tidying and mulching. Janice worked on special events like the plant sale, pansy sale and headed out in the gardens for tidying and the cutting display. John and Terry continued work on preparing an area for the relocation of the wishing well (originally in the center of the Nancy Yahr Memorial Children's Garden). The guys also helped prepare other elements for installation out in the gardens like obelisks and our giant rulers for the Alphabet Jungle Garden. Larry finished his preparations on the sunken garden pool which is up and running. I had myriad meetings and completed some desk work as well.

hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) are still looking and smelling good

variegated Jacob's ladder (Polemonium reptans 'Stairway to Heaven') emerging

'Pink Frost' hellebore (Helleborus x ballardiae)

'Peppermint Ice' hellebore (Helleborus sp.)

The images of volunteers in today's blog are actually from yesterday, like Alan M. seen above painting the giant Adirondack chair! The other photos below are referenced as well. Today we had Kathy come in for some solid weeding near the North point garden where she eradicated the first wave of thistles coming up in many locations. Peg was in to troubleshoot our registers for the looming Spring Plant Sale and Dr. Gredler was out spreading grass seed for a bit. Bob C. did some mulching and Vern was in for carpentry projects. Our Horticultural Therapy Committee met later and included Janice, Elaine, Darcie, Karen, Ellie, Lois and Art. Bill O. was in for some painting duties as well.