April 2021
MichiganGardener.com
Your guide to Great Lakes gardening
Celebrating 25 Years
PERENNIALS
Pulmonaria How-To
Tree Tips
Vegetable Patch
Revive a tired garden
When and why to prune your trees
Planning your vegetable garden
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Michigan Gardener | Aprl 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
Garden Wisdom
Perennials
Pansies April is the perfect month for planting pansies. These cold-tolerant annuals flower continuously from April to June. And at Telly's, we grow our pansies to be tough as nails so that they thrive even in the harshest of conditions.
Everyone knows about Telly's huge perennial selection. But did you know that each Spring, we also feature starter perennials in small pots for only $2.99? And, if you purchase 32 or more (Mix and Match), the price drops to $2.00!! This starter program features over 100 varieties, including creeping phlox, butterfly bush, veronica, perennial salvia, and much more.
To-Do List........................................................6 Ask MG............................................................8 Vegetable Patch..........................................10 Books for the Michigan Gardener.......12 Tree Tips........................................................14 Perennials: Pulmonaria.............................16 Calendar........................................................25 Classified Ads.............................................27 Advertiser Index........................................28 Where to pick up Michigan Gardener.....................................28 Weather Wrap...........................................29 Profile: A garden shared with many....30
My advice for beginner gardeners is to treat the soil as a pet. If you spend time and energy bringing the soil to life, most plants will thrive. —Clare James
Places to Grow...........................................34 Through the Lens......................................36 How-To: Revive a tired garden..............Back cover On the cover: The pulmonaria ‘Shrimps on the Barbie’ boasts shrimppink flowers and dark green speckled leaves. Learn more about pulmonaria starting on page 16. Photo: Terra Nova Nurseries
To Our Readers... We are often asked, “How did Michigan Gardener get started?” Well, back in the fall of 1995, we had full-time jobs, but free time to spare. With both of us having some experience in the publishing industry, we said, “Hey, let’s start a magazine.” And with both us having some experience in the gardening world, we said, “How about a gardening magazine?” Off to the coffee shop we went and the brainstorming began (yes, notes were fastidiously written on the back of a napkin). Now the clock was ticking: our first issue would be May, 1996. Bye-bye free time. Fast forward to 2021 and here we are at the 25-year milestone. First and foremost, we want to thank our initial and early advertisers. They listened to our vision, believed in it, and advertised their local businesses. Their loyalty helped launch Michigan Gardener. And then our readers joined in and enthusiastically picked up and read the magazine from its very first issue. Ever since then, readers eagerly await the next issue of Michigan Gardener, especially the first one of each season: April. Thank you so much for reading. The spring temperatures are rising, and it’s time for some fresh air in the garden. All the safest and best wishes to you for a grand gardening season,
SpringBlooming Bulbs Hellebores Our hellebore selection is second to none. These low-maintenance, shade-loving perennials are the first herbaceous perennial to bloom each Spring. We have over 2000 hellebores available, many of which are blooming now!
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Contributors Brian Allnutt Neil/Ruth Atzinger Karen Bovio Cheryl English Emaline Fronckowiak Mary Gerstenberger Julia Hofley Rosann Kovalcik Beverly Moss George Papadelis Roxanne Riggs David L. Roberts Jim Slezinski Lisa Steinkopf Steve Turner Emily Wilson
30747 Greenfield Rd., Suite 1 Southfield, MI 48076 Phone: 248-594-5563 Fax: 248-594-5564 E-mail: publisher@MichiganGardener.com Website: www.MichiganGardener.com Publishing schedule 5 issues per year: April, May, June, July/Aug, Sept/Oct. Published the first week of the month. Back issues Back issues are available to read for free on our website. Go to www.MichiganGardener.com and click on “Digital Edition.” Copyright © 2021 Michigan Gardener. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or used in any form without the expressed, written permission of the publisher. Neither the advertiser nor the publisher will be responsible for misinformation, typographical errors, omissions, etc. contained herein. Michigan Gardener is published by Motor City Publishing, Inc.
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Michigan Gardener | April 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
Annuals • If you have started seeds, transplant the seedlings to individual containers or cell packs. When transplanting, use a sterile potting medium to help prevent damping off (a soil disease that causes seeds to rot or seedlings to collapse). • Prepare outdoor flower beds by adding organic matter to improve the soil. • Add spots of color in the garden and entranceways by planting cold-tolerant annuals, like pansies, primrose, cabbage and kale in containers. Select a container with drainage, use a potting soil formulated for containers, and water thoroughly after planting. Water pots when the soil is dry to the touch about an inch down.
Bulbs: Spring-Flowering • As blooms die off, deadhead the spent flowers to prevent seed pod formation. Do not cut back green foliage. • Stake and secure very tall flowers on spring-blooming bulbs. • If you want to move any bulbs around this fall, mark them this spring so that you can find them after they’ve gone dormant.
Evergreens • Fertilize evergreens with a slow-release, organic fertilizer. • Trim any dead branches or winter-damaged areas.
General • Spring weather in Michigan can be unpredictable. After a couple nice days, gardeners are tempted to begin clean up and other gardening activities, but it may be a bit too soon. Too much activity on damp soil can
cause soil compaction, a serious problem for good root development. Wait until soil is loose and friable before starting any activities in the garden. • Inspect the wooden handles on your favorite tools. Use sandpaper to smooth away any splinters or rough spots and apply boiled linseed oil to seal the wood.
Lawn • Lightly rake up all yard waste and debris that has collected on the lawn over the winter. • If April is warm and you had a grub problem last year, watch for grub activity. You can apply an effective grub killer now and a season-long grub control later. • Lawns with a thick thatch layer will benefit from core aeration. The plugs from the aeration help break down thatch into good soil. • Mow with a sharp blade to prevent bruised, ragged leaf tips. Remove only one-third of the leaf blade at a time. Avoid mowing when grass is wet.
Perennials • Hardy hibiscus is a perennial that’s slow to show signs of life in spring. Cut stems of the plant down to about an inch tall. New growth comes from the ground, not last year’s stems. • Remove any overwintering protection from perennials before the forsythias bloom. • Cut back any deciduous perennials to ground level. Evergreen perennials or woody plants should be cut back to live tissue. • Recut the edges of perennial beds, removing any invading grasses and weeds.
Feature Task: Care for houseplants outside this summer We enjoy houseplants indoors throughout the year, but they are also great to decorate the deck and patio outdoors in the summer. Houseplants benefit from a little outdoor retreat. A summer vacation outdoors helps keep plants strong and even promotes new growth. When moving houseplants outside for the summer, follow these simple tips to keep your plants thriving: • Keep plants indoors until the temperatures are consistently above 55 degrees and the danger of frost has passed. • Plants can get sunburned, so do not place them in direct sun, particularly right after moving them outside. Put plants outside in the shade first, and gradually move them into more and more sun. Plants like peace lilies, Chinese evergreens and other low-light houseplants should be left in the shade all summer. • Watering needs will change when plants are outdoors. The air is warmer, there is typically more air flow, and plants may get water from rains. Check plants daily and water as necessary. Press your finger into the soil about an inch; if the soil is dry, water thoroughly. Water the soil, not the leaves, until water runs out the bottom of the pot.
Roses • Begin to uncover mounded plants, 1/3 at a time, finishing up as the danger of frost passes. • When the soil is workable, plant bareroot rose bushes. When setting the plant in the hole, set the bud union (the swollen joint where the crown meets the roots) two inches below ground level.
Shrubs & Trees • Trim back the winterkill on broadleaf evergreens such as holly and boxwood. • Little-leaf rhododendrons (such as ‘P.J.M.’) should be blooming near the end of April. Any necessary trimming should be done as soon as blooming is finished.
Soil • Test your soil to determine how much and what type of fertilizer is needed for your plants. If you’re doing any planting, getting a soil test is the best way to reduce over-application of fertilizers that can pollute the water, ruin plants, and waste money.
Vegetables • Transplant young tomato seedlings to individual containers. Sow eggplant and green peppers for future transplanting.
• Make sure pots have good drainage. This is especially important if they are in areas where they will get rain water. Most plants don’t like wet roots or sitting in water for days. • A saucer or plant caddy helps keep the deck tidy. A plant caddy under a large plant helps you move it around. Plus, it’s easier to rotate plants so they will grow evenly. • While outside, plants will be exposed to more insects. Avoid infestations and bug problems by using systemic granules every six weeks. It’s much easier to prevent them now than to cure them later. • Plants are actively growing during the summer months, so resume your fertilizing program. A monthly dose of a well-balanced fertilizer will keep plants thriving. • Take this opportunity to repot your plants if they need a little extra room. It is best to move plants up just one pot size: a 10-inch container gets repotted into a 12-inch container. Use premium potting soil. Consider using a starter fertilizer around the plant’s roots when repotting; this provides the plants with a boost for healthy root development.
• Pull mulch back from the crowns of strawberry plants. • Sow seeds of curcurbits (melon, squash, pumpkin, cucumber) indoors. Sow 2 to 3 seeds in individual containers and thin to one plant per pot. • Cole crops such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts can be transplanted outdoors. • As more ground becomes workable, continue sowing carrots, beets, peas, radishes, spinach, turnips, and lettuce at 2to 3-week intervals until mid May. Plant potatoes, collards, and the first sowing of kohlrabi.
Vines • Trumpet creeper can be cut back hard to a few buds near the ground. • Trim dead and broken branches of clematis. • Clematis varieties that bloom on new growth (summer or fall flowers) should be cut back very hard. Clematis varieties that bloom on last year’s old wood (spring flowers) should only receive a very light trimming. Provided by the professionals at English Gardens.
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Michigan Gardener | April 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
Tree planting in spring How do I know when it is a safe time to plant a tree, and what is the best way to plant? D.A. West Bloomfield The soil should be about 45 to 50 degrees. If your location is in full sun and you can work the soil with a shovel or spading fork, you may dig that preparatory space and amend the backfill with plenty of compost. Plant the tree NO deeper than it is in the ball and burlap or plastic container. Do not cover the root flare with soil. The root flare is where the trunk transitions into roots. For container-grown specimens, hose off
the root ball and spread out any circling roots to prevent girdling in later years. Mound the soil slightly in the center of the hole to support the root crown and allow the roots to drape across the mound in the hole. Digging the hole first, you can measure the drainage for that area by pouring one gallon of water in the hole and time how long it takes it to drain. This gives you a barometer on how much watering you will have to do. The first year, a new planting needs regular watering to establish hairlike feeder roots, strengthen support roots, and curb planting shock. Knowing how fast your soil drains tells you how often you must water that location for it to be considered “regular.” If the location is susceptible to prevailing winds, you may want to support the trunk
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with a single stake about two inches away from the stem and tie figure eights between the two with garden tape, so that there is give but also support. The figure-eight method prevents chafing of the tie against the trunk. After the first year, the stake should be removed as the support roots should be established.
Shrubs for a mixed border What shrubs would be best for a mixed border bed with a half day of sun and western exposure? J.M.B., Northville If the half day of sun is morning, look for flowering or evergreen shrubs that will tolerate part shade. If the half day sun is afternoon, consider only flowering and evergreen shrubs that can take full sun. Based on the western exposure, your sun is probably in the after-
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noon, which includes the accompanying heat. Look for plants that are drought tolerant and plan to supplement them with drip-line watering. Overhead watering is not ideal for plants as the sun’s intensity is magnified by the water droplets, possibly causing leaf burn. Plus, due to evaporation, only a portion of the water really gets to the soil where the plants need it. Some flowering plants to consider are ninebark (Physocarpus), oakleaf hydrangea, spirea, the compact elderberry shrubs (Sambucus), and possibly rose of Sharon for a late season flower. Fothergilla is an early-flowering shrub and has excellent fall color. For evergreens, look at Siberian cypress (Microbiota) with its soft fernlike fronds, inkberry holly, and any of the boxwoods. There are several new dwarf globe arborvitaes with
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MichiganGardener.com | April 2021 | Michigan Gardener
colored evergreen foliage. Just make sure you know how much room you have for each new plant to spread, and plan accordingly. It never hurts to measure the overall border space and figure your square footage. Then you can shop and choose wisely without overbuying.
