Randy Darnielle, 58, ,left, and Vera Walker, second from left, work with Ray and Fran Richmond on beautifying the front entrance at the Oregon Veteran’s Home in The Dalles on May 3. Hardpan under the dirt called for using a breaker bar to bust through the clay. You gotta love that Missoula Flood clay that lays beneath the topsoil in east The Dalles.
Walker and her husband Wade operate Walker’s Landscape Maintenance and have spent years beautifying the Veteran’s home. And I have yet to see Vera take a break.
Fran said Vera was her daughter-in-law, and Darnielle is a good family friend. And Roy served in the Army, covering Motorpool duties.
“We’re all good friends,” Fran said.
Now, if that dirt was a bit more friendly.
Darnielle and Walker eventually busted through the clay creating spots for the new pots that sit halfway in the ground- providing enough soil and water for flowers to thrive. See below.
