Garden Maintenance Session,
May 3, 2024

by Doug MandelPosted onGardening
Maintenance workers at MMH. D. Mandel.
Matson-Mowder-Howe Celebration Garden maintenance workers in the matilija poppy section before bloom. From left to right: Shasta Chapter CNPS members Yo Sadohara and Chris Gray, and Master Gardener Carole Crowe.
Photo taken May 3, 2024, © Doug Mandel.

On Friday, May 3, enjoying pleasant weather, we had a small but mighty group of six volunteers—Shasta Chapter CNPS members, Master Gardeners, and Redding Art League members—make the incredible Matson-Mowder-Howe Celebration Garden look even better.  We thoughtfully pruned and courageously weeded, pulling out most of the Torilis arvensis (hedge-parsley, AKA tall-sock destroyer) before going to seed.  Now is a great time to see and take in the sweet blooms of the large massing of matilija poppy.  Also blooming are penstemon, buckeye, and elderberry, and coyote mint and buckwheat are starting to bloom. ~Doug Mandel

Matilija poppies and buckeye in bloom at MMH. D. Mandel.
Matlija poppies (foreground) and buckeye (background) are now blooming. Their sweet fragrance fills the air at the Matson-Mowder-Howe Celebration Garden, Redding. Photo taken May 24, 2024, © Doug Mandel.