Michigan Gardener - November / December 2016

November/December 2016

MichiganGardener.com

Your guide to Great Lakes gardening

Garden Profile

Overcoming gardening obstacles

Thyme for Herbs

Using classic French herbs

To-Do List Feature Task Arranging fresh flowers

INSPIRING MICHIGAN GARDENERS SINCE 1996

Please thank our advertisers in this issue

JOI N US FOR OU R

Holiday Season Preview Thursday, November 10, 5-9pm H Friday & Saturday, November 11 & 12, 9am-5pm H Sunday, November 13, 12-4pm Great natural materials for holiday and winter decorating including twigs, cut greens, mosses, berries, garlands, twig trees & seed pods Holiday and winter décor & ornament H Design and planting of winter containers H Holiday lighting and light sculptures H Unique gifts Custom-made wreaths, swags, garland, ribbons, holiday topiary, and wrap H Candles and decor for the holiday table, party & home

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Indoor and Outdoor Arrangement Workshops Saturday, November 19 Saturday, December 3 Both Troy and Pontiac Locations Indoor Greens arrangements at 10am Create your own unique indoor greens arrangement from our greens and decorations. Bring your own container(s) or select one of ours. $10-40 depending on your arrangement size (Container cost not included).

Outdoor Greens arrangements at 1pm Create your own unique outdoor greens arrangement using our greens and decorations. Bring your own container(s) or choose one of ours. $25-60 depending on your arrangement size (Container cost not included).

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Michigan Gardener | November/December 2016 | MichiganGardener.com

Garden Wisdom To-Do List........................................................6

“All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar.”

Ask MG............................................................8

—Helen Hayes

Books for the Michigan Gardener.......10 Tree Tips.........................................................12 Advertiser Index..........................................13 Places to Grow............................................ 14 Calendar......................................................... 16 Classified Ads.............................................. 18 Gift Subscriptions....................................... 18 Bulk Subscriptions...................................... 19 Weather Wrap...........................................20 Subscription Form.....................................20

Publisher/Editor Eric Hofley Design & Production Jonathon Hofley

PONTIAC • 248-724-2300

Editorial Assistant Anna Doman

4343 24 Mile • Btwn Dequindre & Shelby Rd. CLOSED FOR WINTER

find us on

www.tellys.com

Garden Profile: Overcoming gardening obstacles................Back Cover On the cover: A snow-covered Norway spruce branch.

Photo: Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener

This year, we commemorated the 20-year anniversary of Michigan Gardener, your local gardening magazine. We want to extend an enthusiastic thank you to our advertisers for making Michigan Gardener available FREE to our readers. We reached our 20-year milestone because of their support.

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 will greatly appreciate that feedback.

Throughout the winter, we will be updating our event calendar on our website, so make MichiganGardener.com your go-to resource for the most complete and up-todate list of garden events.

Lastly, if you haven’t yet signed up for our free E-Newsletter, you can do so on our website. You will get no spam, just an E-Newsletter, with a contest in each issue to win prizes!

Thank you and see you in the spring!

Circulation Jonathon Hofley

SHELBY TOWNSHIP • 248-659-8555

Thyme for Herbs........................................22

Please look for the next issue of Michigan Gardener in April, 2017.

TROY • 248-689-8735

559 Orchard Lake Rd (at Goldner Walsh) Between Telegraph & Woodward

Through the Lens....................................... 21

To Our Readers...

Advertising Eric Hofley

3301 John R • 1/4 mile north of 16 Mile Rd.

Where to pick up Michigan Gardener.....................................20

Contributors Brian Allnutt Karen Bovio Cheryl English Emaline Fronckowiak Mary Gerstenberger Julia Hofley Rosann Kovalcik Janet Macunovich Steve Martinko Beverly Moss George Papadelis Sandie Parrott Traven Pelletier Jean/Roxanne Riggs Deborah Silver Jim Slezinski Lisa Steinkopf Steve Turner

16291 W. 14 Mile Rd., Suite 5 Beverly Hills, MI 48025-3327 Phone: 248-594-5563 Fax: 248-594-5564 E-mail: publisher@MichiganGardener.com Website: www.MichiganGardener.com Publishing schedule 6 issues per year: April, May, June, July/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec. Published the first week of the mo.

Subscriptions (Please make check payable to Michigan Gardener) 1 yr, 6 iss/$14 2 yr, 12 iss/$26 3 yr, 18 iss/$36 Back issues All past issues are available. Please send your request along with a check for $3.00 per issue payable to Michigan Gardener.

Canadian subscriptions 1 yr, 6 iss/$22 US 2 yr, 12 iss/$42 US Copyright © 2016 Michigan Gardener. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or used in any form without the expressed, written permission of the publisher. Neither the advertiser nor the publisher will be responsible for misinformation, typographical errors, omissions, etc. contained herein.

Michigan Gardener is published by Motor City Publishing, Inc.

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Michigan Gardener | November/December 2016 | MichiganGardener.com

to-do list

Container Gardens

Feature Task: Arranging fresh flowers

• Use your summer containers this winter and fill them with evergreen branches, lights and ornaments. The soil in the container can be used as a base for securing the branches and trim.

riod of time. Start amaryllis bulbs as soon as possible to enjoy blooms for the holidays.

• Plant bulbs in soil or a soilless mixture, such as marbles or gravel in a dish of water. Make sure the roots are in contact with water.

Fall Clean-Up

Perennials

• Leaves falling from trees are perfect for enriching garden beds. Rake leaves into the garden, rather than bagging them up for disposal. Mulch leaves with a lawn mower, and they’ll break down throughout the winter, adding valuable nutrients to the soil.

• Add a fresh layer of mulch in the fall to beds to help regulate soil temperatures.

This keeps bulbs from popping up prematurely and perennials from heaving in the ground during freeze-thaw cycles.

• Perennials need very little care this time of year; simply finish cutting back and raking out beds of foliage and seed heads that aren’t going to remain for winter interest.

• If garden beds need winter interest, consider adding some of the semi-evergreen or evergreen perennials to that area next year. Autumn fern, Stokes aster, Japanese tassel fern, coral bells, Christmas rose, and Lenten rose can all add interest until the snow covers them up. Mixing some of the miniature alpine shrubs into your perennial beds can also add evergreen color.

General • Take notes of what worked and what didn’t. Those notes will be helpful when planning for next year.

• Winterize garden tools so they’re ready for next spring. Give them a good cleaning, sharpening and oiling. Don’t forget the lawn mower blade.

• Store pesticides in a place they won’t freeze so you’ll be able to use them again next year.

Indoor Gardening • For gorgeous blooms indoors during the winter, plant amaryllis or paperwhite bulbs. Plant paperwhites weekly and you’ll have continual bloom for an extended pe-

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Plan For Next Year • If you have plans to expand the garden next spring, use plant markers to label what plants are where so you know how much space you have before things emerge.

Protecting Plants From Deer • During this time of year, deer switch from eating tender leafy plants to evergreens, in their search for foods. Arborvitaes, in particular, should be protected with a burlap wrap so deer can’t get to them. Wrap the plant at least 5 to 6 feet high, but not too tight.

• Spray plants with deer repellent before freezing temperatures occur. Spray again when you can throughout the winter when temperatures are above freezing.

• Stems of leafy plants, such as hydrangeas, are also tempting to deer during the winter. Screen these plants with burlap or spray with a repellent, so deer can’t get to them. Otherwise, you may not have flowers next year.

• Deer like to rub against the bark of small trees, which could damage or kill the trees.

Protect trees with a plastic trunk wrap or outdoor plastic corrugated tubing that can be cut to fit around the trunk of the tree so deer can’t get to it.

Roses • Roses should be going dormant, but not totally in that stage yet. Hold off on winterizing until it gets cold and stays cold. Winter-

Fresh flowers can make any day a little brighter. Anyone can put flowers in a vase, but with just a few tricks you can create long-lasting, beautiful arrangements.

• Start by preparing the flowers so they’ll last their longest. Cut stems on an angle before arranging them.

• Remove all the leaves that would fall below the waterline. They decompose, turn the water brown, and wilt the flowers.

• Select a container that will show them off the best. Don’t be afraid to use containers you would normally not expect flowers to be displayed in.

• Fill the vase with fresh, room temperature water, and add cut-flower food.

• Combine various flower lengths, colors, izing isn’t done to keep roses warm, but to help keep the soil temperatures consistent.

Winterize too soon and roses may think it’s time to grow. Only prune out dead canes at this time of year. Leave rose canes long through the winter and cut them down in the spring.

• Remove any diseased foliage from and around the plants to eliminate a source of infection next spring. Use a late season, dormant treatment of fungicide to help kill off any black spot that might otherwise overwinter on your canes.

• Use rose cones as rose turtlenecks, not as rose igloos. Cones can actually keep some roses too warm and cook them in the winter sun. Tie up your rose with twine, so they’ll be narrow enough to fit into the cone. Cut off the top of the rose cone and slide it over the rose. Poke quarter-sized holes in the sides for air circulation and fill with at least six inches of mulch.

• Use rose collars or burlap and stakes for larger roses or for rose beds. Fill with at least six inches of mulch so that the crown or graft of the rose is well protected against the cold.

Shrubs & Trees • Prepare trees and shrubs for winter by pruning any dead wood, or rubbing and crossing branches. Basic rules for pruning your trees and shrubs: 1. Prune oaks only when there are no green leaves on the tree.

2. Prune maples and birches only when there are green leaves on the trees.

3. Prune crossing or rubbing branches.

4. Prune branches growing back towards the trunk.

5. Never take off more than 1/3 of the plant in any one year.

6. Prune spring-blooming plants before the 4th of July.

7. Prune summer-blooming plants when they don’t have any leaves.

8. If you prune the top, it will grow wide.

and textures to give the arrangement a more dimensional look.

• If you are having trouble getting the stems to stay in place, you can put marbles at the bottom of the vase to help hold them or using clear floral tape to create a grid across the top of the opening.

• Have fun and incorporate different elements such as foliage, seed pods, or other cuttings from your garden or houseplants.

• Every two days or so, change the water, add some flower food, and re-cut the stems to help make the flowers last longer.

Remember, there’s no need to wait for a special occasion to treat yourself to fresh flowers in the house!

If you prune the side, it will grow tall.

9. Prune hedges so that they are wider at the bottom than at the top. This allows sunlight to reach all of the foliage and helps prevent the top-heavy look that can happen as the bottom foliage dies back due to lack of sunlight.

10. Wait until winter to trim your decorative evergreens and use those branches for decorations in your outdoor or indoor containers.

11. If branches are larger than 2 inches, use the three-cut method of pruning to prevent bark peeling back and injuring the tree: 1) Cut underneath the branch, about 10 inches out from the trunk. Only cut in about 1/4 of the way.

