September/October 2014
MichiganGardener.com
Your guide to Great Lakes gardening
plant focus
Species Tulips
Please thank our advertisers in this issue
feature
Planting fall containers
lawns
Thatch explained
perennials Prairie dropseed
design
Outdoor rooms
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Are deer eating your valuable shrubs and evergreens? Are you tired of protecting your plants? Let us do the work for you. Michigan's deer population continues to wreak havoc in our area. Your valuable trees and shrubs might be next. We can help—call us today. Our Protection Plan: Pre-Winter (November/December): We apply repellent to your landscape to prevent buck rubbing, which can be equally destructive as eating. Young male deer mark their territory by rubbing their antlers on shrubs and small trees. This process strips bark, breaks branches, and mangles plants. Late Winter (February/March): We apply repellent to your landscape as deer are desperate to eat during the long winter months. Deer will aggressively seek out food sources—to survive, deer will eat plants they typically avoid.
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Michigan Gardener | September/October 2014 | MichiganGardener.com
TREES & SHRUBS (Trees and Shrubs at Shelby location only)
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OF C
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O OL
To-Do List........................................................6
Miniature Gardening Workshop Troy: Sat, October 4, 12pm Shelby & Pontiac: Sat, October 4, 10am ($5 class fee plus cost of materials used) Overwintering Bulbs & Tender Perennials Troy: Sat, October 11, 10am Pontiac: Sun, October 12, 12pm Apples and Herbs Troy: Thursday, October 16, 6:30pm Pumpkin/Gourd Art Workshop Troy & Pontiac: Sat, October 18, 10am Shelby: Sat, October 18, 12pm ($5 class fee plus cost of materials used) Succulent Container Garden Wkshp Troy, Shelby, & Pontiac: Sat, Oct 25, 10am
Pre-registration required. Classes $5 unless otherwise indicated. VISIT TELLYS.COM FOR MORE INFO.
LATE SEASON PERENNIALS
Troy only: Sept 4-6, 8-9:30pm
Perennial gardening means color and interest nearly year-round. Many plants just starting to give their best show: Japanese anemone, ornamental grasses, sedums and many more!
ON SALE NOW…
Healthy Lawns.............................................10 Vegetable Patch...........................................12 Subscription Form...................................... 14
FLASHLIGHT SALE… Our BEST sale of the year happens after hours—by flashlight! This 3-night event is open to everyone!
Ask MG............................................................8
Weather Wrap............................................ 14
Fall Events
Spring Blooming Bulbs Shelby: Sat, September 27, 10am Pontiac: Sat, September 27, 12pm Tips from a Professional Gardener Troy: Sat, October 4, 10am
—Sara Stein
R
RADIANCE
FU
At Telly’s, September marks the start of the second season. While the selection of plants at many garden centers is dwindling, we are stocked with plants to keep your garden looking great until winter.
Fall Container Gardening Workshop Troy & Pontiac: Sat, September 6, 10am Shelby: Sat, September 6, 12pm ($5 class fee plus cost of materials used) Fall Blooming Perennials Troy: Sat, September 13, 10am Shelby: Sat, September 13, 12pm Pontiac: Sun, September 14, 12pm Ornamental Grasses Troy: Sat, September 20, 10am Shelby: Sat, September 20, 12pm Pontiac: Sun, September 21, 12pm Sassy Salsas, Sweet and Savory Troy: Thursday, September 25, 6:30pm
I appreciate the misunderstanding I have had with Nature over my perennial border. I think it is a flower garden; she thinks it is a meadow lacking grass, and tries to correct the error.
AUTUMN AUTUM N IS
It’s a long way from freezin’… Come celebrate second season!
Garden Wisdom
Books for the Michigan Gardener..........15 Perennial Perspectives.................................16 Calendar......................................................... 18 Bulk Subscriptions.........................................20 Where to pick up Michigan Gardener...................................... 21 Classified Ads.............................................. 21 Advertiser Index......................................... 21 Places to Grow............................................22 Feature: Designing an Outdoor Room..................................... 24 Refresh your containers for the fall season.......................................32
Plant Focus: Species Tulips...........28
On the cover: T. bakerii ‘Lilac Wonder.’ Learn more about the wonders of species tulips on page 28. Photo: John Scheepers Flower Bulbs (www.johnscheepers.com)
All perennials now 20-50% OFF!
30-50% OFF Ceramic Pottery (sale excludes bonsai pots)
40% OFF Concrete Planters and Statuary Select Roses 50% OFF Giant Telly’s-grown mums 5 for $30
COLD TOLERANT PLANTS… We offer an extensive selection of cold tolerant, fall flowering plants including pansies, calibrachoa, trailing verbena, petunias, creeping Jenny, ornamental cabbage and kale, marguerite daisies, and much more.
Publisher/Editor Eric Hofley Design & Production Jonathon Hofley Advertising Eric Hofley Circulation Jonathon Hofley
TROY • 248-689-8735 3301 John R • 1/4 mile north of 16 Mile Rd.
Editorial Assistant Anna Doman
SHELBY TOWNSHIP • 248-659-8555 4343 24 Mile • Btwn Dequindre & Shelby Rd.
PONTIAC • 248-724-2300 559 Orchard Lake Rd (at Goldner Walsh) Between Telegraph & Woodward
find us on
www.tellys.com
Contributors Karen Bovio Cheryl English Emaline Fronckowiak Mary Gerstenberger Julia Hofley Rosann Kovalcik Janet Macunovich Steve Martinko Beverly Moss Steven Nikkila George Papadelis Sandie Parrott Traven Pelletier Jean/Roxanne Riggs Deborah Silver Jim Slezinski Lisa Steinkopf Steve Turner
16291 W. 14 Mile Rd., Suite 5 Beverly Hills, MI 48025-3327 Phone: 248-594-5563 Fax: 248-594-5564 E-mail: publisher@MichiganGardener.com Website: www.MichiganGardener.com Publishing schedule 6 issues per year: April, May, June, July/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec. Published the first week of the mo. Subscriptions (Please make check payable to Michigan Gardener) 1 yr, 6 iss/$14 2 yr, 12 iss/$26 3 yr, 18 iss/$36 Back issues All past issues are available. Please send your request along with a check for $3.00 per issue payable to Michigan Gardener. Canadian subscriptions 1 yr, 6 iss/$22 US 2 yr, 12 iss/$42 US Copyright © 2014 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.
Fall is in the air. Shop our seasonal materials and ornament…
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Michigan Gardener | September/October 2014 | MichiganGardener.com
to-do list Annuals • Fall is the time to remove tired-looking annual plantings. It’s also the perfect opportunity to plan for fall and spring color. Remove spent or declining annuals. Turn the soil over to make it easy to plant springflowering bulbs. • If your annuals still look good, continue to fertilize and water them until frost, which can be many weeks away. They’ll stay healthy far longer than you would expect. If a sudden frost comes while they still look good, cover them with burlap or paper, not plastic, to protect them against the cold. • Leave the soil in your hanging baskets and containers to re-use as a base for winter decorating with greens and twigs.
Bulbs
34190 S. Gratiot (14-1/2 Mile) • Clinton Township 586-791-6595 www.tropicaltreasuresfish.com September/October hours: Mon-Fri 11-8 Sat 9-8 Sun 9-5
Mums & Pansies 50 varieties of garden and perennial mums, including Minnesota perennial mums!
E L A S E C N A R A E L • Roses C s a t s L o L H FA rennials • Collector’s Pe
• Plan for early-, mid- and later-blooming varieties of your favorite spring-flowering bulbs. Add a few fall crocus bulbs (Colchicum) for blooms now and foliage in the spring. • Plant mums or asters over the top of the bulbs. The mums and/or asters will give you color this fall and the bulbs will herald the return of spring after winter starts to relinquish its icy grip next March. • The selection of bulbs is at its peak right now, so shop early for the best ones. • Consider interesting small bulbs like Iris reticulata and quamash (Camassia) and some very large ones like giant allium (Allium giganteum) and fritillaria. These lesser-known bulbs help extend the bloom season and add extra interest. It’s great when people ask you, “What is that flower? It’s so beautiful!” Adding unusual bulbs to your garden is a great way to get that reaction. • When planting, prepare the soil beds by loosening the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, adding organic material if necessary. Planting depths depend on the size of the bulbs and can be found on the packages. Remember to plant the pointed side up. Mulch the area after you plant to protect the bulbs in the winter. • Bulbs can be planted any place in the garden that has good drainage. Plant in clusters for the biggest impact in the landscape.
FA M I LY O W N E D & O P E R AT E D S I N C E 19 57
General
34075 Ryan Rd (between 14 & 15 Mile) Sterling Heights 586-979-2409
• This is a great time to weed all beds and add a fresh layer of mulch. Mulch will help keep future weeds down and help insulate plants through the winter.
September/October Hours Mon-Sat 9-6 Sun 9-5 www.eckertsgreenhouse.com
Houseplants • Bring your houseplants indoors before the temperatures dip below 55 degrees.
Feature Task: Tending the late season vegetable garden Cooler than normal summer temperatures have resulted in lower harvests for many gardeners this year. Pick vegetables and herbs as they ripen. Continue to water the garden and apply fertilizer every other week. Keep the garden free of weeds to keep plants healthy and reduce competition for water and nutrients. Collect herbs and consider preserving some for the winter. Bundles of herbs, such as basil, oregano or sage, can be dried by hanging them upside down in a dry area. Once dry, strip the leaves off the stems and store in an airtight container. Or consider chopping up fresh herbs and freezing them in ice cube trays with a bit of water. Pop a few cubes into a soup or stew this winter. When vegetables are spent, remove all plants from the garden. If they’re free of disease, add to them to the compost pile. Till beds this fall and you’ll be ready for early spring planting once the snow is gone and you can work in the garden. Early in the month, plant a few rows of cool-season crops, like lettuce, spinach, onions and peas. You should have a harvest in time for your Thanksgiving feast. • Before bringing your plants inside, check them for any hitchhikers such as mealy bugs or red spider mites. Spray your plants with an insecticidal soap and then give them an application of a systemic insecticide for long-term protection. • Start decreasing the amount of fertilizer your houseplants receive. Also check underneath the pots for any sow bugs that may have accumulated during the summer months. • Plants are used to a lot of sunlight when outdoors. Maximize the sunlight they receive inside by making sure the blinds, sheers, or curtains are open as much as possible.
Lawn • September is the best time to reseed, overseed, or sod a lawn. Soil temperatures are warm, the days are cooler, and the fall rains have begun, so you usually have to
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MichiganGardener.com | September/October 2014 | Michigan Gardener
water less frequently. • Fall is the most efficient time to fertilize the lawn. Fertilizing helps plants build up food supplies with a moderate amount of top growth. Apply fall fertilizer on dry grass and water thoroughly. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for application rates. More is not better. Be sure to sweep up any fertilizer that falls on driveways or sidewalks. You do not want to fertilize our water supply! • Keep mowing and watering. The lawn shouldn’t go into winter too long or too dry—neither is healthy.
Perennials • Consider adding some fall color to spruce up the beds. Mums are great, as well as asters and anemones. Perennials planted in the fall get a much larger root system and yield larger plants next year. • September is a great month to divide perennials that are crowding your beds. Perennials need to be divided to help rejuvenate them, and control their size. You may want to get together with your gardening friends and have your own perennial exchange. • There are more perennials for fall color than you may know. Sedums and mums are the most popular, but for flowers also consider anemone, aster, toad lily, turtlehead, and Christmas rose. For foliage, coral bells, sage, euphorbia and grasses provide great interest. There are also evergreen fern varieties for an unexpected green in a shady place all winter long.
Roses • Roses are slowing down, so stop fertilizing as they go dormant. Continue to water your roses throughout September. Remove spent blooms but resist any heavy pruning until next spring.
