Hi All,
When Larry and I visited Cape Cod many years ago we heard new music by a new artist, Eva Cassidy. One of the songs I fell in love with was, “Autumn Leaves.” Now we enjoy Eva’s music on Pandora as we sit on our deck in the evening with the leaves starting to turn new colors. Check out 30 seconds with Eva singing an English version of the French song “Les Feuilles mortes.” Fingers crossed, technology works.
It’s time to celebrate transitioning from summer to autumn. The Project GREEN Gardens will be a wonderful location to wander its 8+ acres and watch the show. Bring your binoculars to help with faraway views and a snack to enjoy while sitting on one of Project GREEN’s park benches. Check out this website telling of fall color and when to expect fall colors to reach their peak in Iowa. Are your fingers still crossed? https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/weather/2024/10/05/iowa-fall-foliage-2024-when-to-see-leaves-change-color/75481805007/
Volunteers arrived at 9 a.m. at the PGG when the temperature was 67 degrees and the air quality was 38 which is considered “good.” We had zero rain in the past week, AGAIN. When volunteers headed home at 11 a.m., the temperature had risen to 74 degrees. I would consider our week 22’s weather as nearly perfect. There were 15 volunteers in attendance although a few volunteers arrived after this picture was taken. Extra hours beyond our usual two hours totaled 3 1/2 hours.
Our star gardeners from left to right for week 22 are: Pat Yeggy, Mary Laughlin, Jim Peters, Linda Schreiber, Evelyn Frey, Monica Hoherz, Lisa Haverkamp, Rina Sjolund, Susan Ahrens, and Hetty Hall. Missing from picture are star gardeners: Erin Buscher, Dhyana Kaufman, Chris Ostrander, and Cindy Parsons. The photographer, moi, was present but not in the picture.
Our goals were to water, plant donated iris from Susan and Ron Haffner, & water and fertilize containers. The long driveway, parking lot, and sidewalks were cleared of those autumn leaves and WALNUTS! It was a good morning to be together and complete garden chores.
Extras about PGG:
1. Sue Mullins is missing her red, ARS hand pruners. Please check your tote bags/buckets for the pruners. If found, please place them on the garage middle table.
2. We are very close to 1000 volunteer hours. If you are at the Gardens other times, days please let me know and I will recorded your extra time.
3. Mark your calendars for November 4 beginning at 9 a.m. at my house for a Celebration Brunch. ANYONE who has worked at the 2024 PGG is invited. I will serve 2 large breakfast casseroles, spinach and sausage. Two volunteers plan to bring a fruit salad. Any other food items will be appreciated. Let me know what you will bring so I can let others know. There will be a 2024 picture show as we had last year. Make a mental note to pick up your party favor! Larry’s and my home address is: 2752 Hidden Valley Trail NE, Solon 52333. GPS will take you to our front door. Sure hope to have a BIG crowd of hungry gardeners! There will be a sign-up sheet at our Monday, week 23 work session. Also you can email me.
4. The 2025 Open Gardens Weekend (OGW) will be held June 28 and 29, with the same hours as last year. If you are interested in showing off your gardens, check out www.projectgreen.org for instructions. The PGG will be part of the OGW for tours, water, and maps to the many other gardens to visit.
Here are the numbers after week 22. Weeks 1 – 21 + Week 22 = 843 hours + 33 1/2 hours = 876 1/2 hours for 2024’s fantastic gardeners. Many thanks to all!
Our week 23 work session begins Monday, October 7 from 9 – 11 a.m. There are four October work sessions. We will dig canna lilies and elephant ears on October 21 and pull the annual plants October 28. Then our work will be done. Take care and happy gardening! Diane