This cut prevents the bark from peeling back to the trunk and injuring the tree.

2) Cut off the rest of the branch about 15 inches out from the trunk. This takes the weight off the stub, and lets you make an easier and cleaner final cut.

3) Make your final cut so that it’s just at the top of the slight swelling where the branch meets the trunk. Don’t cut flush to the trunk; this swelling (branch collar) is where you’ll get better healing growth to cover the cut.

12. Don’t use pruning sealer unless you’re pruning a rose or an oak in summer. It can inhibit healing and bark re-growth.

Water Garden • If you have a fountain, be sure to remove the pump so it doesn’t freeze. Empty the water, cover the fountain with burlap, then with a tarp. Plastic should not come in direct contact with the concrete. Moisture tends to build up at the contact points, and with a recurring freeze-thaw cycle, you may have spots on the fountain that flake or break.

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Sat & Sun, Nov 19 & 20 Music , Food, SALES!

Visit Van Atta’s for homegrown poinsettias, handmade wreaths, specialty greens, gorgeous and unique holiday décor and more! Custom holiday containers and arrangements for indoors or out are our specialty.

Come see us for the perfect gift, decorating inspiration, and holiday cheer!

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.

You will receive a few e-mails each year containing handy tips, events, expert advice and much more.

Don’t miss the contest in each issue for your chance to win FREE garden prizes!

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Michigan Gardener | November/December 2016 | MichiganGardener.com

Have a question? Send it in!

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We planted American elms last year.

They leafed out in the spring and looked very healthy. They are 3-1/2 inches in diameter and we planted them five feet down with pre-augered holes. They were watered 3 times in the spring and we have had significant rainfall since. In late summer, the leaves on some of them have started to turn yellow. I am going to put more black soil on them. Suggestions? Canada When planting any tree, the rule is a broader hole rather than a deeper one. Think of a tree’s roots as an open umbrella upside down, spreading out to support the growing canopy.

A tree should not be planted any deeper than where the roots flare from the trunk. With such deep pre-augered holes, the trees sound like they are too deep, which is a common error when planting trees. Adding more soil on top of them will make the situation worse.

The yellowing leaves might also indicate some transplant shock that any larger specimen can exhibit as it settles in. However, check where the root flares are on each tree trunk. If necessary, dig out each tree enough to raise the root ball and trunk so the root flare is at ground level. Make sure there is sufficient drainage so that water does not stagnate in the soil. Mix compost into the surrounding soil and backfill to provide added nutrients. Gently stake the trees to give support after shifting them. Add a trunk protector to prevent animal chewing and deer rubbing during fall and winter.

Bluegrass and summer heat Our backyard was regraded this spring.

We seeded and watered and had a great crop of bluegrass seedlings. All looked well until late summer. We noticed some brown areas and we thought we should water more, plus fertilize. Brown spots spread and a majority of the lawn was brown by late summer. It sounds like we have a fungus issue. How do we proceed with reseeding so we don’t have this strike again? B.P., Sterling Heights Kentucky bluegrass does not do well in dry, hot conditions. As a cool season grass, it goes dormant in heat, preferring the cooler temperatures of spring, early summer, and fall. This Michigan summer set records for heat and lack of rain. More frequent watering

without increasing the duration helps prevent rapid moisture loss and reduces surface heat.

But there is no need to see water puddling or running off the property. Additional fertilizing on an already heat stressed lawn may have contributed to the browning issue.

Only a trained turf professional can determine if you truly have a fungus problem that needs chemical treatment, or if you are observing the results of a too hot and dry summer. As for reseeding, September is generally an ideal time to reseed a thinning lawn.

The cooler temperatures are ideal for seed to sprout and establish before it gets too cold.

Otherwise the seed lays dormant until spring before it germinates.

Whether you reseed now or in spring, preparing seed-to-soil contact is critical. Core aerification followed by seeding can be effective for increasing your turf density. Simply broadcasting grass seed over the existing turf without preparing the surface is an exercise in feeding the birds. Seeding in early spring before the soil warms to 6o degrees will encourage a thicker lawn to develop. This growth will overshadow latent weed seeds and keep them from sprouting at that optimum temperature.

Late planting vs. heeling in I am moving to a new home and have taken some of my garden plants with me.

Should I replant them in November or just keep them in the pots until spring and plant them then? E.M., Detroit If you plant them in the ground now, they may not have enough time to overcome transplant shock and establish root systems before the soil becomes too cold to do so.

You can, however, bury the plant in its pot in the ground, its root collar level with the landscape. This puts the root system in the protection of the insulating soil but doesn’t demand that it spend energy on making new roots while trying to adjust to storing energy for winter.

Choose a sheltered area to do this “heeling in” process, away from prevalent wind tunnels and strong winter sun. Keep the plants together but allow space between for air circulation. By delaying the planting process until spring when the soil is warm enough to plant, you have time to decide where to put each plant at your new home based on its in-

MichiganGardener.com | November/December 2016 | Michigan Gardener

9

Quality Plants for Dedicated Gardeners Perennials, annuals & herbs...our outdoor-grown plants are acclimated to Michigan’s weather for better performance in your garden

Trillium is growing in the fall My trillium began coming up again this October. Why is this and what should I do?

B.M., Royal Oak Off-season blooming and growth is a stress response. Many traditionally spring-

Answers provided by Beverly Moss, owner of Garden Rhythms.

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What are some good trees to plant along a sidewalk in a subdivsion? H.L., Sterling Heights If you are planting between the sidewalk and the street, contact your local municipality as they may have a list of preferred trees along or adjacent to public sidewalks. If you have a Home Owners Association, you may need to check with them as well about any preferences. There may be restrictions on height and type with regard to utilities in your city.

Trees that produce excessive fruit or seed may not be a wise choice for a location along a sidewalk. Size of the canopy is important along a pedestrian area. A tree with a more vertical canopy that does not spread into the sidewalk would be preferred. It requires less maintenance and pruning to maintain its distance from public accessibility.

Considerations when selecting a tree: its tolerance for pollution and road salt, how quickly does it grow, how much water is it going to get versus what it needs, is the area full sun or part shade, and what is the soil condition. Most urban soils have a higher alkalinity than rural areas. In newer developments, the soil is heavily compacted from construction equipment. The planting site may need considerable amendment for the tree to survive.

Once you have researched these criteria, then you can go to a reputable nursery armed with the correct information so they can assist you in tree selection. You may want spring interest, summer shade, or great fall color. But you have done the homework and have the tools to make a good choice for longterm enjoyment.

Laston Rd.

Selecting a tree for sidewalk area

blooming plants can flower in fall when their normal growing season puts them under stress—such as extreme weather conditions of heat and/or drought. This stress can cause plants’ growth to slow or even stop during the normal season. Once fall approaches and the weather begins to cool and regulate, the outdoor conditions might trick the plants into “thinking” it is time to flower. Michigan enjoyed a mild autumn this year, which is great for people and outdoor activities, but rather confusing to some plants.

Spring-blooming plants develop leaf and flower buds during summer and fall. These buds would be present even in a non-drought year, ready to flower in spring. The return of cooler weather and some rain has brought them out of dormancy, allowing some plants to emerge and possibly flower without going through their normal chilling period.

The good news with fall flowers is that it usually is not a full bloom and the buds that do blossom should not cause permanent damage to your plants. However, the buds that bloomed in fall will not bloom again in spring.

Thus the spring show may be less vigorous and showy compared to previous years.

Although you can’t prevent harsh weather conditions, you can help to keep your plants from becoming stressed. Just make sure to follow their growing requirements while adjusting for extreme weather—such as applying mulch and giving supplemental water.

M-59 (Highland Rd.)

Pinckney Rd.

dividual characteristics and where each best fits the soil and light conditions of your new location. Rushing to plant now before winter may mean putting the wrong plant in the wrong place. You may have plant loss as a result or need to move them again in spring to a location better suited to the plant’s needs.

Our selection of beautiful well-tended perennials, hostas, and grasses can’t be beat!

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Van Thomme’s GREENHOUSES

Cemetery blankets • Wreaths Cones • Topiary balls Half blankets & pillows— plain and decorated

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Discover the roots of fashion. . .

In our holiday exhibit “Avant Garden Weaving Fashion & Nature Together” Where did you get that dress? Our holiday exhibit “Avant Garden” takes a look at the many ways nature influences fashion’s designs, textiles, and colors. Starring a collection of six living dresses and a suit constructed from plant material such as succulents, ferns, and moss.

Exhibit also includes seasonal flower display

And more

and decorated holiday idea trees. November 26, 2016–January 8, 2017. Open daily 10 am-4:30 pm. Wednesdays until 8 pm. Free.

Artisan’s Market: Sun., Dec. 4, 10 am-4 pm A selection of art and handcrafted items from local artists.

Holiday Greens Market, Sat., Dec. 10, 10 am-noon Make a traditional wreath, mantelpiece design, or table decoration. $20 fee. Register through Ann Arbor Garden Club: tricialin@hotmail.com.

1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor 734.647.7600 mbgna.umich.edu

Michigan Gardener | November/December 2016 | MichiganGardener.com

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London’s Flower Sellers

by Hazel Gaynor Remember the most famous flower seller of all, Eliza Doolittle from My Fair Lady ? This story of two long-lost Irish sisters transports the reader back to that place and time period. Young women and little girls, often crippled orphans, sold posies of violets and watercress on the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral to survive in the filthy, disease-ridden world of London. The Flower Village orphanage was started by a humanitarian to get these girls off the streets into a safe haven. Here they learned the trade of making artfully handmade flowers from cloth. They became fashionable, which allowed the girls to successfully support themselves. It is still an active charity in England today.

A Memory of Violets (William Morrow, 432 pages, $14.99) is a heart-wrenching story woven through a found diary with dried flowers pressed in the pages. It also touches on the language of flowers, a Victorian obsession for emotional communication that otherwise wasn’t allowed in proper society at the time. Compelling characters whose lives were entwined in life-changing ways will help you realize just how challenging life was at that time. Reviewed by Julia Hofley

What’s Wrong With My Houseplant? Save Your Indoor Plants With 100% Organic Solutions

by David Deardorff and Kathryn Wadsworth Houseplants add style, clean the air, and bring nature indoors.

But they are often plagued with problems—aphids, mealybugs, mites, and thrips, to name just a few. In What’s Wrong With My Houseplant? (Timber Press, 292 pages, $24.95), the authors troubleshoot numerous houseplant issues.

This guide shows how to keep indoor plants healthy by first teaching you to identify their problems quickly and easily. It includes 148 plant profiles organized by type. Visual keys to the most common problems and the related organic solutions take the guesswork out of caretaking. This easy-to-navigate book is for anyone who loves, but has struggled with their indoor plants. Never dump another houseplant into the trash again!

