Grumpettes

I've probably featured the plant above three times now this summer. It sure does attract the eye (and camera!) though. This is summer poinsettia or fountain plant (Amaranthus tricolor 'Early Splendor') and while there are other varieties with different foliage colors, this one really glows. This is also an ornamental edible with nutritious leaves. Today was the "day of the Grumpettes" as we had a great group of volunteer ladies out in the gardens today. Shirley was in to weed in the reception garden while Ruth and Mary J. came back for a repeat performance (from yesterday) of weeding in the North American garden. Marilyn, Suzy and Janet did a nice job weeding in the woodland walk which was in dire need of attention. Other volunteer ladies included Doris who worked with her "better half", Hal, on the corner planting after weeding many other areas. We also saw Geesje who again brought in some yummy treats for break. Shirley gave Geesje a cart tour so she could see how things were progressing out in the gardens. To the above right is more interesting foliage on the variegated ebony plant (Pseuderanthemum atropurpureum 'Texas Tri-Star'). The variegation has become more pronounced thru the summer (thankfully) as these weren't real interesting when we received them in spring. To the left is another annual salvia (Salvia coccinea 'Coral Nymph') which is a strong performer in our pink-themed reception garden this year. The butterflies and hummingbirds seem to enjoy these blooms equally.

The Grumpies accomplished many tasks this morning. Dennis and Ron B. did some mulching and spread woodchips around the rear yard in preparation for the mums that will be coming in for the sale in three weeks. Our new volunteer, Suray (spelling?), helped them as well. Ron and Bob C. worked on regraveling the English cottage garden and taking down tents. Dick H. repaired a table and worked on some other projects while Jim, Vern and Bob A. continued working on a specialized obelisk project. Dr. Gredler was in to mow and we also saw Dr. Yahr, Kelli, Kris, Bev and many others. Jumbo Jim was in with two RECAPPERS to tidy up in the Japanese garden which is much appreciated. To the right is the 'Red Kuri' winter squash (Cucurbita maxima) which will eventually ripen to a bright orange-red. This squash looks like an "unridged" pumpkin and is high in fiber and contains vitamins A,B,C, calcium, potassium, iron, riboflavin, thiamine and high levels of beta-carotene. This squash is reported to have a mild, chestnut flavor. Below is the start of the blooms for the native, American spikenard (Aralia racemosa) in the gazebo garden. These bloom "spheres" (1" in diameter) will open further in to a wispy mass that once pollinated, will form small purple berries. This perennial is huge (5' tall) with large leaves and a subtropical appearance. I've been getting some nice butterfly photos from our volunteer photographers. From Santos (above) is a great shot taken in the gardens. Mike M. and Phil P. from UWEX identified it as the common buckeye (Junonia coenia). Here it is pictured on one of our heliotropes (Heliotropium sp.). Santos has extreme patience with waiting for the perfect shot and not only contributes great butterfly shots but also has caught some awesome hummingbird and heron shots at RBG as well. Tina B. sent me some shots today of some butterflies that I'll feature tomorrow. Tina has also done a great job photographing the entire marigold (Tagetes) collection. Some years we've seen very few butterflies but this year seems to have a good population which is always nice to observe and enjoy.

The grounds staff had myriad projects today. Janice helped coordinate all the morning volunteers and helped weed in the woodland walk garden as well. She also helped with Suray's orientation and is frequently the second "point of contact" for new grounds volunteers after our volunteer coordinator, Lori, initially meets with them. Big John worked on digging out some huge pokeweed (Phytollaca americana) which have been reseeding around the gardens. He also worked on mulching, fertilizing, watering and some other projects. Larry ran irrigation, repaired a broken irrigation head, watered containers and ran out for some supplies. I had some meetings and cut out a little early today. Our staff meeting this morning included a nice little trip out in to the gardens to see the new North Point garden (looking awesome) and the Japanese garden improvements (almost complete!). Tomorrow we'll do our Friday preparations for weddings and weekend visitors. Below is another one of Santos' shots. This is the Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) and we're seeing lots of them right now. I do think that our minimal chemical use policy at RBG does play a factor in making the gardens a safe haven for butterflies but of course, Japanese beetles are fairly safe here too....UGH.