Michigan Gardener - May 2017 by Michigan Gardener

May 2017

MichiganGardener.com

Your guide to Great Lakes gardening

Perennials

Hardy Geranium New Plants

New annuals for 2017

How-To

Build a backyard bog garden

Feature

The art of aesthetic pruning

Thyme for Herbs Build a living wreath

Design

Landscape design for perennial gardeners

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Michigan Gardener | May 2017 | MichiganGardener.com

Garden Wisdom Plants matter because they tell stories, reminding us of the journey and the experience of acquiring and assembling them into a space—a garden, that brings us joy.

Ask MG............................................................6 To-Do List........................................................8

— Kelly Norris, Plants with Style

Vegetable Patch..........................................10 Organic soil care ........................................12

Where to pick up Michigan Gardener....45 Places to Grow...........................................46 Thyme for Herbs.......................................48 Through the Lens........................................51 Garden Profile: The giving trees...........52 Feature: The art of aesthetic pruning....................................... 58 Design: Landscape design for perennial gardeners ��Back Cover

Books for the Michigan Gardener....... 14 Advertiser Index..........................................17 New Annuals for 2017............................. 18 Getting to Know: Building a treehouse................................. 28 Perennial Perspectives: Hardy geraniums.......................................... 30

Annual: Calibrachoa ‘Starshine Pink’. Vibrant bicolored flowers on this self-cleaning, petunia relative. Ideal for containers. 8-10" tall. 12-14" wide. Full or part sun.

Annual: Portulaca 'Colorblast Watermelon Punch'. Electric rose and gold-striped flowers. Tolerant of sun/heat. Great in beds or pots. 2-3" tall, 10-14" wide.

Calendar........................................................ 38 Weather Wrap............................................ 41

On the cover: Hardy geraniums and roses form a classic pairing. Turn to page 30 to learn about hardy geraniums.

How-to: Build & plant a backyard bog garden............................... 42 Classified Ads.............................................44 Subscription Form.....................................44

Annual: Petunia 'Amore Queen of Hearts'. Eye-catching, two-toned flowers perfect for beds or pots. 8-10" tall, 10-12" wide.

Perennial: Strawberry 'Hula Berry'. Delicious, small, white strawberries with hint of pineapple flavor. Heaviest yield in June.

Photo: Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener

To Our Readers... How time flies—we have entered our third decade of publishing Michigan Gardener. This year, just like the year we started this magazine, it is crucial for you, our loyal readers, to thank the advertisers for making Michigan Gardener possible. Just a brief mention to the manager or owner of your local garden center goes a long way: “Thank you—we like seeing and reading your Michigan Gardener ad.” That small gesture will help us continue publishing this great resource for all of us Michigan gardeners!

Perennial: Amsonia 'Storm Cloud'. Spring foliage is a deep purple/black then turns green & forms a spherical mound graced by sky blue flowers. 24-30" tall, 28-32" wide.

Perennial: Coreopsis 'Sunkiss'. Bright yellow flowers with a maroon center. Blooms for months. 12-14" tall, 14-16" wide. Full sun.

Perennial: Itoh Peonies 'Belle Toulousaine', ‘Caroline Constable’, ‘Duchess de Lorraine’ & ‘Strawberry Crème Brulee’. Huge spring flowers. Full sun to part shade.

Perennial: Salvia 'Summer Jewel Lavender’. Dusty lavender flowers on 20" tall plants. Loved by hummingbirds & butterflies.

Best wishes for a great gardening season!

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.

Editorial Assistant Anna Doman

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

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 © 2017 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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Have a question? Send it in! Go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Submit a question”

Prepping the soil for laying sod I recently built a house and the construction mixed up the topsoil and clay subsoil. After the construction was complete, I brought back in the clay/soil mix. Can I lay sod on this? How finely tilled does the mix need to be to lay sod on it? M., Stevensville The clay and soil mix is a good foundation. But if you want the sod to survive, you need to prepare the soil as if you were going to seed it. Sod you buy has been vigorously and chemically fed and treated, evidenced by its shallow root system and rather matted root form. You need to enrich the soil bed to help it succeed in its new home. You want the sod roots to establish quickly by drawing them down into the existing soil. Apply 2 to 3 inches of compost and topsoil mix over the clay base, scuffing and raking it into the clay surface. Tilling it in is overkill and only displaces what the pampered sod needs to root quickly. Once that is done, make sure the soil is firm to step on but the surface is scratched up. Sprinkle with granular 10-1010 starter fertilizer. Lay the sod out in a staggered pattern, as if you were laying bricks. Do not stretch it as you lay it down because it will shrink a little when it dries out and you’ll get gaps between the seams. After the sod is laid, use a half full roller to ensure good root contact with the soil. Water it thoroughly and keep it moist but not saturated. Areas close to sidewalks and driveways dry out quickly and may need special attention. Mow a new sod lawn at 3 inches or higher. Any shorter will likely kill it in one season.

Daylily bloom times Are there early- and late-blooming daylilies? If I plant different types, how long can I extend the bloom season in southeastern Michigan? S.K., Ann Arbor You can combine different types of daylilies

to have bloom from mid-May to the end of September in zone 5. Plan the areas of your daylily display to provide the longest sun exposure and the best spacing for the various heights the daylilies come in. As the tubers grow, make sure your space can accommodate expansion and that you leave maintenance paths to address dividing and cleaning up the plants. “Early” bloomers are considered mid-May to mid-July. “Mid-season” bloomers start early July and go to the end of August. “Late” bloomers run early August through the end of September. You can see there is an overlap of dates. Most packaged daylily tubers reflect one of these categories. Weather is also an issue, as well as placement in your overall landscape. Full sun and good drainage are important factors when siting the daylilies. You don’t want them leaning for the sun or rotting from poor drainage. Predominant colors for daylilies are orange and yellow, along with pink and white. These combine nicely in the landscape and can be found in all three time categories.

Tomato plant fungus For the last few years my tomatoes have had a fungus that turns the leaves yellow and kills the plant. I get some tomatoes, but not many, and they are sunburned since there are few leaves to shade them. I have eight acres and have tried various places but the result is always the same. Any hints on how I can grow tomatoes again? D.W., Clarkston If you think it is a fungus, then it likely is early blight, a fungus that survives the winter on old vines and then transmits to your new plants. You will know it’s early blight when you see blackish-brown spots on the leaves, leaves drop off, or you see “sunburned” fruit. The best solution is to clean up old vines when the season ends and dispose of them in

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the trash—do not add to compost pile. Otherwise, you simply keep reintroducing the fungal spores into the soil. Rotate your planting areas and space the plants to allow for good air circulation and room to spread. Tomatoes need full sun and warm soil to produce fruit. Determine your bed location and make sure it is free of old tomato debris. Use new compost to amend the area. Provide drip or soaker hose irrigation to prevent overhead watering and water regularly. Tomatoes need consistent water when first transplanted into the garden as young seedlings, and especially when the temperatures are high and they are producing fruit. They should receive fertilizer when planted, a 5-10-10 formula. You can wait to fertilize again until they start producing fruit. A light dose every two weeks during fruit production will suffice until the first hard frost kills the plant.

Plants for driveway edge I just installed a cement strip along my driveway to eliminate mud. In this full sun area, I would like to plant a low-growing shrub or perennial that does not spread. Blooms would be a bonus. Suggestions? M.B., Royal Oak Provided there is some minimal water for this harsh environment, ‘Hidcote’ English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) does well in Michigan’s zone 5, and stays in the 2- to 3-foot range. They love full sun and good drainage. Lavender is a woody perennial from the Mediterranean area that blooms in July and August. The blooms can be harvested and used in cooking and fragrances. The small shrub can also be pruned and trained early in its life to stay compact and nearly hedge-like. Mix a dwarf butterfly bush from the Lo & Behold series with the lavender if you want a more varied look. Lo & Behold comes in purple, lilac, and white. Its twiggy crown is less dense than the lavender and would stand up to snow loads better. A third candidate might be the perennial ornamental grass blue fescue (Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’). It needs full sun and good drainage. It grows slowly and stays about 12 inches tall. The caution for any plant located in these conditions is potential snow load in the winter along the driveway. The weight of wet snow can break the woody crown of the lavender and destroy the plant. Any small shrub planted along a driveway could run that same risk in winter. If snow removal is not monitored, snow throwers and snow plow services can severely damage the crowns, if not remove the plant entirely. Staking a fabric barrier in late fall to protect the planted strip

would help identify the planted edge to snow removal services and give some protection from snow.

Grub control in the lawn I have white grubs in my lawn. Should I tear out the sod around the patches? I put grub control down late last year, but it did not work. How and when do I fix the problem? E.P., Fraser Verify the problem really is grubs in your lawn and that the dead patches are not caused by drought stress or lack of fertilizer. Dig up a few dinner plate-size patches around the bare spots to a depth of two inches and look for the 3/4-inch long, C-shaped white grub. European chafers are more common in lawns without irrigation systems. Japanese beetle grubs prefer irrigated, highly maintained lawns. Either way, they both feed on the roots of turf grass. Not all insecticides are created equal. According to the Michigan State University Entomology Department, there are preventative and curative insecticides, the differences being in the ingredients. Preventative insecticides will prevent grub damage in the upcoming fall and following spring seasons. They work very well on newly hatched grubs that appear in July, but do not work for large grubs found September through May. The product directions may say “apply from May to August.” However, they should ideally be applied and irrigated into the soil in June or July. If applied too early, the pesticide moves through the soil or degrades by the time the grubs hatch in July. Applied too late, and the preventative misses the small grubs on which it works the best. The two chemicals in the curative insecticides are carbaryl and trichlorfon. They are short-lived compounds that kill all life stages of grubs. These should be used only if high numbers of grubs are found in the fall and in spring before early May. MSU research shows that carbaryl has been a little more effective on the chafers than the trichlorfon. Both work on Japanese beetles. Do not apply any curative compounds in spring after May 15, since grubs stop feeding in late May while preparing to pupate into beetles. If there are flowering weeds present, lawns should be mowed immediately before applying these products in order to protect bees and pollinators. For an extensive list of preventative and curative products that work, when they work, and how to apply them, go to www. msue.msu.edu and search for grub control. Answers provided by Beverly Moss, owner of Garden Rhythms.

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to-do list Annuals • Annuals can be planted in beds or containers for color all summer long. Plant containers before beds. Containers can be moved or easily covered with a frost-resistant cloth if frost occurs. Plant flower beds later in the month when the soil is warmer and there’s less chance of frost. • Prepare beds early in the month. Remove any perennial weeds and mix in organic rich soil amendments. Good compost is excellent for soil, and can break up clay soil as it’s tilled in. It also helps with water retention in sandy soils. Be sure to mix it in well about 4 inches down, not just layer it on top. • Experiment with at least one new variety of annuals this spring. There are so many to choose from in great new colors, it’s hard to go wrong with any of these new beauties as long as you give them the right amount of sun or shade.

Summer-Flowering Bulbs • Once the danger of frost has passed, plant tender summer bulbs, like dahlias and gladiolas, directly into the garden. Add some bone meal when you plant to enrich the soil.

Beneficial Insects • Not all bugs are harmful to plants. In fact, several insects are beneficial and can be used instead of pesticides to reduce destructive pests in the garden. Many garden centers sell beneficial insects for release in your garden. Ladybugs eat aphids, mealybugs, scale and leaf hoppers. Release them in the evening to encourage them to stay around. Nematodes help control a

Feature Task: Create a garden to attract pollinators

wide range of insects, including carpenter worms, some immature stages of fruit flies, weevil larvae and many others. They seek out and eat grub larva, as well. Praying mantis will eat beetles, grubs, caterpillars, aphids and grasshoppers.

Evergreens • Deadhead rhododendrons and azaleas when they’re finished blooming to ensure better flowering next year. On large-leaf rhododendrons, pinch back new growth so that only one to three leaves remain on the new shoot. This will encourage branching later in the season and increase the number of flowers for next spring.

Garden Decor • Add a water source from a fountain or birdbath to your garden and you’ll help attract birds, butterflies and other pollinators. Add a few small stones or birdbath filler balls to the birdbath so small pollinators can stand out of the water and drink.

Fruits • Dwarf varieties of blueberries are great as landscape plants. Incorporate them into the garden with other ornamental plants. To increase blueberry fruit production, plant them with lots of peat moss. Be prepared to drape plants with netting to keep birds away while fruit is ripening. • Pruning fruit trees for proper tree shape and best fruit production is important. New trees should be pruned to give them the best shape for future harvesting. This is one case where a little pruning on a young tree yields big results later.

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Birds and insects pollinate more than 85 percent of the world’s flowering plants and are essential to our environmental ecosystems and food supply. Create a sanctuary for bees, butterflies and other pollinators with these tips: Plant a diverse selection of pollinatorfriendly plants and flowers. They’ll provide pollen and nectar sources throughout the growing season. Rethink your mowed lawn. Natural spaces support a greater diversity of bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Provide uncultivated spaces with open mud and fresh water, which native mason bees need to build their nests. Use beneficial insects to deal with pests. Use insecticides selectively to treat insect pest problems and always follow manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid applying any pesticides to plants in • Many disease problems with fruit can be prevented, but only rarely can the problems be fixed after the trees are infected. Proper timing of the sprays is very important. DO NOT spray when the trees are in bloom— that might kill the pollinators. Resume spraying after all the petals have dropped.

Herbs • Plant annual and perennial herbs. Perennial herbs like oregano, thyme and mint can be planted anytime. Wait until the danger of frost has passed to plant tender annual herbs like basil, dill and parsley. Herbs can be mixed among ornamentals, added to the vegetable garden, or planted in containers. Harvest them regularly throughout the growing season, and use them to freshen up meals. They’ll keep growing.

Houseplants • Tropical houseplants love being outside once the temperatures remain above 55 degrees. Adjust plants to the bright sunlight outside gradually. If they are moved into direct sun right away, they’ll end up with large yellow patches on their leaves (sunburn) that never go away. Put plants outside in the shade first, and gradually move them into more and more sun. Plants such as peace lilies, Chinese evergreens and other low-light houseplants should be left in the shade all summer.

Perennials • When planting perennials, read the tags for spacing. Bare areas now can be filled with annuals to let perennials reach their full size in a few years. Don’t overfill the garden now with too many spring bloomers. Unlike annuals, perennial varieties change all year. If beds are full now, you may run out of room for seasonal bloomers later. A

flower and during the day when bees, butterflies and other pollinators are active. Call a local beekeeper to move a large beehive if it is built in a troublesome place on your property rather than using chemicals to kill the bees. Here are a few plants that will help attract pollinators to your garden: Annuals – Alyssum, cosmos, calendula, fuchsia, salvia, sunflower, verbena, zinnia. Fruit Trees – Nearly every variety. Herbs – Catmint (Nepeta), catnip, cilantro, dill, fennel, mints, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme. Perennials – Allium, bee balm, butterfly weed, milkweed (Asclepias), clematis vine, coneflower, foxglove (Digitalis), goldenrod (Soladago), lupine, stonecrop (Sedum). Shrubs – Butterfly bush (Buddleia), cotoneaster, privet (Ligustrum), rose, Scotch broom (Cytisus). good ratio is 25 percent spring blooms, 50 percent summer blooms, and 25 percent fall blooms to keep a fresh look all year.

Lawns • Consider the fertilizers available. Liquid fertilizers are applied with a hose-end sprayer. Liquids are great for a quick green, but don’t stay long. They also encourage a lot of green growth which means you’ll have to mow more frequently. • Remember to set your blades to 3 inches and never take off more than 1/3 of the blade height at a time.

Roses • Prune branches so that new growth is heading toward the outside of the plant. In order to get good air circulation, prune the inside of the plant so that it’s very bare.

Shubs & Trees • Fertilize trees at the end of the month to promote vigor. If you have mulch around your trees, now is the time to replenish it. No more than three inches of mulch around the trees. More than that can harm the tree. Remove any tree wrappings to prevent diseases. Prune any broken or damaged branches as soon as possible.

Tropicals • Decorate your porch or patio with flowering tropical plants like hibiscus, mandevilla, gardenia and jasmine. Hibiscus and mandevilla feature large, brilliant blooms all season. Gardenia and jasmine bloom all season, and provide a wonderful fragrance. All are great in containers. Provided by the professionals at English Gardens.