At the Edge of the Orchard

by Tracy Chevalier Take a ride back to 1838 when a pioneering family’s wagon broke down in the mud swamps of Northwestern Ohio, where they set up life with their five children and tried to tame an unkind plot of land.

They bought apple tree saplings from a local man known as John Appleseed in order to cultivate the 50 apple trees required to stake their claim on the property. The father also brought special grafted apple tree saplings with him from Connecticut, which originally had come from their homeland in England. His art of grafting trees was controversial for fundamentalists like Appleseed, who thought he was messing with God’s creation, which was downright unnatural.

Building a home and growing food to raise their children took its toll on this hardscrabble family in the harsh swamp life. The youngest son set off to the West to escape his broken family and found himself in gold rush California in 1853. He finds his way to the redwood and giant sequoia groves and learns how to collect seeds for a naturalist who sells plants from the new world to the gardeners of England.

At the Edge of the Orchard (Viking, 304 pages, $27) is a riveting drama and reveals events that were happening simultaneously in America. It will make you appreciate both history and a good apple in season. Reviewed by Julia Hofley

Christmas Décor! Christmas wreaths • Poinsettias • Garden gifts Fashion jewelry • We are a fun and unique place to shop year-round!

ON A COLD WINTER’S DAY, stop by our warm greenhouse and see our amazing selection of indoor bonsai plants!

Bonsai – Michigan’s largest bonsai nursery Indoor: Ficus, Fukien Tea, Bougainvillea, and many more.

Ornamental Iron Christmas Displays

O pe ro n un ye d! ar -

See our Bonasi & Water Garden photos at www.FlowerMarketDundee.com

Custom Iron Work for Home/Garden

Clearance SALE! • 300 pieces to choose from!

We have something for everyone: From $3 starter plants up to $6,000 very mature, exceptional bonsai trees • Tools • Wire Japanese & Chinese pots • Soil • Mud Men • Ongoing classes

8930 South Custer Rd. (M-50) • 5 mi East of Cabela’s on M-50 Monroe, MI 48161 • 734-269-2660 • Find us on

The Iron Barn

• Porch, Step, Deck & Hand Rails • Driveway Gates • Powder Coat Paint Finishing • Restoration & More!

Holiday Festival Saturday, Dec 3, 4-8pm

Evening of Lights Sun, Dec 4; Sat, Dec 10; Sun, Dec 11: 5-8pm

Come see THE HARPER COLLECTION:

A world-class collection of more than 500 dwarf & rare conifers

Hours: Open Daily 9a-3p through Nov 27. After Nov 27, appointments welcome, please call.

OVER 2000 CANDLE-LIT LUMINARIES DISPLAYED!

Auburn Oaks

Botanical Garden & Arboretum • Hosta Hillside • Plant Conservatory

GARDEN CENTER

Flower Gardens Picnic Area • Lake • Hiking Trails • Weddings & Tours by appointment 6214 Monroe Rd. (M-50) • Tipton, MI • OPEN DAILY

517-431-2060 • hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu

• The area’s most comprehensive calendar of garden event listings • Sign up for our FREE E-Newsletter • Read both current and back issues online • Submit your garden event listings • Subscribe to Michigan Gardener • Find your county MSU Extension contact info in “Garden Help” • Submit a classified ad to promote your product or service • Learn where you can pick up Michigan Gardener • And much more!

The print edition of Michigan Gardener is still your exclusive source for gardener profiles, how-to articles, features, Plant Focus and much more.

High quality plants & service for your garden success since 1964.

Roping Gift Ideas Fresh-Cut Christmas Trees Auburn Oaks Handmade Memorial Blankets Fresh-made Evergreen Wreaths

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3820 West Auburn Rd (2 blocks E of Adams) • Rochester Hills • 248-852-2310 www.auburnoaksnursery.com Mon-Sat 8-5:30 Sun 10-5

12

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0% 2 VinEter ive Spscap A S W vas and

Michigan Gardener | November/December 2016 | MichiganGardener.com

tree tips

In e L dy ativ o o W &N

Environment • Ecology • Native Plant Design We have SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS for you: • Rampant weeds? INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL • Eroding shoreline? BIOENGINEERING • Wet ground or basement? RAIN GARDENS • Veggies not producing? WILDFLOWERS FOR BEES! • Sick trees? Buckthorn thickets? FORESTRY • Retention pond problem? WETLANDS CONSULTING • Want wildlife? BIRD & BUTTERFLY GARDENS • Unidentified animals or plants? SPECIES ID!

NaturalCommuNityServiCeS.webS.Com John DeLisle, Principal Ecologist

248-672-7611 • naturalcommunityservices@gmail.com

Warmbier Farms Everything for your Garden, Home, and You

At Warmbier Farms, there’s always something NEW for you!

Our huge showroom is a decorators delight! A great selection of silk florals, boutique clothing & jewelry, resin statues, and seasonal decor.

Speaking of seasonal, we have loads of holiday decor, fresh greens, garlands, fresh evergreen wreaths and much, much more.

In the gardening season, we have a wonderful assortment of perennials, herbs & annuals.

Plus roses! Over 100 varieties each year, including hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, shrubs & miniatures.

Centrally located between Saginaw/Bay City/Midland

5300 Garfield Rd. • Auburn, MI

989-662-7002 www.warmbierfarms.com

If that’s not enough, wander over to our outdoor showroom! We feature over 2,000 different cement garden statues, all made here in Michigan by us! Plus, come see our mind-boggling selection of garden decor, arbors, gazing globes, furniture, and so much more.

HEADING UP NORTH?

We’re just 7 minutes off of I-75!

Deadly trees?

I recently read a research study on how many people die from wind-related tree failures each year in the United States. It contained a lot of very interesting data that I would like to share with you.

In over 25 years as an arborist, I have met with many homeowners and I know that tree safety is a major concern for many of them.

Many people fear big trees. Sometimes these fears are warranted—compromised trees need to be removed. Other times they are not, as the research statistics show.

If you have concerns about a tree, I recommend you have it evaluated by at least one competent professional who is neutral. Relying on just one person who stands to gain monetarily from the removal of the tree could cost you both money and the priceless benefits of a mature tree.

Keep in mind that even the most structurally sound tree can, and most likely will, fail in wind events that generate winds greater than 67 mph for longer than 10 minutes. So Steve there will always be some assumed Turner risk in the presence of any trees during extreme wind events in our area, like tornados.

The data shows that between 1995 and 2007 there were 407 deaths in the U.S. in 41 states—an average of 31 per year. Nine Western states had no deaths. The majority of fatalities (62 percent) were men. The most likely cause of death from trees is a thunderstorm, which accounted for 165 deaths. The least likely was snow and ice storms, which caused only 14. Interestingly, the person’s average age was higher for ice and snow events at 69 years old, while the average age overall was 45 for all tree deaths combined. Surprisingly, only 28 deaths were attributed to tornados. That was about half that of hurricanes, which caused 57 deaths. The rest of the fatalities were attributed to nonconvective high wind events.

Where you live greatly affects the odds of tree deaths. The highest probability area of the country for this to occur is along the East Coast, which has 8 of the most likely 16 states, including New York, which led the country with 30 deaths. The combination of high population density and lots of trees, along with both thunderstorms and hurricanes common to the area contribute to these numbers. The least likely chance of being killed is anywhere west of 100 degrees longitude, which had only 56 deaths combined and only one of the

top 16 states (Washington).

Beyond geographical location, where you are specifically when a storm hits is also a big contributor. Vehicles were the most dangerous at 44 percent, while just being outside was 38 percent. The safest place is in your home (18 percent). Vehicles also accounted for the greatest number of multiple deaths by trees; homes the least.

The time of year is also a factor for tree deaths, depending on the category. Thunderstorms are most deadly from May through August, with July being the worst with almost 50 deaths, but they can occur during any month. Tornado deaths occurred in all months except July, with April and November combining for 32 percent of the 28 deaths. Hurricanes are active from July to October and the worst month is September. Snow and ice deaths occurred October to April, with December being the most deadly (50 percent of the 14 deaths). Interestingly, ice accounted for 10 of those 14.

Nonconvective winds occur mostly out West and can happen in all months. The most deadly happen more often in cool months, with November and December being the worst. In the 1960s, sheer winds also accounted for one of the most deadly nonconvective wind events that killed 40 people in the Pacific Northwest.

Here in Michigan, we had 11 deaths from the 1995 to 2007 time period, and only three of those were in Southeastern Michigan.

Seven others occurred in the lower half of the lower peninsula, one in the U.P., and none were in the northern lower peninsula.

If you have concerns about a tree, I recommend you have it evaluated by at least one competent professional who is neutral. Relying on just one person who stands to gain monetarily from the removal of the tree could cost you both money and the priceless benefits of a mature tree.

13

MichiganGardener.com | November/December 2016 | Michigan Gardener

Artist’s Market, Musicians and Authors Featuring Huron Valley Council for the Arts Saturday, Nov 19, 9am-5pm Sunday, Nov 20, 10am-5pm I was involved in one of those three cases in Southeast Michigan as an expert. I helped evaluate a tree that failed and fell on a car in Royal Oak as it was traveling down the road.

In this case, it was a severely compromised tree with less than an inch of sound wood on a tree over 30 inches in diameter. This was a tree that could have failed on a calm day, let alone a storm. Had this tree been inspected, it surely would have failed and been marked for removal.

In 1995 we had just under 10 million people in Michigan and in 2007 we had just over 10

million. With 11 deaths in that period, you can figure that you have about a 1 in 11,820,000 chance of dying from a tree during a high wind event here in Michigan. Or, roughly 11 times less than the odds of being struck by lightning.

While these odds are very low, it does make sense to maintain your trees and have a certified arborist inspect them regularly for structural defects.

Visit us for all your holiday decorating needs:

Poinsettias, Roping, Wreaths, Fresh Greens, Memorial Blankets Decorated & Undecorated

Steve Turner, Certified Arborist, is from Arboricultural Services in Fenton, MI.

Need help in your garden?

Hire a Professional

Our members work with Integrity, Intelligence & Pride Visit our website to find a professional gardener in your area: www.associationofprofessionalgardeners.org

248-887-5101 1525 Bogie Lake Rd. / White Lake MI Gardener Nov/Dec 2016_9x.qxp_MI. Gardener May 05 JJ LG TAP www.bogielakegreenhouses.com Open 7 days

10/17/161-1/2 9:51 AMS.Page 1 Miles of M-59 Across from Lakeland H.S.

Celebrate the Christmas Season!

