Gloom, Rain, Sun

Nice shot of fountain plant or summer poinsettia above (Amaranthus tricolor 'Early Splendor'). The leaves of this plant are edible (taste like spinach) and the youngest, most colorful growth has the most flavor. What a nice "ornamental edible". I was able to get some good photos out in the garden today with overcast skies and a threat of rain that only materialized very briefly. We had a great Grumpy day and continue to accomplish much around the gardens. See the fountain plant (Amaranthus tricolor) varieties of 'Aurora' (yellow highlights) and 'Illumination' beneath that image.
Marv & Marianne are off all week with a well-deserved vacation. Terry watered, weeded and fertilized between slight drizzle and rain while Little Jerry worked on pruning and path clean-up. Rotary Gardens has over 40 large cottonwood (Populus deltoides) specimens around the gardens that are quite messy not only during "cotton set" in summer but their leaves tend to drop early which is happening now. We collect leaves from our paths almost daily at this point in time and unfortunately the leaves also wreak havoc on our water features. Larry worked on these water features this morning as the leaves can clog up our pumps. He also ran irrigation and bounced around as a general "trouble shooter". Dick P, Dick H., John and Rollie all worked on the fence and may finish most of it up this week. They are sure doing a nice job. Ron and Bill collected debris from the paths and were joined by Ed, Ron and Gene once they were done with other projects. The carpenters worked on obelisks and Maury helped here and there as needed. Dr. Yahr spent some time down in the wishing well garden as well. Great turnout and we even saw Janice on her off day working on volunteer stuff. Nancy and Joyce were my expert weeders today and did a nice job as usual. See todays shots below of the formal gardens, sunken garden, reception garden, fern & moss garden and an annual bed featuring cardoon (Cynara cardunculus), wooly sage (Salvia argentea) and dwarf morning glory (Convolvulus tricolor 'Ensign Blue').