Michigan Gardener - May 2018 by Michigan Gardener

May 2018

MichiganGardener.com

Your guide to Great Lakes gardening

New Plants

New annuals for 2018

Perennials

Large and medium hostas

Feature

Pruning Japanese maples

Garden to Table Spring farro salad

Plant Focus Pawpaw

Natives

Alternatives to invasive plants

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Michigan Gardener | May 2018 | MichiganGardener.com

Garden Wisdom Ask MG............................................................7 To-Do List........................................................8 Vegetable Patch..........................................10 Plant Focus: Pawpaw................................12 Advertiser Index.........................................17 New Annuals for 2018.............................18 Garden to Table..........................................30 Perennial Perspectives: Hostas...........32 Pruning Japanese Maples..................... 40 Where to pick up Michigan Gardener... 42

Annual: Petunia Pink Sky. If you liked Night Sky last year, you’ll want to see its new pink relative. Extra large, self-cleaning flowers.

Annual: Senecio Angel Wings. Velvety silver leaves with a metallic sheen. Container specimen or plant in mixed beds.

Annual: Helianthus Sunfinity. Typical sunflowers only make a few flowers. This one produces 4-5" flowers ALL Summer & Fall.

Compact indeterminate tomatoes. Tired of potted "bush" tomatoes whose short season & small yield are always disappointing? Telly's offers 4 varieties from the Dwarf Tomato Project (dwarftomatoproject.net) that fruit for several weeks on compact plants. Perfect for large containers: Geranium Kiss, Borona, Tasmanian Chocolate, Rosella Purple.

Perennial: Echinacea Green Twister. Large flowers; bicolored petals gently curve forward. Blooms Jul-Aug; 24-36" tall.

Perennial: Hibiscus Vintage Wine. The new red standard in hibiscus. Large flowers; overlapping petals July-Early Sept. 4' tall & wide.

Perennial: Armeria Dreameria Daydream. (Sea Thrift). There are very few perennials that bloom Spring to Fall. Add this to the list. 14-18" tall; thrives in full sun.

Perennial: Heucherella Pumpkin Spice. Semi-evergreen, bronze-red leaves with mahogany veins. Small white flowers on red stems in Spring. Great for Part Shade.

Subscription Form.....................................42 Weather Wrap...........................................43 Calendar....................................................... 44 Feature: Water Gardens and the Environment...............................46

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Classified Ads.............................................47 Places to Grow.......................................... 48 Feature: Native alternatives to Invasives...................................................50 Thyme for Herbs.......................................52 Books for the Michigan Gardener......54 Through the Lens......................................55 Garden Profile: A garden and a flower arranger’s delight....Back cover On the cover: The annual phlox series Popstars is just one of many great new annuals for 2018. See more starting on page 18. Photo: Floranova

To Our Readers... When you are looking for things to do in the local gardening world, the Michigan Gardener calendar of events is the most comprehensive one around. The calendar is also regularly updated on our website, so go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Garden Event Calendar.” These online listings are available 24/7, 365 days a year. And, don’t forget to submit your event information as well—our calendar will help drive local gardeners to your event! If you haven’t signed up for our free E-Newsletter, just go to MichiganGardener.com and enter your e-mail address. We send out a few E-Newsletters each year (no spam), and there are contests to win prizes as well. Thank you for reading Michigan Gardener,

Publisher/Editor Eric Hofley Design & Production Jonathon Hofley Advertising Eric Hofley Circulation Jonathon Hofley

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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 Emily Wilson

30747 Greenfield Rd., Suite 1 Southfield, MI 48076 Phone: 248-594-5563 Fax: 248-594-5564 E-mail: publisher@MichiganGardener.com Website: www.MichiganGardener.com Publishing schedule 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 © 2018 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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Hellebore leaves are brown I thought my hellebores were supposed to be evergreen, but early this spring, many of the leaves were brown. What gives? H.E., Taylor Although evergreen, meaning the foliage does not die back completely, hellebore foliage often looks tattered and motley in early spring. Prune back dead and disfigured foliage before new growth appears. Remove old flower stems when they decline, cutting back to basal foliage. However, take care to not remove the stems of bear’s foot hellebore (Helleborus foetidus), because they carry the flower buds formed in the previous growing season. If seedlings are not desired, remove all the old flowers before seed is set. Hellebores are so desirable in the shade garden because they bloom in February and March when everything else is dormant. Hellebores grow best in soil heavily amended with organic material and compost. In spring they can benefit from a light application of granular, balanced fertilizer. This is also the time to transplant seedlings or mature plants, if so desired. They like to be evenly moist in a soil pH of 7.0 (neutral), but need good drainage.

Hydrangea won’t bloom At our condo, my hydrangea does not get its buds until fall, then blooms very briefly before winter sets in. I have tried cutting it back in the fall, and in the spring. It gets vigorous leaf growth from the base each year no matter when I prune, and never buds out until nearly frost time. It gets sun until midafternoon, and is kept fairly moist. Help! J.E. It appears the late, brief bloom is not a condition of how your hydrangea is pruned. Since this is a condo association, there is the presumption the lawn areas are maintained by a service hired by the association. I suspect there is high nitrogen in the soil, due to the lawn fertilization from early spring to early fall. I am also guessing there is a regulated irrigation system which pushes the nitrogen-rich fertilizers throughout the soil. The vigorous, lush green growth the hydrangea produces from the base each year not only says it is healthy, but that it is getting a regular dose of nitrogen-rich fertilizer. The last fertilizing for lawns is early fall. When the hydrangea stops getting that dose of nitrogen, it is more than ready to put out blooms. So you get your fall flowers. Unfortunately, winter comes into play and shuts it down, leaving you with a very brief window of color. Eventually this repeated cycle will wear out the recuperative powers of the shrub. It will decline because it never gets to perform its own flowering cycle in its own natural time frame. Excess nitrogen is known to delay bloom production. A balanced NPK fertilizer for flowering shrubs has more potassium and phosphorus, which support healthy roots and

bloom production. Nitrogen only promotes green growth. The hydrangea is getting that nitrogen from the fertilizers used to green up lawns quickly in the spring and keep them green throughout the season. Unless you can move that hydrangea to a location where lawn fertilizers can’t continuously leach through the soil to its root system, you will continue to delay the bloom until those lawn applications stop for the season. When considering a new location, hydrangeas can handle morning and early afternoon sun easily. Being protected from wind tunnels or prevailing winds is definitely a bonus. Your described location would be perfect if it wasn’t for the access to excess nitrogen.

Eradicate weeds, grow vegetables I have a tight spot between my house and balcony stairs that now has two satellite dishes on it. This area is now overgrown with weeds, as it is very tight to move around. Any ideas on how to get rid of the weeds? Once done, I plan to put vegetable pots there. M.B.B., Ypsilanti If this tight area gets a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sun, then you can probably grow container vegetables. If it does not, then you best relocate your vegetables and simply deal with the eyesore weeds. Since you are not going to plant in the ground, you can spray an herbicide to kill the weeds. A glyphosate product will address the weeds without leaving a long residual life in the soil. If you prefer not to use an herbicide, grade the area first, and then smother the weeds heavily with several layers of newspaper. Then lay landscape fabric, not plastic, over the area, securing it in place with several landscape pins. Define the space with hard metal edging or landscape pavers. Cover the fabric area with 2 to 3 inches of cut limestone rock. These lock together when weight is put on them and make a stable platform for heavy planters and foot traffic. Small cobblestones or pea gravel are too round and planters can shift and be tippy. Whether you grow vegetables here or not, the weedy eyesore is addressed. Make sure your containers have excellent drainage and are large enough to hold the vegetables when they are mature. The limestone base provides air space under the container so water can dissipate. There are elongated, industrial-look planters reminiscent of farm troughs that make fantastic containers for vegetables as well as ornamental plantings. They can be left outside all year without fear of cracking or breaking. They are deep enough for vegetable roots and provide greater length than a conventional round pot.

Underutilized in the landscape, the ornamental lespedezas are roughly grouped as herbaceous perennials or small shrubs. The plants house symbiotic soil bacteria (rhizobia) in their root nodules to “fix” nitrogen from the air into the soil. This makes it accessible to other plants and improves the soil nutrient levels. Thunberg bush clover (Lespedeza thunbergii) belongs to the pea family, making it a legume. Lespedeza appears to have no pH preference. It grows equally well in sandy loam or clay loam. It does prefer full to part sun. Because bush clover starts blooming late summer to fall, move it in the spring. Make sure you dig up a good root ball and transplant it to the desired area with a small amount of balanced granular fertilizer. Plant it at the same level as it was in its previous location. Keep watered consistently until established. Lespedeza is also an important source of pollen and nectar for pollinators when other plants have finished for the season. So the transplant location should be a low traffic area for pedestrians. Two cultivars are more frequently available. ‘Pink Cascade’ has pink flowers and a slightly more compact habit than the species. ‘Gibraltar’ has deep, rose-hued blooms.

In the landscape, bush clover works as a specimen, combined in perennial gardens, or as part of a shrub screen. Its cascading shape, clean blue-green foliage, a long bloom period that extends late into the season, and lowmaintenance make it a desirable commodity. A bonus is that deer resist eating it. Answers provided by Beverly Moss, owner of Garden Rhythms.

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to-do list

Feature Task: Be creative with your containers

Annuals • Preparation is the name of the game for a long season of blooms. Prepare your beds in early May for planting in late May. Add 2 to 4 inches of organic material and work into the top 4 to 6 inches of the soil in your annual beds. Add a slow-release fertilizer to your annual beds to provide additional nutrients to your plants. • Once the danger of frost has passed (usually around May 15 or later, depending where you are located), plant flower seeds or transplants into your prepared flower beds. • It’s tempting to get a jump start on the season and plant early. Make sure the ground is sufficiently warm before planting your annuals, and be prepared to cover them with a bed sheet or floating row cover (not plastic) if we do get a late frost.

Bulbs: Spring-Flowering

A garden in a pot is an easy way to spruce up a patio, porch or entranceway. Colorful annuals are mainstays of container gardens, but other plant varieties, including perennials, small trees, shrubs and even houseplants, all work well to create beautiful arrangements. It’s important to remember, however, that most plants, even if they’re hardy in the ground, will not survive a Michigan winter above ground. Make plans to plant them in the ground come fall, or use them as a oneseason plant.

Selecting plants Select a variety of plants using the ThrillerSpiller-Filler concept. The thriller is the focal point; spillers cascade over the pot edges; and fillers complete the look. Odd numbers work best and provide a pleasing arrangement. Light: Most plants require at least 8 hours of sunlight each day to thrive. If pots are located in a shady area, select varieties such as coleus, begonias, coral bells, caladium and sedge grass. Growth habit: Consider each plant’s height and which category it fits into: thriller, spiller or filler. Plant textures: Select a variety of different leaf

• As spring bulbs start to emerge, take note of bare spots and gaps that you’ll want to fill with additional bulbs in September and October. Photos are a great way to capture the progression of the garden. • Once hardy spring-flowering bulbs are finished blooming, let the green leaves die back naturally so the bulb can feed itself for next year’s flowers. If you cut the leaves off when the flowers are done, next year’s blooms won’t be as plentiful.

what you need. • Two weeks after you apply the first fertilizer, remove excess thatch with either a dethatching machine or a rake. If using a rake, be gentle to avoid damaging emerging grass.

Houseplants

Perennials

• Use a systemic insect preventer (granules work best) every 6 weeks to help prevent bug problems. It’s much easier to prevent them than to cure them later when bringing the plants back indoors.

• Set out hoops or other plant supports to hold up tall, sprawling varieties like yarrow, aster, peachleaf bellflower, peony and baby’s breath. Use long stakes to support stems of delphiniums and foxgloves. • For best results in the perennial garden, plant at least 3 to 5 plants of one variety. You’ll be rewarded with an impactful display. Arrange beds according to heights: tall in the back or center of the garden, stepping down to shorter ones in the front or sides. Also consider color and bloom

Lawns • It is best to have your soil tested before applying any fertilizer to determine what your lawn is missing. A soil test will save you money in the long run and will save the environment because you are using only

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and flower shapes and sizes to add interest. Color: Deisgn with monochromatic or complementary hues. If you’re looking to take your containers to a new level, consider that the thriller could be something other than a plant. A garden statue, gazing globe, or a cluster of branches, such as red-twig dogwood or pussy willows, will provide height and interest. Or use an unexpected plant, such as a gardenia topiary or ivy trained on a trellis or obelisk. Houseplants such as dracaena, palms or even a small-size ornamental grass are great as a container’s focal point.

Planting the container Select a container with drainage holes. The larger the container, the less it will need to be watered. Use a quality planting mix specially formulated for potting purposes. Many formulas contain fertilizer and moisture-retaining agents to reduce water and fertilizer. Don’t use garden soil or topsoil—they’re too heavy for containers. Fill the container with potting soil; 6 to 8 inches from the top.

Gently loosen the thriller plant’s root system. Place it in the center of the container. Place the spiller plants near the container’s edges. Nestle the filler plants between the thrillers and spillers. Loosely add potting soil around the plants to secure them in place. Leave about 2 inches from the top of the container so water doesn’t spill over the edges. Water thoroughly with a water-soluble fertilizer.

Container plant care Check your pots daily for watering. Touch the soil about an inch down to see if it’s dry. The larger the container, the less frequently it will need to be watered. During hot, dry weather, the container may need water daily. If weather is cool and damp, watering as often is not necessary. Water thoroughly, until the water drips from the bottom of the pot. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Fertilize containers every 10 days with a water-soluble plant fertilizer with high phosphorous (the middle of the three NPK numbers) to encourage blooming.

time. Planning up front will save lots of transplanting time later. • Maintenance is the key to keeping perennial beds looking good. Pulling weeds frequently, removing spent blooms and staking tall plants will keep things neat and tidy.

gets established. Plan a variety of defenses and change them frequently to be most effective. • Early in the month, plant cool-season vegetables, like peas, turnips, spinach and lettuce.

Seeds

Shrubs & Trees

• Generally, it’s safe to sow your seeds for warm-season crops directly into the soil after May 15. You should also be able to plant seedlings. Watch them carefully to make sure they’re getting the proper amount of water and fertilizer. If there’s a late frost, keep a floating row cover available to protect them. It also helps keep scavengers away until they are fully established.

• May is a great time for lilacs, spireas, and weigelas. Actually, it is a great time for a lot of spring-flowering shrubs and a great time to plant more in your landscape. After the shrubs have finished blooming, this is the time to do any pruning. It should be done to keep the plant in shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Many spireas need a light pruning to remove any spent flowers so they can rebloom throughout the summer. At the end of the month, apply fertilizer to your shrubs. • Begin to use preventative spray treatments for certain flowering trees. Apple scab is a problem on crabapples and can cause the trees to defoliate later in the season. Caterpillars or Japanese beetles attack many flowering cherry trees and they should be sprayed now. • Late in the month, cut back any shrubs that are root hardy but not top hardy, such as butterfly bush (Buddleia) and blue mist spirea (Caryopteris). Be patient on the laterblooming shrubs such as hibiscus, since they may be just showing color.

Soil • Create a healthy home for plants to thrive. Test and amend your soil as recommended. The ideal soil is rich and loamy, and has been amended with organic materials. For sandy soil, add compost to give it more texture and water-holding properties. To break up clay soil, add pine bark fines. Adding compost or other organic materials every year to soil helps maintain those healthy properties.

Vegetables • Weed beds regularly. It’s much easier to deal with weeds when they’re young. Plus, they’ll be much less competition for water and nutrients. • Watch out for critters, because they can find a garden early and destroy it before it

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Onions

h, the versatile onion! On its own, it can be eaten raw, boiled, broiled, grilled, sautéed or creamed. It can enhance the flavors of soups and stews, or bring added dimension to other meat and vegetable dishes. Onions may also serve as a natural repellent to some insects, such as aphids and cabbage loopers. Onions are great for growing in Michigan, but you need to know a little about the proper selections.