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“What vegetables can I grow in the cauliflower and peas. shade?” is becoming a frequently asked quesVegetables are sun lovers and it is best to tion by many home gardeners with a desire to give them what they need. For the homeowngrow their own produce at home, but are coner living in shaded light, a vegetable garden is tending with large shade trees in their yard. not impossible. Just stick to the cool weather Sometimes the trees are in the neighbor’s choices and you can have some delicious and yard, but the shade falls over their garden nutritious produce for your table. area. It would be a hard and expensive choice Mary Gerstenberger is the Consumer Horto take down a perfectly healthy tree in order ticulture Coordinator at the Michigan State to gain more sunshine, so the question beUniversity Extension in Macomb County, MI. comes, “What can I grow in the shade?” For vegetable and gardening information from Almost all vegetables do their best in full MSU, visit www.migarden.msu.edu. sun. However, cool season leaf and root crops can handle a more shadCall the toll-free Michigan State Unied situation. None can handle full, versity Lawn and Garden Hotline at deep shade, but a dappled shade or 888-678-3464 for answers to your partial shade situation will often algardening questions. low the gardener to grow a variety of the cool weather crops. The shadUpcoming Macomb County MSU ed conditions may actually allow Extension Events: them to grow for a more extended Tuesday, May 16, 1-2:30pm. period of time than a sunny spot, Mary Herbs in Containers. At the Max as the ground and air temperatures Gerstenberger Thompson Family Resource Center stay cooler longer into the growing in Warren. Don’t have much space for a garden? season. We’ll help you find the space. 586-469-6440. Green, leafy vegetables that will tolerSaturday, June 3, 9am-12noon. Annual ate shade or partial shade include: arugula, Spring Plant Exchange at the Macomb Councollard, endive, kale, leaf lettuces, mesclun ty MSU Extension Office in Clinton Twp (a salad mix), mustard greens, spinach, and (21885 Dunham Rd). Parking behind VerkuiSwiss chard. len Building. Bring healthy, labeled plants to Root vegetables that can handle some share & exchange. 586-469-6440. shade include: beets (and beet greens), carWednesday, June 14. Gardening for Small rots, garlic, onions, radishes and turnips. Spaces. 1-2:30pm: at the Max Thompson Most of these may be thinner leaved and may Family Resource Center in Warren, and 6:30not grow as large as those grown in full sun, 8pm at the Macomb County MSU Extension but can still produce a reasonable crop. Office in Clinton Twp (21885 Dunham Rd). A few other vegetables that may tolerate 586-469-6440. lower sun include broccoli, Brussels sprouts,

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www.MeierFlowerLand.com We are Greenhouse: 810-229-9430 worth Florist: 810-220-4848 the drive!

Our Specialty: NEW & CHOICE varieties Fresh shipments arrive throughout the season. Stop in to see the latest gems!

Time to SPRING into action! Landscape Design & Installation Our family has been designing and installing landscapes for over 80 years. Call us—we can bring your landscape to life! Vegetables • Fruit Trees • Annuals • Tropicals • Indoor Plants Perennials • Trees & Shrubs • Home Décor & Garden Ornaments Knowledgeable staff • Organic gardening supplies • Delivery service

Proudly serving Metropolitan Detroit since 1931

20815 Farmington Rd. (1 blk N of 8 Mile) Farmington Hills / 248-474-2925 May hours: Mon-Fri 8-8 Sat 8-6 Sun 10-5

Michigan Gardener | May 2017 | MichiganGardener.com

Organic Soil Care Use these tips to build great soil in your garden

he more we learn about soil, the more complex and wonderful it begins to seem. Healthy soil is fantastically alive with billions of microorganisms per square inch, including bacteria, fungi, and other tiny movers such as algae and slime molds. Of course, there also are worms, insects, and the occasional mammal or reptile. Taken together, these creatures are extremely important for building up a healthy soil and feeding plants. In an organic system, they break down raw organic material and make the nutrients available to plants. The plants in turn feed the microbes by secreting exudates—or “goo,” to use a technical term. This helps foster a biological environment that is advantageous to their health. As a rule of Brian Allnutt thumb, annual and vegetable plants prefer soil dominated by bacteria, whereas trees, woody plants, and other perennials prefer soils dominated by fungi.

What you can do to improve your soil There’s a lot that gardeners can do to support the soil ecosystem that their plants prefer. Although 90 percent or more of most soils consists of inorganic material, increasing the small percentage of organic matter is the gardener’s chief means to improve soil. Perhaps the best way to do this is by adding compost.

Compost adds micro and macronutrients to the soil, buffers the effects of a high or low pH, controls both flooding and lack of water, and inoculates the soil with billions of microbes to augment the soil food web. Different composts can be made to suit certain types of plants. Jeff Lowenfels and Wayne Lewis give recipes for composts in their excellent book Teaming with Microbes. Perennials prefer a fungal compost with a high percentage of brown or carbon- and cellulose-rich materials like leaves and wood chips. A bacterially dominated compost would have more green materials such as grass clippings and hay. However, most of us use the same compost for all of our plants and cultivate the appropriate biological balance by mulching. When adding compost, apply it either on top of the soil or cultivate it in shallowly. The microorganisms that break down this stuff generally live in the top few inches of the soil and the compost will do the most good here. One exception: if you are doing a deep initial cultivation of some compacted soil, work compost in deeper to create channels of loose soil for root and water penetration.

What not to do When it comes to cultivating your garden, the less done the better. Rototillers break down the structure of soil and lead to compaction in the long term, making it harder for

water and roots to move through the soil and reducing the population of soil microbes. If you are going to rototill—and I know it can be an attractive way to create a loose planting bed in vegetable gardens—compensate by adding copious amounts of organic matter to make up for the damage done. Try to cultivate soil by using tools like digging forks, broad forks, and claw tools. These all help loosen and lift the ground without pulverizing it and without inverting the layers of different organisms that prefer to live at different depths of the soil. Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides can also destroy the soil food web—making plants essentially dependent on themselves. If you’ve used them recently, take remedial measures to restore the soil biology.

•

Mulch!

•

Next to compost, mulch is the best thing you can do for your soil and may be all you need to add to the perennial garden in the long run. Like compost, the benefits of mulch are multitude. It suppresses weeds, builds soil, attracts beneficial fungi (especially true in the case of wood mulch), and helps regulate moisture in the soil, cutting down on the amount of water you need to supply to keep soil microbes happy. Wood mulches are great for perennials and pine needles can be good for acid-loving plants or to compensate for an alkaline soil. In the vegetable garden, think about using straw mulch for taller plants. A healthy layer of straw can often eliminate the need to weed and water entirely.

•

Cover crops Finally, consider the benefits of planting a cover crop, especially in the vegetable garden. Plants like rye, clover and alfalfa have long been used on farms to build soil, retain nutrients, and suppress weeds. Now organic gardeners are beginning to use them in home gardens for similar reasons. Clover is an especially good plant for the vegetable garden. It can be sown in pathways or under tall plants. It fixes nitrogen in the soil, slowly builds up soil, provides pollen and nectar for beneficial insects, and helps retain soil moisture. Crops like rye and hairy vetch can be used to add organic matter in fallow spots or over the winter. All of these plants will send roots down in the soil to help loosen it and create channels for water and next year’s roots. Many cover crops can be mowed down with a weed whacker when they are in bloom and killed to create a mulch that can be left to rot or planted directly into. Of course, fertilizers, soil amendments, and things to adjust pH may sometimes be needed, especially in new gardens. But the more you work on the soil, the easier it will be to take care of your garden, eventually creating the “crumb structure” of rich, black dirt that is easy for the gardener to dig and easy for plants to grow in. By putting in the work now, you can make your life easier, and your garden better, in the years to come. Brian Allnutt is the store manager at Detroit Farm and Garden in Detroit, MI.

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The Backyard Orchardist: A complete guide to growing fruit trees in the home garden by Stella Otto For novice and experienced fruit gardeners alike, The Backyard Orchardist (OttoGraphics, 320 pages, $24.95) has been a go-to book for home orchardists for over two decades. This expanded and updated edition—organized into six easy-to-follow sections—offers even more hands-on advice. Award-winning, northern Michigan author Stella Otto starts by systematically guiding readers through the important first steps of planning and planting a home orchard. Horticultural fundamentals are simplified into practical techniques for the ongoing care and maintenance of a thriving orchard. Readers will gain an understanding of soil biology and how nutrient availability affects a tree. Master how to prune with precision, including the when, how, and why of pruning and its importance to tree health and disease prevention. Water with confidence: learn when, why, and how much. Otto also shares harvest hints and storage recommendations to enjoy your fruit at its peak flavor or preserve it for the off-season. The book includes a seasonal to-do calendar, resource list, additional reading suggestions, illustrations, and charts.

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Abbott’s Landscape Nursery 2781 Scio Church Rd., Ann Arbor MI 48103 734-665-8733 www.abbottsnursery.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 9-6, Sun 10-5. Abbott’s turn-of-the-century farm is a perfect setting for our unique nursery. Mike Abbott likes what gardeners like, both classic and new, and handpicks all our plants. Over 55 Japanese maples and 25 reliably-blooming hydrangea varieties. Also garden ornaments, fixtures, containers and more. Come see us—we stock plants you demand and probably some you never knew existed.

Alexander’s Farm Market & Greenhouses 6925 Whitmore Lake Rd., Whitmore Lake, MI 48189 734-741-1064 www.alexandersfarmmarketandgreenhouse.com May/June hours: Daily 9-7. We’re that hidden gem you’ve been hoping to find! Homegrown annuals, vegetables, perennials, extraordinary hanging baskets and planters. Plus our exclusive 99¢ seed perennials. Distinctive variety of fruit trees, small fruits, flowering shrubs, climbing vines, herbs, fairy garden plants, and roses, including easy-care shrubs, and luxuriously scented David Austins.

Bloom! Garden Center & Lotus Gardenscapes 1885 Baker Rd., Dexter, MI 48130 734-426-6600 www.lotusgardenscapes.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5. A relaxed atmosphere with nursery, plus visit our new BLOOMtique! for great gifts and specialty indoor plants! Unique plants and natives, fountains and water gardening supplies, creative garden art and fairy finds. Expert staff will help you pick the perfect plant, and award-winning landscape designers are available weekdays. Gardening and Fairy workshops monthly.

English Gardens 155 N. Maple Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734-332-7900 www.EnglishGardens.com Hours – Thru Monday, July 3: Mon-Sat 9-8, Sun 9-6. Founded in 1954, English Gardens is family- and locally-owned, operating six full-service stores and a full-service landscaping company in Metro Detroit. Each full-service store has a nursery, garden center, patio shop, and seasonal Christmas center featuring the best value and finest quality products and services. For more information: 800-335-GROW.

Fraleighs Landscape Nursery 8600 Jackson Rd., Dexter, MI 48130 734-426-5067 www.fraleighs.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 10-5. Wide variety of perennials, shrubs, ornamental grasses, flowering ornamentals, native plants, shade trees, and evergreens. Expert staff to assist with your landscaping and horticultural questions. We source plants from Michigan growers whenever possible. We stock unusual items, but we really love selling plants that are reliable and functional, but never boring!

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TECUMSEH 110 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118 734-475-3539 www.thegardenmill.com May/June hours: Sun-Mon 12-6, Tue-Thu 10-7, Fri-Sat 10-8. An ever-changing variety of beautiful and functional products. Unique and hand-crafted artifacts for garden and home. Wrought iron and rustic garden features, eclectic wind chimes, fountains, classic garden sculptures, colorful plant containers, magical fairy garden supplies, birdhouses, feeders, and baths, seasonal seeds, hanging baskets, and bedding plants.

Hidden Lake Gardens 6214 Monroe Rd. (M-50), Tipton, MI 49287 517-431-2060 www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu April-October hours: Open daily 9-7. 755 acres. Don’t miss one of the finest collections of Dwarf and Rare Conifers—over 500 specimens. Hosta Hillside has over 800 varieties. Enjoy a leisurely drive through the Arboretum. See lush tropicals in the Conservatory. Serene outdoor displays in the Bonsai Courtyard. The Demonstration Garden shows attractive mixed plantings. Great hiking trails and dog-friendly, too!

HillTop Greenhouse & Farms 8996 West Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734-302-4233 www.hilltopgreenhousea2.com May hours: Mon-Fri 9-7, Sat-Sun 9-6. June hours: Please call. Just 10 minutes from Ann Arbor or Chelsea, our greenhouse is a relaxing drive from all corners. Choose from over 8,000 baskets and 10,000 flats, plus veggie starters, specialty annuals, and lush combination planters. Each plant is grown on site, with hands-on care from start to finish. Smiles, hugs and a friendly staff, free of charge!

Lodi Farms 2880 S. Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734-665-5651 www.lodifarms.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-4, Sun in May 1-4. Come visit our wonderful nursery! We have a fantastic selection of Michigan-grown shade and ornamental trees, evergreens, shrubs of all types, and perennials. Bring your pictures and plans and we’ll help you choose the best plants! Check our sales calendar for specials and browse our catalog on the website. Take a roadtrip here—soon!

Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum Matthaei: 1800 North Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Arboretum: 1610 Washington Hts., Ann Arbor, MI 48109 734-647-7600 • www.mbgna.umich.edu May 1-14: Daily 10-4:30; Wed 10-8 • May 15-Labor Day: Daily 10-8. Trails open sunrise to sunset. The University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum offer trails and natural areas, children’s garden, native plant gardens, bonsai garden, large collection of heirloom peonies, year-round conservatory, wedding venues, special events and sales, youth and adult educational programs, gift shop, and more.

Plymouth Nursery 9900 Ann Arbor Rd W, Plymouth, MI 48170 734-453-5500 www.plymouthnursery.net May/June hours: Mon-Fri 8-8, Sat 8-6, Sun 9-5. For over 50 years we have offered premium quality plants on our 16 acres. Huge selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals. Plus Weber grills, garden art and gifts. Our “Pottery Emporium,” one of S.E. Michigan’s largest, displays premium pots. We have everything you need to grow your garden!

Saline Flowerland 7370 Michigan Ave., Saline, MI 48176 734-429-4458 www.salineflowerland.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 8-7, Sat 8-6, Sun 10-5. Saline’s Full Service Greenhouses, “Blooming Strong since 1977.” Our beautiful plants are grown on site for best quality & bloom count. Hundreds of hanging baskets, vegetables, annuals, perennials, herbs, succulents, tropical patio planters, groundcovers & fairy gardens. When size is important...we have many 4-inch potted varieties. Multiple mulch types & colors, & topsoil delivery too.

Sell Farms & Greenhouses 7200 Willis Rd., Ypsilanti, MI 48197 866-296-3090 www.sellfarmsandgreenhouses.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 9-7. Family-owned. Great selection of high quality Annuals, Perennials & non-GMO Vegetable plants at reasonable prices. Thousands of Hanging Baskets, Combination Planters, Geraniums & Proven Winners plants. One of the best selections of Perennials, Hydrangeas & Roses in the area. We use non-chemical methods like beneficial insects and other Biological methods to control plant pests.

Turner’s Landscape & Garden Center 4431 South Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor MI 48103 734-663-7600 www.turnersannarbor.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 9-7, Sat 9-6, Sun 10-4. Ann Arbor’s premier garden center and nursery. We grow an unbelievable selection of annuals and perennials in our greenhouses. Plus a fully-stocked nursery with mature trees and shrubs. Landscape design, construction and installation also available. Our quality plants and knowledgeable, friendly, helpful staff will make your garden a success.

Willow Greenhouse 7839 Curtis Rd., Northville, MI 48168 248-437-7219 www.willowgreenhouse.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 9-6, Sun 10-5. Full of beauty, free of pesticides—all our plants are grown pesticide-free! Buy direct from the grower. Thousands of Annuals, Perennials, Proven Winners, Wave Petunias, Fairy Garden Plants & Supplies, Vegetables, Heirloom Tomatoes, Herbs, Trees, Shrubs, and much more. Now offering full landscape services. Like us on Facebook! To advertise in Destinations, email Publisher@MichiganGardener.com or call Eric at 248-594-5563

Advertiser Index Abbott’s Landscape Nursery...................40 Aguafina Gardens International................7 Alexander’s Farm Mkt/Greenhses....... 23 Assoc. of Professional Gardeners..........45 Auburn Oaks Gard Ctr.................................38 Barson’s Greenhouse................................... 37 Bloom! Garden Ctr......................................... 27 Blossoms............................................................ 37 Bogie Lake Greenhouses.............................21 Bonide..................................Inside Back Cover Campbell’s Greenhouses........................... 23 Contender’s Tree/Lawn Specialists...... 13 Cranbrook House & Gardens................... 27 Destinations: Ann Arbor.............................16 Destinations: Downriver............................ 25 Destinations: I-96...........................................41 Destinations: Macomb............................... 33 Detroit Garden Works....................................9 Earthly Arts..........................................................6 Eckert’s Greenhouse.....................................21 English Gardens......................................Page 3 Espoma................................................................ 17 Everlastings in the Wildwood.....................8 Fraleigh’s Landscape Nursery.................. 31 The Garden Mill..............................................40

Garden Rhythms............................................45 A Garden Space..............................................40 Gordon’s Lawn Core Aeration.................. 12 Grass Magic......................................................21 Haley Stone........................................................14 Heavenly Scent Herb Farm..........................9 Hessell’s Greenhouses..................................11 Hidden Lake Gardens.................................. 27 Howell Farmers’ Market.............................40 Iron Barn Iron Work......................................45 Joe’s Trailer Company.................................29 LACASA Center.............................................39 Lake Orion Lawn Ornaments....................10 Matthaei Botanical Gardens....................38 Meier Flowerland.............................................11 Merrittscape.................................................... 35 Michigan Green Industry Assoc............. 17 Michigan Nursery/Landscp Assoc......29 Milarch Nursery................................................9 Mulligan’s Garden Ctr.................................. 27 Natural Community Services................... 27 Organimax........................................................29 Orion Stone Depot......................................... 31 Osmocote.........................Inside Front Cover Piechnik’s Greenhouse.................................10

Plantskydd......................................................... 37 Plymouth Nursery..........................................21 The Pond Place/Beauchamp......................5 Preferred Landscapes.................................. 35 Proven Winners Color Choice.................. 15 Ray Hunter Garden Ctr.................................19 Schuman Landscape Lighting.................. 35 Sell Farms & Greenhouses.........................14 Specialty Growers..........................................19 State Crushing................................................. 37 Steinkopf Nursery............................................11 Stone Cottage Gardens...............................45 Suburban Landscape Supply....................29 Sunny Fields Botanical Park......................45 Telly’s Greenhouse...........................................4 Tropical Treasures.......................................... 31 Turner’s Landscp & Gard Ctr.....................19 Tuthill Farms & Composting.....................45 Uncle Luke’s Feed Store............................... 31 Van Atta’s Greenhouse................................19 Van Thomme’s Greenhouses.................. 23 Warmbier Farms............................................39 The Weed Lady............................................... 23 Westcroft Gardens....................................... 35

Four Generations of Organic Gardening Expertise. For over 88 years Espoma Organic® has defined the naturally beautiful garden. While much has changed, our philosophy has remained the same: develop the finest, most effective natural & organic gardening products. From plant foods to potting mixes, our products work in harmony with nature to grow beautiful lawns & gardens.

