Garden Activities: April 7, 2026

This is a short report as it follows on from last week. Weeding. Two groups formed to tackle two different areas. The smaller group comprised: Janet Wall and Marna Wensil.  The larger group comprised: Julia Appelrouth, Josie Harb, Dale Harshberger, Susanna Mac, Katie Shank, Daryl Stutley, Nancy Taylor Walker, Ann Wright and myself. We also had a special guest: Ruby, Josie’s young daughter who was on spring break. The smaller group addressed mainly the mustard growing among the plantings and matilija poppy stands between the path and the fence starting at the old Garden Entrance and ending at the service area. The larger group began where we left off last week in the Trail of Trees where we continued the job of making the paths passable. Bill Dobner was on hand to keep the compost healthy.

Those of us working in the T of Ts learned a lesson in using the right tool for the job at hand, Daryl and Ann had their mini mattocks, Janet and Nancy had their root slayer shovels, and I rooted around and had trench shovels, loppers, a hula hoe, trowels and weeders at the ready. After trying most of these, the most effective tool turned out to be one’s hands. The weeds are on the outer portion of the paths where the soil is less compacted which makes the job of pulling them out relatively easy. This was most effective in getting the root making for a less messy path that would otherwise be covered with stubble from cutting or lots of divots from trying to dig them out. Below are a few action shots.

Janet tiptoeing through the poppies

Marna swallowed by the poppies.

Ann, Susanna and Katie working the lower path.

Julia taking a load to the green waste bin.

Dale having found a small spot to work in the shade!

Like the first transcontinental railroad in 1869, Nancy worked from the West and Daryl worked from the East to meet at their version of Promontory Summit in Utah.

Here I am in the ill-fated effort to make good use of the hula hoe.

A shot of Josie and daughter taking a break.

We left having made considerable progress, but, as you can see, there is more to do. If we get a bit of rain later this week, it may make the job of pulling even easier. 

Thanks to Nancy, Janet and Marna for their images!

Enjoy the garden….KMM