Archive for Cindy's posts
July 10, 2009
· Filed under Cindy's posts · Tagged BBQ, blades, Bob Shepherd, Cedar Rapids, farmers market, find, Iowa, John Moore, pork chops, recipe, rub, sweet corn, Tom Vittetoe, Washington, where
It’s a mixed bag on Iowa’s sweet corn season. Some of the farmers I spoke to today have it ready, but the crop is delayed in other areas. If you’re early, you might find sweet corn at Saturday’s farmers market in Cedar Rapids. Expect to see more sweet corn at area farmers markets in the next week.
You can find a list of many Eastern Iowa farmers markets on this blog by clicking on the farmers market category at the right.
Bob Shepherd, market manager for the Washington Farmers Market, said vendor Tom Vittetoe sold out of a pickup of sweet corn in 20 minutes at Thursday night’s market.
Bob sent the following report from the market in Washington:
Ears of succulent fresh picked sweetcorn are one of the special events at the Farmers’ Market; along with strawberries, vine ripened tomatoes, and the first tree fruit – nothing attracts attention like that first offering. Central Park will hum with the excitement generated by this Iowa treasure.
The selection improves with each Thursday Evening Market. Expect to see beets, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, kohlrabi, green beans, onions, lettuce, peas, turnips, tomatoes, summer squash, cucumbers and chilies displayed by the local growers. Black raspberries and cherries have added their appeal as we anticipate the first apples shortly.
Farm fresh brown eggs have a definite ‘country’ appeal.
An exceptional selection of fresh baked breads, pies, cookies, cupcakes, sweet rolls, bars, and short breads add their aromatic, mouth watering presence.
The sound of a sharpening wheel means another fine tool has been keenly touched by John Moore, Bits ‘n’ Blades. Local artists display beautiful glazed ware, stitchery and jewelry.
A couple of Markets ago samples of BB-Q’ed pork chops were tasted by Market goers. The rub used was a new technique and so successful the recipe is following for all to try on their home BB-Q.
Cumin and Coriander spice-rubbed Pork Chops
Mix 1 Tbs. brown sugar, 2tsp. ground coriander, 2tsp. ground cumin, 1 1/2tsp. garlic powder, 1tsp sea salt, 3/4tsp. ground ginger, and 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric in a small bowl. Preheat grill to medium high. Lightly coat both sides of 6 3/4in. thick boneless pork loin chops with olive oil, and rub with the spice rub. Grill (uncovered for charcoal; covered for gas)until the pork forms impressive grill marks on one side, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn and continue to grill until meat is just firm to touch and just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes, depending on thickness. Transfer to serving platter and let rest for 5 minutes.
The thick style chops are a favorite to BB-Q and the rub makes them even more delectable.
The Washington Farmers’ Market starts at 5pm but the downtown square is home to entertainment until 9pm. Thursday Night Live at 6:30 and the Washington Municipal Band at 8pm extend the evening enjoyment under the lofty trees of Central Park. Join us downtown………..see you there!
July 5, 2009
· Filed under Cindy's posts, Gardening events · Tagged Cedar Rapids, County Gardens, Eastern Iowa Pond Society, Erma Thompson, Fairfax, Friends of Hickory Hill, garden walk, gardens, Iowa City, koi, Larry, lawn, Megan McConnell Hughes, organic, park, ponds, Project GREEN, San Diego, Solon
Pond, and wildlife, at Larry and Erma Thompson's Cedar Rapids home (photo, Cindy Hadish)
Larry and Erma Thompson have an entire room in their home dedicated to Larry’s fish hobby, but it’s outside where his love of fish really shines. Twenty-two koi in 20 varieties spend the entire year (cold Iowa winters, too) in a well-kept pond at the couple’s home in Cedar Rapids. Goldfish are in a separate pond. Larry Thompson was awarded the Koi Person of the Year for Iowa, a regional award given at the Associated Koi Clubs of America during February’s koi show in San Diego, California. The award is a testament not only to his koi expertise, but dedication to the craft and volunteer hours he donates to community projects. Larry gives credit to his wife for her support and the beautiful plants that surround their ponds. “Anything pretty is Erma’s,” he said. “The functional stuff is mine.”
