Enjoying work at A.M. Mac Cuddy Gardens

The weeks out here go by in a blink and I almost forget to slow down to look around at the magical place I get to call my work space.

Since the propagation chambers have been set up we have taken cutting from various perennials and shrubs. We have been learning many new techniques for propagating plants including basal cuttings, which strength of rotting hormone to use on which plants. I think the biggest key is to learn the best time to get cuttings as it is different for many plants.

I believe we have finished the planting of annuals with a load of Cana Lilys. It was crucial to keep labels with every plant as they will be dug up come first frost and transferred indoors to overwinter.
The Succulent and cacti collection are doing wonderfully, the large jade plants look glorious basking in the sun. Many cacti have bloomed which is amazing to see.

The tallest grass we have on the property would be Arundo donax we also have a variegated form as well (both of which are available in our plant sale). Its amazing to see how tall it is and not quite done for the season. This grass is used to make musical instruments.

 

The gardens are spectacular and we can not wait to share them with you during the open gardens in August!

Glory Days of Summer

After the open gardens all gardens still need tending to; regular weeding, pruning and edging. “The garden is your art masterpiece; look at the edging as the frame for it.” – Tim Eliott

The rose garden has burst into full bloom, so fragrant and bright. We have carefully deadhead to encourage more blooms. We were very lucky this spring when we un-hilled them to discover everything above ground had survived the winter. This means it is very unlikely to see many root stock suckers coming up.

 

It’s quite beautiful in the gardens Hydrangeas and hostas are blooming. It seems as though one plant stops blooming and another plant is stealing the show. I’m blessed to see the intricate layers of these gardens.

 

In order to restock your plants and prepare for the final open gardens there has been a lot of divisions and transplanting of seedlings. We have restocked on ostrich ferns, grasses, a few sun tolerant hostas, and a few different grasses. The propagation chambers are being set up to start propagating plants by cuttings. These chambers have heated mats to keep the media warm and overhead misters to keep humidity high.

 

We are hard at work, however, it hardly seems like work.

Recap of the June Open Gardens

We all worked hard and well as a team in order to prepare for the big event. This years open garden was a sure success! There were many returning guests and a lot of new faces.  Its always wonderful when there’s good weather for the open gardens, I believe this helped draw the crowds we had. These events and plant sales are the only fundraiser we have to keep improving and building collections.

 

We were joined by a fair amount of program staff to keep the event running smoothly and answer all guests questions. We couldn’t of done it without them! Thank you!

 

Jim- Plant ID and Business Prof

Nate- Botany and Soils Prof

Sue-  Design, Plant Health Care and Greenhouse Prof

Tim- Landscape Maintenance

 

Everyone had a great two days of open gardens which entailed Garden Tours, Plant sale, explaining the horticulture program and enjoying the rush of other avid gardeners.   Many Alumni from the program came out to show support, buy some plants, and see all that has changed.

 

A new addition to the open gardens is a fundraiser lunch and bake sale for the Strathroy hospital. This was a brilliant idea and I surely hope we do it again as lunch was delicious and the baked goods to die for!

We couldn’t have asked for a better open garden gardens only that our final one in August be just as grand!