Soil solarization To prevent soil diseases in my vegetable garden, would it be a good idea to sterilize the soil using solarization? G.M. Soil solarization is a nonchemical way to rid the garden of soil-borne plant pathogens. Solarization uses energy from the sun to heat the soil, causing physical, chemical and biological changes in the soil. The process is most effective in mid to late summer, when high air temperatures combine with high radiation from the sun. The elevated temperature and toxic products generated from solarization kill or suppress plant pathogens and weed seed. It is believed that beneficial organisms are harmed less by solarization than by chemical soil fumigation. Solarization also stimulates the release of nutrients from organic matter already present in the soil. The biggest disadvantage to this method is that the area treated must be out of production for most of the growing season. If you planned to plant this same area this year and harvest, then straight solarization is not the answer. However, biosolarization may be the alternative that allows you to plant early after treatment. It is a combination of solarization and anaerobic soil disinfection. Considerable amounts of organic material, such as decomposing leaves and sanitized cow manure, are worked into the garden soil. Lay clear plastic mulch over the planting bed and fasten securely, making complete contact with the soil. Make sure the soil is moist before applying the plastic. The passive solar heating increases with the addition of the organic material and suppresses pests with the high heat-producing microbial decomposition, significantly speeding up the process. In two weeks, you can plant. Weed seeds and pests such as nematodes have been “neutralized,” reducing the threat to your harvest.
Spring mulching In the spring, when should I apply mulch to the garden? R.B., Clarkston Every property is different in terms of how quickly it thaws, the ground warms up, and plants start sprouting. The same yard could have cold and hot spots—little microclimates. Remember this is Michigan and we can get snow in late April into early May. If mulch is applied too early, you prevent the ground from warming up. The mulch acts like insulation to hold the cold in. You interfere with the natural progression of plant cycles by slowing them down. This could affect bloom time and fruit formation. If you have a soil thermometer, use it to test the soil temperature in various areas of your
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Have a question? Send it in! Go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Submit a question” gardens. Minimally it should be about 55 degrees. That takes us into mid May and sometimes early June. When applying mulch, you don’t need more than 2-1/2 to 3 inches, especially in areas newly mulched. It must be kept away from the bases of shrubs and all trees so moisture is not trapped against their woody stems and root flares. Rot can set in and the plant’s health is compromised. So even though we may have spring-like temperatures in March and early April, that timeframe is too early to apply mulch. But it is an excellent time to dormant prune late season bloomers like spireas and panicle hydrangeas. Cut down grasses but leave the fronds in a fallow location. Garden spiders and certain bees often use the stems as a winter home. By leaving them intact and undisturbed, you give them a place to stay until they are ready to emerge.
Growing cardinal flowers The cardinal flowers (Lobelia cardinalis) in my garden only live a year, then they die. Aren’t they supposed to live longer than that? M.A. Yes, they should. You might want to check your maintenance practices. Unlike many perennials, Lobelia cardinalis does not do well with protective mulch and leaf litter. As gardeners we are very keen on protecting our plants for the cold months. Unlike other perennials that disappear for winter, cardinal flower overwinters as an evergreen rosette of basal foliage. Do not allow the basal foliage to become covered with leaf litter, mulch, or other debris. If covered, the basal rosettes cannot photosynthesize and the plants starve, leading to the misperception that cardinal flower is a short-lived perennial. After flowering, the original rosette dies back but usually creates three or more offsets. The clump gets larger each year for several years. It is easy to sow seeds. Simply take a mature stalk and shake seeds out over bare, wet soil wherever you want flowers the following year. Alternately, lightly rake or otherwise disturb the soil surface in an area where plants have grown and set seed recently, then keep that soil free of leaf litter and mulch. A few plants will flower the first year, and more will flower the second. It is a great plant in shade gardens, pollinator gardens, hummingbird gardens, moist/wet rain gardens, and even around downspouts if watered during dry spells. Re-examine the area where you normally have them, and see if a few corrections are in order. Answers provided by Beverly Moss, owner of Garden Rhythms.
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Michigan Gardener | April 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
Planting a Vegetable Garden Part 1 of 2: Planning
to evaporation and if done too late in the day, leaves may remain wet through the night, ore and more people are getting making the plants more susceptible to fungal back into vegetable gardening. If problems. Watering low to the ground is prefyou are just starting a garden, or erable and a soaker hose may be the better even already have one, your success is depenchoice, or even a direct drip irrigation system. dent on two important things: 1) good planIf you choose a soaker hose or drip irrigation, ning, and 2) good soil. We’ll start with the be sure to put it in place before adding any planning in this article and then cover soil in mulch to the garden. the next one. Mulch can help maintain moisture levels and reduce water needs, but the soil needs Select a site to be well watered before putting it in place. Location, location, location! The most imNever put mulch directly against the stems of portant aboveground factor for a vegetable the plants as it is detrimental to their health. garden is its location in relation to The best time to water the garsunlight. Almost all vegetables are den is early in the day, well before full sun lovers and require a minithe high heat of the day is reached. mum of six hours of direct sunlight, Don’t over-water! Vegetables, espeand preferably eight or more. Some cially the root plants, don’t like sogof the cool weather vegetables like gy soils, so avoid locating the garlettuce or spinach may tolerate parden where water will accumulate. tial shade as we get into the warmer Along with water, air circulamonths of summer, but will eventution is important because it helps ally go to seed in the heat. reduce humidity that may lead to Mary If you are planning your garden fungal problems. As you plant the Gerstenberger location in the spring, rememgarden, you need to take into acber to take into consideration any count the mature size of the plants trees that may cast shade once their leaves so that they do not become overcrowded come out. Speaking of trees, consider any iswhen full grown. Crowding can lead to poor sues with root competition for water if trees air circulation and fungal problems, as well are nearby. Also know what type of trees are as making it easier for insects and diseases to close to the garden. Walnut trees, particularly spread. Don’t site the garden where air flow black walnut, give off a chemical that can inis badly restricted by high solid fences and/or hibit the growth of other plants. Tomatoes buildings. are among the plants that have an extremely Garden style difficult time growing near black walnut. Once the location of the garden is deterIn any case, the first thing to look at in mined, you can plan for its style: ground planning the location of your garden is the level, raised bed, container, or a combination sunlight. Another thing related to sunlight is of styles. For people with restricted abilities, the layout of the bed. The sun travels through raised bed and container gardens are the easthe south, so lay out the garden so shorter ier work choice. plants are on the south side and taller plants For ground level, sod can be removed by to the north end of the garden so they don’t sod cutter or digging it up (labor intensive). A shade out the other vegetables. less labor intensive option is to smother the Water and air circulation grass using cardboard or newspaper weightTwo other factors in determining location ed down by mulch and leaving it over a period are water and air circulation. Plants need of several weeks to several months, dependabout an inch of water per week, and some, ing on when you started the process (several such as cucumbers and melons, may need months is better). Alternatively, herbicide can more as the fruits are developing. Consider be used, but check when the label says it will the location in relation to where the water be safe to plant where it was applied. This is tap is located and how long a hose you may the easiest method, but the most environneed. Also, how will you water your garden? mentally unfriendly also. Overhead sprinklers will lose a lot of water Lastly, if you have the type of tiller that will
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MichiganGardener.com | April 2021 | Michigan Gardener
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• Over 500 varieties of Perennials • 145 varieties of Hostas • Huge selection of Annuals including Proven Winners • Hanging Baskets & Porch Pots • Huge selection of succulents, cactus & miniature plants • Flowering Trees & Shrubs turn over sod, you can simply till and then give it a week or two for the sod to die back and decay before turning it again in preparation for planting. Any time you turn the soil or even add topsoil, weed seeds will most likely come up and the weeds will need to be removed. For raised beds and containers, consider the cost of the building materials and/or containers. For large, heavy containers, determine how you will move them when necessary. A base with wheels is very helpful for oversized containers. Some types of containers will need to be stored in a garage or shed over the winter to protect them from damage. ALL containers need to have drainage holes to prevent water accumulation in the pot, which leads to root rot. When container gardening, take into consideration what you plan to grow, the space needed for the mature vegetable, and the soil depth needed for the roots. Generally speaking, the larger the plant, the more depth and/ or width needed for the roots. Soils are a consideration we will look at in the next article.
Garden size and content Once the location and style of the garden are determined, plans need to be made for size and content. It is better to start small and succeed than to go large and fail. To help determine garden size, think about what you plan to grow. Start with a few vegetables you know the family will eat and maybe add just one new item to try. Do a little research on the vegetables you decide to plant: is it better to go with seed or
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transplants, what is the mature size, how much will one plant produce, how many days to maturity for harvesting, etc. Deciding which vegetables you plan to grow and how much space they need will give you direction on the size your garden should take. Include in your plans who will be helping (if anyone) with building the garden, planting the vegetables, caring for the garden (watering, weeding, etc.), and harvesting the vegetables. During this planning phase, it might be wise to include anyone who will be regularly helping in the garden. Once the basic plans are made, the gardener needs to consider the soil. Healthy soil makes a healthy garden, and we will look at that in our next article. More details for planting a vegetable garden can be found at: tinyurl.com/2djmr3ex Information and details on starting a raised garden bed can be found at: tinyurl.com/ak2tdke5 Michigan State University has a tip sheet on container gardening with vegetables and herbs at: tinyurl.com/4pm2c8av
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Editor’s note: Stay tuned for Part 2 (“Soils”) in the May 2021 issue of Michigan Gardener. Mary Gerstenberger was the Consumer Horticulture Coordinator at the Michigan State University Extension in Macomb County, MI. For vegetable and gardening information from MSU, visit www.migarden.msu.edu. Call the toll-free Michigan State University Lawn and Garden Hotline at 888-678-3464 for answers to your gardening questions.
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Michigan Gardener | April 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
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Michigan Gardener | April 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
tree tips
Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener
When and why to prune your trees
M
ost homeowners know that at some point they will need to have their trees pruned, but very few actually know why or what to expect with the finished results. They often have a couple specific branches they want removed, but have no idea what else may need to be done. They rely on the person giving the estimate to tell them what should be included in the work. This is fine if you have a skilled company
that you know and trust, but if you are shopping for bids, it gets more complicated. If you call five companies, you are going to get five different opinions and quotes that may vary significantly. They won’t be bidding on the same amount of work, making it difficult to know which one to choose. Unfortunately, there is no minimum skill or knowledge require-
Steve Turner
ment needed to be a tree company in Michigan, so it is “buyer beware” and homeowners need to be cautious in who they hire. Skill levels vary widely from one company to another. Some might have all certified arborists doing the work, while others might just have one overseeing the work. Many others will have none at all on staff. This variable will be reflected in the bids,
so be cautious of very low bids. Odds are, the work will not be the same quality as the higher bids, and you will get what you paid for.
