I would never complain about getting rain when we need it but almost every week for the last few we’ve lost at least one day with our volunteers. It has interfered with our planting schedule and dampness has made us postpone necessary deadheading and weeding to keep from compacting the soil. But the worst part is, this year the volunteer ranks have swelled to almost 40 hardy souls and our time getting to know the newbies and hanging out with old friends keeps getting interrupted. Today, despite the damp dreariness of the morning, some of those hardy souls, newbies and veterans alike, came prepared to lean into the Rose and North Garden from the very edges to deadhead and weed as much as we could reach from arms’ length. It’s a testament to our volunteers’ dedication that they would be so willing to be so sopping.

Last night at Blithewold’s annual meeting we were able to honor one of our most dedicated and loyal Wednesday “Rockettes”, Beverly Christ with the Anne Archibald Volunteer Service Award. As Gail said in her introduction, Bev has been quietly and steadily tending to the details of the minutia of the Rock Garden for well over 20 years, and we have come to rely very heavily on her to start seeds for us in spring. As quiet and tiny as Beverly is, she’s no mouse. She’s tough as nails and doesn’t suffer fools. She takes my cheek on the chin and gives it right back. I love her more than words can say – and that’s saying something.

I know I’ve said this before but it bears repeating over and over: Blithewold is a beautiful and special place because of the people who love it. Like any garden, it wouldn’t be worth visiting if no one poured heart and soul into it. We’re very, very lucky. Because when it rains, it totally pours.