New members always welcome Visit our website for program schedule

Email us at: aprogardener@gmail.com

Lifelike trees 2’- 12’ tall, 20 theme decorated trees, 40 styles to choose from.

Fresh greens, handcrafted porchpots and wreaths are our specialty!

Ask For It

Available mid November

• Christmas Extravaganza NOV. 12, 13, 10am-5pm

at your local garden center

• Ladies Night Out NOV. 18, 6pm-8 pm

• Porch Pot Workshops DEC. 6, 7, 13, 14, 6pm Register now!

Advertiser Index Assoc. of Professional Gardeners.........................................13 Auburn Oaks Gard Ctr.................................................................11 Barson’s Greenhouse..................................................................16 Blossoms...........................................................................................17 Bogie Lake Greenhouses...........................................................13 Detroit Garden Works..............................Inside Front Cover English Gardens....................................................................Page 3 The Flower Market........................................................................11 The Garden Mill.............................................................................17 Garden Rhythms.............................................................................9 A Garden Space...............................................................................6 Heritage Oaks...................................................................................5 Hidden Lake Gardens...................................................................11 Iron Barn Iron Work.......................................................................11 Macomb Bloomin’ Sunflowers...............................................17 Master Gardener Society of Oakland Cty...........................8

Matthaei Botanical Gardens....................................................10 Mike’s Tree Surgeons....................................................................5 Milarch Nursery...............................................................................8 Natural Community Services..................................................12 Plymouth Nursery.........................................................................13 Schuman Landscape Lighting.................................................16 Specialty Growers...........................................................................9 Telly’s Greenhouse.........................................................................4 Turner’s Landscp & Gard Ctr.....................................................7 Uncle Luke’s Feed Store..............................................................19 Van Atta’s Greenhouse................................................................7 Van Thomme’s Greenhouses..................................................10 Warmbier Farms...........................................................................12 The Weed Lady................................................................................7 Wojo’s...................................................................................................9

• Night at the North Pole DEC. 16, 7pm $5.00

• Santa’s here Weekends Details on website

734-453-5500 www.plymouthnursery.net Mon -Thurs 9am-6pm Fri 9am-7pm • Sat 9-6 • Sun 10-5 Nov. 21 - Call for hours

9900 Ann Arbor Rd W 7 Miles East of US-23 • 7 Miles West of I-275 1 1/2 Miles South of M-14 Corner of Gotfredson Rd.

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

Saginaw North Branch Clio Columbiaville

Lakeport

Lapeer

Davison

Imlay City

Flushing

Owosso St. Johns

Lennon

Burton Grand Blanc

Flint

Emmett

Hadley

Port Huron

Dryden

Metamora

Almont

Bancroft

Grand Rapids Fenton

Oxford

Ortonville Grand Ledge

Lansing

East Lansing

Clarkston

Fowlerville

Howell

Mason

Stockbridge

Oakland

White Lake

Jackson

Dexter

Grass Lake

Detroit

Canton

DearbornDearborn Wayne Heights

Ypsilanti

Taylor Belleville

Manchester

enhanced listing 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

New Baltimore

Westland

Ann Arbor

Tipton

Ray

Holly White Lake Waterford

Plymouth Chelsea

Washington

Rochester Macomb Rochester Shelby Twp. Highland Pontiac Hills Utica Auburn Hills Sylvan Lake Clinton Twp. Commerce Milford Bloomfield Troy West Sterling Hts. Hills Bloomfield Birmingham Walled Lake St. Clair Berkley Wixom Madison Roseville Shores Heights Brighton Warren Royal Oak New Hudson Eastpointe South Lyon Novi Farmington Southfield Hills Oak Park Farmington Ferndale Whitmore Northville Grosse Lake Pointes Livonia Redford Hartland

Williamston

Want to advertise your local business in Places to Grow?

2 options:

Addison Twp.

Orion

Haslett

Saline New Boston

Romulus

Southgate Trenton Brownstown Twp. Grosse Ile

burton H Walker Farms & Greenhouse 5253 E. Atherton Rd., MI 48519 810-743-0260 www.walkersfarm.com

canton

Tecumseh Monroe

Cement City

La Salle

Canton Floral Gardens Clink Nurs Crimboli Nurs Wild Birds Unltd

cement city

H Denotes MG Advertiser almont 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 H English Gardens 155 N. Maple Rd, MI 48103 734-332-7900 www.EnglishGardens.com H HillTop Greenhse/Farms H Lodi Farms H The Produce Station

H Turner’s Greenhse & Garden Ctr 4431 South Wagner Rd., MI 48103 734-663-7600 www.turnersannarbor.com Wild Birds Unltd

auburn H Warmbier Farms 5300 Garfield Rd., MI 48611 989-662-7002 www.warmbierfarms.com

auburn hills Drake’s Landscp & Nurs H Haley Stone 3600 Lapeer Rd., MI 48326 248-276-9300 www.haleystone.net H State Crushing

bancroft

birmingham

Grand Oak Herb Farm

H Blossoms 33866 Woodward Ave, MI 48009 248-644-4411 www.blossomsbirmingham.com

bay city H Begick Nursery & Garden Ctr 5993 Westside Saginaw Rd., MI 48706 989-684-4210 www.begicknursery.com

belleville Banotai Greenhse Gardeners Choice H Pinter Flowerland H Zywicki Greenhse

berkley Garden Central

bloomfield hills Backyard Birds

Tiffany Florist

brighton H Beauchamp Landscp Supp Bordine’s Brighton Farmer’s Mkt Leppek Nurs H Meier Flowerland

brownstown twp Bruce’s Pond Shop Raupp Brothers Gard Ctr H Ruhlig Farms & Gard

H Hallson Gardens 14280 US-127, MI 49233 517-592-9450 www.perennialnursery.com

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 Country Oaks Landscp I Lowrie’s Landscp H Backyard Oasis Pond & Gard

MichiganGardener.com | November/December 2016 | Michigan Gardener

clinton twp H English Gardens 44850 Garfield Rd, MI 48038 586-286-6100 www.EnglishGardens.com Michigan Koi H Tropical Treasures

clio H Piechnik’s Grnhse & Garden Ctr 13172 McCumsey Rd, MI 48420 810-686-9211 www.cliogreenhouse.com

columbiaville Hilltop Barn

commerce twp Zoner’s Greenhse

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 H Detroit Farm and Garden 1759 21st St., MI 48216 313-655-2344 www.detroitfarmandgarden.com Eastern Market

dexter H Bloom! Gard Ctr 1885 Baker Rd., MI 48130 734-426-6600 www.bloom-gardens.com Dexter Mill H Fraleighs Landscape Nursery 8600 Jackson Rd., MI 48130 734-426-5067 www.fraleighs.com Guthrie Gardens

eastpointe H English Gardens 22501 Kelly Rd, MI 48021 586-771-4200 www.EnglishGardens.com Drew’s Garden

farmington hills Angelo’s Landscp Supp Farmer John’s Greenhse Loeffler Stone Ctr H Steinkopf Nurs

fenton Gerych’s Flowers/Gift H Heavenly Scent Herb Farm 13730 White Lake Rd., MI 48430 810-629-9208 www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com

ferndale Casual Modes Home/Gard

flat rock Masserant’s Feed Store

flushing H Flushing Lawn & Garden Ctr 114 Terrace St., MI 48433 810-659-6241 www.unclelukes.com

fowlerville H Arrowhead Alpines

gladwin

livonia

H Stone Cottage Gardens 3740 West Willford Rd., MI 48624 989-426-2919 www.stonecottagegardens.com

Bushel Mart George’s Livonia Gard Superior Growers Supp Valley Nurs

grand blanc Bordine’s H The Weed Lady 9225 Fenton Rd., MI 48439 810-655-2723 www.theweedlady.com

grass lake H Designs by Judy Florist & Greenhse 3250 Wolf Lake Rd., MI 49240 517-522-5050 www.designsbyjudyflowers.com

macomb Altermatt Greenhses Boyka’s Greenhse Deneweth’s Garden Ctr H Elya’s Village Gardens H Landscape Source Joe Randazzo’s Nurs Olejnik Farms Wade Nurs Wiegand’s Nursery

manchester Wildtype Nurs

grosse pointe

H The Flower Market

H Le Fleur Décor 3442 Hadley Rd., MI 48440 586-495-4076 Find us on Facebook

hartland Deneweth’s Garden Ctr

haslett H Christian’s Greenhse H Van Atta’s Greenhse

highland Colasanti’s Produce/Plant Fragments Highland Garden Ctr H One Stop Landscp Supp Thornton Nurs

howell H Howell Farmer’s Mkt Dwntn Howell @ State & Clinton St. 517-546-3920 www.howell.org/19.html Penrose Nurs H Specialty Growers 4330 Golf Club Rd., MI 48843 517-546-7742 www.specialtygrowers.net Wilczewski Greenhses

imlay city H Earthly Arts Greenhse

jackson The Hobbit Place

lake orion H Lake Orion Lawn Orn H Orion Stone Depot H Wojo’s of Lake Orion 559 S. Lapeer Rd, MI 48362 248-690-7435 www.wojos.com

lansing Lansing Gard

lapeer H The Iron Barn

lasalle Fowler’s Gift Shop

lennon Krupps Novelty Shop

ray H Heritage Oaks Van’s Valley Greenhse H Pinter Flowerland Seven Mi Gard Ctr

Gilling’s Nurs

hadley

H Telly’s at Goldner Walsh 559 Orchard Lake Rd., MI 48341 248-724-2300 www.tellys.com

mason metamora

H Wild Birds Unltd 20381 Mack Ave., MI 48236 313-881-1410 www.grossepointewoods.wbu.com

Goldner Walsh Gard/Home

redford

H Westcroft Gardens 21803 West River Rd., MI 48138 734-676-2444 www.westcroftgardens.com

grosse pointe woods

Sparr’s Greenhse

pontiac

McLennan Nurs

grosse ile

Allemon’s Landscp Ctr Meldrum & Smith Nurs

H Rock Shoppe on Gotfredson 6275 Gotfredson, MI 48170 734-455-5560 www.rock-shoppe.com

milford Milford Gardens H The Pond Place

monroe new baltimore H Meldrum Bros Nurs

rochester Fogler’s Greenhse Sherwood Forest Gard Ctr

rochester hills H Auburn Oaks Garden Ctr 3820 West Auburn Rd, MI 48309 248-852-2310 www.auburnoaksnursery.com

new boston

Bordine’s

Gorham & Sons Nurs H Grass Roots Nurs Mums the Word

H Haley Stone 3975 S. Rochester Rd., MI 48307 248-852-5511 www.haleystone.net

new hudson H Milarch Nurs 28500 Haas Rd., MI 48165 248-437-2094 www.milarchnursery.com

