May 2021
MichiganGardener.com
Your guide to Great Lakes gardening
Celebrating 25 Years
PERENNIALS
Allium How-To
Thyme for Herbs
Build a rain garden
Scented Leaf Geraniums
New Plants
Vegetable Patch
New Annuals for 2021
Planning your vegetable garden—Part 2
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Piechnik’s Garden Center & Nursery 1095 N. Rochester Rd, Oakland, MI 48363 • 586-336-7200 www.piechniks.com • MAY HOURS: MON-SAT 9-7 SUN 10-6
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More new plants than you'll see ANYWHERE! Every year, Telly’s brings you an incomparable selection of the latest and greatest plant varieties. We travel from coast to coast in search of the best new plants. Just a small sampling of what’s new this year...
Alstroemeria Indigo. One of many new colors. Use these compact, spreading annuals in beds or containers for continuous bloom all summer. Great cut flower. 10-14" tall. Full Sun.
Dahlia Tequila Sunrise. One of many new colors featuring large flowers with bicolored petals. Great for beds or containers. 18-24" tall. Full Sun.
Ajuga Feathered Friends Cordial Canary One of several new cultivars in this series. All offer beautiful foliage accented by blue flower spikes in Spring. 6-9" tall. Full or Part Shade.
Garden Wisdom You don’t “work” tennis or golf. So don’t work in the garden—play in the garden!
To-Do List........................................................6 Ask MG............................................................8 Books for the Michigan Gardener.......10 Where to pick up Michigan Gardener......................................12 Vegetable Patch..........................................14 New Annuals for 2021.............................18 Perennials: Allium......................................28 Calendar........................................................37 Classified Ads............................................ 40 Weather Wrap.......................................... 40 Advertiser Index.........................................41
Thyme for Herbs.......................................42 Profile: Old Home and New Garden....45 Places to Grow...........................................50 Through the Lens......................................54 How to build a rain garden.....Back cover On the cover: With blue-gray foliage, the perennial allium ‘Serendipity’ displays dense clumps of rosy-purple flowers. Photo: www.PerennialResource.com
To Our Readers... Twenty-five years ago this month, we published the premier issue of Michigan Gardener. That May 1996 issue featured the lilac ‘Sensation’ on the cover. Since then, we have published 186 issues and distributed nearly five million magazines. This is due in large part to our supportive advertisers and loyal readers. We thank both them and you! All the best for a joyous and fulfilling gardening season,
Your guide to Great Lakes gardening
May 1996
p r e m i e r
i s s u e
Hellebore True Love. One of several new varieties featuring VERY early flowers (March) that last a month or so. Attractive glossy foliage. 12-16” tall. 24" wide. Full or Part Shade.
Echinacea Yellow Rainbow Marcella Coneflower with large flowers, pronounced cones & bicolored petals. Only grows 12-15" tall. Full or Part Sun.
Hibiscus Spinderella. Hardy hibiscus. Large (8"), bicolored flowers with overlapping petals. Flowers from late July to Early Sept. 4' tall. Full or Part Sun.
Publisher/Editor Eric Hofley Design & Production Jonathon Hofley Advertising Eric Hofley Circulation Jonathon Hofley
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Petunia Headliner Crystal Sky. White speckled, lavender flowers w/purple veins. This spreader is great in beds or containers. 10-14" tall. Spread up to 30". Full or Part Sun.
Michigan Gardener | May 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
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New Guinea Impatiens Roller Coaster Series. This new series has large, semi-double flowers & petals with unique ruffled edges. 10-14" tall. Full or Part Shade.
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Editorial Assistant Anna Doman
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Contributors Brian Allnutt Neil/Ruth Atzinger Karen Bovio Cheryl English Emaline Fronckowiak Mary Gerstenberger Julia Hofley Rosann Kovalcik Beverly Moss George Papadelis Roxanne Riggs David L. Roberts Jim Slezinski Lisa Steinkopf Steve Turner Emily Wilson
30747 Greenfield Rd., Suite 1 Southfield, MI 48076 Phone: 248-594-5563 Fax: 248-594-5564 E-mail: publisher@MichiganGardener.com Website: www.MichiganGardener.com Publishing schedule 5 issues per year: April, May, June, July/Aug, Sept/Oct. Published the first week of the month. Back issues Back issues are available to read for free on our website. Go to www.MichiganGardener.com and click on “Digital Edition.” Copyright © 2021 Michigan Gardener. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or used in any form without the expressed, written permission of the publisher. Neither the advertiser nor the publisher will be responsible for misinformation, typographical errors, omissions, etc. contained herein. Michigan Gardener is published by Motor City Publishing, Inc.
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Feature Task: Getting started with vegetable gardening Annuals • Harden off tender transplants outdoors, but bring them inside on cold nights. Transplant outside after danger of frost has passed. • Use groups of annuals to fill in bare spots in perennial beds. • You can now sow these directly into the ground: zinnias, sweet peas and marigolds.
Beneficial Insects • Not all bugs are harmful to plants. In fact, several insects are beneficial and can be used instead of pesticides to reduce destructive pests in the garden. Many garden centers sell beneficial insects for release in your garden. Ladybugs eat aphids, mealybugs, scale and leaf hoppers. Release them in the evening to encourage them to stay around. Nematodes help control a wide range of insects, including carpenter worms, some immature stages of fruit flies, weevil larvae and many others. They seek out and eat grub larva, as well. Praying mantis will eat beetles, grubs, caterpillars, aphids and grasshoppers.
Bulbs: Spring-Flowering • Allow leaves of spring-flowering bulbs to die back naturally before removal. • Plant shallow-rooted annuals to fill in bare spaces where bulbs are planted deep.
Evergreens • Remove any winter-damaged spots on your evergreen shrubs. • Apply organic fertilizer.
Garden Decor • Add a water source from a fountain or birdbath to your garden and you’ll help attract birds, butterflies and other pollinators. Add
HOUSE & GARDENS
Vegetable gardening is hot this year—everyone wants to grow their own fruits and vegetables. It’s also a great way to save money and eat healthy. When first starting out, consider the following. • Determine how much time you want to devote to this hobby. A vegetable garden will require ongoing care: regular watering, fertilizing, weeding, and monitoring plants for pests and diseases. • Figure out what you’re going to grow. Choose fruits and vegetables that you like to eat. Or try planting new varieties and get creative with cooking. • It’s fun to get children involved in selecting seeds or plants, and growing things they will eat. Consider planting vegetables that are easy to grow from seed: beans, beets, lettuce, peas, potatoes, radishes and spinach. They mature quickly, require no staking or pruning, and are easy to harvest. • Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable for home gardeners. Remember to plant them deep and provide plenty of room to grow. a few small stones or birdbath filler balls to the birdbath so small pollinators can stand out of the water and drink.
Houseplants • If a large houseplant has outgrown its space indoors, consider planting it into the ground or a larger container. Plants will grow and have a great summer. When the season is over, you might consider adding it to the compost pile and replacing it inside with a younger, smaller plant. • Reinvigorate your houseplants by giving them a vacation outside. Bring them outside in the shade and gradually introduce them into more light. Use systemic granules
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• Location is important for growing vegetables. Select an area that has lots of sunshine—at least 6 to 8 hours a day. Don’t plant too close to a tree; the tree roots will compete for nutrients. • Soil is the foundation for a great garden. It should be rich and loamy, with good drainage. • If you are planting in the ground, amend the soil with organic materials. For sandy soil, add peat or compost for more texture and water-holding properties. To break up clay soil, add soil conditioner (pine bark fines). Adding cow manure, compost or other organic materials every year helps soil maintain healthy properties that contribute to a bountiful harvest. • If you are planting in a container, select a potting mix that is specifically formulated for containers. • Growing vegetables in containers is great if you don’t have a lot of space. Just be sure to select a large container to give your plants room to grow.
• A series of pots around the patio is a fun look and you’ll have easy access to care for plants as well as the harvest.
Caring for your vegetable garden • Water needs vary for vegetable plants, but most require at least one inch of water every week, either from rain or supplemental watering. A rain gauge is a great tool to measure water amounts. • Fertilize at the time of planting with a slowrelease fertilizer, and then regularly every 10 days to 2 weeks with a water soluble formula. • Weeding is important. Keep the vegetable garden free of weeds, which compete with plants for water and nutrients. A layer of mulch 2 to 4 inches thick between the rows can help prevent weeds and conserve moisture. • Plan carefully and start small, particularly if this is your first vegetable garden. • Vegetable gardening can bring enjoyment, satisfaction, and the best-tasting vegetables to your table.
every six weeks to keep your plants insect free. Fertilize liberally. Plants outside run out of nutrients pretty quickly because you have to water more frequently. • Prune ficus and hibiscus plants to encourage a bushy growth habit. Remove no more than 1/3 of the plant at one time. • If necessary, consider transplanting plants into a larger container. New pots should not be more than 2 inches larger than the existing container. Use a lightweight soil mix for best results.
cucumber, asparagus bean, and Italian gourd. • After frost danger has passed, begin biweekly sowings of bush beans. • Make the final spring planting of cool-season vegetables.
General
Shrubs & Trees
• As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, gardeners are getting restless. But remember, this is Michigan and the last frost day is usually in mid-May. • Start a compost pile. Compost your yard waste and use that to enrich your garden beds.
• Flowering shrubs such as azalea, rhododendron, and lilac can be pruned within a few weeks after their final blooms.
Lawn • Make the second spring fertilizer application. • Check injured turf for the presence of grubs. Lift a portion with a shovel and examine the root system. An unirrigated lawn can tolerate up to 5 grubs per square foot, while an irrigated lawn can tolerate up to 25 grubs per square foot. If grub counts are too high, make an insecticidal treatment by mid May.
Vegetables • Harden off seedlings of tender vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. Bring indoors on cold nights. After danger of frost has passed, transplant into the garden. • Late this month, try sowing some unusual vegetables like Armenian cucumber, lemon
Perennials • When doing spring clean-up, be careful around slow-emerging plants like hibiscus and hardy plumbago. • Stake or prepare supports for lanky-growing perennials.
Tropicals • Decorate your porch or patio with flowering tropical plants like hibiscus, mandevilla, gardenia and jasmine. Hibiscus and mandevilla feature large, brilliant blooms all season. Gardenia and jasmine bloom all season, and provide a wonderful fragrance. All are great in containers.
Water Garden • As the weather warms up, begin feeding fish. Check the health of the fish; be on the lookout for parasites. • Fertilize any plant that has been established at least 3 years. • Start up pond filter and pump activity. • Return tropical water plants to the pond as soon as danger of frost has passed. Provided by the professionals at English Gardens.
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Have a question? Send it in! Go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Submit a question”
Deciduous shrubs for privacy We had ornamental grasses around our koi pond to block the view of a neighbor’s yard. We did not like the grasses, so we removed them. What plants would provide privacy (preferably no evergreens)? The area gets full sun with average moisture (no additional moisture from the pond). D.B., Charlotte By preferring no evergreens, your choices are deciduous shrubs and small trees. There are several large shrubs that can help screen the area. Any combination of these plants will give you a substantial screen in just a couple years. Look at bookending the space with a pair of forsythias. They are large, shrubby, and twiggy, and have great spring color, provided they are left to grow naturally and not sheared into a hedge. They have dense foliage, and the variety ‘Lynwood Gold’ will grow to 8 to 10 feet. Also consider a centerpiece of bridal wreath spirea (Spiraea prunifolia), which blooms white in early summer and has a height between 3 to 4 feet. A large shrub that would bring in burgundy leaf color is Black Lace elderberry. With its arching branches and deep burgundy foliage, it can obscure quite a bit of real estate. The Lemony Lace cultivar of elderberry could be an excellent accent in front of the large plantings with its chartreuse foliage. For late season interest, you can plant ‘Tardiva’ hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Tardi-
va’), a large shrub with panicle-type blossoms coming out in August and lasting through winter for additional landscape interest. A deciduous tree that grows quickly is seven-son flower (Heptacodium miconioides). It has large, strappy leaves and bright white panicle blossoms in fall. The bark is light beige and naturally exfoliates. The white flowers fade and the bracts turn bright red, acting like a second flower. The tree can be multi-stemmed and has a gently arching and upright habit.
Planting in the hellstrip In the grass strip between sidewalk and road, a large maple has major surface roots. I am thinking of removing the grass between surface roots and planting annuals. Final look will be grass on each end of the strip with color in the tree vicinity. How do I remove the grass between surface roots without harming the tree roots? W.O., Canton It is the nature of maple trees to have multiple surface roots in the top 18 to 20 inches of soil. It is also very dry shade under a maple tree. This grass strip between sidewalk and road is often referred to by professionals as the “hellstrip” because it is difficult for most plants to survive in it, especially annuals. Daily watering would be mandatory; maybe even multiple times per day. You would be better off using a cultivator hand tool to carefully scratch out the grass from beyond the tree’s root flare. Then build
a good base of three inches or more of compost in which you “pocket plant” small pots of perennials that can tolerate dry shade. Do not bury the tree’s root flare under compost, soil, or mulch. Dry shade plants include brunnera (‘Jack Frost’ and other cultivars), astilbe, holly fern, ajuga, lysimachia, lamium, hosta, bleeding heart, Japanese anemone (great for fall flowers), and even some sedges and coral bells. You could have quite an interesting mix of colors and leaf textures with these selections. Once established, modest consistent watering (generally weekly) keeps them blooming. Plants with colorful foliage are a great substitute for those annuals, and there is rarely any deadheading required for the suggested perennials to keep them blooming.
Groundcovers for moist areas
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Please recommend groundcover plants that would be happy in a shady, damp area. A., Grand Rapids Michigan is blessed with several sedge species (Carex) that can tolerate wet soil and provide year-round color. They are great for edging, and can be divided every couple years to expand your edge line. Variegated Japanese sedge (Carex morrowii ‘Aurea-variegata’) is a deer-resistant, water-loving grass producing green blades with gold edges. ‘Ice Dance’ variegated sedge (Carex morrowii ‘Ice Dance’) is a spreading selection with green and white edges. ‘Bowles Golden’ (Carex elata ‘Bowles Golden’) is an all-golden yellow version, and tolerates wet soils. Cut back in spring to about 3 inches to remove the old foliage and let the crown generate new growth. ‘Visions’ astilbe (Astilbe chinensis ‘Visions’) grows about 14 inches tall, has lovely purple to lavender flower stalks, is deer resistant, and enjoys shady moisture. Clusters of Japanese sweet flag (Acorus gramineus) and lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis) provide different leaf texture in counterpoint to the suggestions above. Intersperse groups of primrose and old-fashioned bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis) for early season interest and turtlehead (Chelone), toadlily (Tricyrtis), and hardy plumbago (Ceratostigma) for late season interest. You will have a damp, shady place that is lush with texture and color.
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I lost a rose to the rose rosette virus. After removing the rose and the soil around it, I planted perennial geraniums (‘Rozanne’) in this area. The plants are
blooming but are much smaller than normal. Is this the effect of the rose rosette virus? In another bed some distance from the rose bed, I lost a PJM rhododendron whose roots were badly deformed, similar to the roses. The PJM shrubs on either side were not affected. Could this have been caused by the rose rosette virus? A.P.S., Ann Arbor Rose rosette virus is host specific, which means it only affects roses. Your ‘Rozanne’ geraniums may just be early in their establishment period. With perennials, the mantra is “the first year they sleep, the second year they creep, and the third year they leap.” The rose rosette virus is not affecting them. Any perennial needs more care in the first year in order to establish a good root system, which means consistent watering, and more when there are drought conditions. As to the PJM rhododendron, they are susceptible to root rots and crown rots if the soil is too wet and poorly drained. Check your soil conditions and amend with compost to help with drainage. Also consider your watering practices and be careful not to overwater these shrubs.
