Emails Abound

Above is a laser engraver up at Olbrich Botanical Gardens (Madison, WI) that they use for their plant labels and other signage needs. This is an impressive operation and Robert (at Olbrich) does a nice job with their labeling program. I show this because a recent, generous grant should allow us to purchase one of these with the intent of upgrading our existing labels over the next couple of years. I've been sending out many emails today looking for additional sources of revenue that might help us purchase all the additional materials required for this labeling upgrade (labels, stakes, etc.). I think I sent a record number of emails today as I'm trying to address many issues that would be quite difficult to make time for in March, this laser engraver included. Should be a pretty sweet set up once purchased, installed, understood and utilized.

The catalogs I'm showing here today are smaller operations but with great offerings, many of which are organic. I truly believe in patronizing the smaller operations and we've obtained quality seed from both places. High Mowing Seeds (Vermont) has some great vegetable varieties and offers 100% Certified Organic Seeds (since 1996) and some nice gardening supplies as well (http://www.highmowingseeds.com/). The Natural Gardening Company (California) is the oldest certified organic nursery in the United States (http://www.naturalgardening.com/). They offer the perfect mix of veggies, flowers, herbs and some tools/supplies too. Definitely worth taking a look at both nurseries. Don't just patronize the goliaths with their fancy catalogs!
Larry and Bill came in today and took care of all the snow removal (we had 5" of fluff). Dick H. was kind enough to plow our lot as he usually does and Dr. Gredler was in working on his trash bin painting project. We saw Maury, Bill O. and Sue M. today as well. Aside from my copius emails, I worked on seed ordering which will need to be 90% of my focus next week. Nice shot above of one section of our iris collection last spring near the arboretum. That's Marianne tending the collection and it looks like Kay zipping by on a cart in the background. Marianne has done a great job keeping 500+ irises healthy (and organized). We can't wait to see this collection this spring (more on that later!). Below is a close up of bearded iris (Iris germanica 'American Master') shot by Tim, one of our volunteer photographers. Inspiring shot.