By Gail K
At the close of our last meeting-we toured each of the defined gardens we care for @ the extension.
With the issues identified & a project list was created- directing our efforts so to complete the list before winter. Follow along as I try to show you our progress.
On the western edge of the Children’s Garden-it was determined we should remove the oval herb garden–the brick path and replace it with grass………(# secondary goal- decrease & make easier, the work load on our dwindling & aging membership).
Finished project–look closely, some grass seed did germinate. Concern- this area gets a lot of dumped snow from the parking lot.
Heading to the Memory Garden:
The Anemones must go!!! So out they came– will wait to do anything more in this area until spring; any roots missed will begin to re-sprout and we will be able to tackle them again.
Since they are so beautiful when in bloom; it was decided to not totally rid the gardens of them but instead move them so they could be better appreciated and not so intrusive. They now have a new home in the far northwest roadside garden.
There were plenty left over to share-
Going south along the front lawn-the next area to tackle is to remove the raggedy Cottoneaster bushes and trim up the Pine tree.
Now they can mow right up and under, and the pine needles will provide a natural mulch………what a difference!! Note in the back along the bldg. no bushes……..they were removed by the county.
Next up–removing undergrowth from around the Beautyberry Bush.
Perennial Bed just some light plant pruning–the geraniums are so pretty. My photo did not do justice.
BELOW:
The entry garden-what a difference 1 week can make!! Everything trimmed, ready to rest for winter so we can enjoy another show come spring.
The next large tackle was the junipers which line the entire front entry of the building. Instead of removing as they did in the front yard….we will trim up as they anchor the front gardens and soften the walls of the building.
It sure smelled good when we did this. Check them out when you come to the next meeting-let us know what
you think.
That brings us back to the infamous northeast fenced area–again, the ivy has encroached in just about every direction but up. Below is a pic of just a small amount of the ivy overgrowth that was removed and at this time;
More work is needed in the area outside Children’s Garden (Rose of Sharon need major thinning). The paths not even visible & totally entangled in vines.Trying to clean the area found Naida & I tripping over 2 stumps.I returned with a chain saw and removed but discussion needs to follow. What could provide the same purpose (??), but safer for foot travel by both the young and old & easier to maintain–
Note to self: never in my garden.
Along the north fence we tackled the Jerusalem Artichoke.
It had to be cut down and Jenny harvested some of the tubers which can be used in your fall cooking dishes.
Another fall project, removal of the wild clematis “Old Man’s Beard” from the fence it hides but it takes a lot of time to remove it.
Last fall, Joan and I spent an entire work session snipping & pulling it from the fence. (another note to self, think twice before planting this) This year, we sprayed it & now we wait; can’t touch anything in that area.
As we finish around the fence, we end in the Butterfly Garden. Timing is everything in this garden due to the multi purpose of the plants for our insect world. ( see bee, butterfly??)
Sorry Stella, other photo even worse….Naida stop chuckling.
That’s all folks!!! It took a couple of visits over a couple of weeks but for the most part, the garden has been tucked in and will soon fall into a deep winter’s sleep– -I will be impatiently waiting for spring.!!!!
Monroe County Master Gardener Association 