March Showers Bring April...What?

I have "irises on the brain" as I've gone thru many of the photos that our volunteers took this past spring. Many of the previous postings that included iris shots were of bearded iris (Iris germanica) although the shot above is of 'Simon Says', a Siberian iris (Iris siberica) that is also part of the collection. We have about 40 Siberian iris and an assortment of other "non-bearded" irises as part of the collection as well. Siberians really need adequate moisture, particularly during their bloom window. Our iris photographers (Kay, Judy, Sandy, Christine, Robin, Tim, Sue, Nancy, Tina, Laurie, Joanne, Dave and Steve) did a great job although we're counting on another comprehensive spring shoot this year as well. Many of our irises didn't bloom last year but should be good to go this spring. Check out the bearded iris 'Easy Being Green' to the left. Neat.

Another great turnout despite the intermittent drizzle and rain thru most of the morning. Marv and Terry went out to bring back displays while Jerry and Urban were out pruning and collecting debris. Larry was out for a bit too but everyone came in once it really started coming down. I'm not saying I prefer snow but the "warm" rains are really getting things sprouting early which is always a concern. Marianne worked most of the day on her fern labels while Janice was here working on memorial tree signs and her biodegradable pot display (which is turning out to be really cool). Bill came in later to go out on ornamental grass cutting duty and will get much of it done before we get more cold weather. Dave, Jim, Bob and Vern continued on their arch work and we saw Dave J., Richard, Big John and Polly over here today too. Aside from enjoying iris photos today, I've finished more plant orders and am working on getting ready for various spring projects. We hope to renovate the sitting area around our 'Dialogue' sculpture area and I've included a photo-progression below of the history of that popular art piece at RBG. Designed, created and installed by O.V. ("Verne") Shaffer from Beloit, the full name of this piece is 'Dialogue, World Peace Thru Friendship". Standing over 20' tall and weighing one ton, this is one of the largest sculptures in Janesville. Mr. Shaffer's work (1,200+ pieces) can be seen around the country and we're lucky to have two pieces (the other one being 'Biota' on the southeast end of the gardens). 'Dialogue' was dedicated to international peace and friendship and continues to be a focal point at the gardens. Note the original shine and the inevitable patina over the years. A 1950 graduate of Beloit College, Mr. Shaffer continues to productive with his art and if you "search" the Beloit College website with 'O.V. Shaffer', you'll see some neat info regarding this man. I tried to "cut and paste" the link but it didn't work. Regardless, 'Dialogue' continues to be an important part of the gardens and we'll look forward to renovating the wall and beds around this important piece of art.