September 1 - 7 Meditation Garden

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Two weeks ago we suggested that you take a look at the Meditation Garden, located off of Parking Lot A/B on the Medford Campus, as work was in process for the renovation of this area.  This week, I invite you to take a look at the renewed Meditation Garden.  The curved pathway takes you into the Garden, which provides a lovely tranquil and meditative space.  Two benches are easily accessible, along with seating on the low stone wall.  Over the next few months, additional woodland plants will be added to fill in the Garden.

August 25-31 Katzell Grove

This week, take a special look at the Katzell Grove --another work in progress in the Arboretum on the Medford Campus.  This past week, the Grove plant material and grasses have been cut so that you can better view the trees in the Grove.  In addition, the areas around the trees are in the process of being cleaned up and re-mulched.  This Fall, we will test ground covers in the Grove area, along Estaugh Way, with the goal to find a ground cover that is low maintenance, drought tolerant and disease resistant.  Our ideal ground cover will not exceed 8-10" so that the trees can be highlighted in the Grove. Based upon the tests, we will then consider expanding the ground covers to other areas of the Campus.  Last, but not least, we are working to replace a few trees that did not fare the summer season.  We will evaluate the reasons that some trees did not live and work to find appropriate replacements to be planted later this fall.

August 18 - 24 Meditation Garden

This week take a look at another work in progress in the Arboretum.

Thanks to a donation from our residents, Herb and Maggie Heineman, the Meditation Garden, which is located just off of the A and B Parking Lots on the Medford Campus, is in the process of being renovated.  The design incorporates a low stone wall to identify the area, and will have benches for seating.  Native plants and trees will be the focus, along with a paved pathway to bring you into what will be a lovely peaceful garden. Take a look now to see the work in progress, and I'll keep you posted when the project is complete.  Thank you Maggie and Herb!

Lumberton Trails

Update Wednesday August 14.

Well last Saturday, August 10, I had no trouble walking the complete length of the Holly Trail.  Today it was impassable.     The bridge shown below (before and after grass pull)   is now tipped and the end shown in the photo is underwater.  It will need to be reset.   Also, the "branches that are too heavy for me to move"  are also in water day -- probably have been moved some, but not  off the trail.

 

 

After a summer when it was too hot to work, here's the situation on the trails. Willow Trail and Soggy Bottom downstream from Twin Bridges Trail are impassable. Forget about them.

On the usable trails, four trees need chain-saw attention.  But three of them are easy to step over so only one needs to be done prior to visitors.   There are a  bunch of branches down on the Holly Trail that need manpower to move away.    The other work is minimal, some grass to pull, branches to clip, and PI to spray.  Nothing major, I can handle it, but welcome help if others are available.  

Trails will be in good shape for fall Trail Walks for residents and visitors.



 

across Rancocas Trail

Across the Forrest Trail

Holly Trail - move this one before Trail Walks

Across the Holly Trail

Grass across trail

Grass pulled from Trail

Grass pulled from Trail

 

Grass across trail

 

These branches are too heavy for me to move
also there is a large hanging down to remove





It sure looks as if this trail has been maintained this
summer.  I was impressed that the bushes weren't across the trail

Here again there is evidence of trail work
branches to the side

In some places the ferns are starting to crowd the trail
I'm inclined to let this go until next year.

Pretty red flowers at the end of Rancocas Trail
But the butterfly left before I could get my camera.





Ailanthus

August 8.   These first two photos show some ailanthus that was successfully treated last year and new trees that have come up this year.  More photos in the weeks to come.



Lots of new Ailanthus that wasn't here last year.
This is behind the Naulty home.



The dead stalks are Ailanthus we killed last year
but there is a big one we missed.

Perimeter Path Fence

Pete McCord and John Speirs are the go-to guys when in comes to replacing fence rails and posts.   I'm committed to cutting vines away from the fence -- with priority on the vines that are getting in the way of the rails and posts that need to be replaced.



These two sections have been cleared of vines - ready for new rails



These two sections need  vine removal so the leaning post can be reset or replaced.

Mugwort in gardens near Lumberton meadow

The Lumberton meadow was mowed July 27.   There are gardens near the meadow with enough mugwort to reseed the entire meadow.  On August 8 I chopped down mugwort behind units #135 and #139.  I have no idea how it will be permanently removed, but at least the seeds won't reach the meadow this year.   I will survey the other gardens near the meadow and chop down mugwort which is high enough (more than waist high) that it looks as if it might go to seed.

Behind #135 AFTER mugwort was cut 3 dead bushes were seen.
I think they died because they were covered.

Behind #135 BEFORE mugwort was cut.



Side of #139 AFTER mugwort was cut.
Leaning stalk, not mugwort, in bloom was previously surrounded by mugwort.

Side of #139 BEFORE mugwort was cut
Leaning stalk in bloom, not mugwort, surrounded by mugwort.

Large bag with mugwort from #139 next to mugwort from #135

Couldn't drag the bag uphill to the street so I drug it downhill to the swale.
Phoned Medford leas to pick it up.
 

August 11-17 BoxTurtles

Not only are trees and plants a part of the Arboretum, but so are the animals who call the Barton Arboretum and Nature Preserve their home. 

As you wander through the Atrium on the Medford Campus, check out the Box Turtles. 

I've learned that the mating season for our friends, has just been completed, and that several of the females have laid eggs in the clear areas that Debbie has configured. 

In two-three months, we should see the new baby turtles as they hatch.

Keep an eye out for these new arrivals come the Fall Season.