Day length To begin with, onions are day-length sensitive, which means they will not begin to bulb out until the light duration is the right length. In northern climates, such as ours, most of the onions we grow will be long-day plants requiring about 14 or more hours to begin bulbing. Long-day onions are usually better for storage purposes. In the South, most onions grown are shortday plants needing about 10 to 12 hours to begin bulbing. These are sweet onions, which

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do not store as well as the long-day varieties. Short-day onions are not usually recommended for growing in Michigan. That said, there are a few varieties of short-day onions that can be grown here, but you need the right timing and cultivar selection. For more information, see the Michigan State University Extension article at: tinyurl.com/y8zuset4 or at: tinyurl.com/ycu7gaz6. There are also intermediate-day (or dayneutral) onions, which can be grown in Michigan. When ordering onion seeds or sets, be sure that you are buying what will do well for the day length in our state.

Onion choices Onions come in several colors, shapes and flavors. For color choose from white, yellow or red. Red onions tend to be mild to sweet and look good in salads, but will lose some of their color when cooked. While white onions can be quite strong, yellow onions may range from mild to very pungent. Onion shapes are classified as round, globe or flat. In Michigan, most of the onions grown are pungent, yellow globe—good for Michigan’s cool growing conditions. Bunching onions (aka green onions, scallions, or spring onions) are grown as much for their green and white stems as for their bulb. Bunching onions usually have a milder flavor and are actually bulbless or nearly so. While we think of most scallions as white, they also come in red (or purple) varieties. Egyptian “walking” onions are an interesting variety that produce bulblets on their stems. When the stem dries out and falls over, the bulblets can root and grow—hence the “walking” reference. It is recommended that you leave the parent bulb, but the bulblets can be eaten raw or cooked. More information on these interesting onions can be found in this MSUE article: tinyurl.com/yc5j44g7. A good article from the University of Vermont on choosing onions can be found at: tinyurl.com/yak8xow5. Editor’s note: Stay tuned for Part 2 (“How to grow onions”) in the June 2018 issue of Michigan Gardener. Mary Gerstenberger was the Consumer Horticulture Coordinator at the Michigan State University Extension in Macomb County, MI. For vegetable and gardening information from MSU, visit www.migarden.msu.edu. Call the toll-free Michigan State University Lawn and Garden Hotline at 888-678-3464 for answers to your gardening questions.

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Michigan Gardener | May 2018 | MichiganGardener.com

Pawpaws

Eric Hofley Eric Hofley

Pawpaw leaves are large and oblong, with a dark, tropical appearance.

This native plant, with sweet and luscious fruit, is valuable in both the edible and ornamental garden

awpaw fruit has become a minor obsession among local food enthusiasts and wild food advocates in the last few years. Part of the reason for this is that, unlike some other entries in the Euell Gibbons diet, they actually taste pretty good. The ripe pawpaw is a bewitching, custardlike fruit that bears a resemblance to banana and perhaps mango or pineapple. But in reality, it only tastes like itself and one must eat it to understand. It is a “yellow pulp of sweet and luscious taste,” as the 18th century English naturalist Mark Catesby wrote. The fact

that it has been hiding from us in our own landscape all this time makes it remarkable.

Natural habitat

Brian

Pawpaw trees have a niche in the landscape, occupying the understory space between larger shade trees and shade-loving perennials and small shrubs. This makes them suitable for naturalistic woodland gardens where they create a mid-level screen of foliage. paw). It’s likely that the trees did well in the wet and acidic soil of the western side of the state. Pawpaws grow well in bottomlands and in the forest understory. Their leaves are large and oblong with a dark, tropical appearance. The brown and purple flowers resemble a small, gothic trillium and are designed to attract the flies and beetles that pollinate them. One traditional form of encouraging pollination has been to hang a piece of rotting meat in the pawpaw patch to invite flies.

Allnutt Pawpaw trees (Asimina triloba) are native to an area ranging from the southern United States up to mid-Michigan and Pennsylvania. The town of Paw Paw in western Michigan and the nearby Paw Using pawpaws in the ornamental garden Paw River testify to the plant’s historical Although the esteemed folks at the Mispresence here. (Note the plant’s spelling often souri Botanical Garden say the pawpaw has varies between pawpaw, paw-paw and paw

“somewhat questionable ornamental value,” a growing number of gardeners disagree. The fruit may be the primary motivation for growing the plant, but the foliage and shape of the tree are pleasing, especially in fall when the leaves turn a brilliant yellow. Pawpaws also occupy a unique niche in the landscape, filling in beneath larger trees in patches that are often the result of root suckering. This makes them suitable for naturalistic woodland gardens where they create a screen of foliage between over-story trees and shade-loving perennials. However, older trees can be planted in full sun and are occasionally used either as specimen trees or as border plants. Although they are usually continued on page 14

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continued from page 12 smaller when seen in the forest understory, sun-grown plants can reach 30 feet tall. The plant also possesses significant wildlife value. The caterpillars of zebra swallowtail butterflies feed exclusively on pawpaw leaves and a number of small mammals and birds eat the fruit.

Growing and propagating pawpaw plants Given the upsides of the pawpaw it might seem strange that it isn’t more widely grown. In the past, growers attempted to cultivate the fruit for market, but found it doesn’t keep or transport well, so its sale has been limited to local growers who often command a high price. The propagation and transplanting of pawpaw trees can also be difficult. Yet these circumstances create an opportunity for the home gardener to produce a fruit that is otherwise difficult to come by. As with other tap-rooted trees, spring is the best time to transplant pawpaws. Given the tree’s preference for acidic soil, using elemental sulfur and a good layer of acidic compost on top of the soil can be helpful, especially in clay soils. Mulch and careful attention to watering are also essential for a tree that prefers a moist environment. Propagating pawpaw seeds is notoriously difficult. One trick that growers use is to plant the seeds from freshly harvested fruit immediately. The seeds seem to germinate best if they are never allowed to dry out. Planting the seeds in a shady area is the gardener’s best bet. Consider placing them in a pot or bucket with the top covered by hardware cloth so foraging mammals can’t get to them. When planted in the fall, the seeds tend to come up in midsummer, so don’t give up on them. Several people I know casually planted seeds from fresh pawpaws under trees and bushes, only to forget about them and later find that their neglected seeds achieved a surprising germination rate by

Flickr /Katja Schulz

In the fall, pawpaw leaves turn to a brilliant, buttery yellow. the end of the following summer. Once the trees are old enough to begin flowering, some help with pollination will be in order. If you don’t like the idea of hanging rotting meat from your trees, pollinate them with a paint brush and bowl. Pawpaws have low pollination rates and they require pollen from genetically different trees to make fruit. According to researchers at Kentucky State University, “Pollen is ripe when the little ball of anthers is brown in color, loose and friable; pollen grains appear as yellow dust on the

brush hairs. The stigma is ripe when the tips of the pistils are green and glossy, and the anther ball is still hard and green.”

Harvesting Harvesting the tree’s fruit can be tricky and neighborhood animals will often get to some of it. Fruit is close to being ripe when it begins to soften in the fall. Get the fruit when some black and brown splotches have appeared on the outside, but it has not turned fully brown. Pawpaws don’t last long, so eat

them right after harvesting or refrigerate for a few weeks at most. Save the seeds in a plastic bag for future planting so they don’t dry out. Also, consider saving one or two for a neighbor or gardener friend. Once tasted, pawpaw fruit has the tendency to convert people into enthusiasts intent on growing and harvesting it for themselves. Brian Allnutt is a gardener, writer and speaker in Detroit. His work regularly appears in Detroit-area publications.

Flickr /Wendell Smith

Pawpaw fruit has a custard-like texture, with a taste reminiscent of banana , mango and pineapple.

Flickr /Plant Image Library

The purplish-brown flowers resemble a small trillium.

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Hall’s Nursery 24300 Harper, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 586-775-3455 Find us on Facebook May/June hours: Mon-Sat 8-7, Sun 9-5. Two acres in the middle of the city. Since 1937, a big city garden center with personable, small-town customer service. Family-owned. Trusted advice on plants and superb landscape design too. Annuals, perennials, roses, shrubs, ornamental trees—we have plants you won’t find at big box stores!

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

Hessell’s Greenhouse 14497 23 Mile Rd., Shelby Twp, MI 48315 586-247-4675 www.hessellsgreenhouse.com Hours – May: Mon-Wed & Sat 8-8, Thu & Fri 8-8:30, Sun 8-7. June: Mon-Sat 8-7, Sun 9-5:30. Not your typical garden center. We specialize in annuals, perennials, unique hanging baskets, colorful planters, and vegetable plants, including many varieties of heirloom and “Around the World” vegetables. Also many unique gift and garden items. We grow our own plants on-site to offer you the best, freshest plants available.

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Soulliere Garden Center 23919 Little Mack, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 586-776-2811 www.soullieregardens.com Hours – May: Mon-Fri 8-7, Sat 8-6, Sun 104. June: Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 8-5, Sun 10-4. Family-owned and operated, the one-stop shop for all your landscaping needs. Founded in 1952. Our knowledgeable, friendly staff will help you pick the perfect trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals. Plus, bulk landscape materials, stones, brick pavers, and gardening supplies. Fabulous selection of garden decor and patio furniture.

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.

Van Thomme’s Greenhouses 32385 23 Mile Rd., Chesterfield Twp., MI 48047 586-725-3708 www.vanthommesgreenhouses.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 8-8, Sun 9-5. Established in 1963. Huge variety of annuals, perennials, vegetables, and gorgeous hanging baskets. We carry Proven Winners. Big selection of organic vegetables, with over 65 varieties of tomatoes, many heirlooms. Lots of herbs too. Fall decor and hardy mums. Fairy gardens, wrought iron plant stands, fertilizers, and complete gardening supplies.

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Michigan Gardener | May 2018 | MichiganGardener.com

Julia Hofley

Annual Phlox: Popstars

Bidens: Timeless Pretty in Pink When I first saw this, I couldn’t believe it was a bidens. I’m a big fan of this bee-friendly flowering plant and have grown bidens that are gold, white, yellow, and gold orange bicolor. This new color is an upright, compact variety with an abundance of big, pink flowers with purple stripes and a refined habit. This tough plant is easy to grow and weather tolerant—it handles the cold, and the breeding brings the benefit of heat tolerance as well. ‘Pretty in Pink’ is aptly named and gives bidens fans a new color to play with this season. Perfectly suitable for containers or in the ground along a favorite path.

Phlox Popstars is a new series of annual phlox that are naturally dwarf, with strong branching that displays unique star-shaped flowers. Single and bicolored, they are so floriferous, they nearly cover the foliage. Popstars are high performing plants that are disease resistant and heat tolerant, while attracting hungry pollinators. This flashy flower comes in 8 different colors, including a mix. Position these stars up close along a wellused walkway, in containers on your busy patio, or in nearby window boxes because you won’t want to miss the floral fireworks show from June to August. They would also be a fun table centerpiece plant for high school graduation open houses with the star-shaped flowers in so many different colors. Height: 8-10 inches. Width: 9-12 inches. Light: Full sun.

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Begonia: Nonstop Joy Mocca White Drama in the black and white garden is taken up a notch with a long-blooming flowering plant that is both black and white. Large, double white flowers rise above and contrast elegantly with deep, dark purple leaves. This Nonstop begonia is heat and drought tolerant, while blooming late into the fall. It does better when you allow it to dry out between watering. Joy Mocca White would make a perfect stand-alone plant in a handsome tabletop container on a shady patio for a swanky cocktail party. Or use it as a filler in stylish table centerpieces for a backyard wedding or shower. Danziger

Height: 8-12 inches. Width: 12-14 inches. Light: Part shade to shade.

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NEW ANNUALS continued on page 20

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TREND WATCH continued from page 18

These easy-to-grow plants with unusual, eye-catching silver foliage are distant relatives of the humble garden stalwart, dusty miller (Senecio cineraria). Both have a modern twist and can be grown in the front of the garden border or as an exciting textural component in a stylish combination planter.

Calibrachoa: Superbells Double Ruby Senecio Angel Wings and Double Orchid Two new calibrachoas with double flowers are noteworthy additions as elegant spillers for containers this summer. These abundant, small, double, petunia-like flowers prolifically bloom all season long on cascading growth. A favorite feature of these mighty little workhorses is that they are self-cleaning, which means they require no deadheading. Regular fertilizing and perhaps a trim in late summer (if they get leggy) is all they will need. They deliver a charming cascade of fluffy little bundles of color. Height: 6-12 inches. Width: 12-24 inches; trails up to 24 inches. Light: Full sun to part sun.

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This award-winning foliage plant caused major buzz at green industry trade shows on both sides of the Atlantic. Keep it close by, as you won’t be able to resist touching its broad, velvety leaves of dazzling matte silver with fine-toothed edges. Height: 10-12 inches. Width: 10 inches. Light: Full sun.

The entire Nautilus series of Begonias are big and bodacious, but with Supreme, I found myself turning into plant paparazzi at the trade shows last summer. Heavily swirled and pointed leaves with color bands that radiate throughout in a dizzying combination of emerald green, white, ruby and maroon. Distinctive red and white, long-blooming flowers top the leaves on this easy-to-grow gem that also makes a good houseplant. Prefers rich, fertile soil that drains well.

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Michigan Gardener | May 2018 | MichiganGardener.com

TREND WATCH continued from page 18

Proven Winners

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Concept Plants

Senecio ‘Crushed Velvet’ This new plant has been in the works for several years, offering a plush look with its soft, silvery leaves that arch to give it a vase-shaped habit.

Height: 14 inches. Width: 23 inches. Light: Shade.

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NEW ANNUALS continued on page 22

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Sunflower Sunfinity

continued from page 20

A new generation of sunflower (Helianthus) that garnered major awards last summer and here’s why. After nearly a decade of breeding effort, this interspecific hybrid is blessed with prime attributes from two species of sunflowers: strong branching from top to bottom, and full flower coverage with another bud forming right behind each flower, up next to bloom. This continuous branching and blooming lasts all season, growing long after traditional, single-stem sunflowers have bloomed and died. Sunfinity is floriferous enough for cutting and flower arranging, with pollen-free flowers that keep the tablecloth tidy, yet still produce nectar that attracts beneficial insects. All this flower power makes Sunfinity a perfect thriller for a good-sized container, or in the middle of the border. Keep it well watered.

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Elephant Ear ‘Distant Memory’ Create some plant buzz in your neighborhood with ‘Distant Memory,’ a tropical elephant ear (Colocasia) with huge, dark, glossy leaves that will rapidly fill out an extra-large container. ‘Distant Memory’ is a rapid grower with slightly puckered leaves in a nearly black shade of mahogany. Its clumping nature translates to a large number of new leaves and a very full, upright habit. It thrives in steamy, summer heat—plant it in rich soil with lots of moisture. This stately elephant ear makes a dramatic focal point in a container or planted in a garden bed with hardy hibiscus or ‘Sun King’ aralia. Try it in a sophisticated black and white garden. ‘Distant Memory’ is named in honor of Harriet Walters, the lifeblood of Walters Gardens in west Michigan who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She passed away in 2008, and in her honor, Walter’s will donate 25 cents per plant sold to Alzheimer’s research. The elephant is a symbol for Alzheimer’s Disease (“an elephant never forgets”), which is why they selected an elephant ear to help raise funds for this worthy cause that has touched so many of our lives. Height: 4 to 4-1/2 feet. Width: 5 to 5-1/2 feet. Light: Full sun to part sun.

Cottage Farms

Height: 3-4 feet. Width: 2 feet. Light: Full sun.

Black-Eyed Susan Vines The sky’s the limit! Low maintenance, high performing annual vines, like these new black-eyed Susan vines, offer gardeners a refreshing option to create colorful height. They can climb up a pyramid or obelisk in containers, be a showy cover for garden

www.ProvenWinners.com

Tangerine Slice A-Peel

Black-eyed Susan vine puts on a new face with each velvety dark eye surrounded by distinctly bicolored tangerine orange flowers striped on the edges with yellow.

arches or pergolas, trail gracefully over a wall, whirl up a trellis, dangle over a window box edge, blanket a mailbox, or even be an unexpected groundcover. Count on these fast-growing, self-twining branches to take hold quickly, covering themselves

Arizona Rose Sensation

all summer long with masses of continuously blooming flowers that don’t require deadheading. These are going to be fun! Height: 5-8 feet. Width: 18-24 inches. Light: Full sun to part sun.