Plants for sandy erosion control What plants can I use to control erosion on a sandy hillside by a river? S.G., Luzerne First check with the Michigan DNR on what plants are permitted in your area. Some plants are considered invasive when water is involved and will not be allowed. That being said, some suggestions for a sandy hillside are predominantly perennials. Short ornamental grasses are the ticket for a natural-looking slope and will handle the drier conditions. Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), liriope (Liriope spicata), black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’), and ‘Elijah Blue’ fescue are all candidates. The shrub rockspray cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis) can be a good soil holder. Creeping junipers can also work and provide an evergreen presence. None of these should be planted near the water’s edge, but randomly placed over the bank to help hold the sandy soil in place. They will need care during the first year to establish. That means keeping them consistently watered. Sand drains quickly. Therefore, targeted watering with a drip line could be a good investment to aid in their establishment. Answers provided by Beverly Moss, owner of Garden Rhythms.
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Herbaceous Perennial Plants: A Treatise on their Identification, Culture, and Garden Attributes by Allan M. Armitage When the first edition of Herbaceous Perennial Plants was released in 1989, it quickly became a leading resource in horticultural and gardening circles. It was recognized as one of the best 75 books in the last 75 years by the American Horticultural Society. With each new edition, the book has gained even more respect and popularity, and is now known as the bible of perennial books. In this fourth edition (Stipes Publishing, 1091 pages, $79.80), Armitage has added dozens of new species and hundreds of new cultivars from breeders throughout the world. That said, the real value of his writing is in his thoughts concerning a plant’s garden worthiness. Other significant additions are the detailed discussions of plant nomenclature changes and an examination of the invasive plant problem. Like the original, this new edition provides easy-to-read information for professional and amateur gardeners alike.
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New Naturalism: Designing and Planting a Resilient, Ecologically Vibrant Home Garden by Kelly D. Norris
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In New Naturalism (Cool Springs Press, 208 pages, $30), Kelly Norris shares his vision for home gardens created with stylish yet naturalistic plantings. These designs mimic wild spaces, such as meadows, prairies, woodlands, and streamsides—far from the formal and high-maintenance plantings of the past. Through a basic introduction to plant biology and ecology, you will learn how to design and grow a lush home garden by harnessing the power of plant layers and palettes defined by nature, not humans. Norris foresees that the next generation of home landscapes does not consist of plants lined up in a row, pruned to perfection, and reliant on pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides to survive. Instead, those landscapes convey nature’s inherent beauty. The gardens are filled with romance and emotion, yet they have more to offer than gorgeous aesthetics. They increase biodiversity, provide a refuge for wildlife, and reconnect humans to nature.
The New Gardener’s Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Grow a Beautiful and Bountiful Garden by Daryl Beyers
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Every new gardener has to start somewhere—and the process can be intimidating. Knowing when and what to plant, how to care for the plants once they’re in the ground, and how to keep pests and diseases away is a lot to tackle. The New Gardener’s Handbook (Timber Press, 240 pages, $24.95) is a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of gardening, based on the introductory gardening class that the author teaches at the New York Botanical Garden. You will learn about soil, plant selection, propagation, planting, mulching, watering, feeding and pruning, as well as weeds, pests, and diseases. The information applies to both ornamental and edible plants. Photography and illustrations encourage gardeners to apply the lessons they’ve learned in an intuitive, natural way.
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Look for Allen Park • Ace Hardware Almont H American Tree • Blake’s Almont Garden Ctr • Brohl’s Flower Garden Ann Arbor H Abbott’s Landscp Nurs • Ace Barnes Hardware (Washtenaw Ave) • Ace Barnes Hardware (West Stadium) • Dixboro General Store H Downtown Home & Gard H HillTop Greenhse & Farms • Lodi Farms • Matthaei Botanical Gard H Produce Station H Turner’s Greenhse/ Gard Ctr • Weingartz • Wild Birds Unltd Armada • Pond Guy Auburn H Warmbier Farms Auburn Hills • Ace Hardware H Haley Stone H State Crushing Belleville H Banotai Greenhse • Gardeners Choice H Pinter Flowerland H Zywicki Greenhse Berkley • Durst Lumber & Ace Hardware • Garden Central Beverly Hills • Ace Hardware Birmingham H Blossoms Bloomfield Hills H Fleurdetroit Brighton • Ace Hardware • Brighton Stone & Fireplace H Grasshopper Gardens • Leppek Nurs H Meier Flowerland Brownstown Twp • Raupp Bros Landscp Supp H Ruhlig Farms & Gard Bruce Twp H Van’s Valley Greenhse Burton H Country Oaks Landscp Supp Canton • Canton Floral Gardens • Schmidt’s Roadside • Wild Birds Unltd Chelsea • Ace Hardware H Garden Mill • Potting Shed Chesterfield H Van Thomme’s Greenhses Clarkston • Ace Hardware (Dixie Hwy) • Ace Hardware (Sashabaw)
at these fine locations: H Country Oaks Landscp Supp • Gateway • Lowrie’s Landscp • Weingartz Clawson • Ace Hardware H Billings Lawn Equip Clinton Twp H English Gardens • Michigan Koi • MSU ExtensionMacomb Cty • Tropical Treasures Clio H Piechnik’s Greenhse Commerce Twp H Zoner’s Greenhse Davison H Wojo’s Garden Splendors Dearborn • Ace Hardware • Fairlane Gard Dearborn Hts H English Gardens Detroit • Ace Hardware • Detroit Gard Ctr Dexter H Dexter Mill • Earth Art H Fraleigh’s Nurs Eastpointe • DeRonne True Value Hardware • Drew’s Garden H English Gardens Farmington • Alexander True Value Hardware Farmington Hills • Ace Hardware H Steinkopf Nurs • Weingartz Fenton H Gerych’s Greenhse H Heavenly Scent Herb Farm Ferndale • Living Modes Flushing H Flushing Lawn & Gard Ctr Fostoria H The Iron Barn Fowlerville • Green-Up Gard Ctr Gladwin H Stone Cottage Gardens Grand Blanc H Weed Lady Grand Rapids • Meijer Gardens Grass Lake H Designs by Judy Grosse Ile • Grosse Ile Pet & Gard Ctr H Westcroft Gard & Farm Grosse Pointe • Allemon’s Landscp Ctr • Otherworld GP Grosse Pointe Shores • Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Grosse Pointe Woods • Wild Birds Unltd Hadley H Le Fleur Décor Haslett H Van Atta’s Greenhse
Highland • Ace Hardware • Colasanti’s Produce & Plants • Five Star Ace Hardware • Fragments • Thornton Nurs Howell H Specialty Growers H Superior Landscp Supp • Wilczewski Greenhses Imlay City • Earthly Arts Keego Harbor • Creative Brick Paving Lake Orion • Ace Hardware • Fogler’s Greenhse H Lake Orion Lawn Ornaments H Orion Stone Depot Livonia • Ace Hardware (5 Mi/Middlebelt) • Ace Hardware (6 Mi/Newburgh) • Bushel Mart • George’s Livonia Gard • GrowGeneration • Valley Nurs • Weingartz Macomb • Altermatt’s Greenhse H Brohl’s Greenhouse H Elya’s Village Gard • Joe Randazzo’s • Landscape Source • Olejnik Farms Wild Birds Unltd Midland • Dow Gardens Milan • KC Runciman Milford • Ace Hardware • Peter’s True Value Hardware H Pond Place Monroe • Flower Market New Baltimore H Meldrum Bros Nurs New Boston H Grass Roots Pond & Gard • Mums the Word New Hudson • Fletcher & Rickard Landscp Supp H Milarch Nurs North Branch H Campbell’s Greenhses H Oldani Landscp Nurs Northville • Begonia Bros • Gardenviews at Home Novi • Ace Hardware • Glenda’s Gard Ctr • Tollgate Education Ctr - MSU • Wild Birds Unltd Oak Park • Ace Hardware • Four Seasons Gard Ctr Oakland H Piechnik’s Gard Ctr Ortonville H Wojo’s Greenhse
Owosso H Everlastings in the Wildwood Oxford • Ace Hardware • Dafoe’s Feed & Seed Plymouth H English Gardens Plymouth Nurs • Graye’s Greenhse • Plymouth Rock & Supp H Rock Shoppe • Sideways • Sparr’s Greenhse Pontiac • Goldner Walsh Gard/Home • MSU ExtensionOakland Cty Ray • Heritage Oaks Redford H Pinter Flowerland Rochester • Allstate Home Leisure • Fogler’s Greenhse • Sherwood Forest Gard Ctr Rochester Hills • Ace Hardware H Auburn Oaks Gard Ctr H Haley Stone • Wild Birds Unltd Romeo • Cold Frame Farm Romulus • Kurtzhal’s Farms • Rush Gard Ctr • Schwartz’s Greenhse Roseville H Dale’s Landscp Supp • Flower Barn Nurs Sea World Royal Oak • Ace Hardware H English Gardens • Frentz & Sons Hardware • Wild Birds Unltd Saginaw H Abele Greenhse & Gard Ctr Salem Twp H Willow Greenhse Saline H Clink Landscp & Nurs • Junga’s Ace Hardware • KBK Gard Ctr • Saline Flowerland Shelby Twp • Ace Hardware • Diegel’s Greenhse H Hessell’s Greenhses • Maeder Plant Farm • PJ Hebert H Telly’s Greenhse South Lyon • Ace Hardware • Bader & Sons • Mike’s Garden • Stone Depot Landscp Supp Southfield H Eagle Landscp & Supp • Lavin’s Flower Land H Main’s Landscp Supp St Clair Shores • Ace Hardware (Harper/13 Mi) • DeRonne True Value Hardware
• Greenhouse Growers • Hall’s Nurs • Soulliere Gard Ctr Sterling Hts • Decor Statuette H Eckert’s Greenhse • Prime Landscp Supp Stockbridge • Gee Farms Superior Twp • Lucas Nurs Sylvan Lake H AguaFina Gardens Interntl • Detroit Garden Works Taylor • Ace Hardware • D&L Garden Ctr • Massab Acres Greenhse H Panetta’s Landscp Supp Trenton • Ace Hardware • Carefree Lawn Ctr Troy • Home & Gard Shop H Telly’s Greenhse H Uncle Luke’s Feed Store Utica • Stonescape Supp • Weingartz Warren • Ace Hardware • Beste’s Lawn & Patio • Greco’s Nurs • Kutchey Family Mkt Washington • Landscape Direct • Rocks ‘n’ Roots Waterford • Ace Hardware • Breen’s Landscp Supp • Jacobsen’s Flowers H Merritt Home Design West Bloomfield • ACE Hardware H English Gardens Westland • Ace Hardware H Barsons Greenhses • Bushel Stop • Joe Randazzo’s Nurs • Merlino’s Bushel Ctr • Panetta’s Landscp Supp White Lake H Bogie Lake Greenhse H Mulligan’s Gard Ctr • Sunshine Plants Whitmore Lake H Alexander’s Greenhses • Green Oak Gard Williamston • Christians Greenhse Wixom • Angelo’s Landscp Supp Ypsilanti • Coleman’s Farm Mkt H Margolis Nurs • Materials Unlimited • Schmidt’s Antiques H Sell Farms & Greenhse
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Michigan Gardener | May 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
Planting a Vegetable Garden Part 2 of 2: The Soil
O
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nce plans are completed for the location, needs, size and content of the garden, it’s time to get going on actually building the garden, and that starts with the soil. In part one of this two-part series, we briefly described the different ways to remove sod to get to the soil layer: You can dig it up, smother it, or use herbicide to kill grass and weeds.
Soil testing
Organic matter in the soil is extremely important to soil health. Some good information can be found at the University of Maryland Extension: tinyurl.com/reu6jmrk. The Maryland Extension also has good information on fertilizers at: tinyurl. com/284a8hjz.
Raised beds and containers While garden soil for a ground level bed can be amended and improved for garden use, regular garden or topsoil is not appropriate for raised beds and container gardens. The soil from the yard will seriously pack down in a raised bed or container, so it should be amended with compost or a blend of materials. More information on raised bed soils can be found at: tinyurl.com/3awdufkm. Info on container soil at: tinyurl. com/4v8facrz.
After the grass and weeds are removed, the soil is usually lightly tilled to break it up and get it ready for planting. Now comes the important part: do a soil test! A soil test will let you know the nutrient values of your soil, and that will help you determine what type of fertilizer is needed, if any. You can purchase do-it-yourself soil test Compacted soils kits at many garden centers. They will put Compaction is also an issue for many garyou in the ballpark, but may not give you a toden soils. Compaction can be caused by a tally accurate picture of your soil. Some garnumber of different things: over-tilling, walkden centers also offer soil testing for which ing repeatedly over the same area, parking they will provide the test results; these would heavy equipment, etc. Compacted soil creates be more accurate. a poor environment for good root Costs for do-it-yourself and growth. Compacted soils can be garden center soil tests may vary. broken up in several ways, includMichigan State University also ofing double digging (labor intensive) fers a self-mailer soil test kit. It or repeatedly adding compost eicontains instructions for taking the ther by hand digging it into the top soil sample, an informational form six inches of the soil or carefully to fill out regarding the sample, a tilling it into the soil. plastic bag to contain the soil, and The great thing about adding a postage-paid envelope to mail the organic matter to the soil is that sample to the MSU soil lab. Test Mary it not only can help with compacresults may take a couple of weeks Gerstenberger tion issues, but with water issues as to receive, depending on the time well. Garden soils should hold moisture, but of year. Results are emailed and will provide be well drained too. Organic matter can help information on potassium, phosphorus, calclay soils drain better and will help sandy cium, magnesium, soil pH, soil type, and orsoils retain more moisture. ganic matter content. They also provide ferMulch on the soil will also help maintain tilizer recommendations based on what you moisture in the soil and can reduce weed are growing in relation to your soil results. growth. Be aware that it may be necessary For more information on MSU soil testing go to rake back a mulch before planting the folto: https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/. lowing year to avoid getting pieces of mulch Depending on your soil test recommendain the root zone of your plants. If the mulch tions, add any fertilizer according to label is turned into the soil and not given enough information. Soil amendments, such as comtime to decay before replanting, then the depost or other organic matter, should be added composition process will compete with your prior to planting. They may also be used as a plants for nutrients in the soil. Mulch should top dressing later or added at the end of the normally decay at the surface of the soil and growing season to get a jump on next year.
MichiganGardener.com | May 2021 | Michigan Gardener
15
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be replenished at that level. The Michigan State University Extension has good information on “What to do about compacted soil” at: tinyurl.com/5yy2p54k.
Soil pH One last thing to know about your soil is the pH. Most, but not all, fruits and vegetables have an ideal pH of 6.5, but can tolerate some variation. A soil test will indicate your soil’s pH or you can buy just a pH test kit at a garden center to get an idea of where your soil stands. If the pH is very far out of whack, some adjustments may need to be made on a fairly regular basis. Garden centers do sell materials to adjust the pH and should be used according to soil test recommendations and package directions for application. If you are planting something with a specific pH need, like blueberries, it may be better to plan on growing it in a container with a purchased soil mixture geared to the pH requirement. For growing anything in a container, check if the plant is suitable for that purpose. Some plants are listed on their information label as suitable for containers. Otherwise, look for clue words like “compact,” “dwarf,” or “mini.” The key to planting a successful garden is
good planning and good soil. Plan ahead for garden location, size, and content. Research a little about the needs and varieties of the different vegetables you plan to grow. Get your soil into shape, because a healthy garden depends on healthy soil. Be as environmentally friendly as possible. Then enjoy the fruits of your labor! More helpful gardening information can be found in the MSU Extension Smart Gardening tip sheets at: tinyurl.com/w7xy98va Editor’s note: Part 1 of “Planting a Vegetable Garden” (“Planning”) appeared in the April 2021 issue of Michigan Gardener. To read that article, go to MichiganGardener.com and click on Digital Edition, where you can find the April 2021 Michigan Gardener as well as other past issues. 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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WHITMORE LAKE Abbott’s Landscape Nursery 2781 Scio Church Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734-665-8733 www.abbottsnursery.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 9-5:30, Sun 10-4. Turn-of-the-century farm—perfect setting for our unique nursery. Mike Abbott likes what gardeners like, both classic and new. Native, pollinator, rain garden, shade, ornamental plants. Specializing in Japanese maples and reliably-blooming hydrangeas. Also garden ornaments, fixtures, containers and more. Come see us—we stock plants you may be looking for and many that will surprise you.