Wild Birds Unltd

romulus

north branch

Block’s Stand/Greenhse H Kurtzhals’ Farms H Schoedel’s Nurs

H Campbell’s Greenhouses 4077 Burnside Rd., MI 48461 810-688-3587 www.campbellsgreenhouses.com

H Schwartz’s Greenhouse 30705 Sibley Rd., MI 48174 734-753-9269 www.schwartzgreenhouse.com

H Oldani Landscape Nurseries 2666 Tozer Rd., MI 48461 810-688-2363 www.oldanilandscapenurseries.com

northville Begonia Brothers Gardenviews H Willow Greenhouses

novi Glenda’s Gard Ctr Wild Birds Unltd

oak park Four Seasons Gard Ctr

oakland H Piechnik’s Garden Gate 1095 N. Rochester Rd., MI 48363 586-336-7200 www.cliogreenhouse.com

ortonville Country Oaks Landscp II H Wojo’s Greenhse 2570 Oakwood Rd., MI 48462 248-627-6498 www.wojos.com

owosso H Everlastings in Wildwood

oxford Candy Cane Xmas Trees Oxford Farm/Gard

plymouth Backyard Birds Graye’s Greenhse Lucas Nurs H Plymouth Nursery 9900 Ann Arbor Rd W, MI 48170 734-453-5500 www.plymouthnursery.net Plymouth Rock & Supp

roseville Dale’s Landscp Supp Flower Barn Nurs Sea World

royal oak Billings Lawn Equip H Button’s Rent-It 1126 S. Washington Ave., MI 48067 248-542-5835 www.buttonsrentit.com H English Gardens 4901 Coolidge Hwy, MI 48073 248-280-9500 www.EnglishGardens.com Wild Birds Unltd

saginaw H Abele Greenhouse & Garden Ctr 3500 Wadsworth Rd., MI 48601 989-752-5625 www.abelegreenhouse.com

saline Nature’s Garden Ctr H Saline Flowerland

shelby twp Diegel Greenhses Flower Barn Nurs H Hessell’s Greenhse Maeder Plant Farm Potteryland H Telly’s Greenhouse 4343 24 Mile, MI 48316 248-659-8555 www.tellys.com

southfield 3 DDD’s Stand Eagle Landscp/Supp Lavin’s Flower Land Main’s Landscp Supp

southgate H Ray Hunter Gard Ctr

st clair shores Greenhouse Growers Hall’s Nurs Soulliere Gard Ctr

sterling heights Decor Statuette H Eckert’s Greenhouse 34075 Ryan Rd., MI 48310 586-979-2409 www.eckertsgreenhouse.com Prime Landscp Supp

stockbridge Gee Farms

sylvan lake H AguaFina Gardens International 2629 Orchard Lake Rd., MI 48320 248-738-0500 www.aguafina.com H Detroit Garden Works 1794 Pontiac Dr., MI 48320 248-335-8089 www.detroitgardenworks.com

taylor H Beautiful Ponds & Gardens 20379 Ecorse, MI 48180 313-383-8653 www.skippysstuff.com D&L Garden Ctr Massab Acres H Panetta’s Landscp Supp

tecumseh Mitchell’s Lawn/Landscp

trenton Carefree Lawn Ctr

troy H Telly’s Greenhouse 3301 John R Rd., MI 48083 248-689-8735 www.tellys.com H Uncle Luke’s Feed Store 6691 Livernois Rd., MI 48098 248-879-9147 www.unclelukes.com

utica Stonescape Supp

walled lake H Suburban Landscp Supp

warren H Beste’s Lawn/Patio Supp Garden Ctr Nurs H Young’s Garden Mart

washington Landscp Direct Miller’s Big Red Greenhse H Rocks ‘n’ Roots H United Plant Ctr

waterford

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 Sunshine Plants

whitmore lake H Alexander’s Greenhses

williamston H Christian’s Greenhse

wixom Angelo’s Landscp Supp Brainer’s Greenhse Milford Tree Farm

ypsilanti Coleman’s Farm Mkt Lucas Nurs Margolis Nurs Materials Unlimited H Sell Farms & Greenhouses 7200 Willis Rd., MI 48197 866-296-3090 www.sellfarmsandgreenhouses.com

Gardens to Visit ann arbor H Matthaei Botanical Gardens/ Nichols Arboretum 1800 North Dixboro Rd., MI 48105 734-647-7600 www.mbgna.umich.edu

bloomfield hills H Cranbrook Gardens 380 Lone Pine Rd., MI 48303 248-645-3147 housegardens.cranbrook.edu

clinton twp Tomlinson Arboretum

dearborn Arjay Miller Arboretum @ Ford World HQ Henry Ford Estate

detroit Anna S Whitcomb Conservtry

dryden Seven Ponds Nature Ctr

east lansing H MSU Horticultural Gardens W.J. Beal Botanical Gard

emmett H Sunny Fields Botanical Park 5444 Welch Rd., MI 48022 810-387-2765 www.visitsunnyfields.org

flint Applewood

grand rapids Frederik Meijer Gardens

Breen’s Landscp Supp Hoffman Nurs H Merrittscape Oakland County Market

grosse pointe shores

west bloomfield

midland

H English Gardens 6370 Orchard Lake Rd., MI 48322 248-851-7506 www.EnglishGardens.com Planterra

south lyon

westland

Hollow Oak Farm Nurs Mike’s Garden Stone Depot Landscp Supp H Tuthill Farms

H Barson’s Greenhse 6414 North Merriman Rd., MI 48185 734-421-5959 www.barsons.com

15

Edsel & Eleanor Ford Hse

lansing Cooley Gardens Dahlia Hill Dow Gardens

novi Tollgate Education Ctr

royal oak Detroit Zoo

tipton H Hidden Lake Gardens 6214 Monroe Rd. (M-50), MI 49287 517-431-2060 www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu

Light can transform your landscape.

16 Lighting designed to enhance • Safety • Security

Michigan Gardener | November/December 2016 | MichiganGardener.com

calendar November / December / January / February / March / April

• Beauty Accentuate the features of your property - excellent return on investment.

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Trust our technical expertise, attention to detail and years of experience.

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schuman landscape lighting .com

Christmas trees Special purchase: Beautiful Fraser Firs

Starting at $1999 Gift cards • Fairy gardens and accessories • CEMETERY WREATHS • GRAVE BLANKETS

• We can custom decorate for you!

• Swags • Cedar garlands • Poinsettias—All sizes & all colors!

• Christmas centerpieces

Indoor growing supplies—stop in and check out our LOW prices!

November Livonia Garden Club Meeting Tue, Nov 1, Livonia. By Livonia Garden Club at Livonia Civic Park Senior Ctr. Jim Baringhaus on the Greenleaf Commission on Sustainability. www.livoniagardenclub.org.

Ann Arbor Garden Club Meeting Wed, Nov 2, 7pm, Ann Arbor. By Ann Arbor Garden Club at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. $20/ yr dues. 734-761-8281.

H Fall Grapevine Wreath Thu, Nov 3, 3-5pm, East Lansing. By MSU Horticulture Gardens at Plant & Soil Sciences Building. $40. Construct a wreath for your door or mantle. www.hrt.msu.edu/our_gardens/ curious_gardener.

H Holiday Premiere Sale Sat, Nov 5, & Sun, Nov 6, Southgate. At Ray Hunter.

Holiday decor, trees & gifts including Mark Roberts Collectibles. events@rayhunter.com.

H Christmas Open House Sun, Nov 6, 10am, all locations. At English Gardens.

Celebrate the holiday season with our all-new display of professionally decorated theme trees. www.EnglishGardens.com.

Ypsilanti Indoor Farmer’s Market Tue, Nov 8, through Dec 20, 3-7pm, Ypsilanti. By Growing Hope at Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace. volunteer@growinghope.net.

Gardening for Monarch Butterflies Thu, Nov 10, By Shelby Garden Club at Shadbush Nature Ctr. Presented by Master Gardener Donna Madonna. 586-873-3782.

Ferndale Garden Club: Blind Auction Thu, Nov 10, 7pm, Ferndale. By Ferndale Garden Club at Kulick Community Ctr. 248-541-6427.

H Holiday Open House Thu, Nov 10, 5-9pm; Fri-Sat, Nov 11-12, 9-5pm; Sun, Nov 13, 12-4pm, Sylvan Lake. At Detroit Garden Works. Unique holiday decor & unique home & garden gifts. www.detroitgardenworks.com.

Milford Garden Club: Go for the Gold Thu, Nov 10, 7pm, Milford. By Milford Garden Club at Senior Ctr. FREE. Julia Hofley shares how to take your garden up a notch with golden foliage. milfordgardenclubemail@yahoo.com.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT PUBLIC GARDENS, please visit MichiganGardener.com.

Click on "Resources" then "Public Gardens."

H DIY Christmas Thu, Nov 10, 4-7pm, all locations. At English Gardens. Holiday Container Gardens, Christmas Tree Decorating, Christmas Wreath Decorating, Yule Log Class. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Holiday Open House Sat, Nov 12, 9am-6pm & Sun, Nov 13, 10am-5pm, Grand Blanc. At The Weed Lady. Live music, seasonal decor & more. www.TheWeedLady.com.

H Chelsea’s 11th Annual “Wine, Women & Shopping” Sat, Nov 12, Chelsea. Stop by The Garden Mill. www.thegardenmill.com, 734-475-3539.

H Sensational Holiday Arrangements Sat, Nov 12, 10-11:30am, Pontiac. At Goldner Walsh. $38. Make a holiday wreath & door swag that will wow your friends & family. Register: 248-332-6430.

10th Annual Sweet Harvest Gala Sat, Nov 12, 6-10pm, Wyandotte. By Taylor Conservatory Foundation at Bentley Banquet Ctr. 888-383-4108, patty@taylorconservatory.org.

H Christmas Extravaganza Sat, Nov 12, 10am-5pm, Plymouth. At Plymouth Nursery. www.plymouthnursery.net, 734-453-5500.

H Holiday Bow Workshop Sat, Nov 12, 10am, Noon, 2pm; & Sun, Nov 13, 1pm & 3pm; all locations. At English Gardens. $5, plus cost of ribbon. Register: www.EnglishGardens. com/events.

Herb & Holly Boutique Sat, Nov 12, Grosse Pointe Woods. By Herb Society of America, Grosse Pointe Woods Community Ctr. Herbal marketplace featuring handcrafted herbs & much more. 586-773-6682.

Promote your events! Send us your information!