W. Atlee Burpee Company

For gardeners who may not enjoy the traditional bright orange, gold or white flower varieties, this breakthrough rose color brings an exciting new rose-toned flower to spiral upward and bountifully enhance their gardening scheme. The early flowering, vigorously growing, and lush, downy green foliage offers a touch of the exotic; it is frost tender. NEW ANNUALS continued on page 24

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

Annuals, Perennials, Vegetables, Herbs, Combination Planters, Hanging Baskets, Roses, and Much More!

Don’t Forget Mom on Mother’s Day! Jump into Summer with The Uniqueness You Find At Bogie Lake Greenhouse

Gift, Home & Landscape Shop Garden Center • Greenhouse • Florist Design / Build / Maintenance Landscape Company 9225 FENTON RD • GRAND BLANC 25 MINS FROM GREAT LAKES CROSSING

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Flowering Tropical Trees & Shrubs

248-887-5101 1525 Bogie Lake Rd. ~ White Lake 1-1/2 Miles S. of M-59 • Across from Lakeland H.S.

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HERB FARM

eavenly cent

(810) 629-9208 www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com 13730 White Lake Road, Fenton

Michigan Gardener | May 2018 | MichiganGardener.com

continued from page 22

Verbena: Superbena Stormburst This pretty lavender and white-striped verbena performed way beyond expectations in last summer’s sultry heat. Gracing a container in a high-profile spot near our busy backdoor, it caught everyone’s attention and admiration. Superbena verbenas are known for strong trailing habits, large flowers, good branching, and mildew resistance. Stormburst delivers all that plus it is vigorous enough to be an attractive annual groundcover in the front of the border or a thriller in a large container. Just place it where you can enjoy all season long and well into autumn—along with the butterflies. Height: 6-12 inches. Width: 18-30 inches. Light: Full sun to part sun.

www.ProvenWinners.com

Globe Amaranth: ‘Cosmic Flare’ Any plant with chartreuse leaves is noteworthy on its own, but top it with spiky orbs of magenta blooms enjoyed by pollinators while blooming nonstop summer through autumn? Count me in! Last year I grew a series of assorted gomphrenas (Gomphrena globosa) and dotted them between perennials in a newly planted long border. They were a continual explosion of color for months on end without any deadheading. Remember the endless high temperatures last year? The gomphrenas were in their glory, basking in the heat! As a result, my new border never lacked drama or color as perennials came in and out of bloom. Not only will ‘Cosmic Flare’ and its chartreuse leaves be a bright spot in any border, it could also make an unexpected, long-blooming thriller in large containers. Gomphrenas are wonderful cut flowers for either fresh or dried arrangements. Gomphrena flowers are made of stiff structures called bracts. The flowers themselves are very small and tucked into the colorful heads. Butterflies and other small pollinators are drawn to these tiny flowers. ‘Cosmic Flare’ had my attention when I first learned it was found by the folks from plant-savvy Landcraft Environments in Long Island, New York, the wholesale plant business of co-owner Dennis Schraeder. He co-authored the groundbreaking tropical plant book Hot Plants for Cool Climates. That book was instrumental in my learning about how to grow tropical plants in the north and helped change what we grow on our summer patios today in northern states. Their eye for cutting edge plants makes them trendsetters,

Ball Horticultural Co.

Pentas Lucky Star Dark Red

Pentas Lucky Star Plants Nouveau

and they were often featured on The Martha Stewart Show back in the day. Height: 15-24 inches. Width: 20-24 inches. Light: Full sun.

This breakthrough plant provides nonstop color as it doesn’t cycle out of bloom and has the fastest follow-up blooms of any pentas on the market. The Lucky Star series has dense branching and a compact habit. Both traits keep the plant looking tidy and loaded with buds ready and waiting to bloom, offering continuous color on full, lush plants. Lucky Star is a tough, landscape-ready plant, taking heat and humidity in stride.

If you fertilize, use only slow release. The nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, hummers, and other garden beneficials. Available in violet, dark red, pink, deep pink, white, and lavender. Height: 12-16 inches. Width: 12-14 inches. Light: Full sun. NEW ANNUALS continued on page 26

Milarch Nursery

Spring 2018 Sales at Matthaei-Nichols Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale Sat. & Sun., May 12 & 13, 10 am-4:30 pm, Matthaei

Q U A L I T Y P L A N T S & S E R V I C E S I N C E 19 7 2

27 ACRES of flowering & shade trees, flowering shrubs, perennials, evergreens, and ground covers. We have gorgeous Rhododendrons, Roses, Topiaries and Perennials! TO SEE OUR INCREDIBLE SELECTION, PLEASE VISIT MILARCHNURSERY.COM AND CLICK ON “AVAILABILITY.”

Mom-approved hanging baskets and container plantings grown and designed at Matthaei by volunteers and staff.

Spring Artist Market Sat., May 12, 9 am-4:30 pm, Matthaei

Unique items for sale from local artisans and crafters (No member discount on merchandise.)

LUSH JAPANESE MAPLES

Kitchen Favorites Sale Sat. & Sun., May 19 & 20, 10 am-4:30 pm, Matthaei

Heirloom vegetables and herbs grown by U-M student Campus Farm volunteers. Herb Study Group also on hand to answer herb and gardening questions.

Peonies Galore Sale

DELIGHTFUL DOGWOODS

Sat., June 2, 10 (or until peonies run out), Nichols Arboretum

Heirloom varieties of peonies for sale. Peonies sell out quickly; arrive early!

28500 HAAS RD • NEW HUDSON, MI 48165 • 248-437-2094 www.milarchnursery.com • Mon-Fri: 8-5:30 Sat: 8-3 Sun: Closed

Gardens: 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor Arboretum: 1610 Washington Hts., Ann Arbor

caring for nature, enriching life

mbgna.umich.edu • 734.647.7600

Re-Energizes Gardens & Potting Soil OrganiMax is a unique combination of natural ingredients tested and certified by the U.S. Composting Council: • • • • •

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Ask for OrganiMax at your local independent garden center! For more information: Call 248-760-9342

• Hanging Baskets • Porch Pots • Large selection of jumbo 6 pack annuals • Fresh shipments all summer long!

734-453-5500 Helping beauty come alive!

www.plymouthnursery.net Mon.-Sat. 8am-8pm, Sun. 9am-6pm

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

Michigan Gardener | May 2018 | MichiganGardener.com

continued from page 24

Coleus: Stained Glassworks Crown Jewel

Ball Horticultural Co.

SolarTower Black and SolarTower Lime

Sweet Potato Vine: SolarTower Black & SolarTower Lime Dummen Orange

Reminiscent of the finest royal velvet cloak with finely gilded trim, the rich, royal red leaves of Crown Jewel will make any container or path’s edge planting look regal. Highly rated in trial gardens for its vibrant, non-fading, deep red leaves with the most highly saturated colors. Its upright mounding habit would also make an elegant textural filler in window boxes or as an annual groundcover. Placing Crown Jewel in a brighter location will bring out a deeper red. Height: 8-14 inches. Width: 8-14 inches. Light: Sun to part shade.

Zinnia Queeny Lime Orange Voted best flower for 2018 in the All-America Selections trial gardens, Queeny Lime Orange sports 2- to 4-inch, uniform, dahlia-like blooms on sturdy, compact plants. The dramatic color evolves from dark coral/peach/orange to a light peach with a blush of lime and dark rose center on this award winner. Eager cut flower gardeners, always looking for the wow factor, will be able to deliver the goods from garden to table with prolific, deeply fluted blooms that last about three weeks without floral preservative in a vase. Pollinator friendly.

The first self-climbing sweet potato vine reaches up and out to grab onto something— an obelisk, trellis, arch, vertical wall, or chain link fence, and away it goes. The dramatic foliage of Solar Tower has striking color and climbs very quickly, offering the gardener a myriad of ideas to use this beloved plant in creative new ways. This beefy plant has moderate water needs, is low maintenance, and tolerates clay soil and harsh roadside conditions. Even though the ‘Black’ variety is slightly more vigorous at first than the ‘Lime,’ I’m going to plant one of each down by the roadside mailbox and see who wins. Height: 4-7 feet. Width: 3-4 feet. Light: Full sun.

Height: 18-24 inches. Width: 12 inches. Light: Full sun.

Fleuroselect

Julia Hofley is a plant collector, freelance garden writer, lecturer, and independent sales rep (E-mail: julia@juliasbiglife.com).

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A Perennial Farm like no other! Set in a Botanical Garden 25 years in the making. Grown by people that know and love their plants.

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MerrittHomeDesign 5940 Cooley Lake Rd. Waterford, MI 48327

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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 savvy gardeners have been raving about. 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.

Dexter Mill 3515 Central St., Dexter, MI 48130 734-426-4621 www.dextermill.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 8-5. Proud to sell quality gardening supplies, seasonal plants (including natives!), all natural non-GMO feeds, pet supplies, rugged clothing, and our own wild bird seed. Our products are made locally or in America whenever possible. We stand behind the products we sell and the services provided by our knowledgeable staff.

Downtown Home & Garden 210 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734-662-8122 www.downtownhomeandgarden.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 7:30-7, Sun 10-5. A century-old retailer focused on indoor and outdoor gardening supplies, outdoor veggie plant starts, annuals, perennials, and greenhouse plants. Outdoor furniture, kitchenware, sundries and hardware, K9 gear and treats, and hardy clothing for hardworking people. Drive-thru barn and on-site parking for patrons in the heart of Downtown Ann Arbor.

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!

MANCHESTER

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MILAN

The Garden Mill

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-Sat 9-7, 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 1-13: Daily 10-4:30; Wed 10-8 • May 14-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-Sat 8-8, Sun 9-6. 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!

The Produce Station 1629 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734-663-7848 www.producestation.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 8-9, Sun 8-8. Proudly supplying high-quality, rare perennials and specialty annuals! Succulents, echeveria, agave, rare tropicals, sedum, and sempervivum. Unique dwarf conifers and alpine plants. Enormous selection of specialty herbs and vegetables, plus heirlooms! Vast hosta selection, including tea cup varieties. Gorgeous Vietnamese pottery! Additional location: 2105 W. Stadium Blvd. May-August: Mon-Sat 9-8, Sun 9-7.

Warmbier Farms Everything for your Garden, Home, and You

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 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. Large selection of fairy garden items. 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 734-484-3819 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.

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

Garden Center

Garden Statuary

Available seasonally, we have a wonderful assortment of annuals and herbs. And roses! Over 100 varieties each year, including hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, shrubs & miniatures. Plus, outdoor-grown perennials & shrubs. Why does outdoor-grown matter? Our plants are hardy, healthy & well-rooted— ready to succeed in your garden from day one.

Over 2,000 different cement garden statues in our outdoor showroom, all made here in Michigan by us! Plus, come see our mind-boggling selection of garden decor, arbors, gazing globes, furniture, and so much more.

5300 Garfield Rd. • Auburn, MI • Centrally located between Saginaw/Bay City/Midland

989-662-7002 • www.warmbierfarms.com

HEADING UP NORTH? We’re just 7 minutes off of I-75!

H The Oldest Family Owned and Operated Farm In Michigan H

Westcroft Gardens Established July 6, 1776

Annuals • Perennials • Herbs • Vegetables • Shrubs • Trees Greenleaf Compound — Our own custom-blend soil conditioner helps acidify your soil to improve your azalea and rhododendron blooms

(and still free!) Sign up today for our FREE e-newsletter! Visit MichiganGardener.com and enter your e-mail address at the top of the page next to the Michigan Gardener logo. Don’t miss the contest in each issue for your chance to win FREE garden prizes!

Halloween Hayrides Every October weekend

4 acres of Botanical Gardens open to the public dawn to dusk every day of the year Rent the gardens for your next special event!

21803 W. River Rd., Grosse Ile, MI 48138 • 734-676-2444 westcroftgardens.com

Michigan Gardener | May 2018 | MichiganGardener.com

pring is finally here! Personally, this is my favorite time of year as the weather warms and nature springs back to life. No other place exhibits the miracle of life quite like the garden. Watching as the tiniest of buried seeds pop through the soil and uncurl, stretching up towards the sun, continues to boggle my mind year after year. While every vegetable garden differs based on varied taste preferences, my strategy is to grow ingredients I love to eat. In the spring, my favorites are tender, leafy greens, baby beets, carrots and radishes. What I really love about these crops is that they grow relatively quickly, which means I can begin enjoying my spring harvest while it’s still spring outside. Emily Asparagus is my “most favorite” Wilson spring vegetable, especially here in Michigan. Admittedly, the two- to threeyear wait time on asparagus is long, but well worth it! Another great thing about spring is that as everything comes to life, and colors radiate in full bloom, it just feels natural to eat better. Healthy, wholesome ingredients enjoyed as close as possible to their natural form is really the best kind of eating there is. That is why I developed this no-fuss recipe for Spring Farro Salad that will showcase the earliest arrivals in your spring garden or from the local Farmers Market.

Growing tips: Asparagus • Though you can start asparagus from seed, it’s more common to start a crop with “crowns” (1-year-old plants). • The best time to plant asparagus crowns is in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. • Don’t harvest spears in the first year. Asparagus plants can take several years to reach full yield but can be productive for over 15 years. • You can plant asparagus in the ground, but it really thrives when planted in a raised bed. • Asparagus won’t tolerate competition, so it’s very important that all weeds and grasses be thoroughly removed from the planting area. Likewise, don't plant other vegetable varieties in the same bed— no competition allowed. • Originally discovered in wet places, asparagus prefers consistent moist soil. However, it does not like “wet feet,” so good drainage is important. • To keep your asparagus bed productive, don't harvest too much. One year after planting, you can harvest a few spears from each plant over two weeks. Harvest for three weeks the next year, and four to six weeks after that. This progression is necessary to help develop a strong root system and energy reserves for the next season’s harvest. • 20-25 asparagus plants will yield more than enough for a family of four.

MichiganGardener.com | May 2018 | Michigan Gardener

This salad is a colorful feast for the eyes.

Spring Farro Salad Makes about 4 cups Preparation time: Approximately 20-25 minutes. Ingredients For the farro: • 1 cup farro • 1 bunch asparagus, about 1 pound • 3 small beets, any variety • 1-2 tablespoons of white balsamic or Champagne vinegar • 2 cups arugula • 1 small shallot

For the dressing: • 2 teaspoons country grain mustard or Dijon mustard • 1/4 cup white balsamic or Champagne vinegar • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped • Kosher salt, black pepper Instructions 1. Fill a large saucepan with water and set over high heat. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the farro. Set timer for 12 minutes. Continue to stir occasionally. 2. Snap or cut the rough ends off the stalks of asparagus. Discard the ends, then slice the remaining stalks into 1/4 - 1/2-inch thick pieces. 3. After the farro has boiled for 12 minutes, add the asparagus and cook another 2-3 minutes until both the asparagus and farro are tender but still with a slight bite. Strain, then spread the mixture out onto a sheet pan or large plate to help stop the cooking process.

4. Peel beets using a vegetable peeler, then use a mandoline to slice the beets paper-thin. Place in a large mixing bowl or salad bowl and drizzle with white balsamic or champagne vinegar. If you are using two different colors, you may want to keep them separate until tossing with the remaining ingredients. 5. Remove the skin from the shallot, then use the mandoline to slice into very thin rings. Add to the bowl of beets. 6. To make the dressing, measure the mustard, vinegar, oil and chopped parsley into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Season with salt and pepper, screw on the lid, then shake vigorously until well combined. Check taste and add salt or pepper if necessary. 7. Once farro mixture has stopped steaming, add to the bowl of beets. Pour about half the dressing over the top and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together. To serve, set a heaping handful of arugula onto plates and scoop farro salad over the top. Add more dressing as desired. Emily Wilson is Chef/Owner of Guest Chef, a personal chef and catering service in Metro Detroit, as well as the recipe developer and food writer behind The Craveable Kitchen food blog. Each of these projects are the manifestation of Emily's past work experiences, from catering in New York City to recipe development for various websites and publications, and the overflow of her ever-present passion for cooking, feeding people and helping others cook better too. Inquire about Emily cooking for you at Emily@GuestChefDetroit.com or find more recipes at www.TheCraveableKitchen.com.