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Alexander Farm Market & Greenhouses 6925 Whitmore Lake Rd., Whitmore Lake, MI 48189 734-741-1064 Find us on Facebook 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, succulents, and roses, including easy-care shrubs, and luxuriously scented David Austins.
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Clink Landscaping & Nursery 9403 W. Michigan Ave., Saline, MI 48176 734-495-3779 www.clinklandscaping.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4. Just what you’ve been looking for... Large inventory of trees and shrubs; plus we can special order that perfect plant you are searching for. Natural stone and boulders; bagged and bulk mulches and soils; brick pavers. Family-owned and operated for 40 years. You will love our friendly, professional staff!
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 9-5, 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.
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English Gardens Plymouth Nursery 9900 Ann Arbor Rd. W., Plymouth, MI 48170 734-453-5500 www.EnglishGardens.com May/June hours: Please visit our website. English Gardens acquired Plymouth Nursery in 2018. The store features a full-service nursery and garden center with a fullservice landscaping company. English Gardens is family-owned and locally operates six stores in Metro Detroit featuring the best value and finest quality products and services. For more information: 800-335-GROW.
Fraleighs Landscape Nursery 8600 Jackson Rd., Dexter, MI 48130 734-426-5067 www.fraleighs.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 10-5. Wide variety of perennials, shrubs, ornamental grasses, flowering ornamentals, native plants, shade trees, and evergreens. Expert staff to assist with your landscaping and horticultural questions. We source plants from Michigan growers whenever possible. We stock unusual items, but we really love selling plants that are reliable and functional, but never boring!
The Garden Mill 110 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118 734-475-3539 www.thegardenmill.com May/June hours: Sun-Mon 12-5, Tue-Thu 10-5, Fri-Sat 10-6. 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. facebook. com/TheGardenMillChelsea.
Hidden Lake Gardens 6214 Monroe Rd. (M-50), Tipton, MI 49287 517-431-2060 www.canr.msu.edu/hiddenlakegardens April-October hours: Tues-Sun 9-5 (confirm hours; may change due to pandemic) 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!
Margolis Nursery 9600 Cherry Hill Rd., Ypsilanti, MI 48198 734-482-0771 www.margoliscompanies.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 8-3, Sun Please call. Family owned and operated since 1926. From trees and shrubs to perennials and groundcovers to mulch and Unilock pavers. Our experienced staff will help with your plant selections. Our full-service landscaping company provides complete landscape design and installation, and has a reputation for quality and competitive prices.
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.
The Rock Shoppe 6275 Gotfredson Rd., Plymouth, MI 48170 734-455-5560 www.rock-shoppe.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 9-1:45, Sun Closed. 12 acres showcasing hundreds of tons of rock, unique statuary, mulches, soils, and landscape materials. Vast selection of rock from quarries around the world, plus several unique rock types from North America. We provide free education on the correct installation of landscaping products we sell, ensuring your project will be successful.
Sell Farms & Greenhouses 7200 Willis Rd., Ypsilanti, MI 48197 734-484-3819 www.sellfarmsandgreenhouses.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 9-6. Online ordering and curbside pickup available, visit our website for details. Familyowned. 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.
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To advertise in Destinations, email Publisher@MichiganGardener.com or call Eric at 248-594-5563
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18
Michigan Gardener | May 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
Julia Hofley
Sweet Potato Vine:
Sweet Caroline Medusa Green When I first saw this plant, it was later in the summer and I thought it was a tropical plant I’d never seen before. I had to ask what it was and they were surprised that I couldn’t recognize it. Imagine my surprise when I found out it was a sweet potato vine! I brought it home and placed it on top of a column. Garden guests of ours had the same reaction as I did—they had no idea what it was. That is how truly different it is! This compact, non-running sweet potato vine has palm-shaped leaves that will bring an unusual texture wherever it is planted. The plants are mounded (less trailing), with overlapping leaves, creating a dramatic texture that gives gardeners new options to try something uniquely different. Modern breeding
gives this plant superior qualities in high light and warm conditions, such as the ability to not curl over like other sweet potato vines can do during the dog days of summer. Sweet Caroline Medusa Green can carry on a show all on its own in multiple settings: a hanging basket, a focal point in a large container, or an unusual landscape edging. As a component in a combination planter, you’ll need to think big as it might bury its companions. Think of this plant as a substitute for a Boston fern that likes more sun, is heat tolerant, needs less water, and requires less care. The more sun it gets, the brighter it is—the less sun, the more green. Height: 6-12 inches. Width: 18-30 inches. Light: Full sun to part sun.
Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener
Cuphea Blackberry Sparkler
Cuphea Hummingbird’s Lunch This nectar-filled cigar plant is a star-studded “passing dish” to bring to a pollinator garden, filling in space between the perennials while they go in and out of bloom throughout the summer. Aptly named, Hummingbird’s Lunch delivers non-stop blooms of bright cherry-red, two-toned flowers tipped with apricot. Once established, it thrives in sunshine, heat and dry locations. Shaped like a compact shrub
PlantHaven
with dark green foliage, it would also be attractive in a focal point container while holding its blooms from spring until fall. This new plant hails from Australia but performs fine here in Michigan. Butterflies, bees and hummingbirds will enjoy the spread. Height: 12 inches. Width: 24 inches. Light: Full sun.
PlantHaven
A novelty new color in this cigar plant adds a touch of elegance to a white garden with its white flowers with blackberry-colored tips. It has a compact and rounded habit, small dark green foliage, and continuous blooms from spring to fall. Drought tolerant once established, it will be enjoyed by hummingbirds and butterflies alike. We enjoyed growing it
in a container on the patio in last summer’s heat. The subtly unusual color was often a topic of conversation with visitors. Height: 12 inches. Width: 24 inches. Light: Full sun. NEW ANNUALS continued on page 20
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Michigan Gardener | May 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
continued from page 18
Plectranthus: Velvet Starlet Related to coleus, plectranthus also belongs to the mint family and showed up on the gardening scene about 20 years ago as a fuzzy-leafed annual thriller for combination planters. Then came ‘Mona Lavender’ plectranthus, winner of the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit. ‘Mona Lavender’ resulted from years of breeding and was developed at the world famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden in Cape Town, South Africa. Its dark leaves with eggplant purple undersides became the standard for a plant of this type and a fave of container gardener enthusiasts. Plus, it makes a stellar flowering houseplant. Then, from a five-year breeding program came a new highly bred group from Oregon called the Velvet series that produced a notable improvement over ‘Mona Lavender’ with dramatically larger flowers and better habit. Velvet Elvis was first, with similar but thicker foliage, and better disease resistance. Huge flower spikes are twice the size of ‘Mona Lavender.’ Spikes emerge in large numbers and create an amazing flower effect that lasts for
months. The Velvet series went on to produce Velvet Diva, Velvet Idol, Velvet Lady, and the newest in the series out this year, Velvet Starlet. Velvet Starlet brings a new color that hasn’t been seen in the plectranthus world, with flower color tones of bright rose, pure pink and violet that are layered upon each other, giving a stunning blooming effect in September and October. Late season pollinators will go crazy for the trusses of tubular flowers that are held above the purple-backed foliage. This newcomer in the Velvet series has a natural semi-dwarf habit that doesn’t require pinching. The real kicker is that all this modern breeding has produced a dramatically new line of plants for color-hungry shade gardeners who can look forward to flower fireworks in the fall. For those of you who garden on a windowsill, any of these plectranthus will also make an impressive flowering houseplant for months of enjoyment. Height: 28-32 inches. Width: 31 inches. Light: Part shade to full shade.
Terra Nova Nurseries Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener
Tangy Taffy
New Guinea Impatiens: Roller Coaster series This series made its debut in America in 2019 with the first variety, Hot Pink. Once on our shores, new colors started to arrive, like Cotton Candy, Tangy Taffy, Red Racer, White Lightning, and Valravn Violet. I grew this series in the extreme heat of 2020 and it brought English garden romance to our patio. New Guinea impatiens love the heat but need consistent moisture and fertilization, and prefer shade to thrive. At planting time, I used slow-release fertilizer in the potting soil and watered daily. Next time, I would use larger planters; when I pulled the plants out at season’s end, they had surprisingly dense root balls. This shade-loving plant has vibrant, frilly flowers with double the petals of a regular New Guinea impatiens. They’re so ruffled that even when opening, they resemble a rosebud or hibiscus flower unfurling. Roller Coaster’s uniquely large flowers create a three-dimensional effect, making you look twice at it, with flower edges rolling up and down like a roller coaster. The long-lasting, self-cleaning flowers are beautiful on their own, gracing window boxes with their compact size, or as a standout component in a combo planter. Give them room to grow and place them where you can enjoy them up close and personal. Height: 12-18 inches. Width: 12-18 inches. Light: Part shade to shade. NEW ANNUALS continued on page 22
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Hibiscus: Hollywood ‘Earth Angel’ I am a fan of the tropical hibiscus as an exotic patio companion for the summer season. The Hollywood hibiscus collection has broad spectrum appeal for the sheer range of colors they offer. The entire series is compact, perfect for patio containers, and available in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, lavender, purple and white, along with some dishy bicolors. ‘Earth Angel’ is a must have if you are one of those folks who don’t get to see your patio plants until the evening hours when white plants positively glow and are in their element as you finally settle down for the evening. The ethereal white, 5- to 6-inch diameter flowers float all around this well-shaped, dark green bush. Hollywood hibiscus have been improving tropical hibiscus through hybridization over the last 10 years in order to achieve bacterial leaf spot immunity and white fly resistance. The dark green foliage and branching of the plants are just as important as the very high bud and bloom count, flower beauty, and durability. These varieties are naturally compact, self-branching and have good overall shape. I’ve been growing this showy patio plant for years and have found these tips from the pros to be helpful: • Apply slow-release fertilizer at planting time, and use a quality potting soil.
• Hibiscus are thirsty plants, so don’t skimp on the pot size, as it could dry out and be difficult to keep evenly moist. Once planted, check soil daily, making sure it is evenly moist. • Top dress plants with mulch to keep them moist or plant moisture-loving “trailers” around them in the container. • Use only a balanced (10-10-10) or low phosphorous fertilizer (like 12-6-8). Do not use “bloom booster” fertilizers. • Site your tropical hibiscus in a location where it will receive 6 to 8 hours of sun each day for best flowering. My tip: if you have a high count of chipmunks running around where you place your potted tropical hibiscus, top dress the soil of your container every 6 weeks with a granular formula animal repellent like Plantskydd. Chipmunks may actually climb from branch to branch in order to eat hibiscus flower buds, and you could find yourself looking at a green bush all summer long, wondering what happened. Pollinators like butterflies and especially hummingbirds love the nectar of tropical hibiscus.
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Wax Begonia: Double Up Pink
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I collect certain groups of perennials and shrubs, but rarely do I repeat a plant in the garden. It may be an interesting collector’s garden, but it can sometimes look too busy. A few years ago, I learned to use a cohesive plant to tie it all together by dotting a consistent annual plant throughout each bed. It helps if the plant can take either sun or shade, as we have both situations. I’ve learned that begonias are perfect cohesive plants and give the garden observer a color line to follow throughout the beds as the perennial border greens up later in the season. This new Double Up Pink begonia is just perfect for what I’m trying to achieve. It also would look stellar as a combination planter component, and a bedding begonia too—it’s a wax begonia after all! Double Up begonias are available in pink, white or red and feature pretty double flowers that rise above and are strikingly set off by dark foliage. All three colors won many awards across the nation, including top per-
former in all three seasons at Michigan State University’s trial gardens. These vigorous growers are upright, globe-shaped plants that are in continuous bloom all summer. They are low maintenance, requiring no deadheading, and are bee and butterfly friendly. Heat tolerant, they will look their absolute best with some fertilizer, regular but not constant watering, and sun. But being wax begonias, they will also look good in part sun or part shade. Now that got me thinking about walkways, matching urns on either side of an entrance, or courtyards where one half is in sun and the other in shade. You could use Double Up begonias on both sides and get the job done with color symmetry and balance. Height: 8-18 inches. Width: 8-14 inches. Light: Sun to part shade. NEW ANNUALS continued on page 24
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continued from page 22
Calibrachoa: Superbells Coral Sun This attention-getter won the top performer award at Michigan State University across three different seasons. That’s quite a statement that any plant looked so good for that long in Michigan, especially in the unforgettably baking hot summer of 2020. The coral-orange flower petals with a sunny yellow center live up to its name. Coral Sun is heat tolerant and will bloom all the way until first frost, giving you the opportunity to stretch its use into autumn containers with mums and pansies. It also provides a welcome late season nectar source for hummingbirds until they head south. Calibrachoas don’t require deadheading and that’s one of the main reasons they are
so popular with gardeners looking for a low maintenance spiller for containers. Like all callies, a quick trim with garden scissors by one-third in late July or early August will give the plant a neater look and inspire branching in its new growth that will flush out even more flowers. What this plant asks for is good drainage and regular, water-soluble fertilizer with chelated iron, like petunia feed. Soggy roots can cause problems, so calibrachoas are better off in a container where the gardener has more control than in a garden bed. Height: 6-12 inches. Width: 12-24 inches. Light: Part sun to full sun.
PlantHaven
Dahlia: Electro Pink Electro Pink is the first of its kind from New Zealand’s famed hybridizer Dr. Keith Hammett, and is the next generation of the popular Mystic series. What makes this flower revolutionary is the four-inch electric pink cactus-type flowers that rise above the unusually deep mahogany-black foliage. Think of the combinations you could make with Electro Pink as a thriller in a container or placed in a long border. The growth habit is similar to the Mystic series with excellent branching and outward-facing, nectar-rich flowers that will surely attract bees and butterflies. Dahlias are also perfect for cutting gardens and Electro Pink will deliver the goods with a bush that requires no staking, has long stems, and is mildew resistant right into fall. When cutting dahlias, make sure the flower is fully open, as unopened buds do not continue to open once clipped. Height: 27 inches. Width: 18 inches. Light: Full sun. NEW ANNUALS continued on page 26 Proven Winners
Brohl’s Greenhouse 19780 25 Mile Rd., Macomb, MI 48042 586-781-6842 Find us on Facebook May/June hours: Mon-Sat 8:30-7, Sun 9-6. Family owned and operated since 1966. Very reasonable prices for top quality plants. The Brohl family offers annuals, baskets, combo pots, tropicals, perennials, and vegetable plants. Convenient shopping under covered greenhouses. Plus, fall mums and Christmas poinsettias, wreaths, roping, and holiday decor. Only at Brohl’s Greenhouse—Come check us out!