6414 N. Merriman • Westland • 734-421-5959

Website: Go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Garden Event Calendar” E-Mail: calendar@MichiganGardener.com

Located between Ford & Warren Roads

Upcoming Issues & Deadlines: Issue

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MichiganGardener.com | November/December 2016 | Michigan Gardener

17

• Gifts for gardeners, birders & the home • Holiday décor & tree decorations • Fresh wreaths, garland, and greens • Poinsettias and Christmas Cactus Look for select discounts throughout the season!

JOIN US for Chelsea’s 11th Annual Wine, Women, and Shopping event on Sat, Nov 12, 2016 Phenology and Garden Rhythms Mon, Nov 14, 7pm, Bloomfield Hills. By Hardy Plant Society Great Lakes Chapter at the Congregational Church of Birmingham. Speaker: Chuck Martin, Senior Horticulturist at Dow Gardens. Learn about phenology and how it can help you better observe and appreciate the natural rhythms of your garden.

Guest fee: $5. For more info: julia@juliasbiglife.com or visit us on Facebook.

Festive Flowers & Foliage Mon, Nov 14, Royal Oak. By Royal Oak Garden Club at Library Auditorium. Learn the care of holiday plants. Poinsettias, cyclamen, amaryllis, Christmas cactus. royaloakgardenclub@gmail.com H Ladies Night Thu, Nov 17, 6-9pm, Grand Blanc. At The Weed Lady. Refreshments & relaxation. www.TheWeedLady.com.

H Ladies Night Out Thu, Nov 17, 5pm, Clinton Twp & Royal Oak. At English Gardens. $15. Shopping, pampering, music & refreshments in a festive holiday setting. www.englishgardens.com.

H Night at the Greenhouse Thu, Nov 17, 7-9pm, Haslett. At Van Atta’s. Wine, pampering, music & shopping in this after-hours event. www.vanattas.com.

H Ladies Night Out Fri, Nov 18, 6-8pm, Plymouth. At Plymouth Nursery. www.plymouthnursery.net, 734-453-5500.

H Wreath Decorating Workshop Sat, Nov 19, 10am, Ann Arbor. At Turner’s Garden Center. $40. Register: 734-663-7600.

H Annual Christmas Twilight Walk Sat, Nov 19, 5-8pm, Southgate. At Ray Hunter Garden Ctr. Stroll through our softly-lit Christmas Wonderland while enjoying seasonal music played by a harpist. 734-284-2500.

H Make It & Take It Workshop: Holiday Herb Garden Sat, Nov 19, 10am, all locations. At English Gardens. $16.99. A trio of 4-inch windowsill herbs in festive pots. All materials provided. Register: www.englishgardens.com/events.

H Indoor/Outdoor Greens Workshop Sat, Nov 19, Troy & Pontiac. At Telly’s. Indoor Greens, 10am, $10-$40/container; Outdoor Greens, 1pm, $25-60. Register: 248-689-8735.

H Artist’s Market, Musicians & Authors Sat, Nov 19, 9am-5pm & Sun, Nov 20, 10am-5pm, White Lake. At Bogie Lake Greenhouses. www.bogielakegreenhouses.com.

H Holiday Open House Sat, Nov 19, & Sun, Nov 20, Haslett. At Van Atta’s.

Music, food, sales. www.vanattas.com.

Fireside Fun: A Good Old-fashioned Campfire Circle Sun, Nov 20, 6:30pm-8pm, Ann Arbor. At Leslie Science & Nature Ctr. FREE. Bring your family, camp chairs & s’mores fixings. We’ll provide a blazing outdoor campfire & marshmallows.

H Porch Pot Workshop Sat, Nov 26, 10am, Ann Arbor. At Turner’s Garden Ctr. $40. Register: 734-663-7600.

H Avant Garden: Weaving Fashion & Nature Together Sat, Nov 26, Regular garden hours, Ann Arbor. At Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Holiday exhibit runs through Jan 8. Featuring a collection of 6 living dresses. 734-647-7600.

Hybridizing Hostas Mon, Nov 28, 7pm, Birmingham. By Metro Detroit Hosta Society at First United Methodist Church.

A look at creating new hostas; presented by Ron Livingston. Hgold2843@comcast.net.

110 S. MAIN • DOWNTOWN CHELSEA • 734-475-3539 • www.thegardenmill.com

. k o o L Don’t

ed. mers. ou look Oops, y potential custo 0 0 will 70,0 And so

Advertise in

December Annual Greens Market Thu, Dec 1, 9am-5pm, Waterford. By Waterford Garden Club at Waterford Senior Center. Wreaths, roping, swags, fresh arrangements & much more. www.waterfordgardenclub.org.

H Make It & Take It Workshop: Holiday Evergreen Container Garden Thu, Dec 1, 7pm, all locations. At English Gardens. $59.99. Create a beautiful holiday garden for your front porch. Includes LED lighted branches.

Register: www.englishgardens.com/events.

Rochester Garden Club 65th Annual Greens Market Thu, Dec 1, to Sat, Dec 3, Rochester. By Rochester Garden Club at Rochester Schools Admin Ctr. Fresh Greens (wreaths, roping, specialty greens) & more. www.RochesterGardenClub.org.

YpsiPlanti Holiday Tree & Greens Fundraiser Sale Fri, Dec 2, 4-8pm; Sat, 10am-7pm; Sun, Noon5pm. By Growing Hope at Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace. Fraser Fir trees, roping, wreaths, outdoor pot décor & more.

Gardening Tool Cleaning & Sharpening Class Sat, Dec 3, 9am-Noon, Waterford. By MSU Extension at Oakland Cty Executive Office Building. $20. Register: www.oakgov.com.

H Holiday Festival Sat, Dec 3, 4-8pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu, 517-431-2060.

25th Anniversary Holiday Greens Market Sat, Dec 3, 9am-4pm, Clarkston. By Clarkston Farm & Garden Club at Calvary Lutheran Church, 6805 Bluegrass Drive. Arrangements, wreaths, roping, swags & more. 248-622-7956.

7th Annual Holiday Open House Sat, Dec 3, Detroit. At Black Cat Pottery. www.blackcatpottery.com.

H Indoor/Outdoor Greens Workshop Sat, Dec 3, Troy & Pontiac. At Telly’s. Indoor Greens, 10am, $10-$40/container; Outdoor Greens, 1pm, $25-60. Register: 248-689-8735. continued on page 18

248-594-5563 publisher@MichiganGardener.com

Central Florida Garden Tour February 24 - March 11, 2017 Includes Disneyworld’s Int’l Flower/Garden Festival plus many other gardens

Macomb Bloomin’ Sunflowers Travel Group

For more information call or e-mail: 586-795-4601 rcencek@comcast.net

Let Blossoms deliver your holiday gifts!

EXCEPTIONAL SELECTION • HANDMADE ARRANGEMENTS BOUTIQUE WEDDING & EVENT FLOWERS

33866 Woodward at Adams, Birmingham

ALL ORDERS ORDERS: 248.644.4411 Order online online: blossomsbirmingham.com NOW OPEN IN MIDTOWN DETROIT 4152 Third Street @ Willis Detroit, MI 48201

Visit our art space inside Blossoms Midtown!

BLOSSOMING ARTISTS Featuring local artists

18

Classified Ads NEED A HAND? Call “The little gardener that could.” 15 yrs experience at Botanical Gardens. FREE Estimates. Pat: 586-214-9852, agardenspace.com.

POISON IVY & BUCKTHORN – We get rid of it! That’s all we do. Call us—we are experts at identifying and removing poison ivy and buckthorn from your property, from single homes to large parks. Licensed & Insured.

Poison Ivy Control of Michigan. Call TollFree 844-IVY-GONE (489-4663). www. poisonivycontrolofmichigan.com.

HARDY PLANT SOCIETY GREAT LAKES CHAPTER - Events are at Congregational Church of Birmingham (1000 Cranbrook Rd., Bloomfield Hills). Guest fee: $5. For more info: julia@juliasbiglife.com or visit us on Facebook.

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.

GARDEN SPEAKER AVAILABLE for your club or group. Well-traveled garden writer does garden presentations & travelogues. This active collector gardener can speak on many subjects. Experienced to present at Garden Ctr open houses & conferences. For presentation list, biography, fee & references, contact Julia Hofley at Julia@juliasbiglife.com. 248-4972674. Find me on Facebook.

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. Go to www.MichiganGardener. com and simply enter your e-mail address.

ADVERTISING SALES REP – Michigan Gardener has a part-time opportunity available.

Advertising sales experience is preferred.

Please forward your resume to: publisher@MichiganGardener.com.

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.”

Michigan Gardener | November/December 2016 | MichiganGardener.com

continued from page 17 H Artisans Market Sun, Dec 4, 10am-4pm, Ann Arbor. At Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Art & handcrafted items from local artists. 734-647-7600.

H Evening of Lights Sun, Dec 4, 5-8pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. Over 2000 candle-lit luminaries on display. hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu, 517-4312060.

H Holiday Porch Pot Mon, Dec 5, 3-5pm, East Lansing. By MSU Horticulture Gardens at Plant & Soil Sciences Building. $40. Create an inviting entrance to your home. www.hrt.msu.edu/our_gardens/curious_ gardener.

Ypsilanti Farmers Market Tue, Dec 6, through Dec 20, 3-7pm, Ypsilanti. By Growing Hope at Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace. volunteer@growinghope.net.

H Porch Pot Workshop Tue, Dec 6, 6pm, Plymouth. At Plymouth Nursery. www.plymouthnursery.net. Register: 734-453-5500.

H Make It & Take It Workshop: Table-top Mini Garden Thu, Dec 8, 7pm, all locations. At English Gardens. $24.99. Plant a collection of miniature houseplants in a decorative container. Register: www.englishgardens.com/events.

H Holiday Greens Market Sat, Dec 10, 10am-Noon, Ann Arbor. At Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Make a traditional wreath, mantelpiece design, or table decoration. $20.

Register: tricialin@hotmail.com.

H Evening of Lights Sat, Dec 10, & Sun, Dec 11, 5-8pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. Over 2000 candle-lit luminaries on display. hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu, 517-431-2060.

Ann Arbor Garden Club Greens Workshop Sat, Dec 10, 10am, Ann Arbor. By AA Garden Club at Matthaei Botanical Gardens Greenhouse #3.

734-761-8281.

H Porch Pot Workshops Tue, Dec 13, 6pm, Plymouth. At Plymouth Nursery. www.plymouthnursery.net. Register: 734-453-5500.

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MichiganGardener.com | November/December 2016 | Michigan Gardener

H Make It & Take It Workshop: Floral Centerpiece Thu, Dec 15, 7pm, select stores. At English Gardens. $39.99. We’ll supply everything including advice to help you make this long-lasting centerpiece. Register: www.englishgardens.com.

