By Layne Knoche, RORG Landscape Designer
After a relatively dry spring, early summer in the Champaign-Urbana area got off to a very rainy start. In fact, our CoCoRaHS rain gauge watchers reported 5.24 inches of rain in four days at the end of June. It was the first big test of the garden post-renovation, and all of that water was soaked up successfully! The plants really benefitted from the heavy rain, and things are looking lush as ever.
In July, look for Cardinal Flower to reach its peak bloom. One of the showiest plants in the garden, its bright red blooms in the shaded areas of the garden are a favorite of people passing by. Other species in bloom include Purple Coneflower, ‘Rozanne’ Geranium, Purple Poppy Mallow, Butterflyweed, Rosinweed, Yellow Coneflower, and Royal Catchfly.
Bridge Update
The bridge, built from sustainably sourced lumber harvested from Allerton Park, was built in early June! It will officially open to the public once final inspections are completed in the coming weeks.
redoakraingarden.org 