Meldrum Brothers Nursery & Supply 29500 23 Mile Rd., New Baltimore, MI 48047 586-949-9220 www.meldrumbros.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 8-7, Sun 10-5. Huge selection of plants, bulk and bagged materials, decorative stone, Fendt and Oaks paver bricks and wall stones, garden decor, fairy gardening supplies, Traeger grills, fountains, and statuary. Organic and traditional lawn and plant care products including fertilizers, soils, mulches. We pride ourselves on offering the best service and advice. Visit meldrumbros.com for coupons and promotions.
Dale’s Landscaping Supply 16720 East 13 Mile Rd., Roseville, MI 48066 586-778-1919 www.daleslandscaping.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 8-4 Finest selection of landscaping materials: mulch, soils and more. Michigan-made pavers and retaining walls from Fendt, High-Format, Oaks, and Unilock. Now carrying Techo-Bloc. Natural stone and boulder options: Michigan sandstone, exotic veneer stone, fieldstone boulders and flagstone. Full line of cement and masonry materials. Whether your project is big or small, come see us.
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.
Eckert’s Greenhouse & Perennials 34051 Ryan Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48310 586-264-5678 www.eckertsgreenhouse.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 8:30-8, Sun 8:30-6. From rare and unusual to preferred and popular: Annuals, Geraniums, Hanging Baskets, Flower Pouches, Patio Containers, Vegetables, Perennials, Hostas, Roses (David Austin English, hybrid tea, floribunda, shrub, climbing, grandiflora, tree, groundcover, miniature, rugosa), Clematis, Vines, Alpine Plants, Groundcovers, Butterfly Plants, Native Plants, Tropicals, Succulents. Visit our Monarch Waystation and hosta display gardens too!
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. Wrought iron plant stands, fertilizers, and complete gardening supplies.
Elya’s Village Gardens & Greenhouses 24200 26 Mile Rd., Macomb, MI 48042 586-749-9212 or 586-405-7592 May/June hours: Mon-Sat 9-7, Sun 10-3. We do more than just sell you plants—our award-winning landscape designers will help you select the right plants for your home and garden. Annuals, perennials, many hosta varieties, trees and shrubs from top-quality Michigan growers. Family-owned garden center since 1966. Also full-service landscape installation.
English Gardens 44850 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48038 586-286-6100 www.EnglishGardens.com May/June hours: Please visit our website. Founded in 1954, English Gardens is family- and locally-owned, operating six full-service stores and a full-service landscaping company in Metro Detroit. Each full-service store has a nursery, garden center, patio shop, and seasonal Christmas center featuring the best value and finest quality products and services. For more information: 800-335-GROW.
Van’s Valley Greenhouse
English Gardens 22501 Kelly Rd., Eastpointe, MI 48021 586-771-4200 www.EnglishGardens.com May/June hours: Please visit our website. Founded in 1954, English Gardens is family- and locally-owned, operating six full-service stores and a full-service landscaping company in Metro Detroit. Each full-service store has a nursery, garden center, patio shop, and seasonal Christmas center featuring the best value and finest quality products and services. For more information: 800-335-GROW.
74865 Van Dyke, Bruce Twp, MI 48065 586-752-6002 www.vansvalley.com May/June hours: 7 days a week, 8–7 Shop in an open air market! Just south of 35 Mile. Wide variety of annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetable plants, succulents, garden art, wreaths, fairy gardens and much more! One-of-a-kind hanging baskets and porch pots. Your pot or our pot: we will customize it and fill with our beautiful flowers. Can’t wait to see you!
To advertise in Destinations, email Publisher@MichiganGardener.com or call Eric at 248-594-5563
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Michigan Gardener | May 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
continued from page 24
Zonal Geranium Rosalie Antique Salmon When a new double flowering geranium takes the horticultural stage, it gets this gardener’s attention! This novel variety of annual geranium (Pelargonium) will draw you into the fullness of its florets that make the entire flower cluster resemble a romantic, oldfashioned double rose. The only geranium I’ve known to be a double pink rosebud type was the Victorian favorite called ‘Appleblossom Rosebud, but you don’t see it often now. Rosalie Antique Salmon might be the best of both worlds, bringing modern genetics coupled with an extremely elegant touch. Clusters of ivory buds resembling rosebuds open into
light pinkish-salmon rosettes with gathered inner petals reminding florists and seasoned gardeners of tussie mussies of days gone by. The plant habit is upright with outstanding bud development and prolific flowering on long stems all summer long. This living bouquet has medium vigor, so it will not upstage other components in a mixed container. Yet it may steal the show with pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Regular fertilization is recommended. Height: 16-18 inches. Width: 16-18 inches. Light: Part sun to full sun.
Syngenta Flowers
Coleus: ColorBlaze Wicked Witch
Petunia ‘Bee’s Knees’ In case you didn’t know, “the bee’s knees” is an expression from the 1920s that endures today: “to be excellent, a standout, and something highly admired.” During the summer of 2020, this new “stand-alone” petunia was getting the buzz in horticultural circles and proving its muster in steamy trial gardens across the country. It even won the 2020 Readers’ Choice Medal of Excellence award. Lush, two-toned flowers are real yellow, not mellow yellow, and hold their color better than any other yellow petunia, without
This coleus stopped me in my tracks last summer and I just had to snatch it up and take it home to our patio for the summer. I’d never seen it before and was drawn into its mysterious deep burgundy to chocolate leaves with contrasting chartreuse, ruffled edging. Wicked Witch is aptly named, with those deeply dramatic leaves. It is the tallest in the ColorBlaze series and will make a terrific thriller in a container or even mixed throughout a shade garden, tucked in between hostas and ferns. This velvety plant is heat tolerant and can also be used in a sunny perennial border. It’s grown for the foliage and is bred to be a late bloomer. If those flowers do appear, it’s best to nip them off to keep the attention on the leaves. Wicked Witch won impressive awards in over 20 trial gardens around the country, showing its broad range of adaptability.
Ball Horticultural Co.
fading. Dark green foliage with outstanding branching contrasts nicely with mediumsized blooms that last all season long. ‘Bee’s Knees’ is a distinct improvement on other yellow petunias with its excellent vigor, and early and prolific blooming. Its high utility can be used in containers and hanging baskets, or as an attractive mounding plant in the landscape. Height: 8-10 inches. Width: 16-22 inches. Light: Full sun.
Height: 24-40 inches. Width: 18-36 inches. Light: Sun to shade. Editor’s note: There are more New Annuals appearing in the Michigan Gardener E-Newsletter this spring. Sign up for free on our website: www.MichiganGardener.com.
Proven Winners
Julia Hofley is a plant collector, freelance garden writer, speaker, and independent sales rep (E-mail: julia@juliasbiglife.com).
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llium is a large genus in the lily family that includes both edibles and ornamentals. The edible alliums are well known and loved; our food would be less tasty if not for the pungent flavors of onions, garlic, shallots, leeks and chives. Alliums have been used for food and medicine by every culture throughout human civilization. Onions and garlic have even been used in the treatment and prevention of many diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and gastrointestinal disturbances. The genus Allium contains hundreds of species—botanists disagree as to the exact number, rangKaren ing from 260 to upwards of 900 Bovio different species. All alliums con-
tain volatile sulfur-containing compounds which, when exposed to oxygen, produce their characteristic odors and flavors. And although some alliums may be tasty to humans, their sulfurous scents are unattractive to animals, which makes them a great choice for gardeners seeking critter-resistant ornamentals. Although there are hundreds of decorative allium species, most are not commercially available or even desirable; their flowers may be small or insignificant. Some species are also downright weedy, spreading by seed or from aerial bulbils that form in place of the typical flower head. www.PerennialResource.com
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Michigan Gardener | May 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
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‘Mount Everest’ continued from page 28 An easy way to sort out the ornamental alliums is to break them down into two groups: those that form bulbs that go dormant after flowering, and those that do not.
Bulbous Perennial Alliums These alliums are sold with other dry bulbs in the fall. You’ll find them alongside your garden center’s display of tulip, daffodil and hyacinth bulbs starting in September. Most gardeners are familiar with the large, ball-shaped flowers of popular varieties like
Ball Horticultural Co.
‘Summer Beauty’ ‘Globemaster’ and ‘Gladiator.’ Their lavender to purple heads consist of multiple, starshaped florets packed into a large, round head atop naked stalks 3 to 4 feet tall. Their broad leaves stay close to the ground and can, annoyingly, begin to go dormant at the time that the stunning flower stalks appear. Fortunately, it’s easy to disguise the less-than-stellar foliage of these big alliums by planting them toward the back of the garden, where their dying leaves will be hidden by the foliage of other perennials. Try them with peonies and irises, which bloom at the same time, or use them with daylilies, which will bloom later. A perusal of fall-bulb catalogs will reveal
dozens more varieties, in heights ranging from 10 inches to 5 feet. Although the typical flower form is globular, some varieties have hemispherical-shaped heads, or may display their flowers like a candelabra or fireworks spray. Most alliums have lavender to purple flowers, but some species and varieties are white, pink (more likely pinkish-lavender), yellow, or even true blue. The bulbous alliums generally bloom in late May and into June, with a few varieties not coming into flower until July.
How to grow bulbous alliums Bulbous alliums prefer full sun, although many will also grow well in partial shade. The
bulbs should be planted 2 to 3 times the height of the bulb, which means that the large bulbs will need a fairly deep hole. Shallow planting often results in short-lived bulbs. The bulbous alliums need well-drained soil; they may rot away in damp or poorly-drained soil. Many alliums produce decorative dry flower heads once the flower color has faded. Creative gardeners often paint them to add lasting drama in the garden. However, alliums may also self-sow: in addition to growing from their underground bulbs, the flowers can produce fertile seed, resulting in colonies of smaller allium plants in the future. Some gardeners choose to deadhead them to avoid the self-sowing, while others find it a bonus. Once flowering is finished, the leaves of these bulbous alliums will turn yellow, then brown, and eventually fade away, or the gardener may cut them off once they have died back. Annual flowers can be planted over them, but choose a type that does not need lots of water; allium bulbs prefer to stay dry during the summer.
Recommended bulbous alliums Tall (3-4 feet) and jumbo flowered – ‘Ambassador,’ Allium giganteum, ‘Gladiator,’ ‘Globemaster,’ ‘Mount Everest’ Medium (2-3 feet) and medium flowered – ‘Purple Sensation,’ star of Persia (A. christophii), ‘Pink Jewel’ Short (8-16 inches) – Allium karataviense, A. karataviense ‘Ivory Queen,’ A. moly ‘Jeannine,’ A. schubertii continued on page 32
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continued from page 30 Note: Allium geeks might want to check out the website of the Pacific Bulb Society, where a detailed list of bulbous allium species can be found. Go to www.pacificbulbsociety.org and search for “allium.”
Herbaceous Perennial Alliums
Eric Hofley/ Michigan Gardener
Cowlick onion (Allium senescens ‘Glaucum’)
Although all alliums are technically herbaceous and perennial, I’ll use this term to distinguish this group from the bulbous ones discussed above. These herbaceous alliums produce dense clumps with enlarged, somewhat bulbous bases. Like other perennials, they retain their leaves throughout flowering and well into the fall. Most gardeners are familiar with common chives (A. schoenoprasum) and garlic chives (A. tuberosum). Although typically sold as herbs, they are also decorative garden perennials. Chives bloom in May and June, with small lavender, ball-shaped flowers on short stems, and garlic chives bloom in August, with white, flat-topped flower clusters on 12- to 15-inch stems. Both produce plenty of fertile seed, so deadhead them as soon as they finish blooming. It’s a simple matter to cut the plants to nearly ground level; new foliage will
De Vroomen Garden Products
Giant allium (Allium giganteum) mingles with ‘Wargrave Pink’ geranium.
refresh the plants within 10 to 14 days. Although other decorative allium species and hybrids have been grown and sold for quite a while, it is a fairly new development for gardeners to find multiple allium choices on garden center shelves. It was the introduction and ensuing popularity of allium ‘Millenium’ that brought attention to the ornamental onions in a big way. ‘Millenium’ was discovered as a chance seedling by Mark McDonough, an allium guru who has been working with the genus for over 40 years. It was chosen as the Perennial Plant of the Year in 2018 for its nearperfect qualities: neat mounded habit 15 inches tall and wide; strap-like glossy green leaves; and a profusion of long-lasting two-inch, globeshaped, rosy purple flowers in midsummer.
How to grow perennial alliums Gardeners quickly caught the allium wave, taking note of the characteristics that make them such great garden plants. They are deer and critter resistant, attractive to pollinators, easy to grow, have a tidy growth habit, grow in many soil types, are drought resistant, not prone to insects or diseases, and are nearly maintenance free. That’s quite a long list of attributes! Plant breeders, working with a continued on page 34
www.PerennialResource.com
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To advertise in Destinations, email Publisher@MichiganGardener.com or call Eric at 248-594-5563
More of a great thing (and still free!) Sign up today for our FREE e-newsletter! Visit MichiganGardener.com and enter your e-mail address at the top of the page next to the Michigan Gardener logo. Don’t miss the contest in each issue for your chance to win FREE garden prizes!
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Michigan Gardener | May 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
www.PerennialResource.com
‘Serendipity’ continued from page 32
Eric Hofley/ Michigan Gardener
Star of Persia (Allium christophii)
large gene pool from many diverse species, are introducing new varieties yearly. Even older varieties, once overlooked, are becoming more popular than they ever were in the past. It is becoming hard to choose favorites! Like the bulbous alliums, perennial alliums do best in full sun. They prefer well-drained soil, but some varieties will tolerate heavier soils. Alliums are not prone to disease issues, but root rot might occur in overly wet soils. Alliums are not bothered by any insect pests; the same compounds that produce their oniony odor also repels insects. Although the hybrids are sometimes purported to be sterile, seedlings can occur. Use your own judgement regarding deadheading. Depending on variety, it is possible to have alliums in bloom in the garden from May until October. The vast majority bloom in midsummer, with some not starting to bloom until August. There are even a few very late-
blooming varieties, such as the Japanese onion (A. thunbergii ‘Ozawa’). Typically blooming in October, its purple flowers contrast with tawny orange fall foliage. With their long period of bloom, it is easy to see that ornamental onions are useful for adding color, form and texture to the garden throughout the growing season. A list of best companions should surely include coneflower (Echinacea), tickseed (Coreopsis), agastache, butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), blazing star (Liatris), calamint (Calamintha), lavender, Russian sage (Perovskia), and any number of ornamental grasses.
Recommended herbaceous perennial alliums ‘Blue Eddy’ – Compact habit; blue-green foliage; lavender ball-shaped flowers; great pollinator plant. Blooms August-September. 8-12 inches tall. continued on page 36
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Michigan Gardener | May 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
continued from page 34 Nodding onion (A. cernuum) – Native onion with clusters of pendant, lavender-pink flowers in July. Tolerant of both dry and wet soils. 12-24 inches. ‘Lavender Bubbles’ – Darker purple than ‘Millenium’ and later to bloom. Glaucous swirling foliage. Blooms July-August. 12-14 inches. ‘Medusa’ – Gray-green twisting foliage; nodding snakehead-shaped buds turn upright as the 1-3/4-inch lavender flowers open in August. 20-24 inches. ‘Millenium’ – Shiny deep green foliage; mounded habit. Two-inch globular, rosy purple flowers in late June to early August. 15-20 inches. ‘Pink Planet’ – Large, 2- to 3-inch pinkish
lavender globes on tall stems. Wide, glaucous foliage. Drought resistant. Blooms August. 24 inches. Cowlick onion (A. senescens ‘Glaucum’) – Swirling clump of narrow, blue-gray leaves. Short stems bearing one-inch round, lilac ball-shaped flowers from August to September. 6-10 inches. ‘Serendipity’ – A sport of ‘Millenium’; same qualities as parent but with blue-gray foliage. 15-20 inches. ‘Summer Beauty’ – Older cultivar with solid performance. Narrow green foliage; lavender-pink flowers; reputedly sterile. Blooms late June to July. 18-22 inches. Karen Bovio is the owner of Specialty Growers in Howell, MI.
www.PerennialResource.com
‘Medusa’
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‘Ivory Queen’
Eric Hofley/ Michigan Gardener
‘Pink Planet’
MichiganGardener.com | May 2021 | Michigan Gardener
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FOR INFORMATION ABOUT PUBLIC GARDENS, please visit MichiganGardener.com. Click on "Resources" then "Public Gardens."
