APS 2023 Garden Tours - Day 2.
The first stop of the day was Hamilton College. I was blown away by how beautiful and spacious the campus was and many of the buildings were impressive. The staff, students, and volunteers were so friendly and helpful and really enhanced our experience and time at the college.
Here is Saunders' house as it exists now (currently a student residence). Sorry for the reflection. This photo was taken from inside the bus as we were not able to get out at this point.
This place was an absolute dream - The Grant Garden at the Root Glen Arboretum. Our timing was impeccable. A big shout out to Craig Aiken who absolutely nailed the timing and picked the perfect spots for us to visit on these tour. It was very moving to see many Saunders cultivars assembled in one garden.
On display: 'Grace Root'
'Lavender'
'Little Dorrit'
'Madrigal'
'Bordeaux'
'White Innocence'
'Ludovica'
'Night Watch'
'Heritage'
'Rose Tulip'
'Horizon'
Finally, 'Red Lacquer', a very rare cultivar and once (and perhaps currently) thought to be lost. There was some debate around the origin of this plant. What I found interesting were the hairy anthers. I discussed this observation with Nate Bremer, and he mentioned that he had never seen anything like this before.
After we had our time in the garden, we were invited to the Saunders Archive where Hamilton archivist Jeremy Katz had prepared some remarkable records for our viewing. It was very interesting to see the high-profile connections Saunders had. Seeing such a huge volume of Saunders' meticulously kept, highly detailed notes really made a big impact on me and was a huge source of inspiration (preceded by awe).
Here is a box of notecards on Saunders' crosses. There are many more in storage, which gives you an insight into his hybridizing approach and an idea of how organized he was. Truly astounding.
Lunch at the Soper Commons Dining Hall. How grand! At this point I was wishing I didn't have to leave.
Apparently I really didn't want to leave, and cut out of lunch early to visit Saunders' grave site. I was literally jogging out there in 30C heat, and fortunately ran into the archivist, Jeremy, who, as luck had it, was heading to the same spot to take a photo for his presentation the next day. How lucky is that?! Thankfully I ran into him, otherwise I would have been up the creek without a paddle. I missed the Board of Directors group photo but fortunately got on the bus on time.
Final stop: Lyndaker Farms! It was a windy road to get there, and we heard thunder rumble in the distance....
And of course, we arrived during intermittent downpours. I was one in the minority of those who braved the rain because, well, peonies! Unfortunately the camera was mostly stowed to avoid damage, so I only got a few shots. Owners Cate and Jason gave us tours of their cut flower patch, their woody peony seedling area, and their production fields, complete with growing tips and what they have learned throughout their time on the farm. Some of you may remember Cate from her time on these very forums! They sent us home with a lovely little takeaway box of cookies.
And that's a wrap on the APS garden tours. Flower show photos coming next, as I'm all photo'd out for now! What an incredible two days. I'll never forget 'em!
