Bonus Day Outside

The forecast earlier this week called for a rainy day today but we were all happy to enjoy a sunny and mild day with the rain coming later in the evening. Unfortunately the weather prediction also includes very strong winds up to 40 mph which might affect some elements of the Holiday Light Show (HLS). We had a very productive day out in the gardens and the HLS is now 92.3% set up and we have 89.5% of the cords out as well. We'll test this event next week and hope that we don't have to contend with any rain throughout the duration of the light show. We had some excellent volunteer assistance today as well. Nice fall color on the Fireball burning bush (Euonymus alatus 'Select') seen above. Burning bushes are spreading seed far and wide in many States which is a big problem particularly in woodlands. However, few can dispute the beauty of peak fall color for this species.

'All Gold' golden Hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra) - perennial

'Bloodgood' Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) leaves on American ginger (Asarum canadense)

inflorescences of a maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis, unknown variety) - perennial

silvery backing on the leaves of white poplar (Populus alba 'Fialaspire')

Our volunteers made great progress today. Above (left to right) are Eva, Kathy and Dave. This trio did a great job collecting the leaves along the woodland walk garden where they have accumulated. Dr. Gredler (directly below) was in for some mowing and Dick P. was checking on some memorial bricks and made a very timely run for more drop cords for today. John J. and Steve L. came to hang more icicle lights in the Japanese garden and we also saw Gary, Chuck and many others today.

Dr. Gredler above still mulching leaves

It's been nice having Bob K. (above) on the grounds staff this fall as he has done an excellent job with a wide range of projects and is extremely handy. His background as an electrician has been advantageous as well. Today he worked on HLS projects and the installation of some nice night lighting in front of the Parker Education Center. Cindy worked primarily on gardening as her quest to place the last half gallon milk jug luminary has been successfully completed. Larry H. hung a lot more lights today and ran quite a few cords. Big John and Terry installed signs out in the HLS, secured more trees, put up lights and finished getting our displays in place. I ran cords and should be done by Monday! More interest from the November garden can be seen below and throughout this blog (and previous ones!).