May / June / July
May Birding in the Garden Tue, May 4, 7-9am, Midland. At Dow Gardens. Join us during peaceful pre-opening hours & discover unique bird species. Free w/regular admission. Register: dowgardens.org. Backyard Fruit 101 Tue, May 4, 6:30-7:30pm, on Zoom. $40. Six-week series. www.michiganmastergardener.org. Tabletop Succulent Workshop Thu, May 6, 6pm, Pontiac. At Goldner Walsh. $45. Take home a tabletop succulent garden. www.goldnerwalsh.com. Preventing Problems Thu, May 6, 6-8pm, on Zoom. By MSU Extension. $15. events.anr.msu.edu/gardenbasics21s/ Spring Stroll Fri, May 7, 6-9pm, Midland. At Dow Gardens. Enjoy the vista of 22,000+ bulbs. dowgardens.org. Storytime in the Children’s Garden Fri, May 7, (May-Aug), 10:45-11:45, Midland. At Dow Gardens. Every Friday morning, hear award-winning children’s books read aloud in the Children’s Garden. Register: dowgardens.org. Growing Fun with Kids Sat, May 8, 10am, online. By MSU Extension. MSU Tollgate Farm HomeGrown Gardening Series. $10/session or $75/series. A monthly virtual series designed to encourage & support home vegetable gardeners. Project Grow 2021 Plant Sale Sat, May 8, 10am-4pm, Ypsilanti. By Project Grow at Dawn Farm. Advance orders will be accepted for a limited time. www.projectgrowgardens.org. Spring Retreat Sat, May 8, 1-4pm, Niles. At Fernwood Botanical Garden. Invite mindfulness & reconnection to your own inner nature. Register: www.spore-studios.com/yoga. Milford Plant Sale Sat, May 8, Milford. By Milford Garden Club at Milford YMCA. www.themilfordgardenclub.org. H Bonsai Workshop Sat, May 8, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $45. Attendees will plant & create their own bonsai tree to enjoy for years to come. www.tellys.com. Oudolf Gardens Detroit Spring Open House Sun, May 9, 10am-5pm, Belle Isle. Over 48,000 spring and summer flowering bulbs were planted last fall. See the beautiful display. Plant Cyanotypes Sun, May 9, 5pm, Pontiac. At Goldner Walsh. $10. Learn how to use light & plant materials to make prints of your favorite plants. www.GoldnerWalsh.com. Walking Meditation Sun, May 9, to Sun, Jun 20, 3-4:30pm, Sundays, Grosse Pointe Shores. At the Ford House. $10. Register: www.fordhouse.org.
Plants that are Smart & Sustainable Mon, May 10, 6-7:30pm, on Zoom. By Michigan Master Gardener Assoc. Part of Plant Quest 2021 series. $15/ session. $60/series. 1.3 hour credit. www.michiganmastergardener.org. H Native Plant Sale Mon, May 10, 10am to Wed, May 12, 12noon, online. By Cranbrook House & Gardens. Curbside pickup May 14-16, time scheduled at checkout. www.housegardens.cranbrook.edu. New Annuals & Perennials for 2021 Tue, May 11, 6:30pm, online. By Master Gardener Society of Oakland County. www.mgsoc.info/calendar-of-events. Grasses & Sedges: Thinking Beyond the Lawn Tue, May 11, 6:30pm, on Zoom. By Livingston County Master Gardener Assoc. Presented by Barslund Judd. Meeting ID: 991 6398 3798. Passcode: 719989.
MAY is AWARENESS
MONTH
PREVENT OAK WILT—IT’S DEADLY
Containers & Cocktails Wed, May 12, 6-9pm, Pontiac. At Goldner Walsh. $30. www.goldnerwalsh.com. Stories from Belle Isle Wed, May 12, Noon, online. By Troy Garden Club. Michele Hodges, President, Belle Isle Conservancy. www.TroyGardenClubMI.com. Spring Floral Design & Spring Luncheon Wed, May 12, 11am, Grand Rapids. By Kent Garden Club at Kent Country Club. Holly Havemen presents. www.kentgardenclub.org. Floral Arranging Wed, May 12, 6-7:30pm, Midland. At Dow Gardens. Make a fresh floral arrangement. dowgardens.org. Seed Potatoes, Potato Seed & Sweet Potato Slips Thu, May 13, 7-9pm, online. By Project Grow. $15. Learn all about the origins of potatoes & sweet potatoes & the different ways they can be grown www.ProjectGrow.org. Seven Sins of Garden Design Thu, May 13, 12:30pm, on Zoom. By Ann Arbor Farm & Garden. Virtual Silent Auction & Meeting. Program: Rebecca Sweet. www.annarborfarmandgarden.org. More Mileage from your Garden Thu, May 13, Time TBA on Zoom. By Milford Garden Club. Janet Macunovich presents. www.themilfordgardenclub.org. Meadow Brook Garden Club Perennial Plant Sale Thu, May 13, 8am-2pm, Rochester. By Meadow Brook Garden Club at Meadow Brook Hall. Hellebore seedlings, fall crocus bulbs, hydrangea, astilbe & more. Masks required. CC accepted. 248-364-6210, MBGCmembers@gmail.com. Butterfly Gardening Fri, May 14, 10am, online. By Meadow Brook Garden Club on Zoom. $5. Craig Elston presents. Request link: MBGCmembers@gmail.com. 248-364-6210, www.meadowbrookhall.org. continued on page 38
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
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June 2021 July/August 2021
Deadline May 15, 2021 June 15, 2021
See what’s NEW and OLD at the oldest family farm in Michigan! Now available: Annuals, Perennials, Veggies, Herbs, Shrubs & Trees NEW PLANTS this year: Native, Heirloom, Historical & Houseplant Don’t forget to get Westcroft’s Greenleaf Compound Acid Soil Conditioner Wedding, Event, & Photography rentals available in our Heritage Gardens
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Michigan Gardener | May 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
continued from page 37 H Bonsai Workshop Sat, May 15, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $45. Make-and-take workshop, attendees will plant & create their own bonsai tree. Limited space. www.tellys.com. What’s New in the Nursery Sat, May 15, 10am, Pontiac. At Goldner Walsh. $5. www.goldnerwalsh.com. Annual Plant & Tuber Sale Sat, May 15, 9am-2pm, Dexter. By Michigan Dahlia Association at Dexter Mill. Plant Sharing at Greenmead Historical Park Sat, May 15, 9-10am, Livonia. By Livonia Garden Club at Greenmead Historical Village. 734-425-6880, www.livoniagardenclub.org. Troy Perennial Plant Exchange Sat, May 15, Troy. Hosted by Troy Garden Club. www.troygardenclubmi.com. Best Practices in Community Composting Sat, May 15, 10am-Noon, on Zoom. By Project Grow. Free. A Conversation with Master Composters of Washtenaw County. Register: www.projectgrowgardens.org. Spring Bird Hike Sat, May 15, 8-10am, Troy. At Stage Nature Center. $6. www.troynaturesociety.org Drawing in Nature Sun, May 16, Noon, Pontiac. At Goldner Walsh. $15. Sketching basics. www.goldnerwalsh.com. Farm Stewards Teen Leadership Program Mon, May 17, Through Aug 27, online. By MSU Horticulture Gardens. Open to ages 13-19 interested in gaining career & college readiness skills mentoring campers in an outdoor farm setting. 248-347-0269 ext. 227, koehle43@msu.edu. Nearly Native Mon, May 17, 6-7:30pm, on Zoom. By Michigan Master Gardener Assoc. Part of Plant Quest 2021 series. $15/ session. $60/series. 1.3 hour credit. www.michiganmastergardener.org. Discover Spring Wildflowers Wed, May 19, 1-2:30pm, Midland. At Dow Gardens. Included with regular admission. Register: dowgardens.org. Pollinators & Their Flowers Thu, May 20, 7-9pm, online. By Project Grow. $15. Find out about all the other pollinators that are visiting your garden & how to keep them happy. www.projectgrowgardens.org. Annual Yardeners Native Plant Sale Thu, May 20, Deadline for pre-orders. Pickup: June 12, 9am-Noon, at Selinsky-Green Farmhouse Museum. Facebook: Yardeners of St. Clair Shores. Butterfly Meeting Thu, May 20, 7pm, on Zoom. By SE Michigan Butterfly Assoc. Presentation topic TBD. www.sembabutterfly.org. Waterford Golden Age Club Annual Plant Sale Fri, May 21, & Sat, May 22, Waterford. By Waterford Golden Age Club at Waterford Parks & Rec Ctr. Plant sale to support Golden Age Club events. Briggss26@hotmail.com H Bonsai Workshop Sat, May 22, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $45. Make-and-take workshop, attendees will plant & create their own bonsai tree. Limited space. www.tellys.com. Jackson Spring Garden Event Sat, May 22, 8am-Noon, Jackson. At Keeley Park. Community plant sale. Wide variety grown by local gardeners. Farmington Hills Spring Plant & Seed Swap Sat, May 22, 8:30-10:30am, Farmington Hills. By Farmington Hills Beautification Commission at Heritage Park Visitor Ctr. Bring gloves, wagons, & your favorite plants/seeds. 248-871-2543. Discover Spring Wildflowers Sat, May 22, 10:30-Noon, Midland. At Dow Gardens. Included with regular admission. Register: dowgardens.org. Waterford Garden Club Spring Plant Sale Sat, May 22, 9am-3pm, Waterford. By Waterford Garden Club at Waterford Senior Center. Perennials, houseplants & herbs all grown from our own gardens. www.waterfordgardenclub.org. Good Thymes Spring Market Sat, May 22, 11am-3pm, Taylor. At Taylor Conservatory. Local artisan garden goods, food & more. www.taylorconservatory.org.
H Perennials, Herbs, & Tropical Plant Sale Sat, May 22, & Sun, May 23, 10am-3pm, Bloomfield Hills. At Cranbrook House & Gardens. Tropicals grown in the Conservatory Greenhouse. www.housegardens.cranbrook.edu. Gardening Techniques that Affect Soil Health Sat, May 22, 10am-Noon, on Zoom. By Project Grow. Conversation with Washtenaw Master Gardeners & Permaculturists. Register: projectgrowgardens.org Smart Landscape Trees & Shrubs for Midwest Gardens Mon, May 24, 6-7:30pm, on Zoom. By Michigan Master Gardener Assoc. Part of Plant Quest 2021 series. $15/ session. $60/series. 1.3 hour credit. www.michiganmastergardener.org. Spring Foraging - Guided Day Trip Thu, May 27, 11am-3pm, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. $70. A blend of instruction in an outdoor classroom & guided walks. Register: MeijerGardens.org/calendar, 616-974-5225. H Bonsai Workshop Sat, May 29, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $45. Make-and-take workshop, attendees will plant & create their own bonsai tree. Limited space. www.tellys.com.
June Kaleidoscope Garden Opening Tue, Jun 1, Daily, dawn-dusk, Battle Creek. At Leila Arboretum Society. www.lasgarden.org. Clarkston Perennial Plant Exchange Sat, Jun 5, 8:30 am, Clarkston. By Clarkston Farm & Garden Club. Rain/shine. Pot & identify your plants. Labels for identification available on website. www.clarkstongardenclub.org, 248-514-1729. Trunk Plant Exchange Sat, Jun 5, Noon-2pm. Harrison Twp. By Harrison Twp Beautification Commission at Tucker Senior Ctr. Exchange your bare-root plants with other enthusiasts. Rain/shine. 586-242-3868, keehns@wowway.com H Bonsai Forest Workshop Sat, Jun 5, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $99. Instruction will include Penjing techniques, root combing, root pruning, potting, basic styling techniques, and aftercare. www.tellys.com. Washtenaw County Native Plant Sale & Expo Sat, Jun 5, 9am-1pm, Ann Arbor. By Washtenaw Co. Conservation District. Pre-order: store.washtenawcd.org. Spring Wildflower Identification Hike Sat, Jun 5, 10am-Noon, New Baltimore. At Anchor Bay Woods Preserve. Free. Ian Ableson, in-house naturalist, will lead the hike & show how to identify several wildflowers. Limited space. 248-601-2816. 12th Annual Spring Garden Tour Sat, Jun 5, 10:30am, Detroit. By Black Cat Pottery at 3903 Grayton St. www.blackcatpottery.com Seed Saving with Bevin Cohen Tue, Jun 8, 6:30pm, online. By Master Gardener Society of Oakland County. mgsoc.info/calendar-of-events. Growin’ Gardeners Tue, Jun 8, beginning in June, Midland. At Dow Gardens. Design, tend, & harvest your own pint-size garden plot in The Children’s Garden. dowgardens.org. H 35th Annual Franklin Garden Walk Wed, Jun 9, 10am-4pm, 6-9pm, Franklin. By the Franklin Garden Club & The Franklin Branch of the Women’s National Farm & Garden Association at unique area gardens. $12 advance tickets at Franklin Village Boutique or franklingardenclub.org. Tickets $15 day of. Artisan Market, 9am-5pm. Spring Luncheon Wed, Jun 9, Time TBA, Northville. By Northville Garden Club. BQSturtz@comcast.net, www.cgcnv.org. Maintaining a Rooftop Garden Wed, Jun 9, 12:30pm, Grand Rapids. By Kent Garden Club at Frederik Meijer Gardens. Presented by Tony England. kentgardenclub1913@gmail.com Hydrangeas Thu, Jun 10, 6pm, Pontiac. At Goldner Walsh. $20. The basics of hydrangeas, from planting to fertilizing & pruning. Register: www.goldnerwalsh.com. Taking Growing to New Heights Sat, Jun 12, 10am, online. By MSU Extension. MSU Tollgate Farm HomeGrown Gardening Series. $10/session or $75/ series. A monthly virtual series designed to encourage & support home vegetable gardeners.
