Spring in 32 Days!?

Big John and his wife Jackie sent me this picture (above) yesterday of a nice shot of the gardens from a small plane their son was flying. I hope they'll do some low-level summer shots too!Despite the warm temperatures, we still have some snow although that may all disappear shortly with highs in the 50 degrees F tomorrow! I was looking at the calendar and I can't believe how fast this winter has gone. I'll need to get out in the gardens shortly to assess deer damage and start preparing for very early work out in the gardens, particularly involving the new North Point garden and the Japanese garden waterfall renovations. I'm finishing my seed orders this week and Marianne and I will organize them shortly by their final destination (our growers). I also have some upcoming presentations looming including one on annuals at Olbrich next Thurs. night, February 24th. I wont replicate my Garden Expo talk on annuals as I am careful not to offer the identical presentation to an audience that may include those that have previously seen that topic.

Larry and Bill spent most of the day cleaning up and servicing our garden vehicles which is vital particularly in winter. Kay was here today to work on processing more plant sale labels and both Marianne and Janice were also here to work on some of their projects. We had a productive education committee meeting (Chris, Dave, Karen, Scott, Mary Kay, Mary, Bev, Janice and Jane) this morning and look forward to a great year of educational offerings. Otherwise, it was pretty quiet at the Horticulture Center but it wont be long before things are buzzing along (probably tomorrow with such nice weather!).

We're excited to have Dave Wanninger from Beaver Creek Nursery coming to the gardens next Wednesday evening (Feb. 23) to present the topic of Woody Plants. The presentation will be held at the Parker Education Center from 6 pm until 8 pm and is guaranteed to be educational, inspirational and entertaining. RBG members can come for free with other attendees requiring a $5 donation. This will be the second of twelve evening lectures at the gardens. However, there are also six other evening opportunities that were organized by the Rock Prairie Master Gardener Association (RPMGA). The first talk is on March 3rd from 7 pm - 8 pm at the Parker Education Center. The talk is on "The Right Tool for the Right Place". Admission is free for RPGMA and RBG members with others being asked for a $5 donation. Two great opportunities coming up. Below is 'Little Lamb' panicled hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) which may be one Dave covers. I'm sure he'll address hydrangeas and a plethora of other goodies.