Gravel to Green

See how far we've come? It's amazing! Visitors to the garden seem to be a regular thing now, and if I have my camera, they usually find a place on the path to pose. It all starts with their interest and questions about the plants, the names of flowers, which ones will winter over, and so on. It doesn't take long for me to ask for a photo op. In early September I was honored by a visit from Mr. Kenton, the Constituent Liaison of Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer. We'd spoken several times, when I was trying to get to the bottom of who actually owns (pays taxes) on the land. The answer is the City/MTA, but it appeared to be untended - probably because it's such a strange shape in an odd location. Sanitation would come by periodically and haul off the tires and debris tossed there on a regular basis. Now, let's hope they don't confuse Little Zebra grass with Ragweed!  Mr. Kenton was most curious about the garden project, as his office is very interested in...

A trip to Home Depot with Mr. S. (garden charter member and  cattus protonus )  resulted in the first evergreen for the Footbridge Garden. How exciting! But now, to prepare the soil.  Thank goodness for the non-stop help of Mr. B a few days later, we got the twice-the-rootball-sized hole dug. It was another archeological experience, with the unearthing of two intact vodka bottles and two extremely heavy 19th C granite cobble stones. I wondered, just HOW heavy? But, it made making the hole much easier as each foreign object was tugged out of the way. Then, we filled in the surrounding area around root ball with the organic soil   from a bag, mixed with the composted manure.  Finally it was time to stand back and admire it, AND to water, of course.  The label says it could reach 15 feet high, so we made sure to set it so it would not bump into the stairs, and in a spot where it will eventually cover up the stair support - a distracting eye...

As the heat of the summer seems to have lessened a bit, it's time to see which plants have survived. During my time away, a host of waterers added the precious liquid to the plants  - who continued to be battered by the punishing sun, with over 90 degrees most days. Thanks to all who gave their time and rolled those barrels of water over the often rocky pavement to get near the garden. One sad thing to note is the loss of plants - not due to lack of care - but to the nearby weed spraying of chemicals by the LIRR, whose fence we have as a boundary. Those plants near the fence started looking a little bad - reported one conscientious waterer - but on inspection yesterday, I saw all the weeds directly next to the garden on their side of the fence were dead, taking with them several nearby plants. Alas, but, that's the risk, I guess. Now we know. Enjoy the photos I took right before leaving on vacation. Be sure to use the magnifier to see the photos at their best. It's ...