MichiganGardener.com | May 2021 | Michigan Gardener
Yardeners Native Plant Sale Sat, Jun 12, 9am, St. Clair Shores. By The Yardeners of St. Clair Shores at Selinsky-Green Farmhouse Museum. scsyardeners@gmail.com Auction Premiere & Special Program Sat, Jun 12, Time TBD, on Zoom. By Ann Arbor Farm & Garden. www.annarborfarmandgarden.org. Spring Native Plant Sale Sat, Jun 12, 10am-2pm, Clarkston. North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy at 7121 Dixie Highway. Plants, shrubs & trees available. Proceeds help NOHLC protect land/water. office@nohlc.org, NOHLC.org. Butterfly Meeting Thu, Jun 17, 7pm, on Zoom. By SE Michigan Butterfly Assoc. Presentation topic TBD. www.sembabutterfly.org. Rochester Garden Walk Thu, Jun 17, 10am-5pm, Rochester. By Rochester Garden Club at private & public area gardens. Native plant sale at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm. www.RochesterGardenClub.org Grosse Pointe Garden Center 29th Annual Garden Tour Fri, Jun 18 & Sat, Jun 19, 10am-4pm, Grosse Pointe. By Grosse Pointe Garden Center throughout the Pointes. 2nd Annual Family Enrichment Series. CDC protocol followed. 313-499-0743, www.gpgardencenter.org. **CANCELLED** 25th Annual Milford Garden Walk Fri, Jun 18, **CANCELLED** (Coronavirus safety measure) ** By Milford Garden Club. www.themilfordgardenclub.org. H Bonsai Workshop Sat, Jun 19, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $45. Make-and-take workshop, attendees will plant & create their own bonsai tree. Limited space. www.tellys.com. Orchid Society Meeting Sat, Jun 19, By Greater Lansing Orchid Society. www.greaterlansingorchidsociety.com. Viburnums Tue, Jun 22, 7-9pm, Location TBD. By Macomb Cty Master Gardener Association. Explore this charismatic group of plants & become acquainted with native species in the process. Tri-Cities Garden Club Garden Walk Sat, Jun 26, 10am-4pm, Spring Lake & Nunica. By Tri-Cities Garden Club at area gardens. $12. Tickets available at all gardens. Pre-sale the Tri-Cities Museum. Rain or shine. Plant sales at some garden stops. www.tricitiesgardenclub.org. Gayle: 616-846-1561 or larry_d_r@hotmail.com H Bonsai Workshop Sat, Jun 26, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $45. Make-and-take workshop, attendees will plant & create their own bonsai tree. Limited space. www.tellys.com. Crocker House Garden Walk Sat, Jun 26, 9am-4pm, Mt. Clemens. By Macomb County Historical Society & Crocker House Museum. $15. 586-465-2488; info@crockerhousemuseum.org; www.crockerhousemuseum.org.
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Spring Pottery Sale!
July Season Extension for the Home Garden Sat, Jul 10, 10am, online. By MSU Extension. MSU Tollgate Farm HomeGrown Gardening Series. $10/session or $75/ series. A monthly virtual series designed to encourage & support home vegetable gardeners. Earth-Friendly Gardening: The Secret is the Soil Tue, Jul 13, 6:30pm, online. By Master Gardener Society of Oakland County. Presenter: Lillian Dean. mgsoc.info/calendar-of-events. Snip, Snip…Tips & Tricks Wed, Jul 14, 12:30pm, Grand Rapids. By West Michigan Flower Arrangers Guild at Frederik Meijer Gardens. kentgardenclub.org. 46th Troy Garden Walk Wed, Jul 14, 9:30-3pm; 5-8:30pm, Troy. Anniversary Gardens, by Troy Garden Club at 7 area gardens. $12 advance at Auburn Oaks, Telly’s Greenhouse, Troy Historic Village & Uncle Luke’s. $15 day of at Troy Historic Village. www.troygardenclubmi.com. H Northville Garden Walk Wed, Jul 14, 9am-4pm, Northville. By Country Garden Club of Northville at 6 area gardens & Mini Walk at condo gardens. $12/advance. $15/day of at Gardenviews & Northville Town Square. 734-788-9935. www.cgcnv.org. Butterfly Meeting Thu, Jul 15, 7pm, on Zoom. By SE Michigan Butterfly Assoc. Presentation topic TBD. www.sembabutterfly.org. Trenton Garden Walk Sat, Jul 17, 10am-4pm, Trenton. View 6 gardens in Trenton. $10/person. Call Glenda Albright: 734-281-6504. 15th Annual Clarkston Garden Walk Wed, Jul 21, 11am-7pm, Clarkston. By Clarkston Garden Club. $15 pre-sale, $18 day of. www.clarkstongardenclub.org. Orchid Society Picnic & Orchid Mart Sat, Jul 24, Details TBA. www.greaterlansingorchidsociety.com
Come in for savings up to 50% OFF planters of all sizes While supplies last. See store for details. Expires 5-31-21 or while supplies last
• Hanging Baskets • Window Boxes • Porch Pots • Annual Bedding Plants • Herbs • Vegetable Plants
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call “the little gardener that could” 15 Years Experience at Botanical Gardens call pat for FREE Estimates 586-214-9852 • Www.agardenspace.com
Harrison Township Garden Tour Sat, Jul 24, 9am-4pm, Harrison Twp. By Harrison Twp Beautification Commission at 8 area gardens. $10 pre-sale at Harrison Twp. offices. $15 day-of at Tucker Senior Ctr. Register/map pick up at Senior Ctr. Masks required. 586-242-3868, keehns@wowway.com Arts in the Garden Benefit Walk Sun, Jul 25, 10am-4pm, Chelsea. By Chelsea Area Garden Club at 3 distinctive gardens. $20/person. Rain or shine. Tickets: chelseaseniors.org. 734-475-9748.
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LET A PRO TEND YOUR GARDEN! New Designs • Renovations • Consulting Planting • Weeding • Pruning • Much more to locate an APG professional gardener near you, visit:
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HOUSE FOR SALE - Charming 1950’s brick ranch. Wooded 1-acre lot with established heirloom native plants. Ravine with Rouge tributary. Remodeled to perfection. 12 Mile & Telegraph. If you love nature, you will want this home. Marjarts@yahoo.com.
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BELLEFLEUR GARDEN SERVICE - Private professional gardeners. Maintenance, planting, garden renewal & more. 30 years in business. Call Karen 248-882-7579 or Heather 248-408-1583. NEED TO REPLACE SOME GRASS? We provide top quality sod grass to metro Detroit homeowners like you. Hillcrest Sod Farms has been growing quality sod for over 50 years. We provide sod to Do-It-Yourselfers or we can do the entire installation for you. A half century of experience has taught us to treat our customers like family—personalized care and attention is what you can expect from Hillcrest. For a free estimate, call 734941-9595 and ask for Mike or Caryl. Or visit www.sodfarm.com to learn more.
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPES
Maintenance & Pruning Garden Design Garden Coaching Seasonal Containers Certified Master Gardeners & Designers 248-217-6459 • bevinbloom@comcast.net
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6275 Gotfredson Rd (North off M-14) Plymouth 48170 • 734-455-5560
Michigan Gardener | May 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
• Annuals • Perennials • Trees • Shrubs • Vegetables • Herbs • Houseplants • Landscaping services
7839 Curtis Rd • Northville 248-437-7219 www.willowgreenhouse.com
ZOOM GARDEN SPEAKER AVAILABLE for your club or group. Well-traveled garden writer does virtual garden presentations & travelogues. This active collector gardener can speak on many subjects. For presentation list, biography, fee & references, contact Julia Hofley at Julia@juliasbiglife. com. 248-497-2674. Find me on Facebook. MICHIGAN GARDENER E-NEWSLETTER - Sign up for our free e-newsletter! We send out a few each year, and there are contests to win prizes as well. (No spam, and we do not share your e-mail.) Go to www. MichiganGardener.com and simply enter your e-mail address. Michigan Gardener Classified Advertising is a cost-effective way to promote yourself and your business. Need help? Have help to give? Have a big event coming up? Have items to sell? Let our readers know! Go to MichiganGardener.com >> “Advertising” >> “Classified Advertising.”
THE Original BUDGET TREE SERVICE • Tree & Shrub Removal/Trimming • Stump Removal & Grinding • Lot Clearings • Storm Damage
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Stone Cottage Gardens Huge selection of perennials & daylilies High quality tools / Cocoa shell mulch Organic garden amendments & animal repellents Help for your gardening questions & concerns
On your way Up North, stop by to visit our beautiful display gardens around our stone cottage & farm. HOME OF THE LITTLE BLACK RAKE Open Early May - Mid Oct • M-F 10-6 Sat 9-4
3740 Willford Rd, Gladwin MI 989-426-2919
Check out our gardens on our website: www.stonecottagegardens.com
NORMAL Monthly 2.28 1.91 2.06
ACTUAL Monthly 2.13 1.83 1.61
March 2020 DEVIATION from Normal -0.15 -0.08 -0.45
2021 Year to Date: Jan 1 - March 31
We grow all our plants PESTICIDE-FREE!
NEED A HAND? Call “The little gardener that could.” 15 yrs experience at Botanical Gardens. FREE Estimates. Pat: 586-2149852, agardenspace.com.
Detroit Flint Lansing
NORMAL Yr. to Date 6.26 5.02 5.18
ACTUAL Yr. to Date 4.63 4.60 4.29
NORMAL
Monthly 2.28 1.91 2.06
ACTUAL Monthly 3.86 2.41 2.94
DEVIATION from Normal +1.58 +0.50 +0.88
2020 Year to Date: Jan 1 - March 31
DEVIATION from Normal -1.63 -0.42 -0.89
NORMAL Yr. to Date 6.26 5.02 5.18
ACTUAL Yr. to Date 9.14 6.70 8.21
DEVIATION from Normal +2.88 +1.68 +3.03
Temperature March 2021
March 2020
Detroit Flint Lansing
NORMAL Avg. High 45.2 43.1 43.5
ACTUAL Avg. High 54.7 54.7 53.0
DEVIATION from Normal +9.5 +11.6 +9.5
ORMAL N Avg. High 45.2 43.1 43.5
ACTUAL Avg. High 49.3 49.9 47.8
DEVIATION from Normal +4.1 +6.8 +4.3
Detroit Flint Lansing
NORMAL Avg. Low 28.5 24.3 24.3
ACTUAL Avg. Low 31.2 30.9 29.5
DEVIATION from Normal +2.7 +6.6 +5.2
NORMAL Avg. Low 28.5 24.3 24.3
ACTUAL Avg. Low 33.2 31.1 30.2
DEVIATION from Normal +4.7 +6.8 +5.9
Data courtesy National Weather Service
Grasshopper Gardens
Van Atta’s Greenhouse
Milarch Nursery
9020 Maltby Rd., Brighton, MI 48116 810-220-4406 www.grasshoppergardensmi.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 9-7, Sat 9-6, Sun 9-5. Full-service garden center. Wonderful plant selection: trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, fruits, vegetables. Gardening tools, supplies; pottery, statuary, sculpture, ornaments, outdoor decor. Whether you want a relaxing backyard oasis or vibrant place to gather with friends and family, we can help make your vision a reality.
Meier Flowerland 8087 W. Grand River, Brighton, MI 48114 810-229-9430 www.meierflowerland.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 9-7, Sun 9-6. Where you’re only limited by your imagination! We grow over 10,000 sun/shade hanging baskets. Plus annuals, geraniums, patio and deck pots for instant color, shrubs, roses, yard décor, gazing globes, stepping stones, more. Vegetables and herbs, including heirloom varieties. Wednesdays are Senior Day: 15% off live plants. Since 1954.
28500 Haas Rd., Wixom, MI 48393 248-437-2094 www.milarchnursery.com May hours: Mon-Fri 8-5:30, Sat 8-1. June hours: 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.
Specialty Growers
9008 Old M-78, Haslett, MI 48840 517-339-1142 www.vanattas.com May hours: Mon-Sat 9-7, Sun 10-6. June hours: Please call to confirm. 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.
Wildtype Native Plants
4330 Golf Club Rd., Howell MI 48843 517-546-7742 www.specialtygrowers.net May/June hours: Mon-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.
900 North Every Rd., Mason, MI 48854 517-244-1140 www.wildtypeplants.com Hours: By appointment only. Due to COVID, please schedule visits at our website. Since 1996, specializing in growing native perennials, grasses, shrubs, and trees. You will not find a better selection of natives in Michigan. Knowledgeable staff ready to help you make sound plant selections. Primarily a wholesale producer, but we open to the public a limited number of days each year; dates and times on website.
To advertise in Destinations, email Publisher@MichiganGardener.com or call Eric at 248-594-5563
Advertiser Index Abbott’s Landscape Nursery.....38 Abele Greenhouse & Gard Ctr............................................19 Aguafina Gardens Intl.................... 13 Alexander Farm Mkt/Greenhses................................15 Assoc. of Professional Gardeners............... 40 Auburn Oaks Gard Ctr..................38 Barson’s Greenhouse..................... 35 Begick Nursery & Gard Ctr..........39 Blossoms..............................................39 Bogie Lake Greenhouses..............29
Campbell’s Greenhouses............ 27 Contender’s Tree/ Lawn Specialists..................................9 Country Oaks Landscape Supp................................31 Cranbrook House & Gardens.......6 Dale’s Landscaping Supp.............. 12 Davey Tree.............................................7 Destinations: Ann Arbor...............16 Destinations: Downriver.............. 33 Destinations: I-96.............................41 Destinations: Macomb.................25 Eagle Landscaping & Supp...........21 Eckert’s Greenhouse.......................21
English Gardens........................Page 3 Everlastings in the Wildwood.......8 Fleurdetroit............................................5 Fraleigh’s Landscape Nursery.... 31 The Garden Mill................................39 Garden Rhythms............................. 40 A Garden Space................................39 Gerych’s Greenhouse..................... 13 Gordon’s Lawn Core Aeration.... 17 Grass Magic........................................19 Grasshopper Gardens....................10 Hessell’s Greenhouses...................14 Hidden Lake Gardens.....................15 Lake Orion Lawn Ornaments.....39
Main’s Landscape Supp.................15 Margolis Nursery............................. 35 Meier Flowerland..............................14 Merritt Home Design....................29 Michigan Nursery/ Landscp Assoc.................................. 23 Michigan Oak Wilt Coalition...... 37 Milarch Nursery................................ 13 Mosquito One...................................29 Mulligan’s Garden Ctr.................... 27 Natural Way.......Inside Back Cover Oakland Cty Market........................ 12 Oldani Landscape Nurseries...... 35 Organimax.......................................... 27
The Original Budget Tree Service....................... 40 Orion Stone Depot...........................19 Piechnik’s Gard Ctr...............Inside Front Cover Piechnik’s Greenhouse.....................5 Plantskydd............................................31 Poison Ivy Control of Michigan...21 Proven Winners Color Choice.....11 Rock Shoppe...................................... 40 Schuman Landscape Lighting..... 17 Sell Farms & Greenhouses.............5 Specialty Growers...........................29 State Crushing................................... 35
Steinkopf Nursery...............................7 Stone Cottage Gardens............... 40 Suburban Landscape Supply...... 23 Sunny Fields Botanical Park........38 Telly’s Greenhouse.............................4 Turner’s Landscp & Gard Ctr...... 23 Uncle Luke’s Feed Store................ 27 Van Atta’s Greenhouse................ 23 Warmbier Farms...............................31 The Weed Lady...................................5 Westcroft Gardens......................... 37 Willow Greenhouse...................... 40 Zoner’s Greenhouse........................19
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Michigan Gardener | May 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
Scented Leaf Geraniums
Roxanne & Jean Riggs
‘Attar of Roses’ is a favorite for scent, cakes, and potpourris.
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cented leaf geraniums are super fragrant plants that should be included in every garden. These plants grow vigorously in Michigan summers and give you lots of leaves for many different recipes, crafting, or just smelling the leaves throughout the warm months. These geraniums (Pelargonium) are not known for their blossoms. Instead, they are grown for their different scents and foliage. The stunning leaves come in all sorts of
shapes and sizes, depending on the variety. Some have light green leaves, and some very dark leaves with white or dark striping. Many varieties get very large in one summer season, while others are smaller with intense fragrances. The blossoms you get resemble ivy geraniums and come in different colors. These pelargoniums were brought to Europe from their native South Africa and were well loved as they helped conquer the terrible smells of the past centuries. The Dutch man-
aged to crossbreed the plants for many desirable scents. The Victorian age brought these plants to every garden as well as the perfume industry. Today, we have over 80 varieties available to purchase. They come in five different aroma groups: rose, citrus, spice, mint, and pungent (woodsy). These geraniums cannot throw their scent. The leaves must be gently rubbed to release the oils. The dried leaves need to be crushed to produce their beautiful scents. Some peo-
ple love their ability to repel mosquitoes and insects around the deck or patio area. You should not heavily prune these plants if you want any flowers.