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Michigan Gardener | May 2017 | MichiganGardener.com

Julia Hofley

Mandevilla Sun Parasol ‘Apricot' An exciting breakthrough in an unexpected new color, Sun Parasol ‘Apricot’ is a heat-loving, high-performing vine with creamy apricot flowers that span 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 inches. I like mandevillas because they are natural climbers that aren’t fussy— when you put them near a trellis or obelisk they do what comes naturally without me having to do anything but water them. The Sun Parasol varieties have super glossy leaves that water seems to roll off and looks handsome all summer. Mandevillas give you quick coverage since they are vigorous, early bloomers with superior branching—they’ll cover that trellis faster and have more flowers with all those branches. For you condo or apartment dwellers, Sun Parasol ‘Apricot’ would be lovely spilling over a balcony railing or in a good-sized hanging basket. If you plant it close to a wall, site this light-colored bloomer near a darker wall that will contrast well with the soft flower colors and showcase it to its best advantage. Height & Width: Climbing and trailing habit. Light: Full sun.

Suntory Flowers

Angelonia Archangel ‘Cherry Red’

Archangel ‘Cherry Red’ is a color breakthrough, bringing the first red to this genus and bigger blooms than other angelonia series. In the greenhouse and in lower light, it lightens to a watermelon tone, but this sun worshipper will stay cherry red in full sun, thriving in heat through the summer months—to the delight of bees and butterflies. Height: 12-14 inches. Width: 10-12 inches. Light: Full sun.

Ball Horticultural

Green Fuse Botanicals

Salvia Grandstand 'Red Lipstick Pink' Prime your hummingbird highway with the new salvia Grandstand series, including the flashy ‘Red Lipstick Pink.’ This vivid red and rose color will catch the eye of any hungry hummer. A favorite in trial gardens, this series thrived last year in the heat and humidity, looking good with little maintenance or water. Recent breeding work shows performance improvements: increased plant size, deeper color range of its 6- to 8-inch flowers, and a longer blooming cycle that doesn't require constant deadheading to promote new flowers. Six colors complete the series including blue bi-color, salmon, purple, red, and lavender, which are also enjoyed by bees and butterflies. Height: 12-18 inches. Width: 12-14 inches. Light: Full sun.

NEW ANNUALS continued on page 20

Since 1919

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since 1982

QUALITY PLANTS FOR DEDICATED GARDENERS Perennials, annuals & herbs...our outdoor-grown plants are acclimated to Michigan’s weather for better performance in your garden

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 May 31, 2017 Not to be combined w/other offers service and expert advice you will receive.

10% OFF

SPRING OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, May 27, 9a-5p / FREE Presentation at 1pm:

The Buzz on Bees MSU entomologist and bee specialist Abi Saeed will present a free talk with tips on attracting bees and beneficial insects to your gardens. Abi, who is an apiarist (beekeeper) and pollinator specialist with the MSU Consumer Horticulture Program, will reveal important differences among lesser-known native bees, common honeybees and wasps,

and demonstrate the workings of a Mason bee-nesting box. She’ll also offer advice on selecting the best plants for a healthy, diverse back-yard biosystem and identifying other “good guy” insects such as predators and parasitoids to help control garden pests. Abi has received multiple awards for her research, leadership, and outreach efforts regarding bees.

Allow for plenty of time to browse the nursery. You’ll find hundreds of varieties of Michigan-hardy perennials and herbs, as well as interesting annuals & veggie plants.

Van Atta’s Greenhouse & Flower Shop Family owned and operated since 1980

9008 Old M-78 • Haslett, MI • 517-339-1142 www.vanattas.com • Open year round

Visit us at the Brighton Farmer's Market May 13-June 10, Saturdays, 8am-1pm On the Millpond, at First & Cedar Streets. Look for the white van with the yellow daylily!

4330 Golf Club Rd. Howell

517-546-7742

Mon-Fri 9-6 Sat 9-5 Sun 10-4

Our complete catalog is now online! www.specialtygrowers.net

Michigan Gardener | May 2017 | MichiganGardener.com

continued from page 18

Dwarf Egyptian papyrus ‘Prince Tut’ First there was the stately ‘King Tut’ and now comes a dwarf, half-sized version called ‘Prince Tut.’ It has the same gracefully large pom-poms topping much sturdier stems, making it less likely to bend or flop in the wind. This thriller won a garden media "honorable mention" award and is a heat tolerant, low maintenance, fast grower. It looks perfect at the water's edge for water garden enthusiasts, and is also great flanking the entrance to your home in containers with good moisture. With its columnar habit and dense canopy, I can also see ‘Prince Tut’ being used in an urn as a focal point out in the garden, like those once enjoyed in Victorian gardens. MSU gave it their highest rating in their trial gardens last summer. Height: 18-30 inches. Width: 24-36 inches. Light: Full sun to part sun. www.ProvenWinners.com

Petunia Surfinia ‘Heartbeat' These romantic-looking white flowers with a charming pattern of pink hearts will add a fresh look to containers and window boxes this season. Central branching gives ‘Heartbeat’ an upright, mounding and trailing habit. With regular fertilizing, the heart pattern will stay more pronounced. The Surfinia line of petunias is known for good rain tolerance, disease resistance, compact growth habit, and self-cleaning ability. Height: 12 inches. Width: 12-18 inches. Light: Full sun.

Suntory Flowers

Craspedia ‘Golf Beauty’

As a thriller for containers, the silvery green, carnation-like foliage clustered at the base of sturdy stems holding up vivid yellow globe flowers will satisfy the trendy gardener looking for cutting edge coolness. What's neat is that ‘Golf Beauty’ is actually a new cultivar of an old-fashioned plant native to Australia and New Zealand commonly called billy buttons (Craspedia globosa). This

low maintenance plant can take the heat and blooms through the summer in sunny borders. It also makes fabulous cut flowers for dramatic fresh or dried arrangements. Height: 24-30 inches. Width: 14-18 inches. Light: Full sun. NEW ANNUALS continued on page 22

Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener

Annuals from Aster to Zinnia and everything in between!

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Annuals Geraniums Hanging Baskets Flower Pouches Perennials Collector’s Hostas David Austin English Roses, Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, and Shrub Roses ❖ Clematis, Vines ❖ Alpine Plants ❖ Groundcovers ❖ Butterfly Plants; Certified Monarch Waystation ❖ Native Plants ❖ Home of The Weekender Self-Watering Pot From the rare and unusual to the preferred and popular ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

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34051 Ryan Rd (between 14 & 15 Mile) Sterling Heights 586-264-5678 Mon-Sat 8:30-8 Sun 8:30-6 www.eckertsgreenhouse.com

Michigan Gardener | May 2017 | MichiganGardener.com

Salvia Summer Jewel ‘Lavender’

continued from page 20

You will love this uniquely-colored, award-winning new salvia (Salvia coccinea). The dusky lavender tone of the generous flower blossoms gives gardeners an opportunity to create a fresh, new color palette in their combination planters. It is the fourth member of the Summer Jewel series to win the All-America Selections flower award. Summer Jewel ‘Lavender’ is an early-to-bloom, densely branched salvia with sturdy flower spikes that have superior holding ability in windy sites. This longblooming, low-maintenance thriller will also bring pollinator traffic such as butterflies, hummingbirds, and honeybees, followed by goldfinches who love the flower seeds in fall. Height: 18-24 inches. Width: 18 inches. Light: Full sun to part sun.

Ball Horticultural

Coleus ‘Inferno’ Out in the baking hot trial bed at Ohio State University last July, the coleus ‘Inferno’ was a sight to see! While touring the gardens for hours in the evening, we watched the iridescence of this plant shimmer and change colors, compelling me to keep taking photos of it! Considering it looked gorgeous out in the field trial, I can only imagine it gracing a container and blending its versatile color with a broad palette of other annuals. This premium coleus variety is late to bloom, if at all, making it low maintenance. Its saturated orange colorization is bolder than coleus ‘Campfire’ and its textured leaves hold their color in sun or shade. Height: 12-14 inches. Width: 24-36 inches. Light: Full sun to full shade.

American Takii

Calibrachoa Chameleon ‘Blueberry Scone’ Get ready for a flower that changes color like the weather changes in Michigan. This plant is an industry first, with ever-changing colors throughout the day and season. Blooms start out one color but continually change in interesting ways as they react to light levels, day length, and seasonal changes. Beautiful, petunia-like blooms are yellow and purple and they can change from one color to another as the weather turns. The medium, trailing habit is good for baskets, window boxes and containers. Several colors in this series, like ‘Sunshine Berry,’ were also well-liked in the trials. ‘Blueberry Scone’ received an honorable mention breeding award from Greenhouse Grower magazine. Height: 6-8 inches. Width: 10-12 inches. Light: Full sun.

Ball Horticultural

Sunpatiens ‘Compact Tropical Rose’ The ten-year anniversary for Sunpatiens this year is being celebrated with some new varieties, including the eye-popping ‘Compact Tropical Rose.’ Blooming from spring through fall, bright rose-colored flowers stand out like a beacon above the amazingly variegated foliage. This combination is not for the lighthearted gardener who prefers muted tones in the border. When you want to draw the eye to a spot in your garden, this is your plant. It has exceptional performance and is well-branched, which translates to more flower power. Height: 14-28 inches. Width: 14-20 inches. Light: Full sun to part shade.

Dummen Orange

NEW ANNUALS continued on page 24

Locally owned. Locally grown.

Time for a visit to THE WEED LADY for inspiration & rejuvination!

Head here ﬁrst. You’ll be inspired, encouraged, and pleased with the quality and cost of our own homegrown annuals, vegetables, perennials, hanging baskets and planters… all planted or potted and nurtured right on site. We have heirlooms of all genres, plus a remarkable variety of fruit trees, small fruits, ﬂowering shrubs, climbing vines, and an expanded selection of herbs, roses, and fairy garden plants. We’re just north of Ann Arbor, right off U.S. 23… a destination well worth the drive.

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4077 Burnside Road • 810-688-3587 (Halfway between M-53 & M-24 in North Branch) May Hours: Open 7 days, 9-7

Michigan Gardener | May 2017 | MichiganGardener.com

Verbena EnduraScape ‘Pink Bicolor’

continued from page 22

Do you remember the heat and drought of summer 2016? This award-winning spiller endured the entire weather spectrum by looking good all summer long and lasting well into fall, garnishing high scores from trial gardens. ‘Pink Bicolor’ has dazzling, soft pink blossoms that darken in intensity toward the center of the bloom. It is a vigorous and sturdy spreader with excellent mildew resistance on the healthy green foliage that is beefy enough to be a groundcover. The superior branching contributes to a higher bloom count and doesn't cycle out of bloom like other verbenas. That keeps both the pollinators and the gardener happy. There are eight colors in the EnduraScape series. Height: 8-12 inches. Width: 20 inches. Light: Full sun.

Floranova

Zinnia Solmar ‘Yellow’ With 2016’s summer heat, it was a good year to be a zinnia. I noticed lots of zinnias in different trial gardens; fabulous displays of this English-bred, robust series called Solmar kept catching my eye. Consistent healthy green foliage was the base for 3- to 4-inch scarlet, rose, yellow and orange flowers rising above it, attracting pollinators and birds. The upright habit would be perfect for flower arrangers who are looking for an excellent, long-lasting cut flower. Solmar is an earlier-flowering variety whose good disease resistance and cheerfully-colored flowers won awards in northern and southern trial gardens in both beds and containers. Height: 18-26 inches. Width: 24-28 inches. Light: Full sun.

Ball Horticultural

Petunia ‘Night Sky’ “Boldly goes where no petunia has gone before,” touts this award-winning plant's slogan. That's because of its breakthrough in the ever-popular petunia world with fragrant, deep purple blooms speckled with stellar white dots in a varying color pattern—making every flower unique and worthy of further observation. ‘Night Sky’ has a naturally branching habit making it ideally suited in hanging baskets, patio containers, and window boxes that can be enjoyed up close. It blooms early in the season through fall. Height: 10-16 inches. Width: 24-36 inches. Light: Full sun.

Ball Horticultural

NEW ANNUALS continued on page 26

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Ruhlig Farms & Gardens 24508 Telegraph Rd., Brownstown Twp, MI 48134 734-782-9811 www.ruhligfarmsandgardens.com Spring hours: Mon-Sat 9-8, Sun 10-6. A Gardener’s Dream come true. Enhance your garden’s beauty and uniqueness at our premier garden center. Explore 2 acres of beautiful nursery and greenhouses. Discover the enormous selection of annuals, perennials, patio containers, hanging baskets and potted plants. Friendly staff are always available to assist. Make us your destination for Spring, Summer, Fall & Christmas.

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20200 Goddard, Taylor, MI 48180 313-291-3880 www.panettasupply.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 8-4, Sun 10-3. Wide variety of both decorative rock & flagstone. An assortment of mulches to meet your landscaping needs. Unilock & Oaks brick pavers. Try our RJ’s Garden Mix, a custom blend of soils & soil additives made just right for your garden. Visit each location to experience our vast variety of perennials, roses, shrubs and trees.

16153 Eureka Rd., Southgate, MI 48195 734-284-2500 www.rayhuntergardenshop.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 9-7, Sun 10-5. Proven Winners select hanging baskets & planters, annuals, perennials, great selection of Weeks roses, flowering shrubs, garden statuary & accents. Tomatoes are one of our specialties. We grow heirlooms, old favorites, and the latest hybrids—over 100 varieties! Come pick out a plant or two for your garden.

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27098 Sibley Rd., Romulus, MI 48174 734-941-2081 Find us on Facebook May/June hours: 7 days 9-6, maybe later, please call. Huge Selection! Most annual flats only $7.99 (plus, our flats have 48 plants!). Unique combination baskets & planters with combos you won’t see elsewhere. Treated impatiens available. Proven Winners Certified Garden Center. Healthy vegetable plants, herbs & perennials. Delicious homegrown fresh-picked fruits & vegetables July to November. 1/4 mile east of Inkster Rd.

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Kurtzhals’ Farms

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Pinter Flowerland 6830 Rawsonville Rd., Belleville, MI 48111 734-482-2776 www.pinterflowerland.com May/June hours: Open 7 days a week; please call for hours. Buy direct from the grower—that means great quality and low prices. Family owned and operated since 1926. Annuals, hanging baskets, containers, perennials, garden supplies, soils, mulches, and much more. 13 acres of covered shopping—stay dry when it’s raining! Come see us at our Redford location also (313-538-7580).

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24765 Bell Rd., New Boston, MI 48164 734-753-9200 www.grassrootsnursery.com Grass Roots Pond and Garden: Michigan’s place for quality pond supplies and service. See our website for hours and specials. Thank you, The Bates family.

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Schoedel’s Nursery 20900 Merriman Rd., Romulus, MI 48174 734-753-4150 www.schoedelsnursery.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4. A third-generation, family run business since 1949. Our 5-acre nursery has one of the largest selections in the area: ornamental and shade trees, specialty shrubs, broadleaf evergreens, and conifers. From the common to the unusual. There is something for everyone. 1 mile South of Sibley Rd.

Westcroft Gardens 21803 West River Rd., Grosse Ille, MI 48138 734-676-2444 www.westcroftgardens.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 8-7, Sat 9-6, Sun 10-5. Michigan’s oldest farm still owned & operated by the same family, established 1776. Specializing in our own azalea & rhododendron hybrids that grow well in Michigan. Also trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, herbs & vegetables. Our Greenleaf Compound acidifies & improves your soil. Stroll our botanical gardens or rent them for your next special event.

To advertise in Destinations, email Publisher@MichiganGardener.com or call Eric at 248-594-5563

Get more of a great thing! Sign up today at MichiganGardener.com for our FREE e-newsletter!

Zywicki Greenhouse 50705 Willow Rd., Belleville, MI 48111 734-461-6197 www.zywickigreenhouse.com May/June hours: Open 7 days a week, 9-7. Zywicki’s has served lower Michigan for over 50 years with quality annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, planters, window boxes, vegetable plants and roses. 200 varieties of vegetable and herb plants. Over 400 varieties of annuals, perennials, and hanging baskets. When it’s quality you need, it’s Zywicki’s indeed!

Michigan Gardener | May 2017 | MichiganGardener.com

Celosia Twisted ‘Red Improved’

continued from page 24

New and Noteworthy Celosias Last summer in trial gardens and on our back patio, celosias were a favorite as they thrive in heat and sun, both of which we had plenty. Their eye-candy flowers are low maintenance and good for fresh or dried floral arrangements. Here are three varieties that are new and noteworthy.

A unique bold color in a twisted, crest shape that prolifically blooms all season long. Also comes in yellow. Height: 16-20 inches. Width: 12-14 inches. Light: Full sun.

Celosia ‘Dracula’ Ball Horticultural

Celosia ‘Dracula’ A one-flower wonder, ‘Dracula’ is dark and mysterious looking, with one huge fan flower whose leaves and flowers darken with more sun as they move from the greenhouse into the garden. This first-ofits-kind novelty plant will turn heads in a container or planted en masse in a flower bed. Height: 8-16 inches. Width: 8-12 inches. Light: Full sun.

