September/October 2020
MichiganGardener.com
Your guide to Great Lakes gardening
Please thank our advertisers in this issue
Vegetable Patch
Perennials
Thyme for Herbs
Garden Profile
Vegetables that are perennial
Goldenrod
Herbal salve
Lush and lovely in dappled shade
Health Care: For your Trees & Shrubs Our team of ISA Certified Arborists uses organic and the best products, and applies them in a careful manner so bees & butterflies are not harmed, while still providing effective results beyond what our competition is doing for you now. We use advanced science to responsibly enrich your landscape. Some of our services: • Deep-root feeding using Organic Seaweed Kelp & Mycorrhizae • Tree injections • Tree & shrub disease and insect control • Disease and insect sprays applied carefully and cleanly • Fruit reduction & growth regulators: reduce maintenance and pruning Some of our specialties: • Improving the color on yellowing (chlorotic) pachysandra foliage • Curing disease problems on Pear Trees, Crabapples and Spruces • Site-specific challenges that most tree companies don’t solve— call us with your toughest problems!
Weed Control without RoundUp! That’s right—we can control your landscape bed weeds without using glyphosate, the active ingredient in RoundUp. We can now eliminate your garden weeds using a 100% Organic product! Call us for details!
Discount!
Mention this Michigan Gardener ad for a 10% PREPAY DISCOUNT!
248-698-4470
office@contenderstree.com www.contenders-mi.com
Call or E-Mail Us Today for a Free Estimate! We Service Oakland, Wayne & Washtenaw Counties
Our clients have enjoyed our exceptional service since 2008. Call us—You will too!
Largest Selection of Spring-flowering Bulbs
in the area
Banana Splash Daffodil
Red Revival Tulip
Sweet Invitation Hyacinth
Exquisit Tulip
Watch Up Daffodil
Background Photo: Headline Synaeda Blue Royal Flush Tulip
• • • • • • • • •
Our collection of varieties includes:
58 Tulips 33 Beautiful Blends collections 25 Daffodils 25 Super Saver collections with the largest bulb count per package 23 Specialty selections with miscellaneous bulbs 23 Value package collections 15 Bulk Amaryllis bulb varieties 13 Crocus, including Colchicum (Fall Crocus) 12 Hyacinths
• • • •
10 Bearded Iris 5 Dutch and Dwarf Iris 4 Alliums 3 Vegetables: Onion and Garlic
Forcing bulbs to enjoy indoors • 15 Bulk Amaryllis bulbs • Boxed Amaryllis and Paperwhite bulb kits • Bulk Paperwhite bulbs
Selection varies by store
Shop our Open Air Stores. 800-335-GROW EnglishGardens.com Connect with us:
Clinton Township 586-286-6100 Dearborn Heights 313-278-4433 Eastpointe 586-771-4200 Plymouth/Ann Arbor 734-453-5500 Royal Oak 248-280-9500 West Bloomfield 248-851-7506 Landscape Services 248-874-1400
It’s far from freezin’... Celebrate the SECOND SEASON! At Telly’s, September marks the start of the second season. While the selection of plants at many garden centers is dwindling, we are stocked with plants to keep your garden looking great until winter.
4
Michigan Gardener | September/October 2020 | MichiganGardener.com
Garden Wisdom 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. —Neil Atzinger
Ask MG............................................................6 To-Do List........................................................8 Vegetable Patch..........................................10
ON SALE NOW…
25% OFF ALL Roses 50% OFF Fruit Trees (sale excludes tropical fruit) 20-50% OFF Select Perennials 25-50% OFF Select Trees & Shrubs* *Shelby location only
Books for the Michigan Gardener.......12 Places to Grow............................................14 Thyme for Herbs........................................16 Calendar........................................................20 Bulk Subscriptions.....................................20 Where to pick up Michigan Gardener.....................................22
Classified Ads.............................................22 Advertiser Index........................................22 Weather Wrap...........................................23 Profile: Lush and lovely............................24 Through the Lens.......................................31 Perennials: Goldenrod............Back cover On the cover: Green, blue, yellow and all the shades in between— conifers of all sorts provide garden color throughout the year. Photo: Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener
FLASHLIGHT SALE… Sept 10, 11 & 12 • 7:30-9:30pm (Troy store only) Visit Telly’s for this once-a-year sale! Bring a flashlight (optional) and take advantage of our BIGGEST SALE of the season. Sale prices apply only during these hours.
FALL CONTAINER GARDENING Telly's features a wide range of gorgeous, grab-and-go, fall patio pots. We also offer an extensive selection of fall container gardening components including pansies, calibrachoa, petunias, osteospermum, cabbage, asters, celosia, ornamental peppers, mums, grasses, and so much more. Ask one of our associates to help you create a stunning fall container of your own
VEGETABLE GARDEN TRANSPLANTS Have some empty spaces in the vegetable garden? We are offering a broad range of delicious, cold-tolerant vegetables to keep your garden productive for months. Choose from lettuce, cabbage, kale, collards, carrots, Swiss chard, spinach, and more.
SPRING-BLOOMING BULBS Spring-blooming bulbs have arrived! Now is the time to create a spectacular spring display in your garden with our diverse collection of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, and more.
LATE SEASON PERENNIALS AND ORNAMENTAL GRASSES
To Our Readers... Please look for the next issue of Michigan Gardener in April, 2021—our 25th year. As we bring another season of Michigan Gardener to a close, we give thanks to our advertisers, who have made Michigan Gardener available FREE since 1996. Please visit these loyal advertisers and purchase their products and services. When you do, please let them know you saw their ad in Michigan Gardener. They need to hear that feedback. If you don't yet receive our free E-Newsletter, sign up on our website. We do not send any spam—just an E-Newsletter during the gardening season, including contests to win garden prizes. Best and safest wishes for a healthy fall and holiday season—see you in the spring!
There are dozens of beautiful perennials for sun or shade that are just starting to bloom. Ornamental grasses are also taking center stage as they provide diverse colors and textures for the fall garden.
FALL DECOR Telly's has corn stalks, straw bales, scarecrows, and a wide selection of pumpkins and gourds for decking out your space this fall.
Publisher/Editor Eric Hofley Design & Production Jonathon Hofley Advertising Eric Hofley Circulation Jonathon Hofley
TROY • 248-689-8735 3301 John R • 1/4 mile north of 16 Mile Rd.
SHELBY TOWNSHIP • 248-659-8555 4343 24 Mile • Btwn Dequindre & Shelby Rd.
www.tellys.com
Editorial Assistant Anna Doman
find us on
Contributors Brian Allnutt Neil/Ruth Atzinger Karen Bovio Cheryl English Emaline Fronckowiak Mary Gerstenberger Julia Hofley Rosann Kovalcik Beverly Moss George Papadelis Traven Pelletier 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 © 2020 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.
Koi Pond Design/Build & Maintenance
Pond & Lake Water Treatments
Fountains & Aeration
BEFORE
Our Mobile Team can service all of your pond needs WE ARE NOW SCHEDULING pond start-up, cleaning, & treatments. Call us today!
248-889-8400
We design & build ponds, streams & waterfalls Share your dreams with us and we can bring them to life, including koi ponds, pondless waterfalls, bogs, pond edge options, and much more.
AFTER
Don’t waste time and money on misdiagnosis of your pond. Let our team of experts tailor a plan that gives it the proper diagnosis and treatment, and guarantees to keep your pond healthy.
Pond fountains and aeration systems are not only aesthetically pleasing, they are a vital part of water oxygenation that is crucial to the health of your water feature. Call us for more information.
Sea wall installation
MICHIGAN’S #1 POND SPECIALIST SINCE 2001 3505 W. Highland Rd. (M-59) • Milford, MI 48380 248-889-8400 • www.pondplace.com
CHANGE IS IN THE AIR Prepare for the weather Full Service Tree Care Plant Health Care | Pruning | Lawn Programs The Davey Tree Expert Company | davey.com Monroe 419-464-7038
Auburn Hills 248-518-0560
Chesterfield 586-221-0530
Canton 734-249-6695
Wixom 248-621-3828
6
Michigan Gardener | September/October 2020 | MichiganGardener.com
Trees • Shrubs • Perennials Premium Landscape Supplies: Composted Pine Bark Premium Soils Bulk Michigan Peat Organic Products Flagstone, Limestone & Boulders Campania Fine Garden Statuary
Landscape Design & Installation Services
8215 Elizabeth Lake Rd. • White Lake
248-698-4741 MulliganLandscaping.com
No Gas. No Oil. No Fumes. No Mess.
GREENWORKS® battery-powered lawn mowers, blowers, string trimmers, and edgers deliver the power and performance of comparable gas-powered tools without the mess, noxious fumes, stamina-reducing vibration and noise associated with gas products. For more information, go to: www.GreenworksTools.com
Easy-to-grow, low groundcovers I would love to have creeping thyme or another easy grower in areas in between other plants. I was thinking thyme because I could use it for cooking too. Something low maintenance and that would discourage weed growth. Any advice? J.D., Plymouth Creeping thyme is an easy grower in full sun and should be planted in areas readily accessible to the kitchen. For areas not so close, but also in full sun, consider stonecrops (Sedum). There are a number of low-growing sedums in a variety of colors that form low, dense mats that can keep weeds in check. They are easy to plant, easy to care for, and with their relatively shallow roots, easy to remove and transplant to unfilled areas. Sedums love dry, sunny conditions. Many people use them in place of mulch. It is quite popular to take a variety of sedums and create a patchwork rock garden because there are so many colors and leaf textures. If you have shady conditions, try periwinkle (Vinca minor), also known as myrtle. It tolerates drought, and grows in full sun to part shade. Keep it watered until established. It quickly forms a strong mat over the soil that prevents weed seeds from rooting. Its stems do not become woody and invasive like English ivy. It is still a vine and will want to climb any nearby tree. But it is easily controlled by cutting through the soil and pulling out what is too exuberant. Another low maintenance groundcover is ajuga, or bugleweed, which is tolerant of sun or shade. It is slow to start, but once established, is easily managed by thinning. It grows by surface roots called stolons. Like the vinca, it roots at each node on the stem.
