Thanks, Sally! My google fu was off last night. I'm bookmarking Md Peoples Law for my own use!

The first thing I noticed when I clicked the Peoples-Law link was a help desk, "chat with a lawyer about your civil legal matter at no cost." That could help you figure out your next step.

Apparently, our efforts on Sunday did not go unnoticed. I received this from Sue this evening...

I also wanted to let you know that the gardeners are very excited about your planting & are watering it every day. Also, with all of the water they thinned out the mulch. They also wanted it to match the color & texture of the mulch across the sidewalk so they have added their mulch to do that. I hope you are ok with that.

Also, because you all did such a beautiful job they were asking if you are going to plant other flowers. I told them that you are planning to do the rest of the bed in the fall. They were delighted! you are definitely making friends

Just got back into town and catching up on posts. What a lovely garden you all planted in Larry's honor! So wish we could have been around to take part in this wonderful labor of love.

that's wonderful, RIck

WOW to you, (I mean Rick), Jill, Terry, and Sally: Excellent efforts and work!
Edited: added (I mean Rick) --no one could look into my brain that 'you = Rick'

Unfortunately, they re-did the mulch, but that's ok. At least they are happy with the result and can't wait until fall. He, he, he... they have no idea what they're in for come spring!

Based on Sue's note above, I'm wondering if they're thinking about asking that we do more areas on the campus. I know of several locations that could really use a makeover. Assuming they ask, because I'm not going to volunteer , I plan on telling them that we would have to explore the possibilities and that they would have to find a way to work the kinds into the project.

There are kids from all across the country there literally every week-end. There's no reason why we couldn't get some young bodies involved. Plus, they could use it as bragging rights!

Glad to hear about the excitement -- especially since it translates into watering! I like the look of the mini nuggets but understand about their wanting the mulch to match the rest of the campus... eventually it would, anyway.

Planning and directing additional projects with young gardeners to work on it -- sure, down the road. We'd need a budget for plant material, esp. focal shrubs, containers, bulbs. I'm more willing to spend time than $, I guess.

***

Rick, I'm thinking attire tomorrow should be more toward business casual (rather than shorts) and that bright colors are fine (rather than somber). Yes?

I'm looking forward to seeing everybody and learning more about Larry's time with 4-H.

I emailed Rick with my question about attire.. he said he'll be in a suit when he leaves the house but will most likely leave his jacket in the car.

Rick, I'm so sorry to say that I won't be able to make the memorial service. I've been sick since late Monday afternoon and finally went to the dr this morning. Bad cold. Feel like crap. More than likely contagious too. I'll be thinking of you guys tomorrow

Terri, I hope you feel better soon. Summer colds are a real bummer!

I'm so sorry to not be with you this morning either. I wasn't up to doing stop & go DC traffic this morning, and we also had a pop-up appointment for my MIL with timing that was going to be a bit tight. So I'm staying put and thinking of all of you, especially Rick. I'll look forward to hearing some stories from Frenchie & Lisa about Larry's 4-H years!

Oh, and Rick, don't worry about drainage holes in those containers. Terri & Joyanna & I are thinking about doing a zoo trip soon, and the center is on the way. I have hole saw bits and microfiber wicks already packed into my drill case!

Thanks Jill. I think the holes are better on the side near the bottom rather than on the bottom. It lessens the chance of tree or other roots getting in.


Travel safe.

That's a great idea for drilling the drainage holes, Rick!
I've been following the memorial garden, and wish I could see it in person. Great job, all of you!

I thought about drilling in the side, which is what I often do with big container. Problem is, I think both of those are double-walled containers, and with them already planted I don't know how far up the side to start drilling. Also, do we know if the containers will continue to be watered from overhead? If not, the more contact with the ground, the better.

I can do a pilot hole in the side to be sure I'm far enough up and then stick in a wick (microfiber towel strip) that goes into the potting mix and also down under the pot for good soil contact. Or I can just drill them in the bottom. We'll likely move them in fall, and we could easily tilt the containers when planting annuals in spring to be sure roots aren't growing up into them. I don't think tree roots will be a big deal -- I've never heard sycamores were difficult that way, and I didn't see any maple trees nearby.

I'm anticipating that getting watered every day won't continue, and I think drying out is likely to be more of a problem than roots... good ground contact helps, that's why we dug down to place the containers, and bottom holes may be best for that.

Anyway, those are my thoughts on it. I'll drill the holes anywhere you want them. If you want holes above-ground on the sides, that'll give a good 6 inches of "reservoir" inside the pots.

Wouldn't 6 inches of reservoir possibly rot the roots? I've been digging down to put out pots for the summer. It keeps the wind from blowing them over.

The watering schedule is now M-W-F instead of daily. If the planter on the corner is an indication, they've all maxed out on the watering. I'm not too concerned about it at this point due to the extreme heat we're having.

Rick
I am so sorry on the passing of Larry. Please accept our condolences for you at this time.

What a lovely tribute to Larry with the garden at the 4H center!!

Thanks Jan.