Michigan Gardener | May 2018 | MichiganGardener.com

Hostas

Part 2 of 3: Exceptional Large and Medium-sized Hostas

‘Blue Angel’

H. SIEBOLDIANA GROUP Large, thick leaves, corrugated at maturity, on very large mound-shaped plants. Early blooming (late June), with near-white flowers just above the foliage. ‘Elegans,’ with its huge, blue-green, highly corrugated leaves, is the standard against which all large blue hostas are compared. It is one of the oldest commercially available varieties, introduced in 1905, and is one of the few cultivated varieties (cultivars) of hosta that is not necessarily clonal. Because it produces large quantities of easily germinated seed with

In the April 2018 issue (part one of this three-part hosta series), I discussed hosta history, the development of new cultivars, and growing hostas in the garden. In this part two article, I’ll outline some of the best large and medium-sized hostas for our region. In the June 2018 issue, I’ll discuss small and miniature hostas. Instead of simply presenting a “favorites list,” I have arranged the plants in groups, outlining important hosta species, their characteristics, and a description of some of the most significant garden-worthy cultivars in each of those groups.

‘Earth Angel’ nearly all seedlings exhibiting the classic ‘Elegans’ characteristics, it is common practice to grow this variety from seed. ‘Elegans’ continues to be very popular despite the introduction of dozens of newer “lookalike” cultivars. ‘Blue Angel’ has characteristics of both of its parents, H. sieboliana Karen and H. montana. It makes a huge Bovio specimen with big, blue-green leaves, but differs from H. s. ‘Elegans’; it has a more elongated leaf shape and an exceptional flower display. ‘Earth Angel’ is one of the most impressive sports (muta-

tions) of ‘Blue Angel,’ with irregular yellow margins changing to cream. It needs time to develop full size and exhibit its mature leaf shape and variegation, but a mature clump is breathtakingly beautiful. Both produce mounds up to 30 inches high and 60 inches wide. ‘Frances Williams’ has been a top favorite since the 1970s. This variegated form of H. sieboldiana has thick, blue-green leaves bordered in gold. It prefers a site without any direct sun; in hot summers the gold leaf edges can burn. Non-

burning varieties are available but not commonly found in garden centers. ‘Olive Bailey Langdon’ and ‘Linda Sue’ are improved, non-burning ‘Frances Williams’ types. ‘Empress Wu’ is touted as one of the largest hostas in existence. It was discovered as a seedling of ‘Big John,’ itself a seedling of H. sieboldiana. ‘Empress Wu’ was introduced in 2008 and is now an extremely popular variety. It requires good culture—rich loamy soil, water and fertilizer—to develop its full potential. Well-grown plants are huge; foliage mounds 4 feet high (not continued on page 34

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P H OTO G R A P H S CO U R T E SY O F P E R E N N I A L R E S O U R C E .CO M

‘Aphrodite’ is a naturally occurring, double-flowered sport found in China. The story is that plants were smuggled out of China, appeared in Germany, and from there were introduced into the rest of Europe and the U.S. The magnificent flowers are 5 inches long by 2-1/2 inches wide, but plants must be given sufficient moisture during bloom time for the flowers to develop properly.

‘Humpback Whale’

‘Sum and Substance’ continued from page 32 including flower scapes) are typical. Leaves grow up to 24 inches long and 18 inches wide. Some gardeners have claimed that ‘Humpback Whale,’ introduced in 2012, is even larger. Although clumps have measured 84 inches wide, its leaves are not as large as Empress Wu’s.

H. MONTANA GROUP Large, broad, elongated green leaves, pointed at the tips, with many deeply impressed veins, on vase-shaped plants with a cascading leaf arrangement. The prominent whitish bracts beneath the flower buds, which unfurl and separate as the scape elongates, are unique to this group. H. m. ‘Aureomarginata’ is the beautiful, gold-edged form of the species. It is not a hybrid. For some reason, this plant, once quite popular, has become hard to find. One disadvantage of the H. montana types is their tendency

‘Fragrant Bouquet,’ a gold-margined hybrid developed from H. plantaginea, was named Hosta of the Year in 1998. It has never gained widespread popularity but many excellent sports have been derived from it during tissue culture propagation. The wellknown and loved ‘Guacamole’ is maybe the best example. It was awarded Hosta of the Year in 2002. In addition to its large size, glossy variegated leaves, and fragrant light lavender flowers, it is notably fast growing. ‘Stained Glass,’ a tissue culture sport of ‘Guacamole’ and 2006 Hosta of the Year, has very colorful, glossy yellow foliage edged with green; it stands out dramatically in any garden setting. Like others in this series (and there are many worth exploring), it has large, fragrant, pale lavender flowers.

‘Stained Glass’

‘Liberty’ to emerge earlier in spring than other hostas, making them more prone to frost damage. H. m. ‘Mountain Snow,’ a white-edged form, emerges later, sparing it from frost damage. ‘On Stage’ has very bright, highly variegated foliage, with gold centers and streaky green margins. This form was discovered in Japan, where it is known as H. m. ‘Choko Nishiki.’ The foliage mound is 2 feet high by 4 feet wide. It also emerges late, protecting it from spring frosts. ‘Niagara Falls,’ a H. montana hybrid, typifies the cascading habit of this group. Although solid green, a clump is uniquely identifiable. The pie-crust leaf margins make it distinctly different.

H. NIGRESCENS GROUP Characterized by tall vase-shaped plants, blue-green in color with significant whitish

bloom on leaf undersides, and 4- to 5-foot tall flower scapes. Although H. nigrescens is not a prolific seed producer, it has been used successfully in hybridizing. ‘Krossa Regal’ is undoubtedly the most famous H. nigrescens offspring. It is easily identified in gardens by its upright vase-like habit, wavy gray-blue foliage with white undersides, and very tall flower scapes. The foliage changes to dark slate green in summer. It serves equally well as a background plant or focal point. Clumps grow nearly 3 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide.

H. PLANTAGINEA GROUP Glossy, bright green foliage. Noted for its huge (4 to 5 inches long, 2 inches wide), fragrant, white trumpet-shaped flowers. It has been used in gardens for hundreds of years. It nearly always figures in the parentage of fragrant-flowered hostas, although very few of its relatives match it for flower size.

‘Sum and Substance.’ Although this wellknown giant does not have fragrant flowers, its H. plantaginea heritage is evidenced by its smooth, glossy foliage. Its huge, nearly round leaves, 16 inches long by 14 inches wide, are chartreuse green to golden depending on the amount of sun. The thick, leathery substance makes it very slug resistant. This is one of the most easily recognized of all hostas, and is a perennial favorite among gardeners and collectors alike.

H. FLUCTUANS GROUP Large, semi-upright mound, up to 31 inches tall, with lightly wavy leaf margins. ‘Sagae’ (formerly known as H. fluctuans ‘Variegated’) is an excellent garden subject, often mentioned in “must have” lists of hostas. The plant has a very distinctive shape, not easily confused with other varieties. The 13-inch long and 10-inch wide leaves are green bordered in yellow, which may change to creamy white if grown in some sun. Graygreen streaks are present at the junction of the leaf margin and center. This plant is best used as a focal point in the garden. ‘Liberty,’ a sport of ‘Sagae,’ has dramatically wider creamy-yellow margins. It is one of a handful of hostas that has been patented. continued on page 36

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high-contrast dark margins by late summer. Individual leaves within a clump may exhibit color variations, creating a dynamic effect in the garden. The cultivar ‘Paul’s Glory’ has many of the same characteristics, plus thicker, more corrugated foliage. ‘Patriot’ and ‘Minuteman’ are two similar white-margined hostas derived from the classic ‘Francee.’ ‘Patriot’ is now the best selling white-edged hosta, but close examination of the two shows that ‘Minuteman’ has a wider white edge and deeper green center. Both provide a neat tailored look, perfectly suited for edging. ‘Striptease’ is a ‘Gold Standard’ mutation with green-margined leaves and a narrow streak of gold in the center. Mark Zilis describes it as having the “appearance of a narrow gold leaf within a leaf.” It often develops a white line between the leaf center and the wide green margin. It has given rise to many cultivars with a strip-like center.

H. NAKAIANA GROUP

World-renowned hosta authority Mark Zilis describes ‘Gold Standard’ as “the most significant hosta cultivar ever introduced.” This is especially notable since it was discovered by Pauline Banyai from Madison Heights, Michigan.

Characterized by a very dense mound of thin- to medium-textured, heart-shaped leaves, and a profusion of flower scapes bearing tight clusters of purple flowers. H. nakaiana appears in the parentage of many cultivars, and has been crossed extensively with H. sieboldiana and H. tokudama to impart larger mound size and thicker, more corrugated foliage in the offspring. ‘Golden Tiara’ is a variegated sport of H. nakaiana, making dense compact mounds of gold-edged foliage. Its neat habit and excellent floral display make it popular for edging or planting in groups. It has given rise to a multitude of sports with different foliage base and margin colors. Included are ‘Emerald Tiara,’ ‘Diamond Tiara,’ ‘Platinum Tiara,’ ‘Golden Scepter,’ ‘Grand Tiara,’ and ‘Heavenly Tiara.’

‘Minuteman’

‘Golden Tiara’

continued from page 34

s. ‘Frances Williams’ because it has the same color pattern without the leaf-burning problem. Both of these forms originated in Japanese gardens pre-1940 and are considered classics all over the world. They grow 16 to 20 inches high and 33 to 48 inches wide.

H. TOKUDAMA GROUP From a gardener’s perspective, H. tokudama can be described as a smaller-growing version of H. sieboldiana. It has similarly puckered and corrugated blue to blue-green foliage, slow growth rate, and dense clusters of light lavender flowers, beginning in late June. H. t. ‘Aureonebulosa’ was incredibly popular during the 1980s. It is very colorful—chartreuse to yellow base with jutting pale green and blue-green streaks and darker blue margins—but is very slow growing. The form H. t. ‘Flavocircinalis’ proved to be faster growing and hence became more widely used. It makes a good substitute for H.

‘Brother Stefan’ is one of the best new hybrids with H. tokudama and H. sieboldiana parentage and is larger than the above two cultivars. At maturity, it is heavily corrugated, with a wide dark green margin surrounding the yellow-gold center. It was selected as Hosta of the Year in 2017.

‘FORTUNEI’ GROUP Once considered a species and now reclassified with cultivar status. ‘Fortunei’ growth

‘TARDIANA’ GROUP habit is characterized by a neat, tailored, downturned mound shape. Leaf edges are smooth, not rippled, and the foliage is only somewhat corrugated, and only in mature specimens. The mound size, 18 to 24 inches tall, is perfect for general garden use, with rapid growth rate and dense foliage (many stems per clump). ‘Gold Standard’ was discovered by Pauline Banyai of Madison Heights, Michigan, and hosta expert Mark Zilis describes it as “the most significant hosta cultivar ever introduced.” It has gold-centered leaves with deep blue-green margins and a chameleon-like nature: it changes appearance based on light levels, and also changes significantly from spring through fall, starting out in spring as varying shades of green, becoming pale yellow with

These crosses between H. sieboldiana and H. ‘Tardiflora,’ made in England by Eric Smith during the 1960s, resulted in the best group of blue-leaved hostas ever produced. They are characterized as medium-sized, blue-leaved plants that retain their blue color long into the season, with a fairly rapid growth rate, and thick, slug-resistant foliage. The original Eric Smith Tardianas have been used extensively by U.S. breeders. Eventually, by crossing the original blue Tardiana hybrids with other species and cultivars, a number of variegated and golden-leaved Tardiana hybrids have been produced. ‘Halcyon,’ one of Eric Smith’s original Tardianas, and ‘Hadspen Blue,’ a second continued on page 38

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continued from page 36 generation Tardiana, are still considered among the best medium-sized blue hostas. They grow 18 inches tall, but can grow up to 40 inches wide, creating a rather “flattened” mound appearance. ‘June,’ Hosta of the Year in 2001, is a goldcentered sport of ‘Halcyon’ that has become a landscape standard. It undergoes dramatic seasonal changes, starting mostly blue-green and becoming medium to light gold by July. It also shows wide variation of color under different light conditions—more sunlight producing lighter-colored foliage with stronger color contrasts between margin and center. ‘Halcyon’ and ‘June’ have given rise to many excellent cultivars, including ‘Autumn Frost’ and the 2010 Hosta of the Year, ‘First Frost.’

‘UNDULATA’ GROUP Many hostaphiles consider this group the ugly ducklings of the hosta world. Characterized by thin (read slug-prone) green and white foliage, somewhat undulating leaf margins, and gangly flower scapes (gardeners often cut them off before they elongate and bloom), they are nonetheless very attractive in spring, when the high-contrast variegation is very pronounced. However, most of them lose variegation as the summer progresses, and if care is not taken to prevent slug and sun damage, these plants can look dismal by late summer. Partly because of their overuse from the 1950s through the 1980s, they are now out of favor and not frequently used in hybridization programs. ‘Undulata’ is green-margined with a white center. It has very wavy leaf-margins and distinctive twisted leaf tips. ‘Undulata Albomarginata’ has the reverse variegation pattern. In the past, it was the most widely used hosta in America and can still be found in many landscapes.

‘Hadspen Blue’

I mention the Undulata hostas because the relatively new variety ‘Wheee!’ possesses all the best qualities of this group but none of the disadvantages. The parentage of ‘Wheee’ does not include H. ‘Undulata’ or its kin, but it possesses extremely undulated margins and is receiving favorable garden reviews regarding slug resistance and flowering habit. It makes a very distinctive mound, reaching 18 inches tall by 28 inches wide. While the Undulata types themselves have flaws that make them less garden-worthy than other groups, it appears that gardeners love the frilly, wavy leaves and we can expect this “look” to show up in more cultivars in the future. Editor’s note: Stay tuned for Part 3 (“Exceptional Small and Miniature Hostas”) in the June 2018 issue of Michigan Gardener. ‘Autumn Frost’

‘Wheee!’

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Pruning Japanese maples Learn the concepts behind the aesthetic pruning approach

apanese maples enjoy widespread popularity and with good reason. They are a wonderful tree for a softening effect in the urban landscape. Naturally graceful when structured as an upright form (Acer palmatum) or as a weeper (Acer palmatum var. dissectum). With so many cultivars available, you can find them in almost any size and color. The Japanese maple is a true four seasons tree, and thus useful in almost any garden design. With such a great desire to have this tree, it is perplexing that more people are unaware of its proper care. It is important to aesthetically prune Japanese maples by hand using a pair of hand shears and a sharp hand saw. Weeping cultivars, otherwise referred to as laceleaf Japanese maples, especially benefit. The goal is to work with the tree’s natural character. When aesthetically pruning any tree in your landscape, it should be done for health and beauty as one. These are not separate. In terms of the tree’s health, you should consider how to prune in a beautiful way. Likewise, when working on a tree to enhance

When the buds on the maple begin to sprout growth, it has a compounding effect. This is part of the wonderful layering that Japanese maples create with their branches. The arrangement of buds becomes problematic on highly hybridized tree species such as the laceleaf Japanese maple cultivars. They are loaded with buds and the overall form of the branches growing out and down narrows the growing space, creating even more competition for light and room. This competition for space does not deter branches from growing. The active buds still send out Emily Foster Japanese maple branches that will crisscross over Fronckowiak health by pruning each other. Weaving back and forth Maple trees have a budding arrangement and even from one side of the tree all the way that is opposite. This means that the buds to the other. This not only creates a heavy and form along the stem in sets of two. One on gnarled look to the canopy, but it also blocks either side of the stem at the same point or sun to other areas of the tree, causing branch node. You’re getting double the buds versus death to the under, lower and back branches. an alternate budding arrangement, one bud The overabundance of branches, whether per node, interchanging sides of the stem. alive or dead, will collect dead leaves and can its beauty, you cannot do so without considering its health. When you remove a branch, for example, you take the branch all the way back to the collar, just in front of the textured ridges where it connects to the next stem or section. You would not leave a stub two inches in front of the collar. Doing so would create a ridged nub that draws the eye (not beautiful). As the nub begins to die back to the collar, it leaves an opportunity for insects and disease to enter the tree (not healthy). Always keep this concept in mind when pruning.