Dealing with quackgrass
FOR A COMPLETE LINE OF GREENWORK S EQUIPMENT, PLEASE VISIT:
1241 W. 14 Mile Rd. Clawson, MI 48017 248-744-6946 www.billingslawn.com
How do I eradicate quackgrass without harming our regular grass? Every year this eyesore takes over my lawn. T.W. Make sure what you have is quackgrass and not crabgrass, which is a reseeding annual. Crabgrass can be controlled with a pre-emergent weed preventative applied in spring. You can check it against pictures on the Michigan State University weed identification website. Quackgrass unfortunately is a perennial weed and successfully grows by rhizomes underground. First, there is mechanical removal—literally digging up the offending patches, removing surrounding soil, adding fresh topsoil and reseeding. This is not fail-safe because quackgrass rhizomes can run 6 to 8 feet. Any piece left behind can sprout a new plant. The second method for quackgrass is chemical control. Only glyphosate (Roundup and other products) will kill this weed and
penetrate through its rhizomes. This is a nonselective herbicide, which means it will also kill the desirable turf grass. There is not an herbicide made for quackgrass specifically. Depending on how much of your lawn is compromised, you may want to treat the larger portions with herbicide, wait a week, re-treat persistent patches, remove the dead grass, add fresh top soil, and reseed. Doing nothing is also an option, since quackgrass is green and mowable and comes back every year. However, most people don’t like the coarse look when compared to our turf grasses. Once you decide how to eradicate your problem, look at your fertilization methods and mowing practices. Quackgrass wins when the turf grass is weak. Fertilize in spring with a balanced nitrogen amendment, apply a pre-emergent for the annual weeds, mow high but frequently to stimulate growth, and deep water when there is drought. Strengthen your existing lawn so that quackgrass and annual weeds can’t make inroads into the soil where good root systems grow.
Overwintering bonsai I received a small dish bonsai as a gift. The instruction sheet says it should be outside for the winter. It does not seem like it will survive winter in its small dish. Suggestions? P.J. The term “winter” is relative, depending on where the bonsai specimen originated, from where it was shipped, and what type of plant it is. You are correct to assume our winter would probably be disastrous for your small-sized specimen. First, determine if you have an indoor or outdoor tree. Outdoor specimens are traditionally juniper, pine, and deciduous species like elm and birch. Indoor specimens are jade plants, Hawaiian umbrella trees, and cute little ficus—all glorified houseplants. Once you know what you have, you could put an outdoor bonsai in fresh air, but do not let it freeze. There are three general rules for all bonsai, which literally means “planted in a container.” 1) Keep your bonsai away from direct heat or drafts. 2) Position it in plenty of indirect sunlight. 3) Give it plenty of humidity to keep its soil moist. The number one culprit of bonsai death is over or under watering. This small pot is a tight environment for roots to grow. You water when the soil feels dry to the touch. This may be daily and cannot be a routine. Provide a good drainage tray and soak the soil until water escapes. Do not let the pot sit in water or the roots cannot get oxygen to grow. Only use fertilizer after thoroughly watering; never on dry soil. If the plant thrives, you will
MichiganGardener.com | September/October 2020 | Michigan Gardener
7
Have a question? Send it in! Go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Submit a question”
want to repot it between 2 to 5 years using soil that holds water but has small stones or particles to allow good drainage.
Battling poison ivy We have a vine that is taking over and killing all of our landscaping. I don’t know what this vine is, but it spreads along the ground and climbs all trees and any other landscaping that it comes across, eventually killing the trees it climbs and spreads into. We cut and pull it out of the trees, and pull the roots out of the ground, but have yet to figure out how to kill it. It has fibers on the vine that get under your skin and itch like fiberglass when you touch it, or when it brushes across your skin. How do we get rid of this dreaded vine? T.M., Brighton Based on your description and the fibers on the vine that create severe irritation, it appears you have an infestation of poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). Poison ivy contains an irritating toxin called urushiol that is in all parts of the plant. Poison ivy adheres to trees with hair-like, aerial roots. It crawls on the ground until it finds an upright structure and then it ascends. Although it is not a constricting twining vine, like Chinese bittersweet or wild grapevine, the mass of its leafy canopy shades out the tree that it climbed, removing the tree’s ability to photosynthesize and feed itself. Because poison ivy grows both along the ground and underground with rhizomes and taproots, cutting and pulling it out of the trees is not enough. You need chemical control. The two most effective herbicide active ingredients
are triclopyr and glyphosate. If you are comfortable using a concentrated form of glyphosate (Roundup and other products), then you need to spray the cut stems at the ground level with the herbicide so it reaches the rhizomes and taproots. Wear long pants, long sleeves and long rubber gloves. Using duct tape, seal pant legs to your boots. Wear a mask and target spray the ivy stems where they were cut. According to the Michigan State University Department of Plant and Soil Science, triclopyr is more effective at controlling poison ivy. However, it can persist in the soil for up to 30 days. It can potentially injure sensitive, desirable species planted in a treated area within that timeframe. Glyphosate should not pose a risk once dry due to its ability to bind with clay and organic matter in the soil. Both will affect other plants if they are accidentally sprayed. So care must be taken to shield the desirable plants. Because of the scope of your infestation, you might consider hiring a professional service that specializes in poison ivy removal and eradication. There are a few listed online that work in southeastern Michigan. Any and all debris should be placed in black garbage bags and never composted. Dispose of them in the trash. The prohibition to burning is that the plant releases the urushiol into the air. That can be inhaled and the toxin is now in one’s air passages, being difficult to treat medically. Answers provided by Beverly Moss, owner of Garden Rhythms.
Creating beautiful outdoor spaces for over 50 years
Garden Center Nursery Landscaping
TREES
POTTERY
SHRUBS
STATUARY
Trees & Shrubs • Large Perennial Selection Full Landscape Design Services Livingston County’s Largest Pottery Collection Greenhouse & Gift Shop • Organic Fertilizers Bulk Mulch, Soil, Rock & Sand Delivery Soil Amendments, & Other Garden Products
Happy Fall Y’all Mums, Pansies, Fresh Annuals, Perennials: Everything you need for fall gardening! Order online for curbside pickup or delivery Houseplant Specials for Teachers & Students Closed September 6 & 7
4431 South Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
734-663-7600 • turnersannarbor.com
9020 Maltby Rd • Brighton • 810-220-4406 www.GrasshopperGardensMi.com Open 7 days a week
8
Michigan Gardener | September/October 2020 | MichiganGardener.com
Annuals
Quality Plants for Dedicated Gardeners Perennials, annuals & herbs...our outdoor-grown plants are acclimated to Michigan’s weather for better performance in your garden Our selection of beautiful well-tended perennials, hostas, and grasses can’t be beat!
Mon-Sat 9-5 Sun 10-4 Open by appointment after Oct 4
Golf Club Rd. Specialty Growers
Gra nd Riv er A 96 ve.
Hughes Rd.
Excludes non-plant items Expires October 4, 2020
M-59 (Highland Rd.)
Laston Rd.
plant purchase of $30 or more
4330 Golf Club Rd. Howell ~ 517-546-7742
Pinckney Rd.
5 OFF
$
Our complete catalog is now online! www.specialtygrowers.net
• It’s getting cooler outside—a great time to refresh the garden after summer. If the summer garden is starting to fade, add some color with cold-tolerant plants, such as pansies, asters, mums, osteospermums, verbenas, or diascias, that will bloom late into the year. Refresh patio containers with these varieties to create a new look on your patio or front porch. • There are two approaches to fall flower beds: Clean them all at once, erasing all traces of summer’s beauty. This works if you have time to devote to the task. If it’s all done at once, the beds are neat and tidy waiting for next spring. Or, wait and remove plants as they succumb to the chill. This piecemeal cleanup is often easier to fit into a busy schedule and you may enjoy flowers far later into the season. Neither way is wrong—do what works best for you.
Bulbs: Spring-Flowering • Bulbs like to be planted deep, rather than shallow, and prefer well-drained soil. They
can be planted from late August until the ground freezes, usually late December. Plant as early as possible, after the temperatures drop below 60 degrees F consistently. Early planting allows more roots to develop and enhances total performance. Most varieties like full sun. If you’re planting under trees, remember most trees won’t be leafed out when the bulbs are blooming, so they should receive adequate light.
Fruits • Keep track of fruiting canes on raspberry plants. Mark the ones that have fruited this year with string or tape that will last through the fall. Cut out those canes, since raspberries only fruit on one-year-old canes.
General • Fall is a great time to weed all beds and add a fresh layer of mulch. Mulch will help keep future weeds down and help insulate plants through the winter.
Feature Task: Year-round care for an indoor cyclamen
FALL DECORATING Garden Mums: Dozens of Colors and Sizes Corn Stalks • Pumpkins • Gourds • And more! Enormous perennial, hosta, tree & shrub selection: Fall is a great time to plant!
Piechnik’s Garden Center & Nursery 1095 N. Rochester Rd, Oakland, MI 48363
586-336-7200 • www.piechniks.com SEP/OCT HOURS: MON-SAT 10-7 SUN 10-6
ASK US ABOUT OUR REWARDS PROGRAM!
Also visit our Clio location: Piechnik’s Greenhouse • 810-686-9211
Cyclamen plants purchased from a florist or garden center make beautiful indoor flowering plants. Their heart-shaped flowers grow in many shades of white, pink and red. With proper care, you can keep a cyclamen growing and even get it to rebloom. Temperature. Cyclamen are sensitive to temperatures in the house. In their natural environments, they like cool, humid temperatures. Ideally, rooms with cyclamen plants should be around 68 degrees F during the day and 50 degrees F at night. If the room is too warm, leaves on the plant begin to yellow and flowers fade. If the room is too cool, cyclamen will not survive. Light. Cyclamen like bright, but indirect light. Keep it close to a window, but not in full sun. Water. These plants are also sensitive to the amount of water they receive. Cyclamen should be planted in a pot with well-drained potting soil that lets excess water drain away freely. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch. Be careful not to wait too long. If you see droopy leaves and flowers, it’s overdue for a drink. Too much water and the stems and leaves will start to rot. When watering, keep water away from the leaves. Lift the leaves up and direct the stream of water onto the soil. Getting water on the stems and leaves is another cause of rot with this plant. Thoroughly soak the soil and let any excess water drain away. You may need to check back a little while later and discard any
water that has accumulated in the saucer. Fertilizer. During its growing period, fertilize your cyclamen once every 1 to 2 months with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer mixed at half strength. More is not better for the cyclamen. Too much and they may not rebloom. A dormant period. After the plant has finished blooming, it will enter its dormant period. The plant will appear to be dying as the leaves turn yellow and fall off. This is normal—the plant is sleeping and hasn’t died. Stop watering the plant once the leaves begin to die, and remove any dead leaves. Put the plant in a cool, dark place and leave it alone for a few months. Eventually, you’ll start to see new leaves forming. Start to water the plant again by completely soaking the soil, as it will be very dry. It might be helpful to place the pot in a sink full of water for an hour or so to thoroughly saturate the soil. Pull it out and make sure that any excess water drains away. The plant may need to be repotted if the tuber is crowded and filling the pot. If so, repot the plant to a larger pot, but not too big—the next size up is usually adequate. Otherwise, the cyclamen will devote its energy to root growth, rather than top growth. Move your plant back to an area where it will receive bright, indirect light. Once the leaves start to grow again, take care of it as you would normally. Blooms will follow shortly.
MichiganGardener.com | September/October 2020 | Michigan Gardener
• Start or continue your gardening journal. Document the garden with photos and notes while things are fresh in your mind. Plan any changes you want for next year right now. Plus, the photos are great to review in the middle of winter.
