Fall Clean-Up

Last Saturday, October 15th, volunteers began the fall clean-up of the Prospect Gardens. Pictured to the right is the mammoth pile after the three hour work session. Ann and I are enjoying the results of a productive morning with everyone.  The pile almost comes up to Ann's shoulders.  Laura, who frequently volunteers, took the picture.

This upcoming Saturday, October 22nd (9 to noon), we will most likely have the final work session of the season. We will finish cutting back plants, remove Creeping Charlie from a section of the Garden, and put up the orange snow fences. If time allows, the dead raspberry canes will be removed.

A few days ago, the Madison Water Department disconnected and removed the water meter from the fire hydrant. Yesterday, I returned the key to the Department and finally met in person, Amy, who is responsible for garden water accounts throughout the city. She told me we only used 105 gallons of water;  another indication of this season's plentiful rain.

Dave, pictured to the right and a student at the nearby Edgewood College, pitched in. Dave's hard work is greatly appreciated.  Thanks for coming. 

 Here's Dave in action.  He diligently cut down plants for over two hours. Without his help, we would have never accomplished as much as we did.  
  

Ken, another frequent volunteer, is working his way through a section of the Gardens bordering the Dudgeon-Monroe Neighborhood. Ken is using Laura's Fiskar pruning shears. Fiskar shears are an amazing tool with adjustable, long handles that make cutting so much easier than the cheaper ones I was using. Thanks, Laura, for lending them. Fiskars are now on my list of things that must be purchased for next year.

  Here I am with those well-designed Fiskars, before turning them over to Ken.  While this picture was taken, I was doing a poor impersonation of Edward Scissorhands --- not even close.

Back to work weeding the Columbine bed. Weeding is such a challenge because of the rocks.  The roots of the weeds are under the rocks, which requires picking up each stone to get at the roots.  Persistence and patience are required.

Ann provided homemade pumpkin bread for a tasty treat; enjoyed during a break. I kid her that as the "union steward", she ensures that breaks are provided.

Laura, along with Ann, also swept the ramps, removing slippery leaves and pine needles. Bike riders should appreciate their efforts.

Another gardening season is ending. Volunteers, some pictured in this posting, make these Gardens possible. Without their vigilance and diligence, the Gardens would be overrun with weeds and invasive plants.  Thanks to all who have pitched in.