Plants help filter the water in the ponds at Larry and Erma Thompson's home (photo, Cindy Hadish)
Their home will be one of the stops on a pond tour next weekend. Following is info from the Eastern Iowa Pond Society and other groups holding garden walks next weekend.
Whether you are a serious water gardener, Koi keeper, casual pond owner, want-to-be pond owner, or just plain love flowers and water, you won’t want to miss the chance to view the ponds in this year’s Eastern Iowa Pond Society annual pond tour, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, July 12, 2009, rain or shine. As usual, pond owners and club members will be available at each pond to answer questions. They will also have a plant and small art/craft sale at one of the pond locations. This year’s tour will feature ponds in the Cedar Rapids/Solon/Swisher areas. Tickets and maps are $5.00 for adults (kids under 12 are free) and are available at all pond sites with all proceeds going back to the community for area landscape and beautification projects. A good place to start might be 131 Rosedale Rd SE, Cedar Rapids or 3682 Douglas Dr. NE Solon. For more information please call Jackie Allsup 319-934-3665 or visit: www.eips.org
Here are other garden walks coming up next weekend:
Friends of Hickory Hill Park will have a garden walk in Iowa City from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2009. The walk benefits the group’s stewardship fund for maintenance and restoration work. Four gardens will be on the tour, plus tornado recovery areas on Hotz and Rochester avenues. Speakers will be at each site to discuss prairie plantings, Backyard Abundance and organic lawn care. Start at 1167 E. Jefferson Street to purchase tickets and pick up a map. Cost is $10 per person or $8 per person if you bike or walk to 1167 Jefferson St. Families are $15. To volunteer or for more information, phone 319-338-5331 To make a donation: Anyone unable to attend the Garden Walk but wishing to make a contribution should make the check out to LEAF and mail it to: LEAF, P.O. Box 1681, Iowa City, IA 52244-1681.
The Fairfax Parks Committee will have a walk, rain or shine, at five Fairfax gardens from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, July 12, 2009. Iowa State University Extension master gardeners will be available at the gardens to answer questions. The walk includes the garden of Megan McConnell Hughes, which is featured on the cover of the summer 2009 Country Gardens magazine. Tickets can be purchased at Fairfax State Savings Bank or Guaranty Bank in Fairfax. Tickets can also be purchased the day of the event at the Fairfax North welcome sign at Williams Boulevard and Prairie View Drive. Cost is $5 for adults and $10 for families. Proceeds will be used to buy playground equipment for Hawks Ridge Park.
Also on Sunday, July 12, Project GREEN will have a garden walk in Iowa City from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you want to know how to garden with deer, this is the walk for you. Four large gardens at the edge of woodlands are featured on the walk, including one property that covers nearly four acres. All gardens are located north of Interstate 80, off Dubuque Street. Cost is $5 for adults. Children under 16 are admitted free. Start at any of the following sites for a map, which becomes your ticket for the other gardens: Pat and Stan Podhajsky, 3817 Cedar Drive NE; Maggie VanOel, 8 Oak Park Lane NE; Twila and Dick Hobbs, 9 Oak Park Lane NE; Bill and Michelle Welter, 15 Oak Park Place NE. Wear comfortable walking shoes. The weather may be hot and buggy, so bring along a bottle of water and bug spray . To learn more, see: www.projectgreen.org
July 3, 2009
· Filed under Cindy's posts · Tagged Brucemore, Chinese chestnut, Deb Engmark, Douglas, gardener, historic, image, oldest, orchard, photo, Sinclair, tree
Chinese chestnut (photo, Brucemore)
Deb Engmark, head gardener at the historic Brucemore estate in Cedar Rapids, shares the following about an amazing tree on the Brucemore grounds:
It’s time. It’s blooming. Brucemore’s Chinese chestnut is screaming for attention. The first clue that the flowers on this magnificent specimen are present is the unmistakable aroma mingling through the landscape; earthy and spicy. This perfume emanates from the chestnut’s canopy, which is covered in clusters of long chenille like tendrils resembling skinny hairy
Chinese chestnut in bloom (photo, Brucemore)
fingers or spidery legs. Approximately 50 foot tall and 50 foot wide, this low branching, wide spreading habitat makes it a great shade tree and, purportedly, an ideal climbing tree, though I do ask that you don’t climb our trees when visiting.
