Winter Preparation and a Baby

Yesterday we began preparing the Prospect Gardens for winter and the next growing season. Since the Gardens are close to homes, prescribed burns in spring, as happens with other gardens along the Southwest Commuter Path, are impossible.  Instead we must cut down many of the plants and haul them up the ramp creating the large pile pictured to the right.
 
We leave some plants, such as the Purple Cones and the Rattle Snake Masters, intact hoping that their seeds will spread and they surely will. Intact plants also add texture to the winter garden while providing feed for birds.

As the pile indicates this year was a very good growth year for the Gardens. A few, such as Saw Tooth Daises and Asters, are still in bloom.  These will soon succumb to the inevitable frost and the cycles of nature will continue.

In early November we will remove more plants and end the season with putting up the plastic orange snow fences. These are unattractive but inform the snow plowing crews where not to push snow into the Gardens.  We worked all this out with representatives from the city department in charge of snow removal. City crews have been so responsive including picking up the pile of plant materials early this morning.  I learned that the supervisor starts work at 5 a.m. !

While we were working a man from the city water department arrived and removed the water mater and the connection to the hydrant through which we have access to city water. Another task indicating that the season is ending.

Among the work crew was Megan and her baby boy. A special thanks to both for joining the crew. Megan, and her husband Pat, recently moved into the neighborhood.  Such an enjoyable family and a wonderful addition to the neighborhood.

The baby slept blissfully as Megan worked for nearly an hour and half. A few whimpers indicated that he was ready for a mid-afternoon meal, prompting a return home.  Indeed a very laid-back and contented child. Perhaps a possible future volunteer.We will keep him on our list.

   Others volunteers included Bob. He is being a little shy (or silly) in this picture.  Bob has earned the title of "Mulch King" since he loves to spread mulch and is so good at it. Sorry,Bob, no mulching this time. You need to wait until spring for your reign to resume.

We enjoyed hearing about Bob's summer adventures of climbing Mt. Rainier during our break and while enjoying Ann's homemade Pumpkin Bread. A tasty treat shared with Joyce, another volunteer. Sorry no picture of Joyce.  My iPhone froze up, and later in the evening from querying the Web, I learned how simple it was to bring it back to life. Hold the power button and the home button for ten seconds or until the Apple icon returns. These phones still amaze me; forms of magic.

Joyce will be leaving at the end of the week for a tour of Patagonia. Joyce so enjoys traveling. Bob asked Joyce if she ever was to Antarctica. With a hearty laugh, Joyce replied "Been there, done that." Within the last year, she has also toured Iceland.

Steve stopped by after running some errands and pitched in before leaving early for another engagement. In a few days, Steve will be returning to Corvallis, Oregon to once again visit his daughter and grandson. Happy travels to Steve and Joyce.

The picture to the right shows one of the sections we cleared out on the breezy, warm and sunny fall day. The young cherry tree in the foreground, planted last year, still has many green leaves. It's one of three cherry trees in the upper Garden on the Regent side.

As I already reported, another work session will be needed before preparations are completed. Watch for the announcement of the specific date.  We always welcome new volunteers including babies !  Recruiting volunteers at a young age is my new strategy.