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trees and shrubs. The soil is still warm to encourage root growth. When planting a tree, the first thing you want to consider is where you are going to plant it. Trees get big, a obvious fact that many people forget and plant too close to the house, overhead wires, the street or driveway. Is the tree for shade or is it for ornamental purposes? Do you want something flowering and if so are you planting where the petal drop or any fruit will be a nuisance? A tree is a long-term investment and you need to choose wisely. The second thing to consider when planting is soil type: clay, sand or loam. To determine what type of soil you have, dig down into the ground the depth of the ball of the tree and see what is there. You may have 6 inches of great topsoil, but under that a layer of clay. The roots are going to be deeper than 6 inches and you may need to amend your soil. Dig the planting hole the same depth as the ball and about 12 inches wider on the sides. If you are planting balled and burlapped plants, take off all the twine and about the top third of the burlap. The root ball of the plant should be ground level, unless you are planting in clay and then the ball should be about a third of the ball size above ground. Cover the planted area with a 2-inch layer of mulch. Keep the mulch 4 to 6 inches away from the trunk. There are four main reasons why newly planted trees and shrubs fail the first year: planted too deep, too much water, not enough water, or improper fertilizer.
Provided by the professionals at English Gardens.
Trees, Shrubs & Evergreens • Prune any dead or crossing branches. This isn’t the time to do heavy pruning, which will encourage growth and not give that new growth time to harden off before winter sets in. • Fertilize with an organic fertilizer after Halloween. • Piling mulch up around the stems of your plants so they look like little volcanoes is a bad practice for the health of your plant. Although it’s commonly done, it is very harmful. Bark is used to being exposed to air. The mulch keeps it wet and can cause it to rot. Too much rot and the plant can die. • This is a great time of the year to plant
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Michigan Gardener | September/October 2014 | MichiganGardener.com
ask mg Transplanting hydrangeas Is it possible to transplant Annabelle hydrangeas in September with good results? A friend has asked me to remove them from her yard and plant them in mine. They are huge plants. What soil prep is necessary? B.H., Huntington Woods The best time to move them is when they are dormant (leaves and blooms gone). If you can postpone the move until early spring before the leaf buds break, that might be better. However, opportunities never happen according to the book. If it is imperative you move them this fall, make sure the new planting site is well composted and cultivated. When you dig them up, get as much of the root ball as possible, keeping it intact. You may have to divide them in order to make the weight manageable. You may also need to prune them back for the same reason. Put granular mycorrhizae in the backfill to encourage the roots to build in their new location. Water by hand; do not rely on a sprinkler system. Water deeply but not every day; too much water can rot them. Put compost and mulch on the root zone and give them extra
protection against winter wind and snow buildup this first season. Extra care now will lessen the shock of the move and give you a better chance at a successful transplant.
Caring for Japanese pieris I am having problems with my pieris shrubs (Pieris japonica)—the flowering buds from last year’s bloom stayed brown and dry. There are only a few blooms on some of the bushes this year. They are roughly 9 years old. Should I prune off the brown blooms and their dried stems? W.K. Technically, once Japanese pieris has bloomed, it should be pruned of spent blossoms. It doesn’t drop them naturally. Pieris benefits from annual deadheading, as do broadleaf rhododendrons. Any frostdamaged stem growth should be removed promptly. Therefore, pruning is definitely in the future for your pieris. Plants usually recover even when cut into old wood. The key to healthy pieris shrubs is maintaining consistent moisture week after week and refreshing them with compost-rich soil that gives them the acid, well-drained
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
conditions they love. You can also apply a slow-release granular fertilizer made for acidloving plants (such as pieris, rhododendrons and azaleas) in the general root zone. These are shrubs that need winter protection from winter wind and sun; an anti-desiccant spray in the fall would also be beneficial. And remember, consistent watering right through the fall is the key to an evergreen shrub such as pieris.
underground aquifers, a natural resource that plants are already accustomed to. As for your hanging planters, if they are thriving and there is no root rot or drainage blockage, then your plants are doing well. Flushing the soil once in a while until water flows through can be helpful in reducing any calcium buildup. Otherwise, your watering frequency appears to be appropriate based on the lack of problems. The plants are using all the water they get.
Well water and hanging basket drainage
Winter injury on trees and shrubs continues
Our hard well water has a high rust content and smells of sulfur. Could this harm plants? Also, I have two hanging baskets that do not drain when I water them. I have taken the flowers out and checked for root rot; no issues there. I have checked the drainage holes for blockage and there seems to be none. The soil dries out properly in between waterings. I just want to make sure I’m not overlooking another issue. B., Flint Hard well water is far less of a problem for plants than using a softened water source to irrigate plants. The salts used to soften hard water can build up over time and create an imbalance in the nutrients available to the plant. Well water is basically what is in the
always in season!
I have a 10-foot tall, young dogwood (Cornus florida) that didn’t bloom this spring. Last fall I added bone meal to the root zone and the foliage is gorgeous and healthy but no flowers. Any ideas why? J.B., Troy Most of the buds didn’t open on my 2-year-old Japanese maple. On the ones that did, the leaves are very small and went limp and dry in late summer. The branches are still pliable and green inside. I read that because of the winter we have plants that weren’t able to extract water and nutrients from the ground. What are the chances of my tree coming back and leafing out normally next spring? A.M.V., Sterling Heights
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MichiganGardener.com | September/October 2014 | Michigan Gardener
We planted a redbud tree approximately 25 years ago. It has been healthy until this year. This spring it only had a few flowers on it, and the leaves that started to come out never got bigger than half an inch before they died. The tree is entirely bare now, and we presume it is dead. Could the hard winter have killed it? J.P., Hartland This summer, we still saw the effects of the bitter cold 2013-14 winter, in the lack of bloom and full leaf canopies. Such reliable spring bloomers as our native redbuds, flowering dogwoods, forsythia, and many cherry and apple trees showed little to no bloom in some cases. Temperatures near the minimum for plant hardiness will slow a plant’s metabolism rate. Not until mid-May were temperatures warm enough at night and during the day for flowering woody ornamentals to get back on track. By then it was almost too late to blossom. The plant goes into leaf production, which feeds its depleted reserves and dispenses with flowers and fruit production. Whether it is a native redbud, flowering dogwood, or a Japanese maple, this past winter was harsh and caused a variety of plant behaviors. Many redbuds that produced little to no flowers had to change tissue gears. This takes energy. Some redbuds produced leaves but not as large. Redbuds also have the abil-
ity to send up new shoots from the root stock if the canopy is sufficiently compromised but the roots are healthy. They grow quickly and one or two can be groomed to take the original trunk’s place. The plant uses less energy to send up new shoots from the roots than to produce leaves in a compromised canopy. Some ornamentals like Japanese maples showed considerable twig dieback and new shoot withering. Where leaves are few and far between, it is important to provide consistent water, even when rain is expected. Struggling woody ornamentals benefit from a mid-season, balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer. Additional compost for nutrients and mulch to prevent moisture loss are very beneficial. To prevent another winter assault on delicate plants, shield them with a well-anchored burlap screen and provide water well into fall. It is likely Michigan will have another brutal winter at some point. Preparing trees and shrubs and adding sun and wind shields in fall will significantly minimize winter damage.
Clematis plants are wilting I have 2 clematis which died in June. I planted one this spring near a wooden fence and it produced one bloom. All the leaves died, except 3 at the bottom of the plant. It gets morning to early afternoon
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Have a question? Send it in! Go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Submit a question” dappled shade. I planted the other one last summer on the side of a brick garage. It bloomed once this year, and has brown leaves with a few green ones at the bottom. I have one (8 to 10 years old) thriving in the front yard on a picket fence in the front yard. Any ideas? J.F., Sterling Heights There are two diseases which affect clematis. One is powdery mildew and the other is clematis wilt. Both powdery mildew and clematis wilt require cutting back the vine past the point of brown. With clematis wilt, it may be necessary to prune infected stems below the soil. Spray remaining foliage with fungicide to neutralize further spores. Be sure to clean up any leaf debris at the base of the vine to prevent re-infection. As for the clematis on the wooden fence, it may not be getting enough sun since they require at least 6 hours. Too much shade means fungal diseases have optimum conditions. The one on the garage may not have enough air circulation, giving fungal spores another prime opportunity. The clematis on the front picket fence has both sun and air, which explains its success. A bit like Goldilocks and the three bears!
Clematis require “cool feet,” which means plenty of rich, composted soil while they take in those 6 plus hours of sun. Prune out the affected stems and keep the soil rich with compost and consistently moist. The affected vines should recuperate. Answers provided by Beverly Moss, owner of Garden Rhythms.
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Fall is the best time for planting. And it is a great time to pick out a tree while it is displaying its brilliant fall color! Come stroll through our huge inventory of top quality plants and make your selection. Proudly serving Metropolitan Detroit since 1931
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Farmer’s Market January to April Saturday Only: 7a.m. - 1:30p.m. May to December Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday: 7a.m. - 1:30p.m.
Michigan Gardener | September/October 2014 | MichiganGardener.com
healthy lawns Thatch: What it is and how to prevent an unhealthy buildup in your lawn This season has provided us with so much a general rule, the higher you mow the more rain that we can now look back and wonder stem tissue (woody material) your lawn will what has all that growth done to our lawns. be producing. Most people never realize that Your lawn will likely fall into one of two there is a natural dying and regenerating of categories. Either you have a lot of thatch new grass plants. If the lawn’s health is too due to excessive growth, or your lawn has weak, the natural process of regenerating maintained a natural balance without excess new grass plants slows, which in turn causes thatch. Cultural practices play a vital role in increased thatch due to a higher concentramanaging the natural processes. How sharp tion of dying stem material. I’m not trying to you maintained your mower blades and their suggest people mow their lawns low. In fact, mowing height are the two primary factors I encourage higher mowing (3 to 4 inches) that affect thatch. Believe it or not, bagging during the hot summer months. When fall clippings is not a primary factor. arrives, dropping back down to 2-1/2 inches So what is thatch? It is woody material that would help control the stem content in your doesn’t easily break down and decompose. It lawn. can feel like you are walking on a very thick The best way to manage your thatch is carpet pad; almost a sponge-like to maintain proper watering so a cushion when the thatch is allowed healthy balance is achieved. Regular to build up over time. To be precise, watering promotes consistent earththis would be 1 to 2 inches of actual worm activity. Earthworms are benthatch below the healthy turf. eficial and, fortunately, they have One misunderstanding is that an unrelenting work ethic. They grass blades themselves cause devour thatch as it is decomposing, thatch. However, a grass blade is 90 turning it into natural compost right percent water and nutrients, and it under your feet. biodegrades very quickly, especially Steve For those with an extreme thatch in the sunlight. Grass does have a Martinko problem, aerating and then topwoody stem that allows it to stand dressing your lawn with worm casttall. The next time you’re outside, simply ings is a great way to fix it. The majority of us pull a small grass plug out of your lawn and won’t have to fuss too much with our lawn, roll the leaf blade in your hand; then roll the but there are situations where earthworms stem and you’ll feel the difference. The grass aren’t as abundant due to heavy clay soils. In stem is comprised of lignin, a woody material this case, it helps to jump start a biological that doesn’t rapidly decompose compared to turnaround. Fall is the best time to initiate the grass blades. Sunlight doesn’t break down this process. Apply a gentle 1/2- to 3/4-inch lignin very quickly at all, sometimes taking 2 coating of worm castings to help an existing or 3 seasons for one year of buildup to finally lawn that has the telltale thick, sponge-like decompose. feel of heavy thatch. It gets quite complicated determining all Steve Martinko is the owner of the factors related to thatch buildup because Contender’s Tree and Lawn Specialists the type of grass and sun exposure both efin Oakland County, MI. fect each situation differently. That said, as
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Fall container gardening • Fall bulb planting for spring blooms!
