1997 was a very good year overall. Although most people complained bitterly about Spring being too wet; the plants were extremely happy. The rest of the growing season turned out to be another very dry season. The only real rain we had was at the end of August, when we had 5-1/2" in 3 days but it then got very hot and it all evaporated before the plants were able to absorb it. Fortunately it was not so dry that any plants died.

One of the two major reconstruction projects accomplished in 1997, was to rebuild the northern half of the canal. The chipmunks had gotten in behind the stones lining both sides and, as they ran around there, the stones all coved into the canal. It was necessary to take the walls apart completely and to relay them with coarse stone behind. This should make it impossible for the chipmunks too do any further damage. Live and learn!

We hauled in, and spread, hundreds of truckloads of horse manure and leaf compost and most of the beds in the front gardens are finally up to the level where they belong. It took almost 40 years to accomplish this feat but we now have all raised beds of phenomenal soil and excellent drainage so that the plants should do extremely well... provided that we get a reasonable amount of rain. Although we water as much as we can; it is just simply impossible too keep such extensive gardens adequately watered if there is no rain.

(For the past three years, Henry and Mark have been working very hard putting in a new garden in the rear. They have already put in over 129 truckloads of horse manure and leaf compost and that is only the beginning.)

We have added a great many new and extremely choice plants of all kinds and are constantly searching for additional "treasures". That is what makes the gardens here so outstanding. Most of the plants are extremely choice, rare and difficult to find. Our visitors are constantly marveling at seeing plans here which they not only have never seen before but which they did not know even existed.

Although the two reconstruction projects took a great deal of work and time; we finally managed to get to weeding, late in the year, and the gardens look absolutely marvelous. We hope to be able to do an even better job of it next year.

The major special project for next year is to put in some new paved walks where they are badly needed. It is always amazing to note the great "effect" these walks and patios make, in the overall appearance of the gardens.

Many thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement.
Henry Ross & Mark LaRosa