D R AW I N G S BY E M I LY F R O N C KO W I A K

hold moisture. This can be harmful to the bark of the tree, especially if it is happening at the top, over the central trunk. This is a common area where unnecessary branches are usually left and decaying leaves may become lodged. When Japanese maple bark stays wet for a long period of time it will begin to break down, inviting insects and disease, even if only in small areas. Given desirable circumstances to thrive, these unwanted guests will eventually kill sections, if not the whole tree. The solution is to create air movement by thinning out these unnecessary and dead branches. The right pruning will ensure the desirable branches get the light and air circulation they need (health), while keeping that graceful structure we love (beauty). Dead branches also accumulate after the winter from stress. Sometimes it is minor. Other times it is more extreme. This is often the result of the tree not being able to support

Three types of pruning cuts

Thinning cut removes entire branch

THINNING CUT Thinning cuts are used to open up the tree’s canopy. Eliminate redundant branches with thinning cuts. Make the cut at its point of origin, removing the entire branch.

This side branch will be the new leader

Re-leader cut removes the tree’s leader

Arrows indicate heading cuts

HEADING CUT Heading cuts are done by cutting back to a bud, leaf or node on that same branch. Use this cut to shape the plant’s outermost form and stimulate growth on the inner buds.

RE-LEADER CUT A re-leader cut removes the top lead branch. Use this cut to establish a new side branch as the leader. This reduces the tree’s height and slows its growth as well.

MichiganGardener.com | May 2018 | Michigan Gardener

all of the growth with its finite resources. Removing insignificant and redundant branching allows the tree’s energy to be less taxed and more focused. This will eliminate a majority of dead branches down the road and keep the important limbs and structure intact. Many cultivars compromise hardiness for other character traits. If your tree is marginally hardy, I recommend only up to a maximum of 30 percent canopy reduction per growing season. Even less would be prudent until you have a sound comprehension of the way the tree will respond. Every tree is different, so discerning choices that are best suited for the specific condition of your Japanese maple is wise.

A re-leader cut is the removal of the top lead branch. This is done to establish a new side branch as the leader. This can be an effective way to reduce height on a tree and slow growth, as well as a method for stylizing the tree.

Stylizing a tree

Weeping Japanese maples create a wonderful layering effect with their branches. However, they are loaded with leaf buds, and this gradually creates branch congestion and competition for light and space. These cultivars benefit from aesthetic pruning for both health and beauty.

Pruning for beauty Some people say, “My Japanese maple is already beautiful and I don’t do anything to it.” It is true that some upright trees are old and look good with little effort. The surrounding environment has balanced the tree well over the seasons and it suits the aesthetic of the space. Unfortunately, that is not the case with many Japanese maples. As mentioned earlier with the laceleaf Japanese maples, much of it depends on the species and cultivar. Other factors such as the location, environment, size or original quality of the tree, and desired function will come into play when making design choices. Function refers to the tree’s purpose within the space where it is growing. Look at the big picture. This helps you make choices, whether it is a focal point, background, or transitional role. Helpful questions to consider: How will this view look or change for the next season? Is the function I desire possible with the tree’s quality and its location? Can this be corrected? All of these questions are site and tree specific. A good aesthetic pruner will ask themselves these big picture questions before determining the best approach.

Upright Japanese maples have a naturally graceful vertical structure. They want to be layered and airy, soft and graceful. Proper pruning enhances their natural form.

Improving tree quality It is possible to improve a lesser quality tree with time. By quality, I refer to the shape of the trunk, spacing of the branches, and so on. (For more on that, refer to my article “Using Specimen Trees” in the May 2014 issue of Michigan Gardener. To read it, go to www. MichiganGardener.com and click on Digital Edition.) As an aesthetic pruner, I make a tree care plan that considers the tree’s health and beauty well into the future. After speaking to a client and hearing their long-term goals, the approach is quite clear. Some Japanese maples will benefit from

pruning twice a year to develop ramification on the branches. Ramification is a technique that refines the branch structure and spacing all the way out to the tips, much like you see on bonsai trees. Unlike bonsai, the goal is not to keep the tree necessarily small or dwarf. It is to balance the variables in the urban context. Japanese maples lend themselves to this quite well.

Types of pruning cuts The three cuts most often used when aesthetically pruning a Japanese maple: thin-

ning, heading and re-leader cuts. Thinning cuts are used to open up the canopy. Remember those redundant branches? Eliminate them with thinning cuts. Make the cut at its point of origin, removing the entire branch. Heading cuts or tipping is done by cutting back to a bud, leaf or node on that same branch. This cut is useful for shaping the plant’s outermost form and will stimulate growth on the inner buds. You can modify the tree’s reaction by timing the heading cuts for your desired outcome.

Stylizing works well on Japanese maples that were grown with little character. Japanese maples have natural style due to being an understory tree. The growing location under larger trees creates movement and branch elongation toward the light. The act of stylizing is a page from Mother Nature’s book—revealing more character by simplifying and exaggerating the form. This is done through aesthetic pruning, without the use of wire or twine. One stylizing example would be changing the head of the tree through a re-leader cut so that it will look more appealing. With the old leader gone, a different branch will take over. This new leader will begin to grow upward, instead of its current, more horizontal form. The change in direction will add pleasing curves and some additional character that was not there before. When I refer to stylizing, I am not suggesting you create an umbrella. Please do not turn your Japanese maple into an umbrella shape, where all of the foliage follows along one arched line. Japanese maples want to be layered and airy, soft and graceful. To create something to the contrary goes against the tree’s nature and creates a lot of extra work. Aesthetically pruning Japanese maples can be performed at a number of varying levels. The strategy is to tailor the pruning endeavor to both your goals and the tree’s site. This approach suits all Japanese maple cultivars in all styles of garden environments. It is a practice that honors the individual plant while cultivating health and beauty in urban conditions. The rewards of a beautifully balanced and healthy Japanese maple will be long lived and enjoyed. 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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Beauchamp Landscape Supply 948 North Old US-23, Brighton, MI 48114 248-684-0332 www.beauchamplawn.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 8-5, 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.

Milarch Nursery 28500 Haas Rd., New Hudson, MI 48165 248-437-2094 www.milarchnursery.com Hours – Thru Sat, June 23: Mon-Fri 8-5:30, Sat 8-3; Starting Mon, June 25: 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 8-6, Sat 8-5, 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!

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 2018

Detroit Flint Lansing

NORMAL Monthly 2.28 1.91 2.06

ACTUAL Monthly 2.63 1.11 1.29

March 2017 DEVIATION from Normal +0.35 -0.80 -0.77

2018 Year to Date: Jan 1 - March 31

Detroit Flint Lansing

NORMAL Yr. to Date 6.26 5.02 5.18

ACTUAL Yr. to Date 8.26 6.99 7.90

DEVIATION from Normal +2.00 +1.97 +2.72

NORMAL

Monthly 2.28 1.91 2.06

ACTUAL Monthly 4.26 3.21 3.63

March 2018 DEVIATION from Normal +1.98 +1.30 +1.57

2017 Year to Date: Jan 1 - March 31

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

March 2017

Detroit Flint Lansing

NORMAL Avg. High 45.2 43.1 43.5

ACTUAL Avg. High 43.4 39.7 41.8

DEVIATION from Normal -1.8 -3.4 -1.7

ORMAL N 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

Detroit Flint Lansing

NORMAL Avg. Low 28.5 24.3 24.3

ACTUAL Avg. Low 27.5 23.3 24.4

DEVIATION from Normal -1.0 -1.0 +0.1

ORMAL N 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

Data courtesy National Weather Service

Lansing

Owosso

East Haslett Lansing Williamston

Hartland Highland

Fowlerville Howell

Mason

Milford

Brighton

New Hudson

Wixom

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

Temperature

Precipitation March 2018

Detroit Flint Lansing

NORMAL Monthly 2.28 1.91 2.06

ACTUAL Monthly 2.63 1.11 1.29

March 2017 DEVIATION from Normal +0.35 -0.80 -0.77

2018 Year to Date: Jan 1 - March 31

Detroit Flint Lansing

NORMAL Yr. to Date 6.26 5.02 5.18

ACTUAL Yr. to Date 8.26 6.99 7.90

DEVIATION from Normal +2.00 +1.97 +2.72

NORMAL

Monthly 2.28 1.91 2.06

ACTUAL Monthly 4.26 3.21 3.63

March 2018 DEVIATION from Normal +1.98 +1.30 +1.57

2017 Year to Date: Jan 1 - March 31

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

March 2017

Detroit Flint Lansing

NORMAL Avg. High 45.2 43.1 43.5

ACTUAL Avg. High 43.4 39.7 41.8

DEVIATION from Normal -1.8 -3.4 -1.7

ORMAL N 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

Detroit Flint Lansing

NORMAL Avg. Low 28.5 24.3 24.3

ACTUAL Avg. Low 27.5 23.3 24.4

DEVIATION from Normal -1.0 -1.0 +0.1

ORMAL N 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

Data courtesy National Weather Service

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144 Crabapple varieties: Peak bloom in May Open May 1–Oct 31: Fri-Tues 10a-8p. Please call to confirm hours. Donations appreciated; no pets please. Always something to see at Sunny Fields!

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

734-449-8100 TuthillFarms.com

Need help in your garden? Hire a Professional

Our members work with Integrity, Intelligence & Pride www.associationofprofessionalgardeners.org aprogardener@gmail.com

New members always welcome Visit our website for program schedule

GR EENHOUSE

You are WELCOME here! Here at Earthly Arts, we are not the biggest or fanciest, but we care about plants and we care about you. We appreciate you shopping with us!

Mother’s Day SALE:

May 10-13 11” Million Bells Baskets $15.99 or 2/$30

May 17-20 SALE: Memorial Day Weekend SALE: May 24-28

Wave Petunia Jumbo 6-packs $6.99 or 3/$20

Zonal Geraniums (quart size) $3.99 or $10/$35

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Michigan Gardener | May 2018 | MichiganGardener.com

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May / June / July May Dahlia Society Annual Tuber Sale Sat, May 5, 9am-Noon, Troy. By SE Mich Dahlia Society at Telly’s. More than 700 tubers & cuttings available. A variety of sizes, colors & petal forms for your garden. www.semds.org, 248-689-5947. Weedy Lawn & Garden Salad Sat, May 5, 10am-Noon, Ann Arbor. By Project Grow at Project Grow Gardens, County Farm. $5. Garden weeds that can impart delicious flavor & nutrition. www.projectgrowgardens.org. Straw Bale Garden Demonstration Sat, May 5, 11am, Southgate. At Ray Hunter Garden Center. FREE. Paul Rodman demos how to make straw bale gardens. 734-284-2500. Spring Meeting, Plant Sale & Garden Tours Sat, May 5, 11am–3pm, Jackson. By NARGS. Plant Sale at 1:30. Register: urdathom@aaps.k12.mi.us. Annual Afternoon Tea Sat, May 5, 12:30pm, Fenton. At Gerych’s Greenhouse. $32. Elegant conservatory, live music, tea & luncheon. Groups welcome. Register: 810-629-5995. H Container Gardening Workshop Sat, May 5, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $5. www.tellys.com. H Bonsai Workshop Sat, May 5, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $39. Plant & create your own bonsai tree to enjoy for years to come. www.tellys.com, 248-689-8735. H Faerie May Day Festival Sat, May 5, 10am-5pm & Sun, May 6, 11am-5pm, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. $1. Fun, lore, treats, workshops & plants. www.HeavenlyScentHerbFarm.com. Four Seasons Garden Club Plant Exchange Sat, May 5, South Lyon. By Four Seasons Garden Club at 300 Dorothy St. Rain or shine. Trade plants, bulbs or seeds. Label each. 248-437-0154. Clematis Pruning Workshop Sat, May 5, Detroit. At Black Cat Pottery. 1 hour of instruction & 1 hour of demo/hands-on supervised practice. Register: www.blackcatpottery.com. Vermicomposting 101 - Compost the Easy Way Sat, May 5, Troy. By Garden Outside The Box at Stage Nature Ctr. $10. How to compost with worms. www.gardenoutsidethebox.com. Brighton Farmer’s Market Sat, May 5, through June 9, 8am-1pm, Brighton. On the Millpond, at 1st & Cedar Sts. Local vendors include Specialty Growers. Flowers in the Garden Mon, May 7, 1pm, Farmington Hills. By Farmington Garden Club at Spicer House. Presented by Wendy Evans of the DIA. fgc1932@gmail.com, 248-477-3854. Exotic Flourishes with Tender Bulbs Wed, May 9, 7pm, Grosse Pointe Farms. By Grosse Pointe Garden Ctr., Inc. at The War Memorial. $15. Presented by Irvin Etienne. Register: 313-499-0743, email-gpgardencenter@outlook.com.

Principles & Plants to Use When Designing a Shade Garden Thu, May 10, 1pm, Shelby Twp. By Shelby Garden Club at Shadbush Nature Ctr. FREE. Presented by Arlene Welsh. Ferndale Garden Club: Show & Tell Thu, May 10, 7pm, Ferndale. By Ferndale Garden Club at Kulick Community Center, 1201 Livernois. Club Members & Flower Show. Guests are welcome. 248-541-6427. Habitat for Humanity Flower & Plant Sale Fri, May 11, 3-8pm & Sat, May 12, 9am-5pm, Lake Orion. At Culver’s. Flowers, annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, planters, houseplants & more. Micah Jordan: 248-338-1843 ext.231, micahj@habitatoakland.org. Project Grow Plant Sale Fri, May 11, 5-8pm & Sat, May 12, 10am-2pm, Ann Arbor. By Project Grow at Dawn Farm. Advance orders due by May 5. www.projectgrowgardens.org. H Mother’s Day Free Koi Fri, May 11 to Sun, May 13, Waterford Twp. At The Pond Place. One Free Koi per mother with any $10 or more purchase, must be present to receive. Open 11am-2pm on Sun. www.pondplace.com. Chelsea Area Garden Club 20th Annual Plant Sale Sat, May 12, 8am-Noon, Chelsea. By Chelsea Area Garden Club at Chelsea Fairgrounds. Most plants under $5. Expert gardeners on hand to answer questions. Rain/shine. 734-475-9748. H Spring Artist Market Sat, May 12, 9am-4:30 pm, Ann Arbor. At Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Unique items for sale from local artisans & crafters. mbgna.umich.edu, 734-647-7600. Berkley First Perennial Exchange Sat, May 12, 9am-Noon, Berkley. At Berkley First, 2820 W. Twelve Mile. Bring a plant, take a plant. 248-399-3698, kkirkpatrick@berkleyfirst.org. H Hidden Lake Gardens Plant Sale Sat, May 12, 10am-2pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. Perennials, shrubs, trees, conifers, annuals, herbs, vegetables, & flowering plants for Mother’s Day. 517-431-2060. H Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale Sat, May 12, 10am-4:30pm, Ann Arbor. At Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Hanging baskets & container plantings grown & designed by our staff/volunteers. 734-647-7600, mbgna.umich.edu. H Kid’s Club Event: Mother’s Day Gift: Decorate & Plant a Pot Sat, May 12, 11am-Noon, all locations. At English Gardens. $5. Everything kids need to present Mom with a hand-decorated planter pot & annual. Register: www.EnglishGardens.com. Michigan All-State Bonsai Show Sat, May 12, At Frederik Meijer Gardens. FREE. Enjoy stunning bonsai trees on display. Shop for plants & growing supplies & watch demos. H 25th Annual Royal Oak in Bloom Sun, May 13, 7am-3pm, Royal Oak. By Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, Genisys Credit Union at Main St. between 6th & 7th. Over 65 vendors. 248-547-4000, Jenniferc@royaloakchamber.com.