Time to Landscape! Fall is a great time to landscape or refresh your existing grounds.
THE WEED LADY
Grand Blanc Rd. Exit 108
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Holly Rd.
Great gifts and decorating ideas for fall entertaining and Halloween
Fenton Rd.
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Fall is for Planting!
Auburn Oaks GARDEN CENTER
High quality plants & service for your garden success since 1964.
Auburn Oaks Farm 19th Annual Fall Plant Sale Open to the Public Friday-Sunday, Sept 19-21, 9am-4pm 8048 Allen Rd, Fenton, MI • 810-629-7848
3820 West Auburn Rd (2 blocks E of Adams) • Rochester Hills • 248-852-2310 www.auburnoaksnursery.com Mon-Sat 8-6 Sun 10-5
M-59
Te PONTIAC le gr ap h . Rd Rd . ke La d ar h c Or
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d Ave. Woodwar
Hardy Mums & Asters • Spring Bulbs (Plant Now!) Pumpkins and Corns Stalks (arriving end of Sept) Clearance of Select Plants and Garden Art
Fall Hours Mon-Sat 9am-5pm / Sunday: Closed
d. ke R s La Cas
It’s Fall Think SPRING!
2629 Orchard Lake Rd. Sylvan Lake, MI 48320 248-738-0500 www.aguafina.com
Middlebelt Rd .
Come on in and check out where the plants are grown!
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Design, build & maintenance services for your landscape, ponds, and water features. Garden Décor • Fountains • Sculpture • Found Artifacts • Pond Supplies
12
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Michigan Gardener | September/October 2014 | MichiganGardener.com
vegetable patch Planting and growing garlic
I
f you enjoy garlic, October is the time to cloves than hard neck varieties. plant it. Since many strains of garlic reGarlic does not compete well with weeds, quire a cold period to begin bulbing, the so good weed control is important. Don’t culfall-planted garlic will receive a natural cold tivate too close to the plant to avoid damaging period through the winter. the bulb. Garlic requires 1 to 2 inches of water Take a smooth, fresh bulb of garlic that per week, but watering should stop about two is free of disease and when you are ready to weeks before harvest. Watering too close to plant, separate the cloves. The larger the harvest may cause the skins to stain and reclove you plant, the larger the bulb of garlic duce quality. that will form. Plant the cloves 3 to 5 inches Harvest when about five green leaves reapart, pointed end up, and 1 to 2 inches deep. main, as these will provide good wrapping If planted in a raised bed, allow 5 inches in on the dried bulbs. When the weather is dry, all directions. Planting done in October will loosen the soil around the plants and pull allow time for roots to develop and them out. They can be left to dry for top growth to begin before the soil a few days if the weather remains freezes. The plant will start growing dry, but reduce sunburn by covering in early spring and be ready to harthe bulbs with the tops. Shake off vest when the tops start to yellow, excess soil and remove all but about usually in July or August. 1/2 inch of the root and 1 inch of There are two types of garlic the top (unless tops will be used for to consider: “hard neck” and “soft braiding). Allow the bulbs to cure in neck.” The hard neck varieties will a well-ventilated place with good air form a scape (a stiff, solid central circulation before storing. RememMary flower stalk). Be sure to clip off the Gerstenberger ber that the bulbs will continue to scapes (the part that would flower) transpire while stored, so allow for so that the nutrition is directed to ventilation to help control humidity. clove formation. Scapes are edible, but should Check the garden catalogs for good garlic be cut when they come full circle and before choices, or better yet, go to your local farmers they begin to straighten out again or else they market to buy the garlic bulbs. become somewhat fibrous and less appealing Mary Gerstenberger is the Consumer Horto eat. ticulture Coordinator at the Michigan State Soft neck garlic varieties do not form a stiff University Extension in Macomb County, MI. scape and are better for making garlic braids. For vegetable and gardening information from (A garlic braid is a neat way to store your garMSU, visit www.migarden.msu.edu. lic. It is more convenient to break off a head of garlic when you need it and the braid allows Call the toll-free Michigan State University for air circulation to keep the garlic fresh Lawn and Garden Hotline at 888-678-3464 longer.) Soft neck garlic is generally less winfor answers to your gardening questions. ter hardy, harder to peel, and forms smaller
GARDEN RHYTHMS CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPES
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248-217-6459
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Ask for it at your local garden center.
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We help gardeners become professionals. Join us to see how to turn your passion into a business. We are dedicated to promoting the business of professional gardening. Member benefits include access to best gardening practices through participation in educational programs and tours.
EXQUISITE GARDEN TOUR
Unique plant varieties Stop in to see the latest! Our selection varies with the season. A sample of what you can find:
Check our website for an exciting announcement about our March 2015 conference!
Japanese Stewartia Dawn Redwood • Katsura Tree Seven-Son Flower Pagoda Dogwood • Ginkgo Black Gum (Sour Gum) White Fringetree Witchhazel Japanese Snowbell Golden Raintree
Guest fee: $10. Please contact us for more information about our substantive lectures and programs, as well as membership.
Come browse our
Thursday, September 11, 4-7pm
Enjoy a private tour of an exquisite garden in West Bloomfield. This tour is for members only, so if you are thinking about joining our group, now is the time!
ThE YEAR IN REvIEw Thursday, November 6, 2014, 6:30-9pm
Join us for this open forum where we share what we learned over the past growing season. This informative meeting takes place at the Spicer House in Farmington Hills.
Web: www.associationofprofessionalgardeners.org Email: suegrubba@sbcglobal.net Phone: Sue Grubba at 248-375-9233
FALL SAVINGS
throughout the nursery!
Need a focal point in your landscape? Plant collector? Looking for something a little different? Then Shades of Green is the place for you! Shrubs and trees are a long-lived investment, so start with quality plants that have been well cared for. Visit Shades of Green, meet our knowledgeable staff, and see our superior quality.
496 East Avon Rd • Rochester Hills 3 MILES NORTH OF M-59, BETWEEN ROCHESTER & JOHN R
248.651.1620 www.ShadesofGreenNursery.com
Uncle Luke’s Beautiful fall-blooming mums Seasoned firewood t LARGE selection of BIRD FEED & feeding equipment t Deer feed AND deer repellents t Complete pet & animal food lines: Taste of the Wild • NutriSource Canidae • Solid Gold • Iams • Wysong • Innova • California Natural Wellness • Eukanuba • Chicken Soup • Natural Balance • Fromm t t
BEST SELECTION of ORGANIC fertilizers and soil amendments in Southeastern Michigan
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Featuring organic fertilizers & soil amendments FALL is an EXCELLENT time to fertilize your lawn, perennials, trees & shrubs
Halloween & Fall Decorations Pumpkins • Indian corn • Gourds • Straw • Corn stalks • Mums
33866 Woodward at Adams, Birmingham
Uncle Luke’s Feed Store
248.644.4411
6691 Livernois, Troy • (1/4 Mile S. of South Blvd.) • 248-879-9147 www.unclelukes.com • Mon-Fri 9-6:30 • Sat 8-6 • Sun 9-5
Order online: blossomsbirmingham.com
Visit our 2nd location in Flushing: Flushing Lawn & Garden • 810-659-6241
14
Michigan Gardener | September/October 2014 | MichiganGardener.com
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS!
Precipitation July 2014
Normal Monthly 3.37 3.32 2.84
Normal Yr. to Date 19.43 17.38 17.86
Detroit Flint Lansing
Trees • Shrubs • Perennials Organic Products Bulk Organic Compost & Premium Pine Bark Mulch Landscape Design & Installation Services Flagstone, Limestone & Boulders Campania Statuary Fine garden statuary & accents
8215 Elizabeth Lake Rd. • White Lake
248-698-4741 MulliganLandscaping.com
Actual Monthly 2.43 5.76 4.86
July 2013 Deviation from Normal -0.94 +2.44 +2.02
2014 Year to Date: Jan 1 - July 31 Detroit Flint Lansing
Actual Yr. to Date 21.10 23.17 22.47
Normal
Actual Monthly 4.14 1.74 1.75
Monthly 3.37 3.32 2.84
Deviation from Normal +0.77 -1.58 -1.09
2013 Year Total: Jan 1 - July 31
Deviation from Normal +1.67 +5.79 +4.61
Normal
Yr. to Date 19.43 17.38 17.86
Actual Yr. to Date 25.00 23.01 28.15
Deviation from Normal +5.57 +5.63 +10.29
Temperature July 2014
July 2013
Detroit Flint Lansing
Normal Avg. High 83.4 82.0 82.1
ACTUAL Avg. High 79.9 79.1 77.3
Deviation from Normal -3.5 -2.9 -4.8
ormal N Avg. High 83.4 82.0 82.1
ACTUAL Avg. High 82.5 83.3 81.6
Deviation from Normal -0.9 +1.3 -0.5
Detroit Flint Lansing
Normal Avg. Low 63.6 59.1 58.4
ACTUAL Avg. Low 59.9 57.5 57.0
Deviation from Normal -3.7 -1.6 -1.4
ormal N Avg. Low 63.6 59.1 58.4
ACTUAL Avg. Low 65.6 62.7 61.6
Deviation from Normal +2.0 +3.6 +3.2
Sept/Oct hours: Open Mon-Sat Data courtesy National Weather Service
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soil • sand • mulch • stone • gravel
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2260 Auburn Rd. • Auburn Hills • 248-332-6210 www.statecrushing.com • Hours: Monday-Friday 7-5 Saturday 7-1
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MichiganGardener.com | September/October 2014 | Michigan Gardener
15
Perennials 30% OFF Fall Pansies & Mums • Ornamental Kale
Coffee for Roses by C.L. Fornari
Coming in Late September: Pumpkins, Gourds, Straw, Corn & Corn Stalks
Do marigolds keep the bugs out of the veggie patch? Will rusty nails turn hydrangeas blue? In Coffee for Roses (St. Lynn’s Press, 160 pages, $17.95), horticulture expert C.L. Fornari looks at 71 common garden practices and uncovers the truth behind the lore. Word-of-mouth may be a great way to learn about some things, but sometimes, word-of-mouth gardening tips can be a bad idea. The ageold practice of passing along gardening tips and tricks is no guarantee you will get a good result; it might even do the opposite. With humor and affection, Fornari goes back in time to sort out the good, the bad and the just plain silly, and tells us why. Coffee for Roses combines gardening traditions and expert advice into one useful guide. Do roses like coffee? Find out in this unique gardening guide.
Daffodil by Noel Kingsbury
248-887-5101
MI Gardener Sept 1525 2014 Bogie 8/12/14 4:31 PM / White Page 1 Lake Lake Rd.
Daffodils’ popularity and resilience have gained them a foothold in many corners of the gardening world, where enthusiasts have experimented with their basic trumpetand-petal design to develop over 25,000 cultivars. Noel Kingsbury’s book, Daffodil (Timber Press, 220 pages, $27.50), charts the remarkable story of the daffodil from the tombs of the Pharaohs, through pre-Darwin evolutionary theory, to diversification efforts by breeders seeking the definitive bloom. The author presents readers with garden cultivation notes, descriptions, and recommendations that introduce less well-known charmers such as the fragrant jonquils and cyclamen-flowered daffodils, without neglecting the classics such as ‘King Alfred.’ Plant portraits combine with an engaging narrative to capture the spirit of these spring flowers that immortalize the work of early plant breeders. The book features hundreds of color photographs by awardwinning photographer Jo Whitworth, making it both informational and lovely enough for coffee table display. Kingsbury’s story of this popular spring flower is perfect for the gardener who also enjoys history.