9
should be at ground level, unless you are planting in clay and then it should be about a third of the ball size above ground. • With plants grown in plastic containers, score the roots. Use a knife to cut the roots vertically (like cutting a two-layer birthday cake) about every 3 to 5 inches around the plant. Pruning the roots promotes new root growth and gets them growing out of the shape of the pot.
Herbs • Chop up fresh herbs and freeze them in ice cube trays with a bit of water. Pop a few cubes into a soup or stew this winter.
Seasonal Decorations
Houseplants
• Add seasonal decorations to your garden with pumpkins, corn stalks and hay bales. Creating a vignette on your front porch or patio can provide a welcoming change to your yard.
• With outdoor temperatures cooling down, it’s time to prepare houseplants and bring them inside for the winter. Apply a granular systemic insecticide to the soil of all plants you’ll be bringing inside, as well as a foliar spray of insecticidal soap. This will help ensure your houseplants are insectfree through the winter. • Some plants may continue to drop leaves until they become accustomed to their new home. As long as they’re getting some new growth, leaf drop is normal. • Plants are used to a lot of sunlight when outdoors. Maximize the sunlight they receive inside by making sure the blinds, sheers, or curtains are open as much as possible.
Vegetables • Continue to harvest fruits, vegetables and herbs. • Keep beds weeded and watered. Continue to check for pests and diseases and take care of any problems immediately. Provided by the professionals at English Gardens.
Fall is for Planting & Landscaping!
Lawn • Don’t put the mower away yet—the lawn is still growing and will need trimming. Continue to apply supplemental watering if there is a dry spell. • Apply a final fertilizer treatment in mid to late October before the temperatures dip below 50 degrees F. The fall fertilizing is the most important to make sure the grass goes into winter healthy and strong.
Fall is a great time to landscape or refresh your existing grounds.
call
“the little gardener that could” 15 Years Experience at Botanical Gardens FREE Estimates
586-214-9852 Pat
Shrubs & Trees
Www.agardenspace.com
• When planting balled and burlapped plants, dig the hole the same depth as the ball and about 12 inches wider on the sides. Take off all the twine and at least the top third of the burlap. The top of the root ball
BOO! Great gifts and
decorating ideas for Fall enterta ining & Hallo ween
Holiday Décor and Gifts Fresh Greens, Florals, Garlands, Wreaths, Interiors, Candles, Holiday Ornaments, Bath & Body, Pottery, Houseplants
Decorate this fall with our locally grown mums, asters, pansies, pumpkins, and more! Plant bulbs this fall for a beautiful spring! Check out our great selection of tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinths & more.
10 OFF
$
any $50 purchase with this ad
Cannot be used with any other offer. Cannot be used to purchase gift certificates. Expires 9-30-20
110 S. MAIN • DOWNTOWN CHELSEA • 734-475-3539 • www.thegardenmill.com
Gift, Home & Landscape Shop Garden Center • Greenhouse • Florist Design / Build / Maintenance Landscape Company 9225 FENTON RD • GRAND BLANC 25 MINS FROM GREAT LAKES CROSSING
THEWEEDLADY.COM • 810-655-2723
10
Fall Pansies & Mums Ornamental Kale Coming in Late September: Pumpkins, Gourds, Straw, Corn & Corn Stalks
Michigan Gardener | September/October 2020 | MichiganGardener.com
Vegetables that are perennial
M
ichigan vegetable gardens are predominantly annual vegetables. That is, they complete their life cycle in one growing season. However, we do have at least three perennial (surviving more than one year) vegetables that can tolerate our winter climate. Asparagus, Jerusalem artichoke (not a true artichoke), and rhubarb are the three hardy perennials for the Michigan garden. Each vegetable has some specific growing needs.
Asparagus
248-887-5101
1525 Bogie Lake Rd. / White Lake
1-1/2 Miles S. of M-59 • Across from Lakeland H.S.
ECOLAWN 250
FOR RENT! The Ecolawn 250 is used to put compost into lawns. It should be used in conjunction with an aeration unit which is also available to rent.
Compost will add to lawns: Organic Matter Water Holding Capacity
Lessen the Amount of Herbicides and Fertilizer Needed for Application Add Microbial Activity
Did you know that adding compost to lawns will lessen the amount of water needed for waterings and helps with erosion control. www.CountryOaksLandscapeSupply.com Clarkston 248.623.2640 | Burton 810.743.1920
bers fairly quickly and need to be harvested on a regular basis. Tubers may be dug anytime from September until the ground freezes and again in the spring before new growth occurs. It is a good idea to reset the beds periodically to control the spread of the plants and to prevent overcrowding. Not all garden centers carry Jerusalem artichokes, but the popular variety and most likely available is “Stampede.” More information can be found at “Jerusalem Artichokes: Tasty and Versatile” at tinyurl. com/y6xsn7sk.
Asparagus plants are grown from crowns Rhubarb planted in early spring. They prefer a sandy soil On this very hardy perennial, only the petiwith a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. The crowns are oles (leaf stalks) are eaten. Rhubarb leaves planted in trenches about six inches deep, are and roots are toxic due to the presence of oxcovered with a couple inches of soil, and as the alic acid in them. In early spring, crowns are plants grow taller, the balance of the trench planted with the crown bud about two inches is filled in. The asparagus is allowed to grow deep in well-drained soils with high organic without harvesting in the first and second matter. Rhubarb can get by with 5 to 6 hours years. In the third year, some harvesting may of sun, so it is suitable for areas rebegin. Never harvest every spear ceiving partial shade. as that may kill your plant. Some Plants should not be harvested in spears are needed to grow through the first year and only sparingly in the summer and provide nutrithe second. After that, only about ents to the crown to survive until one third of the leaf stalks should the next growing season. Properly be harvested to maintain the health maintained, asparagus plants can and vigor of the plant. Rhubarb survive in excess of 20 years. plants may remain productive in It is important to note that asexcess of 10 years. Most varieties paragus has male and female Mary of rhubarb have red petioles, but be plants. Female plants produce seed Gerstenberger aware that there are a few varieties, that may result in many asparagus such as “Victoria,” that have green plants growing where they are not stalks with perhaps some shading of red. wanted. The “Washington” varieties have For more information, visit “How to Grow been around a long time and are more likely Rhubarb” at tinyurl.com/y289fxvf. If you to give you a mix of male and female plants. happen to already have rhubarb growing in The “Jersey” varieties are mainly male plants. your yard, you may want to read “RenewFor more information on growing asparaing Old Rhubarb Plants” at tinyurl.com/ gus in the home garden, go to “How to Grow y2694lw6. Asparagus” at tinyurl.com/y3dvepo2 and These three perennial vegetables are delialso “Growing Asparagus at Home” at tinyurl. cious and nutritious, and can even look lovely com/y3wxnqo4. in a flower garden or as a border planting. Jerusalem artichokes Just be sure to plant them with the long term Also known as sunchokes or sunroots, Jein mind! rusalem artichokes are actually members of the sunflower family and are native to North Mary Gerstenberger was the Consumer HorAmerica. The portion eaten is the tuber and it ticulture Coordinator at the Michigan State is used in much the same way as a potato. The University Extension in Macomb County, MI. tubers contain inulin, which is considered For vegetable and gardening information from beneficial in a diabetic diet. The plant may MSU, visit www.migarden.msu.edu. grow to a height of 6 to 8 feet and produces bright yellow flowers. Tubers should be plantCall the toll-free Michigan State University ed in spring and prefer a well-drained garden Lawn and Garden Hotline at 888-678-3464 soil with high fertility. They can produce tufor answers to your gardening questions.
Liven up your fall garden
Our Specialty:NEW & CHOICE varieties
with our Pansies, Mums, Asters, Ornamental Kale, Pumpkins, Proven Winners Specialty Annuals, and more!
Fresh shipments arrive throughout the Fall. Stop in to see the latest gems!
Maples
Fall is the best time for planting. And it is a great time to pick out a tree while it is displaying its brilliant fall color! Come stroll through our huge inventory of top quality plants and make your selection.
Fothergillas
Diervilla ‘Kodiak Orange’
Proudly serving Metropolitan Detroit since 1931
20815 Farmington Rd. (1 blk N of 8 Mile) Farmington Hills / 248-474-2925 Fall hours: Mon-Fri 8-7 Sat 8-6 Sun 10-4
WE DO
LANDSCAPE DESIGN & INSTALLATION
CALL US!
Milarch Nursery Q UA LIT Y P L A N TS & S E RV I C E S I N C E 1 972
Over 50 acres of growing fields on our 62-acre farm! Established in 1980, our family-owned nursery has satisfied customers throughout SE Michigan and northern Ohio. Walk our fields and tag your own trees, or we can pick out the best and call you when they are ready. Our trees are always fresh-dug at the proper time.
ORNAMENTAL GRASSES
GOLDEN ARBORVITAES
FLOWERING PERENNIALS
27 ACRES of Flowering & Shade Trees, Shrubs, Evergreens, Roses, Perennials, Groundcovers & Topiaries
12 varieties of arborvitae up to 8’ tall / Several varieties of spruce, pine and fir up to 12’ tall / Deciduous trees up to 5” caliper / Pick up or we can deliver & plant for you!
TO SEE OUR INCREDIBLE SELECTION, VISIT MILARCHNURSERY.COM AND CLICK ON “AVAILABILITY.”
28500 HAAS RD • NEW HUDSON, MI 48165 • 248-437-2094 www.milarchnursery.com Wholesale hours: Mon-Fri 8-5 • Sat 8-1
Public Welcome: Tues & Thurs 1-5 • Sat 9-1
2666 TOZER RD • NORTH BRANCH, MI 48461 810-688-2363 • OldaniLandscapeNurseries.com Mon-Sat: 9-5 • Sun: 12-4 (closed Sundays during July/Aug)
12
Tried, tested and true since 1992
Michigan Gardener | September/October 2020 | MichiganGardener.com
Houseplant Party: Fun Projects & Growing Tips for Epic Indoor Plants by Lisa Eldred Steinkopf
ORGANIC—1st animal repellent OMRI Listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute for food production. PROVEN by independent research to out-last and out-perform all other repellents—up to 6 months over-winter! EFFECTIVE against deer, rabbits, voles, elk, moose, chipmunks, and squirrels.
SAFE—for use in vegetable gardens, on fruit trees and other food crops. RAIN-RESISTANT— no need to re-apply after every rainfall. 3 FORMULATIONS for maximum effectiveness and convenience. BONUS—built in fertilizer for bigger, healthier plants!
PROMO CODE: ‘MichiganGardener2020’ for 10% off your next order For DEALER LOCATOR, testimonials and answers to FAQs, visit: www.plantskydd.com
#1 Choice of Professional Growers, Landscapers & Foresters
New for 2020! Gauge Select
Large format, natural cleft flagstone with a gauged thickness, easy to install pattern, and salt-proof surface.
