Arboretum volunteers planting on campus this weekend

 The event, which is open to all volunteers, will be Saturday, Oct. 20. Volunteers are invited to meet at 9 a.m. at the Sandoz Center and work until noon. The event had been postponed from earlier this fall because of unseasonably warm temperatures.

“Thankfully it’s cooler now and soil temperatures are just right to put spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils and hyacinths in the ground,” said Lucinda Mays, CSC horticulturist. “At higher soil temperatures, newly planted bulbs leaf out prematurely. Ideally, soil temperatures should be about 60 to 65 degrees with nighttime air temperatures of about 45.”

The event is designed to help people learn how to plant trees, shrubs and perennials, including bulbs, in the fall. The group will also will label plants in one of the campus gardens to help inform campus visitors who are interested in learning more about the plants of the High Plains.

Mays provides volunteers with a brief classroom session followed by a planting demonstration and hands-on work session in the campus gardens. Participants often find that lessons learned during the work day are useful in the home landscape.

“We learn a little, improve the campus landscape, and just generally have a pretty good time together,” Mays said.

“We encourage volunteers of all ages at all of our events. All are welcome for all or part of the day, and we commit to end promptly at noon,” Mays said.

Volunteers are asked to bring what they have of hand trowels, rakes and garden spades. They are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear gloves, hat and bring their own drinking water. Snacks will be provided.

For more information contact Mays at 308-430-4186 or Jane Darnell 308-430-2204.