Saving Container Plants by Alice and Brian McGowan Many perennial gardeners only grow hardy plants— those they know will survive outdoors over the winter and grace their garden for years to come. However, gardeners can also enjoy their favorite tender container plants year after year. From geraniums to fuchsias and beyond, many container plants can be overwintered and enjoyed again the next season. In their guide Saving Container Plants (Storey Publishing, 128 pages, $9.95), Alice and Brian McGowan lead readers through the steps of overwintering a variety of common tender perennial plants based on what kind of dormancy the plants go through in their native environment. Readers will learn how to overwinter most plants with few to no pest problems, simply by giving them the dormancy conditions they need. The book includes a plant-by-plant guide of more than 100 species for quick reference. It wraps up with instructions for transitioning overwintered plants back to the garden for the summer season.
Sept/Oct Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5 Sat 9-5 Sun 11-3 1-1/2 Miles S. of M-59 • Across from Lakeland H.S.
FALL DEALS BECKON
Excellent Selection of Premium
GLAZED POTTERY
Buy 1 get 1 FREE* Equal or lesser value
PERENNIALS 40% OFF HYDRANGEAS 40% OFF PUPS ‘N PUMPKINS Saturday, October 4
11am-2pm FREE EVENT!
www.plymouthnursery.net more details.
734-453-5500
WE DO CHRISTMAS!
www.plymouthnursery.net Mon.-Thurs. 9a-6p • Fri. 9a-7p Sat. 9a-6p • Sun. 10a-5p
* 9 "1/ 1,- ,9 " E ,
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9900 Ann Arbor Rd W 7 Miles East of US-23 • 7 Miles West of I-275 1 1/2 Miles South of M-14 Corner of Gotfredson Rd.
16
Michigan Gardener | September/October 2014 | MichiganGardener.com
perennial perspectives
Prairie Dropseed
www.PrairieNursery.com
Hazy seed heads billow in the wind.
www.PrairieNursery.com
Prairie dropseed grows elegant mounds of narrow green foliage. Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) is a native grass that is starting to gain popularity as a garden plant. With its fine-textured leaf blades, flowing form, attractive flower panicles, and excellent yellow-orange fall color, it has plenty of ornamental traits to offer. When you add drought resistance, adaptability to many soil types, and an absence of pest and disease problems, prairie dropseed starts to look better and better as a garden candidate. Because it is native to most of the midsection of the United States and Canada, you might expect this plant to be better known. Native plant enthusiasts have sung its praises for years, but it has received little attention in the world of mainstream horticulture. There are few named cultivars, despite the fact that the species offers enough genetic variability to select for traits like growth habit and flowering characteristics. An excellent compact cultivar, ‘Tara,’ was only recently introduced. A selected seed strain, referred Karen to simply as ‘Wisconsin Strain’ was also developed by Bovio a European company, Jelitto Seed of Germany. Despite a lack of horticultural varieties, the species itself offers plenty of decorative value for a variety of garden settings, from native or wild gardens, to unfussy perennial gardens, to formal edging. With its narrow, delicate (in appearance only) foliage and upright panicles of airy flowers, it looks wonderful as a single specimen plant or in groups of three or more. Its low, mounded tufts of arching foliage and hazy seed heads
make a good foil for many of our colorful native flowering plants, including orange butterfly weed, coneflower, coreopsis, and liatris. On a more utilitarian level, prairie dropseed has been used successfully on slopes to control erosion, and in roadside revegetation and land restoration projects. Despite its common name, which might imply a lot of seeddropping and self-sowing, prairie dropseed is not aggressive in the garden. In fact, it can be a bit of a challenge to grow from seed. The plants are slow growing and rather slow to establish. They are classified as a type of bunchgrass, the name referring to any number of perennial grasses that grow in tight clumps, rather than rhizomatous sods, and regenerate each year from deep roots. In its native prairie habitat, the roots of prairie dropseed can go down to 5 feet (easily three times the height of the foliage), making it a good choice for hot, dry, unirrigated sites. Nature lovers will appreciate that the seeds, looking like small millet seeds and smelling slightly of cilantro and popcorn, are attractive to songbirds. In fall, the foliage changes from green to yellow, amber, or even pumpkin orange. In the quest for more durable, maintenance-free perennials—those requiring less water, less fertilizer, and less in the way of chemical inputs—prairie dropseed stands out as an excellent choice for any busy gardener. Karen Bovio is the owner of Specialty Growers in Howell, MI.
Walters Gardens
Prairie dropseed is a type of bunchgrass—grasses that form tight clumps. It is useful for native gardens and mass plantings.
MichiganGardener.com | September/October 2014 | Michigan Gardener
17
Prairie Dropseed Botanical name: Sporobolus heterolepis (spor-OB-oh-lus het-er-oh-LEP-is) Native perennial bunchgrass Plant type: Plant size: 24-36 inches tall (including flower stems); 15-18 inches wide Hardiness: Zone 3 Bloom period: Late July-September Light: Full sun Soil: Well drained; drought tolerant Uses: Specimen plant, groupings, mass plantings, native gardens, xeric gardens Remarks: Cultivar ‘Tara’ was found in Wisconsin by Roy Diblik of Northwind Perennial Farms. It has a dwarf, upright habit, with excellent bloom characteristics.
www.PrairieNursery.com
These purple and white asters make good companions for prairie dropseed.
www.PrairieNursery.com
A similar scene in late fall still looks great, with seed heads and tan earth tones.
www.PrairieNursery.com
One of its best traits: excellent yellow-orange fall color.
Halloween Hayrides!
fAll iS for plAnting!
It’s an excellent time to plant perennials, trees, shrubs & evergreens
September 26 thru October 26 Fri & Sat: 7-11pm / Sun: 7-10pm Plus October 27-30: 7-10pm
We continue to restock our outstanding selection with healthy & fresh plants!
Westcroft Gardens
our services include: Pick-up, delivery, installation, design & consultation
Plant Nursery
Come visit the oldest farm in Michigan still owned and operated by the same family, established 1776
FALL SALE
on select nursery stock Call us to reserve our gardens for your wedding, party or special event
Nursery & Garden Center
21803 West River Rd. Grosse Ile • 734-676-2444 www.westcroftgardens.com
2781 Scio Church • Ann Arbor
734-665-TREE (8733) ImpRovE youR woRld wITh hElp from our knowledgeAble StAff
Fairy Garden “Make & take” workshop Sat, Sept 20, 11am-12pm: Come in and build a beautiful garden any fairy would be thrilled to call home. Workshop fee: $25. Class size is limited, please call for reservations.
Pumpkin Day at the Garden Mill
Join us for a pumpkin decorating party Sat, oct 18, 11am-2pm. We’ll supply pumpkins & decorating supplies—you supply imagination and enthusiasm. The result: a charming, spooky, or hilarious jack-o-lantern to take home. Pumpkins & decorations are free. Limit 1 per person. Open to adults and supervised children ages 3+. Visit our website & Facebook page for details on these & other workshops.
110 S. Main • Downtown ChelSea • 734-475-3539 • www.thegardenmill.com
More of a great thing (and still free!) Sign up today for our FREE e-newsletter! Visit MichiganGardener.com and simply enter your e-mail address at the top of the page next to the Michigan Gardener logo. You will receive a few e-mails each year containing handy tips, events, expert Q&A and much more. Don’t miss the contest in each issue for your chance to win garden prizes. You can win FREE items like Michigan Gardener apparel, books and more!
18
Michigan Gardener | September/October 2014 | MichiganGardener.com
calendar September / October / November September H Flashlight Sale Thu, Sep 4 & Sat, 8-9:30pm, Troy. At Telly’s. After hours; by flashlight. www.tellys.com. Fall Plant Sale Fri, Sep 5, & Sat-Sun, Ypsilanti. By Growing Hope at YpsiPlanti Garden Supply. Cabbage, collards, broccoli, swiss chard, kohlrabi, parsley, cilantro, dill & more. www.growinghope.net. Fall Rose Show Sat, Sep 6, Sat-Sun, Grand Rapids. By Grand Valley Rose Society at Frederik Meijer Gardens. Discover a variety of roses or enter your own. www.meijergardens.org, 616-957-1580. H The Basics of Landscape Design Sat, Sep 6, 10am, All Locations. At English Gardens. FREE. Learn the hints for creating an exceptional landscape. www.EnglishGardens.com. Fall Plant Sale Sat, Sep 6, 9am, Ludington. By Mason Co. Garden Club at Leveaux Park. All plants should be in pots & labeled. maggie6872@yahoo.com. 18th Annual Daylily Sale Sat, Sep 6, 7am-Noon, Midland. By Central Michigan Daylily Society at Midland Farmer’s Market. Great plants handpicked by members. www.daylilies.me. 2014 HomeGrown Festival Sat, Sep 6, 6-10pm, Ann Arbor. At Ann Arbor Farmers Market Pavilion. FREE admission. A grassroots celebration of local food & drink in SE MI. www.homegrownfestival.org. H Eggshell Grassy Head Sat, Sep 6, 9:30am-11:30am, Waterford. At Oakland County Mkt. Teach your children about easy gardening with these head sprouts, using egg shells instead of trays or pots. 248-858-5495. H Ponds & Water Sources Sat, Sep 6, 10am, Washington. At Rocks ‘N’ Roots. FREE. Rain or shine. 586-752-4900. Monarch Migration Festival Sat, Sep 6, 1-3pm, Ann Arbor. At Leslie Science & Nature Center. $9/person $34/family. Support a threatened native pollinator while celebrating its survival. 734-997-1553. H Run For The Arb Sat, Sep 6, 9am, Ann Arbor. At Nichols Arboretum. $25. 5K run/walk to benefit The Arb & Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Includes t-shirt. Run with your dog for $5. www.lsa.umich.edu/mbg. Tomato Tasting Sat, Sep 6, 6-9pm, Ann Arbor. By Project Grow at Kerrytown Market. Part of the HomeGrown Festival. Submit your tomatoes by 5:30pm. info@projectgrowgardens.org. H Fall Container Gardening Workshop Sat, Sep 6, 10am, Troy & Pontiac, & Noon, Shelby. At Telly’s. $5, plus cost of materials. Register: www.tellys.com. Essentials of Blanching & Freezing Tue, Sep 9, 5:30-7pm, Flint. By MSU Extension at Flint Farmers Market. $20. Learn how to successfully freeze foods. Register: http://events.anr.msu.edu.