Tree pruning terminology Knowing what you need done and being able to convey this will help in getting more accurate bidding for the job. So let’s cover some common terms and what they mean, so you can be better prepared for the process. Elevation is when we are raising the can-
www.MichiganGardener.com | April 2021 | Michigan Gardener
opy of the tree. This could be for driveway or walkway clearance, to get limbs away from the house, or simply to let more sunlight in for the lawn or garden. This is a common request. It is pretty easy for the tree to recover from elevation pruning, as long as you are not removing too much of the canopy or large limbs that may not heal and cause future decay. Having the same specs written into every estimate will help, so instead of “elevate tree over house,” a bid should read, “elevate tree to give 10-foot roof clearance.” If it is vague, ask for the specs to be added. Crown cleaning means to remove everything that needs to be eliminated in the canopy. This includes deadwood, broken or weak limbs, rubbing branches, etc. and will cover most everything but large structural problems. This is often needed on flowering trees and young to medium-age trees. Deadwooding is simply removing dead limbs from the tree. It can be broken into two categories: 1) major deadwood that is three inches and above, or 2) all deadwood over 1/2 inch. This is more of a budget situation. Major deadwood will make your yard safe from hazards. All deadwood will reduce the need to clean up fallen sticks after every storm. Deadwooding is generally all that is needed to maintain mature trees with good structure. Trees should be evaluated every three years or so depending on the species. Structural pruning is the most important, but often overlooked, pruning done to trees. On small and medium trees, it is often simple and not a drastic change to the tree; it can recover fast. On a mature tree, it can be an expensive and dramatic change, and is much harder for the tree to recover. Most major structural failures of trees can be prevented if they are addressed when trees are young. Having your 3- to 10-inch dbh (diameter at breast height) trees pruned correctly now can save thousands of dollars later if they are left to grow with defects. Thinning trees is a slippery slope. Thinning entire trees to help prevent storm damage is not a good idea and often will have the opposite effect. Thinning a couple limbs to reduce weight on them or allow more light in is not a problem. Also, some ornamental trees do better with disease issues if kept thinned. But mature trees do not need to be thinned if there is not a specific reason to do so.
15
Vista pruning is simply removing specific branches to enhance your view beyond them. This is common on lakefronts where everyone wants to see the water from the house. If you just elevated every branch on every tree to a certain height you will make all the trees more prone to storm damage. But if you identify which branches from specific viewing sites in your house impede your view and only thin or remove them, you end up with similar results with more structurally sound trees and a more natural-looking landscape.
trees
pottery
Additional considerations Now that you can better figure out what you need, there are a few other things to consider when pruning. The first is the size of the cuts. Large wounds are difficult for trees to recover from. Generally speaking, three inches and under is not a problem for trees to heal over fast enough to prevent decay from forming. Fourto 8-inch wounds might not heal over in time, depending on the species. Wounds larger than eight inches are most likely going to end up being a hollow spot in the trunk one day, which will weaken the remaining structure of the tree and shorten its useful life. Next is how much you should remove. In almost all cases, less is better. You would be better off removing several smaller branches off a large limb than to remove the whole limb. Many small cuts are better than a couple big ones. Keep in mind you are paying for the skill and time to climb the tree and remove what is needed, not the volume of branches removed from the tree. Last and most important: no spikes should be worn to climb your tree. They are only used on tree removals. If the company cannot climb your tree without spikes, then they are not the company you want pruning your trees. This is a big red flag and should be one of the first questions you ask. If they can’t access your tree just using a rope or a lift, then the odds of them having the skill to go where they need to go in the tree canopy are low. You will end up with an inferior job with a huge number of unnecessary and unsightly spike wounds in your tree. Subsequently, the tree will have to expend substantial energy to heal itself.
Structural pruning is the most important, but often overlooked, pruning done to trees.
Steve Turner, Certified Arborist, is from Arboricultural Services in Fenton, MI.
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Michigan Gardener | April 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
Terra Nova Nurseries
‘Dark Vader’
Pulmonaria
Welcome spring with soft-colored flowers and attractive foliage
P
ulmonaria, also commonly known as lungwort, is one of the first perennials to bloom in the spring. The blue, pink or white flowers are a welcome sight as they appear shortly after the snow recedes. It is not uncommon to see their clustered flower buds pushing up out of the ground, even before their beautiful silverspeckled leaves emerge. In Michigan, bloom time is April, with flowering usually extending into May. It is easy to see the derivation of this plant’s name. The genus name Pulmonaria comes from the Latin word pulmo, which means lung. Wort is the old English word for Karen plant—thus, lung-plant. Medieval Bovio herbalists, who used the doctrine
of signatures to determine the medicinal uses of plants, believed the plant could be used to treat lung diseases because the spotted leaves resembled diseased lungs. Of course, it has long since been proven that lungwort is not effective in treating lung disease, but the name persists.
Pulmonaria species Pulmonaria is a member of the borage family and thus related to other popular garden plants such as brunnera, forget-me-not (Myosotis), Virginia bluebells (Mertensia), comfrey, and of course borage. Even superficially, the family resemblance Terra Nova Nurseries
continued on page 18
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Michigan Gardener | April 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
continued from page 16 can be seen: all of these plants bear five-petaled blue flowers (occasionally pink turning blue, or white), most are spring bloomers, and most but not all have hairy leaves. Eight different species of pulmonaria have been used as garden plants, with P. saccharata, P. officinalis, P. rubra. P. vallarsae, and P. longifolia and its variety cevennensis being the most commonly used as garden plants. All are native to various parts of Europe, and gardeners in all temperate regions of the world have used these species as ornamentals for decades, even centuries. Many cultivars have been developed within the various species, and plant breeders have created scores of new varieties by crossing the different species, and then making more crosses among the cultivars. The result is that the genealogy of our modern-day cultivars is quite mixed. Plant tags for lungwort varieties often list a species name along with the cultivar name, but in reality, new varieties are so highly hybridized that a species name is no longer accurate or even relevant. The most noticeable feature of lungworts is no doubt their speckled leaves. Most have dark green leaves with silver speckles or dots, but some hybrids also exhibit nearly pure silver leaves, some of which may be edged in deep forest green. Often, the silver ones emerge in spring with green speckled leaves which persist during flowering. After the flowers fade, the plants produce a new flush of leaves which are larger and more silvery.
Most lungworts are characterized by ovate to lance-shaped leaves that are hairy, even bristly to the touch. The shape of the leaves and the amount of speckling often relates to their primary parentage. Those from P. saccharata often have broad, heavily-speckled leaves, and bear blue or white flowers. They may start off with pink or pink-tinged flowers that change to blue as they mature, often with both flower colors present at the same time. Not surprisingly, hybrids from P. longifolia tend to have elongated, lance-like leaves. Many of its cultivars have deep blue flowers. When P. rubra figures prominently in the parentage, cultivars may exhibit flowers that are pink or reddish, rather than the more typical blue. Unlike most of the other species, P. rubra has plain green leaves. All of the ornamental species and their hybrids form mound-shaped plants, 10 to 16 inches in height, that slowly expand by means of a creeping rootstock. Pulmonaria species, and some of the hybrids, produce fertile seeds that may result in colonies of plants forming around the original, a tendency that makes them useful for naturalizing. Be aware that self-sown seedlings may look slightly different from the original. They may have flowers of a different color, or leaves may show less speckling (though occasionally more!). Growth habit may vary too, so the gardener must be willing to accept a more diverselooking group of plants when allowing seedlings to naturalize. continued on page 20
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continued from page 18
How to grow pulmonaria Lungworts are popular perennials for shade or partial shade gardens. They are easy to grow in dappled shade in humusy soil that stays moist and cool. Although they are recommended as “shade plants,” lungworts do not grow well in deep shade. There, they will stop flowering within a year or two, and instead of flourishing and developing into large mounds, they will simply fade away. A site with 2 to 4 hours of morning sun, followed by filtered shade suits them well. They tend to wilt badly in afternoon sun. Repeated bouts of wilting weakens the plants and makes them prone to powdery mildew. Even in good conditions, this disease can become a problem by late summer. Keep an eye out—it’s hard to notice on lungwort due to its silvery foliage—and remove any badly infected leaves to reduce the number of spores present. Because they hail from temperate zones, lungworts of all kinds exhibit poor heat tolerance, which makes them harder to grow in hot climates, especially if allowed to dry out. Leaf margins will burn if exposed to too much sun, and the plants will fail to thrive. Pulmonaria performs best in well-drained, loamy soil that is enriched with compost, decomposed leaf litter, or other organic matter. Pay attention to drainage too; pulmonaria prefers even soil moisture and will not tolerate continually wet soil. Without aeration in the root zone, the rhizomatous roots and crown will rot away. Because of their bristly leaves, slugs rarely bother lungwort, but the occasional caterpillar may chew some holes in the leaves. Overwww.PerennialResource.com
continued on page 22
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Michigan Gardener | April 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
Terra Nova Nurseries
‘Silver Bouquet’
Terra Nova Nurseries
‘Shrimps on the Barbie’ continued from page 20 all, pulmonaria is amazingly pest and disease free, with the exception of its susceptibility to powdery mildew. Lungwort is easy to propagate by simply lifting the plant and splitting its loosely attached crown, making sure to get some roots and one or more viable crowns (the growing point, to which the leaves are attached) with each division. Guard against drying out; some wilting is natural but try to make your divisions on a cloudy, preferably damp day, and water quickly after resetting your divisions. As noted previously, some lungworts are prolific seeders. If you want to encourage seeding, simply allow the spent flowers to remain on the plant; nature will take care of the rest! To prevent reseeding, remove the spent flowers by cutting the flowering stem right to the base of the plant. Not only does this improve the appearance of the plant, but it encourages and hastens the development of new leaves. This secondary burst of growth always produces the largest, best-looking leaves. Even though lungworts have lovely flowers, most gardeners choose them for their fantastic foliage.
Pulmonaria hybrids The first hybrids to appear in commerce came from Europe, particularly England, and were found as chance seedlings. During the 1970s, the varieties ‘Mrs. Moon’ and ‘Sissinghurst White’ were about the only ones available to American gardeners; both originated in England. During the 1980s and 1990s, plant breeders in the Pacific Northwest (most notably Terra Nova Nurseries of Oregon) began serious hybridization and selection of varieties for introduction to the nursery trade. www.PerennialResource.com
‘Mrs. Moon’
continued on page 24
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Michigan Gardener | April 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
continued from page 22
www.PerennialResource.com
‘Spot On’
Many of these, including ‘Roy Davidson,’ ‘Bertram Anderson,’ ‘Dark Vader,’ and ‘Trevi Fountain’ have become industry standards. They are immensely popular with gardeners and readily available in nurseries. European introductions increased during the same time frame, with the popular silver-leaf cultivars ‘Majeste’ and ‘Samourai’ being two of the best examples. Terra Nova Nurseries is probably the most prolific introducer of new lungwort varieties, each variety building upon its predecessor with more unique and desirable characteristics. It must be noted that lungworts grow exceedingly well in the Pacific Northwest climate which is, not coincidentally, similar to that of Great Britain, France and the Netherlands, where most of the European cultivars were developed. The Terra Nova pantheon of cultivars is well-established, but unfortunately many of those varieties are now difficult to obtain. Wonderful Terra Nova intros that seem to have come and gone include ‘Excalibur,’ ‘Milky Way,’ ‘Galaxy,’ ‘Moonshine,’ and ‘High Contrast.’ I have personally grown all of those over the years, and would continue to grow them if they were more widely available from propagators. ‘Raspberry Splash,’ with its wonderful raspberry flowers tinged purple, and elongated dark green, silver-speckled foliage, is perhaps the Terra Nova variety that has gained the most notoriety. It is still widely available. More recently and closer to home, Walters Gardens of Zeeland, Michigan has jumped on the pulmonaria bandwagon with the introduction of ‘Twinkle Toes,’ a very compact clumping variety with large light blue flow-
Terra Nova Nurseries
‘Raspberry Splash’
ers, and ‘Pretty in Pink,’ a larger selection that grows to 16 inches and bears pure pink flowers over lush, wide leaves liberally speckled with silver. Other up-and-coming cultivars include ‘Shrimps on the Barbie,’ with dark shrimppink flowers on a compact plant with medium-sized, dark green speckled leaves. ‘Spot On’ has silver speckling on dark green leaves, while the flower buds are nearly orange, opening to salmon pink and changing to dark blue.
