Week of June 7-10th

Our new work week started on a Tuesday after a very long and successful Open Garden weekend. After everyone's hard work and determination Friday afternoon at 4pm the gardens were ready for the visitors to show up and be thrilled. A total of just over 2000 guests showed up to tour the A.M Cuddy Gardens with great proceeds raised towards the Fanshawe Horticultural Tech. Program and the gardens itself. With fantastic results we all had a blast at the plant sale with awesome weather on Saturday and a disappointing thunderstorm on Sunday but that did not stop us. Bad weather doesn't stop us horticulturalists!!

Tuesday morning was a slow start with Nate off property back at the London Campus. We proceeded with the clean up that included taking signs down, removing the historical antique garden tool display, putting tents and tables away. The afternoon began with .... no way you'll never guess, weeding! The weeds in the gardens are never ending. As the day neared Nate and Mike placed out new Hosta's, perennials and a few trees in the new Hosta garden. A interesting maple tree (Acer mono - Painted maple) was also an additive to this new garden.

Onto Wednesday, A surprising very cold and windy morning. We started out finishing off with the planting of the new Hostas, Trees and perennials. Later in the day the accessioning had begun for all of the new additions. To end off the day we began weeding the gardens that aren't seen by many, but still a nice addition to Cuddy gardens. The gardens down by tool shed was much deserving of a make over with weeding, pruning, trimming and edging.

Thursday June 9th, we had to complete the make over to the gardens down by the tool shed. Planting out of the annuals had begun throughout the gardens.  After lunch Yujing and myself began watering and fertilizing the hoop houses where a nest of new born robins were found. New life is never ending here at Cuddys, flowers or animals!

Finally we have reached the end of our work week. We began the day out taking out the never ending thistles at the road border. In bloom gorgeous pink Peonies. While James started on the weed whacking and Lawn cutting throughout the entire day. Next we tackled dutch hoeing the rose gardens and the perennial boarder. To finish off the afternoon, the watering must be done before we leave for the weekend!

By: Alison Meeuse