June Work Session

 Last Saturday another work session happened at the Prospect Gardens. The sun was rather hot as the morning unfolded. My straw hat, with masking tape inside, protected my balding head from the hot sun. We worked in the shady areas of the garden as the sun climbed upwards into the robin egg blue sky.

 We accomplished much, clearing out weeds from the Hosta Garden and then worked our way through all the  gardens along the Dudgeon Monroe side.  As usual, we enjoyed a break of Ann's homemade mouth watering lemon bars. Besides myself (with the straw hat) and my wife Ann;  Laura, Joyce and Steve-- the stalwart volunteers-- are pictured taking a well deserved break. 

Here's just one of the many wheel barrels of plant materials that we hauled up the ramps. The ditch on the right side of the picture is one of the areas we cleaned out.

Many of the hosta are in bloom and are thriving along with the Jack-in-the-pulpits. All hosta and Jack-in-the-pulpits in the Hosta Garden are from the gardens of neighbors and friends, and were donated.

By noon when the sun felt quite hot, we had a larger than usual pile of plant material. Once again the city promptly picked up the material shortly after I called the contact person.    

Here's Joyce, among the plants, working on the Bishop's Weed and other types. Bishop's Weed has been very prolific this season, sinking it's roots down below the rocks. So weeding often means moving the rocks to pull out the roots. Because of the underlying rocks (referred to as "rip-rap" to manage erosion), I refer to our work as "extreme gardening."

The Prospect Gardens are quite beautiful and after nearly seven years, reaching maturity. Soon the showy Purple Cone flowers will be in full bloom. If you live in Madison or visiting,  drop by and if you contact me, I will give you a personal tour. Of course, having you join the work crew would be be greatly appreciated.