Balmy and Beautiful

Although the picture above (another from Santos) was not taken today, it was recently featured in the Janesville Gazette. Santos has as many nice wildlife shots in the gardens as he does of the flowers. He caught this crane perfectly with the arched bridge in the distance. Santos is great with hummingbirds as well. Today was beautiful with sun and 60 degrees F. We had some guys working on retucking the mortar on our koi pond (leaking) and Mary came in to do some clean-up around the gardens. Urban and Jerry did some pruning/debris hauling and Dr. Gredler became reacquainted with our dump truck as he took six loads of winter debris, prunings, etc. to the dump (which opened early this year yesterday). Larry worked on vehicles and some odds and ends and Jenny was in to work on labels. We also saw Bob, Doug, Chuck, Carol and Paul today. Small crew but lots accomplished. I've put the general "call out" for volunteers to come help with early clean-up this week before things get sour. Nice shot below of winter adonis (Adonis amurensis) in full bloom in the gazebo garden. Short blog, getting ready for our monthly Board meeting.

Blooms Abound

I had a nice walk around the gardens today and it is always with mixed emotions this time of year. Snowdrop (Galanthus sp.) above are always encouraging but the combination of a messy garden after winter can also be discouraging. The deer damage truly was significant and we have lots of poop to clean-up around the gardens. If only we could train them to poop in select spots and not on paths, patios, etc....We had another nice day today (albeit overcast) with Marianne working on fern labels (see below) and Janice coming in later to work on the spring plant sale and her biodegradable pot display. Urban was out pruning all morning while Jerry helped prune, picked up debris and other tasks. Larry worked on bringing in some of the last cords of the lights show. Marv and Terry did a nice job bringing in all the stakes from the show and even some displays. Del was out picking up bough coverings from our roses and Dr. Gredler went out to repair turf after finishing his last painted obelisk. Much to his chagrin, we are bringing in more obelisks for water seal treatment. Dick H. worked on our culvert pipes and the dump truck. He is as handy as they come with vehicles and just about anything. The carpenters continued on their arch work and for some insight in to their complex arch sanding project, see below. Jim and Bob A. rotated the arch as Dave sanded. Vern is way in the back of the image, still cutting away at arch 3 of 3. Today was also busy as we had LP Tree Service (Janesville) come and remove a large Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) that has been dropping branches more frequently and has become quite hazardous. Due to its location however, the guys had to get a crane in to move pieces safely away from workers, structures and other important trees. They run a efficient operation and we were darn impressed. See below. Beneath those shots are some snippets taken today of crocus (Crocus sp.), Danford iris (Iris danfordiae), winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) and Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) respectively.

Sprinkles But Springlike

I'm sure I've used the shot above before (one of Santos' finest) but felt it was warranted with the spring-like weather we're having. We're still 7-8 weeks weeks away from seeing something like this though so don't get too cocky with these temperatures! The blooms are a crabapple (Malus sp.). I'm still in a spring mood after presenting to a great group up in Fond Du Lac this morning. Dave Wanninger (from Beaver Creek and Song Sparrow Nursery) and I drove up together and I presented Low-Maintenance Perennials while Dave talked about some neat shrubs. I've spoken in Fond Du Lac on many occasions and have always found a welcoming and enthusiastic crowd. Thanks to Beth and all those that helped arrange this event. The most refreshing part of the morning was meeting Dustin, a young college student (and Master Gardener) that seems very committed to being involved in botany/horticulture and was by far the youngest in the crowd and one of the most enthusiatic.

