Hi All,
We have turned another corner at the PGG. We have cooler temperatures, little to no rain, & the sun is rising later and setting earlier. What could this possibly mean??
Project GREEN volunteers met for week 20 with our 9 a.m. temperature of 70 degrees and air quality of 22, which was described as “fair.” Both the rain gauges were without a drop of rain registering as zero inches. As volunteers left at 11 a.m., the temperature had risen to 82 degrees. Walnuts were covering the driveway and underfoot on the grass as we traveled to and from our weekly chores. It was challenging to “Be careful!” as it was treacherous to look at our feet and protect our heads (falling walnuts) at the same time. Not complaining, just reminding… Our goals were to fertilize and water containers, cut back peony line-out bed along Normandy Drive, remove oriental bittersweet in west big ovals, and check the Little Free Library for books. One volunteer used her favorite tool to blow clear leaves and walnuts from the long driveway, sidewalks to the Ashton House, & parking lot. Dashes were cleared of debris and made pretty. Mary’s Tree was cleared of weeds and tree checked for crossing branches. The one goal left was watering thirsty plants. Surely it would rain soon. On Friday’s NPR hortline, it was announced 2024 September is the driest on record for the past 150 years. Yes, I am complaining now…
We had eight first-class gardeners in attendance: Monica Hoherz, Rina Sjolund, Hetty Hall, Lisa Haverkamp, Pat Yeggy, Dhyana Kaufman, Cindy Parsons, and moi. Well done, all! As always, the Gardens looked much better after our work was completed and it was 11 a.m. Four volunteers stayed an extra hour each. Many thanks to all!
Here are the numbers after 20 weeks working at the PGG. Weeks 1 – 19 + Week 20 = 789 hours + 20 hours = 809 hours for our 2024 Project GREEN volunteers!
Tomorrow will be a big day at PGG. Larry Allen and Ed Rinderspacher will begin (maybe finish?) cutting back the Blue Muffin, Arrowroot Viburnum located along the north side of the parking lot. Please do not park next to the viburnum side of the parking lot. You may want to park on Normandy Drive. Our goal tomorrow will be to gather viburnum debris making piles of 6 foot branches with the cut ends together. We will place these on tarps in the front yard of the Ashton House. Many thanks to Steve Erickson + crew who will gather up our piles to take to the landfill. This will be a big job and Project GREEN greatly appreciates Iowa City’s Parks and Rec’s help with this chore. Bring your favorite rake and if possible safety glasses.
Here is the “Picture of the Week” for week 20 at the PGG. Rina Sjolund uses a Red Rider Wagon to pull gallon jugs of fertilized water keeping containers healthy and growing that are located on the deck and along the sidewalk in front of the Ashton House. Rina has planned, planted, and cared for these beautiful containers for twenty weeks. Other Project GREEN volunteers have helped her with this chore.
What does it mean when cooling temperatures, daylight time getting shorter, falling walnuts, little rain, and a month beginning with S all combine??? Answer: The Autumnal Equinox! (Happening in 2024, Sunday, September 22.) Little known fact, folklore says that on the day of an equinox, you can balance an egg on its ends, but at no other time. (Actually, it works on other days too). Check out the website: 5-things-didnt-know-about-autumnal-equinox.htm for more information.
Looking forward to week 21 for PGG and seeing Project GREEN volunteers. Until then, happy gardening! Diane