Cool Stuff Coming Up Soon!

The crocus (Crocus sp.) to the left will have to worry about pounding rains and ultimately an untimely demise from area rodents. I think many bulbs are just as beautiful before they open up just like this. It feels like a cold, wet, October day today but there is no lack of work occuring today. Dr. Gredler has been alternating between painting and running loads of debris to the dump. He started aerating our lawns yesterday (albeit very early) and is chomping at the bit to get outside. Pat M. was in to paint as well. Bill went out in the gardens and cut back some more perennials and focused on collecting garbage that had accumulated along the curbline and parking lot. Larry spent the day working on our push mowers so they are ready to roll out this spring. Gary and Jenny were here to work on the new label maker and we also saw Maury, Charlie E., Kris and some others. I worked on my presentation for this upcoming symposium (running a bit late) and continue to promote our upcoming events while finalizing details for our busy symposium weekend. We also had a good meeting with Kelli, Maury, Hal, Gary and me.


The shot to the right is of the golden variegated sage (Salvia officinalis 'Aurea') which is a perennial for us although grown frequently as an annual. This is the sage that is used for a spice although this variety has a bit more interest in leaf coloration (regular garden sage is silver/green leaved). Why am I showing this? Well, because Patty Bailey from Patty's Plants Natural & Organic Garden Supply (Milton, WI) will be talking about Herb Gardening next Wednesday evening, March 30th from 6 pm until 8 pm at the RBG Parker Education Center. This promises to be a fun lecture and the fee is $5 for the public and free for all RBG members. On April 7th, Janice Peterson will present Heirlooms, Hybrids & History from 7 pm until 8 pm at the RBG Parker Education Center. Janice is a RBG grounds staff member as well as a member of the Rock Prairie Master Gardener Association (which hosts her lecture and five others). This talk is free for RPMGA and RBG members and $5 for everyone else. I'm sure tomatoes [see 'Jolly' below (picture from All-America Selections)] will be part of the discussion. Very soon, we are also selling bagged mushroom compost (see bottom picture) for $5.50 per bag (plus tax) with each bag measured at 1.5 cubic feet or 45 lbs. RBG Friends members get 10% off. The compost sale starts Saturday, April 2nd (8 am -noon) and is held at the Horticulture Center. The sale will continue every Saturday thru April and May.