Houseplants make wonderful houseguests—they don’t talk back, they are exceptional listeners, and they help beautify your bedroom and calm your senses. Plus, houseplants are fun to nurture and care for. Michigan Gardener writer and houseplant guru Lisa Eldred Steinkopf shares easy-to-follow houseplant advice in her new book, Houseplant Party (Cool Springs Press, 112 pages, $19.99). This hands-on guide has three distinct sections. The first covers the best houseplants for your living space. Discover amazing houseplants for your desk, windowsill, bedside table, or bathroom vanity—from peace lilies and ponytail palms to fairy washboards, air plants, and Venus flytraps. Next, learn how to grow and take care of these indoor beauties. The final section illustrates DIY projects that incorporate houseplants to enhance your home decor. Step-by-step plans show you how to make some creative houseplant homes.
The Ever Curious Gardener: Using a Little Natural Science for a Much Better Garden by Lee Reich Might you be curious why caressing your cucumber plants will help them bear more fruit? Or why you should grow oranges from seed even if the fruit is inedible? Or why trees need to sleep and how to help them? Join acclaimed gardener, scientist, and author Lee Reich on a tour through the scientific wonders of plants and soil. The Ever Curious Gardener (New Society Publishers, 224 pages, $18.99) offers eye-opening insight and practical guidance. Topics include maximizing both flavor and nutrition in your garden bounty, helping plants thrive during drought, outwitting weeds by understanding their nature, making the best use of compost, tips on pruning, orchard care, and much more. Witty and funny, this book is an irreverent journey through the natural science of plants and soil. Ideal for both new gardeners moving beyond back-of-the-seed-pack planting to experienced gardeners whose curiosity at the wonders of cultivation grows deeper and stronger with each season.
The Nature of Plants: An Introduction to How Plants Work by Craig N. Huegel
ORION STONE DEPOT 4888 JOSLYN ROAD, ORION, MI 48359
Your one-stop local landscape shop to beautify your home for over 35 years.
www.orionstone.com
Plants play a critical role in how we experience our environment. They create calming green spaces, provide oxygen for us to breathe, and nourish our senses. In The Nature of Plants (University Press of Florida, 271 pages, $24.95), ecologist and nursery owner Craig Huegel demystifies the complex lives of plants and provides readers with a close look into their inner and outer workings. In this guide, the intricacies behind how plants reproduce are unraveled. Readers discover why not all flowering plants need pollinators, how it can take decades for some plants to produce offspring, and whether parents recognize their kin. Huegel even delves into the mysterious world of plant communication, exploring the messages and warnings conveyed to animals or other plants through chemical scents and hormones. With color illustrations, photographs, and real-life examples from the author’s own gardening experiences, this book equips budding botanists, ecologists, and even the most novice gardeners with knowledge that will help them understand and foster plants of all types.
LakeOrion Orion Lawn LawnOrnaments 25% OFF ALL IN-STOCK ITEMS
Landscaping Supply
Plus: Large DISCOUNT area, up to 50% OFF!
CURBSIDE PICKUP OR DELIVERY
Gardener’s Paradise!
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Over 800 different items on display
Concrete Benches • Tables • Fountains • Planters Saucers • Birdbaths • Statues • Religious Statues • Rails Animals • Ballisters • Oriental Lanterns • Pier Caps
62 W. Scripps Rd., Lake Orion • 248-693-8683 Corner of M-24 (Lapeer Rd) & Scripps Rd. - 4 mi N. of The Palace of Auburn Hills
www.lakeorionconcrete.com • Call ahead for hours
Uncle Luke’s
Topsoil & Sand Mulch Decorative Stone Driveway Stone Brick Pavers Retaining Walls Polymeric Sand Sealer & Adhesive Flagstone Fire Pits Grass Seed Straw Pool Shock 16720 E 13 Mile Rd Roseville, MI 48066
(586) 778-1919 daleslandscaping.com
Fresh, local produce though October! t Beautiful fall-blooming mums t
LARGE selection of BIRD FEED & feeding equipment t Deer repellents t Complete pet & animal food lines: Taste of the Wild NutriSource • Canidae • Solid Gold • Iams • Wysong Lotus • Holistic Select • Victor • Eukanuba Chicken Soup • Natural Balance • Fromm t
BEST SELECTION of ORGANIC fertilizers and soil amendments in Southeastern Michigan Featuring organic fertilizers & soil amendments FALL is an EXCELLENT time to fertilize your lawn, perennials, trees & shrubs
Uncle Luke’s Feed Store 6691 Livernois, Troy (1/4 Mile S. of South Blvd.)
248-879-9147 www.unclelukes.com Mon-Fri 9-6:30 • Sat 8-6 • Sun 9-5
Visit our 2nd location:
Flushing Lawn & Garden 114 Terrace St., Flushing, MI 810-659-6241
Halloween and Fall Decorations • Pumpkins • Indian corn • Gourds • Straw • Corn stalks • Mums
EST. 1926
LARGE SELECTION OF Tre e s S h ru bs Pe re n n ia ls M u lc h S oil
We specialize in homegrown shade & ornamental trees
10% OFF ALL TREES
25% OFF
ALL SHRUBS & PERENNIALS With this ad • Expires 10-31-20
9600 Cherry Hill Rd. Ypsilanti, MI
734-482-0771
www.margoliscompanies.com Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5 Sat 8-3
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
Jackson
White Lake Waterford
Pontiac
Dexter
Ann Arbor
Grass Lake
Superior Twp
Detroit Westland
Canton
Taylor Belleville
Saline New Boston
4-line listing with your: • Business name • Address • Phone • Website or E-mail
premium listing 4-line listing PLUS highlighting: • Business name • Address • Phone • Website or E-mail
please contact us for info: publisher@ MichiganGardener.com 248-594-5563
Romulus Brownstown Trenton Twp. Grosse Ile Flat Rock
Tecumseh Blissfield
enhanced listing
DearbornDearborn Heights
Ypsilanti
Manchester
Tipton
canton
Monroe
Ottawa Lake
La Salle
almont H American Tree
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
auburn H Warmbier Farms 5300 Garfield Rd, MI 48611 989-662-7002 www.warmbierfarms.com
auburn hills H Haley Stone 3600 Lapeer Rd, MI 48326 248-276-9300 www.haleystone.net H State Crushing
H HillTop Greenhse/Farms H Lodi Farms H The Produce Station
bancroft
H Turner’s Greenhse & Garden Ctr 4431 South Wagner Rd, MI 48103 734-663-7600 www.turnersannarbor.com
H Begick Nursery & Garden Ctr 5993 Westside Saginaw Rd, MI 48706 989-684-4210 www.begicknursery.com
Wild Birds Unltd
Ray
Rochester
Plymouth Chelsea
Washington
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
Want to advertise your local business in Places to Grow? 2 options:
Richmond
Lake Orion
Haslett
Grand Oak Herb Farm
bay city
belleville H Banotai Greenhse Gardeners Choice H Pinter Flowerland H Zywicki Greenhse
berkley
H Meier Flowerland 8087 W. Grand River, MI 48114 810-229-9430 www.meierflowerland.com
brownstown twp
birmingham
Bruce’s Pond Shop Raupp Brothers Gard Ctr H Ruhlig Farms & Gard
H Blossoms
bruce twp
Garden Central
blissfield H Ogden Station Daylilies 7120 Hodges Hwy, MI 49228 517-443-5530 www.ogdenstationdaylilies.com
brighton Bordine’s Brighton Stone H Grasshopper Gardens Leppek Nurs
H Van’s Valley Greenhse 74865 Van Dyke Rd, MI 48065 586-752-6002 www.vansvalley.com
burton H Country Oaks Landscp Supp H Walker Farms & Greenhouse 5253 E. Atherton Rd, MI 48519 810-743-0260 www.walkersfarm.com
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 Michigan Koi Tropical Treasures
MichiganGardener.com | September/October 2020 | Michigan Gardener
clio H Piechnik’s Greenhouse 13172 McCumsey Rd, MI 48420 810-686-9211 www.cliogreenhouse.com
grosse ile H Westcroft Gardens & Farm 21803 West River Rd, MI 48138 734-676-2444 www.westcroftgardens.com
columbus
grosse pointe
Haack’s Farm Greenhses
Allemon’s Landscp Ctr
commerce twp
grosse pointe woods
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 Bloom! Gard Ctr Dexter Mill 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 Nurs
fenton H Gerych’s Greenhse H Heavenly Scent Herb Farm 13730 White Lake Rd, MI 48430 810-629-9208 www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com
Wild Birds Unltd
hadley Le Fleur Décor
hartland Deneweth’s Garden Ctr
haslett H Christian’s Greenhse H Van Atta’s Greenhse
highland Colasanti’s Produce/Plant Fragments Highland Garden Ctr Rock Bottom Landscp Supp Thornton Nurs
howell Penrose Nurs 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
wixom
monroe
Fogler’s Greenhse Sherwood Forest Gard Ctr
Lucas Nurs
The Flower Market
Angelo’s Landscp Supp Milford Tree Farm
rochester hills
new baltimore H Meldrum Bros Nurs
new boston H Grass Roots Pond & Gard Mums the Word
new hudson H Milarch Nurs 28500 Haas Rd, MI 48165 248-437-2094 www.milarchnursery.com Fletcher & Rickard Landscp Supp
north branch H Campbell’s Greenhouses 4077 Burnside Rd, MI 48461 810-688-3587 www.campbellsgreenhouses.com H Oldani Landscape Nurseries 2666 Tozer Rd, MI 48461 810-688-2363 www.oldanilandscapenurseries.com
northville Begonia Brothers Gardenviews at Home H Willow Greenhouse 7839 Curtis Rd, MI 48168 248-437-7219 www.willowgreenhouse.com
H Auburn Oaks Garden Ctr 3820 West Auburn Rd, MI 48309 248-852-2310 www.auburnoaksnursery.com
lake orion 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
H Flushing Lawn & Garden Ctr 114 Terrace St, MI 48433 810-659-6241 www.unclelukes.com
Bushel Mart George’s Livonia Gardens GrowGeneration Valley Nurs
gladwin
macomb Altermatt Greenhses Boyka’s Greenhse H Brohl’s Greenhse Deneweth’s Garden Ctr H Elya’s Village Gardens H Landscape Source Joe Randazzo’s Nurs Olejnik Farms Wiegand’s Nursery Wild Birds Unltd
manchester McLennan Nurs
mason Wildtype Nurs
oakland twp H Piechnik’s Garden Ctr 1095 N. Rochester Rd, MI 48363 586-336-7200 www.cliogreenhouse.com
ortonville H Wojo’s Greenhse 2570 Oakwood Rd, MI 48462 248-627-6498 www.wojos.com
ottawa lake Beauchamp Landscp Supp
owosso H Everlastings in Wildwood Crooked Tree Nurs Sunburst Gardens
oxford Dafoe’s Feed & Seed
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 H Rock Shoppe Sparr’s Greenhse
pontiac Goldner Walsh Gard/Home
ray Heritage Oaks
redford H Pinter Flowerland Seven Mi Gard Ctr
H Detroit Garden Works
H Haley Stone 3975 S. Rochester Rd, MI 48307 248-852-5511 www.haleystone.net
D&L Garden Ctr Massab Acres Greenhse H Panetta’s Landscp Supp
Wild Birds Unltd
Mitchell’s Lawn/Landscp
romulus
trenton
Block’s Stand/Greenhse Kurtzhals’ Farms Rush Gard Ctr Schwartz’s Greenhouse
Carefree Lawn Ctr
roseville H Dale’s Landscaping Supply 16720 E 13 Mile Rd, MI 48066 586-778-1919 www.daleslandscaping.com
tecumseh
troy H Telly’s Greenhouse 3301 John R Rd, MI 48083 248-689-8735 www.tellys.com
Flower Barn Nurs Sea World
H Uncle Luke’s Feed Store 6691 Livernois Rd, MI 48098 248-879-9147 www.unclelukes.com
royal oak
utica
H English Gardens 4901 Coolidge Hwy, MI 48073 248-280-9500 www.englishgardens.com Wild Birds Unltd
Four Seasons Gard Ctr
Hobbit Greenhouses
H AguaFina Gardens International 2629 Orchard Lake Rd, MI 48320 248-738-0500 www.aguafina.com
taylor
jackson
oak park
sylvan lake
Bordine’s
Abele Greenhouse & Garden Ctr
livonia
H Designs by Judy Florist & Greenhse 3250 Wolf Lake Rd, MI 49240 517-522-5050 www.designsbyjudyflowers.com
superior twp
Glenda’s Gard Ctr Wild Birds Unltd
flushing
grass lake
H Christians Greenhse
rochester
Earthly Arts Greenhse Schutz’s Tree Farm Super & Sons Nurs
Stone Case Inc.
