Almost Frosty

Above is the Lavender Twist redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Covey') in full bloom. I love this form and it's situated nicely overlooking the zig-zag bridge and if you look in the upper right of that photo (from today), you'll see the observation pier in the distance. The redbuds look spectacular right now and we're transitioning from the magnolias to crabapples (Malus) and lilacs (Syringa) for flower power out in the gardens. While the tulips are past peak, they should look good thru the week and we're seeing the start of ornamental onions (Allium) out in the garden too.

Today was our clearance (25% off) for the spring plant sale and we saw steady traffic throughout the day. We ran the sale from 8 am until 6 pm and did sell quite a few more plants. Another big thank you to the volunteers that helped today on short notice (Margaret, Gene, Mary, Roy, Karen and Maggie) and to Marianne and Janice for putting in yet another day at this event. After today, surplus perennials go back to the supplier and we'll find other outlets for the remainder of the plants. Many will go out in the gardens and overall, we feel the sale went quite well. To the right is one of the groundcover spurges (Euphorbia cyparissias 'Fen's Ruby') which has chartreuse flowers in late spring and nice blue/green foliage as well. This plant "naturalizes" and in warmer climates, is considered by many to be quite invasive. I'm seeing it "move" around and we're keeping a close eye on it. It does have some nice visual impact though, particularly right now. To the above left is the silver-patterned foliage of yellow archangel or deadnettle (Lamiastrum galeobdolon 'Herman's Pride') which will have yellow flowers along the stems very shortly. This is a clumping variety although there is a running version of this species ('Variegatum') that should be avoided as it really spreads like wildfire! To the right is the maroon-tinged foliage of the red barrenwort (Epimedium x rubrum) which still has some spring flowers but the clean foliage is quite fetching as well. I can't say enough about barrenworts for part shade and as tough groundcovers (non-spreading). Below is a shot (from underneath with some natural backlighting) of the emerging leaves of the tricolor European beech (Fagus sylvatica 'Roseo-Marginata') that is always a showstopper. Our specimen is about 12' tall (slow grower) and I hope visitors in 100 years will appreciate a much larger specimen and what those unique leaves have to offer the viewer.It was another busy day around the gardens. The overnight low temperature was about 36 degrees F which prompted us to protect many plants last night. Tonight, we're doing the same protection (row covers, bringing plants inside, etc.) as temperatures may get down to 35 degrees F. We saw some minor "tinging" of some plants that were outside last night but no obvious fatalities. I think we're "in the clear" after tonight and will continue to fill the yard with all of our incoming "goodies".

We had a productive morning for both staff and Grumpies. Terry ran off immediately for plants and came back with a full load. He later joined Marv who was working with Rollie, Urban, Pat and Ron W. on excavating an area behind a retaining wall that needed some fabric and other modifications. Pat and Ron had previously cleaned up a pathway and all four guys finished the morning by putting up some netting for Janice on the Horticulture Center vining supports. See the guys to the right. This netting should help our squash collection which will be seeded in very shortly. Del and Bob C. did a nice job spreading woodchip mulch around the sunken garden which is a arduous job due to accessability issues. Bob A., Vern and Jim continued some carpentry projects while Dick H. and Dick P. replaced a mangled fence section (deer damage from last night) and worked on repairing our water fountain. Tom C. helped Dick P. while Dick H. ran to the dump. Dr. Yahr helped with the earlier digging project and Dr. Gredler was out doing his Monday morning mowing rounds. Gary was in to work on labels for a bit and we had Winifred and Mary Q. out weeding/tidying in the gazebo garden. They did a great job and we look forward to having more volunteers pop by to keep up with these crazy weeds (and planting)!!! Karen M. was out tidying up the Japanese garden and Little Jerry popped by the plant sale too. We also saw Kelli, Lori, Sue M. and many others and also welcomed Dennis, a new Grumpy. Big John watered all our containers and did a swell job preparing our front sign area for planting. Larry helped out here and there and did a round of weedwhipping out in the gardens. Janice (above left) and Marianne facilitated the sale although both were able to break away for some other duties. I spent time in meetings and am organizing plants by general location so we can get moving with our planting. We'll probably install perennials tomorrow but have some "post plant sale" tasks as well. Nice shot of an ornamental onion (Allium 'Purple Sensation') just starting to open (above right). I love this stage for any plant and the wave of alliums out in the gardens will be very significant. Nice shot below of 'Orange Marmalade' hosta and at the bottom is Deb G. with her grandson who helped plant the small garden in front of the Horticulture Center with Janice yesterday.