Promote your events! Send us your information! Website: Go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Garden Event Calendar” E-Mail: calendar@MichiganGardener.com Upcoming Issues & Deadlines: Issue

June 2018 July/August 2018

Deadline May 15, 2018 June 15, 2018

MichiganGardener.com | May 2018 | Michigan Gardener

Oak Openings Region Blue Week Sun, May 13 to May 20, Various Locations. By The Green Ribbon Initiative. Over 20 free family events celebrating the many blue species of plants/wildlife living in the oak openings. www.oakopenings.org/blue-week/. Bringing Paradise Home Mon, May 14, 12:30pm, Dearborn. By Garden Club of Dearborn at First Presbyterian. Ed Blondin, historian/ horticulturist speaks on the influence of the Persian Empire on American backyards. 313-565-1266. H Cranbrook Spring Plant Sale Tue, May 15, 10am-7pm, & Wed, May 16, 10am-2pm, Bloomfield Hills. Native plants, perennials, greenhouse plants, tomatoes, herbs, fairy garden plants, gardening items & more. housegardens.cranbrook.edu. H Cranbrook’s Japanese Garden Lecture Series: Sadafumi Uchiyama Tue, May 15, 7pm, Bloomfield Hills. At Cranbrook Institute of Science. $10/lecture. Speaker Sadafumi Uchiyama, Portland Japanese Garden, Portland, OR. Lectures on Japanese garden design & the gardens that each speaker has created or restored in North America. Register: center.cranbrook.edu. Morel Mushroom Exploration Wed, May 16, 7-8:30pm, Traverse City. At The Botanic Garden. With Jim Moses & Linda Grigg of Forest Garden Organic Farm. www.thebotanicgarden.org. Meadow Brook Garden Club Perennial Plant Sale Thu, May 17, 8am-2pm, Rochester. By Meadow Brook Garden Club at Meadow Brook Hall. Large variety of Michigan-grown plants, many from Meadow Brook Hall gardens. 248-364-6210, MBGCmembers@gmail.com. H Tantalizing Moonlight Gardens Thu, May 17, 10am, Auburn. At Warmbier Farms. 10am: Paint a stepping stone. $20. 1pm: Learn which combos of plants/flowers can transform your nighttime garden. FREE. www.warmbier.com, 989-662-7002. H Japanese Garden Lecture Series: Gregory De Vries Thu, May 17, 7-8:30pm, Bloomfield Hills. At Cranbrook Institute of Science Auditorium. $10/lecture. Gregory De Vries, Landscape Architect, Quinn Evans Architects, Ann Arbor presents “Creation & Rejuvenation”. An illustrated timeline of the history of Cranbrook’s Japanese Garden & documentation of its features & trees. Register: center.cranbrook.edu. Meadow Brook Greenhouse Plant Sale Thu, May 17, 8am-6pm, & Fri, May 18, 9am-3pm, Rochester Hills. At Meadow Brook Greenhouse. Yearly sale of annuals, vegetables & herbs. 248-364-6171. H Japanese Garden Midwest Regional Workshop & Garden Tour Thu, May 17 to Sat, May 19, Bloomfield Hills. By North American Japanese Garden Association at Cranbrook Gardens. Explore the challenges & benefits of Japanese gardens in the Midwest through 6 case studies. Thursday: opening workshop. Friday: lectures on Cranbrook’s historic 1915 Japanese garden. Tour the house & garden of Charles Lang Freer, America’s first great collector of Japanese art. Reception at Minoru Yamasaki’s spectacular modernist water & stone garden at WSU. Saturday: Muedler Japanese Garden at MSU, the Shigematsu Memorial Garden & 8-acre DeVos Japanese Garden at Frederik Meijer Gardens. Registration opens soon: www.najga.org. Spring Plant Sale Fri, May 18, 9am-5pm, Waterford. By Waterford Garden Club at Waterford Senior Ctr. Perennials, herbs, succulents, houseplants & bake sale. waterfordgardenclub.org. H The Soothing W hisper of Butterfly Wings Fri, May 18, 10am, Auburn. At Warmbier Farms. 10am: Paint a butterfly stone. $20. 1pm: Get ideas on how to create a magical habitat for butterflies. www.warmbierfarms.com. Wonderful Woodlanders: Ephemerals Fri, May 18, 10am, Rochester. By Meadow Brook GC at Meadow Brook Hall. $5. Glen Pace covers native & non-native plants for zone 5b. 248‑364‑6210, MBGCmembers@gmail.com. Fair Lane Garden Volunteers’ Spring Plant Sale & Garden Market Fri, May 18, 10am-3pm, & Sat, May 19, 9am-1pm, Dearborn. At Fair Lane (Henry Ford Estate). All proceeds benefit the historic gardens. 313-668-3195; 313-668-3193, www.henryfordfairlane.org.

H MSU Gardens Spring Plant Sale Sat, May 19, 7am-2pm, East Lansing. At MSU Horticulture Gardens. www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/ our_gardens/garden_calendar. H 35th Anniversary Celebration Sat, May 19, 9am-7pm, North Branch. At Campbell’s Greenhouses. Sales, music & more. www.campbellsgreenhouses.com. Dexter Green Day & Plant Sale Sat, May 19, 9am-1pm, Dexter. By Dexter Garden Club at Monument Park. Perennials, native plants, grasses, shrubs, hostas, groundcovers, & perennial herbs. 734-663-7046, dextergardenclub.org. H Jubilant & Joyful Songbirds Sat, May 19, 10am, Auburn. At Warmbier Farms. 10am: Paint a delightful branch of birds. $40. 1pm: Learn how to bring the music of song birds to your garden. www.warmbierfarms.com. Perennial Plant Exchange Sat, May 19, 10am-Noon, Troy. By Troy Garden Club at Aquatic Ctr. Parking Lot. Please label plants for type & time of bloom. Free compost, BYO containers. www.TroyGardenClubMI.com. Annual Dahlia Sale Sat, May 19, 10am-2pm, Dexter. By Mich Dahlia Assoc at Dexter Mill. Information on growing & caring for dahlias. 734-429-5796, www.midwestdahliaconference.org/ MDA/index.htm. H Pressed Floral Bouquet Sat, May 19, 11am-1pm, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. $28.75. Create a one-of-a-kind floral bouquet picture. Bring scissors & tweezers. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com. Roses 101 Class Sat, May 19, 11am, Southgate. At Ray Hunter. FREE. Roses are easy to grow if you know a few tricks. 734-284-2500. H Pond Construction: Hands-On Workshop Sat, May 19, June 23, July 21, Milford. At The Pond Place. FREE. Hands on experience building an 11’ x 16’ pond w/ stream, waterfall & bog, as well as a pondless waterfall. www.pondplace.com H Pond & Waterfall Design Sat, May 19, June 23, July 21, August 18, September 15, Milford. At The Pond Place. FREE. Workshop will address the key issues associated with designing & building your own pond, stream or waterfall. www.pondplace.com. H Kitchen Favorites Herb Sale Sat, May 19 & Sun, May 20, 10am-4:30pm, Ann Arbor. At Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Herbs, containers & heirlooms. Herb study group on hand to answer questions. www.mbgna.umich.edu. Fair Lane’s Rouge Rescue Project Sat, May 19, Dearborn. At Fair Lane (Henry Ford Estate) grounds. Help remove invasive Garlic Mustard. All are welcome to participate. No tools required. Register: kmarzonie@henryfordestate.org, 313-668-3193. H Energetic & Beneficial Bees Sun, May 20, 10am, Auburn. At Warmbier Farms. 10am: Buzz in & paint a bee statue. $40. 1pm: Learn how you can help bees & other pollinators. FREE. www.warmbierfarms.com. Michigan Orchid Society Meeting Sun, May 20, 2:30pm, Birmingham. By Michigan Orchid Society at 1st Baptist Church of Birmingham. Plant sales & raffle. Public welcome. www.miorchidsociety.com. Spring Swap Sun, May 20, Wolverine Lake. By Lakes Area Plant & Garden Swap at Clara Miller Park. Round Robin style. Bring labled plants, tools/supplies, yard art. 248-767-2490. H Cranbrook’s Japanese Garden Lecture Series: Marc Peter Keane Tue, May 22, 7pm, Bloomfield Hills. At Cranbrook Institute of Science. $10/lecture. Speaker Marc Peter Keane, Ithaca, NY. Lectures on Japanese garden design & the gardens that each speaker has created or restored in North America. Register: center.cranbrook.edu. H Create Your own Butterfly Garden Tue, May 22, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. $20/ person. How to select native, host, & nectar plants that are suited for SE Michigan gardens. Register: 517-431-2060. continued on page 47

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Michigan Gardener | May 2018 | MichiganGardener.com

Consider the environment when installing and maintaining your water garden by Paige Filice Have you ever thought about what might happen if the ornamental plants and animals in your water garden escaped into the environment? Characteristics that make certain aquatic plants and animals popular for water gardens—vigorous growth, hardiness, rapid reproduction—are also characteristics of problematic invasive species. Aquatic plants and animals that escape or are released into Michigan lakes and rivers can become invasive, and have devastating consequences. Aquatic plants can be especially concerning for boaters because they impede boat traffic and clog waterways. Invasive floating plants prevent sunlight from penetrating into the water, reducing the growth of native underwater plants which fish and many other aquatic wildlife rely on for food and shelter. Unwanted pets, such as koi, goldfish and turtles are also a concern. While releasing unwanted animals into natural waterbodies may seem like the most humane option, the consequences can be destructive. They may feed aggressively on native plants and animals, and can introduce disease, even if they do not survive Michigan’s winters.

What you can do Prevent the introduction of plants and animals from your water garden into Michigan’s lakes and rivers by following these simple steps, recommended by Michigan’s new RIPPLE campaign (Reduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes): Build your water garden away from nearby lakes and rivers to prevent plants and animals from escaping during heavy rain events that cause flooding. When purchasing plants, carefully inspect and rinse them. It is common for fish eggs, snails, as well as fragments and seeds of other plant species to attach themselves to plant material. When removing plants from your water garden, dispose of them in a sealed bag in the trash. Unwanted seeds and plant material can remain viable when composted. Consider giving or trading unwanted plants and animals such as turtles or fish with another hobbyist, a retailer, or an environmental learning center, aquarium or zoo. Contact a veterinarian or local retailer for guidance on humane disposal of animals. Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development launched RIPPLE to increase awareness of potentially invasive aquatic animals and plants in the water garden and

Paige Filice

Build your water garden away from other waterbodies to prevent the escape of plants and animals during heavy rain events.

RIPPLE: Reduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes Be on the lookout for RIPPLE educational materials at a garden center near you.

Learn more online Visit the website: tinyurl.com/ycgucy6m Facebook: www.facebook.com/miripple pet industry, and to promote safe containment and disposal options. Keep an eye out for RIPPLE materials at your favorite water garden shop for more tips on how to safely maintain and dispose unwanted plants and animals. Paige Filice is a graduate student in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University and a Program Coordinator with Michigan State University Extension.

Louisiana Sea Grant

Aquatic plants can quickly take over a waterbody and make recreation extremely difficult.

MichiganGardener.com | May 2018 | Michigan Gardener

continued from page 45

Bee Palooza Thu, May 24, 8am-5pm, East Lansing. At MSU Horticulture Gardens. www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/ our_gardens. H Specialty Growers Spring Open House Sat, May 26, 9am-5pm, Howell. At Specialty Growers. FREE presentation at 1pm: Julia Hofley’s Favorite Fifty Plants. 517-546-7742, specialtygrowers@comcast.net. MSU Tollgate Evenings in the Garden: Tollgate History Thu, May 31, 6:30pm, Novi. At MSU Tollgate Farm. $20. Roy Prentice presents MSU Tollgate Farms: Carrying on Novi’s Agricultural Traditions. Register: www.canr.msu. edu/tollgate/events/evenings-in-the-garden.

June

Sarah LeSage

Non-native fish can survive and thrive in Michigan’s lakes and streams, and can have negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems. This koi was caught in the St. Joseph River.

Classified Ads NEED A HAND? Call “The little gardener that could.” 15 yrs experience at Botanical Gardens. FREE Estimates. Pat: 586-2149852, 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 - Events are at Congregational Church of Birmingham (1000 Cranbrook Rd., Bloomfield Hills). Guest fee: $5. For more info: julia@juliasbiglife.com or visit us on Facebook.

MICHIGAN GARDENER E-NEWSLETTER - Sign up for our free e-newsletter! We send out a few each year, and there are contests to win prizes as well. Go to www. MichiganGardener.com and simply enter your e-mail address. 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. 248-497-2674. Find me on Facebook.

Michigan Gardener Classified Advertising is a cost-effective way to promote yourself and your business. Need help? Have help to give? Have a big event coming up? Have some items to sell? Let our readers know! Go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Classified Advertising.”

H Brenda’s Butterfly Habitat Fri, Jun 1, Opening Day. Westland. At Barson’s Greenhouse. Come see the butterfly life cycle & native host & nectar plants. www.Barsons.com. Perennial Plant Exchange Sat, Jun 2, 8:30am, Clarkston. By Clarkston Farm & Garden Club at Clarkston Village Parking Lot. Rain/shine. Pot/label your plants. www.clarkstongardenclub.org. MSU Extension Perennial Plant Exchange & Plant Sale Sat, Jun 2, 9am-Noon, Clinton Twp. By MSU Extension at 21885 Dunham Rd. Bring your healthy perennials in labeled containers. macomb msue@macombgov.org, 586-469-6440. H Peonies Galore Sale Sat, Jun 2, 10am, Ann Arbor. At Nichols Arboretum. Several varieties of locally-grown heirloom peonies for sale. 734-647-7600, mbgna.umich.edu. Container Gardening Class Sat, Jun 2, 11am, Southgate. At Ray Hunter Florist & Garden. FREE. Master Gardener Paul Rodman will present techniques for useful & beautiful container gardens. 734-284-2500. Harrison Township “Trunk” Plant Exchange Sat, Jun 2, Noon-2pm, Harrison Twp. By Harrison Township Beautification Commission at Tucker Park Parking Lot. 586-242-3868. 10th Annual Spring Garden Tour Sat, Jun 2, Detroit. At Black Cat Pottery. Register: www.blackcatpottery.com. Guided Meditation at the Garden Mon, Jun 4, Mondays in June, 5-6pm, Traverse City. At The Botanic Garden. $20/4 sessions. All proceeds donated back to The Botanic Garden. www.thebotanicgarden.org. Yardeners Native Plant Sale Sat, Jun 9, 9am-Noon, St Clair Shores. By Yardeners at Selinsky-Green Farmhouse Museum grounds. Deadline to order is May 25. Plant list & order forms: scsyardeners@gmail.com. MSU Tollgate Evenings in the Garden: Water Thu, Jun 14, 6:30p, Novi. At MSU Tollgate Farm. $20. Mary Gerstenberger presents “Water: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly”. Register: www.canr.msu.edu/tollgate/ events/evenings-in-the-garden. Ottawa Hills 25th Annual Garden Tour Sat, Jun 16, 9am-1pm, Grand Rapids. By Ottawa Hills Neighborhood Association. FREE. Gardens large & small, sunny & shady. www.ottawahillsgr.org/ neighborhood-events/ottawa-hills-annual-garden-tour/ H Floral Wall Weaving Sat, Jun 16, 10am-Noon, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. $48.75. Back after 30 years, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind piece of wall art. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com. Frederik Meijer Gardens Rose Show Sat, Jun 16 & Sun, Jun 17, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. Enjoy a variety of rose blossoms on display, all locally grown & carefully prepped. www.meijergardens.org. Rochester Garden Walk Thu, Jun 21, 10am-5pm, Rochester Hills. By Rochester Garden Club & Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm & several public & private gardens. www.RochesterGardenClub.org.

