The Importance of Our Volunteers

The fall color is just starting to show on the 'Beaver Creek' dwarf fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii 'KLMtwo') in our woodland walk garden. These shrubs have fragrant, white, "bottlebrush-like" blooms in early May before they leaf out and are tolerant of partial shade. This is a nice durable shrub and few other shrubs can rival the fall color!

We had our volunteer potluck tonite at the gardens. In spring we have a more formal, sit-down event for volunteer recognition but the October event is more casual. We had about 100 people or so at the event and a great spread of food. I do a little presentation that includes images of volunteers and the gardens this year. I always feel remiss in not mentioning certain volunteers although it would be impossible to name them all. Volunteers have always been a huge factor in how well the gardens have developed. Volunteers not only help with gardening, they work in the gift shop, help with tours, facilitate educational programs, etc., etc. We have over 400 active volunteers and can't thank them enough.

Nice perennial, ornamental grass below. This is the Northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) and this time of year becomes very conspicuous with its "oat-like" seed heads that will eventually rattle in the breeze. Tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, this grass will reach 36" or so in height and will tolerate part shade. We've seen some minor reseeding issues so be aware of that potential. The seed heads are great in fresh or dried arrangements as well. Look at the great fall color of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) at the bottom.