Maintaining Momentum

I was very pleased with all of the progress today. The morning had some drizzle but the weather quickly cleared and warmed up, making it another perfect day for gardening and setting up the holiday lights show. Our momentum has been maintained and progress is evident daily. Nice shot above of a weeping larch (Larix x marschlinsii 'Varied Directions') getting it's golden color before the needles fall (decidious conifer). Kay came in today and continued clearing perennials, collecting leaves, weeding, etc. in the color rooms and we'll utilize her talents yet again on Friday. Urban pruned crabapple suckers today which is an annual endeavor. He does a nice job and wont run out of work anytime soon. Dr. Gredler ran loads to the dump and continued collecting leaves. He finished the last of his 2009 turf mowing today and his efforts are so much appreciated (by staff and visitors alike). We also saw Vern and appreciate Jumbo Jim bringing down 4 RECAPPERS to finish planting our last 2,000 spring blooming bulbs. They did a nice job (see the shot below of all the bulbs layed out in their yellow mesh bags). The shot to the left is in the fern & moss garden although the mossy plant is golden pearlwort or Irish moss (Sagina subulata 'Aurea') that still looks great (not a true moss). To the right is the fall foliage of the smooth witherod viburnum (Viburnum nudum 'Winterthur'). It's nice to see this beacon of red after most other red fall color woodies have already dropped their leaves.
Marianne worked on stringing out our C7 luminary bulbs most of the day. This is not easy as we also have to consider the proximity of power for these and there are close to 2,000 luminaries that need to be ready to go shortly. Jenny may come and help finish with Marianne. Marv and Terry tilled and prepped the bed you see above before the RECAPPERS came to plant bulbs (tulips and alliums). They then did some major decorating in the English cottage garden among other duties related to lights show set-up. Marv and Terry put up over 50% of the lights show which is extraordinary and not common knowledge. Little Jerry worked on pruning/tidying in the parking lot islands and in front of the Parker Education Center. I strung more cords and helped get other projects set-up. LP Tree Service sent four guys down today to help put up lights with their bucket trucks. They are such a great supporter and will be back later to finish the portion of the show that they have historically set-up for us. A great day made better by seeing the blooms of the field scabious (Knautia arvensis) in the Scottish garden, below that the fall color of moor grass (Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Skyracer'), the bright needles of the golden lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia 'Chief Joseph') and a nice shot of the Japanese garden which looks great year-round.