Growing tips Scented leaf geraniums are not hardy in Michigan. They can be planted in big pots and brought indoors for the winter, but they require lots of light, as they tend to get leggy or straggly if they do not get enough. The light
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P H OTO G R A P H S BY R OX A N N E A N D J E A N R I G G S
from your windows may not be sufficient, and you might need a grow light. You cannot force these pelargoniums into dormancy, as they are not true geraniums. They are quite easy to grow as cuttings from the plants. Simply cut a three-inch stem off the plant, dip the stem in rooting hormone, insert it into potting soil, and water regularly. You can also root them in water out of the sun—once they develop roots, you have a new plant. Many local garden centers carry these plants in the spring. When shopping for scented leaf geraniums, look for strong plants that seem well-rooted with good new growth, and with a scent that appeals to you (gently rub a leaf to reveal it). Before shopping for plants, figure out where you are going to plant them, either in the garden or in pots on the porch or deck. They look nice in an herb garden but must be given some space to grow. They like full sun and well-drained soil. They can tolerate some partial shade. If using pots to grow, use a quality potting soil, and confirm there is good drainage through the bottom of the pot. The plants require fertilizer at least once a month during the summer or use a potting soil with fertilizer already in it. Visitors to your garden will love these plants. Young people are especially drawn to scented leaf geraniums. Pick them a leaf from the plant and show them how to rub the foliage to release the wonderful fragrances. continued on page 44
‘Variegated Nutmeg’ boasts especially attractive foliage, with large patches of white throughout.
The velvet leaves of ‘Chocolate Mint’ have purple stripes.
Medium-sized ‘Orange Fizz’ provides a lovely orange-lemon flavor.
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Michigan Gardener | May 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
Th
PA ‘Apple Scented’ geranium is a small variety with intense aroma.
‘Rober’s Lemon Rose’ is known for its big, scalloped leaves.
PH
continued from page 43
PH th up 19 22 21 --
Using the leaves To dry scented geranium leaves, cut the stems, leaving at least 1/3 of the plant—if you want the plant to live on. Wrap the stems with a rubber band, as the stems will shrink when drying. Dry in a well-ventilated area in the dark by hanging the bunches or laying them on screens until the foliage is very crisp. These scented geranium leaves are edible too. The leaves can be used to flavor an angel food cake or a boxed white cake mix. Simply place six good-sized leaves at the bottom of your cake pan after greasing it and pour the batter over the top. When you flip the cake out of the pan when the baking is finished, carefully remove the leaves with a knife. Rose geranium leaves are a favorite in cakes served at garden parties and other summer events at our house. To make potpourri, use very dry ingredients and mix them together: • 1/2 cup dried rose petals • 1/2 cup dried lavender flowers • 1/3 cup dried scented geranium leaves • 1/3 cup dried rose buds • Dried orange peel and cinnamon • 1/3 cup dried orris root • Place 5 drops of rose essential oil and 5 drops of lavender essential oil on the orris root and mix all thoroughly in a plastic bag. Keep the potpourri closed for 1 to 2 weeks to allow all the scents to mix. Add more oils if needed. Place in sachet bags or bowls.
Varieties Here are 10 great varieties of scented leaf geraniums we have grown and are well worth your time to try. We loved each one for its unique fragrance, growing habit and overall look. ‘Rober’s Lemon Rose’: Big, scalloped
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19 ci
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18 fla
21 st
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‘Skeleton Leaf Rose’ features very finely cut, large leaves and a strong citronella fragrance. leaves; becomes large with lots of harvest; strong fragrance. ‘Skeleton Leaf Rose’: Big, finely cut leaves; strong fragrance. ‘Attar of Roses’: Round, lacy leaves; big harvest; very strong rose fragrance. ‘Chocolate Mint’: Velvet leaves with purple stripes; strong minty fragrance with a hint of chocolate; big plant. ‘Apple Scented’: A Victorian favorite; wonderful fragrance of apple and cinnamon;
smaller plant. ‘Fingerbowl Lemon’: Stiff, upright plants; very strong lemon fragrance; small curly leaves; good for topiaries. ‘Mrs. Taylor’: Very crinkled leaves; strong woodsy fragrance; bright red flowers; medium size. ‘Orange Fizz’: Nice-looking, mediumsized; great orange-lemon flavor. ‘Strawberry’: Smaller, compact plant; good scent and pretty leaves.
‘Variegated Nutmeg’: Smaller, compact plant; strong fragrance; white on the leaves. Scented leaf geraniums are a must in our herb garden and pots on our deck. These plants are easy to grow and give joy to anyone who touches a leaf. Plus the leaves have many uses. Consider trying a variety or two for a special treat! Jean and Roxanne Riggs operated Sunshine Farm and Garden in Oakland County, MI.
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Carol Gagliardi and Dave Flesher
Carol Gagliardi and Dave Flesher’s gorgeous garden is in full bloom with peonies, poppies, iris, and much more.
Old Home and New Garden Carol Gagliardi and Dave Flesher have masterfully blended their new garden and old restored home.
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arol Gagliardi and Dave Flesher have homeowners to match the house. lived on their four-acre, Ann Arbor There was a large barn on the property, but property for nearly 30 years. For it collapsed on itself many years ago. Now the much of that time, the focus has been on restones from its foundation are repurposed in storing their neglected, 1865 Civil War era the garden. Obviously, this was a long prohome to its former glory. cess—repairing the home and restoring every All the asbestos siding came off. The cedar room, as well as building a carriage house. clapboard was scraped, primed, The new garden and painted, bringing the house Fast forward to 2017 when their back to its original beauty. The time and energy was directed to property was missing a piece of the grounds surrounding the home its history though. So after much and carriage house. Before they library research to find out what could start gardening, they had an 1860s carriage house would to remove overgrown buckthorn, look like, they had one built. Their honeysuckle, multiflora roses, brother-in-law, a builder from the goutweed, wild mustard, and more. Upper Peninsula, came and built it Lisa from the ground up. Its board and Steinkopf text continued on page 46 batten siding was painted by the
Carol Gagliardi and Dave Flesher
This lovely stacked glass art piece greets visitors as they decide which path to take in the garden.
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Michigan Gardener | May 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
Carol Gagliardi and Dave Flesher
A piece of art from the Ann Arbor Art Fair, with the home and carriage house (right) in the background. text continued from page 45 It is hard to imagine that this much beauty could be achieved in just three years. What a testament to hard work and Carol’s artistic vision. She is an artist and the garden became her canvas, using not only plants, but art she created and installed herself. Many of the art pieces were also procured at the Ann Arbor Art Festival and were originally bought for the house. When Carol ran out of space in the house, they were placed in the garden. As you wander through the garden, you will notice many of the pieces are made of glass. Carol especially loves glass because she says it is indestructible. Unless it is broken, glass doesn’t rust, it can be left out all winter, and it positively glows in the sunlight without fading. The newest piece of artwork was designed and installed by Carol and Dave. Carol is a quilter, so they decided to turn an old, cracked concrete building foundation into a stone quilt. This “quilt” was installed for a garden walk that was held at their home. To meet that deadline, they had to set up a winter tent with
a heater over the area to be able to finish it in time. That is commitment! The quilt is made of Mexican river stones and slate tiles, which are all mortared in so they don’t move when walked on. After installation, they applied an outdoor sealant, which not only protects the tile and stone, but brings out the color brilliantly. The benches were custom built by Dave and are a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the quilt artwork and the gardens surrounding it.
Plants and techniques Carol has employed a diverse palette of plants and says her favorites are iris and peonies. She also has a new group of favorite plants: natives. She is interested in sustainability and the local environment. She has discovered that natives work better in her heavy clay soil, since she uses plants that would normally grow in those conditions. She has been involved in plant rescues near Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Dexter High School, bringing home doll’s eyes (Actaea pachypoda), baneberry (Actaea rubra), Carol Gagliardi and Dave Flesher
text continued on page 48
This is a 19th century rendering of the Gagliardi and Flesher home.
MichiganGardener.com | May 2021 | Michigan Gardener
Carol Gagliardi and Dave Flesher
Carol Gagliardi is in her happy place: working in the garden.
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Carol Gagliardi and Dave Flesher
A glass owl has wisely chosen to live in this lush garden.
Carol Gagliardi and Dave Flesher
This gazebo came as a kit and Dave assembled it for the garden.
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Michigan Gardener | May 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
Lisa Steinkopf
Carol made this crayon quilt for the children’s playhouse, with each crayon sporting the name of a native plant. BEFORE Carol Gagliardi and Dave Flesher
V Website Extra
This broken foundation of an old outbuilding became a gorgeous piece of art.
Go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Website Extras” for more photos of the Gagliardi and Flesher garden.
text continued from page 46 goldenrod (Solidago), Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), and wild geranium (Geranium maculatum). She has just recently replaced most of the front lawn with native plantings. She notes that turf grass isn’t feeding anything, but native plants are providing food for the birds and butterflies, and a natural habitat in which to live. Carol does not amend her clay soil and believes in “survival of the fittest.” When it comes to a mixed plant garden bed, she says, “I want everybody to get along. If something is a bully, I get rid of it.” Her tomatoes are grown in raised beds because of the clay soil. Plus, they have no one to compete with. The herb bed is right outside the back door, for easy access when cooking dinner. Because they have a large, wooded property, Carol says her battery-operated chainsaw changed her life. She can use it herself without asking for help. There are some “natives” that Carol and Dave are not welcoming, however. The whitetailed deer is not their or their garden’s friend. So, they ordered a do-it-yourself deer fence kit and surrounded their garden. Dave built the fence and it is successfully keeping the deer on the other side. Another do-it-yourself project constructed
AFTER Carol Gagliardi and Dave Flesher
Carol designed and installed this stone “quilt” on the former foundation space.
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Lisa Steinkopf
The carriage house was built from the ground up after much research to find out what it would have looked like in the late 1800s. by Dave is the gazebo, which was a kit that needed to be assembled. It is a great place to linger and enjoy the garden. Because it is screened in, the insects, like the deer, are on the outside. Carol’s vision has come to fruition and much of it can be attributed to her artistic bent. She gardens, draws with pastels, sews, and quilts—as you can see in the photos, her quilting art is well displayed in the garden. This Civil War era home and new garden play off each other seamlessly. I was so happy, as were many people, that Carol and Dave opened their accomplishments for all to enjoy.
Lisa Steinkopf Lisa Steinkopf
The poppies and peonies were in their full June glory during a garden walk.
This glass art face was purchased at the Ann Arbor Art Fair.
Lisa Steinkopf is The Houseplant Guru. Check out her newly updated website and blog at www.thehouseplantguru.com. Contact Lisa to speak at your next club meeting or event (houseplantgurulisa@gmail.com or 734-7481241). Follow her on Facebook (Facebook.com/ HouseplantGuru), Twitter (@houseplantguru), and Instagram (houseplantguru).
A collection of stores and gardens to shop and visit. Please call ahead for hours, as they may vary from season to season.
