I had the pleasure of speaking to the Shady Oaks Garden Club today.  The requested that I speak about Night Time Gardening.  I thought to myself,” Night Time Gardening, Why!”

As always I used my trusty Google search bar and started researching plant materials that are more impressive in the evenings or the fragrance of the flower is more pungent.  The more I researched, the more it became obvious that there are tons of materials that were not at the top of my list that display better in the evening rather than during the day. 

Plants such as Angle Trumpet and Hollyhocks make great displays in the evening.  Sweet Olive and sweet alyssum have wonder fragrances in the evening. In addition, using low voltage landscape lighting can create the perfect environment for those night time parties or just a few moments escape from life. 

So, the next time you think that Gardening is just for the day time, remember the ladies from Shady Oaks Garden Club. 

Send post as PDF to

Here is the article that was feature in the Rochester newspaper about our volunteers that came to New Orleans and planted the gardens at Audubon Park. 

Send post as PDF to

Audubon Park is the greatest place to work when the weather is 70 degrees and the sun is shinning.  Here is some of the handwork that was done by the RTCC horticulture students today. 

Send post as PDF to

A group of college students arrived Wednesday evening to come and help replant the landscape beds at Audubon Park Golf Course.  14 arrived from Rochester Community Techinal College from Minnesotta.  As they arrived they all were telling me how it was snowing when they boarded the plane and it was 85 degrees when they landed.  Our first day was productive even though we were washed away by the rains which have brought in the most beautiful weather.  We are planting away and we will keep you posted. 

Send post as PDF to

I am working on a project at Audubon Park Golf Course that is 100% donated except for the plants will be purchased from the vendor that donated the materials to the last project, Windmill Nursery of Folsom, LA.  I have several volunteers coming from Rochester Community Technical College from Rochester, Minnesota to help restore the landscaping.  This group read an article written about Garden Gate’s devastation from Katrina and how we put our lives on hold to help the community in St. Bernard.  We helped build a park for the kids called Vista Park.  I was the project manager and coordinated the efforts.  I am looking for volunteers to help make this restoration happen with a huge impact.  In addition, I am looking to make sure that this gets media attention for the volunteers that are spending their own money to come and help our Great City. 

Send post as PDF to