Week 15, August 11, 2025 Project GREEN Gardens (PGG)

Hi All,

Sorry for the late summary of last week’s progress at the PGG! I do have a good excuse, I think. My usual Sunday afternoon time at the computer for Project GREEN was interferred today by watching the Indiana Fever overcome the Connecticut Sun in OVERTIME! Please forgive me and let’s get on with my telling of week 15 at the PGG.

There were 12 Project GREEN volunteers in attendance on August 11, 2025. They were: Diane Allen (3 hours), Mary Laughlin, Evelyn Frey, Rina Sjolund, Jim Peters (1 1/2 hours), Barb Schintler, Linda Bergquist, Chris Ostrander, Hetty Hall, Lisa Haverkamp, Monica Hoherz, & Cindy Parsons (3 hours). Jim worked an extra 3 hours on August 7 and Lisa worked an extra 3 hours earlier this month. Thanks to all the Project GREEN volunteers! The gardens are looking beautiful because of each of you. Our day’s weather included: 9 a.m. temperature 72 degrees & 11 a.m. temperature 76 degrees, the air quality was 33 (described as good), the humidity was 100%, and rain gauge since last week 2.23 inches.

Here are pictures from week 15’s PGG.

The Circle flowerbed is so pretty now. The blue and white salvia are lovely in the breeze with VooDoo lilies in the center. Can you see a wooden stake as the picture continues towards Park Road? These stakes are found around the Gardens with markings telling of a new water system being installed. This is the beginning work of the REAP Grant Project GREEN received two years ago.
This picture shows the north end of West Oval #3. This fantastic flowerbed is spearheaded by Monica. It can be seen from the hiking/biking trail or west of the Ashton House. On our right side, flooding Iowa River water can be seen pooling on the east side of the hiking/biking trail. Please notice the green sign reminder for passers-by to stop a moment and enjoy the blooming flowers at the Gardens. This is always a good idea!
Cindy and I walked around the PGG after volunteers left and found the latest location of our resident beaver’s efforts. Cindy and I are wondering where the tree went??? The stump remains but we’ve got questions! Does anyone have an idea where the 7 year old Bald cypress tree can be found?
On our Week 15 To-do List was headed asking volunteers to weed the Normandy Drive peony line-out bed. The piles of debris got so heavy we needed to ask Steve Erickson and crew to find an extra collection to our weekly debris pick-up. Thanks to Steve and crew AND Project GREEN volunteers! The line-out bed looks so much better. Won’t this area look grand next spring?

Here are the numbers after 15 weeks caring for the PGG. Weeks 1 – 14 + Week 15 = 664 1/2 hours + 25 1/2 hours

= 690 hours for 2025’s Project GREEN volunteers! Congratulations to all and many thanks to each of you.

Our week 16 will be Monday, August 18 from 9 – 11 a.m. Looking forward to another two hours together weeding and making pretty our many flowerbeds at the Project GREEN Gardens. Until then, happy gardening! Diane

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