For information about Public Gardens, please visit MichiganGardener.com. Click on "Resources" then "Public Gardens." Ikebana Workshop Wed, Sep 10, 10am-2:30pm, Southfield. By Ikebana Internat’l Detroit Chap. 85 at NW Untitarian Universalist Church. $10. The art of Japanese floral arranging. www.ikebanadetroit.org. Dehydrating Vegetables: The Basics & Beyond Wed, Sep 10, 11:45am, Troy. By Troy Garden Club at Big Beaver United Methodist Church. $7. Presented by Master Gardener Karen Burke. www.TroyGardenClubMI.com. H Exquisite Garden Tour Thu, Sep 11, 4-7pm, West Bloomfield. By APG at an exquisite private garden. $10. www. associationofprofessionalgardeners.org, 248-375-9233. Ferndale Garden Club Monthly Meeting Thu, Sep 11, 7pm, Troy. By Ferndale Garden Club at Kulick Community Ctr. Topic of presentation TBA. Guests welcome. 248-541-6427. H Fall Lawn Care Sat, Sep 13, 10am, All Locations. At English Gardens. FREE. Tips on keeping your lawn healthy through the winter into next spring. www.EnglishGardens.com. H Brick Pavers, Walls & Steps Sat, Sep 13, 10am, Washington. At Rock ‘N’ Rocks. FREE. Rain or shine. 586-752-4900. H Fall Blooming Perennials Sat, Sep 13, 10am, Troy, & Noon, Shelby. At Telly’s. $5. Register: www.tellys.com. H Cranbrook & Friends Garden Walk Sat, Sep 13, 10am-4pm, Bloomfield Hills. At Cranbook House & Gardens. $15. View 4 private home gardens & a demo on dividing perennials. Gift shop sale. Tickets: 248-645-3149. H Customer Appreciation Day Sat, Sep 13, 6-9pm, Milford. At The Pond Place. Lighted ponds, door prizes, wine & cheese reception. www.pondplace.com. Tour of Detroit: Then & Now Sat, Sep 13, 8:30am-4:30pm, Detroit. By Master Gardeners of Oakland Co at various Detroit gardens. $50. Bus departs from Pontiac MSU Extension. atlakess@sbcglobal.net, 248-219-6437. H Fall Blooming Perennials Sun, Sep 14, Noon, Pontiac. At Telly’s. $5. Register: www.tellys.com. H Bulbs, Tubers & Corms Sat, Sep 20, 2-3pm, Dexter. At BLOOM! Garden Center. Learn how to beautify your garden with bulbs. events@ bloom-gardens.com, www.bloom-gardens.com. H Brick Pavers, Walls & Steps Sat, Sep 20, 10am, Washington. At Rock ‘N’ Rocks. FREE. Rain or shine. 586-752-4900.
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MichiganGardener.com | September/October 2014 | Michigan Gardener
H Miniature Gardening Workshop Sat, Oct 4, 10am, Shelby & Pontiac, & Noon, Troy. At Telly’s. $5, plus cost of materials. www.tellys.com. H Fall Foliage Festival Sat, Oct 4, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. October is fall foliage month. Come see our stunning display of fall colors! 517-431-2060. H Tips from a Professional Gardener Sat, Oct 4, 10am, Troy. At Telly’s. $5. Register: www.tellys.com. Fall Bonsai Show Sat, Oct 4, & Sun, Oct 5. Grand Rapids. By West MI Bonsai Club at Frederik Meijer Gardens. Shop for bonsai tools, pots, wire & bonsai trees & watch artists at work. www.meijergardens.org. H Pond Winterization Sat, Oct 4, 10-11am, Milford. At The Pond Place. Learn to clean & winterize your pond. www.pondplace.com. H Ecosystem in a Cup Sat, Oct 4, 9:30am-11:30am, Waterford. At Oakland County Market. Kids can create an ecosystem in a cup to take home. 248-858-5495. Ikebana Workshop Wed, Oct 8, 10am-2:30pm, Southfield. By Ikebana International Detroit Chap. 85 at NW Untitarian Universalist Church. $10. The art of Japanese floral arranging. www.ikebanadetroit.org. The World of Cactus & Succulents Wed, Oct 8, 11:45, Troy. By Troy Garden Club at Big Beaver United Methodist Church. $7. Presented by Kerry Krivoshein. www.TroyGardenClubMI.com. Register: infoandideas@aol.com. Ferndale Garden Club Monthly Meeting Thu, Oct 9, 7pm, Troy. By Ferndale Garden Club at Kulick Community Ctr. Topic of presentation TBA. Guest welcome. 248-541-6427. H Indoor Gardening Tips Sat, Oct 11, 10am, All Locations. At English Gardens. FREE. Learn how to warm your home with flowers & other indoor plants during the chilly fall & winter. www.EnglishGardens. com. Seasonal Interest in Your Garden Sat, Oct 11, 9am-1pm, Waterford. By MSU ExtensionOakland at Oakland Co. Exec. Office. $20. Explore plants that add interest throughout the year. Register: 248-858-0887.
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H Apples & Herbs Thu, Oct 16, 6:30pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $5. Register: www.tellys.com. continued on next page
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Fall Fall Color Color and and Conifer Conifer Tour Tour Don’t Miss This Rare and Special Opportunity Don’t Miss This Rare and Special Opportunity Six members of the American Conifer Society (ACS), who live in SE Michigan (Wayne, Oakland and Washtenaw Counties) will open their private gardens for a 2014 Fall Color and Conifer Tour on Saturday & Sunday, October 18-19. These are not just conifer gardens; these are EXCEPTIONAL GARDENS. The owners are all passionate collectors of outstanding ornamental plants, and artfully use conifers in their designs. The gardens range in age from 20 to 50 years and 3 have never been open to ACS members before. The tour is FREE, but limited to American Conifer Society members (who may bring one guest). To become a member of the ACS and pre-register you can use the ACS website (conifersociety.org) or contact the National Office (763-657-7251). Advance Registration is required by Oct. 10. Specifics on the gardens will be provided after registration. Annual ACS Household Membership (1-2 persons) is $38/yr and includes these exclusive benefits: • 4 issues of Conifer Quarterly per year • Access to ACS Website members’ only area • Invitations to ACS Annual National Meeting & ACS Regional events • Opportunity to purchase Collector Conifer of the Year plants, and go on International Gardening Trips hosted by the ACS
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H Overwintering Bulbs & Tender Perennials Sat, Oct 11, 10am, Troy & Noon, Pontiac. At Telly’s. $5. Register: www.tellys.com. H Pond Winterization Sat, Oct 11, 10-11am, Milford. At The Pond Place. Learn to clean & winterize your pond. www.pondplace.com.
M-59 (Highland Rd.)
Hughes Rd.
October H Plant Care: Tips on Dividing Sat, Oct 4, 10am, All Locations. At English Gardens. FREE. Fall is a great time to divide perennials & prune plants. Learn what needs to be done now before winter sets in. www.EnglishGardens.com.
Quality Plants for Dedicated Gardeners
Laston Rd.
Growing with Master Gardeners Conference Sat, Sep 27, Dearborn. By MGAWC at UM-Dearborm. For gardeners of all skill levels. www.mgawc.org, 734-786-6860. H The Art of Bonsai Sun, Sep 28, 10am-4pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. $3. Exhibits, classes, bazaar. 517-431-2060. Bonsai Auction & Pot Luck Sun, Sep 28, 2pm, Troy. By 4 Seasons Bonsai Club at Telly’s Greenhouse. Acquire everything from trees, pots, tools, books & more. www.FourSeasonsBonsai.com.
Pinckney Rd.
H Fall Color in Containers Sat, Sep 20, 10am, All Locations. At English Gardens. FREE. Freshen up containers with new varieties of coldtolerant annuals & perennials. Info on designing, planting & maintaining outdoor containers. Also how to combine varieties. www.EnglishGardens.com. Herb & Gourd Fest Sat, Sep 20, & Sun, Sep 21, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. Learn to use chives, oregano, turmeric & lemon verbena while sampling food. www.meijergardens.org. Nature Tales: A Nutty Tale Sat, Sep 20, 10-11am, Ann Arbor. At Leslie Science & Nature Ctr. $4/child. Hands-on, nature-themed pursuits for children that include live animal visits & an outdoor activity. 734-997-1553. H Fairy Garden “Make & Take” Sat, Sep 20, 11am-Noon, Chelsea. At Garden Mill. $25. Come in & build a beautiful garden any fairy would be thrilled to call home. Register: 734-475-3539, www.thegardenmill.com. Exotic Plant Show & Sale Sat, Sep 20, 10am-4:30pm, Ann Arbor. By MI Cactus & Succulent Society/SE MI Bromeliad Society at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. FREE. 248-380-7359. H Ornamental Grass Sat, Sep 20, 10am, Troy & Noon, Shelby. At Telly’s. $5. Register: www.tellys.com. Farm & Gardens Fall Fair Sat, Sep 20, 10am-3pm, Novi. At MSU Tollgate Edu. Ctr. FREE. Family fun on the farm. Children’s crafts, hayrides, entertainment & more. www.tollgate.msu.edu, 248-347-3860. H Terrarium Class Sat, Sep 20, 9:30am-11:30am, Waterford. At Oakland County Market. This terrarium will teach kids what plants need to thrive & survive. 248-858-5495. H Algae & Weed Control Sat, Sep 20, Noon-1pm, Milford. At The Pond Place. Learn the methods of controlling algae & weeds in small lakes & large ponds with clay bottoms. 248-889-8400. H Composting Sun, Sep 21, 1-3pm, Detroit. By Detroit Farm & Garden. FREE. Learn basics of home composting: what to put in the pile, how to manage the pile & how to troubleshoot. 313-655-2344. H Ornamental Grass Sun, Sep 21, Noon, Pontiac. At Telly’s. $5. Register: www.tellys.com. Hosta Production from Tube to Truck Mon, Sep 22, 7pm, Birmingham. By Metro Detroit Hosta Society at First United Methodist Church. Presented by C.H. Falstad from Walter’s Gardens. Hgold2843@comcast.net H Sassy Salsas, Sweet & Savory Thu, Sep 25, 6:30pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $5. Register: www.tellys.com. H Hayrides Begin! Fri, Sep 26, through Oct 30, Grosse Ile. At Westcroft Gardens. Fri & Sat: 7-11pm, Sun: 7-10pm. Come visit the oldest farm in MI. www.westcroftgardens.com, 734-676-2444. The Gardens of Mackinac Island Fri, Sep 26, 10am, Rochester. By Meadow Brook Garden Club at Meadow Brook Hall. $5. Jack Barnwell discusses gardening on Mackinac Island by horse & bicycle. 248-364-6210. H Spring Blooming Bulbs Sat, Sep 27, 10am, Shelby & Noon, Pontiac. At Telly’s. $5. Register: www.tellys.com. H Brick Pavers, Wall & Steps Sat, Sep 27, 10am, Washington. At Rock ‘N’ Rocks. FREE. Rain or shine. 586-752-4900. H Planting Spring-Flowering Bulbs Sat, Sep 27, 10am, All Locations. At English Gardens. FREE. Overview of different bulbs & tips on proper planting techniques & care. Learn basics of designing a bulb garden. www.EnglishGardens.com.
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Michigan Gardener | September/October 2014 | MichiganGardener.com
continued from previous page H Putting Your Garden to Bed Sat, Oct 18, 10am, All Locations. At English Gardens. FREE. Learn what needs to be done this fall so your garden will be off to a blooming start next spring. www.EnglishGardens. com. H Conifer Tour Sat, Oct 18, & Sun, Oct 19. SE MI. By American Conifer Society at 6 private gardens. FREE, but limited to American Conifer Society members (plus 1 guest). Gardens feature outstanding ornamental plants & artful use of conifers. To beome a member: 763-657-7251, www.conifersociety.org. See ad on page 19 in Sep/Oct issue of Michigan Gardener. H Birdfeeder Sat, Oct 18, 9:30am-11:30am, Waterford. At Oakland County Mkt. Using cardboard paper rolls, honey & birdseed, kids will make a birdfeeder to take home. 248-858-5495. Captivating Combinations Sat, Oct 18, 9am-1pm, Waterford. By MSU ExtensionOakland at Oakland Co. Exec. Office. $20. Explore the basics of successfully combining plants. Register: 248-858-0887. African Violet Event Sat, Oct 18, 10am-4pm, Ann Arbor. By Michigan State African Violet Society at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Display, sale, & experts on hand. LynnAllen0413@comcast.net. H Pumpkin Day at The Garden Mill Sat, Oct 18, 11am-2pm Chelsea. At Garden Mill. FREE. We’ll supply pumpkins & decorating tools, you supply imagination. Supervised children ages 3+. www.thegardenmill.com. H Winter Squash Sat, Oct 18, 8:30am-Noon, Waterford. At Oakland County Mkt. Learn about different varieties of hard shelled squash & how to prepare them. 248-858-5495. H Pond Winterization Sat, Oct 18, 10-11am, Milford. At The Pond Place. Learn to clean & winterize your pond. www.pondplace.com. H Pumpkin & Gourd Art Workshop Sat, Oct 18, 10am, Troy & Pontiac, & Noon, Shelby. At Telly’s. $5, plus cost of materials. Register: www.tellys.com. Fall Clean-Up Sun, Oct 19, 1-3pm, Detroit. By Detroit Farm & Garden. FREE. How to put your garden to bed, while keeping winter interest & food for birds. 313-655-2344.