Celosia Hot Topic series

Ball Horticultural

Sweet potato vine ‘Green with Envy' Here is a kinder, gentler sweet potato vine in the Sweet Caroline Bewitched series. ‘Green with Envy’ balances out a container without overwhelming the other plants, yet still delivers eye-catching drama with its large, unusually shaped leaves. It received a top rating in the MSU trial gardens. Also available in black, called ‘After Midnight.' Height: 10-16 inches. Width: 18-30 inches. Light: Full sun to part sun. Julia Hofley is a plant collector, freelance garden writer, lecturer, and independent sales rep (E-mail: julia@juliasbiglife.com).

Flowers of gently waving plumes in fluorescent colors emerge on a multibranched plant. The colors change as the flowers reflect sunlight angles throughout the day. Available in pink, purple, yellow. Height: 16 inches. Width: 10 inches. Light: Full sun.

Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener

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Michigan Gardener | May 2017 | MichiganGardener.com

getting to know... Building a treehouse

aking a child’s dream come true is one of the most rewarding experiences any of us can hope for. Those moments are bursting with so much magic and excitement. That makes it all-important to slow down at a project’s onset to ensure its engineering is safe for your family—especially when building a treehouse. What may begin as a lofty idea can quickly turn into a nightmare or a long, drawnout project full of unexpected twists and turns. Depending on the scale and scope of a treehouse project, some may rely on architectural experts while others tend to deal directly with a contractor’s expertise. In either case, there are important details property owners should carefully consider regarding the safest installation methods for treehouse construction. Obviously no one can say that construction on and inside trees can be 100 Steve percent safe for the trees. However, the Martinko choices we make can help alleviate severe plant health failures from developing. Trees are living with many different variables associated with their specific environment, much like a physician dealing with patients whose variables are not entirely predictive.

Selecting the best tree Dense wood tissue is best suited for treehouses because of its strength and slower growth rate. The best examples are oak, maple (except silver), and hickory. Poor candidates include black cherry, chokecherry, elm, beech, hemlock, willow, and cedar. Choose trees with good taper, which describes a tree’s diameter and ability to hold steady in windy conditions. The trunk’s diameter should be wider at the ground level, meaning that wind over time has naturally forced the trunk to grow wide at the base, making it a stronger selection. Exposed root flares at the base protruding out from the trunk identify those candidates with the strongest anchoring capacity. The absence of any root flares could indicate girdling root problems, where the roots are slowly strangling the trunk. This increases the chance of the tree blowing over or rotting at the base. Fungus and decay. Visually inspect a candidate for any signs of decay. Signs of sawdust, soft spots, bark cracking or popping off, mushrooms on the bark, or wet stains along a union are all signs of a potential problem. For additional help identifying the best trees or evaluating questionable characteristics, I highly recommend consulting with a certified arborist.

Installation tips Never drill into trees below 3 feet from ground level. In that situation, using support poles is preferable.

For platforms extending more than 10 feet from a tree trunk or requiring load reinforcement based on the intended capacity, install vertical poles for extra support and then cross-cable them together for stability. When drilling into trees never repeat another drill hole directly in line above any other drill point. This will increase the damaged tissue zone. Instead, it is best to stagger them slightly up and to the right, attempting at the very best to tap into the same vertical vein. Trees send water and nutrients upward into the canopy at a counterclockwise spin.

Photographs by Steve Martinko

These diagonal braces will be removed when the tree’s girth has expanded, which will be many years from now.

Care and maintenance

Selecting the best location Windward sides of slopes (facing the wind) are more stable than the leeward sides. Dry and well-drained soils are also best suited for long-term success versus saturated soil conditions, where tree roots can heave during extreme weather events like high winds and heavy ice storms. Good sun exposure coupled with access to cool breezes are important for the treehouse itself and those enjoying it. A wood structure in dense, complete shade will accumulate molds and mildews, which can be detrimental to one’s health, and shorten the life expectancy of the treehouse.

When installing wood decking around a tree trunk, ensure that you are able to trim the decking away from the trunk as the tree’s girth expands. Likewise, installing cross-beam supports too close or directly against tree trunks is considered faulty because they can’t be removed as the trunk expands.

The holes for these supporting devices were located in a slightly staggered fashion and far apart to prevent a large area of damaged tissue.

Apply a slow-release fertilizer like organic seaweed kelp to insure the tree doesn’t grow at an excessive rate yet it is able to thrive above and below ground with a healthy nutritional balance. Consider treating with phosphite to help the tree with wound closure. Consult with a certified arborist about this application. Lastly, leave the soil undisturbed so microbes and beneficial insects can flourish. When properly constructed, a treehouse should last for 20 years with only minor cosmetic and structural adjustments. Yearly inspections should be performed during peak summer months, evaluating branch and trunk expansions, canopy color and health, and bark for signs of failures. Steve Martinko is the owner of Contender’s Tree and Lawn Specialists in Oakland County, MI.

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Michigan Gardener | May 2017 | MichiganGardener.com

Hardy Geraniums

radually but inevitably, gardeners come to appreciate hardy geraniums and choose a few for their gardens. Geraniums are not known as floriferous show-stoppers, but they are exceedingly useful, problem-solving plants with ornamental qualities. (Note that we are speaking of cranesbills or perennial Geraniums, not the annual Pelargoniums, which are commonly called geraniums.) When I took on this assignment to write about hardy geraniums, I knew it would be a challenge to condense this diverse group of plants down to a reasonably sized article—entire books have been devoted to the genus! My goal is to broaden gardeners’ knowledge of geraniums while distilling out the information needed to choose the best garden varieties. Too often, the gardener’s choice in geraniums comes down to Karen what is available at the Bovio garden center, but that’s a poor way to choose because there are hundreds of varieties available in horticulture. A favorite book on hardy geraniums (by Trevor Bath and Joy Jones) gives complete descriptions of 96 of them and makes mention of at least 100 more species, varieties, cultivars and hybrids. Written in 1994, it doesn’t even touch the scores of new hybrids that have come on the scene since then, and continue to appear each year!

Geranium species and hybrids There are approximately 440 species of geraniums, and while not all of them are suitable for garden use, hundreds of them are. Geranium species often cross-pollinate, resulting in natural interspecific hybrids, while plant breeders both amateur and professional have been hard at work on this genus for 200 years. Many of the best garden varieties are simply known by their cultivar name rather than a species name. Two of the selections for Perennial Plant of the Year are examples. Geranium Rozanne (2008) was discovered as a chance seedling in a British garden in 1989—probably the offspring of then-popular G. wallichianum ‘Buxton’s Blue’ and a cultivar of meadow geranium, G. pratense. Geranium ‘Biokovo’ (2015) originated in the Biokovo Mountains of Croatia as a naturally occurring hybrid of Dalmatian geranium (G. dalmaticum) and bigroot geranium (G. macrorrhizum). It is unnecessary for the gardener to know

www.PerennialResource.com

‘Biokovo’

Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener

continued on page 32

Bigroot geranium (G. macrorrhizum)

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‘Johnson’s Blue’ continued from page 30 the derivation of a particular cultivar, but some knowledge of the various species always helps when choosing geraniums for the garden. The chart in this article (“Geranium species to know and grow”) provides helpful information on some of the most important hardy geranium species and their hybrids and cultivars.

A geranium for every garden Most geranium species are native to mountainous regions of Europe and Eurasia, and as such, perform best in sun with well-drained soil. A few species such as the meadow cranesbill (G. pratense) and our native wild geranium (G. maculatum) tolerate more soil moisture but do not require it. Shade tolerant species include the bigroot geranium (G. macrorrhizum) and the sombercolored mourning widow cranesbill (G. phaeum). Both of them are great candidates for shade or part shade, with decorative foliage for extra interest. In fact G. phaeum ‘Samobor,’ named for the Croatian town where it was discovered, is more likely to be chosen for its beautiful foliage than for its flowers. These clump-forming plants have coral bellslike leaves marked with large purple patches. Only when its tall stems of dusky-purple flowers emerge does it become apparent that this is indeed a geranium. Drought tolerance is a quality of many

geraniums, particularly bigroot geranium, which is a good choice for dry shade, and bloody cranesbill (G. sanguineum), one of the most adaptable of geraniums. The bloody cranesbill is often the gardener’s first acquaintance with the genus because it grows so easily in so many sites and has been in cultivation since the 1700s. It develops a strong network of tree-like roots that anchor it firmly. Viable buds along the length of the stems give rise to new shoots, making for a dense and durable groundcover. There are many cultivars of bloody cranesbill available, and while most tend toward magenta, a few are pink or white. Some of the cultivars have a more compact, less aggressive habit. In general, the group grows 8 to 12 inches tall with a 12- to 24-inch spread. Geraniums range in height from little alpine species only 4 to 6 inches tall and wide, to impressive 48-inch varieties suitable for the back of the border. Many of the mid-height species and cultivars are excellent groundcovers, spreading by shallow rhizomes to create dense, weed-suppressing mats, usually with the added attraction of late-spring flowers. Bigroot geranium, with its large spicy-scented leaves, and bloody cranesbill are perhaps the best groundcover types, in part due to their excellent drought tolerance. I’d also give a nod to the hybrid G. x cantabrigiense as a groundcover. This hybrid

www.PerennialResource.com

‘Dark Reiter’

www.PerennialResource.com

continued on page 34

‘Alpenglow’

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Eckert’s Greenhouse & Perennials 34051 Ryan Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48310 586-264-5678 www.eckertsgreenhouse.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 8:30-8, Sun 8:30-6. From rare and unusual to preferred and popular, you will find something extraordinary: Annuals, Geraniums, Hanging Baskets, Flower Pouches, Perennials, Collector’s Hostas, Roses (David Austin English, hybrid tea, floribunda, shrub, climbing, grandiflora, tree, groundcover, miniature, rugosa), Clematis, Vines, Alpine Plants, Groundcovers, Butterfly Plants, Native Plants, Tropicals, Succulents. Gorgeous hosta display gardens too!

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English Gardens 44850 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48038  586-286-6100 www.EnglishGardens.com Hours – Thru Sun, June 4: Mon-Sat 8-9, Sun 8-6; Starting Mon, June 5: Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 9-6. Founded in 1954, English Gardens is family- and locally-owned, operating six full-service stores and a full-service landscaping company in Metro Detroit. Each full-service store has a nursery, garden center, patio shop, and seasonal Christmas center featuring the best value and finest quality products and services. For more information: 800-335-GROW.

English Gardens 22501 Kelly Rd., Eastpointe, MI 48021 586-771-4200 www.EnglishGardens.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 9-7; Sun 9-6. Founded in 1954, English Gardens is family- and locally-owned, operating six full-service stores and a full-service landscaping company in Metro Detroit. Each full-service store has a nursery, garden center, patio shop, and seasonal Christmas center featuring the best value and finest quality products and services. For more information: 800-335-GROW.

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The area’s most comprehensive calendar of garden event listings • Submit your garden event listings Sign up for our FREE E-Newsletter • Read both current and back issues online • And much more!

Telly’s Greenhouse 4343 24 Mile Rd., Shelby Twp, MI 48316 248-659-8555 www.tellys.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 9-8, Sun 10-5. We find and grow new, rare, and choice plants from the United States and around the world. You will see unique annuals, tropicals, and perennials that you are unlikely to find elsewhere. Our Shelby Township store is the newest addition to our original Troy location. To advertise in Destinations, email: Publisher@MichiganGardener.com or call Eric at 248-594-5563

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

Michigan Gardener | May 2017 | MichiganGardener.com

Darwin Perennials

‘Elke’ continued from page 32

www.PerennialResource.com

‘Rozanne’

Geranium species to know and grow Name

Common Name

Cultivars & Hybrids

Remarks

G. cinereum

Gray-leaf geranium

‘Ballerina,’ ‘Purple Pillow’

Alpine species, requires good drainage

G. himalayense

Himalayan cranesbill ‘Johnson’s Blue,’ ‘Plenum’

G. macrorrhizum Bigroot geranium

The species is superseded by its hybrids

‘Bevan’s,’ ‘Ingwersen’s,’ ‘Spessart’

Broad felty leaves; durable groundcover

G. maculatum

Spotted cranesbill

‘Espresso’

Eastern U.S. native, to meadows and woods

G. phaeum

Mourning widow

‘Samobor,’ ‘Springtime’

Shade tolerant; grown for foliage effects

‘Dark Reiter,’ ‘Hocus Pocus,’ ‘Laura,’ ‘Plenum Violaceum,’ ‘Splish Splash’

Many varieties & hybrids available; some varieties have purple foliage

G. pratense Meadow cranesbill

G. psilostemon Armenian cranesbill ‘Ann Folkard,’ ‘Anne Thomson,’ ‘Patricia’ G. renardii

Renard’s cranesbill

G. sanguineum Bloody cranesbill G. sylvaticum

Wood cranesbill

G. wallichianum Wallich’s geranium

Brilliant magenta flowers; hybrids are superior to the species; ‘Ann Folkard’ has golden foliage

‘Philippe Vapelle’, ‘Tcschelda’

Key feature is the sage-green felted foliage

‘Alpenglow,’ ‘Dilys,’ ‘Elke,’ ‘Max Frei,’ ‘Striatum,’ ‘Tiny ‘Monster,’ many more

Drought tolerant; groundcover; fall color; most have magenta flowers; fine texture

‘Amy Doncaster,’ ‘Mayflower’

Earliest blooming species; excellent flowers

Rozanne, ‘Buxton’s,’ ‘Pink Penny,’ ‘Sweet Heidy’

Hybrids superior to the species; extra-long bloom time; sprawling habit

has small glossy leaves with the same herbal scent as its bigroot geranium parent, and pretty white or rose-pink flowers with bright red sepals, which provide color contrast. The cultivars ‘Biokovo’ and ‘Karmina’ also develop good red fall color, as do the bloody cranesbill varieties. Some varieties have what at first glance appears to be a groundcover habit, but upon closer inspection it is seen that these plants do not root down at the nodes nor do they creep along underground. Rather, the tops of the plants develop a large sprawling mass of stems, which do indeed cover quite a bit of ground. However, in fall when the plants are cut back, the stems go neatly down to a single compact crown. The great Rozanne is an example of this type of growth habit. Rozanne has been called by experts “the best hardy geranium ever developed” and judged by its popularity, it is hard to disagree. In addition to playing a role as a seasonal groundcover, it blooms longer than any other geranium, starting in June and often still throwing flowers in November. Its blooms are big for a geranium, in a beautiful shade of blue that blends with every color of the spectrum. Others geraniums with this kind of sprawling habit include Armenian geranium (G. psilostemon) and its hybrids, such as ‘Ann Folkard’ and ‘Anne Thomson.’ They are often described as weavers, insinuating their way among other perennials in the garden. This group has brilliant magenta flowers with black centers, black stamens and dark veining, made even more dramatic by contrast with gold spring foliage, as is the case with ‘Ann Folkard.’

Growing geraniums in the landscape Most geraniums are undemanding in the continued on page 36

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Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener

‘Springtime’ continued from page 34 garden but they are not without disease issues. Some are susceptible to powdery mildew, particularly G. pratense and its hybrids. Leaf-spot problems sometimes occur, particularly in wet seasons, on G. sanguineum. The causal agent is a bacterium, which also infects the greenhouse geranium (Pelargonium). As a preventative measure, don’t plant annual geraniums near G. sanguineum. Keep the foliage dry, remove infected leaves, and cut your hardy geraniums back in the fall to prevent the bacterium from overwintering in debris. There are a couple of fungi that also affect geraniums, but good cultural practices are generally sufficient to control them without the need for spraying. Be aware that fungicides are ineffective against the leafspotting bacterium. Root rots can be problematic with alpine species, such as G. cinereum, which I do not recommend for southern Michigan gardens, unless grown in xeric rock-garden conditions with full sun, very well drained soil supplemented with grit or crushed granite, and stone or grit mulch. Insect pests are infrequent. The most serious is the black vine weevil, and planting hardy geraniums in well-drained soil is the best preventive, along with keeping them away from yews, which are known to harbor both the adult and larval stages of this pest. Despite a few bright-colored members of the genus, the appeal of most hardy geraniums is subtle. Their garden value is almost always a combination of simple flowers, good foliage effects including potential fall color, and practical problem-solving attributes. All of the species produce 5-petaled flowers in shades ranging from pink through

www.BluestonePerennials.com

‘Bevan’s Variety’ shades of lilac, red-violet and purple, to blue. A few types, particularly hybrids of G. pratense, have double flowers. Many but not all of the single-flowered forms are fertile, forming an elongated seed pod that gives rise to the common name of cranesbill. The seeds can be ejected quite a distance, and unwanted seedlings may appear. Even if not fertile, messy floral parts remain after the petals have dropped, giving an unkempt appearance to the plant. Nearly all geraniums will benefit from a strong cutting back in midsummer, to remove seeds or spent flower parts. It is also a good tactic for rejuvenating and tidying-up the blowsy, billowy types and generating rebloom. Karen Bovio is the owner of Specialty Growers in Howell, MI.