H The Weed Lady 9225 Fenton Rd, MI 48439 810-655-2723 www.theweedlady.com
williamston
Gee Farms
saginaw
Masserant’s Feed/Grain
Bordine’s
stockbridge
Jusko’s Greenhse
novi
lennon
grand blanc
richmond
Rock Bottom Landscp Supp Milford Gardens H The Pond Place
imlay city
flat rock
H Stone Cottage Gardens 3740 West Willford Rd, MI 48624 989-426-2919 www.stonecottagegardens.com
milford
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 Greenhses 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 Eagle Landscp/Supp 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
Stonescape Supp
walled lake H Suburban Landscp Supp
warren Beste’s Lawn/Patio Supp Kutchey Family Mkt
washington Landscp Direct Rocks ‘n’ Roots
15
ypsilanti Coleman’s Farm Mkt H Margolis Nurs Materials Unlimited Sell Farms & Greenhouses 7200 Willis Rd, MI 48197 734-484-3819 www.sellfarmsandgreenhouses.com
Gardens to Visit ann arbor H Matthaei Botanical Gardens/ Nichols Arboretum
battle creek Leila Arboretum
blissfield Ogden Station Daylilies AHS Display Garden 7120 Hodges Hwy, MI 49228 517-443-5530 www.ogdenstationdaylilies.com
bloomfield hills H Cranbrook Gardens
clinton twp Tomlinson Arboretum
dearborn Arjay Miller Arboretum @ Ford World HQ Henry Ford Estate
detroit
waterford
Anna S Whitcomb Conservtry, Belle Isle Lafayette Greens
Breen’s Landscp Supp
dryden
H Merritt Home Design 5940 Cooley Lake Rd., MI 48327 248-681-7955 www.merritthomedesigns.com
Seven Ponds Nature Ctr
west bloomfield
emmett
English Gardens 6370 Orchard Lake Rd, MI 48322 248-851-7506 www.englishgardens.com
westland 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 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
east lansing H MSU Horticulture Gardens W.J. Beal Botanical Gard H Sunny Fields Garden 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
16
Michigan Gardener | September/October 2020 | MichiganGardener.com
How to make herbal salve
Roxanne & Jean Riggs
W
hen we are out and about in the yard and garden, there comes a time when insects can bite or sting, minor scrapes and scratches can happen, or skin can get irritated when carrying out our garden chores. Growing a few herbs that will help heal our skin is easy, and making a salve from these herbs is a great way to use them for your own care. Our herbal salve soothes the skin and helps it to heal.
Lavender This perennial plant has purple flower spikes in the summer that should be harvested before the buds on the stems open fully. Cut the spikes above the leaves on the stem, put a rubber band around the bunch, hang upside down so the stems dry straight, and dry in a dark and airy place. Grow lavender in full sun with well-drained soil. You can purchase lavender plants in most any local garden center. It is a very popular herb and has healing properties in its flowers. If you buy a goodsized plant, it will have plenty of flowers in the first year to use in this recipe. Every year the plant produces more flowers to harvest. It continues to become more and more woody, leading some gardeners to replace the plant every couple of years to avoid the lavender plants from becoming too stringy. You cannot split lavender plants, and they take forever to start from seeds. There are many different varieties to choose from. We used ‘Hidcote’ continued on page 18
continued on page 18
Here are all the ingredients you need for the salve recipe, including dried calendula flowers (front left), dried lavender flowers (front right), olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax pellets, raw honey, tea tree oil, and lavender oil. Try to buy organic products if possible.
1 Melt the coconut and olive oil in the top of a double boiler on low heat.
2 Add the dried calendula and lavender to the melted oils.
The Best Solution for Problem Lawns
Come see THE HARPER COLLECTION:
A world-class collection of more than 500 dwarf & rare conifers
Botanical Garden & Arboretum • Hosta Hillside • Plant Conservatory Flower Gardens • Picnic Area • Bonsai • Hiking Trails • Weddings & Tours by appointment 6214 Monroe Rd. (M-50) • Tipton, MI • OPEN DAILY
517-431-2060 • hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu
Auburn Oaks GARDEN CENTER
High quality plants & service for your garden success since 1964.
Auburn Oaks Farm 25th Annual Fall Plant Sale
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.
PHOSPHORUSFREE
“MY LAWN FERTILIZER OF CHOICE IS GRASS MAGIC.” —Nancy Szerlag, Detroit News Garden Writer
Ask for GRASSMAGIC at your local independent garden center! FOR MORE INFORMATION: CALL 248-760-9342 S O I L • S A N D • M U LC H • S TO N E • G R AV E L
Open to the Public Friday-Saturday, Sept 18-19, 9am-4pm 8048 Allen Rd, Fenton, MI • 810-629-7848 Come on in and check out where the plants are grown!
It’s Fall Think SPRING! Hardy Mums • Spring Bulbs (arriving mid-Sept) Pumpkins and Corns Stalks (arriving end of Sept) Clearance of Select Plants and Garden Art 3820 West Auburn Rd (2 blocks E of Adams) • Rochester Hills • 248-852-2310 www.auburnoaksnursery.com Mon-Sat 8-6 Sun 9-5
State Crushing L A N D S C A P E S U P P LY
HELLO
GARDENERS!
• We specialize in natural wood mulches • Same day delivery service • Full line of organic products
Our “wood fines” and “red pine bark” products are a gardener’s dream. Very finely shredded, you can mix them in with your existing soil to create an excellent amended soil for planting. You’ll also love our premium compost & cedar bark mulch. Call us!
2260 Auburn Rd. • Auburn Hills • 248-332-6210 www.StateCrushing.com • Hours: Monday-Friday 7-5 Saturday 7-1
18
Michigan Gardener | September/October 2020 | MichiganGardener.com
3 After simmering herbs in the oils on low heat for 30 minutes, strain the herbs off and place the oil back on top of the double boiler. Add the honey and the beeswax pellets and stir until melted.
5
6
Pour into small tins. continued from page 16 and ‘Munstead’ at our herb farm, but any lavender flowers will be fine in this recipe.
Calendula This is an annual plant that blooms nicely in Michigan throughout the summer. The flowers are harvested when in full bloom—the flower heads are cut off and dried on a screen in a dark, airy place. The petals retain their colors and are good to use in potpourri and salve recipes. The flowers have healing properties and have historically been used for skin problems. Calendula seeds are readily available and are easy to grow; they can also be purchased as small plants in the spring. These flowers come in different colors and petal styles, but all can be used for herbal salves. Just make sure it is labeled calendula and not just a garden daisy. You can grow them in the sunny herb garden or in large pots for the summer. Calendula adds a lot of color and is usually covered in flowers of yellows, oranges and golds. As with all herb plants you grow for food or healing, do not use pesticides or harsh
4 Add the essential oils.
This recipe fills lots of small tins or a few large tins. Let the salve cool and close the lid—ready to use! chemicals on your herb plants in the garden. If you find aphids or any other unwanted insects, mix up a batch of soapy water in a spray bottle using one squirt of dish soap in tap water. Shake it well and spray the plants in the evening, not in the hot sun, being careful to cover the underside of the leaves also. This soap only lasts for a short time or until it rains. You will have to repeat spraying this mixture if the first time does not work.
Tea tree essential oil This oil is made from the tea tree, which doesn’t grow in Michigan and is native to Australia. The oil comes from the leaves and contains many medicinal properties. It is commonly used for acne, athlete’s foot, nail fungus and insect bites. It has been used in Australia for at least 100 years. You cannot use tea tree oil internally; it is just a healing oil for the outside of the body, including nails and skin.
Ingredients and recipe We made this wonderful herbal salve for years in our workshops and it goes together easily. Each of these ingredients is available
P H OTO G R A P H S BY R OX A N N E A N D J E A N R I G G S
to buy online, and some can be purchased locally at the grocery or drug store. You will need a double boiler, and some containers in which to place the finished product. We bought metal tins, as they have a hinged cover and work well. They are not expensive and look good when done. You will also need a measuring cup. • • • • • • • •
1/2 cup olive oil 1/2 cup coconut oil 1/3 cup lavender flowers dried 1/3 cup calendula flowers dried 4 T. beeswax pellets 1 T. raw honey 8 drops tea tree oil 8 drops lavender oil
Mix the olive and coconut oils in the top of a double boiler. Heat up ingredients until melted and the two oils are blended together. Add the dried lavender and calendula flow-
ers to the mixture. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. Stir mixture often. Strain the herbs from the olive and coconut oils by pouring the mixture through cheesecloth or a wire strainer back into a glass dish or large measuring cup. Place the olive and coconut oils infused with the herbs back over the double boiler again, then add the beeswax pellets and the honey. Stir until well melted. Turn off the heat and add the drops of essential oils. Stir well again. Right away, pour the mixture into your containers and allow to cool. It should be solid looking in 20 to 30 minutes after the last step. You can close the container after cooling. The salve is now ready to use as needed. You will make enough to fill about 10 small tins or a few larger tins. Clean all equipment well after use or it will be covered in leftover salve. This soothing salve makes a wonderful gift to give to fellow gardeners and friends! Roxanne and Jean Riggs operated Sunshine Farm and Garden in Oakland County, MI.