The chestnut worth noting is standing among younger chestnut specimens. Due to this particular tree’s location in the area of the first orchard as well as its apparent age, estimated from the trunk diameter, height and spread of the tree, this is likely one of the oldest Chinese chestnuts in Iowa, if not the nation. Chinese chestnuts were introduced to the United States by seed in 1903. The original Douglas orchard, planted circa 1909, was in this location. This was also the location of the Sinclair orchard, the estate’s first family.
With consideration given to these facts and estimates by tree experts over the years, I feel confident about the age assumption and willingly share the information. I encourage all to visit and view this majestic specimen, especially during the time of year when the Chinese chestnut drapes its branches in pungent, blooming finery.
June 28, 2009
· Filed under Cindy's posts · Tagged black-legged, deer ticks, how to, Iowa, Lyme disease, removal, symptoms, ticks
Johnson County Public Health is reporting an increase in the tick-borne Lyme disease. Ticks seem to be plentiful this year and it’s important to know what to do to guard againt Lyme disease, which can be debillitating.
Here is some info from the Iowa Department of Public Health and Johnson County Public Health regarding ticks and Lyme disease:
Ticks pose the greatest threat of transmitting infectious organisms when they bite during the nymphal stage of life. Nymphs are most abundant between May and July. Toward the end of summer through fall, ticks mature to adult stage. Adult ticks can transmit infections to humans, but are less likely to do so, according to the department.
Black-legged ticks, or deer ticks, are responsible for transmitting Lyme disease in Iowa. Deer ticks are very small; adults grow to be about 2 millimeters long. Deer ticks alone do not cause Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by an organism called Borrelia burgdorferi, which live inside some ticks and enter the human body after a tick attaches to the skin. The tick must remain attached for 24 to 48 hours for transmission to occur.
Deer ticks favor a moist, shaded environment, especially areas in wooded, brushy or overgrown grassy habitat. The department recommended frequently checking for ticks and offered the following tips to avoid tick bites:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks when hiking or walking through grassy areas;
- Tuck pant legs inside socks or wear high rubber boots;
- Wear light clothing to see ticks on clothes;
- Wear insect repellent containing DEET when spending time outdoors.
Ticks should be removed using tweezers. Do not use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish or other products. Grasp the tick firmly and as closely to the skin as possible. Pull the tick’s body away from the skin and cleanse the area with an antiseptic.
Symptoms of Lyme disease usually appear within seven to 14 days following a tick bite. People may experience a red, slowly expanding “bull’s eye” rash surrounding the tick bite area. Other symptoms include fatigue, head, neck, and muscle aches, fever and joint pain. If untreated, people can develop arthritis, joint swelling and potentially severe heart and neurological conditions.
June 22, 2009
· Filed under Cindy's posts · Tagged beetles, bugs, butterfly, control, copper, eat, eating, grapes, Japanese beetle, kill, milkweed, monarch, raspberries, roses, soap, traps, trees, water, wings
They’re back.
Japanese beetles
I spotted the first Japanese beetle of the season yesterday on my raspberry bushes. I went to check one of my rose bushes and sure enough, there was another one, sucking the life out of a beautiful pink bud. Unfortunately, both got away.
The beauty of these copper-colored beetles belies the devastation they wreak. Adult Japanese beetles feed on more than 300 types of plants – turning leaves into lacy skeletons. As larva, the white c-shaped grubs feed on turf grass roots.
I’ve heard some people have luck with the Japanese beetle traps that can be found at garden centers. Others say the traps just lure more beetles into your yard. When I see just a couple of the bugs, I use the squish method, but as they become more numerous, I’ll try to control their numbers with soapy water.
Take a small bucket with water and dish detergent – any kind will probably work – and knock the beetles off the plants into the bucket. The beetles are more active at certain times of day and will fly off. Othertimes, they do a drop and roll, which is the best way to get them to fall into the bucket. Early evening seems to be the time when they are more sluggish and easier to catch that way. Obviously, if you are growing crops that the beetles are attacking, such as grapes (another favorite,) you’re going to need a different method of control. They also favor certain trees, but supposedly they don’t kill the trees as do pests like the emerald ash borer. I also wonder what they will ultimately do to the monarch butterfly population, as Japanese beetles devastate the monarch’s food source, milkweed.