Companions for pulmonaria Gardeners with lightly shaded gardens can start off the perennial season with a selection of lungworts and hellebores, which bloom in April. Choose bleeding heart and brunnera to follow them in flowering sequence in May, along with a wealth of wildflowers including Virginia bluebells, yellow wood poppy, bloodroot, trillium, foamflower, and bellwort. By June, more color arrives with foxglove, columbine, goatsbeard and the early-blooming astilbes. Grassy-textured plants like Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa) and many varieties of sedge can be chosen to add contrast of form. Lungwort pairs well with many foliage-focused plants like hosta, heuchera, and ferns. In late summer and fall, yellow wax bells (Kirengeshoma), bugbane (Cimicifuga or Actaea), Japanese anemones and toad lilies (Tricyrtis) provide interest and subtle color. Underplant your semi-shady garden with a carpet of groundcovers including ajuga, lamium, European ginger, and sweet woodruff for a satisfying scene all season long. Karen Bovio is the owner of Specialty Growers in Howell, MI.
Terra Nova Nurseries
‘High Contrast’
April / May / June
H Fertilizers & Plant Trends Wed, Apr 14, 4-6pm, Plymouth. By the Association of Professional Gardeners at Christensen’s Plant Center. $15. www.associationofprofessionalgardeners.org. Christmas Tree Production in Michigan Thu, Apr 15, 6:30-8:30, online. By MSU Tollgate. Virtual Evenings in the Garden. $10/session. Dr. Bert Cregg, Professor of Horticulture & Forestry. www.canr.msu.edu/ tollgate/events/evenings-in-the-garden. New Perennials Thu, Apr 15, 10am, Pontiac. At Goldner Walsh. $5. New varieties for 2021. www.goldnerwalsh.com. Tomatoes & Chilis in the Organic Garden Thu, Apr 15, 7-9pm, online. By Project Grow. $15. Secrets to growing healthy & productive tomato & pepper plants will be revealed in this class. www.ProjectGrow.com. Butterflies, Ants, Aphids Thu, Apr 15, 7pm, on Zoom. By SE Michigan Butterfly Association, by Brenda Dziedzic. $3. www.sembabutterfly.org/meetings. Piet Oudolf: Oudolf Garden Detroit: Belle Isle Sat, Apr 17, 11am-Noon, online. By Fernwood Botanical Garden. $40. Piet will be speaking to us from his home in Hummelo, The Netherlands. www.fernwoodbotanical.org. Earth Day Celebration Sat, Apr 17, 1:30pm, Troy. At Stage Nature Center. $9/ person. A series of activities, projects, information, games to learn about recycling, pollution, native plants, and helping wildlife. www.troynaturesociety.org.
—Nancy Szerlag, Detroit News Garden Writer
Ask for GRASSMAGIC at your local independent garden center! FOR MORE INFORMATION: CALL 248-760-9342
Spring into Western Herbalism Tue, Apr 20, 6:30pm, online. By Macomb County Master Gardener Association. Spring plants commonly used in Western Herbalism. Register: Macombcountymga@ yahoo.com. Garden City Garden Club Meeting Tue, Apr 20, 7-9:30pm, Garden City. By Garden City Garden Club at Maplewood Community Center. gcgc. weebly.com. continued on page 26
Promote your events! Send us your information!
ebe rry
Lakeplain Wet Prairie Restoration Mon, Apr 19, 7pm, online. By Michigan Botanical Club on Zoom. Program: Lakeplain Wet Prairie Restoration at Sibley Prairie Nature Preserve. Meeting ID: 886 6856 6208, Passcode: 844812. www.michbotclub.org/ huron-valley-chapter.
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May 2021 June 2021
Deadline April 15, 2021 May 15, 2021
ls er a i nn t nev e r e P O at a f Shrubs, nal, bu re re t io liable and func
Website: Go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Garden Event Calendar” E-Mail: calendar@MichiganGardener.com Upcoming Issues & Deadlines: Issue
K! OCof each! STvarieties
O W N I S icot • Pear • N r E p A E Ch m• u oic l P R• e
Orchid Society Meeting Sat, Apr 17, On Zoom. By Greater Lansing Orchid Society. www.greaterlansingorchidsociety.com. H Gardening and All that Jazz: In Harmony with Nature Sat, Apr 17, 9am-3:45pm, online. By Master Gardener Society of Oakland County. Nationally-known keynote speakers: Rick Darke, Doug Tallamy, Heather Holm, Susan Martin. Registration deadline: April 14. 248-812-9437, conference@mgsoc.org. www.mgsoc.info.
PHOSPHORUSFREE
“MY LAWN FERTILIZER OF CHOICE IS GRASS MAGIC.”
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Houseplants 101 Thu, Apr 8, 12:30pm, on Zoom. By Ann Arbor Farm & Garden. Program: Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, the Houseplant Guru. www.annarborfarmandgarden.org. Vegetable Prints Thu, Apr 8, 5pm, Pontiac. At Goldner Walsh. $10. Afternoon of fun & crafting for the entire family. www.goldnerwalsh.com. Vegetable Gardening in Small Spaces Sat, Apr 10, 10am, online. By MSU Extension. MSU Tollgate Farm HomeGrown Gardening Series. $10/session or $75/series. A monthly virtual series designed to encourage & support home vegetable gardeners. Oudolf Garden Detroit, Belle Isle, Webinar Sat, Apr 10, 11am, on Zoom. By Detroit Garden Center. Duncan Campbell will give a virtual presentation on the history, planning & planting of this amazing garden. Register: www.detroitgardencenter.org. Spring Retreat at Fernwood Botanical Gardens Sat, Apr 10, 1-4pm, Niles. At Fernwood Botanical Garden. Engage in sensory walks, explore micro-environments, create mandalas & appreciate poetry. www.spore-studios.com/yoga. Nature Explorers: Spring Migration Sat, Apr 10, 1:30-3pm, Troy. At Stage Nature Center. $6. Participate in hands-on, outdoor experiences to investigate different nature-related topics. www.troynaturesociety.org. Native Plants to Attract Butterflies & Pollinators Mon, Apr 12, 7-8pm, on Zoom. By Yardeners of St. Clair Shores & Fraser Library with speaker Lori Smith. Learn about native plants so you can purchase at the Yardeners Annual Native Plant Sale. www.fraserpubliclibrary.org. Tri-Cities Garden Club Meeting Mon, Apr 12, 11am, on Zoom. By Tri-Cities Garden Club. www.tricitiesgardenclub.org. Growing Dahlias with Lucy Propst Tue, Apr 13, 6:30pm, Online. By Master Gardener Society of Oakland County. www.mgsoc.info. Serene and Sensuous Plants for the Garden Tue, Apr 13, 7pm, online. By Frederik Meijer Gardens. Master Lecture Series: Secchia Garden Lecture Virtual Series. Bill Cullina presents “From Emerald Carpet to Amber Wave: Serene and Sensuous Plants for the Garden”. Register: MeijerGardens.org/calendar. Springtime Walks for Preschoolers Tue, Apr 13, 10-11am, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. With regular admission. Michigan’s Farm Garden will be the focus for these springtime walks for preschoolers & their families. The Rainbow Peace Garden Tue, Apr 13, 6:30-8pm, on Zoom. By Michigan Master Gardener Association. FREE. www.michiganmastergardener.org. H Mindfulness in the Garden Wed, Apr 14, 4pm, on Zoom. By Hidden Lake Gardens. Mindfulness in the Garden with Lisa Tams, LMSW, ACSW and Laurie Rivetto, 4-H Extension Educator. www.canr.msu.edu/hiddenlakegardens.
Attract Butterflies & Beneficial Insects to your Garden Wed, Apr 14, Noon, online. By Troy Garden Club. Brenda Dziedzic, “The Butterfly Lady”. www.troygardenclubmi.com.
With an N-P-K of 15-0-7, Grass Magic contains primarily organic materials with a small addition of urea to allow for a quick green-up in the spring. Unlike most lawn fertilizers, it also contains kelp, seaweed, and beneficial soil microbes to help grass plants better absorb the nutrients. Grass Magic lasts for 12 to 16 weeks, so its nutrients continue to be effective for much longer than water soluble fertilizers, which release their nutrients in a brief spurt after water is applied. This often causes stress to the grass by forcing growth at the expense of root development and plant vigor. In addition, the insoluble nature of Grass Magic is far less susceptible to leaching and run-off than soluble fertilizers.
FppRUIT A le • B T lu
April
The Best Solution for Problem Lawns
Tre es !
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT PUBLIC GARDENS, please visit MichiganGardener.com. Click on "Resources" then "Public Gardens."
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calendar
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MichiganGardener.com | April 2021 | Michigan Gardener
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Michigan Gardener | April 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
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Springtime Walks for Preschoolers Tue, Apr 20, 10-11am, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. With regular admission. Michigan’s Farm Garden will be the focus for these springtime walks for preschoolers & their families. Growing Raspberries & Blackberries Thu, Apr 22, 7-9pm, online. By Project Grow. $15. Learn how to plant and maintain a healthy and productive bed of raspberries or blackberries. www.projectgrowgardens.org. Spring Tree & Shrub Distribution Fri, Apr 23, By Washtenaw County Conservation Dist. at Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. Each spring & fall the Conservation District sells a variety of trees, shrubs, wildflowers & prairie grasses. Preorder by mail or on our website: www.washtenawcd.org. Captivating Combinations Fri, Apr 23, 10am, online. By Meadow Brook Garden Club on Zoom. $5. Julia Hofley presents. Request link: MBGCmembers@gmail.com. 248-364-6210, www.meadowbrookhall.org. Ferndale Garden Club Meeting & Community Seed Exchange Sat, Apr 24, 10:30am, Ferndale. By Ferndale Garden Club at Martin Road Park. Free. Oudolf Garden Detroit Spring Open Days Sat, Apr 24, 10am-5pm, Belle Isle. Over 48,000 spring and summer flowering bulbs were planted last fall. See the beautiful display. Springtime Walks for Preschoolers Tue, Apr 27, 10-11am, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. With regular admission. Michigan’s Farm Garden will be the focus for these springtime walks for preschoolers & their families. H MSU Horticulture Gardens Plant Sale Wed, Apr 28, Through May 6. By MSU Horticulture Gardens. Order online: www.canr.msu.edu/hrt. Biodiversity Matters: What’s Up with Invasive Species? Wed, Apr 28, 7-8pm, on Zoom. By Michigan Master Gardener Association. www.michiganmastergardener.org. A New Way to Farm: Why is Lavender Farming Growing in Michigan? Thu, Apr 29, 6:30-8:30, online. By MSU Tollgate. $10/ session. Dr. Wynne Wright, Associate Professor, Dept. of Community Sustainability. www.canr.msu.edu/tollgate/ events/evenings-in-the-garden. Worm Composting Thu, Apr 29, 6pm, Pontiac. At Goldner Walsh. $15. Register: www.goldnerwalsh.com. Oudolf Garden Detroit Spring Open Days Fri, Apr 30, 10am-5pm, Belle Isle. Over 48,000 spring and summer flowering bulbs were planted last fall. See the beautiful display.
May Oakland Conservation District Annual Tree & Shrub Sale Sat, May 1, 10am-2pm, Waterford. Pickup at Waterford Oaks Park. www.oaklandconservationdistrict.org Southeastern Michigan Dahlia Society Tuber Sale Sat, May 1, 9am-2pm, Troy. At Telly’s Greenhouse. Tubers & cuttings. Oudolf Gardens Detroit Spring Open House Sat, May 1, 10am-5pm, Belle Isle. Over 48,000 spring and summer flowering bulbs were planted last fall. See the beautiful display. MSU Tollgate 4-H Virtual Series Mon, May 3, Through Jun 1, online. By MSU Tollgate. Explore the world of plants in the gardens, fields, greenhouses & barns as you investigate important connections between plants, their partners, & you. koehle43@msu.edu, 248-701-9956. Growing Fun with Kids Sat, May 8, 10am, online. By MSU Extension. MSU Tollgate Farm HomeGrown Gardening Series. $10/session or $75/series. A monthly virtual series designed to encourage & support home vegetable gardeners. Project Grow 2021 Plant Sale Sat, May 8, 10am-4pm, Ypsilanti. By Project Grow at Dawn Farm. Advance orders will be accepted for a limited time. www.projectgrowgardens.org. Oudolf Gardens Detroit Spring Open House Sun, May 9, 10am-5pm, Belle Isle. Over 48,000 spring and summer flowering bulbs were planted last fall. See the beautiful display.
