Thursday, November 12, 2009

Productivity Abounds!

We had another great turnout of volunteers today with Grumpies accomplishing some major work. Nice shot to the left of our arched bridge this morning as you peer thru a weeping willow. The fence crew of Dick P., Dick H., John, Gary and Maury continued to put up our makeshift deer fencing which consists of snow fencing and wire. They are protecting our arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) hedges that have been repeatedly decimated over the years. We should have done this last year as some of the damage looks permanent. Regardless, the guys are doing a good job and we're already noticing deer tracks thru the gardens so our timing is perfect. Roger, Ron B., Bob C., Charlie and Trevor worked on planting the last of our daffodils, cleaned up debris and loaded up sand buckets for our winter path treatments during the lights show. Del, Bob A., Vern, Dave and Jim worked on various carpentry projects and we had the gardening skills of Suzy, Glenna and Marilyn this morning as well as they continued to clean up some of our last areas for perennial cutting and leaf collection. Janice helped the ladies, worked on lights and continued to garden thru the afternoon. Larry and I worked on lights and cord issues while Bill and Dr. Gredler kept busy as well. The weather was perfect again and spirits are still high despite the reality that the weather will soon get back to "normal". The shot above and to the right is the bark of the white poplar (Populus alba 'Fialaspire') in the arboretum. Don't forget the value of ornamental bark, particularly during our long winters. Nice shot below of the autumn needle color of bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) which is also a deciduous conifer. Tough tree.

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