Gardening for Bees & Other Pollinators Fri, Oct 24, 10am-11:30am, Rochester. By Meadow Brook Garden Club at Meadow Brook Hall. $5. Prof. Rufus Isaacs speaks on the current status of honey & bumble bees. 248‑364‑6210. H Holiday Decorating Tips Sat, Oct 25, 10am, All Locations. At English Gardens. FREE. Learn about this holiday season’s hottest colors & decorating trends. www.EnglishGardens.com. H Succulent Container Garden Workshop Sat, Oct 25, 10am, all locations. At Telly’s. $5. Register: www.tellys.com. H Kid’s Event: Halloween Party Sat, Oct 25, 11:30am, All Locations. At English Gardens. FREE. Come dressed in your Halloween costume & bring a pre-decorated pumpkin for judging in our annual contest. www.EnglishGardens.com. Techniques Workshop Sun, Oct 26, 2pm, Troy. By 4 Seasons Bonsai Club at Telly’s Greenhouse. Must-see techniques for beginners-experts. Bring your own tree & tools. www. FourSeasonsBonsai.com. H Halloween Hayrides Mon, Oct 27, to Thur, Oct 30, 7-10pm Grosse Ile. At Westcroft Gardens. Come visit the oldest farm in MI. www.WestcroftGardens.com, 734-676-2444. Rare & Unusual Plants Mon, Oct 27, 7pm, Birmingham. By Metro Detroit Hosta Society at First United Methodist Church. Presented by Don Rawson. Hgold2843@comcast.net
November H The Year in Review Thu, Nov 6, 6:30-9pm, Farmington Hills. By APG at Spicer House. $10. Open forum sharing what was learned over the past growing season. 248-375-9233. H Ladies Night Out Fri, Nov 7, 6-9pm, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. www.HeavenlyScentHerbFarm.com 36th Annual Craft Sale Fri, Nov 21, & Sat, Nov 22. Fri, 9am-8pm & Sat, 9am-5pm, Royal Oak. At First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak. Admission: can of food for Salvation Army. 248-544-0242. Bonsai Pots & Display Stands Sun, Nov 23, 2pm, Troy. By 4 Seasons Bonsai at Telly’s Greenhouse. Todd Renshaw presents a demo on finding the perfect pot & stand. Winter care discussion. www. FourSeasonsBonsai.com.
Over 60 booths • Weekly live entertainment In Partnership with
Take I-96 to exit 137. Go north to Grand River Avenue. Make a right one block to State Street. Hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce 517-546-3920
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Highland • Ace Hardware • Colasanti’s Produce & Plants • Five Star Ace Hdwe • Fragments H One Stop Landscp Supp Holly H Rice’s Garden Ornaments Howell H Howell Farmer’s Mkt H Specialty Growers • Wilczewski Greenhses Imlay City H Earthly Arts Lake Orion • Lake Orion Lawn Ornaments H Orion Stone Depot H Wojo’s of Lake Orion Leonard H Yule Love It Lavender Farm Livonia • Ace Hardware (5 Mi/ Middlebelt) • Ace Hardware (6 Mi/ Newburgh) • Bushel Mart • George’s Livonia Gard • Superior Grwrs Supp • Valley Nurs Macomb • Ace Hardware • Altermatt’s Greenhse • Boyka’s Greenhse • Deneweth’s Gard Ctr H Elya’s Village Gard • Landscape Source • Olejnik Farms Midland • Dow Gardens Milford • Ace Hardware H The Pond Place Monroe H The Flower Market New Baltimore H Meldrum Bros Nurs New Boston H Gorham & Sons Nurs H Grass Roots Nurs • Mums the Word New Hudson H Milarch Nurs North Branch H Campbell’s Greenhses • Oldani Landscp Nurs Northville • Begonia Bros • Begonia Bros (near downtown) • Gardenviews Novi • Ace Hardware • Glenda’s Gard Ctr H Wild Birds Unltd Oak Park • Ace Hardware • Four Seasons Gard Ctr Oakland H Piechnik’s Garden Gate Ortonville • Country Oaks Landscp Supp II H Wojo’s Greenhse
Owosso H Everlastings in the Wildwood Pinckney • Ed Bock Feeds & Stuff Plymouth • Backyard Birds • Lucas Nurs H Plymouth Nurs • Plymouth Rock & Supp • Rock Shoppe • Sideways • Sparr’s Greenhse Pontiac • Goldner Walsh Gard/Home Redford H Pinter Flowerland • Seven Mi Gard Ctr Rochester • Casual Concepts • Fogler’s Greenhse H Haley Stone • Sherwood Forest Gard Ctr Rochester Hills • Ace Hardware H Auburn Oaks Gard Ctr H Shades of Green Nurs H Wild Birds Unltd Romulus H Kurtzhal’s Farms H Schoedel’s Nurs H Schwartz’s Greenhse Roseville • Dale’s Landscp Supp • World Gardenland Royal Oak • Ace Hardware • Billings Lawn Equip H English Gardens • Frentz & Sons Hdwe • La Roche • Manus Power Mowers H Wild Birds Unltd Saginaw H Abele Greenhse & Gard Ctr Salem Twp H Willow Greenhses Saline • Junga’s ACE Hardware H Nature’s Gard Ctr • Saline Flowerland Shelby Twp H Diegel Greenhses H Hessell’s Greenhses • Maeder Plant Farm • Potteryland H Telly’s Greenhse South Lyon • Ace Hardware • Hollow Oak Farm Nurs • Stone Depot Land Supp Southfield • 3 DDD’s Stand • Eagle Landscp & Supply • Lavin’s Flower Land • Main’s Landscp Supp Southgate H Ray Hunter Gard Ctr St Clair Shores • Ace Hardware • Ace Hardware (Harper/13 Mi) • Circare • Greenhouse Growers • Hall’s Nurs • Soulliere Gard Ctr
Sterling Hts • Decor Statuette H Eckert’s Greenhse • Flower Barn Nurs • Prime Landscp Supply Stockbridge • Gee Farms Sylvan Lake H AguaFina Gardens Interntl H Detroit Garden Works Taylor H Beautiful Ponds & Gard • D&L Garden Ctr H Massab Acres H Panetta’s Landscp Supp Trenton • Carefree Lawn Ctr • Keck Hardware Troy H Telly’s Greenhse • The Home & Gard Shop H Uncle Luke’s Feed Store Utica • Dale’s Landscp Supp • Stone Scape • Weingartz Warren • Beste’s Lawn & Patio • Garden Center Nurs H Young’s Garden Mart Washington • Landscape Direct • Miller’s Big Red Greenhse H Rocks ‘n’ Roots • United Plant Ctr Waterford • Ace Hardware • Breen’s Landscp Supp • Jacobsen’s Flowers Waterford H Merrittscape West Bloomfield H English Gardens • Planterra • Whole Foods Westland • Ace Hardware H Barsons Greenhses • Bushel Stop • Joe Randazzo’s Nurs • Merlino’s Bushel Ctr • Panetta’s Landscape Supp • Stempien’s Landscape Supply White Lake H Bogie Lake Greenhse H Mulligan’s Gard Ctr • Sunshine Plants Whitmore Lake H Alexander’s Grnhses Williamston • Christian’s Greenhse Wixom • Angelo’s Landscp Supp H Brainer’s Greenhse Ypsilanti • Coleman’s Farm Mkt • Lucas Nurs • Margolis Nurs • Materials Unlimited • Schmidt’s Antiques
Classified Ads POISON IVY – We get rid of it! That’s all we do. Call us—we are experts at identifying and removing poison ivy from your property, from single homes to large parks. Licensed and Insured. Poison Ivy Control of Michigan. Call Toll-Free 844-IVY-GONE (489-4663). www. poisonivycontrolofmichigan.com. GARDEN SPEAKER AVAILABLE for your club or group. Well-traveled garden writer does garden presentations & travelogues. This active collector gardener can speak on many subjects. Experienced to present at Garden Ctr open houses & conferences. For presentation list, biography, fee & references, contact Julia Hofley at Julia@juliasbiglife.com. 248-4972674. Find me on Facebook.
Hidden Lake Gardens BOTA N IC A L G A R DEN & A R BOR ET U M
THE ART OF BONSAI BONSAI SHOW & ART INSPIRED BY BONSAI
Sunday, September 28, 10am-4pm Displays • Art Exhibits Bonsai supplies • Lecture
Abbott’s Landscape Nurs..........18 ACS Fall Color & Conifer Tour..................................19 Aguafina Gardens Intnl................11 Alison in the Garden......................10 Assoc. of Prof Gardeners............13 Auburn Oaks Gard Ctr..................11 Barson’s Greenhouse...................21 Beauchamp Lawn & Landscape..........Inside Frt Cover Bloom! Garden Ctr........................23
Blossoms.............................................13 Bogie Lake Greenhouses............15 Bonide................Inside Back Cover Contender’s Tree/ Lawn Specialists....Inside Frt Cover Detroit Garden Works...................5 Eckert’s Greenhouse.......................6 EcoChic Landscape Design......20 English Gardens..................... Page 3 The Flower Market........................20 Fraleigh’s Landscape Nurs..........20 The Garden Mill...............................18 Garden Rhythms.............................12
A Garden Space.................................7 The Greenhouse Catalog...........14 Haley Stone Supply..........................8 Hidden Lake Gardens...................21 Howell Farmer’s Market............20 Matthaei Botanical Gdns..............8 Mich Nurs/Landscp Assoc...........19 Milarch Nursery..............................10 Mulligan’s Garden Ctr..................14 Oakland Cty Market......................10 Orion Stone Depot.........................12 Piechnik’s Greenhouse..................7 Plymouth Nursery..........................15
Schuman Lndscp Lighting..........12 Shades of Green Nursery...........13 Specialty Growers..........................19 State Crushing..................................14 Steinkopf Nursery............................9 Stone Cottage Gardens.................9 Telly’s Greenhouse..........................4 Tropical Treasures............................6 Uncle Luke’s Feed Store...............13 Van Atta’s Greenhouse..............23 The Weed Lady................................11 Westcroft Gardens........................18 Wojo’s....................................................5
FALL FOLIAGE FESTIVAL
Saturday, October 4, 11am-3pm
October is fall foliage month at Hidden Lake Gardens. Come see our stunning display of fall colors!
755 Acres of Gardens and Natural Areas Flower Gardens • Plant Conservatory • Hosta Hillside • Dwarf Conifers Picnic Area • Lake • Hiking Trails • Weddings and Tours by appointment 6214 Monroe Rd. (M-50) in Tipton • 8 Miles W. of Tecumseh
517-431-2060 • hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu • OPEN DAILY
The Job. The Traffic. The Errands. Now you can come home and relax with a splash!
US OUT: Your Pond Headquarters
HUGE selection of garden mums SEMINAR:
Winterizing your pond Check our website for dates and times
Advertiser Index
NEED A HAND? Call “The little gardener that could.” 15 yrs experience at Botanical Gardens. FREE Estimates. Pat: 586-214-9852, agardenspace.com. ADVERTISING SALES REP – Michigan Gardener has a part-time opportunity available. Advertising sales experience is preferred. Please forward your resume to: publisher@ MichiganGardener.com. MICHIGAN GARDENER E-NEWSLETTER Sign up for our free e-newsletter! We send out a few each year, and there are contests to win prizes as well. Go to www.MichiganGardener. com and simply enter your e-mail address.