Plant Cyanotypes Sun, May 9, 5pm, Pontiac. At Goldner Walsh. $10. Learn how to use light & plant materials to make prints of your favorite plants. www.GoldnerWalsh.com. New Annuals & Perennials for 2021 Tue, May 11, 6:30pm, online. By Master Gardener Society of Oakland County. www.mgsoc.info. Stories from Belle Isle Wed, May 12, Noon, online. By Troy Garden Club. Michele Hodges, President, Belle Isle Conservancy. www.TroyGardenClubMI.com. Seed Potatoes, Potato Seed & Sweet Potato Slips Thu, May 13, 7-9pm, online. By Project Grow. $15. Learn all about the origins of potatoes & sweet potatoes & the different ways they can be grown www.ProjectGrow.org. Seven Sins of Garden Design Thu, May 13, Time TBD, on Zoom. By Ann Arbor Farm & Garden. Virtual Silent Auction & Meeting. Program: Rebecca Sweet. www.annarborfarmandgarden.org. Butterfly Gardening Fri, May 14, 10am, online. By Meadow Brook Garden Club on Zoom. $5. Craig Elston presents. Request link: MBGCmembers@gmail.com. 248-364-6210, www.meadowbrookhall.org. Troy Perennial Plant Exchange Sat, May 15, Troy. Hosted by Troy Garden Club. www.troygardenclubmi.com. Drawing in Nature Sun, May 16, Noon, Pontiac. At Goldner Walsh. $15. Sketching basics. www.goldnerwalsh.com. Farm Stewards Teen Leadership Program Mon, May 17, Through Aug 27, online. By MSU Horticulture Gardens. Open to ages 13-19 interested in gaining career & college readiness skills mentoring campers in an outdoor farm setting. 248-347-0269 ext. 227, koehle43@msu.edu. Pollinators & Their Flowers Thu, May 20, 7-9pm, online. By Project Grow. $15. www.projectgrowgardens.org. Annual Native Plant Sale Thu, May 20, Deadline for pre-orders. Pickup: June 12. Facebook: Yardeners of St. Clair Shores. Waterford Golden Age Club Annual Plant Sale Fri, May 21, and Sat, May 22, Waterford. By Waterford Golden Age Club at Waterford Parks Recreation Ctr. Briggss26@hotmail.com. H Bonsai Workshop Sat, May 22, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $45. Make-and-take workshop, attendees will plant & create their own bonsai tree. Limited space. www.tellys.com. Waterford Garden Club Spring Plant Sale Sat, May 22, 9am-3pm, Waterford. By Waterford Garden Club at Waterford Senior Center. Perennials, houseplants & herbs all grown from our own gardens. www.waterfordgardenclub.org. Good Thymes Spring Market Sat, May 22, 11am-3pm, Taylor. At Taylor Conservatory. Local artisan garden goods, food & more. www.taylorconservatory.org. Spring Foraging - Guided Day Trip Thu, May 27, 11am-3pm, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. $70. A blend of instruction in an outdoor classroom & guided walks. Register: MeijerGardens.org/ calendar, 616-974-5225. H Bonsai Workshop Sat, May 29, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $45. Make-and-take workshop, attendees will plant & create their own bonsai tree. Limited space. www.tellys.com.
June Kaleidoscope Garden Opening Tue, Jun 1, Daily, dawn-dusk, Battle Creek. At Leila Arboretum Society. www.lasgarden.org. Clarkston Perennial Plant Exchange Sat, Jun 5, 8:30 am, Clarkston. By Clarkston Farm & Garden Club. Rain/shine. Pot & identify your plants. Labels for identification available on website. www.clarkstongardenclub.org, 248-514-1729. H Bonsai Forest Workshop Sat, Jun 5, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $99. Instruction will include Penjing techniques, root combing, root pruning, potting, basic styling techniques, and aftercare. www.tellys.com. continued on page 27
MichiganGardener.com | April 2021 | Michigan Gardener
continued from page 26 Washtenaw County Native Plant Sale & Expo Sat, Jun 5, 9am-1pm, Ann Arbor. By Washtenaw Co. Conservation District. Pre-order: store.washtenawcd.org. Seed Saving with Bevin Cohen Tue, Jun 8, 6:30pm, online. By Master Gardener Society of Oakland County. mgsoc.info/calendar-of-events. H 35th Annual Franklin Garden Walk Wed, Jun 9, 10am-4pm, 6-9pm, Franklin. By the Franklin Garden Club & The Franklin Branch of the Women’s National Farm & Garden Association. $12 advance tickets at Franklin Village Boutique or www.franklingardenclub.org. Tickets $15 day of. Artisan Market, 9am-5pm. Hydrangeas Thu, Jun 10, 6pm, Pontiac. At Goldner Walsh. $20. The basics of hydrangeas, from planting to fertilizing & pruning. Register: www.goldnerwalsh.com. Taking Growing to New Heights Sat, Jun 12, 10am, online. By MSU Extension. MSU Tollgate Farm HomeGrown Gardening Series. $10/session or $75/ series. A monthly virtual series designed to encourage & support home vegetable gardeners.
M S U H O RTI C U LT U R E GA R D E N S
Spring Plant Sale APRIL 28 - MAY 6 SHOPPING OPENS APRIL 28 Order Online • Curbside Pickup Diverse Selection Grown by MSU Experts Top Quality • Great Value canr.msu.edu/hrt/our_gardens/ CLICK ON “SPRING PLANT SALE”
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Grosse Pointe Garden Center 29th Annual Garden Tour Fri, Jun 18, Grosse Pointe. www.gpgardencenter.org. 25th Annual Milford Garden Walk Fri, Jun 18, 5-8pm; Sat, 10am-5pm, Milford. By Milford Garden Club showcasing 6 gardens in the Milford area. www.themilfordgardenclub.org. H Bonsai Workshop Sat, Jun 19, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $45. Make-and-take workshop, attendees will plant & create their own bonsai tree. Limited space. www.tellys.com. Orchid Society Meeting Sat, Jun 19, By Greater Lansing Orchid Society. www.greaterlansingorchidsociety.com. H Bonsai Workshop Sat, Jun 26, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $45. Make-and-take workshop, attendees will plant & create their own bonsai tree. Limited space. www.tellys.com. Crocker House Garden Walk Sat, Jun 26, 9am-4pm, Mt. Clemens. By Macomb County Historical Society & Crocker House Museum. $15. 586-465-2488; info@crockerhousemuseum.org; www.crockerhousemuseum.org.
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Classified Ads NEED TO REPLACE SOME GRASS? We provide top quality sod grass to metro Detroit homeowners like you. Hillcrest Sod Farms has been growing quality sod for over 50 years. We provide sod to Do-It-Yourselfers or we can do the entire installation for you. A half century of experience has taught us to treat our customers like family—personalized care and attention is what you can expect from Hillcrest. For a free estimate, call 734-9419595 and ask for Mike or Caryl. Or visit www.sodfarm.com to learn more. NEED A HAND? Call “The little gardener that could.” 15 yrs experience at Botanical Gardens. FREE Estimates. Pat: 586-2149852, agardenspace.com. ZOOM GARDEN SPEAKER AVAILABLE for your club or group. Well-traveled garden writer does virtual garden presentations & travelogues. This active collector gardener can speak on many subjects. For presentation list, biography, fee & references, contact Julia Hofley at Julia@juliasbiglife. com. 248-497-2674. Find me on Facebook.
call “the little gardener that could” 15 Years Experience at Botanical Gardens call pat for FREE Estimates 586-214-9852 • Www.agardenspace.com
LET A PRO TEND YOUR GARDEN! New Designs • Renovations • Consulting Planting • Weeding • Pruning • Much more to locate an APG professional gardener near you, visit:
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GRAVESITE BEAUTIFICATION Memorial Gardeners specializes in gravesite cleanup and headstone cleaning. www. memorialgardeners.com. Call Michaeline Skaleski, 586-634-3813. DON’T LOOK. Oops, you looked. And so will 70,000 potential customers. Advertise in Michigan Gardener. Call 248-594-5563 or e-mail publisher@MichiganGardener.com. MICHIGAN GARDENER E-NEWSLETTER Sign up for our free e-newsletter! We send out a few each year, and there are contests to win prizes as well. (No spam, and we do not share your e-mail.) Go to www. MichiganGardener.com and simply enter your e-mail address. Michigan Gardener Classified Advertising is a cost-effective way to promote yourself and your business. Need help? Have help to give? Have a big event coming up? Have some items to sell? Let our readers know! Go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Classified Advertising.”