Summer Solstice Garden Walk Thu, Jun 21, 3-8pm, Grand Rapids. By Kent Garden Club at 6 area gardens including the historic Brookby Estate. $10. akw47@comcast.net, kent gardenclub1913@gmail.com. 27th Grosse Pointe Garden Tour Fri, Jun 22, 10am-4pm, Grosse Pointe. By Grosse Pointe Garden Center, Inc. at 6 private gardens. $20. Tickets at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. 313-499-0743, gpgardencenter@outlook.com Blooms, Birds, Bees, & Butterflies Sun, Jun 24, 10am-5pm, Genesee County. By Genesee Co. Master Gardeners at 5 area gardens. $10. Selfguided. http://gcgardentour.weebly.com/2018, leemar4321@frontier.com. H Appreciation Sunday: Celebrating 30 Years Sun, Jun 24, 11am-4pm, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. Stroll through the garden & celebrate 30 years with us. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com. 22nd Annual Flowers are Forever Garden Walk Tue, Jun 26, Noon-8pm, Plymouth/Canton. By Trailwood Garden Club. $10. Chat with the homeowners, get horticultural tips from our MGs & shop the Treasures Sale. www.TrailwoodGardenClub.com. Grass Lake Garden Tour Sat, Jun 30, 10am-5pm, Jackson. By Jackson Co. Master Gardener Assn. at 8 unique gardens. $10. Vendors at Grass Lake Depot. Rain or shine. jcmga2013@gmail. com, 517-499-4442, marlagilpin05@gmail.com.

July Country Garden Club of Northville Silver Anniversary Garden Walk Wed, Jul 11, 9am-4pm, Northville. By The Country Garden Club of Northville at 6 area gardens. $15 at the Mill Race Village gate. Garden market, live music & more. 734-788-9935. H Garden Delight Tour Afternoon Wed, Jul 11, 11am-1pm, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. $29.75. Steve Mathews guides you through a 1 hour tour of Heavenly Scent’s gardens. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com. 44th Annual Troy Garden Walk Wed, Jul 11, 9:30am-3pm & 5-8:30pm, Birmingham & Troy. By Troy Garden Club at 7 private gardens. $10 in advance; $15 day of walk. Arts & crafts boutique, plant sale & student art competition. www.TroyGardenClubMI.com, 248-540-6158. Shelby Garden Club Bi-Annual Garden Walk Sat, Jul 14, 10am-4pm, Shelby Twp. By Shelby Garden Club at private area gardens. $10. Advance tickets available: Shelby Township Library & Parks & Recreation. Day of: Heritage Garden. A Day in the Garden: Tour & Garden Thyme Market Sat, Jul 14, 10am-4pm, Hastings. By Thornapple Garden Club at 5 area gardens. $10. “Garden Thyme Market” 9am-5pm on the courthouse lawn. ThornappleGardenClub@yahoo.com. H 20th Anniversary LACASA’s Garden Tour Weekend Sat, Jul 14 & Sun, Jul 15, 9am-4pm, Livingston County. By LACASA at area gardens. $20. Scavenger hunt, raffles & more. Proceeds benefit victims of child abuse & interpersonal violence. Advance tickets: www.lacasacenter.org. Frederik Meijer Gardens Daylily Show Sat, Jul 14, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. See an amazing variety of daylily flowers that vary in size from less than 1 inch across to almost 10 inches. www.meijergardens.org. The Garden Cruise Sun, Jul 15, 9am-4:30pm, Metro Detroit, by Detroit Garden Works & The Greening of Detroit. Tour only: $35/ person. Tour & cocktail reception: $50/person. 248-335-8089. www.thegardencruise.org. Fenton Open Gate Garden Club 21st Annual Summer Garden Tour Sun, Jul 15, 10am-5pm, Fenton. By Fenton Open Gate Garden Club at beautiful & innovative gardens. $10 at A.J. Phillips Fenton Museum. Kids 12 & under free. www.opengategardenclubgardentour.com. H Outdoor Garden Tea Party Wed, Jul 18, 11:30-1:30, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. $31.75. The perfect way to celebrate summer. Dates: Jul 18, Jul 19, Jul 20, Jul 24, Jul 25, Jul 26. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com.

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

Mt. Pleasant

Gladwin

Bay City

Midland

Saginaw North Branch Clio

Lapeer

Davison

Imlay City

Flushing

Owosso St. Johns

Lennon

Burton

Flint

Emmett

Hadley

Grand Blanc

Port Huron

Dryden

Metamora

Almont

Bancroft

Grand Rapids Fenton

Oxford

Ortonville

Orion

Haslett

Lansing

East Lansing Fowlerville

Mason

Stockbridge

Chelsea Grass Lake

Manchester

Tipton

White Lake

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please contact us for info: publisher@ MichiganGardener.com 248-594-5563

Ray

White Lake Waterford

110 S. Main St, MI 48118 734-475-3539 www.thegardenmill.com

Tecumseh Monroe

Cement City

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Rochester Macomb Rochester Shelby Twp. Highland Pontiac Hills New Utica Baltimore Auburn Hills Sylvan Lake Clinton Twp. Commerce Milford Howell Troy West Sterling Hts. Bloomfield Birmingham Walled Lake St. Clair Berkley Wixom Roseville Shores Brighton Warren Royal Oak New Hudson Eastpointe South Lyon Novi Farmington Southfield Hills Oak Park Ferndale Whitmore Northville Grosse Lake Pointes Livonia Redford canton Canton Floral Gardens Plymouth Detroit Crimboli Nurs Dexter Wild Birds Unltd Westland Canton cement city DearbornDearborn Ann Heights H Hallson Gardens Arbor 14280 US-127, MI 49233 Ypsilanti Taylor 517-592-9450 www.perennialnursery.com Romulus Southgate Belleville Trenton Saline chelsea Brownstown Twp. Grosse Ile H Garden Mill New Boston Hartland

Williamston

Jackson

Oakland

Clarkston

La Salle

The Potting Shed

chesterfield almont H American Tree

ann arbor H Abbott’s Nurs & Garden Ctr 2781 Scio Church Rd, MI 48103 734-665-8733 www.abbottsnursery.com H Downtown Home/Gard H HillTop Greenhse/Farms H Lodi Farms H The Produce Station H Turner’s Greenhse & Garden Ctr 4431 South Wagner Rd, MI 48103 734-663-7600 www.turnersannarbor.com Wild Birds Unltd

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

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

bancroft Grand Oak Herb Farm

bay city

brighton

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

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

belleville

brownstown twp

Banotai Greenhse Gardeners Choice H Pinter Flowerland H Zywicki Greenhse

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

berkley

H Van’s Valley Greenhse

Garden Central

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

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

H Van Thomme’s Greenhses

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 Tropical Treasures

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

MichiganGardener.com | May 2018 | Michigan Gardener

commerce twp H Zoner’s Greenhse 2355 E. Commerce Rd, MI 48382 248-363-6742 www.zonersgreenhouse.com

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

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

manchester

rochester

stockbridge

williamston

Gee Farms

Christian’s Greenhse

mason

Fogler’s Greenhse Sherwood Forest Gard Ctr

sylvan lake

wixom

Wildtype Nurs

rochester hills

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

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

McLennan Nurs

metamora

grosse pointe

Gilling’s Nurs

Allemon’s Landscp Ctr Meldrum & Smith Nurs

milford

grosse pointe woods

Milford Gardens H The Pond Place

Wild Birds Unltd

monroe

dearborn

hadley

H The Flower Market

Fairlane Gardens

Le Fleur Décor

new baltimore

dearborn heights

hartland

H Meldrum Bros Nurs

Deneweth’s Garden Ctr

new boston

haslett

H Grass Roots Nurs Mums the Word

H English Gardens 22650 Ford Rd, MI 48127 313-278-4433 www.EnglishGardens.com

detroit Eastern Market

dexter Bloom! Gard Ctr H Dexter Mill Earth Art 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

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 Howell Farmer’s Mkt Penrose Nurs H Specialty Growers 4330 Golf Club Rd, MI 48843 517-546-7742 www.specialtygrowers.net

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

H Superior Landscape Supplies 4805 Musson Rd, MI 48855 517-548-2068 Find us on Facebook

northville Begonia Brothers Gardenviews H Willow Greenhouses

Wilczewski Greenhses

novi

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

imlay city H Earthly Arts Greenhse

Glenda’s Gard Ctr Wild Birds Unltd

jackson

oak park

The Hobbit Place

Four Seasons Gard Ctr

fenton

lake orion

oakland

Gerych’s Flowers/Gift

H Lake Orion Lawn Orn H Orion Stone Depot

farmington hills

H Heavenly Scent Herb Farm 13730 White Lake Rd, MI 48430 810-629-9208 www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com

ferndale

H Wojo’s of Lake Orion 559 S. Lapeer Rd, MI 48362 248-690-7435 www.wojos.com

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

ortonville Country Oaks Landscp II

Casual Modes Home/Gard

lansing

flat rock

Lansing Gardens

Masserant’s Feed Store

lapeer

flushing

H The Iron Barn

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

lasalle

owosso

Fowler’s Gift Shop

H Everlastings in Wildwood

lennon

oxford

fowlerville

Krupps Novelty Shop

livonia

Candy Cane Xmas Trees Oxford Farm/Gard

Green-Up Gard Ctr

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

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

H Wojo’s Greenhse 2570 Oakwood Rd, MI 48462 248-627-6498 www.wojos.com

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

pontiac Goldner Walsh Gard/Home

ray Heritage Oaks

redford H Pinter Flowerland Seven Mi Gard Ctr

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 Kurtzhals’ Farms H Schoedel’s Nurs Schwartz’s Greenhouse

roseville Dale’s Landscp Supp Flower Barn Nurs Sea World

royal oak Billings Lawn Equip H English Gardens 4901 Coolidge Hwy, MI 48073 248-280-9500 www.EnglishGardens.com Wild Birds Unltd

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

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

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

south lyon

H Detroit Garden Works 1794 Pontiac Dr, MI 48320 248-335-8089 www.detroitgardenworks.com

taylor Beautiful Ponds & Gardens D&L Garden Ctr Massab Acres H Panetta’s Landscp Supp

tecumseh Mitchell’s Lawn/Landscp

trenton Carefree Lawn Ctr

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

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

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

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

utica

clinton twp

Stonescape Supp

Tomlinson Arboretum

walled lake

dearborn

H Suburban Landscp Supp

Arjay Miller Arboretum @ Ford World HQ Henry Ford Estate

warren Beste’s Lawn/Patio Supp Garden Ctr Nurs Kutchey’s Farm Mkt

detroit Anna S Whitcomb Conservtry, Belle Isle

washington

dryden

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

east lansing

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

Seven Ponds Nature Ctr H MSU Horticulture Gardens W.J. Beal Botanical Gard

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

flint Applewood Estate

grand rapids Frederik Meijer Gardens

westland

grosse pointe shores

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

Edsel & Eleanor Ford Hse

Dahlia Hill Dow Gardens

southgate

Bushel Stop Joe Randazzo’s Nurs Merlino’s Bushel Ctr Panetta’s Landscp

Ray Hunter Gard Ctr

white lake

rochester

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

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

st clair shores Greenhouse Growers H Hall’s Nurs H 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

lansing Cooley Gardens

midland

novi Tollgate Education Ctr

H Bogie Lake Greenhouses 1525 Bogie Lake Rd, MI 48383 248-887-5101 www.bogielakegreenhouses.com

Meadow Brook Hall & Gardens

H Mulligan’s Landscp & Gard Ctr 8215 Elizabeth Lake Rd., MI 48386 248-698-4741 www.mulliganlandscaping.com

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

Sunshine Plants

whitmore lake H Alexander’s Greenhses

taylor Taylor Conservatory & Botanical Gard

tipton

Michigan Gardener | May 2018 | MichiganGardener.com

Cheryl M. English

THE INVASIVE

Native alternatives to invasive plants: Purple loosestrife

NATIVE ALTERNATIVES

Liz West/WikimediaCommons

Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria, L. virgatum) Of European origin, this wetland species has spread through much of North America, including south to North Carolina and Oklahoma, and west to California. It has no known predators to hold it in check and native birds assist in dispersing its seed.

Marsh blazing star (Liatris spicata)

Gayfeather, Blazing star (Liatris) For purple, spiky flowers, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult to find anything better than the gayfeathers and blazing stars. Numerous species within the genus accommodate drier to wetter conditions, so you have your pick depending on your circumstances. Marsh blazing star (Liatris spicata) prefers moister conditions, while rough blazing star (L. aspera) tolerates drier soils. Herbaceous plants sprouting from large corms, they can self-sow when happy, but are easily transplanted. Use as a spiky complement to shorter plants with basal foliage, such as campanulas, and for the middle ground in your garden. Interestingly, unlike most other spike-form flowers, liatris bloom from the top down rather than from the bottom up! P H OTO G R A P H S BY D O N S C H U LT E

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Rough blazing star (Liatris aspera)

Also sometimes called rose milkweed, swamp milkweed is a host plant for the beloved monarch butterflyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the caterpillars feed on it and other native Asclepias species. It prefers evenly moist to wet soil in full sun to part shade; established plants will tolerate dry soils as well. The flat, terminal clusters of pink flowers are followed by distinctive cylindrical pods that burst, releasing the feathered seeds. Unlike common milkweed (A. syriaca), which can be aggressive, swamp milkweed can be containerized for use in shallow pools and small ponds. Showy milkweed (A. speciosa) is a shorter, more compact species that is also garden-worthy.

Michigan Gardener | May 2018 | MichiganGardener.com

Cheryl M. English

THE INVASIVE

Native alternatives to invasive plants: Purple loosestrife

NATIVE ALTERNATIVES

Liz West/WikimediaCommons

Marsh blazing star (Liatris spicata)

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Rough blazing star (Liatris aspera)

MichiganGardener.com | May 2018 | Michigan Gardener

Hoary vervain (Verbena stricta)

Blue vervain (Verbena hastata)

Verbena More toward the blue or purple range, these spiky plants—blue vervain (Verbena hastata) and hoary vervain (V. stricta)—bloom well into autumn and are favorites with native pollinators. They will withstand flooding as well as moderate drought.

Sapin88/WikimediaCommons

Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) So-called due to its presence in burned areas throughout most of its North American range, fireweed thrives in open woods, meadows and roadsides in full sun or light shade. It can selfsow enthusiastically.

Showy tick trefoil (Desmodium canadense) Beautiful pink, pea-like flowers, complemented by glaucous foliage, are arranged in 3- to 6-foot spikes, coming into their own during mid to late summer. Like many other plants in the pea family, showy tick trefoil contributes to soil fertility through nitrogen fixing and can be used as a green manure. The plant is highly adaptable and thrives in a wide pH range. Seeds form individually in their own segments in what is referred to as a “loment” and are dispersed by attaching themselves to passing animals (hence “tick” in the common name). Showy tick trefoil is a host plant for several native butterfly species and also attracts hummingbirds. It is of special value to our native bumblebees.

Queen of the prairie (Filipendula rubra) The bold, palmate foliage of this plant makes a statement on its own. Fluffy flower heads can reach over eight inches in diameter. The flower color is variable. Excellent in meadows, borders and at pond side.

Cheryl M. English owns Black Cat Pottery and gardens professionally in Detroit, MI. An Advanced Master Gardener and Master Composter, she speaks on numerous gardening topics and is a Wildflower Association of Michigan board member. Her typical urban lot has over 50 varieties of clematis and almost 200 native plant species. She runs a Clematis Pruning Workshop in May. She opens her garden to the public twice a year at her free Spring/Summer Garden Tours. 2018 dates: June 2 & August 18. No pre-registration is required. Contact Cheryl to speak at your next meeting or event: cenglish@blackcatpottery.com. Follow Cheryl’s blog at BlackCatPottery.com and Facebook.com/BlackCatPottery. Don Schulte is an avid gardener and enjoys interpreting Michigan wildflowers and other garden favorites through his photography. Don and Cheryl have been working together to document the clematis, other traditional garden favorites, and native plants in her garden. See more of his work at NotableGreetings.com and DonSchulte.com.

