Thanks to all who came out and supported us at our Dog Days of Summer Fundraiser.  We raised about $400 (our Treasurer will do an exact count soon) — but even better, we signed up a dozen new members!  We extend a warm welcome to all our most recent members.  A few pictures from the event: 

Garden workday volunteers–L to R Wendy White, Martha Lombardo, Linda Pitt, Paula Burns, Karen Hinckley with Rocket and Lizzie

A hearty thank you to all the great garden volunteers who participated in our perennial planting blitz.   During our five work days, we planted 620 (yes, six hundred and twenty!) plants and did a bit of weeding besides.  Thirteen planting volunteers–Paula Burns, Michelle Detwiler, Mary Field, Joseph Garrity, Karen Hinckley, Martha Lombardo, Hazel Murphy, Melissa O’Connor,  Linda Pitt, Ellen Reese, Toba Spector,  Wendy White, and Ellen Briggs–donated a total of 48.5 hours to accomplish this feat.

L to R, Michelle Detwiler, Ellen Briggs, Ellen Reese and Melissa O’Connor pause for photo op in May 2015 marathon planting of 450 Blue Wood Sedge.

Chris Bushnell with newly installed garden sign

In addition, Chris Bushnell once again donated his woodworking talents to  frame and install our beautiful Wildlife and Respite Garden sign, which was designed by Ellen Reese and Gary Stein.  Gary  also fixed the gate hardware for us so it is now a pleasure to open and shut those gates.

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One of our Appalachian Spring dogwoods in bloom.

In February of 2014, at our first annual meeting, we announced our plan to create a wildlife garden in the park and offered the chance to dedicate a tree in honor or memory of a person or dog to the first 5 people to donate $150 to the project.  The trees were planted in the fall, made it through a tough winter, and received their dedication plaques at our Meet the Trees event on Friday, June 5.   Member Helene Feinberg Walker provided delicious treats for both person and dog guests and everyone had a great time.

Lee and Tessa enjoy refreshments at our Meet the Trees event

For those who couldn’t be there, we missed you!  Do drop by the wildlife garden and take a look at the 5 trees and their tags:

One of our two Appalachian Spring dogwoods was donated by Hazel Murphy in memory of her sister Avis and her husband Tony; the other was donated by Jon and Janine Weller in honor of their dog Lucy.

Helene, Kent, and Abby in front of a Winter King Hawthorn dedicated to the memory of Cybil and Max, Poodle Girls

Our three Winter King hawthorns were donated by Karen Garbeil in honor of Junior (who needs no introduction);  by Helene Feinberg Walker in memory of Cybil and Max, Poodle Girls; and by Jay and Marya Margolis in memory of Dollie the Collie.

True to the wildlife mission of our garden, the  flowers of both  varieties of trees are especially beneficial to endangered pollinators, and their fruits provide food for over 35 bird species.

e Bench donated by dog park friends of Debby Merker in her memory

Many of you will have noticed that we have a new bench in the park.  It’s been getting a lot of use, so it seems to be a welcome addition.  The bench was donated by a group of Debby Merker’s friends in her memory, and it was expertly assembled by member Joseph Garrity and his brother Patrick.  Debby, with her two yellow Labradors Betsy and Oakley, were beloved park regulars.  Debby’s kindness and generosity were legendary, and she is greatly missed,

The people listed below made donations for the bench.  Excess funds over the cost of the bench will be donated to Main Line Animal Rescue, Debby’s preferred rescue organization where she got Betsy and Oakley.

Bench Donors

Dorthe Andersen, Janice Asher,  Judy Argon, Steve Axelrod, Ellen Briggs, Jill Cooper, Lee Dante, Tom Donohue, Karen Garbeil,  Robin Garrett, Bobby Harmelin, Karen Hinckley, Sarah Johnston, Tessa Lamont Siegel, Jay and Marya Margolis, Linda McConnell, Karl Middleman, Lynn O’Connor, Bob Plotnick, Ellen Reese, Elaine Stern, John Tobias and Rebecca Wells, Helene Feinberg Walker, Kate Williams