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Advertiser Index
Fleurdetroit.......................................... 12 Fraleigh’s Landscape Nursery....23 The Garden Mill..................................11 Garden Rhythms..............................29 A Garden Space................................ 27 Gordon’s Lawn Core Aeration......6 Grass Magic.......................................25 Grasshopper Gardens....................15 Hidden Lake Gardens....................26 Lake Orion Lawn Ornaments...... 13 Margolis Nursery..............................19 Master Gardener Soc Oakland Cty...............................10 Meier Flowerland.............................. 17 Michigan Nursery/Landscp Assoc...................................................... 13 MSU Horticulture Gardens......... 27 Milarch Nursery................................ 13 Mosquito One.................................... 17 Natural Way.......Inside Back Cover Oldani Landscape Nurseries.......19 Organimax...........................................21
Abbott’s Landscape Nursery.....29 Abele Greenhouse & Gard Ctr............................................21 Aguafina Gardens International.........................................11 Assoc. of Professional Gardeners................ 27 Auburn Oaks Gard Ctr..................29 Barson’s Greenhouse..................... 23 Begick Nursery & Gard Ctr..........29 Blossoms..............................................29 Bogie Lake Greenhouses...............21 Campbell’s Greenhouses.............21 Contender’s Tree/Lawn Specialists...........Inside Front Cover Country Oaks Landscape Supp................................ 17 Dale’s Landscaping Supp..............19 Davey Tree.............................................7 Eagle Landscaping & Supp.............7 English Gardens........................Page 3
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Residential/Commercial
The Original Budget Tree Service........................29 Orion Stone Depot.......................... 23 Piechnik’s Gard Ctr.............................9 Piechnik’s Greenhouse....................11 Plantskydd............................................19 Poison Ivy Control of Michigan........................ 23 Proven Winners Color Choice......5 Schuman Landscape Lighting....28 Specialty Growers............................ 12 State Crushing.................................... 17 Steinkopf Nursery...............................8 Telly’s Greenhouse.............................4 Turner’s Landscp & Gard Ctr.......10 Uncle Luke’s Feed Store...................8 Van Atta’s Greenhouse................26 Warmbier Farms.............................. 27 The Weed Lady................................. 13 Willow Greenhouse....................... 27 Zoner’s Greenhouse....................... 23
Michigan Gardener | April 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
Look for Allen Park • Ace Hardware Almont H American Tree • Blake’s Almont Garden Ctr • Brohl’s Flower Garden Ann Arbor H Abbott’s Landscp Nurs • Ace Barnes Hardware (Washtenaw Ave) • Ace Barnes Hardware (West Stadium) • Dixboro General Store H Downtown Home & Gard H HillTop Greenhse & Farms H Lodi Farms • Matthaei Botanical Gard H Produce Station H Turner’s Greenhse/ Gard Ctr • Weingartz • Wild Birds Unltd Armada • Pond Guy Auburn H Warmbier Farms Auburn Hills • Ace Hardware H Haley Stone H State Crushing Belleville H Banotai Greenhse • Gardeners Choice H Pinter Flowerland H Zywicki Greenhse Berkley • Durst Lumber & Ace Hardware • Garden Central Beverly Hills • Ace Hardware Birmingham H Blossoms Bloomfield Hills H Fleurdetroit Brighton • Ace Hardware • Brighton Stone & Fireplace H Grasshopper Gardens • Leppek Nurs H Meier Flowerland Brownstown Twp • Raupp Bros Landscp Supp H Ruhlig Farms & Gard Bruce Twp H Van’s Valley Greenhse Burton H Country Oaks Landscp Supp Canton • Canton Floral Gardens • Schmidt’s Roadside • Wild Birds Unltd Chelsea • Ace Hardware H Garden Mill • Potting Shed Chesterfield H Van Thomme’s Greenhses Clarkston • Ace Hardware (Dixie Hwy) • Ace Hardware (Sashabaw)
at these fine locations: H Country Oaks Landscp Supp • Gateway • Lowrie’s Landscp • Weingartz Clawson • Ace Hardware H Billings Lawn Equip Clinton Twp H English Gardens • Michigan Koi • MSU ExtensionMacomb Cty • Tropical Treasures Clio H Piechnik’s Greenhse Commerce Twp H Zoner’s Greenhse Davison H Wojo’s Garden Splendors Dearborn • Ace Hardware • Fairlane Gard Dearborn Hts H English Gardens Detroit • Ace Hardware • Detroit Gard Ctr Dexter • Dexter Mill • Earth Art H Fraleigh’s Nurs Eastpointe • DeRonne True Value Hardware • Drew’s Garden H English Gardens Farmington • Alexander True Value Hardware Farmington Hills • Ace Hardware H Steinkopf Nurs • Weingartz Fenton H Gerych’s Greenhse H Heavenly Scent Herb Farm Ferndale • Living Modes Flushing H Flushing Lawn & Gard Ctr Fostoria H The Iron Barn Fowlerville • Green-Up Gard Ctr Gladwin H Stone Cottage Gardens Grand Blanc H Weed Lady Grand Rapids • Meijer Gardens Grass Lake H Designs by Judy Grosse Ile • Grosse Ile Pet & Gard Ctr H Westcroft Gard & Farm Grosse Pointe • Allemon’s Landscp Ctr • Otherworld GP Grosse Pointe Shores • Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Grosse Pointe Woods • Wild Birds Unltd Hadley • Le Fleur Décor Haslett H Van Atta’s Greenhse
Highland • Ace Hardware • Colasanti’s Produce & Plants • Five Star Ace Hardware • Fragments • Thornton Nurs Howell H Specialty Growers H Superior Landscp Supp • Wilczewski Greenhses Imlay City • Earthly Arts Keego Harbor • Creative Brick Paving Lake Orion • Ace Hardware • Fogler’s Greenhse H Lake Orion Lawn Ornaments H Orion Stone Depot Livonia • Ace Hardware (5 Mi/Middlebelt) • Ace Hardware (6 Mi/Newburgh) • Bushel Mart • George’s Livonia Gard • GrowGeneration • Valley Nurs • Weingartz Macomb • Altermatt’s Greenhse H Brohl’s Greenhouse H Elya’s Village Gard • Joe Randazzo’s • Landscape Source • Olejnik Farms Wild Birds Unltd Midland • Dow Gardens Milan • KC Runciman Milford • Ace Hardware • Peter’s True Value Hardware H Pond Place Monroe • Flower Market New Baltimore H Meldrum Bros Nurs New Boston H Grass Roots Pond & Gard • Mums the Word New Hudson • Fletcher & Rickard Landscp Supp H Milarch Nurs North Branch H Campbell’s Greenhses H Oldani Landscp Nurs Northville • Begonia Bros • Gardenviews at Home Novi • Ace Hardware • Glenda’s Gard Ctr • Tollgate Education Ctr - MSU • Wild Birds Unltd Oak Park • Ace Hardware • Four Seasons Gard Ctr Oakland H Piechnik’s Gard Ctr Ortonville H Wojo’s Greenhse
Owosso H Everlastings in the Wildwood Oxford • Ace Hardware • Dafoe’s Feed & Seed Plymouth H English Gardens Plymouth Nurs • Graye’s Greenhse • Plymouth Rock & Supp • Rock Shoppe • Sideways • Sparr’s Greenhse Pontiac • Goldner Walsh Gard/Home • MSU ExtensionOakland Cty Ray • Heritage Oaks Redford H Pinter Flowerland Rochester • Allstate Home Leisure • Fogler’s Greenhse • Sherwood Forest Gard Ctr Rochester Hills • Ace Hardware H Auburn Oaks Gard Ctr H Haley Stone • Wild Birds Unltd Romeo • Cold Frame Farm Romulus • Kurtzhal’s Farms • Rush Gard Ctr • Schwartz’s Greenhse Roseville H Dale’s Landscp Supp • Flower Barn Nurs Sea World Royal Oak • Ace Hardware H English Gardens • Frentz & Sons Hardware • Wild Birds Unltd Saginaw H Abele Greenhse & Gard Ctr Salem Twp H Willow Greenhse Saline H Clink Landscp & Nurs • Junga’s Ace Hardware • KBK Gard Ctr • Saline Flowerland Shelby Twp • Ace Hardware • Diegel’s Greenhse H Hessell’s Greenhses • Maeder Plant Farm • PJ Hebert H Telly’s Greenhse South Lyon • Ace Hardware • Bader & Sons • Mike’s Garden • Stone Depot Landscp Supp Southfield • 3 DDD’s Stand H Eagle Landscp & Supp • Lavin’s Flower Land • Main’s Landscp Supp St Clair Shores • Ace Hardware (Harper/13 Mi) • DeRonne True
Value Hardware • Greenhouse Growers • Hall’s Nurs • Soulliere Gard Ctr Sterling Hts • Decor Statuette H Eckert’s Greenhse • Prime Landscp Supp Stockbridge • Gee Farms Superior Twp • Lucas Nurs Sylvan Lake H AguaFina Gardens Interntl • Detroit Garden Works Taylor • Ace Hardware • D&L Garden Ctr • Massab Acres Greenhse H Panetta’s Landscp Supp Trenton • Ace Hardware • Carefree Lawn Ctr • Keck Hardware Troy • Home & Gard Shop H Telly’s Greenhse H Uncle Luke’s Feed Store Utica • Stonescape Supp • Weingartz Warren • Ace Hardware • Beste’s Lawn & Patio • Greco’s Nurs • Kutchey Family Mkt Washington • Landscape Direct • Rocks ‘n’ Roots Waterford • Ace Hardware • Breen’s Landscp Supp • Jacobsen’s Flowers H Merritt Home Design West Bloomfield • ACE Hardware H English Gardens Westland • Ace Hardware H Barsons Greenhses • Bushel Stop • Joe Randazzo’s Nurs • Merlino’s Bushel Ctr • Panetta’s Landscp Supp White Lake H Bogie Lake Greenhse H Mulligan’s Gard Ctr • Sunshine Plants Whitmore Lake H Alexander’s Greenhses • Green Oak Gard Williamston H Christians Greenhse Wixom • Angelo’s Landscp Supp Ypsilanti • Coleman’s Farm Mkt H Margolis Nurs • Materials Unlimited • Schmidt’s Antiques H Sell Farms & Greenhse
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Precipitation February 2021
Detroit Flint Lansing
NORMAL Monthly 2.02 1.48 1.47
ACTUAL Monthly 1.47 1.65 1.30
DEVIATION from Normal -0.55 +0.17 -0.17
2021 Year to Date: Jan 1 - February 28
Detroit Flint Lansing
NORMAL Yr. to Date 3.98 3.11 3.12
ACTUAL Yr. to Date 2.50 2.77 2.86
High quality plants & service for your garden success since 1964.
February 2020
NORMAL Monthly 2.02 1.48 1.47
ACTUAL Monthly 1.16 0.93 1.22
DEVIATION from Normal -0.86 -0.55 -0.25
2020 Year TOTAL: Jan 1 - Dec 31
DEVIATION from Normal -1.48 -0.34 -0.26
NORMAL Yr. to Date 33.47 31.37 31.77
ACTUAL Yr. to Date 38.73 33.89 36.21
DEVIATION from Normal +5.26 +2.52 +4.44
Temperature February 2021
February 2020
Detroit Flint Lansing
NORMAL Avg. High 35.2 32.8 32.6
ACTUAL Avg. High 31.1 29.8 28.9
DEVIATION from Normal -4.1 -3.0 -3.7
ORMAL N Avg. High 35.2 32.8 32.6
ACTUAL Avg. High 36.6 35.0 33.5
DEVIATION from Normal +1.4 +2.2 +0.9
Detroit Flint Lansing
NORMAL Avg. Low 21.0 16.9 15.4
ACTUAL Avg. Low 15.6 11.3 12.2
DEVIATION from Normal -5.4 -5.6 -3.2
ORMAL N Avg. Low 21.0 16.9 15.4
ACTUAL Avg. Low 23.5 21.0 19.9
DEVIATION from Normal +2.5 +4.1 +4.5
Data courtesy National Weather Service
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Michigan Gardener | April 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
As you meander down a brick paver path at the Jackson property, the angel garden awaits in the serene shade on the left. A little further, and a cozy, covered seating area appears.
A garden shared with many Pam and Gayle Jackson graciously open their vintage garden for worthy causes
W
with those names when you see the gardens. There are numerous individual gardens and rooms that make the Oakland County property intimate and cause you to wonder what’s around the next corner. Gnomes and fairies play a major role in the cast of characters throughout the garden. Though there are many of each, Pam does not let them live near each other, as the gnomes will beat up the fairies! As long as they are apart, they behave. Most of the items in her garden are found at garage sales or thrift stores; the chandelier is a “roadside rescue.” All the components she has collected come home, and Pam adds them to the garden they best fit in, or she creates a new bed. When she found The Wizard of Oz characters, she built a new garden with green bottles and bowls representing the Emerald City and a yellow brick
hen Pam and Gayle Jackson moved to their five-acre property in the late 1980s, it was just that— property. They proceeded to build their home and add a few trees and shrubs. That was the extent of their landscaping since they both worked full time and were raising four children. Pam described the garden as a bit “bare bones.” When their last child graduated in 2000, the gardening bug bit Pam. She fervently started gardening, adding new beds every year. All Lisa her gardens have themes and titles Steinkopf and it is obvious where she came up
text continued on page 32
Two concrete lions greet visitors as they enter the main garden.
MichiganGardener.com | April 2021 | Michigan Gardener
“Farmville” houses Clarabelle the cow and Billie the goat, along with old-time garden tools.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs enjoy living in this nostalgic wheelbarrow.
Pam Jackson in her garden.
Gnome Hollow is where the gnomes live—separate from the fairies, of course.