Michigan Gardener | May 2018 | MichiganGardener.com

Jean & Roxanne Riggs

Basils, by the dozen

here are so many basils available these days that everyone should be trying at least a few that are new to them. Many herb farm seed catalogs list over 37 varieties! We picked 12 varieties from the distinct types of basil that we have grown in our gardens, including some from the sweet group, the Genovese or large leaf group, the bush group, the purple group, and the unusual group. Nearly all the basils are true annuals— they flower, set seeds, and die all in one season. They want a warm, sunny location with well-drained, rich soil. We have found that all of them do well in good-sized pots. Pinch out the flowers to keep the plants bushier and leafier. Recent studies have shown that the flowers also have lots of oils in them, so if your plant flowers, go ahead and use those too. All the growing basils attracted hummingbirds and butterflies, and made attractive additions to our pots.

The basil plants: Trial results From the sweet basils, we chose a basic sweet basil and Napoletano basil. The sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is the one that we used for pesto and in our herb mixtures. This is the basil that is generally grown for the spring potted plant sales and is offered in cut bunches at farm markets and grocery stores. The Napoletano basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Napoletano’) was a strong growing plant and a good culinary flavoring. The Genovese basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’) had larger leaves and a very good flavor in our pesto and tomato sauces. It grew well and large—about 2 feet tall in our big pots, so there was lots to harvest. ‘Dolce Fresca’ (Ocimum basilicum ‘Dolce Fresca’) was more compact in our pots, and I think every grasshopper in the county was attracted to it. What they left for us was nice and tasty. The bush basils stayed short, about 1-1/2 feet tall, and would be good on a windowsill for fresh basil in the cold, winter months. Spicy Globe basil (Ocimum basilicum minimum ‘Spicy Globe’) is the small leaf variety that is sometimes available at garden centers. 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

Basil vinegars make wonderful additions to salad dressings and other recipes. From left to right: Sweet basil, Dark Opal basil, Cinnamon basil, Siam Queen basil, Persian basil, Osmin basil.

Lemon basil has white flowers in late summer to early fall.

‘Dolce Fresca’

Michigan Gardener | May 2018 | MichiganGardener.com

Jean & Roxanne Riggs

Basils, by the dozen

Basil vinegars make wonderful additions to salad dressings and other recipes. From left to right: Sweet basil, Dark Opal basil, Cinnamon basil, Siam Queen basil, Persian basil, Osmin basil.

Lemon basil has white flowers in late summer to early fall.

‘Dolce Fresca’

MichiganGardener.com | May 2018 | Michigan Gardener

Basils are easy to dry for use in cooking and in crafts. Bundle about six mature stems with a rubber band and hang upside down on a drying rack in a dark, dry area. Be sure to label each bunch you hang!

Cinnamon basil leaves have a deep red central stem. The red stem color often blushes onto the veins of the leaves, adding to the ornamental appeal.

‘Osmin’

‘Siam Queen’

Globette basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Globette’) was a little smaller, and had a lovely flavor and fragrance. The purple basils are pretty in pots or in the flower garden. Dark Opal basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Dark Opal’) is a beautiful plant that also tastes good. It produces a jewel tone dark red color in vinegars. ‘Osmin’ (Ocimum basilicum ‘Osmin’) is even a darker color, but not as sturdy in our pots. The more unusual basils were such fun to grow. Cinnamon basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Cinnamon’) is used in Mexico as an insect

repellent, although it didn’t have much effect on our grasshoppers. Easy to grow, lemon basil (Ocimum americanum) is an old favorite of ours, good in salad dressings, fruit salads, and fish dishes. Persian basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Persian’) is a pretty plant with an unusual flavor and fragrance that we found was a lovely addition to our potpourri recipes. Siam Queen Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Siam Queen’) is the most beautiful basil we grew, with a dense, dark flower head, and a strong continued on next page

Michigan Gardener | May 2018 | MichiganGardener.com

Container Gardening Complete: Creative Projects for Growing Vegetables and Flowers in Small Spaces by Jessica Walliser Do you want to grow a peach tree on an apartment balcony, harvest tomatoes from a window box, or decorate steps and walkways with gorgeous blooms? Container Gardening Complete (Cool Springs Press, 272 pages, $30) will get you growing quickly. In addition to hundreds of photographs, the book shares foolproof directions, designs and projects for inspiration. The three pillars of successful container gardening are introduced, and through them, readers learn all the ins and outs of gardening in containers—from the importance of drainage and pot selection, to time-saving maintenance tips and tricks. Also included are charts of the best ornamental, herb, vegetable and fruit varieties. Whether you are gardening in a suburban neighborhood, on the terrace of a condo in the city, or at the end of a long country lane, you can grow a broad diversity of plants in containers.

‘Dark Opal’ continued from previous page anise flavor and fragrance. It was another good potpourri ingredient. Sacred basil or tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) has a spicy scent reminiscent of cloves, and is both pretty and fragrant in bouquets and potpourri.

Using basil in the kitchen One of the easiest ways to use the fresh basil, vinegars make wonderful additions to salad dressings and other recipes. Some of the old recipe books say to heat the vinegar before pouring it over the basil, but we have found that it turns the basil into a soggy mush. Instead, we just use it at room temperature and the basil sprigs look beautiful in the bottles. Any of the basils can be used, but the purple varieties add beauty to the good flavor. Our favorite pesto recipe is so easy. We put into a blender 1 cup of good olive oil, 1/3 cup of lemon juice, 1 large clove of garlic, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 large bunch of basil leaves and flowers. Blend until smooth. Pour over 3 cut-up tomatoes, 1 peeled and sliced cucumber, 1 cut-up sweet pepper (or broccoli or cauliflower florets), and 1 package of cheese ravioli (about 1 pound) that you have cooked, cooled, and drained. Everyone will think of you as a gourmet cook! If you wish to freeze the pesto, fill up an ice cube tray or a freezer container, then place in the freezer for a fresh taste of basil all winter long. The green basils are easy to dry for use in cooking and in crafts, but become rather dark when dried. Bundle about six mature stems of fresh basil with a rubber band and hang upside down on a drying rack in a dark, dry area. That way the stems will dry straight. When the basil becomes very dry you can crumble it and place in jars or plastic baggies. The dark, opal basils retain their beautiful colors when dried. Always label your bundles when harvesting as you can forget the different kinds you collected. Do not freeze basil leaves, as this causes them to turn black. Instead, make pesto and freeze that.

The Budget-Wise Gardener by Kerry Ann Mendez

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is the plant usually offered in cut bunches at farm markets and grocery stores. To make a dried basil swag for a wall hanging in the kitchen, take dried basil bunches of different varieties and tie them to a braided raffia swag with natural raffia ribbon to the length you wish. Tie a raffia bow to the top with a few garlic bulbs and dried chive flowers and you will have a masterpiece. Pick off leaves as needed for recipes. Be sure to include the labels if you use different basils. Bunches of dried basil can also be used in herbal wreaths with dried bunches of thyme, sage, oregano, rosemary, and all the others. Simply tie bunches of herbs to a round wire wreath with pieces of raffia ribbon, and continue around the circle until complete. Basil has so many flavors and fragrances to enjoy. Try some of them in your garden just for the pleasure of it. Jean and Roxanne Riggs operated Sunshine Farm and Garden in Oakland County, MI and now enjoy retirement up north.

You don’t need to break the bank to have a beautiful, plant-filled garden and Kerry Mendez proves it in her book The Budget-Wise Gardener (St. Lynn’s Press, 160 pages, $19.95). A self-proclaimed “plantaholic,” Mendez gives the inside scoop on finding the best deals. You’ll learn how to select plants that give you the most bang for your buck, find treasures at plant, bulb and seed swaps, and much more. Her chapters take readers from “How to Score Great Plants for Less… or for Free” and “Design Secrets that Save Money” to “Regal Containers on a Dollar-Store Budget.” This guide will help you create a garden without blowing your budget. Also, find out how simple design tips can drastically cut your maintenance costs.

Garden Renovation: Transform Your Yard into the Garden of Your Dreams by Bobbie Schwartz Gardens, just like houses, sometimes need makeovers. The changes can be as minor as replacing a shrub or as major as pulling everything up and starting from scratch. No matter the size of your space or the scope of the project, the sage advice in Garden Renovation (Timber Press, 264 pages, $24.95) will help you turn a problem-filled yard into a wonderful garden. The author draws on her years of experience as a garden designer to teach gardeners how to evaluate the plants and features present in their yards, determine what to keep and what to remove, choose the right plants and design plans for successful remodels, and how to know when to hire help. A gallery of before-and-after photos provides ideas and inspiration. Garden Renovation is a do-it-yourself guide to a complete garden rehab.

MichiganGardener.com | May 2018 | Michigan Gardener

through the lens Photographs from Michigan gardeners

Send Us Your Photos! 1. E-mail 2 or 3 of your best garden photos to: photos@MichiganGardener.com. We are looking for photos of your garden, both wide-angle and plant close-ups. Be sure to e-mail a high-resolution file. 2. Please include your full name and a caption describing the scene and the plants. 3. If your photo is published, we’ll give you a free one-year subscription to Michigan Gardener.

Kathy Van Peteghem captured this grasshopper sitting atop a bright fuchsia carnation.

“Mother Nature planted this beauty in my neighbor’s front yard.” — Sheryl Banwarth

Robert Denver photographed his border garden containing coneflower, sedum, phox, ninebark, and striped giant reed (Arundo donax).

Michigan Gardener | May 2018 | MichiganGardener.com

This beautiful monochromatic arrangement contains roses, lilies, and hosta flowers.

‘Sensation’ lilac is perfect for spring flower arrangements.

continued from back cover when she digs them, places the tubers in paper bags, and stores them in the basement. Every two weeks or so, she opens the bag and spritzes them lightly. She loses very few tubers this way. Judy even allows some invasive plants to take over areas in her garden because she loves them in arrangements. Clustered bellflower (Campanula conglomerata) is one flower that is quite rampant, but she doesn’t mind because the blue bell-shaped flowers add so much beauty to her bouquets. She likes to use red and blue together, as well as orange, blue, and purple. She says purple softens hot colors like orange. It is obvious from her beautiful arrangements that she has an eye for color and is a floral artist.

The gardener Judy is also a powerhouse when it comes to gardening. She lives on five acres in Oakland County where she and her husband built their house in 1983. While she mostly takes care of the plants herself, her husband does help when she needs the tractor to move wood chips or needs help moving a larger plant. She gets her wood chips from a local tree trimming service and trades vegetables for the chips. It’s a win-win situation! Free mulch in trade for some great produce. Her soil is quite sandy so she makes sure the wood chip mulch is spread a few inches deep. Fresh wood chips are added to all of the beds every text continued on page 58

Judy Brao stands under a Japanese maple holding some freshly picked peppers from her extensive vegetable garden.

MichiganGardener.com | May 2018 | Michigan Gardener

Judy learned quickly that impatiens are a deer delicacy, so she no longer plants them.

The pond in early spring takes a back seat to the surrounding tulips and azaleas.

Judy uses dahlias, hydrangeas, ageratum, and phlox in this lovely arrangement.

Michigan Gardener | May 2018 | MichiganGardener.com

continued from previous page two years. This also helps keep the weeds down, which is important when taking care of so much property. Judy says with as much acreage as they have, she learned early on how to divide plants and move them around. Not only does she do this with perennials, but also with her hydrangeas. She divides her ‘Annabelle’ hydrangeas, and layers other varieties to make more plants. Commonly done with shrubs, layering is a propagation technique where a stem is bent down and covered with soil. The covered portion gradually produces roots. When enough roots have grown, this new plant can be cut away and transplanted elsewhere.

Vegetables I was impressed with Judy’s huge vegetable garden. It is fenced off to protect it from the deer, but a fence wasn’t necessary until 15 years ago. The deer, as we all know, have become a large presence in the suburbs and a garden full of yummy vegetables is like a five-course dinner to a deer. Judy sprays all her landscape plants with deer repellent four times a year. She even has to spray her pumpkins that escape the confines of the fence guarding her veggies. She grows blueberries, asparagus, rhubarb, pumpkins, peppers, raspberries, butternut squash, and tomatoes. Oh, the tomatoes—she has some Italian varieties that reach three pounds each! She uses them to make spaghetti sauce and salsa for the winter months. She fertilizes the vegetable garden with composted manure and the results are impressive. I brought home a huge tomato, as well as cherry tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini. Too bad I don’t live closer, as Judy shares the bounty of her garden with all her neighbors! Even though Judy does fight the deer that eat her plants, she loves deer. For six years she had a “pet” deer named Rosy that she hand fed. Rosy followed her around the garden and was her companion. Now, however, she has Huns, her pure-bred German Shepherd. He helps keep the deer out of the garden, as he is almost as big as them and packs quite a bark! Bringing flowers into the house to create bouquets is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of your garden up close. The next time you are at your local garden center choosing plants for your garden, consider the color and shape of the flowers, and how they would look in a bouquet. Don’t forget the foliage too, as the filler is an important part of a bouquet. I think I will be looking at all my plants in a different light now. I hope you will too. 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).

Judy’s favorite plant is her yellow-flowering rhododendron.

The pond in the fall is still beautiful with shrubs displaying their late burst of color.

MichiganGardener.com | May 2018 | Michigan Gardener

The view to the woods is framed by a flowering crabapple underplanted with tulips.

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A large bed of lilies is a showstopper and Judy uses the flowers for arrangements.

ANNUALS

& Specialty Annuals

HYDRANGEAS Over 50 varieties!

POTTERY

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GARDEN DÉCOR

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PIECHNIK’S Garden Gate 5 min. North of Rochester

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This stunning composition includes bells of Ireland, fern fronds, and artichoke.

10 min. from I-75, exit 131

13172 McCumsey Rd, Clio, MI 48420

www.piechniks.com

A single arrangement of sunflowers is classic in a pitcher to match. Judy plants plenty of sunflowers in her veggie garden to attract pollinators, as well as for flower arranging.

PIECHNIK’S Greenhouse

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| May 2018 | MichiganGardener.com

A garden and a flower arranger’s delight Judy Brao uses the blooms from her expansive garden to make her flower arrangements come alive

ost gardeners grow flowers for the beauty they bring to their garden. Judy Brao grows her flowers not only to make her garden colorful, but to make beautiful flower arrangements. She was a long-time member of a local garden club, and was also a florist by trade. She grows many flowers for cutting and arranging, including lilies, bells of Ireland, zinnias, hydrangeas, snapdragons, and gladioli. Hellebores add beauty to her arrangements and the deer don’t eat them—an added bonus! Lisa And not only does she Steinkopf use flowers, but her hostas and ferns also contribute leaves as filler for the arrangements. In fact, one bed under the many trees on her property is filled with hostas and ferns just for that purpose. She also uses some flowering shrubs that may not be thought of when arranging flowers. Mock orange (Philadelphus) and weigela are two such examples; the mock orange adds a lovely aroma to the arrangement. Also used for arranging are peonies over 100 years old, given to her by a family member. Countless dahlias add beauty to the garden. I asked Judy how she stores them for the winter. It seems every time I ask a gardener that question I get a slight variation on the practice. She leaves the soil on her tubers

P H OTO G R A P H S BY L I S A S T E I N KO P F

Judy Brao’s pond and waterfall is full of summer color with hydrangeas, lilies, hostas, begonias, and more.

continued on page 56

| May 2018 | MichiganGardener.com

A garden and a flower arranger’s delight Judy Brao uses the blooms from her expansive garden to make her flower arrangements come alive

P H OTO G R A P H S BY L I S A S T E I N KO P F

Judy Brao’s pond and waterfall is full of summer color with hydrangeas, lilies, hostas, begonias, and more.

continued on page 56