Since they make my top 10 bad bugs list, the Japanese beetle and different control methods can be found in several posts on this blog. Just use the search box at the right to find more from city arborist Daniel Gibbons, master gardeners and others on this foreign invader.
June 14, 2009
· Filed under Cindy's posts · Tagged Cedar Rapids, Coralville, dwarf arctic blue willow, flag iris, flood, flooding, flowers, Forever Green, gardens, good for, images, Iowa, landscaping, list, Lucy Hershberger, North Liberty, photos, plants, rain garden
Gazette photographer Brian Ray takes photos of Lucy Hershberger in the rain garden at Forever Green Garden Center near North Liberty (photo, Cindy Hadish)
Our flood anniversary tribute continues with a look at rain gardens. Several people I interviewed for the article in the Sunday, June 14, 2009, Gazette said while rain gardens would not have prevented last year’s devastating floods in Iowa, they could have helped. Lucy Hershberger, co-owner of Forever Green Landscaping & Garden Center in Coralville showed me the well-kept rain garden in front of their site on Forevergreen Road, near North Liberty. Yellow and blue flag iris, native grasses, coneflower, liatris and dwarf arctic blue willow were planted when the rain garden was installed in September. It’s obvious that Hershberger’s enthusiasm goes beyond trying to sell customers on a new fad. She has conducted free seminars on rain gardens for people to learn more and to better take care of their little corner of the environment. Hershberger remembers the interest in rain gardens and rain barrels in the early 1990s, at that time because of costs associated with watering. “Now it’s because of the awareness of stormwater management,” she said. “It’s not cost-driven.”
Blue flag iris
The following list of plants is from Iowa’s Rain Garden Design and Installation Manual Native Plant Favorites for Soils with Good Percolation Rates:
Common Name Height Comments
Blue grama 1-2 ft makes a good border
Bottle gentian 1 ft novel purple flowers
Butterfly milkweed 1-4 ft emerges late spring; no milky sap
Columbine 1-2 ft orange flower stalk may add 1 ft
Culver’s root 3-6 ft can get tall; for moderatley moist soils
Fox sedge 1-3 ft may not tolerate drought
Golden alexander 1-3 ft yellow dill-like flower, mod moist soils
Little bluestem 2 ft nice rusty color all winter
Mountain mint 1-3 ft for moist soils
Nodding onion 1-2 ft for moderately moist soils
Pale purple coneflower 4 ft most overused native; only in S. Iowa
Prairie blazing star 2-5 ft for moist soils
Prairie smoke 1 ft makes a good border
Sideoats grama 2-3 ft red anthers; not as tidy as little bluestem
Silky aster 1-2 ft loved by rabbits
Websites with native plant lists for rain gardens:
• http://prrcd.org/inl/recommended_plants.htm
• http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/runoff/rg/plants/PlantListing.html
June 12, 2009
· Filed under Cindy's posts · Tagged 16th Avenue, Bessie Dugena, Bozenka's, Cedar Rapids, Cindy Hadish, Cliff Jette, Czech Village, Ernie's, flood, flooding, Gail Naughton, Gazette, images, Iowa, Jan Stoffer, Joens Bros., meat market, Mike Ferguson, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, photo, Polehna's, Sykora Bakery
Photos shot post-flood June 2008. Gazette photographer Cliff Jette and I were allowed to accompany shop owners when they first saw the devastation in Czech Village after the flood. Here is some of what we found:
Polehna's Meat Market was among the businesses hard-hit by the flood. Owner Mike Ferguson decided not to reopen the shop because of overwhelming rebuilding costs. (photo, Cindy Hadish)
Jan Stoffer and Gail Naughton, center, of National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, make their way down 16th Avenue. (photo, Cindy Hadish)
Cliff Jette (right) shooting inside Polehna's. (photo, Cindy Hadish)
Bozenka's Gift Shop, owned by Czech School teacher Bessie Dugena. (photo, Cindy Hadish)
Gail Naughton photographs Babi Buresh Center, next to Sykora Bakery (photo, Cindy Hadish)
Floodwaters remained in front of National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, days after the flood (photo, Cindy Hadish)
Boat jammed behind cross near Joens Bros. Interiors (photo, Cindy Hadish)
Cliff Jette, right, talks to another photographer between Ernie's Avenue Tavern and Sykora Bakery (photo, Cindy Hadish)
Looking up muck-covered 16th Avenue SW, away from the Cedar River (photo, Cindy Hadish)
Sign outside National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (photo, Cindy Hadish)
June 10, 2009
· Filed under Cindy's posts · Tagged 2008, Cedar Rapids, Cindy Hadish, Czech Village, Dan Geiser, Dave Storey, flooding, floods, Gazette, George Ford, images, Iowa, Joe Hladky, photos, pictures, reporter, Time Check
Watching rising Cedar River from 16th Avenue SW on June 10, 2008. (Cindy Hadish photo)
One year ago is when it all began. On June 10, my sons and I went to Czech Village in Cedar Rapids to see if we could offer any help in sandbagging efforts. We encountered a flurry of activity, even though no one knew exactly what was coming. Later, we offered our help to Kather Alter, a Gazette employee who was evacuating from the Time Check neighborhood.