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Bugs in the Garden Tue, May 2, 6:45-8:45pm, Livonia. By Livonia Garden Club at Livonia Civic Center Senior Center. “Bugs in the Garden” presented by Kyle Kandilian. Visitors welcome. livoniagardenclub.org. Gardeners on the Go! Tue, May 2, 7pm, Grosse Pointe. At Grosse Pointe Library War Memorial. $10. Julia Hofley shares her secret list of favorite public gardens & garden centers in SE Michigan. gpgardencenter@outlook.com. Herbs in Containers Tue, May 2, 1-2:30pm, Clinton Twp. At MSU Extension Macomb. Great beginner class for herb growing, harvesting & use. 586-469-6440. Don’t Let Your Oak Wilt Tue, May 2, East Lansing. By Capital Area Master Gardeners at MSU Plant & Soil Science Building. $3. Learn about oak wilt & what to do. mgacac.wordpress.com. Breakfast with the Birds Thu, May 4, Midland. At Dow Gardens. $10. Join us for a glorious sunrise walk through Dow Gardens with Dr. Michael Hamas. Concludes with light breakfast. Register: 989-631-2677. Open House at the SOCWA Gardens Sat, May 6, 10am-Noon, Royal Oak. At SOCWA office site. Hands-on demos & a nature walk through the Native Landscape Education Site. 248-546-5818, LFDean2@gmail.com. Toledo Plant Exchange Sat, May 6, 8:30-10am, Toledo. 8:30a: plant drop off, 10a: distribution of plants. Bring labeled plants & gently used garden items. All attendees will receive free plants. 419-578-6783. H Rose Care & Culture Class Sat, May 6, 11am, Southgate. At Ray Hunter Florist & Garden. FREE. Paul Rodman reveals how to grow beautiful & healthy roses. 734-284-2500. Chelsea Area Garden Club Plant Sale Sat, May 6, 8am-Noon, Chelsea. By Chelsea Area Garden Club at Chelsea Community Fairgrounds. Rain/shine. Perennials, wildflowers, daylillies, ornamental grasses. 734-475-9748. H Container Gardening Lecture & Workshop Sat, May 6, 10am, Troy. At Telly’s. $5, plus materials. Dissect the process by which beautiful container combinations are created. Register: 248-689-8735. Clematis Pruning Workshop Sat, May 6, 10am, Detroit. At Black Cat Pottery. 1 hour of instruction & 1 hour of demo/hands-on supervised practice. Register: www.blackcatpottery.com. H Container Gardening with Herbs Sat, May 6, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $5, plus materials. Design & assemble a unique combination of fragrant & useful herbs. Register: 248-689-8735. Dahlia Tuber Sale Sat, May 6, 9am-Noon, Troy. At Telly’s. 100’s of tubers & cuttings for sale. www.SEMDS.org. 248-652-9059. H Algae & Weed Control for Large Earthen Bottom Ponds Sat, May 6, Noon-1pm, Milford. At The Pond Place. FREE. Workshop will focus on the methods of controlling algae in small lakes & large ponds. Register: www.PondPlace.com.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT PUBLIC GARDENS, please visit MichiganGardener.com. Click on "Resources" then "Public Gardens." H Faerie May Day Festival Sat, May 6, 10am-5pm & Sun, May 7, 11am-5pm, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. $1. Fun, lore, treats, workshops & plants. www.HeavenlyScentHerbFarm.com. H Fairy Gardening Workshop Sat, May 6, 10am, New Baltimore. At Van Thomme’s. Register: 586-725-3708. www.vanthommesgreenhouses.com. South Lyon Plant Exchange Sat, May 6, 9-11am, South Lyon. By Four Seasons Garden Club at Witch’s Hat Museum Park area. Come swap with other gardeners. 248-437-0154. H Organic Gardening Sun, May 7, 1pm, Westland. At Barsons. “Organic Gardening” seminar, presented by Malibu Compost. www.barsons.com. Pollinator-Friendly Gardening Sun, May 7, 2pm, Ypsilanti. At Ypsilanti District Library. FREE. Learn how to make your bit of Michigan hospitable to pollinators. 734-482-4110, www.ypsilibrary.org. Dearborn Garden Club Meeting Mon, May 8, Noon, Dearborn. By Dearborn GC at 1st Presbyterian Church. Jennie Somers shares her expertise & experiences growing roses in an urban setting. www.gardenclubdearborn.org. Wonderful Woodlanders Mon, May 8, 7pm, Pontiac. By Hardy Plant Society at Goldner Walsh Garden & Home. Presented by Glen Pace. Info: julia@juliasbiglife.com. Daffodils & Duds Wed, May 10, Grand Blanc. By Springfield Garden Club at Captain’s Club at Woodfield. $38. Luncheon, door prizes, fashion show & silent auction. Tickets: 248-634-1680, djmcd1@aol.com. Evenings in the Garden Thu, May 11, 6:30–8:30 pm, Novi. At MSU Tollgate Farm. $20. 10 Important Tree Problems in Michigan with Dr. Dave Roberts. http://tollgate.msu.edu/events/evenings-in-the-garden. Founding Fathers, Green Thumbs Thu, May 11, 7pm, Ferndale. By Ferndale Garden Club at Kulick Community Center. Presentation by Virginia Froehlich. Guests welcome. 248-541-6427. Nature Tales Thu, May 11, 10-11am, Ann Arbor. At Leslie Science & Nature Ctr. $4/child. Adults free. Join us for this naturally unique story time for ages 1-5. www.lesliesnc.org, 734-997-1553. National Public Gardens Day at Fernwood Fri, May 12, 10am-5pm, Niles. At Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve. FREE admission coupon: www. publicgardens.org. Guided walk: 2:30pm. 269-695-6491. H 17th Annual Lake Orion Flower & Art Fair Fri, May 12, 11am-8pm & Sat, May 13, 9am-6pm. In Downtown Lake Orion. 60-70 vendors with flowers, food, garden art & home items. www.downtownlakeorion.org. H Mother’s Day Free Koi Fri, May 12, to Sun, May 14, Waterford Twp. At The Pond Place. One free koi per mother with any $10 or more purchase, must be present to receive. Open 11a-2p on Sun. www.pondplace.com.

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May 15, 2017 June 15, 2017

MichiganGardener.com | May 2017 | Michigan Gardener

Succulent Planter Box Fri, May 12, 6pm, Fenton. At Gerych’s Greenhouse. $75. Plant a variety of beautiful hardy succulents in a handcrafted wood tote w/handle. Groups welcome. Register: 810-629-5995. Habitat for Humanity Flower & Plant Sale Fri, May 12, 3-8pm & Sat, May 13, 9am-5pm; Auburn Hills. By Habitat for Humanity Oakland Cty at Culver’s. Annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs & much more. 248-338-1843. Project Grow Plant Sale Fri, May 12, & Sat, May 13, Ann Arbor. By Project Grow at Dawn Farm. Wide selection of heirloom tomatoes & other veggies. New vendors. Advance orders: www.ProjectGrowGardens.org. H Painted Daisies on a Vintage Window Sat, May 13, 10am-Noon, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. $74.75. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-629-9208. H Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale Sat, May 13, 10am-4:30pm, Ann Arbor. At Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Hanging baskets & container plantings grown & designed by our staff/volunteers. Artisans market Sat, 9am-4:30pm. 734-647-7600, mbgna.umich.edu. Milford Garden Club Plant Sale Sat, May 13, 9am-Noon, Milford. By Milford Garden Club at Johnson Elementary. All proceeds go to Huron Valley Resident High School Scholarships & Library. 313-549-0339. Michigan All State Bonsai Show Sat, May 13, & Sun, May 14, 9am-5pm, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. See bonsai small enough to fit in your hand & some too heavy to lift. 616-957-1580. H Hidden Lake Gardens Plant Sale Sat, May 13, 10am-2pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. Free with admission. Wide selection of choice plants. www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu, 517-431-2060. With Love: Flowers for Mom Sat, May 13, Midland. At Dow Gardens. $22/container. Create a planter that will continue to provide beautiful blooms all summer long. Register: 989-631-2677. Perennial Exchange Sat, May 13, 9-10:30am, Romeo. At Romeo Village Park. Share your love of gardening with others. Exchanges only, no sales. 586-752-6543, www.rwbparksrec.org. Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale Sat, May 13, Noon-4pm, Taylor. At Taylor Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. taylorconservatory@sbcglobal.net, www.taylorconservatory.org. Mother’s Day Wildflower Hike Sun, May 14, 1-2:30pm, Ann Arbor. At Leslie Science & Nature Ctr. $5/person, Moms FREE. Guided wildflower hike. Register: 734-997-1553. Garden Expo Willow Greenhouse Sun, May 14, 10am-4pm, Northville. By Four Seasons Garden Club of South Lyon at Willow Greenhouse. Rain or Shine. Theme: Designing With Flowers. FREE. 248-437-7219. Fun with Lavender Mon, May 15, 6:30-7:30, Mt. Clemens. By MCMGA at Mt Clemens Library. $5. Karen Burke shows all the wonderful things to do with Lavender. H 45th Annual Spring Plant Sale Tue, May 16, 10am-7pm & Wed, May 17, 10am-2pm, Bloomfield Hills. At Cranbrook. Find a discount coupon in the Michigan Gardener ad. housegardens.cranbrook.edu. Herbs in Containers Tue, May 16, 1-2:30pm, Warren. By MSU Extension Macomb at Max Thompson Family Resource Center. Don’t have much space for a garden? We’ll help you find the space. 586-469-6440. H Living Wreath Workshop Tue, May 16, 6pm, New Baltimore. At Van Thomme’s. Register: 586-725-3708. www.vanthommesgreenhouses.com. Toward Harmony with Nature, Native Plants, & Natural Landscapes Wed, May 17, 7pm, Westland. By SEMBA at Nankin Mills Interpretive Center. Movie viewing: The value of having native plants in our yards by Doug Tallamy. www.sembabutterfly.org. Meadow Brook Garden Club Perennial Plant Sale Thu, May 18, 8am-2pm, Rochester Hills. By Meadow Brook Garden Club at Meadow Brook Hall. Many plants from the MBH gardens. 248-364-6210, MBGCmembers@gmail.com.

Waterford Garden Club Spring Plant Sale Thu, May 18, 9am-5pm & Fri, May 19, 9am-3pm, Waterford. By Waterford Garden Club at Waterford Senior Center. Perennials, herbs & more. www. WaterfordGardenClub.org. H Butterfly Container Garden Thu, May 18, 6pm, New Baltimore. At Van Thomme’s. 586-725-3708, www.vanthommesgreenhouses.com. Taylor Garden Club: Backyard Habitats that Attract Colorful Birds Thu, May 18, 7-9pm, Taylor. By Taylor Garden Club at Ford Senior Ctr. Presentation from LuAnn Linker. Guests welcome. www.taylorgardenclub.com. Meadow Brook Greenhouse Plant Sale Thu, May 18, 9am-6pm, Rochester. At Meadow Brook Greenhouse. Yearly plant sale featuring annual flowers, vegetables & herbs. Benefits the restoration of the greenhouse. 248-364-6171. A Glimpse of Japan Fri, May 19, 11am, Southfield. By Ikebana International Chapter 85 at Northwest Unitarian. Demos by Chapter Teachers & Exhibition by members, music & more. www.ikebanadetroit.org. Henry Ford Estate Plant Sale & Garden Market Fri, May 19, 10am-3pm & Sat, May 20, 9am-1pm, Dearborn. At Henry Ford Estate. Unique perennials, wildflowers, heirlooms, pollinator-attracting, shade-loving plants & more. 313-668-3195. Frogs of Michigan Fri, May 19, 10am, Rochester. By Meadow Brook Garden Club at Meadow Brook Hall. $5. Gordon Lonie, naturalist, will talk about a variety of Michigan frogs. 248-364-6210. H Campbell’s Customer Appreciation Day Sat, May 20, North Branch. At Campbell’s. Sales, music, hot dogs & refreshments. www.CampbellsGreenhouses.com. H Pond & Waterfall Design Sat, May 20, 10am-Noon, Milford. At The Pond Place. FREE. Workshop will address the key issues associated with designing & building your own pond. Register: www.PondPlace.com. Rouge Rescue Project: Pulling Together – Garlic Mustard Removal Sat, May 20, 10am-Noon, Dearborn. At Henry Ford Estate. Participants will be removing Garlic Mustard, an invasive plant, from the Henry Ford Estate grounds. Register: 313-668-3193. H Kitchen Favorites Herb Sale Sat, May 20, & Sun, May 21, 10am-4:30pm, Ann Arbor. At Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Herbs, containers & heirlooms. Herb study group on hand to answer questions. www.mbgna.umich.edu. Dexter Green Day & Plant Sales Sat, May 20, 9am-2pm, Dexter. By Dexter Garden Cub. Perennial plant sale, vegetable seedling sale, bagged compost sale & much more. www.dextergardenclub.org, 734-646-7335. Willow Greenhouse Expo Sat, May 20, 10am-4pm, Salem Twp. By Four Seasons Garden Club at WillowGreenhouse. FREE. Speakers, vendors, projects & more. www.WillowGreenhouse.com. Pre-Order Deadline for Yardeners Plant Sale Sat, May 20, Noon, St. Clair Shores. By Yardeners. Forms at City of St. Clair Shores Website or contact us: scsyardeners@gmail.com. H Pond Construction Sat, May 20, 1-3pm, Waterford. At The Pond Place. FREE. Dress for mess. Hands-on experience building an 11’ x16’ pond with a stream, waterfall & bog. www.pondplace.com. Spring Garden Festival & Plant Sale Sat, May 20, 10am-4pm, Niles. At Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve. Celebrate spring at this oneof-a-kind horticultural event. 269-695-6491, www.fernwoodbotanical.org. Taylor Garden Club Plant & Garden Art Sale Sat, May 20, 9am-2pm, Taylor. By Taylor Garden Club at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Annual plant & garden art sale hosted by the Taylor Garden Club. www.taylorgardenclub.com. Plant Sharing Sat, May 20, 9-10am, Livonia. By Livonia Garden Club at Greenmead Historical Park. Bring plants to share with others. Label with name & sun conditions. Rain/shine. 734-425-6880. continued on next page

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continued from previous page Exotic Flavors: Capture the World in Your Garden Tue, May 23, 6-8pm, East Lansing. At MSU Horticulture Gardens. $25. Learn to grow plants in your garden that will lend exotic flavors in your kitchen. www.hrt.msu.edu. Evenings in the Garden Thu, May 25, 6:30-8:30pm, Novi. At MSU Tollgate Farms. $40. Mary Gerstenberger’s create your own container gardening workshop. tollgate.msu.edu/events/evenings-in-the-garden. Iris Show Sat, May 27, 11am-5pm, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. See historic favorites & the newest varieties. 616-957-1580, www.meijergardens.org. H Specialty Growers Spring Open House Sat, May 27, 9am-5pm, Howell. At Specialty Growers. FREE. Sat, 1pm, Join MSU entomologist Abi Saeed for her talk on Bees. www.specialtygrowers.net, 517-546-7742. Plantapalooza at Taylor Conservatory Sat, May 27, 10am, Taylor. At Taylor Conservatory. Calling all volunteers for our biggest planting day of the year. Lots of ways to help. taylorconservatory@sbcglobal.net. Decorative Stepping Stone Tue, May 30, 1pm, Fenton. At Gerych’s Greenhouse/ Events. $35. Garden Keepsake. Sky is the limit with the embellishments available for this concrete garden stone. Register: 810-629-5995.

June Annual Spring Plant Exchange Sat, Jun 3, 9am-noon, Clinton. By Macomb MSU Extension Office at parking lot behind VerKuilen Building. Bring healthy, labeled plant material to share & exchange. 586-469-6440. 9th Annual Spring Garden Tour Sat, Jun 3, 10am-2pm, Detroit. At Black Cat Pottery. Register: www.blackcatpottery.com. Harrison Township “Trunk” Plant Exchange Sat, Jun 3, Noon-2pm, Harrison Twp. By Harrison Twp. Beautification Comm. at Tucker Park Parking Lot. Open your trunk, & enjoy exchanging your plants. 586-242-3868. H Peonies Galore Sale Sat, Jun 3, 10am, Ann Arbor. At Nichols Arboretum. Several varieties of locally grown heirloom peonies for sale. 734-647-7600, mbgna.umich.edu. Perennial Plant Exchange Sat, Jun 3, 8:30am, Clarkston. By The Clarkston Farm & Garden Club at Clarkston Village Parking Lot. Rain/Shine. Pot & identify your plants. 248-625-2644, www.clarkstongardenclub.org. Secrets of the Shade Tue, Jun 6, East Lansing. By Capital Area Master Gardeners at MSU Plant & Soil Science Building. $3. Focus on hostas, the queen of shade. mgacac.wordpress.com. Evenings in the Garden Thu, Jun 8, 6:30–8:30pm, Novi. At MSU Tollgate Farm. $20. Dr. Robert Schutzki shares necessary steps to a successful planting project. www.tollgate.msu.edu/events/evenings-in-the-garden H Growing Hydrangeas & Perennials Sat, Jun 10, 11am, Southgate. At Ray Hunter Garden Center. FREE. Expert advice from Master Gardener Paul Rodman. 734-284-2500. Iris Show Sat, Jun 10, 1:30-4:30pm, Alpena. By Mio Irisarians at Word of Life Baptist Church. FREE ENTRY. Youth-Adult divisions. Many categories. Entries Accepted 7-10am. www.mioiris.com. H Stained Glass Tree Sat, Jun 10, 10am-12:30pm, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. $89.75. Create an inspirational piece of art for your garden. Bring wire cutters, gloves & needle nose pliers. 810-629-9208. Yardeners Native Plant Sale Sat, Jun 10, 9am-Noon, St. Clair Shores. By Yardeners at St. Clair Shores Public Library, SelinskyGreen Farmhouse Museum. Pre-order by May 20. scsyardeners@gmail.com. H 27th Annual Ann Arbor Garden Walk Sat, Jun 10, 10am-4pm, Ann Arbor. By Ann Arbor Farm & Garden. Marketplace in Kerrytown 10am-4 pm. Proceeds benefit local scholarships. Tickets: www.annarborfarmandgarden.org.

