Blooms Abound

I had a nice walk around the gardens today and it is always with mixed emotions this time of year. Snowdrop (Galanthus sp.) above are always encouraging but the combination of a messy garden after winter can also be discouraging. The deer damage truly was significant and we have lots of poop to clean-up around the gardens. If only we could train them to poop in select spots and not on paths, patios, etc....We had another nice day today (albeit overcast) with Marianne working on fern labels (see below) and Janice coming in later to work on the spring plant sale and her biodegradable pot display. Urban was out pruning all morning while Jerry helped prune, picked up debris and other tasks. Larry worked on bringing in some of the last cords of the lights show. Marv and Terry did a nice job bringing in all the stakes from the show and even some displays. Del was out picking up bough coverings from our roses and Dr. Gredler went out to repair turf after finishing his last painted obelisk. Much to his chagrin, we are bringing in more obelisks for water seal treatment. Dick H. worked on our culvert pipes and the dump truck. He is as handy as they come with vehicles and just about anything. The carpenters continued on their arch work and for some insight in to their complex arch sanding project, see below. Jim and Bob A. rotated the arch as Dave sanded. Vern is way in the back of the image, still cutting away at arch 3 of 3. Today was also busy as we had LP Tree Service (Janesville) come and remove a large Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) that has been dropping branches more frequently and has become quite hazardous. Due to its location however, the guys had to get a crane in to move pieces safely away from workers, structures and other important trees. They run a efficient operation and we were darn impressed. See below. Beneath those shots are some snippets taken today of crocus (Crocus sp.), Danford iris (Iris danfordiae), winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) and Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) respectively.