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Ce 34 leb Ye rat ar ing s!
MichiganGardener.com | September/October 2014 | Michigan Gardener
WE STOCK ALL YOUR INDOOR GROWING NEEDS!
Beautiful stone houses for Miniature & Fairy Gardening
6414 N. Merriman • Westland • 734-421-5959 Located between Ford & Warren Roads Check our website for more information: www.barsons.com Join us on Facebook for early notices on sales and events
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Michigan Gardener | September/October 2014 | MichiganGardener.com
A collection of stores and gardens to shop and visit. Please call ahead for hours, as they may vary from season to season.
Columbiaville, Davison
Bay City, Burton, Clio, Gladwin, Midland, Saginaw
North Branch
Lapeer
Emmett Imlay City
Flushing Lennon
Port Huron
Hadley Dryden
Grand Blanc
Flint
Bancroft, Owosso
Lakeport
Metamora
Almont
clinton twp H English Gardens 44850 Garfield Rd, MI 48038 586-286-6100 www.EnglishGardens.com
Fenton
Oxford
Ortonville
Addison Twp.
Orion Clarkston Hartland
White Lake Highland
Holly White Lake Waterford
Howell East Lansing, Fowlerville, Grand Rapids, Haslett, Lansing, Mason, Williamston
Bloomfield Hills Birmingham
West Bloomfield
Walled Lake Wixom Brighton
Rochester Hills
New Hudson South Lyon
Whitmore Lake
Novi Northville
Troy Sterling Hts.
Southfield Oak Park Ferndale
Detroit
Canton
Dearborn Dearborn Wayne Heights
Ypsilanti
Taylor Romulus
Saline New Boston
Tipton
Clinton Twp.
Livonia Redford
Belleville Manchester
Utica
Westland
Ann Arbor
New Baltimore
St. Clair Roseville Shores Madison Royal Oak Heights Warren
Farmington Hills Farmington
Dexter
Macomb
Tecumseh
Brownstown Twp.
Southgate Trenton Grosse Ile
La Salle, Monroe
Eastpointe
Grosse Pointes
brighton
H Beauchamp Landscp Supp Bordine’s Brighton Farmer’s Mkt Cowbell Lawn/Gard Leppek Nurs H Meier Flowerland 8087 W. Grand River, MI 48114 810-229-9430 www.meierflowerland.com H Nature’s Home & Garden Ctr 106 W. Main St., MI 48116 810-224-5577 www.naturesgardencenter.com
brownstown twp
Bruce’s Pond Shop Raupp Brothers Gard Ctr Ruhlig Farms & Gard
burton
Want to advertise your local business in Places to Grow? 2 options: You have 2 options: enhanced listing 4-line listing with your: • Business name • Address • Phone • Website or E-mail
premium listing 4-line listing PLUS highlighting: • Business name • Address • Phone • Website or E-mail
please contact us for info: publisher@ MichiganGardener.com 248-594-5563
H Denotes MG Advertiser
H State Crushing
addison twp
bancroft
almont
bay city
Yule Love It Lavender Farm American Tree
ann arbor
H Abbott’s Nurs Ace Barnes Hardware Downtown Home/Gard H English Gardens 155 N. Maple Rd, MI 48103 734-332-7900 www.EnglishGardens.com H HillTop Greenhse/Farms H Lodi Farms H The Produce Station H Turner’s Greenhse/Garn Ctr Wild Birds Unltd
auburn hills
Drake’s Landscp & Nurs H Haley Stone 3600 Lapeer Rd., MI 48326 248-276-9300 www.haleystone.net
Grand Oak Herb Farm H Begick Nursery & Garden Ctr 5993 Westside Saginaw Rd, 48706 989-684-4210 www.begicknursery.com
belleville
Banotai Greenhse Gardeners Choice H Pinter Flowerland H Zywicki Greenhse
berkley
Garden Central
bloomfield hills Backyard Birds
birmingham H Blossoms 33866 Woodward Ave, MI 48009 248-644-4411 www.blossomsbirmingham.com Plant Station Tiffany Florist
H Walker Farms & Greenhouse 5253 E. Atherton Rd., MI 48519 810-743-0260 www.walkersfarm.com
canton
Canton Floral Gardens Clink Nurs Crimboli Landscp/Nurs H Wild Birds Unltd
cement city
Hallson Gardens
chelsea H Garden Mill 110 S. Main St., MI 48118 734-475-3539 www.thegardenmill.com The Potting Shed
chesterfield
Van Thomme’s Greenhses
clarkston
Bordine’s Country Oaks Landscp I Lowrie’s Landscp H The Pond Source
lennon
flushing
livonia
Masserant’s Feed Store H Flushing Lawn & Garden Ctr 114 Terrace St., MI 48433 810-659-6241 www.unclelukes.com
fowlerville
H Arrowhead Alpines
gladwin
Michigan Koi H Tropical Treasures
H Stone Cottage Gardens 3740 West Willford Rd, 48624 989-426-2919 www.stonecottagegardens.com
clio
grand blanc
H Piechnik’s Grnhse & Gdn Ctr 13172 McCumsey Rd, MI 48420 810-686-9211 www.cliogreenhouse.com
Berkley
Plymouth
Cement City, Chelsea, Grass Lake, Jackson, Stockbridge
Shelby Twp.
Auburn Hills
Sylvan Lake Commerce
Ray
Rochester
Pontiac
Milford
Washington
Oakland
flat rock
columbiaville Hilltop Barn
commerce twp
Backyard Birds Zoner’s Greenhse
davison H Wojo’s Gard Splendors 7360 E. Court St., MI 48423 810-658-9221 www.wojos.com
dearborn
Fairlane Gardens
dearborn heights H English Gardens 22650 Ford Rd, MI 48127 313-278-4433 www.EnglishGardens.com
detroit
Allemon’s Landscp Ctr H Detroit Farm and Garden 1759 21st St., MI 48216 313-655-2344 www.detroitfarmandgarden.com H Eastern Market 2934 Russell St., MI 48207 313-833-9300 www.detroiteasternmarket.com
dexter
H Bloom! Gard Ctr Dexter Mill H Fraleighs Landscape Nursery 8600 Jackson Rd., MI 48130 734-426-5067 www.fraleighs.com
eastpointe
Ariel’s Enchanted Gard H English Gardens 22501 Kelly Rd, MI 48021 586-771-4200 www.EnglishGardens.com Semrau Gard Ctr
farmington
Backyard Birds
farmington hills
Angelo’s Landscp Supp Farmer John’s Greenhse Loeffler Stone Ctr H Steinkopf Nurs
fenton
Bordine’s
H The Weed Lady 9225 Fenton Rd., MI 48439 810-655-2723 www.theweedlady.com
grass lake Busy Lizzies
H Designs by Judy Florist & Grenhse 3250 Wolf Lake Rd., MI 49240 517-522-5050 www.designsbyjudyflowers.com
grosse ile
H Westcroft Gardens
grosse pointe
Allemon’s Landscp Ctr Meldrum & Smith Nurs
grosse pointe woods H Wild Birds Unltd
hadley
Bushel Mart George’s Livonia Gard Superior Growers Supp Valley Nurs
macomb
Altermatt Greenhses Boyka’s Greenhse Deneweth’s Garden Ctr H Elya’s Village Gardens Landscape Source Joe Randazzo’s Nurs Olejnik Farms Wade Nurs Wiegand’s Nursery
manchester
McLennan Nurs
mason
H Wildtype Nurs
metamora
Gilling’s Nurs
milford
Milford Gardens H The Pond Place
monroe
H The Flower Market
new baltimore
H Meldrum Bros Nurs
new boston
H Gorham & Sons Nurs H Grass Roots Nurs Mums the Word
new hudson
Deneweth’s Garden Ctr
H Milarch Nurs 28500 Haas Rd., MI 48165 248-437-2094 www.milarchnursery.com
haslett
north branch
highland
northville
Le Fleur Décor
hartland
Christian’s Greenhse H Van Atta’s Greenhse Colasanti’s Produce/Plant Fragments Highland Garden Ctr H One Stop Landscp Supp
holly
H Rice’s Garden Ornaments
howell H Howell Farmer’s Mkt Dwntn Howell @ State & Clinton Sts. 517-546-3920 www.howell.org/19.html Penrose Nurs H Specialty Growers 4330 Golf Club Rd., MI 48843 517-546-7742 www.specialtygrowers.net Wilczewski Greenhses
H Campbell’s Greenhouses Oldani Landscp Nurs Begonia Brothers Gardenviews H Willow Greenhouses
novi
Glenda’s Gard Ctr Stone City H Wild Birds Unltd
oak park
Four Seasons Gard Ctr
oakland H Piechnik’s Garden Gate 1095 N. Rochester Rd., MI 48363 586-336-7200 www.cliogreenhouse.com
ortonville
Country Oaks Landscp II
jackson
H Wojo’s Greenhse 2570 Oakwood Rd., MI 48462 248-627-6498 www.wojos.com
lake orion
H Everlastings in Wildwood
imlay city
H Earthly Arts Greenhse The Hobbit Place Lake Orion Lawn Orn H Orion Stone Depot H Wojo’s of Lake Orion 559 S. Lapeer Rd, MI 48362 248-690-7435 www.wojos.com
Gerych’s Flowers/Gift H Heavenly Scent Herb Farm
lapeer
ferndale
la salle
Casual Modes Home/Gard Green Thumb Gard Ctr
Krupps Novelty Shop
H Iron Barn Gard Ctr Fowler’s Gift Shop
owosso oxford
Candy Cane Xmas Trees Oxford Farm/Gard
plymouth
Backyard Birds Graye’s Greenhse Lucas Nurs H Plymouth Nursery 9900 Plymouth Rd., MI 48170 734-453-5500 www.plymouthnursery.net
MichiganGardener.com | September/October 2014 | Michigan Gardener
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w w w . b l o o m - g a r d e n s . c o m
BLOOM! Plymouth Rock Rock Shoppe Sparr’s Greenhse
pontiac
Goldner Walsh Gard/Home H Telly’s at Goldner Walsh 559 Orchard Lake Rd., MI 48341 248-724-2300 www.tellys.com
ray
Van’s Valley Greenhse
redford
H Pinter Flowerland Seven Mi Gard Ctr
rochester
Fogler’s Greenhse Sherwood Forest Gard Ctr
rochester hills H Auburn Oaks Garden Ctr 3820 W. Auburn Rd, MI 48309 248-852-2310 www.auburnoaksnursery.com Bordine’s H Haley Stone 3975 S. Rochester Rd., MI 48307 248-852-5511 www.haleystone.net H Shades of Green Nurs H Wild Birds Unltd
rockwood
Marsh Greenhouses Too
romulus
Block’s Stand/Greenhse H Kurtzhals’ Farms H Schoedel’s Nurs H Schwartz’s Greenhouse 30705 Sibley Rd., MI 48174 734-753-9269 www.schwartzgreenhouse.com
roseville
Dale’s Landscp Supp World Gardenland
royal oak
Billings Lawn Equip H English Gardens 4901 Coolidge Hwy, MI 48073 248-280-9500 www.EnglishGardens.com H Wild Birds Unltd
saginaw H Abele Grnhse & Garden Ctr 3500 Wadsworth Rd., MI 48601 989-752-5625 www.abelegreenhouse.com
saline H Nature’s Garden Ctr 6400 E. Michigan Ave., MI 48176 734-944-8644 www.naturesgardencenter.com Saline Flowerland
shelby twp
Diegel Greenhses H Hessell’s Greenhse Maeder Plant Farm Potteryland H Telly’s Greenhouse 4343 24 Mile, MI 48316 248-659-8555 www.tellys.com
south lyon
Hollow Oak Farm Nurs Stone Depot Landscp Supp
southfield
3 DDD’s Stand Eagle Landscp/Supp Lavin’s Flower Land Main’s Landscp Supp
southgate
H Ray Hunter Gard Ctr
st clair shores Hall’s Nurs Soulliere Gard Ctr
sterling heights
Decor Statuette H Eckert’s Greenhouse 34075 Ryan Rd., MI 48310 586-979-2409 www.eckertsgreenhouse.com
H Barson’s Greenhse 6414 N. Merriman Rd., MI 48185 734-421-5959 www.barsons.com Bushel Stop Panetta’s Landscp Joe Randazzo’s Nurs H Bogie Lake Greenhouses 1525 Bogie Lake Rd., MI 48383 248-887-5101 www.bogielakegreenhouses.com H Mulligan’s Landscp & Gard Ctr Sunshine Plants
stockbridge
wixom
H AguaFina Gardens Itntl 2629 Orchard Lake Rd., MI 48320 248-738-0500 www.aguafina.com H Detroit Garden Works
taylor H Beautiful Ponds & Gardens 20379 Ecorse, MI 48180 313-383-8653 www.skippysstuff.com D&L Garden Ctr H Massab Acres H Panetta’s Landscp Supp
tecumseh
Mitchell’s Lawn/Landscp
trenton
Carefree Lawn Ctr
troy H Telly’s Greenhouse 3301 John R Rd., MI 48083 248-689-8735 www.tellys.com H Uncle Luke’s Feed Store 6691 Livernois Rd., MI 48098 248-879-9147 www.unclelukes.com
utica
Dale’s Landscp Supp Stone City
walled lake
H Suburban Landscp Supp
warren
Beste’s Lawn/Patio Supp Garden Ctr Nurs H Young’s Garden Mart
washington
ypsilanti
Coleman’s Farm Mkt Lucas Nurs Margolis Nurs Materials Unlimited Sell Farms & Greenhse
Gardens to Visit ann arbor H Matthaei Botanical Gardens/ Nichols Arboretum 1800 North Dixboro Rd., MI 48105 734-647-7600 www.mbgna.umich.edu
bloomfield hills H Cranbrook Gardens 380 Lone Pine Rd., MI 48303 248-645-3147 housegardens.cranbrook.edu
dearborn
Arjay Miller Arboretum at Ford World HQ Henry Ford Estate
detroit
Anna S Whitcomb Conservtry
dryden
Seven Ponds Nature Ctr
east lansing
H MSU Horticultural Gardens W.J. Beal Botanical Gard
emmett H Sunny Fields Botanical Park 5444 Welch Rd., MI 48022 810-387-2765 www.visitsunnyfields.org
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Applewood
grand rapids
grosse pointe shores
H Edsel & Eleanor Ford Hse
lansing
Cooley Gardens Dow Gardens
west bloomfield
Tollgate Education Ctr
westland
Artman’s Westland Nurs
Make us your our Destination.