Mt. Pleasant
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Chelsea
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Superior Twp
Detroit Westland
Canton
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H Van’s Valley Greenhouse 74865 Van Dyke Rd, MI 48065 586-752-6002 www.vansvalley.com
La Salle
almont H American Tree 3903 Van Dyke Rd, MI 48003 810-798-2525 www.americantreeinc.com Brohl’s Flower Gard ann arbor H Abbott’s Nurs & Garden Ctr 2781 Scio Church Rd, MI 48103 734-665-8733 www.abbottsnursery.com H Downtown Home/Gard 210 S Ashley St, MI 48104 734-662-8122 www.downtownhomeandgarden.com H HillTop Greenhse/Farms H Lodi Farms H The Produce Station
H Turner’s Greenhse & Garden Ctr 4431 South Wagner Rd, MI 48103 734-663-7600 www.turnersannarbor.com Wild Birds Unltd armada Pond Guy auburn H Warmbier Farms 5300 Garfield Rd, MI 48611 989-662-7002 www.warmbierfarms.com auburn hills H Haley Stone H State Crushing bancroft Grand Oak Herb Farm
bay city H Begick Nursery & Garden Ctr 5993 Westside Saginaw Rd, MI 48706 989-684-4210 www.begicknursery.com belleville H Banotai Greenhse Gardeners Choice H Pinter Flowerland H Zywicki Greenhse berkley Garden Central birmingham H Blossoms blissfield H Ogden Station Daylilies
H Ruhlig Farms & Gard 24508 Telegraph Rd, MI 48134 734-782-9811 www.ruhligfarmsandgardens.com bruce twp
Monroe
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bloomfield hills H Fleurdetroit 1507 Old S. Telegraph Rd, MI 48302 248-953-3840 www.fleurdetroit.com brighton Bordine’s Brighton Stone H Grasshopper Gardens Leppek Nurs H Meier Flowerland 8087 W. Grand River, MI 48114 810-229-9430 www.meierflowerland.com brownstown twp Bruce’s Pond Shop Raupp Brothers Gard Ctr
burton H Country Oaks Landscp Supp H Walker Farms & Greenhouse 5253 E. Atherton Rd, MI 48519 810-743-0260 www.walkersfarm.com canton Canton Floral Gardens Schmidt’s Roadside Wild Birds Unltd chelsea H Garden Mill 110 S. Main St, MI 48118 734-475-3539 www.thegardenmill.com The Potting Shed chesterfield H Van Thomme’s Greenhses
MichiganGardener.com | May 2021 | Michigan Gardener
clarkston Bordine’s H Country Oaks Landscp Supp Lowrie’s Landscp clinton twp H English Gardens 44850 Garfield Rd, MI 48038 586-286-6100 www.englishgardens.com Michigan Koi Tropical Treasures clio H Piechnik’s Greenhouse 13172 McCumsey Rd, MI 48420 810-686-9211 www.cliogreenhouse.com columbus Haack’s Farm Greenhses commerce twp H Zoner’s Greenhouse 2355 E. Commerce Rd, MI 48382 248-363-6742 www.zonersgreenhouse.com davison H Wojo’s Gard Splendors 7360 E. Court St, MI 48423 810-658-9221 www.wojos.com dearborn Fairlane Gardens dearborn heights H English Gardens 22650 Ford Rd, MI 48127 313-278-4433 www.englishgardens.com detroit Eastern Market dexter H Dexter Mill Earth Art H Fraleighs Landscape Nursery 8600 Jackson Rd, MI 48130 734-426-5067 www.fraleighs.com eastpointe Drew’s Garden H English Gardens 22501 Kelly Rd, MI 48021 586-771-4200 www.englishgardens.com farmington hills Angelo’s Landscp Supp Farmer John’s Greenhse H Steinkopf Nursery 20815 Farmington Rd., MI 48336 248-474-2925 www.steinkopfnursery.com fenton H Gerych’s Greenhouse & Flowers 713 W Silver Lake Rd., MI 48430 810-629-5995 www.gerychsdesign.com H Heavenly Scent Herb Farm 13730 White Lake Rd, MI 48430 810-629-9208 www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com
gladwin H Stone Cottage Gardens 3740 West Willford Rd, MI 48624 989-426-2919 www.stonecottagegardens.com grand blanc Bordine’s Sunrise Greenhouse H The Weed Lady 9225 Fenton Rd, MI 48439 810-655-2723 www.theweedlady.com grass lake H Designs by Judy Florist & Greenhse 3250 Wolf Lake Rd, MI 49240 517-522-5050 www.designsbyjudyflowers.com grosse ile H Westcroft Gardens & Farm 21803 West River Rd, MI 48138 734-676-2444 www.westcroftgardens.com grosse pointe Allemon’s Landscp Ctr Otherworld GP grosse pointe woods Wild Birds Unltd hadley H Le Fleur Décor 3442 Hadley Rd, MI 48440 586-495-4076 Find us on Facebook hartland Deneweth’s Garden Ctr haslett Christian’s Greenhse H Van Atta’s Greenhse 9008 Old M-78, MI 48840 517-339-1142 www.vanattas.com highland Colasanti’s Produce/Plant Fragments Highland Garden Ctr Rock Bottom Landscp Supp Thornton Nurs howell Penrose Nurs H Specialty Growers 4330 Golf Club Rd, MI 48843 517-546-7742 www.specialtygrowers.net H Superior Landscape Supplies 4805 Musson Rd, MI 48855 517-548-2068 Find us on Facebook Wilczewski Greenhses imlay city Earthly Arts Greenhse Schutz’s Tree Farm Super & Sons Nurs jackson Hobbit Greenhouses kalamazoo H Wedel’s Nursery, Florist & Gdn Ctr 5020 Texas Dr, MI 49009 269-345-1195 www.wedels.com
flat rock Masserant’s Feed/Grain flushing
lake orion Fogler’s Greenhse H Lake Orion Lawn Orn
H Flushing Lawn & Garden Ctr 114 Terrace St, MI 48433 810-659-6241 www.unclelukes.com
H Orion Stone Depot 4888 Joslyn Rd, MI 48359 248-391-2490 www.orionstone.com lansing Lansing Gardens
lapeer H The Iron Barn lasalle Fowler’s Gift Shop lennon Stone Case Inc. livonia Bushel Mart George’s Livonia Gardens Valley Nurs macomb Altermatt Farms Boyka’s Greenhse H Brohl’s Greenhse Deneweth’s Garden Ctr H Elya’s Village Gardens Landscape Source Joe Randazzo’s Nurs Olejnik Farms Wiegand’s Nursery Wild Birds Unltd manchester McLennan Nurs mason H Wildtype Nurs milford Milford Gardens H The Pond Place monroe The Flower Market new baltimore H Meldrum Bros Nurs new boston H Grass Roots Pond & Garden 24765 Bell Rd, MI 48164 734-753-9200 www.grassrootspondandgarden.com new hudson Fletcher & Rickard Landscp Supp north branch H Campbell’s Greenhouses 4077 Burnside Rd, MI 48461 810-688-3587 www.campbellsgreenhouses.com H Oldani Landscape Nurseries 2666 Tozer Rd, MI 48461 810-688-2363 www.oldanilandscapenurseries.com northville Begonia Brothers Gardenviews at Home H Willow Greenhouse 7839 Curtis Rd, MI 48168 248-437-7219 www.willowgreenhouse.com novi Glenda’s Gard Ctr Wild Birds Unltd oak park Four Seasons Gard Ctr oakland twp H Piechnik’s Garden Ctr 1095 N. Rochester Rd, MI 48363 586-336-7200 www.cliogreenhouse.com ortonville Bedrock Express H Wojo’s Greenhse 2570 Oakwood Rd, MI 48462 248-627-6498 www.wojos.com owosso H Everlastings in Wildwood Crooked Tree Nurs Sunburst Gardens oxford Dafoe’s Feed & Seed
plymouth H English Gardens Plymouth Nurs 9900 Ann Arbor Rd W, MI 48170 734-453-5500 www.englishgardens.com Graye’s Greenhse Plymouth Rock & Supp H Rock Shoppe Sparr’s Greenhse pontiac Goldner Walsh Gard/Home ray Heritage Oaks redford H Pinter Flowerland richmond Jusko’s Greenhse rochester Fogler’s Greenhse Sherwood Forest Gard Ctr rochester hills H Auburn Oaks Garden Ctr 3820 West Auburn Rd, MI 48309 248-852-2310 www.auburnoaksnursery.com Bordine’s H Haley Stone Wild Birds Unltd romulus Block’s Stand/Greenhse Kurtzhals’ Farms Rush Gard Ctr Schwartz’s Greenhouse roseville H Dale’s Landscaping Supply 16720 E 13 Mile Rd, MI 48066 586-778-1919 www.daleslandscaping.com Flower Barn Nurs Sea World royal oak H English Gardens 4901 Coolidge Hwy, MI 48073 248-280-9500 www.englishgardens.com Wild Birds Unltd saginaw H Abele Greenhouse & Garden Ctr 3500 Wadsworth Rd, MI 48601 989-752-5625 www.abelegreenhouse.com saline H Clink Landscaping & Nursery 9403 W. Michigan Ave, MI 48176 734-495-3779 www.clinklandscaping.com KBK Gard Ctr Saline Flowerland shelby twp Diegel’s Greenhse H Hessell’s Greenhouse Maeder Plant Farm H Telly’s Greenhouse 4343 24 Mile, MI 48316 248-659-8555 www.tellys.com south lyon Mike’s Garden Stone Depot Landscp Supp southfield H Eagle Landscp/Supp 20779 Lahser Rd., MI 48034 248-356-4342 https://eaglelandscapesupply.com Lavin’s Flower Land H Main’s Landscp Supp
st clair shores Greenhouse Growers Hall’s Nurs Soulliere Gard Ctr sterling heights Decor Statuette H Eckert’s Greenhouse 34051 Ryan Rd, MI 48310 586-264-5678 www.eckertsgreenhouse.com Prime Landscp Supp stockbridge Gee Farms superior twp Lucas Nurs sylvan lake H AguaFina Gardens International 2629 Orchard Lake Rd, MI 48320 248-738-0500 www.aguafina.com Detroit Garden Works taylor D&L Garden Ctr Massab Acres Greenhse H Panetta’s Landscp Supp tecumseh Mitchell’s Lawn/Landscp trenton Carefree Lawn Ctr troy H Telly’s Greenhouse 3301 John R Rd, MI 48083 248-689-8735 www.tellys.com H Uncle Luke’s Feed Store 6691 Livernois Rd, MI 48098 248-879-9147 www.unclelukes.com utica Stonescape Supp walled lake H Suburban Landscp Supp warren Beste’s Lawn/Patio Supp Kutchey Family Mkt washington Landscp Direct Rocks ‘n’ Roots waterford Breen’s Landscp Supp H Merritt Home Design 5940 Cooley Lake Rd., MI 48327 248-681-7955 www.merritthomedesigns.com west bloomfield H English Gardens 6370 Orchard Lake Rd, MI 48322 248-851-7506 www.englishgardens.com westland H Barson’s Greenhse 6414 North Merriman Rd, MI 48185 734-421-5959 www.barsons.com Bushel Stop Joe Randazzo’s Nurs Merlino’s Bushel Ctr Panetta’s Landscp white lake H Bogie Lake Greenhouses 1525 Bogie Lake Rd, MI 48383 248-887-5101 www.bogielakegreenhouses.com H Mulligan’s Landscp & Gard Ctr 8215 Elizabeth Lake Rd, MI 48386 248-698-4741 www.mulliganlandscaping.com Sunshine Plants
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whitmore lake H Alexander Farm Mkt & Greenhouses 6925 Whitmore Lake Rd, MI 48189 734-741-1064 Find us on Facebook Green Oak Gard williamston Christians Greenhse wixom Angelo’s Landscp Supp H Milarch Nurs 28500 Haas Rd, MI 48393 248-437-2094 www.milarchnursery.com Milford Tree Farm ypsilanti Coleman’s Farm Mkt H Margolis Nurs Materials Unlimited Mich Greenscape Supp H Sell Farms & Greenhouses 7200 Willis Rd, MI 48197 734-484-3819 www.sellfarmsandgreenhouses.com
Gardens to Visit ann arbor Matthaei Botanical Gardens/Nichols Arboretum battle creek Leila Arboretum blissfield Ogden Station Daylilies AHS Display Garden bloomfield hills Cranbrook Gardens clinton twp Tomlinson Arboretum dearborn Arjay Miller Arboretum @ Ford World HQ Henry Ford Estate detroit Anna S Whitcomb Conservtry, Belle Isle Lafayette Greens dryden Seven Ponds Nature Ctr east lansing H MSU Horticulture Gardens W.J. Beal Botanical Gard emmett H Sunny Fields Botanical Park 5444 Welch Rd, MI 48022 810-387-2765 www.visitsunnyfields.org flint Applewood Estate grand rapids Frederik Meijer Gardens grosse pointe shores Edsel & Eleanor Ford Hse lansing Cooley Gardens midland Dahlia Hill Dow Gardens novi Tollgate Education Ctr rochester Meadow Brook Hall & Gardens taylor Taylor Conservatory & Botanical Gard tipton H Hidden Lake Gardens 6214 Monroe Rd (M-50), MI 49287 517-431-2060 www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu
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continued from back cover built 25 rain gardens that collectively soak up over 70,000 gallons of water each time it rains. One thousand rain gardens add up to a powerful solution.
Rain garden basics A typical rain garden is like a shallow saucer, dug 3 to 6 inches deep and as level as possible across the entire bottom to allow water to spread evenly and sink. For most homes, rain gardens get sized between 100 and 200 square feet. Typically, water enters your rain garden from your roof (or driveways or sidewalk). Rain gardens drain within 24 to 48 hours (mosquitoes need roughly five days of standing water). Rain garden plants must survive both temporary flooding AND drought, because who wants to water in the summer? Thankfully, there are plenty of gorgeous plants that survive these harsh conditions. What do rain gardens cost? For a typical 100 square foot rain garden, you might expect to pay around $200 to $400 to do it yourself. This covers the costs of plants, compost, and mulch. Of course, savvy gardeners like you know how to get free supplies from plant swaps, municipal composting services, and arborist mulch drops. If you’re hiring a professional, costs can range dramatically, typically between $8 and $15 per square foot for design and build. Those of you spending thirty grand on your landscape should include a couple of rain gardens!
Getting started During major storms, go outside and observe how water moves across your property. Does water pool near your foundation, threatening your basement? Do your sidewalks freeze over in winter? Do any down-
Brenda Dittrich
Brenda Dittrich, a Rouge Master Rain Gardener, experienced torrential winter downpours in Grosse Pointe Farms. Her rain garden guided and concentrated the water away from vulnerable areas.
AFTER Matthew Bertrand
BEFORE Matthew Bertrand
Two Canton residents with homes on heavy clay soils wanted to band together to create rain gardens. The goal was to solve problems with standing water in their lawns and on their sidewalk, which iced up badly in winter.
The two rain gardens (foreground and background) were designed by Matthew Bertrand to mesh with the neighborhood’s current style by lining stacked wallstone around the perimeters. The plants will be allowed time to establish, then downspouts will be directed into the gardens. The planting designs played off of each other, including redtwig dogwood, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’), and an ocean of palm sedge (Carex muskingumensis).
MichiganGardener.com | May 2021 | Michigan Gardener
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spouts outlet directly onto your driveway? These are problems begging for a rain garden. Report your findings at www.TheRouge.org/ rainsmart and win prizes like a free “Dream and Design” consultation. While you’re on the website, explore the wealth of resources available, from manuals to plant lists to a list of rain garden professionals.
Where to put a rain garden
BEFORE Matthew Bertrand
The Plymouth Municipal yard wanted to build a rain garden to soften its entryway and solve problems with icing on the parking lot during the winter.
First, do no harm. Do not place a rain garden within 10 feet of basements or slabs to avoid problems with water intrusion or frost heaving. Do not build a rain garden within a tree’s drip line, which can kill the tree or drop a limb onto your neighbor’s Tesla. Always call MISS DIG to confirm locations for underground utilities. Steep slopes often require difficult terracing; bring in a professional for slopes much steeper than 10 percent. Make sure that you can get the water from the roof or other hard surface to your rain garden, whether via drain pipe or a surface swale, and overflow safely away from your home. People mistakenly want to place a rain garden at the low point on their property, where the ground is always wet. These areas commonly get too much runoff from too many homes, or have a high water table. Rather than build one large garden at the lowest spot, build several smaller gardens at higher, dryer spots, keeping the water out of that low spot. Start small, and build on your successes.
Next steps Look for a rain garden training near you (visit www.TheRouge.org for information). Get a crash course with “Rain Gardens 101: Get Your Lawn a Job.” Or, apply to become a Master Rain Gardener. Developed in 2010 in Washtenaw County by Susan Bryan, Harry Sheehan, and Shannan Gibb-Randall, the Master Rain Gardener training program has helped over 400 residents build their own rain gardens. In class, you will: 1) design your own rain garden step-by-step; and 2) receive friendly encouragement each step of the way from instructors, past graduates, and fellow students. You’ll become your neighborhood’s expert on rain gardens! Editor’s note: Stay tuned for Part 2 in the June 2021 issue of Michigan Gardener, where we will explain how to build a rain garden that will win over even the most turf-addled of turf addicts on your block.
AFTER Matthew Bertrand
Built on extremely sandy soil, the garden now soaks up over 6,000 gallons of water in as little as 6 hours every time it rains. Plantings include yew (Taxus x media ‘Densiformis’), redtwig dogwood, and blackgum trees (Nyssa sylvatica). Scrap iron tree grates were embedded into the soil to create structure, color contrast, and winter interest.
Matthew Bertrand serves Friends of the Rouge as Restoration Coordinator and Landscape Designer. He earned a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture at the University of Michigan, and has designed and installed over 60 rain gardens. Matthew worked previously for MSU Extension and the Grand Traverse Conservation District helping people get more out of their gardens.
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Michigan Gardener | May 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
through the lens Photographs from Michigan gardeners
Send Us Your Photos! 1. E-mail 2 or 3 of your best garden photos to: photos@MichiganGardener.com. We are looking for photos of your garden, both wide-angle and plant close-ups. Be sure to e-mail a high-resolution file. 2. Please include your full name and a caption describing the scene and the plants.
Nancy Kulish photographed the spring snow on this weeping cherry tree at Cranbrook’s Thornlea House.
“Tulips in my garden glisten with melting snow from a sudden April snow shower. ” —Bonnie Nowakowski
Morning solitude captured by Nadine Cojocar.
“The structures in this picture were mostly built from vintage/antique re-purposed materials. I am fortunate to have a slope in the yard, allowing for a 60 plus-foot stream to cascade down the hill through the landscape and into the koi pond.” —Paul Lebeau
| May 2021 | MichiganGardener.com
Matthew Bertrand
Susan Bryan Matthew Bertrand
Judy Ross, Rouge Master Rain Gardener from Plymouth Township, designed, dug, and planted her own rain garden. Her sandy soils meant she relied on more drought-tolerant plants.
Part 1 of 2
M
any backyards have experienced flooding in recent years. Several of our major rivers—not to mention Lake Erie—have been the raw recipients of combined sewer overflows. This hearkens back to 2019, Michigan’s wet-
test spring on record. While our summers are drying up, our springs now get so wet as to threaten damage to homes, communities, and farms. It’s a real problem that has already cost billions of dollars here in southeast Michigan. The good news: you are precisely the person to help solve this problem—we need gardeners! Clean the dirt off your trowel, be-
Don Schwartz, a Washtenaw Master Rain Gardener who designed and built his own rain garden, makes a real-time inspection of his handiwork. Although small, the garden is sized proportionally to receive water from his sidewalk.
cause it’s time to get busy. Here’s how: you can build a rain garden. A rain garden is a garden like most others, but it soaks up the rain before it damages your home or floods people downstream from you. Rain gardens also bring your yard to life by creating essential habitat for birds, butterflies, and bees.
The organization Friends of the Rouge has set a goal of 1,000 rain gardens by 2025. Since over 50 percent of the land area that drains to the Rouge consists of single family homes, “getting your lawn a job” soaking up the rain helps immensely. In 2019, Friends of the Rouge continued on page 52