By Diane Lockspeiser

It was a crazy crazy Spring (maybe add another crazy), with cold wet weather sandwiching one week of hot dry Summertime temperatures. Add three days of Martian skies, which caused two nights that were not quite a frost, but cold enough to damage many of the more delicate plants.

That was after some of the hardier perennials had already been damaged by a below-freezing night in late May. It was the first time I’ve ever seen the asparagus and rhubarb so badly damaged, as well as the buds on the grapevines and on many trees. Thank goodness they are all so hardy and recuperating, but the Springtime harvest was a lot less than usual.

On a happier note, I am pleased to report that I have been able to complete the mural in the library bathroom on schedule, before the start of all the Summertime weekend activities. A big “Thank You!” to all who contributed suggestions for what to include. Even with limiting items to those either historical or natural to our area, it was a challenge to decide what to include and where.

Several people requested various lilies. Although the Tiger Lily is evidently native to New York, there were also space and balance considerations which made me decide to save the lilies for another mural which I plan to add to the children’s area next Winter.

I hope the weather improves but, more importantly, may we all have a wonderful Summer, come rain or come shine!~