Looking back, there was so much more I wish we had done. The historic Cedar River flood ended up affecting not only Czech Village, Time Check and other areas abutting the river, but places I never thought would be touched, including my mother’s home. The Gazette, in downtown Cedar Rapids, was also affected, even though we stayed above the floodwaters.
Here are some of the photos I captured during those days in June 2008.
Looking down Third Ave. SE toward Cedar River in downtown Cedar Rapids (Cindy Hadish photo)
Sandbagging at Fourth Avenue and Sixth Street SE (Cindy Hadish photo)
Near Boston Fish at Fifth Street SE (Cindy Hadish photo)
Hospital CEO Tim Charles inside flooded Mercy Medical Center (Cindy Hadish photo)
Dan Geiser, Joe Hladky and George Ford inside a darkened Gazette, cooled, somewhat, by fans (Cindy Hadish photo)
Stream of cars drive through the Wal-Mart parking lot to pick up bottled water (Cindy Hadish photo)
Sandbags in front of Gazette building in downtown Cedar Rapids (Cindy Hadish photo)
Gazette publisher Dave Storey probably regrets agreeing to be in this photo taken on the back dock of The Gazette. Employees had to use portable toilets for weeks because of water restrictions in Cedar Rapids. (Cindy Hadish photo)
To be fair, this is me in the same spot on the Gazette's back dock - no shower for days because of the city's water restrictions.
June 8, 2009
· Filed under Cindy's posts · Tagged advice, arborist, Cedar Rapids, chemicals, Daniel Gibbons, destructive, Iowa, Japanese beetle, lacy damage, milky spore, pest management, pesticides, predators, resistant, roses, tips, trees
I’ve been keeping a careful watch for Japanese beetles in my garden and enjoying my roses before the pesky beetle begins its annual invasion. The city of Cedar Rapids sent out the following today, (June 8, 2009) which made me wonder if Japanese beetles had already emerged. City arborist Daniel Gibbons, who wrote the article, assured me that he hadn’t seen any. Yet.
Japanese beetles
But, they will arrive, worse in some areas than others. If you haven’t seen this foreign invader yet, be grateful. Whether or not you have, read the following from Daniel Gibbons to learn more:
Japanese beetle has become one of the most destructive and frustrating pests for gardeners, farmers, and green industry professionals. A transplant from Japan during the early 1900’s, Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica Newman) populations have enjoyed explosive growth across the East and Midwest. Damage inflicted by various stages in the beetle’s life cycle can be severe to turf grasses, agricultural crops, and over 300 ornamental trees and landscape plants. The USDA estimated in 2007 that control measures alone cost over $460 million.
Success of the non-native Japanese beetle can be primarily attributed to a lack of natural predators and a supportive climate and food source. Although eradication is not feasible, successful management leading to reduced populations will minimize pest damage. Those who succeed in managing Japanese beetle do so by gaining local cooperation, using an integrated approach to natural and chemical control, and by shrewdly selecting plant material when designing a garden or landscape.
