Dry Winds

Today was one of the windiest days we've experienced in quite some time! With temperatures reaching 90 degrees F today and these brutal winds, watering became a priority very quickly. Larry ran some irrigation but it was almost pointless with the strong winds. Our volunteer group was very strong this morning and we were able to do some serious planting immediately. Our intent was to focus on planting in the morning and catch up with the watering (which we did). The top photo shows Suzy planting one of the eight formal annual sections this morning (note her fashionable knee pad and boot combo). She was joined by Mary R., Marilyn and Karen. Glenna (directly above) worked nearby and cut back bulb foliage (Colchicum autumnale). The ladies made quick work of their first project and moved on to additional planting near the gazebo. To the right is what I believe to be the darkest leaf stonecrop (Sedum). This is 'Postman's Pride' sedum (Sedum hybrida) from Belgium and it is quite dark, particularly in full sun. The pink flower clusters come later in the season but this dark foliage is quite striking, particularly with neighboring plants for contrast. To the left are the showy flower plumes of the 'Ivory Silk' Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata). We have a nice specimen in the Japanese garden that is just staring to peak.

Shirley as in today and worked with Jenny on clearing weeds and bulb foliage in various locations. Janice worked with some students from Clinton High School this morning. Known as the "Green Team", the students (and their teacher), did a great job clearing three large beds of bulb foliage and weeds. They later planted annuals out in the terrace garden and were very motivated workers (see the two photos below). We also had Bob C. and Ron B. working on tidying up paths. Dr. Gredler was in for some projects and Dr. Yahr helped plant this morning as well. Bev D. and Deb G. spent some time putting up signs for the oak leaf garden art projects. We have a couple more leaves to install out in the gardens but we've already had some nice comments about the leaves that have been placed. To the right is the foliage of the variegated Northern sea oats grass (Chasmanthium latifolium 'River Mist') which I like a lot. This grass will ultimately form "oat-like" seed heads that are quite showy in the garden or arrangement. Aside from being windswept all day, the grounds staff kept busy. Big John did some small projects this morning then hit the road for a plant pick-up (Ahren's Acres, Brodhead, WI). John moved to some major watering and composting late in the day. Pat cleared bulb foliage, fertilized and tidied up the roses and later painted in the gazebo. Jenny cleared bulb foliage (with Shirley), watered and spent some time matching labels to the newly arrived plants. Her timing is perfect so these flats will go out with their labels at the time of planting. Janice, after working with the "Green Team" mentioned above, spent the remainder of the day hand watering. To the right is the 'Misty Lace' goatsbeard (Aruncus hybrida). As much as I like the standard goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus), it has an imposing height around 4'-5'. 'Misty Lace' is smaller-statured at 24" and is is perfect for the mid-border. It certainly doesn't sacrifice anything for bloom power....! To the left is one of the foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea 'Foxy') in the herb garden. I really like foxgloves and should really use more of them. Larry kept sprinklers moving around all day and did a nice job rototilling the reception garden which is our "target garden" for planting this weekend at the Volunteer Workday (8 am until 12 noon). I placed plants for most of the morning and was glad to see that we planted three areas nicely. Of course we had to catch up with watering and that will be our order of business tomorrow as well. To the lower right are the dainty pink blooms and blue foliage of the alpine pinks (Dianthus subacaulis 'Gary Eichhorn') in the terrace garden. Further below is the maroon bloom of the variegated red scabious (Knautia macedonica 'Thunder & Lightning'). The bloom is just opening but you can see hints of the crisp, creamy variegation on this long-blooming perennial. I like the standard green version (Knautia macedonica) for a long bloom time and plenty of flower power but this variegated variety is a bit more "refined." At the bottom is the original, tough and beautiful Knockout rose (Rosa 'Radrazz') that is such an eye catcher in bloom (also early this year!).