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Michigan Gardener | April 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
text continued from page 30 road to get Dorothy there. She never knows what she will find at a garage sale and where it will end up. The garden entrance is a trellis covered in orange trumpet vine, guarded on either side by large lion statues. The fence garden is attached to the trellis and delineates the boundary. Pam has added cottage charm to the fence by attaching vintage flowery plates to the pickets, while billowing perennials fill the beds on either side. Near the entry resides her chicken and rooster collection in “chickville.” As you wander further, you will find a garden full of angelic beings surrounding a gazing globe—Pam loves angels. Her “farmville” garden greets guests at the edge of the property and contains a pig, Billie the goat, a rooster, antique farm implements, and a porch swing to give it that real farm feeling. The newest addition is Clarabelle the cow she bought a year ago with the monetary gift given to her by coworkers to celebrate her retirement. Clarabelle made the farm garden complete. You may want to cover your eyes when you approach the naked lady garden. She is showering in an antique, claw-foot bathtub with the “water” coming from a suspended watering can and a dress form near to hold her clothes while she bathes. Pam loves all things Walt Disney and has two themed gardens containing Disney characters. One is a wheelbarrow garden with a dancing Snow White surrounded by the seven dwarfs. All the figurines go inside for the winter or are stored under shrubs where they are protected. While her children helped her in the garP H OTO G R A P H S BY L I S A S T E I N KO P F
den in the beginning, her husband Gayle became the helper when the kids moved out. Pam comes up with the ideas and he brings them to life. A beautiful 2007 addition is what most would call a “she-shed” but Pam
calls it her Mother’s Clubhouse: “For mothers and other distinguished ladies.” The pillars were procured at her neighbor’s garage sale and he informed her they came from a vintage house in Milford that was being
demolished. The pillars were the inspiration for the shed and they add the crowning touch to the porch. The entire shed is full of vintage furniture and knick-knacks, all picked up at tag sales
Not exactly a “she-shed,” this “Mother’s Clubhouse” is for mothers and other distinguished ladies.
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One of many fairy gardens around the Jackson property is housed in a vintage, double washtub.
The naked lady has her own garden, replete with a bathtub and watering can for the shower head.
MichiganGardener.com | April 2021 | Michigan Gardener
The Disney garden includes Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Belle, Dumbo, and more!
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The fence garden is full of perennials, while Pam’s chickens and plates add cottage charm. and thrift shops. The pink and white feminine aesthetic is lovely and there are even numerous wedding dresses adorning the walls. Any bride would be lucky to get ready for her wedding in this charming getaway. It’s as if you have stepped into a boudoir from the middle part of the last century. Pam opened her garden for a recent oneday garden walk, but she is used to having guests. She collaborates with an organization in Milford called Community Sharing Outreach Center and has hosted events in her garden to help them raise money. This group helps less fortunate people in the community with food for their pantry, help with bills, and other necessities. She hosted a Glamour in the Garden fashion show, with all the proceeds going to CSOC. She also put on an Empty Bowl painting party, which entailed paying to paint a bowl and then later, the bowl was taken to participating local restaurants which served yummy soups. She has bridal showers and other family events as well. Pam is a wonderful hostess and many people are lucky to be able to enjoy her beautiful gardens. These whimsical gardens are full of perennials and shrubs, while the containers are loaded with annuals. The perennials thrive in her clay soil, which is not amended. Pam says she is “not a knowledgeable gardener, but a fortunate gardener. It just happens for me.” That said, there is clearly a lot of love and hard work involved as well. She has delightful gardens and is so generous to share them with others for such a good cause.
The bohemian garden is bold and colorful, with giant fleurs-de-lis, a pagoda, and garden signage.
Lisa Steinkopf is The Houseplant Guru. Check out her newly updated website and blog at www.thehouseplantguru.com. Contact Lisa to speak at your next club meeting or event (houseplantgurulisa@gmail.com or 734-7481241). Follow her on Facebook (Facebook.com/ HouseplantGuru), Twitter (@houseplantguru), and Instagram (houseplantguru).
A collection of stores and gardens to shop and visit. Please call ahead for hours, as they may vary from season to season.
Mt. Pleasant
Gladwin
Bay City
Midland
Auburn
Saginaw North Branch Clio
Lapeer
Davison
Imlay City
Flushing
Owosso
Lennon
Burton
Port Huron
Dryden
Grand Blanc
Flint
Emmett
Hadley Almont
Bancroft
Grand Rapids
Bruce Twp. Fenton
Oxford
Ortonville
Lansing
East Lansing
Oakland
Clarkston Hartland
Williamston
White Lake
Howell
Mason
Stockbridge
Rochester
White Lake Waterford
Pontiac
Plymouth Dexter
Chelsea
Jackson
Ann Arbor
Grass Lake
Superior Twp
Detroit Westland
Canton
DearbornDearborn Heights
Ypsilanti
Taylor Belleville
Manchester Saline
New Boston Tipton
Washington
Romulus Brownstown Trenton Twp. Grosse Ile Flat Rock
Tecumseh
H Walker Farms & Greenhouse 5253 E. Atherton Rd, MI 48519 810-743-0260 www.walkersfarm.com
Monroe
Blissfield
La Salle
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almont H American Tree Brohl’s Flower Gard ann arbor H Abbott’s Nurs & Garden Ctr 2781 Scio Church Rd, MI 48103 734-665-8733 www.abbottsnursery.com H Downtown Home/Gard 210 S Ashley St, MI 48104 734-662-8122 www.downtownhomeandgarden.com H HillTop Greenhse/Farms H Lodi Farms H The Produce Station H Turner’s Greenhse & Garden Ctr 4431 South Wagner Rd, MI 48103 734-663-7600 www.turnersannarbor.com Wild Birds Unltd
Ray
Macomb Rochester Hills Shelby Twp. New Utica Baltimore Auburn Hills Sylvan Lake Clinton Twp. Chesterfield Commerce Milford Troy West Sterling Hts. Bloomfield Bloom. Hills Birmingham Walled Lake St. Clair Berkley Wixom Roseville Shores Brighton Warren Royal Oak New Hudson Eastpointe South Lyon Novi Farmington Southfield Hills Oak Park Whitmore Northville Grosse Lake Pointes Livonia Redford Highland
Fowlerville
Kalamazoo
Richmond
Lake Orion
Haslett
armada Pond Guy auburn H Warmbier Farms 5300 Garfield Rd, MI 48611 989-662-7002 www.warmbierfarms.com auburn hills H Haley Stone H State Crushing bancroft Grand Oak Herb Farm bay city H Begick Nursery & Garden Ctr 5993 Westside Saginaw Rd, MI 48706 989-684-4210 www.begicknursery.com
belleville H Banotai Greenhse Gardeners Choice H Pinter Flowerland H Zywicki Greenhse berkley Garden Central birmingham H Blossoms blissfield H Ogden Station Daylilies bloomfield hills H Fleurdetroit 1507 Old S. Telegraph Rd, MI 48302 248-953-3840 www.fleurdetroit.com brighton Bordine’s Brighton Stone H Grasshopper Gardens
Leppek Nurs H Meier Flowerland 8087 W. Grand River, MI 48114 810-229-9430 www.meierflowerland.com brownstown twp Bruce’s Pond Shop Raupp Brothers Gard Ctr H Ruhlig Farms & Gard 24508 Telegraph Rd, MI 48134 734-782-9811 www.ruhligfarmsandgardens.com bruce twp H Van’s Valley Greenhouse 74865 Van Dyke Rd, MI 48065 586-752-6002 www.vansvalley.com burton H Country Oaks Landscp Supp
canton Canton Floral Gardens Schmidt’s Roadside Wild Birds Unltd chelsea H Garden Mill 110 S. Main St, MI 48118 734-475-3539 www.thegardenmill.com The Potting Shed chesterfield H Van Thomme’s Greenhses clarkston Bordine’s H Country Oaks Landscp Supp Lowrie’s Landscp clinton twp H English Gardens 44850 Garfield Rd, MI 48038 586-286-6100 www.englishgardens.com
MichiganGardener.com | April 2021 | Michigan Gardener
Michigan Koi Tropical Treasures clio H Piechnik’s Greenhouse 13172 McCumsey Rd, MI 48420 810-686-9211 www.cliogreenhouse.com columbus Haack’s Farm Greenhses commerce twp H Zoner’s Greenhse 2355 E. Commerce Rd, MI 48382 248-363-6742 www.zonersgreenhouse.com davison H Wojo’s Gard Splendors 7360 E. Court St, MI 48423 810-658-9221 www.wojos.com dearborn Fairlane Gardens dearborn heights H English Gardens 22650 Ford Rd, MI 48127 313-278-4433 www.englishgardens.com detroit Eastern Market dexter Dexter Mill Earth Art H Fraleighs Landscape Nursery 8600 Jackson Rd, MI 48130 734-426-5067 www.fraleighs.com eastpointe Drew’s Garden H English Gardens 22501 Kelly Rd, MI 48021 586-771-4200 www.englishgardens.com farmington hills Angelo’s Landscp Supp Farmer John’s Greenhse H Steinkopf Nursery 20815 Farmington Rd., MI 48336 248-474-2925 www.steinkopfnursery.com fenton H Gerych’s Greenhse 713 Silver Lake Rd., MI 48430 810-629-5995 www.gerychsflowers.com H Heavenly Scent Herb Farm 13730 White Lake Rd, MI 48430 810-629-9208 www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com flat rock Masserant’s Feed/Grain flushing H Flushing Lawn & Garden Ctr 114 Terrace St, MI 48433 810-659-6241 www.unclelukes.com gladwin H Stone Cottage Gardens 3740 West Willford Rd, MI 48624 989-426-2919 www.stonecottagegardens.com grand blanc Bordine’s Sunrise Greenhouse
H The Weed Lady 9225 Fenton Rd, MI 48439 810-655-2723 www.theweedlady.com grass lake H Designs by Judy Florist & Greenhse 3250 Wolf Lake Rd, MI 49240 517-522-5050 www.designsbyjudyflowers.com grosse ile H Westcroft Gardens & Farm 21803 West River Rd, MI 48138 734-676-2444 www.westcroftgardens.com grosse pointe Allemon’s Landscp Ctr Otherworld GP grosse pointe woods Wild Birds Unltd hadley H Le Fleur Décor 3442 Hadley Rd, MI 48440 586-495-4076 Find us on Facebook hartland Deneweth’s Garden Ctr haslett H Christian’s Greenhse
livonia Bushel Mart George’s Livonia Gardens Valley Nurs macomb Altermatt Farms Boyka’s Greenhse H Brohl’s Greenhse Deneweth’s Garden Ctr H Elya’s Village Gardens Landscape Source Joe Randazzo’s Nurs Olejnik Farms Wiegand’s Nursery Wild Birds Unltd manchester McLennan Nurs mason Wildtype Nurs milford Milford Gardens H The Pond Place monroe The Flower Market new baltimore H Meldrum Bros Nurs new boston H Grass Roots Pond & Gard new hudson
plymouth H English Gardens Plymouth Nurs 9900 Ann Arbor Rd W, MI 48170 734-453-5500 www.englishgardens.com Graye’s Greenhse Plymouth Rock & Supp Rock Shoppe Sparr’s Greenhse pontiac Goldner Walsh Gard/Home ray Heritage Oaks redford H Pinter Flowerland richmond Jusko’s Greenhse rochester Fogler’s Greenhse Sherwood Forest Gard Ctr rochester hills H Auburn Oaks Garden Ctr 3820 West Auburn Rd, MI 48309 248-852-2310 www.auburnoaksnursery.com
H Van Atta’s Greenhse 9008 Old M-78, MI 48840 517-339-1142 www.vanattas.com
H Milarch Nurs 28500 Haas Rd, MI 48165 248-437-2094 www.milarchnursery.com
highland Colasanti’s Produce/Plant Fragments Highland Garden Ctr Rock Bottom Landscp Supp Thornton Nurs howell Penrose Nurs
Fletcher & Rickard Landscp Supp north branch
Bordine’s H Haley Stone Wild Birds Unltd romulus Block’s Stand/Greenhse Kurtzhals’ Farms Rush Gard Ctr Schwartz’s Greenhouse roseville
H Campbell’s Greenhouses 4077 Burnside Rd, MI 48461 810-688-3587 www.campbellsgreenhouses.com
H Dale’s Landscaping Supply 16720 E 13 Mile Rd, MI 48066 586-778-1919 www.daleslandscaping.com
H Oldani Landscape Nurseries 2666 Tozer Rd, MI 48461 810-688-2363 www.oldanilandscapenurseries.com
Flower Barn Nurs Sea World royal oak
H Specialty Growers 4330 Golf Club Rd, MI 48843 517-546-7742 www.specialtygrowers.net H Superior Landscape Supplies 4805 Musson Rd, MI 48855 517-548-2068 Find us on Facebook Wilczewski Greenhses imlay city Earthly Arts Greenhse Schutz’s Tree Farm Super & Sons Nurs jackson Hobbit Greenhouses kalamazoo H Wedel’s Nursery, Florist & Gard Ctr 5020 Texas Dr, MI 49009 269-345-1195 www.wedels.com lake orion Fogler’s Greenhse H Lake Orion Lawn Orn H Orion Stone Depot 4888 Joslyn Rd, MI 48359 248-391-2490 www.orionstone.com lansing Lansing Gardens lapeer H The Iron Barn lasalle Fowler’s Gift Shop lennon Stone Case Inc.