H Night at the North Pole Fri, Dec 16, 7pm, Plymouth. At Plymouth Nursery. $5. www.plymouthnursery.net. 734-453-5500.

H Men’s Day Sat, Dec 17, 9am-6pm, Grand Blanc. At The Weed Lady. Last minute shopping assistance & comp. gift wrapping. www.TheWeedLady.com.

January H Free Seminar: Live Healthier with Houseplants Sat, Jan 7, 1pm, all locations. At English Gardens.

FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

Benefits of Essential Oils Wed, Jan 11, 6:30-7:30, Mt. Clemens. By MCMGA at Mt Clemens Library. $5. What you need to know about essential oils: what they are, how do you use them, and are they safe?

Ferndale Garden Club: Member Show & Tell Thu, Jan 12, 7pm, Ferndale. By Ferndale Garden Club at Kulick Community Ctr. Guests welcome.

248-541-6427.

H Free Seminar: A Guide to Succulents Sat, Jan 14, 1pm, all locations. At English Gardens. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Free Seminar: Cooking with Herbs Sat, Jan 21, 1pm, all locations. At English Gardens. www.EnglishGardens.com.

Weeds: To Know Them Is to Beat Them Fri, Jan 27, 9:15am, Rochester. By Meadow Brook Garden Club at Meadow Brook Hall. $5. Learn about the most common/worst weeds & how to get them out of the garden. 248‑364‑6210.

H Free Seminar: Arranging Fresh Flowers Sat, Jan 28, 1pm, Clinton Twp., Dearborn Heights, Royal Oak & West Bloomfield. At English Gardens. www.EnglishGardens.com.

8th Annual Winter Symposium: It’s All About...Seasons Sat, Jan 28, 8am-4pm, East Lansing. By Capital Area Master Gardeners at MSU Plant & Soil Science Building. All-day educational program for gardeners. Register: mga.cac@gmail.com.

February H Free Seminar: Attracting Birds to Your Yard Sat, Feb 4, 1pm, all locations. At English Gardens.

FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

Ferndale Garden Club: Myths & Legends from the Garden Thu, Feb 9, 7pm, Ferndale. By Ferndale Garden Club at Kulick Community Ctr. Guests are welcome.

248-541-6427.

H Free Seminar: Orchids 101 & Repotting Demo Sat, Feb 11, 11am & 1pm; Sun, Feb 12, 1pm, all locations. At English Gardens. FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Free Seminar: Orchids 201 & Repotting Demo Sat, Feb 18, 3pm, all locations. At English Gardens.

FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Free Seminar: Creating Miniature Gardens Sat, Feb 18, 1pm, all locations. At English Gardens.

FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

19

H Central Florida Garden Tour Fri, Feb 24, Through Mar 11, Florida. Macomb Bloomin’ Sunflowers Travel Group. Central Florida Garden Tour including Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. 586-795-4601, rcencek@ comcast.net.

Clever Gardener​ Fri, Feb 24, 9:15am, Rochester. By Meadow Brook Garden Club at Meadow Brook Hall. $5. Learn how standard maintenance techniques affect color & how it can be improved. 248‑364‑6210.

H Free Seminar: Landscaping DIY Sat, Feb 25, 1pm, all locations. At English Gardens.

FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

March H Free Seminar: New Perennials for 2017 Sat, Mar 4, 1pm, all locations. At English Gardens.

FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Ferndale Garden Club: Houseplants Thu, Mar 9, 7pm, Ferndale. By Ferndale Garden Club at Kulick Community Ctr. Presentation on houseplants. Guests are welcome. 248-541-6427.

H Free Seminar: Planting Seeds Indoors Sat, Mar 11, 1pm, all locations. At English Gardens.

FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Free Seminar: Get a Green, Healthy Lawn Sat, Mar 18, 1pm, all locations. At English Gardens.

FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Free Seminar: Create a Garden to Attract Pollinators Sat, Mar 25, 1pm, all locations. At English Gardens.

FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

Michigan Orchid Society 63rd Annual Orchid Show Sat, Mar 25, 11am-5pm & Sun, Mar 26, 11am-4pm, Madison Hts. By Michigan Orchid Society at United Food Workers Building. FREE. 100’s on display & 1000’s for sale. 248-528-1453.

Flowering Vines to Love (and Avoid) Thu, Mar 30, 6:30-7:30. Mt Clemens. By MCMGA at Mt Clemens Library. $10. Cheryl English will tell us about a generally overlooked group of plants: flowering vines.

April H Garden Party Weekend Sat, Apr 1, & Sun, Apr 2, all locations. At English Gardens. 2 days packed with informative gardening & decorating seminars. Details & complete schedule in mid-Feb: www.EnglishGardens.com.

Orchid Basics Tue, Apr 11, 6:30-7:30, Mt. Clemens. By MCMGA at Mt Clemens Library. $5. What it takes to grow & flower orchids: temperatures, humidity/air flow, feeding, & more.

Growing Vegetables Thu, Apr 13, 7pm, Ferndale. By Ferndale Garden Club at Kulick Community Center. Presentation on growing vegetables by Bernie La Frambois. Guests welcome. 248-541-6427.

H 2017 Educational Gardening Conference: Instruments for Great Design Sat, Apr 22, Waterford. By Master Gardener Society of Oakland Cty. 5 hours of MG Education credits. Presentations, market, garden art, live jazz & more. $80. www.mgsoc.org.

Uncle Luke’s Fresh cut Christmas Trees Wreaths • Roping • Grave Blankets

We hand-pick our Christmas Trees so you get the BEST of the BEST: Fraser Fir • Concolor Fir • Douglas Fir • Spruce • Scotch Pine

• Wildlife & Bird Feeds • Winter plant protection supplies

Huge selection of wild bird seed & feeding equipment

Wilt Pruf, burlap, & more

• Pet & animal food Taste of the Wild • Natural Balance • Iams Fromm • Canidae • Solid Gold • Wysong Lotus • California Natural • Wellness Eukanuba • Chicken Soup • NutriSource

BEST SELECTION of ORGANIC fertilizers and soil amendments in Southeastern Michigan Featuring

organic fertilizers & soil amendments

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 in Flushing: Flushing Lawn & Garden • 810-659-6241

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The order form is available at MichiganGardener.com or please contact us for an order form: publisher@MichiganGardener.com • 248-594-5563

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Michigan Gardener | November/December 2016 | MichiganGardener.com

Look for at these fine locations: Precipitation September 2016

NORMAL Monthly 3.27 3.75 3.50

NORMAL Yr. to Date 25.70 24.31 24.59

Detroit Flint Lansing

ACTUAL Monthly 6.28 4.41 3.35

September 2015

DEVIATION from Normal +3.01 +0.66 -0.15

2016 Year to Date: Jan 1 - Sep 30

Detroit Flint Lansing

ACTUAL Yr. to Date 27.50 23.96 26.83

DEVIATION from Normal +1.80 -0.35 +2.24

NORMAL

ACTUAL Monthly 1.29 3.51 1.34

Monthly 3.27 3.75 3.50

DEVIATION from Normal -1.98 -0.24 -2.16

2015 Year to Date: Jan 1 - Sep 30

NORMAL

Yr. to Date 25.7 24.31 24.59

ACTUAL Yr. to Date 23.27 22.88 27.67

DEVIATION from Normal -2.43 -1.43 +3.08

Temperature September 2016

September 2015

Detroit Flint Lansing

NORMAL Avg. High 73.7 71.9 72.0

ACTUAL Avg. High 76.9 75.2 75.8

DEVIATION from Normal +3.2 +3.3 +3.8

ORMAL N Avg. High 73.7 71.9 72.0

ACTUAL Avg. High 79.2 79.5 76.8

DEVIATION from Normal +5.5 +7.6 +4.8

Detroit Flint Lansing

NORMAL Avg. Low 54.1 49.4 48.9

ACTUAL Avg. Low 59.4 54.4 56.2

DEVIATION from Normal +5.3 +5.0 +7.3

ORMAL N Avg. Low 54.1 49.4 48.9

ACTUAL Avg. Low 59.4 56.4 56.2

DEVIATION from Normal +5.3 +7.0 +7.3

Data courtesy National Weather Service

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Send us Your Photos!

through the lens Photographs from the gardens of Michigan gardeners

“Black-eyed Susans seeded on the north side of the farm to attract butterflies.” —Johanna Lentz

“My dog Roy posing in front of a patch of native Michigan switchgrass covered in frost early this year.” —Susan Ruvido

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1. E-mail us 1 or 2 of your best garden photos.

Be sure to e-mail the full-resolution file.

2. Please include your full name and a caption describing the scene and the plants.

We are looking for photos of your garden, both wide-angle and plant close-ups. If your photo is published, we’ll give you a free one-year subscription to Michigan Gardener. E-mail your photos to: photos@MichiganGardener.com.

“A honeybee visits our bed of poppies.” —Emily Schildhouse

“We are on a lake and only have one small shade bed—this year the astilbes were outstanding.” —Judith Parsons

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Michigan Gardener | November/December 2016 | MichiganGardener.com

French herbs Use these classic herbs in the kitchen and the home

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here is an old saying in herbal societies: “The English grow them, and the French cook with them.” The French kitchens employ lots and lots of herbs; sometimes in mixtures, like bouquet garni or herbs de Provence, and sometimes as an addition to a meal as a vegetable, like fennel bulbs.

Some of the herbs favored by the French are clearly labeled as such, like French lavender, French tarragon, French thyme, and others. Some are identified by the region of France where they originated, like the mix called herbs de Provence. They grew in the local countryside, and were collected fresh when they were needed for dinner that night.

Nowadays, herbs from more distant locations can be purchased easily, so many of the basic recipes include a wider selection of herbs, depending on the cook’s preferences. The herbs are also used in many fragrance and medicinal recipes.

Growing French herbs Most of the French herbs grow in the climate that we have in Michigan. Some of them are happy to have our cooler temperatures, and others will have to be planted every year or carried over the cold winter months on French thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a traditional ingredient in both bouquet garni and herbs de Provence. a sunny windowsill. The culinary herbs include, but are not limited to, thyme, bay leaf, mixtures are bouquet garni and herbs de rosemary, marjoram, savory, tarragon, sage, Provence. The bouquet garni, French for lavender, and parsley. Marjoram, summer “garnished bouquet,” traditionally includes savory, and parsley are treated as annuals in flat leaf parsley, French or lemon thyme, and our state. French thyme, bay, rosemary and bay leaf. The herbs that are included in the French lavender are tender perennials and various versions can be rosemary, celery or are usually wintered over indoors. Tarragon, lovage leaves, lemon verlemon thyme, and sage are bena, burnet, chervil, sahardy perennials, returnvory, leeks or shallots, peping in our northern gardens percorns, and tarragon. In even after brutally cold winother words, the cook has ters, with temperatures well the last word with his or her below zero. favorite flavors! This mix These herbs enjoy similar is used in making chicken, growing conditions. They beef, wild game, soups, and like sunny, sandy, and wellstews. The herbs are either drained locations, and seem Jean & Roxanne left on their branches and to need the warm sunlight Riggs tied with string or placed in to fully develop their flavors a muslin bag or tea strainer, and fragrances—such as and removed before serving. those found in the middle and southern reOne of our favorite winter dinners is roast gions of France. beef in the slow cooker. It smells good cookBouquet garni mix and recipe ing all day, and is ready for you when you Bouquet garni herbs, from left to right: salad burnet, rosemary, savory, tarragon, and lovage.