Need A Professional?
Design/Build • Maintenance • Tree & Lawn Care • Plant Selection
Re-Energizes Gardens & Potting Soil OrganiMax is a unique combination of natural ingredients tested and certified by the U.S. Composting Council: • • • • •
Locate a Certified Pro:
MNLA MNLA.org
The certified professionals of the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association
Composted leaves Humic acid Kelp Slow-release natural fertilizer Necessary Micronutrients and Amino acids • 23 species of Beneficial Microbes • 8 species of Endo & Ecto Mycorrhiza
EASY TO USE!
e
Tre es !
We are landscape lighting specialists— it’s our only business.
e
e lS v FulWe lo
Trust our technical expertise, attention to detail and years of experience.
COLOR S U O I ergilla • Barberry S h t •V R • Fo ib
lec tion of
pl an ts t
bo rin g
Extend your living space after sunset—enjoy your landscape like never before.
Ask for ORGANIMAX at your local independent garden center! For more information: Call 248-760-9342
FALmLo!re! OFurnum &
Accentuate the features of your property—excellent return on investment.
Mix 1 part ORGANIMAX with 3 parts soil
l
Lighting designed to enhance: •Safety •Security •Beauty
THE G Japanes e m LO ap
Light can transform your landscape.
&r s l a i t neve n n e u ha t ar Shrubs, Per nal, b e re t io liable and func
Residential/Commercial
•
248-761-9377
Contact us for a consultation 860
59 19 e Sinc
67
50 Call 0 Jackso -426- s.com n 4 or ch 3 R 7 d . • D I e M x , r t e h eck ou r website for hours – www.fraleig
20
Poison Ivy Control OF MICHIGAN
Michigan Gardener | September/October 2020 | MichiganGardener.com
calendar September / October / November / December September
Call 844-IVY-GONE (844-489-4663)
www.PoisonIvyControlofMichigan.com WE ALSO PROVIDE INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL
Hydrangeas - A Show for all Seasons Wed, Sep 9, Noon-2pm, Troy. By Troy Garden Club. $7. Light lunch at Noon. Annette Ferris: Hydrangeas – A Show for all Seasons. Register: infoandideas@aol.com. www. TroyGardenClubMI.com. Dahlias: 68th Annual Dahlia Show & Competition Fri, Sep 11, 12-9:30pm, West Bloomfield Twp. By the Southeastern Michigan Dahlia Society. At Orchard Mall. 500 dahlias of varying size, color & form. www.semds.org, 248-689-5947. **CANCELLED** Super Sprout Kid’s Club: Nature Art Sat, Sep 12, **CANCELLED (Coronavirus)** 11:30, all locations. At English Gardens. $5. Bring your Super Sprout to create a Nature Art piece. All the materials needed are supplied. www.EnglishGardens.com.
NOTICE: Contact event organizer to verify event is still scheduled. Chrysanthemums & More Fri, Sep 18, through Nov 1, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. Celebrate the autumn season with an extensive display of hundreds of flowering plants. Color tours, tram rides & seasonal children’s activities. Herb & Gourd Fest Sat, Sep 19, & Sun, Sep 20, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. Discover a variety of ways to use herbs & gourds in this fall event. Gourds available for purchase. www.meijergardens.org.
Make us your Destination. Van Atta’s has one of the largest selections of garden accents, trees, garden toys, annuals, shrubs and perennials in Southeastern Michigan. We grow an enormous variety of perennial species and cultivars. There’s a good chance we have that one plant you’ve been searching for or the garden ornament that will set your yard apart. Come on out and stroll our grounds. You’ll be amazed any one item at what you’ll find, as well as the friendly Offer valid through October 31, 2020 Not to be combined w/other offers service and expert advice you will receive.
10% OFF
Family owned and operated since 1980
9008 Old M-78•Haslett, MI 517-339-1142 www.vanattas.com • Open year round
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT PUBLIC GARDENS, please visit MichiganGardener.com. Click on "Resources" then "Public Gardens." Yardeners Fall Plant Exchange Sat, Sep 19, 9am-11am, St. Clair Shores Library. By Yardeners of St. Clair Shores at St. Clair Shores Library parking lot. Load up your vehicles with your extra labeled plants & divisions. scsyardeners@gmail.com. Japanese Garden 5th Anniversary Celebration Lecture Tue, Sep 22, 6pm, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. Author Leslie Buck will embark on a garden adventure in Kyoto as seen through the daily lives of gardeners, rather than visitors. Great Gardens Party Wed, Sep 23, 6pm, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. $100/ticket. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a sit-down dinner, live/silent auctions, a raffle & much more. **CANCELLED** Fall Ornamentals & Putting Your Garden to Bed Fri, Sep 25, **CANCELLED (Coronavirus)** 10am, Rochester. By Meadow Brook Garden Club at Meadow Brook Hall. $5 donation. www.meadowbrookhall.org.
October Fall Bonsai Show Sat, Oct 3, & Sun, Oct 4, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. See a variety of bonsai on display, from trees in early stages of training to lovely older trees. Watch bonsai artists at work. Dahlias: Digging, Dividing & Storing Your Dahlias Mon, Oct 5, 2-4pm, Troy. By the Southeastern Michigan Dahlia Society at Telly’s Greenhouse. Dr. Keith Berven & members will show how to dig, divide & store tubers for the winter. www.semds.org, 248-689-5947.
Bulk Subscriptions • Great for clubs and retail stores outside our regular circulation routes. • Have Michigan Gardener delivered in bulk for your members or customers. • These copies are sent directly to the address you specify. • The cost per copy is much lower than the individual subscription price. • It’s a great way to provide another benefit to your members and customers. The order form is available at MichiganGardener.com or please contact us for an order form: publisher@MichiganGardener.com 248-594-5563
MichiganGardener.com | September/October 2020 | Michigan Gardener
21
Promote your events! Send us your information! Website: Go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Garden Event Calendar” E-Mail: calendar@MichiganGardener.com Upcoming Issues & Deadlines: Issue
Everything for your Garden, Home, and You
Deadline
April 2021 May 2021
**CANCELLED** Super Sprout Kid’s Club: Halloween Party Sat, Oct 10, **CANCELLED (Coronavirus)** 11:30am, all locations. At English Gardens. $5. Bring your Super Sprout to a Halloween Party and create a festive mask. All the materials needed are supplied. www.EnglishGardens.com. Composting Mon, Oct 19, 7pm, St. Clair Shores. By Yardeners of St. Clair Shores at St. Clair Shores Public Library. FREE. Presentation by Mary Gerstenberger. Learn the benefits & techniques for composting in your garden. scsyardeners@gmail.com. H Bonsai Workshop at Telly’s Sat, Oct 10, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s Greenhouse. $45. Plant your own bonsai tree to enjoy for years to come. Plant/ pot selection, root combing, root pruning, potting, basic styling techniques & aftercare. www.tellys.com. **CANCELLED** Scent of the Holidays Fri, Oct 23, **CANCELLED (Coronavirus)** 10am, Rochester. By Meadow Brook Garden Club at Meadow Brook Hall. $5 donation. Colleen K. Dodt presents. www. meadowbrookhall.org.
WARMBIER FARMS
March 15, 2021 April 15, 2021
NOTICE: Contact event organizer to verify event is still scheduled. November **CANCELLED** Super Sprout Kid’s Club: Autumn Luminary Sat, Nov 14, **CANCELLED (Coronavirus)** 10am, all locations. At English Gardens. $5. Bring your Super Sprout to create an Autumn Luminary. All the materials needed are supplied. www.EnglishGardens.com.
December 10th Annual Holiday Open House Sat, Dec 5, Detroit. At Black Cat Pottery. www.blackcatpottery.com. **CANCELLED** Super Sprout Kid’s Club: Cookie Decorating Sat, Dec 12, **CANCELLED (Coronavirus)** 10am, all locations. At English Gardens. $5. Bring your Super Sprout to Cookie Decorating. All the materials needed are supplied. Register: www.EnglishGardens.com.
Both current and back issues are available to read for free on our website! Go to www.MichiganGardener.com and click on “Digital Edition.”
• Sign up for our FREE E-Newsletter • Submit your garden event listings • Questions & answers • Where to pick up Michigan Gardener The print edition of Michigan Gardener is still your exclusive source for NEW gardener profiles, how-to articles, plant features, and much more.
Garden Statuary Over 2,000 different cement garden statues in our outdoor showroom, all made here in Michigan by us!
Fall Décor & Garden Center Our tons of fall decor will a-maize you! Pumpkins, Mums, Indian Corn, Broom corn, Gourds & much more—grown by us, for you. Plus, we have wonderful, outdoor-grown fall perennials & shrubs. Why does outdoor-grown matter? Our plants are hardy, healthy & well-rooted—ready to succeed in your garden from day one.
5300 Garfield Rd. • Auburn, MI • Centrally located between Saginaw/Bay City/Midland
989-662-7002 • www.warmbierfarms.com
HEADING UP NORTH? We’re just 7 minutes off of I-75!
HUGE SELECTION OF FALL MUMS
Celebrating
FALL DECOR
40 YEARS in business!
• CORN STALKS • STRAW • PUMPKINS • GOURDS
COMING MID-SEPTEMBER!
6414 N. Merriman • Westland, MI • Located btwn Ford & Warren
734-421-5959 • www.barsons.com Join us on Facebook for early notices on sales & events
We would like to thank everyone for your support over the last 40 years, especially this year. Stay safe and healthy! –The Barson Family & Crew
22
Michigan Gardener | September/October 2020 | MichiganGardener.com
Look for Allen Park • Ace Hardware Almont H American Tree • 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 H 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 • Garden Central Beverly Hills • Ace Hardware Birmingham H Blossoms Brighton • Ace Hardware • Brighton Stone & Fireplace H Grasshopper Gdns • 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) H Country Oaks Landscp Supp • Gateway • Lowrie’s Landscp • Weingartz Clawson • Ace Hardware • Billings Lawn Equip Clinton Twp H English Gardens
at these fine locations: • 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 • Bloom! Gard Ctr • 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 H Heavenly Scent Herb Farm Ferndale • Casual Modes Home & Gard 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 • Rock Bottom Stone Supp • 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 • Boyka’s Greenhse H Brohl’s Greenhouse H Elya’s Village Gard • Joe Randazzo’s H Landscape Source • Olejnik Farms • Wild Birds Unltd Midland • Dow Gardens Milford • Ace Hardware • Rock Bottom Landscp Supp • 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 • Seven Mi Gard Ctr 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 • Manus Power Mowers • Wild Birds Unltd Saginaw • 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 • Eagle Landscp & Supp • Lavin’s Flower Land • Main’s Landscp Supp St Clair Shores • Ace Hardware (Harper/13 Mi) • Cultivation Station • DeRonne True Value Hardware • Greenhouse Growers • Hall’s Nurs • Soulliere Gard Ctr Sterling Heights • Sterling Hts Nature 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 H Detroit Garden Works Taylor • Ace Hardware • D&L Garden Ctr • Massab Acres Greenhse H Panetta’s Landscp Supp
Classified Ads NEED A HAND? Call “The little gardener that could.” 15 yrs experience at Botanical Gardens. FREE Estimates. Pat: 586-2149852, agardenspace.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. 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.