northville Begonia Brothers Gardenviews at Home H Willow Greenhouse 7839 Curtis Rd, MI 48168 248-437-7219 www.willowgreenhouse.com novi Glenda’s Gard Ctr Wild Birds Unltd oak park Four Seasons Gard Ctr oakland twp H Piechnik’s Garden Ctr 1095 N. Rochester Rd, MI 48363 586-336-7200 www.cliogreenhouse.com ortonville Bedrock Express H Wojo’s Greenhse 2570 Oakwood Rd, MI 48462 248-627-6498 www.wojos.com owosso H Everlastings in Wildwood Crooked Tree Nurs Sunburst Gardens oxford Dafoe’s Feed & Seed
H English Gardens 4901 Coolidge Hwy, MI 48073 248-280-9500 www.englishgardens.com Wild Birds Unltd saginaw H Abele Greenhouse & Garden Ctr 3500 Wadsworth Rd, MI 48601 989-752-5625 www.abelegreenhouse.com saline H Clink Landscaping & Nursery 9403 W. Michigan Ave, MI 48176 734-495-3779 www.clinklandscaping.com KBK Gard Ctr Saline Flowerland shelby twp Diegel’s Greenhse H Hessell’s Greenhouse Maeder Plant Farm H Telly’s Greenhouse 4343 24 Mile, MI 48316 248-659-8555 www.tellys.com south lyon Mike’s Garden Stone Depot Landscp Supp southfield 3 DDD’s Stand H Eagle Landscp/Supp 20779 Lahser Rd., MI 48034 248-356-4342 https://eaglelandscapesupply.com
Lavin’s Flower Land Main’s Landscp Supp st clair shores Greenhouse Growers Hall’s Nurs Soulliere Gard Ctr sterling heights Decor Statuette H Eckert’s Greenhouse 34051 Ryan Rd, MI 48310 586-264-5678 www.eckertsgreenhouse.com Prime Landscp Supp stockbridge Gee Farms superior twp Lucas Nurs sylvan lake H AguaFina Gardens International 2629 Orchard Lake Rd, MI 48320 248-738-0500 www.aguafina.com Detroit Garden Works taylor D&L Garden Ctr Massab Acres Greenhse H Panetta’s Landscp Supp tecumseh Mitchell’s Lawn/Landscp trenton Carefree Lawn Ctr troy H Telly’s Greenhouse 3301 John R Rd, MI 48083 248-689-8735 www.tellys.com H Uncle Luke’s Feed Store 6691 Livernois Rd, MI 48098 248-879-9147 www.unclelukes.com utica Stonescape Supp walled lake H Suburban Landscp Supp warren Beste’s Lawn/Patio Supp Kutchey Family Mkt washington Landscp Direct Rocks ‘n’ Roots waterford Breen’s Landscp Supp H Merritt Home Design 5940 Cooley Lake Rd., MI 48327 248-681-7955 www.merritthomedesigns.com west bloomfield H English Gardens 6370 Orchard Lake Rd, MI 48322 248-851-7506 www.englishgardens.com westland H Barson’s Greenhse 6414 North Merriman Rd, MI 48185 734-421-5959 www.barsons.com Bushel Stop Joe Randazzo’s Nurs Merlino’s Bushel Ctr Panetta’s Landscp white lake H Bogie Lake Greenhouses 1525 Bogie Lake Rd, MI 48383 248-887-5101 www.bogielakegreenhouses.com
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H Mulligan’s Landscp & Gard Ctr 8215 Elizabeth Lake Rd, MI 48386 248-698-4741 www.mulliganlandscaping.com Sunshine Plants whitmore lake H Alexander Farm Mkt & Greenhouses 6925 Whitmore Lake Rd, MI 48189 734-741-1064 Find us on Facebook Green Oak Gard williamston H Christians Greenhse wixom Angelo’s Landscp Supp Milford Tree Farm ypsilanti Coleman’s Farm Mkt H Margolis Nurs Materials Unlimited Mich Greenscape Supp H Sell Farms & Greenhouses 7200 Willis Rd, MI 48197 734-484-3819 www.sellfarmsandgreenhouses.com
Gardens to Visit ann arbor Matthaei Botanical Gardens/Nichols Arboretum battle creek Leila Arboretum blissfield Ogden Station Daylilies AHS Display Garden bloomfield hills Cranbrook Gardens clinton twp Tomlinson Arboretum dearborn Arjay Miller Arboretum @ Ford World HQ Henry Ford Estate detroit Anna S Whitcomb Conservtry, Belle Isle Lafayette Greens dryden Seven Ponds Nature Ctr east lansing H MSU Horticulture Gardens W.J. Beal Botanical Gard emmett H Sunny Fields Botanical Park 5444 Welch Rd, MI 48022 810-387-2765 www.visitsunnyfields.org flint Applewood Estate grand rapids Frederik Meijer Gardens grosse pointe shores Edsel & Eleanor Ford Hse lansing Cooley Gardens midland Dahlia Hill Dow Gardens novi Tollgate Education Ctr rochester Meadow Brook Hall & Gardens taylor Taylor Conservatory & Botanical Gard tipton H Hidden Lake Gardens 6214 Monroe Rd (M-50), MI 49287 517-431-2060 www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu
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Michigan Gardener | April 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
through the lens Photographs from Michigan gardeners
Send Us Your Photos! 1. E-mail 2 or 3 of your best garden photos to: photos@MichiganGardener.com. We are looking for photos of your garden, both wide-angle and plant close-ups. Be sure to e-mail a high-resolution file. 2. Please include your full name and a caption describing the scene and the plants.
“This shade garden highlights my many shade plants including hostas, hydrangeas and ferns.” —Beth Kendziorski
“My crazy backyard!” —Sheryl
“As part of dealing with this stressful year, in the spring, my spouse and I started a large cutting garden and I ordered and nurtured my very first dahlia tubers. Here is one of the results!” —Chef Kate
“Our upper patio with our wisteria and climbing hydrangea in bloom, surrounding an arbor and gazebo that Pete built, and lots of other goodies. We love gardening and continue new projects to beautify our home…gardens are never done!” —Patti and Pete Connors
MichiganGardener.com | April 2021 | Michigan Gardener
P H OTO G R A P H S BY N E I L A N D R U T H AT Z I N G E R
continued from back cover
Ruthlessly weed out weaknesses Do not look longingly on the glory days your plants once had. You have a better future ahead. Rip out plants that have failed— stop overlooking the dying and diseased plants in your garden. Today is judgment day. Wield the reapers sickle! Your concern about proper pruning times might have pulled you deeper into this darkness. The best time to prune an overgrown garden is when you have the time and are willing to start the work. Most suckering shrubs (forsythia, spirea, lilac, viburnum, smokebush, etc.) can be coppiced (i.e., pruned to the ground) to produce fuller, tighter, rejuvenated shrubs. Other shrubs should have 1/3 of the oldest stems removed. Then trim for shape and size. Divide overgrown perennials. Contain misbehaving spreaders. Some perennials require extra space and regular dividing for success, like German irises, hostas, and geraniums. You can lift perennials you enjoy but that have spread beyond their boundaries. Stage them temporarily in the shade and keep them moist until you have time to plan your new layout. The goal here is to create a blank canvas that will leave you less restricted in your redesign.
Create a nurturing environment Ask the question, “Is there anything about this space that makes it harder for plants to thrive here?” You cannot change the space substantially—choose plants adapted to the site, rather than forcing the site to accept particular plants. That said, certain small changes have dramatic effects on the success of a revived garden. continued on next page Thoughtful planning makes the renovation process less cumbersome.
Perennials that have declined or become overgrown need dividing. They (and you) will be happier!
This mature crabapple tree has been pruned to show off its striking branch structure.
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Michigan Gardener | April 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
continued from previous page Test the soil with a soil test kit from an MSU extension office and follow the results. Mix in compost whenever working on the soil. Address drainage issues. Expose overly dark shade gardens to the light by having an arborist thin the canopy of large shade trees. Put up deer protection. Make this a safe space for plants to thrive.
Create order Some design adaptations can help your garden withstand periodic lapses in maintenance. Strong form and structure allows serendipity in the rest of the garden. Hedges, stepping stones, benches, and container arrangements achieve this. Also consider enclosing your garden with larger trees, panels, or taller screening plants. Enclosed spaces look more intentional than open, sprawling spaces. Another benefit with enclosing the garden is to screen off areas that you want to remain wild and, as such, limit your maintenance.
Develop a personality Now is your chance to tweak your style. Choose no more than three color families and re-install favorite plants that fit. Plant in repeating patterns, and ensure locations have conditions matching where these plants once thrived. Conservatively supplement new plant choices where gaps remain. Play the long game—try 2 or 3 new plants at a time so you can observe their success or failure, and adapt.
Choose plants that will be successful in the site. This old adage bears repeating: “Put the right plant in the right place.”
Learn from mistakes: maintenance You’ve hit bottom once. You may not have the determination to turn your garden around again. Be an active gardener. A garden is a hobby, not a permanent feature. It is unlike any other art, in that plants (your medium) are constantly changing and demand attention. The best gardens are cared for by tinkerers who constantly experiment and adapt their garden, planning for results that may not be seen for months or years. Embrace the process!
Ruth Atzinger studied horticulture at MSU and has gardened professionally since 2001, including work at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Gaylord Opryland. After studying theology and exploring the art and gardens of Italy, Neil Atzinger learned gardening as Ruth’s understudy. As Atzinger Gardens (renamed from Fourth & Walnut), the pair create and tend gardens around Ann Arbor and Plymouth. Visit AtzingerGardens.com or call 734-272-7321 for monthly maintenance or new garden design and installation.
As the plants mature in this woodland, the boulders, bench, and stepping stones will continue to provide strong form and structure.
A renovation is a perfect time to try new plants—don’t pass up the opportunity. For cohesiveness, repeat plants though the garden as you weave in some of the newcomers.
| April 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
Neil and Ruth Atzinger
P H OTO G R A P H S BY N E I L A N D R U T H AT Z I N G E R
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any of us inherit this problem. Some of us have developed it through neglect. All of us have encountered the overgrown garden—the back corner we ignore because of the effort it would take to renovate it. The moment we admit we have an unruly garden is the moment we can begin to fix it.
Take an inventory of strengths Most of us are keenly aware of failures—weeds, overgrowth, and disorder. We should not forget what we enjoy about the
space. This will motivate us to begin. What should be saved and why? How can we maximize these strengths? Overgrown gardens always conceal a hidden gem or two. Mature gardens mean mature ornamental trees. Most of these trees are slow growing and are rarely seen at their peak maturity. They are invaluable and worth preserving. Fully grown Japanese maples, magnolias, crabapples, junipers and even the loathsome foundation planting of yews can sometimes be pruned to reveal stunning branch structures. Consider designing your
This mixed border of perennials, shrubs, and ornamental trees has numerous garden gems. But it also has weeds and disarray. It’s time for some tough love—remove the problems to allow the plant stars to shine. overhaul around these gems. Taking stock of existing beauty in our gardens makes it easier to plan the revival. continued on page 37