Local cooperation is critical because of Japanese beetle mobility. Despite the best efforts of one property owner, beetles from neighboring yards are usually a significant problem. Success will increase if adjoining neighborhoods and property owners cooperate with sound management techniques.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is simply the use of multiple control techniques to reduce the comprehensive use of pesticides. When properly used, IPM creates a healthy biotic environment in which populations of undesirable pests are reduced over time by the introduction of predatory elements, resistant plants, and targeted use of pesticides when necessary.
Natural predators of Japanese beetle include microscopic nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora), naturally occurring soil bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis), and the spores of Bacillus popillae (referred to as “Milky Spore”). The success of these and other products can be effective, but depends on adherence to application and storage directions, climatic and soil conditions, and the presence of other pesticides or chemicals which may be harmful to these living organisms. Products such as Milky Spore will become more effective over the span of several years when the bacterium has had time to establish.
Application of pesticides may be used to reduce heavy infestations, but should be performed by competent and trained applicators. Some chemicals may only be used by licensed pesticide applicators. Considerations in choosing insecticides to control Japanese beetle will include application method, seasonal timing, location, type of plant material being protected, and the presence of sensitive environment features such as waterways. Assistance in choosing the latest formulation of pesticide for a particular site may be obtained from local garden shops or government extension agencies.
Finally, avoiding plants and trees that are susceptible to Japanese beetle is the best method to reduce the pest’s impact on a particular landscape or garden. Keeping landscape plants healthy will also increase resistance. The following trees are specifically targeted by Japanese beetle: Linden, Birch, Norway and Japanese maple, pin oak, beech and horse-chestnut. Trees that show resistance to the beetle include hickory, red maple, tulip poplar, dogwood, northern red oak, pine, spruce, arborvitae and hemlock. Resistant herbaceous plant groups include: Columbine, ageratum, coreopsis, coral-bells, showy sedum, hosta, and forget-me-not. Herbaceous plants to avoid in areas where beetle populations are high include: rose, hibiscus, evening primrose, clematis, sunflower, peony, zinnia, asparagus and morning-glory.
Despite recent challenges with Japanese beetle, thoughtful management can reduce the impact to community gardens and landscapes. Education, cooperation and savvy IPM practices will also reduce the impact on our pocketbooks, while promoting a healthy and vibrant growing season.
More information on Japanese beetle may be obtained through the following online sources: “Managing the Japanese Beetle: A Homeowner’s Handbook” http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/plant_health/content/printable_version/JB3-07.indd.pdf
Iowa State University – Iowa Insect Information Notes http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/iiin/node/125
June 7, 2009
· Filed under Cindy's posts · Tagged acreage, Darrell Hennessey, dwarf conifers, flood, garden walk, images, invasive, Iowa, Joanne, Linn County, Marion, Master Gardeners, multiflora rose, photos, when
Darrell and Joanne Hennessey turned a former cow pasture into a breathtaking landscape. Their home in Marion is one of five on the Linn County Master Gardeners Garden Walk, set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2009. The walk was canceled last year due to the flood. Darrell said the couple battled hip-high weeds and grass when they built their home nearly 20 years ago. Invasive multiflora rose had to be cut out constantly. “It was kind of an uphill battle for awhile,” he said. They still battle deer, with 5-foot-tall plastic snow fence used to protect dwarf conifer and arborvitae in the winter. Soaker hoses are barely visible inside the beds and tags mark most of the plants, so identification is easy.
The acreage is the kind of place where you could spend hours looking at the various flower beds that Darrell has constructed. He’s been spending four to eight hours daily getting ready for Saturday’s garden walk. If you get the chance, check out the Hennessey gardens and others on the tour. I wish we could have visited all five of the gardens. They all sound marvelous. More info and photos are in the Sunday, June 7, issue of The Gazette, and online at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/linn/news/Garden+Walk.htm
I didn’t get to stay nearly as long as I would have liked, but here is some of what I saw last week when I visited the Hennessey gardens:
Several of the conifers at the Hennessey gardens/ Cindy Hadish photos
Darrell Hennessey takes a break from edging his garden beds to point out a feature of one of his dwarf conifers
Hosta bed and trees at the Hennesseys' Marion acreage