2017 Franklin Garden Walk Wed, Jun 14, 10am-4pm & 6-9pm, Franklin. By Women’s National Farm & Garden Association at 6 private gardens. $15. Artisan Market. Tickets: 2017franklingardenwalk. eventbrite.com, franklingardenwalk@gmail.com. Trenton Garden Walk Sat, Jun 17, 10am-4pm, Trenton. Enjoy 7 beautiful gardens in the quaint city of Trenton. Glenda Albright: 734-281-6504. 26th Grosse Pointe Garden Tour Fri, Jun 23, & Sat, Jun 24, 10am-4pm, Grosse Pointe. By Grosse Pointe Garden Center at 8 area gardens. $20. Rain/shine. Tickets: 313-499-0743, gpgardencenter@outlook.com. PCMGA Garden Walk Sat, Jun 24, 9am-4pm, Valparaiso. By Porter County Master Gardeners Association in & around Valparaiso. pcgarden.info or Porter County Master Gardeners Facebook page. H Pond & Waterfall Design Sat, Jun 24, 10am-Noon, Milford. At The Pond Place. FREE. Workshop will address the key issues associated with designing & building your own pond. Register: www. PondPlace.com. H Painted Garden Pole Sat, Jun 24, 10am-1pm, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. $68.75. All of the supplies you need to create your very own garden pole. www. HeavenlyScentHerbFarm.com. H Pond Construction Sat, Jun 24, 1-3pm, Waterford. At The Pond Place. FREE. Dress for mess. Hands-on experience building an 11’ x 16’ pond with a stream, waterfall & bog. www.pondplace.com. Crocker House Garden Walk Sat, Jun 24, 9am-4pm, Mount Clemens. By Macomb County Historical Society at local gardens. $15. View private local gardens. Tour begins in the Crocker House Garden. 586-465-2488. H Appreciation Sunday Sun, Jun 25, 11am-4pm, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. FREE. Enjoy cake & tea, garden gifts given away every 15 minutes. 810-629-9208. Meadow Brook Gardening Workshop Thu, Jun 29, 9am-1pm, Rochester. By MBH & Proven Winners at Meadow Brook Hall. $75/person. Presentations by Proven Winners professionals John Gaydos, Stacy Hirvela & Melinda Myers. Lunch & plant included. Register: 248-364-6252. www.meadowbrookhall.org/gardening-workshop/.

July Port Sanilac Garden Walk Sat, Jul 8, 10am-4pm, Port Sanilac. “Welcome to My Garden”” by Port Sanilac Garden Club. $12. Visit 9 beautiful gardens. Lila: 810-404-1646. Bedford Flower & Garden Club 21st Annual Garden Tour Sat, Jul 8, 9am-3pm, Bedford. By Bedford Flower & Garden Club at 6 gorgeous private gardens. $8. Tickets available at the Bedford Public Library. grandmax3@bex.net. An Evening with the Butterflies Charity Event Sat, Jul 8, 6-8pm, Westland. At Brenda’s Butterfly Habitat at Barson’s Greenhouse. $10/person. Featuring harp & flute music. All proceeds go toward Monarch Watch. Rain date Jul 9. H 19th Annual LACASA’s Garden Tour Weekend Sat, Jul 8, & Sun, Jul 9, 9am-4pm, Livingston County. By LACASA at area gardens. $20. Scavenger hunt, raffles & more. Proceeds benefit abused children & victims of interpersonal violence. Advance tickets: www.lacasacenter.org. 43rd Annual Troy Garden Walk “Garden Gifts” Wed, Jul 12, 9:30am-3pm & 5-8:30pm, Troy. By Troy Garden Club. $15 at Village. Arts & Crafts Boutique, Plant Sale, Fabulous Finds & Student Art Exhibit. www.TroyGardenClubMI.com, 248-854-3728. A Day in the Garden: A Garden Walk Wed, Jul 12, 1-6pm, Gaylord. By The Edelweiss Garden Club of Gaylord at 6 area gardens. $8. Tickets: The Spud Warehouse, Saturn Book Store, North Star Gardens or Family Fare. ptrckhgrty@charter.net. H Garden Delight Tours Wed, Jul 12, 11am-1pm, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. $29.75. 810-629-9208.

Lansing

Owosso

East Haslett Lansing Williamston

Hartland Highland

Fowlerville Howell

Mason

Milford

Brighton

New Hudson

Milarch Nursery Arrowhead Alpines 1310 Gregory Rd., Fowlerville, MI 48836 517-223-3581 www.arrowheadalpines.com May/June hours: Fri-Sun 11-5. Specializing in rare and unusual plants. One of the most wellknown specialty nurseries in Michigan, with a huge selection of perennials, woodland wildflowers, unusual ferns, and rare alpines for rock gardens, miniature landscapes, and fairy gardens. We’re always on the hunt for new plants; the more unusual the better!

Beauchamp Landscape Supply 948 North Old US-23, Brighton, MI 48114 248-684-0332 www.beauchamplawn.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 8-3, Sun 9-3. We carry superior products at very fair prices. Bulk materials— mulch, topsoil, decorative stone, sand, gravel, boulders, outcropping, cobbblestone. Call us for same day delivery! Plus, fireplaces & firepits, garden decor, irrigation, tools & power equipment, outdoor lighting, pavers, water features. And plants! Annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, fruits, vegetables, herbs.

28500 Haas Rd., New Hudson, MI 48165 248-437-2094 www.milarchnursery.com Hours – Thru Sat, June 25: Mon-Fri 8-5:30, Sat 8-3; Starting Mon, June 27: Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 8-1. The finest nursery stock and perennials since 1972. We grow and maintain quality plants, along with special care in handling. 27 acres of shade and flowering trees, evergreens, flowering shrubs, perennials and groundcovers. Landscape-grade sizes are available. We offer each customer a knowledgeable salesperson to assist with plant selection.

One Stop Landscape Supply 2586 S. Milford Rd., Highland, MI 48357 248-684-0332 www.onestoplandscapesupply.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 7:30-6:30, Sat 7:30-5, Sun 9-3. Over 5 acres of landscape supplies, plus an outdoor living display. Mulches, soils, stone, garden decor, tools, water features, lighting, and much more. We are your One Stop for everything you need as a do-it-yourself gardener. Knowledgeable staff helps answer your questions. Call us for same day delivery!

The Pond Place of Michigan 3505 W. Highland Rd., Milford, MI 48380 248-889-8400 www.pondplace.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-4, Sun 11-4. Established in 2001, The Pond Place is one of the largest retailers and wholesalers of pond supplies in Michigan. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help with your pond supply, koi, goldfish and water plant needs. Visit www.pondplace.com for online shopping and browse our list of free pond workshops!

Wixom

Specialty Growers 4330 Golf Club Rd., Howell MI 48843 517-546-7742 www.specialtygrowers.net May/June hours: Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4. Excellent selection of perennials, grasses, hostas, native plants, herb and vegetable plants, all grown here at our nursery. Heirloom tomatoes and interesting pepper varieties. Perennials from starter 3.5” pots up to 2-gallon size. Outdoor-grown perennials, acclimated to local weather conditions, selected for Michigan gardens. Complete catalog on our website. Knowledgeable, experienced staff.

Van Atta’s Greenhouse 9008 Old M-78, Haslett, MI 48840 517-339-1142 www.vanattas.com Hours – May: Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 10-7; June: Mon-Sat 9-8, Sun 10-7. One of the largest selections of plants and garden accents in Southeastern Michigan. We grow an enormous variety of perennials. There’s a good chance we have that one plant you’ve been searching for, or the garden ornament that sets your yard apart. Come stroll our grounds—you’ll be amazed at what you find.

To advertise in Destinations, email Publisher@MichiganGardener.com or call Eric at 248-594-5563

Temperature

Precipitation March 2017

Detroit Flint Lansing

NORMAL Monthly 2.28 1.91 2.06

ACTUAL Monthly 4.26 3.21 3.63

March 2016 DEVIATION from Normal +1.98 +1.30 +1.57

2017 Year to Date: Jan 1 - March 31

Detroit Flint Lansing

NORMAL Yr. to Date 6.26 5.02 5.18

ACTUAL Yr. to Date 8.99 8.76 9.91

DEVIATION from Normal +2.73 +3.74 +4.73

NORMAL

Monthly 2.28 1.91 2.06

ACTUAL Monthly 4.86 4.33 4.25

March 2017 DEVIATION from Normal +2.58 +2.42 +2.19

2016 Year to Date: Jan 1 - March 31

NORMAL Yr. to Date 6.26 5.02 5.18

ACTUAL Yr. to Date 8.22 8.18 7.41

DEVIATION from Normal +1.96 +3.16 +2.23

March 2016

Detroit Flint Lansing

NORMAL Avg. High 45.2 43.1 43.5

ACTUAL Avg. High 44.8 42.4 43.3

DEVIATION from Normal -0.4 -0.7 -0.2

ORMAL N Avg. High 45.2 43.1 43.5

ACTUAL Avg. High 51.9 51.1 49.3

DEVIATION from Normal +6.7 +8.0 +5.8

Detroit Flint Lansing

NORMAL Avg. Low 28.5 24.3 24.3

ACTUAL Avg. Low 29.1 25.4 26.6

DEVIATION from Normal +0.6 +1.1 +2.3

ORMAL N Avg. Low 28.5 24.3 24.3

ACTUAL Avg. Low 34.4 32.2 31.1

DEVIATION from Normal +5.9 +7.9 +6.8

Data courtesy National Weather Service

Michigan Gardener | May 2017 | MichiganGardener.com

The author’s bog garden, located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. by Bill Van Kosky Your yard may be predominantly clay, sand, loam or a blend of these soil types, but if you want to grow bog plants, you can. It’s just a matter of knowing how to create an area where you can duplicate bog conditions. A popular bog lover is the pitcher plant. Nine species of pitcher plants are native to the United States. These fascinating bog dwellers are literally carnivorous, nourished by insects they ingest. Of the nine species, only purple pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea) grows in the wild in Michigan. The natural range of the others is south of the Mason-Dixon line. The pitcher plants down in Dixie tend to be more colorful than those in Michigan bogs. Luckily for us, some of them are hardy to USDA zone 5. Plant hybridizers have been busy in recent years, crossing varieties to achieve new

color combinations, improve hardiness, and develop other traits that make them more desirable to gardeners. Each year it seems that a few new, interesting zone 5 pitcher plant (Sarracenia) cultivars are listed in specialty catalogs and on websites. Since 2008, we have been growing several of these beauties at our home southeast of Marquette, near the south shore of Lake Superior. Wherever you may live in Michigan, you can too.

Determine bog garden location and size In their natural habitat, bog plants grow in full sun. Bog gardens we make must therefore be situated where they get at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Our bog garden is oval in shape, about six feet long by three feet wide. This is more than adequate to provide a home for at least a dozen pitcher plants. You may prefer a bog garden that is square, rectangular, round or irregular

in shape, and larger or smaller than ours.

Remove existing soil Use a sharp-edged trowel or spade to define the edges of your bog garden. Dig out the soil, keeping the sides of the hole vertical. Continue until the hole is approximately 18 inches deep. See photo #1.

Insert liner Put a sheet of black plastic in the hole, allowing several inches of overlap all around at the top. Plastic sheeting is sold in several thicknesses, defined in “mils.” Use sheeting that is at least six mils thick. Six-mil black plastic is a stock item in hardware and home improvement stores. Next, use a sharp blade to make a slash about a foot long in the sheet, in the bottom of the hole. This seems like a goofy thing to do, but is essential if a backyard bog is to

function as a natural one does. Bog water is not stagnant. It is constantly replenished by underground springs or surface streams. Slashing the plastic enables water to slowly seep out of our bog garden, to be replaced by rain and hose water we provide. See photo #2.

Fill the hole with bog garden soil mix Shovel sand into the hole, to a depth of approximately two inches. Fill the remainder of the hole with a mix consisting of three parts sphagnum peat and one part sand. When we were making our bog garden, we dumped three five-gallon buckets of sphagnum peat into a large garden cart, added one five-gallon bucket of sand, then used a shovel to thoroughly mix these components. Successive batches of this acidic soil mix were P H OTO G R A P H S BY B I L L VA N KO S K Y

MichiganGardener.com | May 2017 | Michigan Gardener

Bog garden hole dug out and completed.

Liner installed.

Hole filed with acidic soil mix. made and shoveled into the hole until it was full. See photo #3.

Finish the edge To make a neat and attractive edge around the perimeter of our bog garden, we slipped industrial-grade plastic edging between the plastic sheet and side of the hole, then trimmed off the sheet at ground level. Another way to finish the edge is to fold over the excess plastic sheet and cover it with rocks, bricks or paving stones. See photo #4.

Planting the bog The soil in a newly-made bog garden needs to settle before anything is planted in it. If you make your garden in the fall, winter snows and early spring rains will do this job while you are checking catalogs and websites in search of pitcher plants that appeal to you and are hardy in your area.

Perimeter edging in place. From the time you begin planting in the spring, the soil must be kept moist. Bog plants will die if their roots dry out. We have found that 4 or 5 inches of acidic mulch, such as shredded cedar bark or pine straw, will drastically reduce evaporation. This, in turn, drastically reduces the need for supplementary watering. On average we water our bog garden only about six times during the spring and summer.

Bog plant care A bog garden needs little care. If sited in full sun and the acidic soil is kept constantly moist, bog plants have virtually everything they need. Fertilizer is superfluous at best and harmful at worst, because pitcher plant roots function as anchors but are unable to take up nutrients from the soil. continued on next page

5 Winter protection.

Michigan Gardener | May 2017 | MichiganGardener.com

Classified Ads EDSEL & ELEANOR FORD HOUSE has an open full-time Landscape Specialist position. Full job description and how to apply at fordhouse.org/get-involved/employment. No phone calls please.

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.

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.

ADVERTISING SALES REP – Michigan Gardener has a part-time opportunity available. Advertising sales experience is preferred. Please forward your resume to: publisher@ MichiganGardener.com.

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

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.

HARDY PLANT SOCIETY: GREAT LAKES CHAPTER - Join us at our upcoming event: Mon, May 8, 7p: “Wonderful Woodlanders,” by Glen Pace, at Goldner Walsh Garden & Home in Pontiac. Guest fee: $5. Visit us on Facebook.

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‘Ladybug’ pitcher plant. continued from previous page Experience has convinced us that pitcher plants need to be shielded from the perils of winter weather (except for purple pitcher plant) even if they are said to be hardy to zone 5. Late each fall, we cover our bog garden with landscape cloth, then spread about a foot of leaves over it. A temporary low wire mesh fence keeps the leaves from being scattered by wind. See photo #5. Pitcher plants go into dormancy during the

winter, and usually need attention when the snow finally melts. Early in the spring, after removing the leaf cover and landscape cloth, prune any dead or tattered pitchers at the base. This article has focused primarily on pitcher plants, but if you start researching the broad topic of bog dwellers, you may find others that you would like to grow. If they are hardy in your area and you have created the proper moist, acidic environment they need, go for it!

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Bill Van Kosky’s gardening experience dates back to 1942, when his dad spaded up the backyard, planted a Victory Garden and drafted Bill to hoe and weed it. Since 1971, Bill and his wife Judy have lived on a 50-acre forested tract in northeast Marquette County, where they have an apple orchard, extensive vegetable gardens, and ornamental plantings. Bill is a frequent presenter at central Upper Peninsula gardening conferences.

