The September/Autumnal Equinox Garden Report
Wednesday, September 16
"As long as Autumn lasts I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough to paint the
beautiful things I see." -Vincent van Gogh
Welcome to the Gardens, or Welcome Back!
The cool weather, vibrant colors, and harvesting of La Posada's bounty makes Fall one of our favorite times of the year. Let's have some fun and go on a Garden Safari. Dan Lutzick, our Special Projects Manager, has recently added more critters to the gardens. According to Dan, the most recent sculptures were acquired in Albuquerque, while others were added 26 years ago. The metal rooster, which recently moved to the Grotto, may have found a permanent home after being on the move for 10 years!
1. Jolly the Camel-North Entrance
Jolly the Camel has been welcoming visitors to La Posada for over 20 years and represents the use of camels on the Beale Wagon Road. They were used as pack animals in 1857 from New Mexico to Los Angeles. Take note of the Arizona Ash, Box
Elder, Chocolate Flower and Sunflowers as you enter.
2. Rooster and Burro-Grotto and Quince
Look down from the Entry Garden into the Grotto where you'll see the "newest" addition to the menagerie, our beloved rooster who we've named Kalup (seen in the earlier photo). This warm microclimate is filled with Hollyhocks, Sunflowers, Red Hot Pokers, and seasonal flowers. A family of javelina enjoy this space too! Who's that looking down at the Grotto? It's a burro standing guard over the Quince grove in the East Alcove. Mary Colter planted these trees in 1930. We're expecting a bumper crop this Fall to take to Chef in the Turquoise Room.
3. Gator/Boar/Owl/Rabbit-Sunken Garden
Follow the pathway through the blue door and into the Sunken Garden. You'll find a zoo of critters and beautiful Fall colors. Enjoy: Mulberry, Currant, Spirea, Columbine, Asters, and Mums.
4. Giraffe-North Walkway
This giraffe has its neck high up in the Fremont Cottonwoods. These trees will be turning vibrant yellow as will the Goodwin's Willow across the pathway.
5. Ram-Cottonwood Grove West of Hotel
Look for Fall colors as a wide variety of trees, which surround the lawn start to turn. Cottonwood, Locust varieties, Mulberry, Ray wood Ash, Maple, Desert Willow and more.
6. Hippo Bench-Orchard Southwest Corner
One of my favorite places is amongst the fruit trees. Have a seat on the hippo and watch the trains or look North at the bright red crop of Amaranth growing in the Milpa
Enjoy the hunt! This is a small list; there are many more animals to find! Lastly, we'd like to say goodbye and good luck to head gardener Kalup Molina (seen center in the light gray shirt). He's doing great as an apprentice electrician. Kudos! And a shoutout to part-time gardener Kavion Bumgarner who started the same program. We'd also like to welcome Daniel Martinez to our crew.
Have a great Fall! See you again for the Winter Report.