Dave W. shared a lot about shrubs with the group and had a nice focus on hydrangeas and viburnums in general. Viburnums are truly a "3 season of interest" shrub with nice spring flowers (typically white), showy summer fruiting and typically a nice fall color. Below is the linden viburnum (Viburnum dilitatum 'Iroquois') which is an introduction from the U.S. National Arboretum involving the cross of two selections of this species in the 1950s. 'Erie' is another U.S. National Arboretum introduction (1971) with similar features and was the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society Gold Medal Plant award winner in 1993. This species, native to eastern Asia, has few insect and disease problems and you can see the superior fruit set (which gets brighter after some frost). This viburnum is also part shade tolerant and will accept a wide range of soils (moist and well-drained preferable). Fall color is a mix of oranges, yellows and reds. 'Iroquois' is listed as a zone 5 plant although another nice one that looks similar is 'Cardinal Candy' that is listed as zone 4 and was selected out of batch of seedlings that experienced -30 degrees F. I observed a gorgeous 'Cardinal Candy' in Dubuque, IA (Dubuque Botanic Garden) and we're trying it at RBG. Or, if you prefer yellow fruit on this species, go with 'Michael Dodge' from Winterthur Gardens in DE (a MUST see garden). Dr. Michael Dirr from the University of Georgia (Athens) said it best about viburnums with "A garden without a viburnum is akin to life without music and art." In general, check out the viburnums!

Evolution of the Observation Deck

The structure above was a nice addition to the gardens back in the mid 1990s. Originally built (and still used) for all-accessible fishing, this pier allows a nice look across the water at the arched bridge, azalea/rhododendron garden, woodland walk and the gazebo garden. Flood levels in 2008 came right up to the floor boards of this structure and the Grumpies did a nice job of repainting it last year. The roofed structure is Japanese style and Dr. Yahr later purchased the granite lions that flank the entrance to that structure. There isn't a day (aside from winter) where that structure is not used and the two benches mounted on the pier are a nice spot to enjoy the view.

Short day for me today as I'll be going to the annual ZONTA luncheon where RBG will be awarded a check for support of the gardens. The local ZONTA chapter has been generous every year with a donation and volunteer support. Check out http://www.zonta.org/ for more information on this organization. From their website: "Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy." I'll head home after the luncheon as I have some appointments before I go to Fond Du Lac (WI) tomorrow morning for the 10th Annual "Day In The Garden" where I'll be talking about low-maintenance perennials.

Marv came in today and used the CASE to push around woodchips and help prepare our "backyard" for incoming piles of materials (shredded bark and compost). Dr. Gredler was here painting the last of his obelisks and Janice came in to work on her plant sale signs and other project details. Warm weather next week too so we'll be out working in the garden and getting a literal "jump on spring". I should have more blooms to show next week as our April bloomers have been suffciently duped...Nice shot of 'China Rose Bauble' iris (cross of a Siberian with "something else") out in the collection last spring.

March Showers Bring April...What?

I have "irises on the brain" as I've gone thru many of the photos that our volunteers took this past spring. Many of the previous postings that included iris shots were of bearded iris (Iris germanica) although the shot above is of 'Simon Says', a Siberian iris (Iris siberica) that is also part of the collection. We have about 40 Siberian iris and an assortment of other "non-bearded" irises as part of the collection as well. Siberians really need adequate moisture, particularly during their bloom window. Our iris photographers (Kay, Judy, Sandy, Christine, Robin, Tim, Sue, Nancy, Tina, Laurie, Joanne, Dave and Steve) did a great job although we're counting on another comprehensive spring shoot this year as well. Many of our irises didn't bloom last year but should be good to go this spring. Check out the bearded iris 'Easy Being Green' to the left. Neat.

Another great turnout despite the intermittent drizzle and rain thru most of the morning. Marv and Terry went out to bring back displays while Jerry and Urban were out pruning and collecting debris. Larry was out for a bit too but everyone came in once it really started coming down. I'm not saying I prefer snow but the "warm" rains are really getting things sprouting early which is always a concern. Marianne worked most of the day on her fern labels while Janice was here working on memorial tree signs and her biodegradable pot display (which is turning out to be really cool). Bill came in later to go out on ornamental grass cutting duty and will get much of it done before we get more cold weather. Dave, Jim, Bob and Vern continued on their arch work and we saw Dave J., Richard, Big John and Polly over here today too. Aside from enjoying iris photos today, I've finished more plant orders and am working on getting ready for various spring projects. We hope to renovate the sitting area around our 'Dialogue' sculpture area and I've included a photo-progression below of the history of that popular art piece at RBG. Designed, created and installed by O.V. ("Verne") Shaffer from Beloit, the full name of this piece is 'Dialogue, World Peace Thru Friendship". Standing over 20' tall and weighing one ton, this is one of the largest sculptures in Janesville. Mr. Shaffer's work (1,200+ pieces) can be seen around the country and we're lucky to have two pieces (the other one being 'Biota' on the southeast end of the gardens). 'Dialogue' was dedicated to international peace and friendship and continues to be a focal point at the gardens. Note the original shine and the inevitable patina over the years. A 1950 graduate of Beloit College, Mr. Shaffer continues to productive with his art and if you "search" the Beloit College website with 'O.V. Shaffer', you'll see some neat info regarding this man. I tried to "cut and paste" the link but it didn't work. Regardless, 'Dialogue' continues to be an important part of the gardens and we'll look forward to renovating the wall and beds around this important piece of art.