MichiganGardener.com | May 2017 | Michigan Gardener

The Iron Barn

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Look for Allen Park • Ace Hardware Almont H American Tree Ann Arbor H Abbott’s Landscp Nurs • Ace Barnes Hardware (Washtenaw Ave) • Ace Barnes Hardware (West Stadium) • Dixboro General Store • Downtown Home & Gard H English Gardens H HillTop Greenhse & Farms • Larry’s Mower Shop H Lodi Farms H Matthaei Botanical Gard • The Produce Station H Turner’s Greenhse/ Gard Ctr • Wild Birds Unltd Auburn Hills • Ace Hardware • Drake’s Landscp & Nurs H Haley Stone • Oakland Community College H State Crushing Belleville • Banotai Greenhse H Pinter Flowerland H Zywicki Greenhse Berkley • Garden Central Beverly Hills • Ace Hardware Birmingham H Blossoms Brighton H Beauchamp Landscp Supp • Grasshopper Gardens • Leppek Nurs H Meier Flowerland Brownstown Twp • Raupp Bros Landscp Supp H Ruhlig Farms & Gard Canton • Canton Floral Gardens • Crimboli Nurs • Wild Birds Unltd Chelsea • Heim Gardens & Florist H The Garden Mill • The Potting Shed Chesterfield H Van Thomme’s Greenhses Clarkston • Ace Hardware (Dixie Hwy) • Ace Hardware (Sashabaw) • Backyard Oasis • Country Oaks Landscp Supp I • Lowrie’s Landscp • The Gateway • Weingartz Clawson • Ace Hardware Clinton Twp H English Gardens • Michigan Koi • MSU ExtensionMacomb Cty H Tropical Treasures

at these fine locations: Clio H Piechnik’s Greenhse Commerce Twp • Zoner’s Greenhse Davison H Wojo’s Garden Splendors Dearborn • Ace Hardware • Fairlane Gard Dearborn Hts H English Gardens Detroit • Cheryl English H Detroit Farm & Gard • Detroit Gard Ctr Dexter H Bloom! Gard Ctr • Dexter Mill • Earth Art H Fraleigh’s Nurs Eastpointe • Drew’s Garden H English Gardens Farmington • Alexander True Value Hardware Farmington Hills • Ace Hardware • Saxton’s Flower Ctr H Steinkopf Nurs • Weingartz Fenton • Gerych’s H Heavenly Scent Herb Farm Ferndale • Casual Modes Home & Gard Flushing H Flushing Lawn & Gard Ctr Fostoria H The Iron Barn Fowlerville H Arrowhead Alpines • Green-Up Gard Ctr Gladwin H Stone Cottage Gardens Grand Blanc H The Weed Lady Grand Rapids • Meijer Gardens Grosse Ile H Westcroft Gardens Grosse Pointe • Allemon’s Landscp Ctr • Meldrum & Smith Nurs 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 H One Stop Landscp Supp • Thornton Nurs Howell H Howell Farmer’s Mkt H Specialty Growers H Superior Landscp Supp • Wilczewski Greenhses

Imlay City H Earthly Arts Keego Harbor • Creative Brick Paving Lake Orion • Ace Hardware H Lake Orion Lawn Ornaments H Orion Stone Depot H Wojo’s of Lake Orion Livonia • Ace Hardware (5 Mi/Middlebelt) • Ace Hardware (6 Mi/Newburgh) • Bushel Mart H George’s Livonia Gard • Superior Growers Supp • Valley Nurs Macomb • Ace Hardware • Altermatt’s Greenhse • Boyka’s Greenhse H Elya’s Village Gard • Joe Randazzo’s H Landscape Source • Olejnik Farms • Wild Birds Unltd Midland • Dow Gardens Milford • Ace Hardware • Peter’s True Value Hardware H The Pond Place Monroe • The Flower Market New Baltimore H Meldrum Bros Nurs New Boston H Grass Roots Nurs • Mums the Word New Hudson H Milarch Nurs North Branch H Campbell’s Greenhses H Oldani Landscp Nurs Northville • Begonia Bros • Gardenviews 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 Garden Gate Ortonville • Country Oaks Landscp Supp II H Wojo’s Greenhse Owosso H Everlastings in the Wildwood Oxford • Oxford Farm & Gard Pinckney • Bock’s General Store & Gard Ctr Plymouth • Lucas Nurs H Plymouth Nurs • Plymouth Rock & Supp H 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 Romulus H Kurtzhal’s Farms H Schoedel’s Nurs • Schwartz’s Greenhse Roseville • Dale’s Landscp Supp • Flower Barn Nurs Sea World Royal Oak • Ace Hardware • Billings Lawn Equip • Button’s Rent It H English Gardens • Frentz & Sons Hardware • La Roche • Manus Power Mowers • Wild Birds Unltd Saginaw H Abele Greenhse & Gard Ctr Salem Twp H Willow Greenhses Saline • Clink Landscp & Nurs • Junga’s Ace Hardware • Nature’s Gard Ctr H Saline Flowerland Shelby Twp • Ace Hardware • Diegel’s Greenhse • Flower Barn Nurs H Hessell’s Greenhses • Maeder Plant Farm • Potteryland H Telly’s Greenhse South Lyon • Ace Hardware • Hollow Oak Farm Nurs • Mike’s Garden • Stone Depot Landscp Supp Southfield • 3 DDD’s Stand • Eagle Landscp & Supply • Lavin’s Flower Land • Main’s Landscp Supp Southgate H Ray Hunter Gard Ctr St Clair Shores • Ace Hardware (Harper/13 Mi) • Circare • Greenhouse Growers • Hall’s Nurs • Soulliere Gard Ctr

Sterling Hts • Ace Hardware • Decor Statuette H Eckert’s Greenhse • Prime Landscp Supp Stockbridge • Gee Farms Sylvan Lake H AguaFina Gardens Interntl H Detroit Garden Works Taylor H Beautiful Ponds & Gard • D&L Garden Ctr • Massab Acres H Panetta’s Landscp Supp Trenton • Ace Hardware • Carefree Lawn Ctr • Keck Hardware Troy • Gramma’s Gardens H Telly’s Greenhse • The Home & Gard Shop H Uncle Luke’s Feed Store Utica • Stonescape Supp • Weingartz Warren H Beste’s Lawn & Patio • Garden Center Nurs • Greco’s Nurs • Young’s Garden Mart Washington • Landscape Direct • Miller’s Big Red Greenhse • Rocks ‘n’ Roots • United Plant Ctr Waterford • Ace Hardware • Breen’s Landscp Supp • Jacobsen’s Flowers H Merrittscape West Bloomfield • ACE Hardware H English Gardens • Whole Foods 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 Williamston • Christian’s Greenhse Wixom • Angelo’s Landscp Supp • Brainer’s Greenhse Ypsilanti • Coleman’s Farm Mkt • Lucas Nurs • Margolis Nurs • Materials Unlimited • Michigan Greenscape Supp • Schmidt’s Antiques H Sell Farms & Greenhse

• Porch, step, deck & hand rails • Driveway & Garden Gates • Aluminum Lamps & Décor • Powder Coat Finishing • Restoration & More!

OVE R 10 0 0 P L A NT VA R I ETI ES

Come see the spectacle! Mid April - Mid June: Gates open Fri-Sun 10am-8pm See Michigan’s most complete Lilac collection— over 300 rare & different varieties 144 Crabapple varieties: Peak bloom in May Apr 1-Oct 31: By appt. Please call to arrange a visit. Donations appreciated; no pets please.

5444 Welch Rd, Emmett, MI 48022 810-387-2765 • www.visitsunnyfields.org

FARM COMPOST Topsoil & Mulch Bulk or bags.

Delivery available. Tuthill Farms & Composting 10505 Tuthill Rd., S. Lyon, MI 48178

734-449-8100 TuthillFarms.com

Ask For It at your local garden center

6823 N. Lapeer Rd. (M-24) 12 mi. N. of Lapeer Open Sat & Sun 9-4 • Appointments welcome

810-358-0010 • theironbarn.com

Stone Cottage Gardens Huge selection of perennials & daylilies

High quality tools / Cocoa shell mulch Organic garden amendments & animal repellents Help for your gardening questions & concerns

On your way Up North, stop by and wander through our beautiful display gardens that surround our old stone cottage & farm buildings. Open May 1 - Oct. 14 Mon-Fri 10-6 Sat 9-4

3740 Willford Rd. Gladwin, MI 989-426-2919 www.stonecottagegardens.com Check out our gardens on

GARDEN RHYTHMS CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPES

• Renovation Specialists • Ornamental Pruning • Seasonal Containers • Maintenance & Redesign • Garden Coaching Certified Master Gardeners & Designers

248-217-6459 bevinbloom@gmail.com

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 Email us at: aprogardener@gmail.com

New members always welcome Visit our website for program schedule

A collection of stores and gardens to shop and visit. Please call ahead for hours, as they may vary from season to season.

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H Van Thomme’s Greenhses 32385 23 Mile Rd., MI 48047 586-725-3708 www.vanthommesgreenhouses.com

Tecumseh Monroe 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 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 The Produce Station

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Williamston

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Oakland

Clarkston

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

brighton

Grand Oak Herb Farm

H Beauchamp Landscp Supp Bordine’s Leppek Nurs H Meier Flowerland

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

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

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

birmingham

canton

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

Canton Floral Gardens Crimboli Nurs Wild Birds Unltd

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

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 Greenhouse & Garden Ctr 13172 McCumsey Rd, MI 48420 810-686-9211 www.cliogreenhouse.com

commerce twp Zoner’s Greenhse

MichiganGardener.com | May 2017 | Michigan Gardener

davison H Wojo’s Gard Splendors 7360 E. Court St., MI 48423 810-658-9221 www.wojos.com

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

dearborn

grosse pointe

Fairlane Gardens

Allemon’s Landscp Ctr Meldrum & Smith Nurs

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

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

grosse pointe woods Wild Birds Unltd

hadley Le Fleur Décor

hartland Deneweth’s Garden Ctr

haslett 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 Downtown Howell @ State & Clinton 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 H Superior Landscape Supplies 4805 Musson Rd., MI 48855 517-548-2068 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

mason

redford

stockbridge

whitmore lake

Gee Farms

H Alexander’s Greenhses

metamora

H Pinter Flowerland Seven Mi Gard Ctr

sylvan lake

williamston

Gilling’s Nurs

rochester

H AguaFina Gardens International 2629 Orchard Lake Rd., MI 48320 248-738-0500 www.aguafina.com

Christian’s Greenhse

Wildtype Nurs

milford Milford Gardens H The Pond Place

monroe The Flower Market

new baltimore H Meldrum Bros Nurs

new boston H Grass Roots Nurs Mums the Word

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

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 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

Fowler’s Gift Shop

plymouth

lennon

Graye’s Greenhse Lucas Nurs

Krupps Novelty Shop

livonia Bushel Mart H George’s Livonia Gardens 31405 W. 7 Mile Rd., MI 48152 248-476-6719 Find us on Facebook Superior Growers Supp Valley Nurs

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 Wild Birds Unltd

manchester McLennan Nurs

H Plymouth Nursery 9900 Ann Arbor Rd W, MI 48170 734-453-5500 www.plymouthnursery.net Plymouth Rock & Supp H Rock Shoppe on Gotfredson 6275 Gotfredson, MI 48170 734-455-5560 www.rock-shoppe.com Sparr’s Greenhse

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

ray Heritage Oaks Van’s Valley Greenhse

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 Bordine’s H Haley Stone 3975 S. Rochester Rd., MI 48307 248-852-5511 www.haleystone.net Wild Birds Unltd

romulus Block’s Stand/Greenhse H Kurtzhals’ Farms H Schoedel’s Nurs Schwartz’s Greenhouse

roseville Dale’s Landscp Supp Flower Barn Nurs Sea World

royal oak Billings Lawn Equip Button’s Rent-It H English Gardens 4901 Coolidge Hwy, MI 48073 248-280-9500 www.EnglishGardens.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

Wild Birds Unltd

H Uncle Luke’s Feed Store 6691 Livernois Rd., MI 48098 248-879-9147 www.unclelukes.com

saginaw

utica

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

saline Clink Landscp & Nurs Nature’s Garden Ctr H Saline Flowerland

shelby twp Diegel Greenhses Flower Barn Nurs H Hessell’s Greenhouse 14497 23 Mile Rd., MI 48315 586-247-4675 www.hessellsgreenhouse.com Maeder Plant Farm Potteryland H Telly’s Greenhouse 4343 24 Mile, MI 48316 248-659-8555 www.tellys.com

Stonescape Supp

walled lake H Suburban 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

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 Seven Ponds Nature Ctr

washington

H MSU Horticulture Gardens W.J. Beal Botanical Gard

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

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

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

H Ray Hunter Gard Ctr

Coleman’s Farm Mkt Lucas Nurs Margolis Nurs Materials Unlimited

dryden

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

southgate

ypsilanti

Anna S Whitcomb Conservtry

westland

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

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

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

south lyon

southfield

wixom

warren

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

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

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

flint Applewood

grand rapids Frederik Meijer Gardens

grosse pointe shores Edsel & Eleanor Ford Hse

lansing Cooley Gardens

midland 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

Michigan Gardener | May 2017 | MichiganGardener.com

Living, hardy succulent wreath.

Living herb wreath.

Living, non-hardy succulent wreath.

Living wreaths How to make a live wreath using herbs and succulents

aking a living wreath with herb plants or succulents was once a favorite class offered at our Sunshine Farm and Garden business. It is a unique project that is perfect for hanging on a garden shed or gate, placing on a picnic table outdoors, or serving as an elegant candle ring for the home. A living wreath is also a perfect gift for a fellow gardener. If hardy plants are used, the wreath will last for years outside. This project requires little upkeep when completed, as the plants will actually root in the wreath and thrive.

Getting started If you gather materials beforehand, this project takes about an hour to complete. You can collect plants from your own garden or from seedlings that you start from herb seeds. Starting with small plants is the key for successful wreath plantings. When choosing plants for a living wreath, keep in mind the leaf colors and shapes. You need different leaf colors to make it pretty against the green mosses you will use as a base. Choose a size for your wreath. We used a 14- or 16-inch wire, three-dimensional wreath ring purchased from a craft store. You will also need a few packages of green sheet moss (we do not recommend the gray Spanish moss), some potting soil, a spool of craft wire, and a garbage bag on which to make the wreath. A pizza pan covered with aluminum foil also makes a good base for wreath building. For this size wreath you need small herb plants, hens and chicks, or succulents. The more plants you use, the fuller the wreath, but remember that the plants will spread and grow into the wreath, so Jean & Roxanne you have to leave room for Riggs each baby plant to grow.

1 All the materials are gathered to make a living herb wreath, including baby plants. When you start, flip your wire wreath ring upside down so you have a â&#x20AC;&#x153;wellâ&#x20AC;? in the wreath for layering moss, soil and plants. Place your wreath ring on the garbage bag or lined pizza pan and you are ready to go. Wet the green moss thoroughly. Layer moss all the way around the inside of the wreath, green side down. Wire the wetted green planter moss in the deep part of the wire wreath by wrapping the wire around the wreath and moss, going around the wreath to secure the moss every 3 to 4 inches. Leave the spool of wire attached to

the wreath. Now place some wet potting soil in a circle inside the moss about 2 or 3 inches deep all the way around. Planting the wreath will be easy with this preparation.

Living wreath with hardy hens and chicks and perennial sedums Hens and chicks (sempervivums) are interesting perennial plants usually grown in the rock garden or planters. They come in varieties that grow as much as a foot across, but usual-

MichiganGardener.com | May 2017 | Michigan Gardener

2 Jean Riggs starts to make the living herb wreath.

3 Spreading potting soil on top of the moss base,...

6 Placing herb plants around a wreath...

ly are small rosettes averaging a few inches in diameter. They have very short, little roping roots and are really hardy. Usually these plants have spiky green, red or mixed color leaves. There are many varieties, and some even grow with a “cobweb hair” design in the middle or at the end of each leaf. Many gardeners collect different sempervivum varieties as a hobby. The flower is on a long stem with blooms at the end of the stalk in pinks or whites. That particular flowering rosette will set seeds and then die. They multiply mainly by sending around “chicks” or baby plants out from the main rosette. These baby plants can be stuck in the ground and planted with little or no real root system—they will start a new, good-sized rosette in a few weeks. These are fun plants to grow in Michigan. Unique and beautiful, perennial sedums come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. For a living wreath you want the small, dwarf varieties. They also have short roots and you just need a branch stuck into dirt to start a new plant. Take a look at your local garden center for different kinds. Also, most gardeners will be happy to share these little plants with you. We

4 ...getting a sage plant ready for planting in the wreath,...

7 ...and wiring the herbs onto the wreath.

love these plants in a living wreath, as they are super easy to take care of, spread readily, and require little water or fussing. To plant sempervivums and small sedums in your wreath, arrange the rosettes and pieces of sedums around the ring on top of the soil. Place green moss around all the plants to hide the dirt. Take your spool of wire and run it around the wreath every few inches, being sure to catch a piece of each plant and the green moss under the wire to secure it. For big rosettes, try to wire a bottom leaf or two to the wreath. Do this all the way around and tie off your wire when done.

Living wreath with herbs There are many varieties of small herbs that can be planted in a wreath, including creeping thyme, mini basil, dwarf chamomile, oregano, chive, small sage, dwarf winter savory, and parsley. We use baby plants with small root systems. Plant the herbs around the wreath in the soil and cover the dirt with wet green moss around the plants. Then take your spool continued on next page

5 ...and planting the sage in the wreath.

8 The finished herb wreath.

Michigan Gardener | May 2017 | MichiganGardener.com

These hardy hens and chicks (sempervivums) are ready to be planted in a living wreath. They do not need to have roots; they can be wired into the wreath and they will develop roots in the soil and moss.

Wire the big rosettes carefully to hold them into the wreath so they will not fall out.

continued from previous page of wire and wind it around the moss, plants and wire wreath about every 2 to 3 inches. Tie off the wire when completed. This wreath must be watered regularly. Since we have used both perennials and annuals, some will live through the winter and some will need to be replaced every year. You can add violas or Johnny jump ups for some color. If a living wreath with hardy plants is hanging on a garden shed or gate, it must be taken down and placed on the ground in a protected location to live through the Michigan winter. It can be re-hung in the spring.

Living wreath with non-hardy succulents One of the living wreaths we made consisted of unusual, tender succulents. The different kinds were growing together in a container. The pot contained many different colors and leaf varieties, including strings of ball-like succulents, gray branches, tiny green varieties, and more. These succulents make a stunning living wreath with their unusual leaves and growing habits. Again, they have very short roots. To plant this wreath, pull off rooted pieces of the plants or stems and place in the dirt all around the wreath. Try to drape some of the succulents over the edges of the wreath for the best look. Cover the dirt and wrap the wire like the other wreaths above. To survive the winter, these wreaths must be brought into the house and watered regularly, or the plants will need to be replaced each year. Any of these wreaths can be finished off with natural raffia bows, small clay pots, waterproof birds, or other tiny garden decor tied in with wire. We hope you will try to make a living wreathâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it is a fun and decorative project. Jean and Roxanne Riggs operated Sunshine Farm and Garden in Oakland County, MI and now enjoy retirement up north. 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

Placing small sedums and sempervivums around a wreath.

