Last summer we began a discussion about renovating some areas of the gardens, particularly in the Shade Garden and behind the north and west borders.  Specifically we wanted to remove some of the vegetation that had grown in over time through natural spread.  Dave Weir and Scott Austin took on the task of identifying vegetation which could be dug out or pruned and marked one section at a time.  Volunteers then went to work with shovels, a winch and saws to remove several trailer loads of stems and roots, helped by a mild winter that kept the ground open and frost-free.  We will evaluate the areas this year to see what will be needed for new plantings but there is already a plan for the Shade Garden involving some new and beautiful hydrangeas.  Stay tuned!

If you looked up in the canopies of two of the larger trees in the gardens on February 25 you would have seen brightly attired people dangling from ropes!  Bartlett Tree Experts brought their staff for a training day.  The main focus was two trees leading up the road to the Superintendent's House; a Quercus rubra (Northern Red Oak) and Acer saccharinum 'Wieri' (Dissected Silver Maple).  Crews trained using ropes and a bucket truck to remove dead wood from the canopies of both trees.  We are very grateful to Thor and his crew from Bartlett Tree Experts for their efforts.  He has been a great source of advice on the health of our trees over the years and a supporter of the society.