For the fifth year running, six PRESENCE team members from the Pacific Northwest joined staff gardeners Patrick and Andrew at the Washington Arboretum. The arboretum, nestled on the upper west bank of Lake Washington, adjacent to the University of Washington is a busy, bustling 230 acres of spectacular urban green space.
We worked up a sweat in the Chilian Fire Tree Grove for a couple hours this year, clearing ferns, weeding morning glory, while enjoying conversation and the perfectly overcast, but slightly sunny, temperate weather. Break time allows us a moment for catch ups and updates, while Ayn’s snacks make the moment a bit more engaging and flavorable.
The Chilean Wine Palm (in photo with Anthony and Kari) is native to South America and known to be one of the most impressive palms in the world. These palms can grow for hundreds of years and withstand temperatures as low as 7 degrees, Fahrenheit. The tree in this photo is not in danger of being uprooted. When on a hill, they can grow that way. The roots reach deep into the soil, even as they tilt.
As the morning progressed into afternoon, with sore arms, sore back, and oh yeah, sore knees, we acknowledged how grateful we are for another small but significant opportunity to join in with the many men and women who work year round to keep Washington Arboretum a fresh and vibrant urban wonderland.
Those in attendance: Terri Steiner, Ayn Quan, Kari Dodson, Destiny Hyatt, Cindy Sundvall, Anthony Fahim
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