This wreath is made from succulents that are not hardy in Michigan, but it is lovelyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the different colors and textures are so beautiful. The wreath can stay outside during the summer but must be wintered indoors.

Used around a candle, a finished living succulent wreath makes a great table centerpiece.

MichiganGardener.com | May 2017 | Michigan Gardener

Send us Your Photos!

through the lens

1. E-mail us 2 or 3 of your best garden photos. Be sure to e-mail the high-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.

Photographs from Michigan gardeners

“It’s sad enough when you have to put the hoses away, when it seems like (my favorite) peony’s JUST bloomed.” —Heather Holmden Harris

“Skylar” sits among bluestems in Susan Ruvido’s garden.

This primrose emerges beneath a wrought iron birdbath. —Pri Pant

English roses and stunning delphiniums star in Lani Kyle-Moar’s garden.

Michigan Gardener | May 2017 | www.MichiganGardener.com

Janice Cooley and Paul Stedman’s garden in the woods is all about “beauty in decay.” This may sound unusual when talking about a garden, but let me explain. Janice began gardening on these 10 acres in Genesee County after her husband died. They were living in a pine forest that diplodia tip blight was beginning to decimate. Many of the trees had to be removed. When she lost her husband, Greg, she also watched her daughter Margot head off to college the same week. These three cataclysmic events led her to gardening, and it served as wonderful therapy. Later, she met Paul, who landscaped in college, and now they garden together. The result is stunning. They have created a little piece of heaven on earth.

Gnomeville One of my favorite parts of the garden is Gnomeville. Countless tree

As you leave the Enchanted Forest walk, the view of the gardens welcomes you back to the house.

Lisa

Steinkopf stumps set the stage for the gnome village. It began when the two oak trees used for the kid’s soccer goalposts died. When the company removing the trees was unable to finish the job of cleaning up the large trees, the pieces were kept because of the memories the trees recalled. Ash tree stumps were also used after they succumbed to the emerald ash borer infestation. Most of the gnome homes were made by Greg and Janice’s son and started life as birdhouses. They were scattered through the property, but as they aged and began to decay, Janice decided to gather and refurbish them. text continued on page 54

MichiganGardener.com | May 2017 | Michigan Gardener

As you begin your journey into the Enchanted Forest, a friendly lumberjack gnome greets you.

Gnomeville is an extensive village of gnome homes, complete with staircases and bridges to make it easier for them to get around.

Janice Cooley and Paul Stedman take a well-deserved rest on a boulder wall in their garden.

To create the gnome homes, former birdhouses are refurbished and covered with a multitude of accoutrements, like beads, baubles, shells, and anything Janice finds that catches her eye.

When this large tree died, Janice didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to part with it, so she made it into a large planter stand.

Michigan Gardener | May 2017 | MichiganGardener.com

V Website Extra Go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Website Extras” for more beautiful photos of the Cooley/Stedman garden

continued from page 52 These were the beginning of Gnomeville. Here we see beauty in decay with the stumps and the refurbished birdhouses. Janice adds shells, beads, old jewelry, and whatever she finds to decorate and personalize each house. If anything breaks, it goes in the garden. Her husband Greg’s house has a lounge chair turned toward the gardens so he can enjoy the P H OTO G R A P H S BY L I S A view. S T E I N KO P F Janice says making the gnome homes and the village around it is like having the dollhouse she never had. She came up with the gnome idea from a childhood memory. Her neighbors growing up were from Germany and had gnomes she often played with. Now there are more than 19 houses and countless gnomes. Friends and family all have personalized houses and she keeps adding more. To keep all the accessories from disintegrating in our Michigan winters, everything is taken in and stored. Janice grew up in the Upper Peninsula and has rocks from Lake Superior in her Gnomeville; her daughter’s house represents the Keweenaw Peninsula. Many portions of her garden have sentimentality attached to it. There are a few fairies living in Gnomeville as well, because as Janice says, “Everyone should get along.” A great way to look at life and something we could all take to heart.

The view of the gardens from the home’s upper deck is spectacular.

The garden tour continues As we continued on our tour of the garden, she took me into her enclosed summer porch where they quite often sleep when it is not too warm. This lovely room looks over the gardens. The floor has been hand painted by her daughter and is beautiful. There is also a table where they can have dinner or enjoy family time, playing games or cards. In the garden I noticed a series of round tubes protruding from the soil. They started out white and complete, but, as they progressed, appeared to melt gradually. It is an art installation by Margot titled “Beauty In Decay,” made as a gift for Janice. She relays the message, “We start out young and strong, but without much character. As we age, we become weaker, but more and more beautiful.” In the same bed is a huge container with a beautiful plectranthus that Janice has had for years. She calls it Ines after her Mom. It, along with all her houseplants that have summered outside, spends the winter in the walkout basement with plenty of windows. When trees die on the property, they are put to use, as we have already seen. One is

The gnome village is built on many levels. used now as a pedestal for a huge planter. It resembles a hand cradling the plants. Once again, we see beauty in the decay. There is a tree, however, that is doing just fine on the property. This enormous oak tree, believed to be over 200 years old, is lovingly cared for to ensure it is alive for many more years. We then passed the fenced vegetable gar-

This art installation, a series of white tubes in gradually declining decay, was created by daughter Margot for her mother, and is titled “Beauty in Decay.”

MichiganGardener.com | May 2017 | Michigan Gardener

den, safe from marauding animals and in raised beds to counteract the effects of the heavy clay soil they have to deal with. Paul did point out that the clay works well for the lawn, as he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to water it. He keeps about 3 of the 10 acres mowed. We enter the large mowed labyrinth. Even though we are walking in a circle, it is so large, it is hard to comprehend that we are in a labyrinth. Janice says it is visible on Google Earth. When we reach the middle, there is a large wine bottle tree to greet us. There is a wooded area where Paul has cleared a path. An arrow-shaped sign points us to the entrance of the Enchanted Forest. It is a beautiful trail with a meditation area halfway through. And, of course, there are gnome houses along the way to make it interesting. A bench next to a serene pond,

green with duckweed, beckons you to stop and relax. There is even a table and chairs if you want to have a romantic al fresco dinner, complete with candlelight supplied from a hanging chandelier. As we leave the Enchanted Forest, the view of the house and gardens beckons you back to the multi-tiered deck to rest and relax. Truly, an enchanting garden. 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).

The vegetable garden is fenced in to protect it from marauding animals.

This well-grown plectranthus is stored in the basement for the winter.

Beautiful containers of flowers are tucked everywhere in the landscape.

An enormous oak tree, over 200 years old, dwarfs everything around it.

Michigan Gardener | May 2017 | MichiganGardener.com

The inspired siting of a perennial garden can greatly improve its impact.

A pergola, arbor or trellis can provide support to lax-growing vines. They also can provide a center of interest, or focal point, around which a perennial garden can be planted.

continued from back cover Peonies and asparagus like a placement in the landscape which will be permanent, as they resent being moved. Spring-flowering perennials that go dormant come summer want companions that will carry on later in the season. A rose garden needs a home of its own. Perennials (including groundcovers and spring-flowering bulbs) are the smallest plants in the landscape. A good landscape design will provide them with some companionship that will give them a stronger visual presence. This can be accomplished in a number of ways. A backup hedge of evergreens or deciduous shrubs can provide visual weight and presence to a perennial garden. A mixed border of shrubs and perennials can provide suitable siting for both sun-loving perennials, and those that might appreciate a little afternoon shade from a strategically placed, open-growing shrub. Small perennial gardens need not forego some shrubby company. The introduction of dwarf-growing shrubs has increased dramatically in the past five years. Hydrangea â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Boboâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tops out at 30 inches tall. Some shrubs have the look of a large perennial. A Chinese tree peony (Paeonia ostii) tops out at 4 to 5 feet; a mature clump may have 100 blooms or more. Dwarf or small-growing specialty evergreens come in a variety of shapes. As they are very slow growing, they do not impinge on perennials growing nearby. Those with blue or lime green foliage can set off a perennial collection by virtue of their color and texture. Some large-growing trees are not so P H OTO G R A P H S BY D E B O R A H S I LV E R

The skeletal remains of a perennial garden can be quite striking over the winter. When these hydrangeas go bare, with the remains of their flowers intact, they will carry this garden through the winter, along with the flanking gray birch trunks. friendly to perennials. Maples and beech come to mind. These trees surface root, denying water and nutrients to perennials planted beneath them. The shade cast by their leaves is exceptionally dense. The list of perennial plants that tolerate these conditions is short. But understory (meaning smaller growing) or high-branched trees can provide just enough respite from hot sun to permit successful growing of a wide range of perennial shade plants. The tree roof overhead adds mass and context to the garden. Michigan has many native wildflowers, the vast majority of which

thrive in open shade. Shrubby-growing or multi-stemmed trees can provide a leafy green backdrop to a perennial garden. The inspired siting of a perennial garden can greatly improve its impact. Hard structures can add much needed form to the perennial garden. A pergola, arbor or trellis can provide support to lax-growing vines. They also can provide a center of interest, or focal point, around which a perennial garden can be planted. A fountain, birdbath, sundial, sculpture or large scale pot can anchor a garden. An antique urn or bench imbues a garden

with a sense of history. A vintage wood trough planted with herbs can provide a focal point to a cottage-style or working vegetable garden. A modern sculpture underplanted with a mass of one perennial imparts a sculptural quality to the perennials. Rock garden plants in a rocky setting recreate the landscape from whence those plants came. Fragrant plants are welcome along a walkway, or next to a terrace.

Perennial garden design The perennial garden itself can be made better by design. The obvious element on which to

MichiganGardener.com | May 2017 | Michigan Gardener

A good landscape design will provide perennials with some companionship that will give them a stronger visual presence. A mixed border of evergreens or deciduous shrubs can provide visual weight and presence to a perennial garden.

High-branched trees can provide just enough respite from hot sun to permit successful growing of a wide range of perennial shade plants. The tree roof overhead adds mass and context to the garden.

By providing stature and presence, masses of a single type of perennial can be quite dramatic. Here, a round sweep of white oxeye daisy (Chrysanthemum vulgare) creates such an effect.

focus is color. The choice and implementation of a color scheme will instantly make a perennial garden seem more organized. A multicolor garden will pack more punch if contrasting colors are placed next to each other. Grouping plants with associated colors together is less visually provocative, and more serene in feeling. Less obvious arrangements involve contrasting leaf textures and plant masses in a visually interesting way. Planting multiples of a single perennial provides stature and presence. Masses of a single type of perennial, or a limited group of perennials can be quite dra-

ergreens avoids large, bare dirt spaces in the winter. A perennial garden with hydrangeas in the rear, and boxwood in the front transforms that garden in the winter. The bare hydrangeas with the remains of their flowers intact, faced down by the evergreen boxwood is a good look. Plus, any garden ornament will, of course, still be present in the winter garden. If the eye has a place to focus, it misses less what is not there. The big idea that comes from thoughtful landscape design: every element available to a gardener has the potential to improve the perennial garden.

matic. Spacing the plants in a perennial garden in a deliberately generous way will leave room for annual plants. The annuals help provide a longer bloom season to a group of plants with relatively short bloom times. Few perennials are in bloom longer than 2 to 3 weeks, whereas a cosmos or zinnia will bloom all season long. Of course, the most daunting season for a perennial garden is the winter. Some gardeners cut back their gardens to the ground in late fall. But the skeletal remains of a perennial garden can be quite striking in the winter. Interspersing perennials between shrubs and dwarf ev-

Deborah Silver formally studied English literature and biology, and later worked as a fine artist in watercolor and pastel. A part-time job in a nursery began her career in landscape and garden design. Since 1986, Deborah Silver and Co. has designed and installed landscapes and gardens that combine her thorough knowledge of horticulture with an artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye for design. Deborah owns Detroit Garden Works, a retail store devoted to fine garden ornament and specialty plants. Follow her journal at deborahsilver.com/blog.

Michigan Gardener | May 2017 | MichiganGardener.com

The art of aesthetic pruning While often practiced in Japanese gardens, these pruning skills can be applied to many trees and shrubs

ave you ever wondered why some Japanese maples look so impressive and graceful, while others look like large mushrooms? In Michigan we plant and grow a tremendous range of Japanese maple varieties, all of which are capable of expressing similar or even the same type of graceful beauty. So, you might ask, why does the Japanese maple in your yard look not quite right? How do you get it to look as good as the famous maple at the Portland Japanese garden? The answer lies within our expectations of trees and our knowledge in fostering them. We expect trees to grow. We expect them to grow with or without us. Nothing wrong there until you remember that we are usually planting trees in less than ideal circumstances. Such is the urban environment. A tree may be found smashed up to a garage, hidden under a mature tree, or hacked off on one side where it would otherwise hang over a walkway or driveway. The urban context brings an array of growth irregularities that cause a tree to lose its appeal or beauty. The use of aesthetic pruning implements a process of nurturing the tree as it grows to cultivate what is desirable, while the unpleasant or ugly is able to be phased out.

Aesthetic pruning defined Simply said, aesthetic pruning is pruning with design intent—having the garden’s purpose in mind while caring for it. This is why it works for any gardening style and may be practiced in varying levels in any garden. Ah, the answer to our urban gardening woes. Aesthetic pruning uses basic art principles to nurture a balance in individual trees, as well as the entire garden, as they progress into maturity. Plantings in a garden develop at varying rates, so it is important to understand the roles of the components much as you understand actors in a play. There is the lead and supporting cast, the set, and the viewer. An aesthetic pruner’s position is that of the director, following the script while motivating the various roles and helping them develop their character. Japanese gardens work especially well for applying aesthetic pruning techniques. In fact, aesthetic pruning follows the same artistic principles and admiration for natural beauty that Japanese gardens are designed with. Japanese gardeners understand their

Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener

Aesthetic pruning can be performed at a number of varying levels to suit different garden styles in many environments. Next, you have the craft of aesthetic pruning. Craftsmen have all of the basic knowledge in addition to experience in executing a long-term plan: developing a plant’s character. To an aesthetic pruner, plant character is called essence. Essence is fostered from existing elements or traits that make a particular plant unique and interesting. This is expressed over many years of growth—hence why Three skill levels a plan is important. The experiThere are different skill levels of enced pruner will draw on the tree’s aesthetic pruning: basic, craft, and natural essence using what I like to art. Basic or introductory prunthink of as subtle exaggeration. This ers use horticultural standards to is my own personal style that I have Emily Fronckowiak found to work the best. Plants know maintain plant health while scaling the plants to keep within the how to grow and it is most rewardgarden’s intention. An example would be the ing to work with them and their ability to enaforementioned Japanese maple, planted too dure the urban context. close to the walkway. An introductory pruner Ultimately, the art of aesthetic pruning is would have the skill set to scale the tree off an intuitive process, taking the craft and havthe walk and layer it in, without creating a flat ing the ability to develop further character “wall” out of the tree. and visual narratives that are appealing. An

plant material and work with it in very specific ways, due to the environment and culture where they live. They have developed a great level of detail in caring for their gardens and believe a garden should live lifetimes. Gardening with techniques found in aesthetic pruning has been a Japanese gardening tradition for centuries.

artist will read the tree to the viewer, translating its story, and sharing its beauty. A tree under such care may take any number of years to offer the viewer a profound experience. Aesthetic pruning can be performed at a number of varying levels to suit all styles of gardens in all environments. It is a practice that honors both the individual plant and the garden, and gives an urban garden the ability to show its character. Should you have a plant or Japanese maple that was positioned in a less than ideal location, consider aesthetic pruning to nurture that tree into something desirable. Emily Fronckowiak earned a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from Cornell University in New York. She continued to study abroad in Italy and Japan. Varied landscape cultural exposure and Emily’s passion for details led her to specialize as a designer and hone her skills as an Aesthetic Pruner. To learn more about her work and craft, email her at emily@emalinedesign.com.

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| May 2017 | MichiganGardener.com

Landscape Design for Perennial Gardeners A

landscape is comprised of multiple elements. Hard structures on the ground in the landscape refer to driveways, walkways, terraces, or decks. Three-dimensional hard structures refer to pots, furniture, sculpture, fire pits, fountains, arbors, fencing, pools, and the like. The live structures in a landscape refer to the trees, shrubs, and perennials. How all of these various elements come to be arranged on a property, or in an outdoor space, constitutes the landscape design. Every gardener plays favorites. There are those for whom a lawn dotted with trees is the ultimate landscape expression. Others might favor a terrace with furniture for outdoor dining and entertaining. Others yet might view the landscape as a vehicle for a collection of favorite plants. Play spaces for children or a vegetable garden might be the most important element in the landscape. In this regard, every idea is a good idea. Good landscape design takes that good idea and represents it in a form that is both beautiful and useful.

Deborah Silver

Shrubby-growing or multi-stemmed trees can provide a leafy green backdrop to a perennial garden.

Perennials in the landscape

How can a landscape be designed to best feature the perennial garden? The place to start is with an understanding of the makeup of the perennial garden itself. A shade perennial garden will require some relief from the sun to thrive. Likewise, a garden composed of sun-loving perennials will ask for an open area in the landscape. Marginally hardy plants ask for a protected location. Gardening with large-growing perennials asks for a big space. A mixed perennial garden featuring flowering plants in all the seasons will need to be broad and deep. Rock garden plants appreciate some rocks, as well as great drainage and full sun. continued on page 56

Grouping plants with associated colors together is less visually provocative, and more serene in feeling. Such is the case with the purples of these allium, catmint, and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Blue Iceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; amsonia.