On The Cusp Of A Labeling Revolution

Our LaserPro C180 laser engraver came two days ago and we can't wait to get it up and running. The process of getting everything together (computer, software, venting, etc.) will take a couple months but this unit (paid for thru a generous grant) will allow us to start producing high quality plastic labels for the gardens. We are still ordering stake and label materials at thsi point however. Our intent is to start with tree and shrub labels, move to perennials, then finally annuals. This transformation will take years but we thank Olbrich Botanical Gardens for their inspiration (and help) with pursuing this system that will have a significant visual and education impact out in the gardens.

It has been overcast and drizzling all day althought the sun poked out in the afternoon for a bit. The snow is melting quickly and it's just plain "greasy" out there. We all agree that this weather is acceptable as long as it doesn't get too sour thru the rest of the month. Almost 60 degrees today. When's the last time you saw that temperature in early March? Jerry, Larry and Bill were out in the gardens pruning, cutting back grasses (see picture to the left) and bringing in more lights show stuff. Dr. Gredler continued to paint obelisks and Jumbo Jim has two RECAPPERS working with him at the other building. We saw Tom and Kathy H. from Jenka Blossoms today. They do a lot of our custom growing and do a dynamite job. They brought over a sample of a neat new petunia. See 'Phantom' to the right. Pretty cool. I finished a presentation and our largest perennial order today. I'm taking more time to enter all our orders in to spreadsheets that will later expedite labels and plant lists. Each year we learn something new to make things easier and always wonder why we hadn't done that in years prior! At the bottom is Rose putting silver paint on our culvert rivets. She has a fine hand and was our expert last year at rejuvenating all the lettering on our many quote benches out in the garden.

Blooms Have Been Spotted

News flash! We have blooms. The winter aconites (Eranthis hyemalis) above were seen in the gazebo garden and hosta hollow garden. We probably have 200 or so blooming but have thousands getting ready to go with this deceptive weather. It's so nice when these pop up although they may be in for a shock in the coming weeks when the weather gets back to "normal". This is the earliest I've seen these blooming at the gardens but the color is welcome. We usually see them peaking around the first week of April. To the left is a snowdrop (Galanthus sp.) in bloom in the gazebo garden as well. Despite that garden being semi-shade in summer, the winter sun gets in nicely around the hackberries (Celtis occidentalis) and we will usually see our first bulbs in the garden in this space. See further down for a nice representation of how snowdrops got their name. These are just peeking out in the hosta hollow (look at the center of the image).

Great crew today with Marianne working on fern labels and both Dr. Gredler and Rose painting our various garden structures. Urban was here as well and we had Larry, Bill and Little Jerry out in the garden picking up lights, debris and accomplishing general clean-up. With the warmer weather, we like to tidy up around the gardens as we're likely to have visitors and I think we all agree that the garden can look a bit sloppy after a tough winter. We're actually out there cutting back ornamental grasses as well. Normally we would wait until late March but there isn't much winter interest to the grasses that were mashed and leveled back in December with that wet, heavy snow. With so many bulbs popping up early, we're trying to avoid stepping on anything as we tidy the beds and get ready for an early spring? We'll see how it goes! Vern, Dave and Dick H. were all here for extra credit and worked on the arches and other projects. We had our Garden Development Committee meeting (Dr. Gredler, Dave, Maury, Carrie, Joanne, Chris, Big John, Iza, Hal and Gary) too and talked about our future projects, enhancements and directives. We also saw Peg, Luke and Maury here.