| 2004 Spring Progress |
| All trees have been planted except for the Ginkos. We lost only one Dogwood right in front of the main entrance.It was a late sale plant from last fall and just did not survive the winter. It will be replaced. All the trees have been mulched but many of the trees have yet to be connected within their islands and more shrubs are needed to fill in gaps. Many of our previously perennials are not only coming back up but are beginning to spread out. Students have been working very hard to install our butterfly garden by the end of June. They worked in teams with some students working as sod cutters, movers of sod, excess soil, and lots of rocks, "goop mixers" (Canadian peat and aged manure mixed together to supplement the soil), and planters. Through such cooperation the students were able to get much more accomplished. We also observed the June Bug beetle larvae and pupal stages. There is a very large, healthy toad that has taken up residency in this area too. The Conservation Club and Botany Class donated money to buy the plants, a bird feeder, and metal arch in tribute to our retiring principal, Don May. Plants have also been donated by teachers and individual students. Students, staff and parents are excited to see the landscape shaping up and more and more are signing on to help. Our edging blocks will be delivered on the first day of summer Project Ole' (June 23rd). We will then start to finish borders around the islands of trees. We also have a cement block maker with letters so that we can honor all those who have donated money towards purchasing plants. We will place the name of donors on the edgers aound the island. We have dug up so many rocks that we will choose the best ones to use as markers and paint the names of the plants in our butterfly garden. Our nursery area went through winter well and we have healthy hostas and beautiful iris and daylilies to transplant. The Botany Class' seedlings were attacked by slugs in the cold frame but we were able to salvage quite a few of the plants. These have been planted in the butterfly garden. WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR THE PROMISED FAUCET ON THE TWO STORY SIDE OF THE BUILDING TO EASE OUR EFFORTS TO KEEP THE TREES WATERED!!!! |
| During the summer of '04 many islands were planted. Several islands were finished with the edging in place. In August we had a very dry month and had difficulty keeping the new trees watered. We never did get the additional faucet we requested so we decided to ask for donation towards an irrigation system. To water the area we are working on requires $3500. So we asked students and staff to help and the response has been outstanding! |