Walk for gardens

“We're going to go on a symbolic walk," said Pat Harrison, manager of therapeutic services at Eagle Park.

“It's to raise awareness and funds."

Eagle Park has a $200,000 therapeutic garden in its sights. So far only $15,000 has been raised.

“The residents needs to have safe access to outdoor places," Harrison said. “It just means they don't have to be stuck indoors."

Harrison said she's hoping at least 50 residents plus staff, volunteers and family and friends participate in the walk.

“We have 75 residents," Harrison said. “[Fifty] would be a huge coup." .

BEELINE BEHAVIOUR

Bees with a penchant for violet flowers fare better when it comes to collecting nectar, according to research by scientists at the University of London.

The researchers, studying nine bee colonies in southern Germany, found that the colony with the strongest preference for violet-coloured flowers brought home 41 per cent more nectar than the colony with the weakest bias. Bees in the area probably developed this preference because higher levels of the sugary liquid are found in violet blooms.

And studies carried out in the lab using artificial flowers show the furry insects appear to be born with an innate sense of which colour works for them. While it may take us years to realise we look good in green, some young bees that have never even seen a flower will go straight for violet-coloured ones.

Gardens get toasting

DAYS of heavy rain and the installation of a complex watering system should have left Piccadilly Gardens' newly-laid lawn looking lush and green. But the scorched grass has been caused by a hidden heatwave - generated by an electricity substation below ground. Earlier this year, workmen drilled a 200ft borehole to a natural water source in an effort to help the gardens maintain a green sheen throughout summer as part of £720,000 worth of improvements to two Manchester squares. The water is used to irrigate the gardens and supply the 180-jet fountain. The system was switched on last month after new turf was laid and the gardens landscaped to encourage people to walk on paved areas. But after only a few weekends, it is already showing signs of wear. Coun Marc Ramsbottom criticised the spending.

Quota Internationa Hosts 9th Annual Tour of Gardens

Quota International hosted their ninth annual Tour of Gardens on the north side. Colorful flowers and pottery were featured in the four gardens on display. A Garden Fairy Market was held with garden-related items and jewelry.Quota International helps hearing impaired individuals and disadvantaged women. They hope to raise about $6,000 this year.We want to know what you think about this story. Log on to Community Correspondent® and tell us. .

EARTH Center teaching gardens help novices plant first seeds

The growing season is in full bloom at the Middlesex County EARTH Center. Located in Davidson's Mill Pond Park, South Brunswick, the EARTH Center is home to Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County and has a goal of educating Central Jersey residents on the value of environmental stewardship.

The many demonstration gardens installed and tended to by master gardener volunteers and extension staff are filling out. The gardens are designed to be a teaching tool for residents about horticulture, agriculture and nutrition.

Currently, the Circle of Thyme Herb Garden is the center attraction with its 13 themed, raised beds. Each bed is home to herbs that relate to such themes as African herbs in "In the Style of the Nile," herbs of eastern origin in "Ancient Herbs for Modern Uses" and All-American favorites in "Thomas Jefferson Knew It and Grew It."

The EARTH Center's 1000-plus-square-foot vegetable garden also has taken on themed beds this season and will shortly be brimming with vegetables of all sorts, from the exotic to New Jersey's familiar favorites.

Giant African sculptures return to Botanic Gardens

For the first time in three years, the "Chapungu: Custom and Legend; A Culture in Stone" exhibit is back by popular demand at the Denver Botanic Gardens from July 11 through February 29, 2008. The exhibit of 56 life-affirming, deeply spiritual sculptures celebrates diversity by bringing an awareness to the depth and wisdom of many of the traditional African cultures.

This highly expressive contemporary stone art of African artists from Zimbabwe, are up to 11 feet tall and weigh between 600 and 6,000 pounds each. Chapungu is a profound, deeply human expression of the African people that transcends time and space. Sculptors say their ancestors’ spirits come in dreams and visions to reveal themselves in images that dwell within the stone.

These "voices in stone" can almost be heard through the awe-inspiring sculptures, which tell tales of life.