Among the best-known French herbal walk in the door after work. The ingredients:

MichiganGardener.com | November/December 2016 | Michigan Gardener

A bouquet garni, tied up and ready for seasoning.

Herbs de Provence, from left to right: savory, oregano, rosemary, French thyme, lavender, bay leaves, and lovage.

Sugar cookies topped with lavender flowers.

Homemade French potpourri has a delightful fragrance.

• 3- or 4-pound roast beef (chuck or English cuts are good) • 1 large onion • Flour for dredging the roast • Bouquet garni • Wine • Carrots, potatoes, etc.

Turn the crock pot to high for the first hour.

Slice the onion, and put 2 or 3 slices on the bottom. Dredge the roast in flour. Put the roast on top of the onion slices. Top with the rest of the onion slices. Season with your favorite bouquet garni. Add about one cup of wine. Add carrots.

Turn the cooker to its lower setting. About 2 hours before dinner, add potatoes, mushrooms, cabbage wedges, or whatever vegetables you like. To serve, put the roast on a serving plate P H OTO G R A P H S BY J E A N A N D R OX A N N E R I G G S

and slice it, place the vegetables around it, and top with the pot juices, which are now the gravy.

Herbs de Provence mix and recipes Herbs de Provence is another wonderful mixture of French herbs. Every roasted or meat dish I cook gets seasoned with it. I include thyme, marjoram, summer savory, lavender flowers or leaves, and sometimes lovage leaves, in equal amounts. I add onions, bay leaves, sage, salt, pepper, and rosemary separately, if they are needed. It is also good in beef or poultry-based chili, soups, and stews.

This sauce is one of our favorite recipes: In a large, heavy skillet melt 2 or 3 tablespoons of butter, add 6 or 7 sliced shallots with salt and pepper to your taste, and cook for about 5 minutes. Then add 2 tablespoons sugar and cook 3 or 4 minutes more. Add 1/4 cup wine, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 cup blue-

berries, 1/2 cup apple slices, 1/2 cup peach or apricot slices, and 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes. Cook another 3 or 4 minutes and pour over sliced pork tenderloin, chicken breast, turkey breast, or sliced ham. Delicious!

Everyone seems to associate lavender with France, so we have included a recipe for lavender cookies. We kept it simple, and bought a roll of pre-made sugar cookies that we topped with lavender-sugar, which we pressed gently into the cookies before baking.

We chopped about 2 tablespoons of lavender flowers into a fine crumb that we mixed with about 1/2 cup of sugar, and blended with enough lemon zest to make a tasty treat.

A favorite French potpourri calls for 1 cup of lavender flowers, 1 cup of rose petals or buds (such as ‘Blanc Double de Coubert,’ ‘Reine des Violettes,’ or any damask rose), 1/4 cup French thyme, 1/4 cup rosemary leaves, 1

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cup broken bay leaves, and 1/4 cup orris root chips or powder. Add about 15 drops each of lavender oil and rose oil to the orris root before adding it to the potpourri mixture. Allow to mellow for a week or two.

A lovely recipe for a sleep pillow calls for equal amounts of rosemary, hop flowers, sweet cicely leaves, and lavender flowers.

Place in an organza bag so that the fragrance can escape. According to the old herbalists, this should cure bad dreams and sleeplessness. It also keeps a guest bed smelling fresh.

French herbs are so valuable in the kitchen and more. We have found them to be a pleasure in our lives—adding flavor, fragrance, and beauty to our garden and our home.

Jean and Roxanne Riggs operated Sunshine Farm and Garden in Oakland County, MI and now enjoy retirement up north.

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Michigan Gardener | November/December 2016 | MichiganGardener.com

Gwen Rodriguez stands in her lush garden. continued from back cover and placed each stone by hand around her hosta beds. Because they are mounded beds, she used the stones to create small walls to hold the soil around the roots of the hostas.

They also have other stones and boulders placed throughout the garden. Gwen likes the idea of recycling and reusing things. She feels she is giving the stones a second life in her garden after their farm life.

The most sun falls on the patio, so the family has their veggies growing there. Tomatoes and cucumbers are growing in large pots.

Tomatoes cannot grow under black walnut trees, so growing them in a container is a must.

Though there is a lot of shade in this yard, it is dappled shade, and that has made it possible to grow blooming plants. Gwen has found the sunniest spots to grow her hydrangeas, lilac, and other flowering plants that need more sun. In the lowest corner of the lot, you will find a dry stream bed that allows water to drain from the higher areas of the yard without eroding her planting beds, as it did in the past.

When they decided to add some planting beds in the front, they wanted to mark out the beds before they started cutting the sod. How did they do that, you ask? Well, I know many people use a garden hose to lay out the shape of the bed but silly string worked for them!

That was Cha Chi’s idea and it worked well. text continued on page 27

While beautiful, this black walnut tree casts a lot of shade and, more importantly, adds the toxin juglone to the soil, which inhibits the growth of many plants underneath it.

MichiganGardener.com | November/December 2016 | Michigan Gardener

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Juglone toxicity If you find yourself in a garden with a black walnut (Juglans nigra), be aware of the plants you cannot grow under the canopy. This zone extends 50 to 60 feet out from the trunk of a mature tree and contains the chemical juglone. Plants that are sensitive to this chemical may wilt, have yellow leaves, have stunted and slow growth, and eventually may die. There is no cure, so knowing in advance the plants you shouldn’t plant is helpful.

Sensitive annuals and vegetable plants: Petunia, tomato, potato, pepper, cabbage, and eggplant.

Sensitive perennials: Baptisia, columbine, lily, and peony.

Sensitive shrubs: Blueberry, cotoneaster, hydrangea, rhododendron, azalea, and yew.

One possible solution is to build raised beds, which are helpful, but not foolproof. Keep leaves, twigs, branches, and nuts out of beds. Never use any of the branches or debris in compost or mulch.

This garden bed in the side yard contains bee balm (Monarda), impatiens, and coral bells (Heuchera). The rhododendron is in a container because it can’t live in the soil under the black walnut tree.

The shady back corner is filled with ferns, hostas, and other shade plants. Planters add height to the area, while large stones add interest.

continued on next page

The two hosta beds on either side of Gwen’s daughter Cha Chi are her own creations, including the boulder edges.

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Michigan Gardener | November/December 2016 | MichiganGardener.com

continued from previous page

Another of Cha Chi’s miniature gardens. She named this one her BoHo or Bohemian garden.

This miniature garden, designed and constructed by Cha Chi, is called whimsical wonderland.

This containerized hosta adds height and interest to the garden bed. Over the winter, these containers are kept behind the garage buried in mulch.Â

This path draws visitors from the back garden to the front yard.

MichiganGardener.com | November/December 2016 | Michigan Gardener

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text continued from page 24 Gwen uses birch logs in her planters as a decorative accent, not adding any foliage or flowers. Once again, she likes to use natural elements that she can give new life to. During the holidays, she adds greens around the bottom of the containers.

Cha Chi’s other project is her miniature gardens. She has created three and has even named them: the BoHo garden, whimsical wonderland, and Florida, which has beach glass and reminds her of their trip there. It is great how involved and enthusiastic she is about gardening. To see children this involved in gardening at such a young age is unusual nowadays. It is both refreshing and reassuring to see that the future of gardening is alive and well!

Lush plantings keep weed growth to a minimum.

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).

In keeping with Gwen’s desire to recycle, these planters are really three urns that have been taken apart, stacked, and painted with spray paint made for plastic. How inventive!

Even the unusable area between the garage and the fence is being utilized as a moss garden. The lesson here: Work with what you have!

The patio has the most sun, which allows the veggies to grow and produce fruit. It is necessary for tomatoes to be in containers whenever in the vicinity of a black walnut tree.

| November/December 2016 | MichiganGardener.com

Overcoming gardening obstacles Challenged with a beautiful black walnut tree in her yard, Gwen Rodriguez persevered and created a beautiful garden

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he mother-daughter bond is unquestionably a strong one, but it is made stronger for Gwen Rodriguez and her daughter Cha Chi by their shared love of gardening. Their garden is a testament to their hard work and companionship. Cha Chi, now 11, has been gardening with her mom since she was three years old. Back then, Gwen wanted to work in the garden, but had a small toddler and no one to watch her. So, she took Cha Chi into the garden with her and she helped plant a flat of impatiens.

Fast forward eight years and that toddler is now a plant-loving preteen.

The garden has had its challenges though. A Lisa tree towering over the Steinkopf garden is a black walnut (Juglans nigra). When she and her husband bought the house, little did Gwen know the added work the tree would bring to her gardening experience.

When the couple first moved there 13 years ago, they removed more than 60 bags of debris and had five trees removed. Gwen then started planting. After losing countless lilies and quite a few rhododendrons and azaleas, Gwen researched the tree and found out about the juglone toxicity problem (see the “Juglone toxicity� sidebar). Gwen has since learned which plants live under the canopy of her tree and which ones do not. She now grows rhododendrons in large containers to save them from the toxicity of the walnut roots. They are up-potted every two years and are stored behind the garage in the winP H OTO G R A P H S BY L I S A S T E I N KO P F

The Rodriguez backyard garden is all dappled shade due to their huge black walnut tree. Finding spots of sunshine is necessary to successfully grow flowering perennials and shrubs. ter where she surrounds and covers the pot with a thick layer of mulch. She then moves them into the planting beds in the spring for added interest.

To add to the already seemingly insurmountable problem of the toxic tree roots, the yard is composed of clay soil. Gwen con-

tinually adds compost and organic matter to amend the soil. When they cut down trees, they leave the stumps and let them decay naturally, adding nutrients to the soil.

Behind the garage, Cha Chi has started her own hosta garden. She and her parents moved five yards of soil to the area to make

two raised beds for her hosta collection, now at 75 and counting. Her goal is to have 100 varieties. That is quite an accomplishment for an 11-year-old. They gathered fieldstones from a farm in Saline and Cha Chi washed continued on page 24