Weed'n & Plant'n

The weather progressed through mist, sunshine, showers, sunshine, rain and then sunshine today. I was happy for more precipitation for sure and we had enough gaps in the rain to accomplish a lot of tasks. A nice rain like we've had over the past two days allows us to avoid running irrigation for many days. This, in turn, allows us to spend more time on other important tasks like weeding and planting. I had a presentation (The Gardens of Vancouver) for the Blackhawk Golden Kiwanis Club this morning which went well although it was pouring rain when I came back outside. It's a fun group and four of our Grumpies (Dick P., Dick H., Dick K. and Maury) are all members of this group as well. Above is the 'Globemaster' ornamental onion (Allium sp.) which is peaking right now. We had another strong day of volunteerism and the grounds staff drifted between various projects. As I loaded up some plants to haul out in the gardens, I photographed just some of our fun coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) varieties seen below...

Cheryl worked on weeding our front garden bed which is right along the frontage road. I hope to get that planted soon! Cindy shifted lots of plants from greenhouses to the yard, watered later and had some other tidying duties in various locations. Big John and Terry did a wide range of tasks but their focus was on locating and installing the posts for our garden art projects ("Nature Nooks") this year. Finding the right spot is key and the guys did a nice job and will locate more tomorrow and Friday. I was able to place plants for installation and tried to keep up with some other projects as time allowed.

'Raspberry Tart' coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)

'Hottie' coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)

'Sunset Boulevard' coleus (Solenostemon scutellariodes) - Main Street Series

'Neptune's Net' coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) - Under the Sea Series

Above are Kathy and Eva (right) back in the sunken garden for weeding which has been quite a battle. The ladies finished weeding which was a triumph in this challenging area! The ladies also planted a lot of coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) in that garden and we focused on planting areas that they just cleared of weeds. The ladies got a bit wet with the showers but are tough as nails. Kay was in for a good portion of the day too working on some prime real estate (weeding/tidying) near the main parking lot. Pat C. was helpful with some clerical duties this morning and continued organizing our surplus perennial signs (which is no small task). Gary spent some major time on signs and labels and cleaned the engraver which is now working like a charm. Below (left to right) are Myrt, Mary, Patty (new volunteer) and Gena. This "Quality Quartet" weeded and tidied our demonstration garden (future Elephant Ear Collection) and moved on to other areas as well. Roy (second photo down) planted and weeded in the shade garden and we had both Dr. Gredler (fourth photo down) and Bill in for mowing and some lawn aeration between rain drops. Larry H. finished lifting tulips in front of the building and Marv continued his improvements in the moss garden areas. Vern worked on carpentry projects and Pat M. did some nice painting on our new Adirondack chairs. My daughter, Dejanique (third photo down) did a nice job weeding and collecting debris in the gazebo garden. We also saw Rollie, Audrey, Dick P., Dick H., Trevor, Mary D., Maury, Dr. Yahr and many others today.