A Job Well Done

Janice and John's presentation on The Right Tool for the Right Job went very well last night. It was informative, educational and there was some comic relief provided as well (mainly by John but Janice had some good zingers too). Mary Kay had put together some nice images promoting participation in the Master Gardener program and there were some in the audience that expressed interest in that opportunity. There were 34 attendees to this "first of six" lecture series provided by the Rock Prairie Master Gardener Association (RPMGA). Janice and John demonstrated well over 60 different tools that we use here at the gardens and it was nice to hear comments, experiences and recommendations from the crowd as well. RBG didn't miss the opportunity to sell from tools from the gift shop where Joy was positioned. The next lecture of this series will be on April 7th (7 pm - 8 pm) and is entitled Heirlooms, Hybrids and History. Janice will be presenting this topic which has always been an interest of hers and should be a wonderful opportunity to come hear more on this subject. I spent the morning running over 500 seed packets to two of our area growers. We obtain the seed for our vegetable varieties offered at the spring plant sale but also have over 80% of our annuals grown from seed that we select and order from over 40 seed vendors. It's nice to be able to dabble with so many varieties and RBG is fortunate to have four growers that are willing to dedicate time, bench space and support to our program of growing so many varieties when I'm sure it's not always cost effective to get involved with so many varieties in smaller quantities. Locally grown is the way to go and our growers/friends have been helping us out for over 14 years! Regardless, It was nice to talk to our growers and get our plan of attack ready for spring. The marigold (Tagetes) collection (variety 'Golden Gate' shown below) was delivered as well.

Urban came in to clean up some pruning debris and Dr. Gredler was in to run a load to the dump and load up the next in line. I also saw Jody, Maury, Barb, Polly, Bill and Big John was over earlier. Next week will be quite busy. Our new Executive Director, Kelli Cameron, will be starting on Monday and we're all excited to have her as part of the RBG family. Kelli and I will be interviewing for the Education Coordinator position early in the week and I then have to speak at the Chicago Flower Show on Thursday (Ornamental Edible Containers) and will travel over to the Windy City (Navy Pier) with Ed Lyon, Dave Wanninger and John B. Ed and Dave are also giving presentations. There is no shortage of tasks this time of year. DO check out our website for all the cool things coming up this spring.