NEED TECHNOLOGY HELP? Since 1986, I have helped folks just like you. Computer, smartphone, TV, tablet, WiFi network. I will analyze your needs, set-up, train & provide support. If you are frustrated by all the technology in your life, email or call Dave Barrett: coachbarrett4@gmail.com or 248770-4541. 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.”
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 • Big Red Orchard • 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 • Michigan Greenscape Supp • Schmidt’s Antiques H Sell Farms & Greenhse
Advertiser Index Abbott’s Landscape Nursery............................................23 Assoc. of Professional Gardeners...................................23 Auburn Oaks Gard Ctr..........................................................17 Barson’s Greenhouse.............................................................21 Beauchamp’s/The Pond Place............................................5 Billings Lawn Equipment........................................................6 Blossoms.....................................................................................23 Bogie Lake Greenhouses......................................................10 Contender’s Tree/ Lawn Specialists.....................................Inside Front Cover Country Oaks Landscape Supp........................................10 Dale’s Landscaping Supp.....................................................13 Davey Tree....................................................................................5 English Gardens...............................................................Page 3 Fraleigh’s Landscape Nursery...........................................19 The Garden Mill..........................................................................9 Garden Rhythms.....................................................................23 A Garden Space..........................................................................9 Gordon’s Lawn Core Aeration.............................................9 Grass Magic...............................................................................17 Grasshopper Gardens.............................................................7 Hidden Lake Gardens............................................................17
The Iron Barn.............................................................................23 Lake Orion Lawn Ornaments.............................................13 Margolis Nursery.....................................................................13 Michigan Nursery/Landscp Assoc................................19 Milarch Nursery........................................................................11 Mulligan’s Garden Ctr..............................................................6 Oldani Landscape Nurseries...............................................11 The Original Budget Tree Service...................................23 Organimax..................................................................................19 Orion Stone Depot..................................................................12 Piechnik’s Gard Ctr....................................................................8 Plantskydd...................................................................................12 Poison Ivy Control of Michigan........................................20 Schuman Landscape Lighting............................................19 Specialty Growers.....................................................................8 State Crushing...........................................................................17 Steinkopf Nursery.....................................................................11 Stone Cottage Gardens.......................................................23 Telly’s Greenhouse....................................................................4 Turner’s Landscp & Gard Ctr................................................7 Uncle Luke’s Feed Store........................................................13 Van Atta’s Greenhouse.......................................................20 Warmbier Farms......................................................................21 The Weed Lady..........................................................................9
More of a great thing (and still free!) Sign up today for our FREE e-newsletter! Visit MichiganGardener.com and enter your e-mail address at the top of the page next to the Michigan Gardener logo. Don’t miss the contest in each issue for your chance to win FREE garden prizes!
Iron Railings Custom Iron Work for Home/Garden
Need help in your garden? Hire a Professional
• DRIVEWAY & GARDEN GATES • ALUMINUM LAMPS
New members always welcome Visit our website for program schedule
It’s an excellent time to plant perennials, trees, shrubs & evergreens We continue to restock our outstanding selection with healthy & fresh plants!
• CNC PLASMA CUTTING
Our members work with Integrity, Intelligence & Pride www.associationofprofessionalgardeners.org aprogardener@gmail.com
• PORCH, STEP, DECK & HANDRAILS
FALL IS FOR PLANTING!
• POWDER COAT FINISHING • RESTORATION AND MORE!
810-358-0010 • theironbarn.com
Our services include: Pick-up, delivery, installation and consultation
GARDEN RHYTHMS
Ask For It
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR
RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPES
at your local garden center
Maintenance & Pruning Garden Design Garden Coaching Seasonal Containers Certified Master Gardeners & Designers
248-217-6459 bevinbloom@comcast.net
Nursery & Garden Center 2781 Scio Church • Ann Arbor
734-665-TREE (8733) IMPROVE YOUR WORLD WITH HELP FROM OUR KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF
THE Original BUDGET TREE SERVICE Precipitation July 2020
Detroit Flint Lansing
NORMAL Monthly 3.37 3.32 2.84
ACTUAL Monthly 5.02 3.74 2.92
July 2019 DEVIATION from Normal +1.65 +0.42 +0.08
2020 Year to Date: Jan 1 - July 31
Detroit Flint Lansing
NORMAL Yr. to Date 19.43 17.38 17.86
ACTUAL Yr. to Date 22.39 19.83 21.70
NORMAL Monthly 3.37 3.32 2.84
ACTUAL Monthly 2.63 1.96 2.73
DEVIATION from Normal -0.74 -1.36 -0.11
2019 Year TOTAL: Jan 1 - May 31
DEVIATION from Normal +2.96 +2.45 +3.84
NORMAL Yr. to Date 19.43 17.38 17.86
ACTUAL Yr. to Date 21.46 20.69 22.69
• Tree & Shrub Removal/Trimming • Stump Removal & Grinding • Lot Clearings • Storm Damage WE WILL TRY TO BEAT ANY INSURED QUOTE—CALL US!
800-964-7785
LICENSED
www.OriginalBudgetTreeService.com & INSURED
DEVIATION from Normal +2.03 +3.31 +4.83
Temperature July 2020
July 2019
Detroit Flint Lansing
NORMAL Avg. High 83.4 82.0 82.1
ACTUAL Avg. High 87.1 86.4 87.0
DEVIATION from Normal +3.7 +4.4 +4.9
ORMAL N Avg. High 83.4 82.0 82.1
ACTUAL Avg. High 86.7 86.6 85.3
DEVIATION from Normal +3.3 +4.6 +3.2
Detroit Flint Lansing
NORMAL Avg. Low 63.6 59.1 58.4
ACTUAL Avg. Low 67.8 62.9 64.6
DEVIATION from Normal +4.2 +3.8 +6.2
ORMAL N Avg. Low 63.6 59.1 58.4
ACTUAL Avg. Low 66.8 63.5 64.1
DEVIATION from Normal +3.2 +4.4 +5.7
Data courtesy National Weather Service
• DOUBLE tines pick up leaves in ONE swipe • Light weight—reduces lower back fatigue • Perfect for all ages • Available at Stone Cottage Gardens or online • Made in Michigan of 100% recycled materials
www.LittleBlackRake.com
In Birmingham
33866 Woodward Ave. 48009
(248) 644-4411 blossomsbirmingham.com
24
Michigan Gardener | September/October 2020 | MichiganGardener.com
Lush and lovely Shrubs and perennials such as ligularias, ferns, hostas, and native mayapples work together to create layers of color and texture in the dappled light.
The garden built by Brenda Bachman and Phil Kramer demonstrates what can be accomplished in dappled shade light
A
fter strolling through Brenda Bachman and Phil Kramer’s one-acre suburban garden in Wayne County, one would never imagine that 18 years ago, this garden was a blank canvas other than a few trees. When I asked Brenda if she had always been a gardener, surprisingly her answer was no. The beauty of her garden would lead one to believe she had been gardening all her life. The size of the garden, and the vast sea of grass may have intimidated many people. Most would have bought a riding lawnmower and listened to a book on tape whilst mowing for hours. Not Brenda!
She never had one particular vision, but she had ideas—many gleaned from garden walks. Brenda started with one garden bed at a time. Beginning with the area around the patio, she then moved further and further back in the long, thin lot. With time and hard work, it became more like a beautiful park Lisa rather than a suburban yard. The Steinkopf wide grass and meandering gravel paths add to that feeling. The paths wind through the yard around the trees that different were already there; Brenda believes that you peat/soil
must work with what you have. Speaking of which, along the back of their lot, there is a large cement drainage ditch the city installed for runoff. It is well hidden by plantings, so it isn’t an eyesore. The garden’s dry creek beds, which add interest to the layout, drain into that ditch when it rains. The clay soil Brenda has throughout her yard has made it necessary to learn to garden in a way. She amends the soil with a mix and has built raised beds in
many parts of the garden. To allow for a small waterfall, the elevated pond garden was built after some basement construction was needed. The excavated soil was used in the garden instead of being hauled away to a landfill. When Brenda was asked which is her favorite plant, her answer was not one particular plant, but any and all that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. For that reason, every sunny spot in this dappled shade garden is filled with flowers that will be tempting to those winged beauties. She tries to always text continued on page 26
MichiganGardener.com | September/October 2020 | Michigan Gardener
Gravel paths direct visitors throughout the garden.
Brenda loves foliage texture and color, so she chooses specimen trees such as this weeping white pine (left) and yellow-leaved redbud (back center).
25
This dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) shows the branch structure and buttressed trunk that is typical of this species.
26
Michigan Gardener | September/October 2020 | MichiganGardener.com
These large tropical plants are brought inside the balmy greenhouse to spend the winter. text continued from page 24 have something in bloom, and she has found that late-blooming ligularia is attractive to monarch butterflies. Brenda also loves colorful plants, be it from foliage or flowers, and her plant choices reflect that. Many houseplants spend their summer on the patio, and she has even seen a hummingbird coming to her goldfish plant (Nematanthus gregarius). Though Brenda is the gardener, Phil is the builder. The newest addition to the garden is a beautiful brick building complete with skylights and numerous windows to allow Brenda to overwinter the many tropical plants that add beauty to the garden all summer. This greenhouse/she-shed has been Brenda’s dream for a long time. Although relatively new, it looks like it has been there for many years. They wanted it to look that way, to fit in with the feel of the garden. The structure even has a roof that looks like slate tiles at first glance, but is actually made of rubber to resemble slate. All of her tropical plants overwinter in the greenhouse, including her lemon tree that provides lemonade for summer gardening breaks. To add much needed light during our long Michigan winters, fluorescent lights have been added on the ceiling of the greenhouse. They are helping the plants photosynthesize the 10 hours a day they are lit. Fans run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assure disease and fungus are kept at bay. It is a nourishing place to spend the winter days tending plants, as it is kept at a balmy 70 degrees and the added humidity makes it much more pleasant than the arid house. All the tender plants are brought inside on Labor Day weekend and taken back outside at the end of April or early May, depending on the weather. One end of the structure is a storage area to overwinter the many beautiful con-
P H OTO G R A P H S BY L I S A S T E I N KO P F
tainers Brenda collects. She and I agree: you can never have too many pots, as you never know when a new plant will come home and need a new container. In keeping with attracting pollinators and other wildlife, Brenda uses no chemicals in her garden. The frogs, toads, dragonflies and ducks in and around the pond attest to her garden’s health. The one thing she does use liberally is deer repellent, because the deer are such a nuisance. She even wraps her magnolias with burlap for added winter protection from the hungry deer. Her deciduous azaleas get the same treatment. She has given one of the deer a name—last year, “Chomp” the deer had twin fawns. This garden takes 40 yards of mulch to top dress the beds. It is brought to the backyard one wheelbarrow at a time. They have added six water spigots throughout the yard, so hoses do not have to be dragged quite so far. Plus, they installed sprinklers in the planting beds and electricity to run the pond pump. Even with all that work, Brenda says she doesn’t need to take a vacation—her garden is her vacation. It is a wonderful oasis in the city, and though the front yard is also beautifully landscaped, one would never guess such a large garden existed behind the Bachman/Kramer home. Who needs to go anywhere with such a gorgeous yard to enjoy? 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).
