Workdays 8/19 & 8/22

Monday brought our usual small crew. Leslie Stone returned and worked on gathering rocks for a small garden. She cut lettuce for the house and then helped me begin weeding an area behind the trees on the corner that we will seed with bunch grasses. Mary Natali deadheaded, weeded, and filled some bird feeders. Julie Holmes removed some invasive grasses from the Inferno Strip and then transplanted other grasses and yarrow to fill that area.

On Thursday, we had a good crew working in the garden. Betty Marcus deadheaded, Linda Guarino worked on the irrigation and helped several of us weed on the corner in preparation for seeding some grass. The corner crew included myself, Sue Ordway, Whitney Fessler, and Lori Tamblingson. There is still about 1/3 of the bed to do but we will seed at least part of next week while it is still raining. It will be seeded with bunch grasses (Blue Gramma and Sheep Fescue). Rebecca Davis spent her day creating a small rock garden on the north end of the house. Next week it needs to be filled in with soil and compost, and transplants from other parts of the garden. Carol Lease worked on painting a new donated birdbath for Doris Johnson from the Hodge Podge crew.

Doris Johnson's Mini Garden & Birdbath

Joe Harte worked on pruning some trees and removing many of the elms lining the garden. Becky Lewis worked on the roses. She planted 2, and then spent her time working on black spot that recently appeared on our Copper Roses for the 2nd year. Treatment requires removing all the affected leaves, and then treating with a spray  insecticide for the remaining leaves. Next year it is suggested that they be treated with Neem oil just after leafing out in the spring. Becky was on for treats and brought homemade goat cheese for all who were interested.

Work for the week:
Weeding as needed after more rains - focus on Switzer area west of sidewalk and east of trees on corner, and under the aspen trees
Watering as needed
Deadheading
Fill bird feeders and baths
Fill rock garden and transplant some natives to the bed
Harvest seed for transplanting
Stain redwood benches on back porch
Begin thinning any need iris

Blooming:
White valarian, white fall asters and a few purple

Ready to pick:
Some hopi beans, purple beans, squash, strawberries, kale and chard

Squash

Corn and Bean

Upcoming:
Garden Potluck - dates to be advised in September
Volunteer Event - Sept. 5, 530 pm - Woodlands Hotel
Girls for Good - Oct. 19, 9am-12pm, garden clean-up

Thanks,
Loni