This past week a number of activities occurred that required reflection on the past, planning for the future, and action in the present. Some of these efforts were collaborative, while others involved individuals working independently.
Looking to the past and planning for the future, the Plant Sale Committee met last Wednesday to review May's plant sale successes and opportunities for improvement. Overall, we were very pleased with the planning, advertising, and set-up of the event. Thinking toward the future we are hoping to generate more Solstice volunteer support and grow the number of individuals who donate plants for the sale. We are considering work parties and educational resources to help gardeners who are interested in learning how to divide perennials (using our own perennial garden) or grow plants for the sale.
The Plant Sale Committee also discussed specific plants that sold well and made inventory decisions for next year's sale. The native bare root plants purchased from the King County Conservation District's Native Plant Sale were especially profitable so the committee approved the purchase of additional bare root plants for our sale next year. We also made a decision to purchase bulbs from John Scheepers, including two kinds of large alliums (Allium aflatunense Purple Sensation and Allium christophii), and two kinds of lilies (Lily Casa Blanca and Lily Stargazer). Gardeners interested in reviewing our detailed notes from this debrief may access them on the Meeting Minutes page of our Solstice P-Patch website.
While we needed to reflect on the past and planning for the future is helpful, we gardeners know that the present always needs attention too. And so often, focusing on the tasks at present brings satisfaction. Saturday, June 5th was our most recent work party. Led by Tim Peterson, our P-Patch Coordinator, this work party accomplished multiple items on our to-do list. Jim and Caroline (our new Rhubarb Patch Area Lead) gave the rhubarb patch irrigation system much needed attention. Thanks to their efforts, watering this patch will be much easier! Public areas were weeded -- note the area by the park bench and around the downslope trail through the garden. The bunker was cleaned out and is undergoing some reorganization. Much gratitude to Ginny, Sharon, Essie, and garden friends for chipping in their time! You may also notice that there is a new retaining area and leveled space behind the bunker. We'll be using this as a plant holding area--thank you to Thomas for building it!
There will be more opportunities for volunteers to get their hours in this summer -- and to experience the pride that comes in seeing the fruits of your labor right in front of you. These work parties are scheduled and listed on our website calendar for easy reference!