This pond is built on a berm so a waterfall could be added.
With its skylights and numerous windows, this brick garden shed also serves as a greenhouse to overwinter Brenda’s numerous tropical plants.
MichiganGardener.com | September/October 2020 | Michigan Gardener
27
The berm that contains the pond is filled with trees and shrubs, many of which attract pollinators to the garden.
This small pond adds not only beauty but soothing sound to the patio area.
When you think about color in the landscape, don’t overlook trees, such as this glowing tricolor beech.
28
Michigan Gardener | September/October 2020 | MichiganGardener.com
continued from back cover In 2000, the Chicago Botanic Garden ran an evaluation project on goldenrod species and cultivars. Although the study is now 20 years old, it still makes good reading. And since the Chicago climate and native flora are very similar to those of southeastern Michigan, it is easy to extrapolate what was learned in this study to Michigan conditions. Although many species and varieties have good flowering habit, some are prone to stem lodging, shriveling of leaves on the lower part of stems, or developing powdery mildew or rust disease. Only goldenrods that rated at least 3 out of a possible 4 stars are listed below.
Preferred species Grass-leaved goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia) – Medium to dry soil; rounded flowers; disease resistant; 4 feet tall. Ohio goldenrod (Solidago ohioensis; Oligoneuron ohioense) – Prefers moist soil; profuse blooming; mildew resistant; 2 to 4 feet. Riddell’s goldenrod (Oligoneuron riddellii; Solidago riddellii) – Medium to wet soil; tolerates alkaline soil; 3 feet. Stiff goldenrod (Oligoneuron rigidum; Solidago rigida) – Large, flat flower clusters; many fertile seeds, 4 feet. Wreath goldenrod (Solidago caesia) – Thin flower spikes; tolerant of partial shade; disease resistant; 28 inches.
Recommended varieties ‘Baby Sun’ – Broad, triangular-shaped
flower heads; clump forming but will spread a bit; 27 inches. ‘Dansolitlem’ (Little Lemon) – Lemon yellow, astilbe-like flower panicles; dwarf; 14 to 18 inches. ‘Goldenmosa’ – Only 2 out of 4 stars in the Chicago study due to moderate powdery mildew issues, but received RHS Award of Garden Merit in U.K. Abundant, fluffy conical flower panicles; 30 inches. ‘Goldkind’ (Golden Baby) – Upright triangular plumes; heavy-blooming; 28 inches. Variegated zigzag goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis ‘Variegata’) – Gold-mottled leaves in early summer; sulfur yellow spikes; tolerates partial shade; 3 to 4 feet. ‘Fireworks’ (Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’) – Narrow arching sprays; medium growth rate; upright habit to 4-1/2 feet. ‘Golden Fleece’ (Solidago sphacelata ‘Golden Fleece’) – Compact; slow-spreading; arching flower spikes; 22 inches.
Goldenrod in the garden
Eric Hofley/ Michigan Gardener
‘Goldkind’ (Golden Baby)
Goldenrod reliably adds cheerful late-season color to the garden. Although it lacks diversity of color, goldenrod compensates with intensity of color. Its brilliant beaming gold contrasts especially well with purple and blue asters, which bloom at the same time. Other late summer companions include Japanese anemone, turtlehead, rudbeckia, lobelia, blazing star (Liatris), mountain fleece (Persicaria ‘Firetail’), ironweed, sedum ‘Autumn Joy,’ and ornamental grasses. In native plantings, goldenrod provides a source of late-season nectar,
R. A. Nonenmacher / CC BY-SA
Zigzag goldenrod
North Creek Nurseries
‘Fireworks’ (Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’)
MichiganGardener.com | September/October 2020 | Michigan Gardener
29
Dan Mullen / Flickr
Riddell’s goldenrod
North Creek Nurseries
‘Golden Fleece’ (Solidago sphacelata ‘Golden Fleece’)
North Creek Nurseries
Grass-leaved goldenrod
North Creek Nurseries
‘Solar Cascade’ (Solidago shortii ‘Solar Cascade’)
pollen and seeds, as a follow-up to natives like milkweed, Joe pye weed, bee balm, cup plant, rattlesnake master, and Culver’s root. Although many insects utilize the nectar and pollen, goldenrod has few insect pests. Occasionally, the same red aphids that appear on false sunflower (Heliopsis) will appear on goldenrod. For the most part they are harmless, but if present in annoying amounts, simply spray off with a stream of water or use insecticidal soap. Powdery mildew is the most common disease, and in some years can become disfiguring. Fortunately, it usually appears in late summer while the plants are in bloom; attention will be riveted toward the brilliant flowers rather than the mediocre-looking foliage. As with other plants prone to foliar diseases, make sure the plants receive adequate sunlight and moisture, and above all, sufficient airflow around the plants. Goldenrod should be divided every three years to keep the plants from becoming too dense. A common complaint with taller-growing goldenrods is browning and dropping of the lower leaves on the stems. A simple remedy, often employed with tall asters, is to plant a mid-height perennial in front of the goldenrod, blocking the bare “legs” from view at bloom time. Goldenrods are often hard to find in garden centers. They are reluctant to offer these plants for three reasons: 1) customers still have lingering concerns about allergy issues and aggressive growth habits; 2) customers are continued on page 30
30
Michigan Gardener | September/October 2020 | MichiganGardener.com
continued from page 29 less likely to shop in late summer, so nurseries don’t carry many late-blooming perennials; and 3) goldenrod does not make an attractive, blooming, potted specimen for the nursery shelf. Simply put, garden centers find goldenrod difficult to sell. It is often easier to find goldenrod species and hybrids through online vendors. Among the best sources are nurseries specializing in native plants, but even purveyors of traditional perennials are sure to list some of the most popular varieties. However, you may have to order goldenrods out of season, in springtime, as small potted plants. You will be rewarded as you watch them grow through the summer and erupt into glorious bloom as summer turns to fall. Karen Bovio is the owner of Specialty Growers in Howell, MI.
North Creek Nurseries
‘Solar Cascade’
Dan Mullen / Flickr
Stiff goldenrod
Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org / CC BY
Ohio goldenrod
North Creek Nurseries
Wreath goldenrod
MichiganGardener.com | September/October 2020 | Michigan Gardener
through the lens Photographs from Michigan gardeners
31
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 fox kit appeared in my garden before Memorial Day along with her parents and five other siblings.” —Darlene Baird
“Backyard bike fence,” photographed by Lisa DeLuca.
Pat Hambleton started this glorious sunflower from seed.
A “foraged arrangement” by Zoe Davis.
“The prickly pear and sedum are loving the hot weather!” —Lisa Renko
| September/October 2020 | MichiganGardener.com
Goldenrod This native perennial delivers a glorious grand finale
W
ith its reputation as a weed, one might wonder who would intentionally grow goldenrod in a garden. But an ever-increasing number of gardeners, horticulturists and naturalists are doing just that. Goldenrod is finally getting the recognition it deserves as a beautiful ornamental for the late summer and early autumn garden. Fortunately, the myth that goldenrod causes hay fever has finally been dispelled. Goldenrod has been maligned as the source of allergens causing hay fever—the congestion, sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes some people experience during August and September. The real culprit is airborne pollen from the inconspicuous flowers of ragweed plants which Karen bloom at the same time. Bovio In fact, goldenrod pollen is too heavy to be airborne. It is carried by insects, who consume the pollen and may disperse it on their bodies as they forage for nectar. Gardeners interested in attracting pollinators know that goldenrod provides nourishment for a great many beneficial insects.
Goldenrod in the wild Goldenrod is a descriptive common name, and even non-gardeners can usually identify it in fields and along roadsides. Goldenrod is a member of the large aster family. There are over 100 species, most of them North American. The goldenrod genus Solidago was recently broken up into several genera, with some species now assigned to Euthamia, Oligoneuron, and a few others, which can be confusing when researching goldenrods. A walk through a Michigan field in late summer will reveal a great diversity of goldenrods, nearly all of which have yellow to golden flowers (there is one white-flowered species). Based on the species, the inflorescences may be triangular, broad, narrow, even wire-like, to rounded and flat-topped. Plants may range
North Creek Nurseries
‘Fireworks’ (Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’) in height from 2 to 6 feet. Goldenrods of one type or another, including naturally occurring hybrids between species, can be found across all of the U.S. and Canada. Although most grow in sunny fields and meadows, goldenrods can be found in many environments, including marshy thickets, swampy bogs, and even in arid mountainous regions.
Development of garden varieties Because of their wide adaptability and flowering at a time of year when few other perennials bloom, you might expect the goldenrods to achieve great popularity. But goldenrod suffers from a Rodney Dangerfield reputation: it doesn’t get much respect, no doubt
due to its ubiquitous presence and brash color. Unsurprisingly, it was in Europe, where only a few species of goldenrod are native, that the horticultural potential of these plants was recognized. The earliest goldenrod hybrids were made by Europeans working with North American species. Goldenrod varieties were also developed for the cut-flower market for use as a filler flower in bouquets. It was not until native-plant gardening came into vogue that American gardeners started to take notice, paving the way for goldenrod’s acceptance as a garden plant. Most hybridizing efforts have focused on taming goldenrod’s wild side to make it a better bedfellow. Many of our native golden-
rods grow aggressively from spreading underground rhizomes and also produce lots of fertile seeds. Wild goldenrods can quickly overtake a perennial garden if given a toehold. Therefore, a primary hybridizing goal is the creation of more compact plants with a clumping versus spreading habit. Even so, native plant enthusiasts can find plenty of unimproved, non-hybridized species that make good garden candidates without sacrificing any of the attributes that make goldenrod so attractive to wildlife. But it is important to know which species are good garden candidates, and which are best left in the wild. continued on page 28