Customer Appreciation Day! Sunday, Oct. 5
Music • Food Seminars Sales
Van Atta’s has one of the largest selections of garden accents, trees, garden toys, annuals, shrubs and perennials in Southeastern Michigan. We grow an enormous variety of perennial species and cultivars. There’s a good chance we have that one plant you’ve been searching for or the garden ornament that will set your yard apart. Come on out and stroll our grounds. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll find, as well as the friendly service and expert advice you will receive.
midland
wayne
Planterra
Valid Oct 2014 - Mar 2015
H Brainer’s Greenhse Angelo’s Landscp Supp Milford Tree Farm
waterford
H English Gardens 6370 Orchard Lake Rd, 48322 248-851-7506 www.EnglishGardens.com
1885 Baker Rd, Dexter, MI • 734-426-6600
10% OFF
Christian’s Greenhse
flint
Artman’s Nurs
Award Winning Landscapes
williamston
Landscp Direct Miller’s Big Red Greenhse H Rocks ‘n’ Roots Hoffman Nurs H Merrittscape H Oakland County Market 2350 Pontiac Lake Rd., MI 48328 248-858-5495 www.DestinationOakland.com
FALL/WINTER LANDSCAPE DESIGN
whitmore lake
H Alexander’s Greenhses
sylvan lake
Unique Plants • Water Gardens • Garden Art & Gifts • • Landscape Design •
white lake
Flower Barn Nurs Greenhouse Growers Prime Landscp Supp Gee Farms
garden center
novi
royal oak Detroit Zoo
tipton H Hidden Lake Gardens 6214 Monroe Rd. (M-50), 49287 517-431-2060 www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu
Van Atta’s Greenhouse & Flower Shop Family owned and operated since 1980
9008 Old M-78 • Haslett, MI • 517-339-1142 www.vanattas.com • Open year round
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Michigan Gardener | September/October 2014 | MichiganGardener.com
Designing an Outdoor Room
Photos by Elemental Design Landscape Contracting
Brick pavers are a popular choice for patios.
Photos by Elemental Design Landscape Contracting
This space incorporates many outdoor room elements: patio, grilling area, firepit, pergola, and more.
W
hat is the difference between an “outdoor room” and your typical patio or deck? It could be as simple as your intentions for the space, but generally an outdoor room is conceived with a particular set of activities in mind, and finished in a more elaborate fashion than a basic outdoor gathering space. The term was coined in architect Christopher Alexander’s A Pattern Language, a beautiful and interesting book about the creation of space and the natural patterns that have evolved over the centuries that we have been creating them. The general idea is that form follows function and the use of a space. Its attractiveness and aesthetics are greatly informed by its layout and elements. The idea of a room is enclosure, so an outdoor room has some sense of boundaries—being a destination and a place to be in and of itself. That all may sound a bit heady if you are just thinking, “Should I build a patio with an
outdoor kitchen, or will a pergola enhance my back deck?” But it is a good idea to stop and reflect on why you are considering this, what the purpose of the space really is, how many people will use it, and how it relates to the house, architecture, and the rest of the yard. My favorite projects are ones where the design brings a space to life for the people that use it. I think one of the best examples in my recent work is a modest lot on Ann Arbor’s Old West Side. A young couple asked us to do a design for them Traven because they had a tiny patio in an Pelletier unmanageable and unusable small backyard that was dominated by a large tree and many overgrown beds. The design removed the tree, opened up a new and spacious French door entrance in and out of the dining room, and created a large patio space with a pergola dining area in one corner. A fence cre-
ated an outer boundary, but was softened by a few perimeter planting beds inside the fence, which made the entire space feel contained. This safely enclosed area created a space for the young children to play, allowed the adults a place to relax and also to easily come and go from the house for meals and entertaining. Using this project as a model, here is a simple recipe for planning your own outdoor room: Find a location not too far from, or adjacent to, the house, where you think you will enjoy spending time. Spend some time there over a few weeks during different periods of the day or evening to see how it feels during these various times. Tip: the place should not be too busy or noisy. Browse some outdoor design websites (www.houzz.com is a good one) or garden and home magazines and collect some im-
Outdoor room elements This list will get your creative juices flowing Having fun with your concept is really important—thinking of color, texture, and the various elements involved will allow you to brainstorm freely about the project. Here is a small list of possible items to help you get started: garden wall, perennial border bed, pillars, trellis screen, evergreen screen, pergola, screened porch, shade sail, sitting area, dining table, outdoor couch, firepit, formal fountain, reflecting pool, grill area, outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, fireplace, container garden, kitchen garden, herb pots, cutflower border… The possibilities are as boundless as your imagination—get inspired!
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This outdoor living space extends across the entire length of the house.
A shade sail provides sun protection and is an alternative to a traditional pergola structure. ages of outdoor spaces you like. Look for plant textures and colors, as well as wall, pillar and trellis elements. Create a palette of ideas that you like. Mark out the space in the yard if need be. Perhaps its already an existing deck or patio that you are building onto; in this case, simply measuring is sufficient. Get a scale that fits the surrounding architecture and your needs. Hire a designer to work with (for this and the next 3 steps) or put pen to paper (or mouse to the software program of your choice) to lay out the space in a rough form. Start choosing materials and elements that define the space, a pergola, an outdoor kitchen, sitting arrangements, etc. Work with them in scale to make sure that the elements flow and fit, giving you the room you need to relax and or entertain in. Create a finished design based on these elements that outlines the space and its use with a comprehensive materials and fixtures list that lets you budget and plan the actual project. Generally at some point, unless you are an ambitious and dedicated do-it-yourselfer, you will involve a professional of some sort. DeSince outdoor rooms are likely to be used at night as well, remember landscape lighting as a design consideration.
pending on your approach, it can be helpful to do this from the start to help with the budgeting and logistics of the project. As the outdoor room concept becomes more popular, homeowners are investing a bit more in their outdoor spaces for entertainment and relaxation. They are creating some really amazing and beautiful places to unwind and enjoy nature right in their own backyards. I invite you to take a new look at your deck, patio or main outdoor space with a fresh eye and create the outdoor room of your dreams.
Traven Pelletier is the owner of Bloom Garden Center and lead designer at Elemental Design. An artist and designer at heart, Traven has worked in the landscape industry since 1995 with a primary focus on highly creative landscape/art installations. His design/ build installation company specializes in custom outdoor woodwork, stonework, and water features, as well as gardens of all sizes and types. The creative team has won multiple design/build awards for their installations and their new retail garden center in Dexter, Michigan is becoming a new destination for unique plants, garden art, and water gardening.
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Michigan Gardener | September/October 2014 | MichiganGardener.com
Fall containers are all about the change of the seasons, from the summer to the fall. Every gardener has no end of plants— annual, perennial, and woody—to plant in their containers in the fall. Every gardener has the option of endowing their fall containers with the natural materials available from the harvest. continued from back cover bleached stems are beautiful in pots throughout the fall. Boxwood or hydrangeas in pots are beautiful from the early spring until late fall. The plants available at your local garden center for fall containers are many. Chrysanthemums—I will confess I so appreciate them late in the year. I select plants in tight bud in early October for my containers. Given cooler temperatures, I can count on them for 6 weeks or better. Many growers have ornamental kale and cabbage for sale in the fall. The forms and colors are beautiful. The size and scale of these plants make them a fall favorite. Large pots need big plants. Many growers feature fall asters in large sizes. Wait until the temperatures go lower to purchase and plant. A pot of asters in a container will remain in bloom for many weeks, given cooler overnight temperatures. And, of course, many nurseries grow pansies in large sizes for fall pots. Cooler fall temperatures also mean container plants will not grow P h oto g r a p h s by D e b o r a h S i lv e r so quickly. Select the biggest plants available, and plant them close. A great fall container is so much about the harvest—abundance. Be generous in the size and numbers of your selections. A fall container overflowing with plants is a fall garden condensed into a small, aboveground space. Fall is the perfect opportunity to include dwarf evergreens in your fall containers. A note of caution: Evergreens that are hardy in the ground are not necessarily hardy in pots. Plants in pots, for all intents and purposes, have their roots above ground. In my experience, hostas, daylilies, boxwood, mugo pines, some junipers, and serviceberries (Amelanchier) are winter hardy in pots. If you have a question about the hardiness, heel your fall container evergreens into the ground for the winter. They will be waiting for your call—the following fall. I feel quite sure that your local garden centers have no end of plants—perennial, seasonal, and evergreen—that could grace your fall containers. Shop lots of places on a day when you have time to think through your fall container designs.
Two color tones greet guests in this elegant front door welcome.
Size and scale ideas Fall containers need special attention given to the issue of proper scale. The plants in fall pots do not grow so much. The temperatures are cool and growth will be slow. This means I am willing to include natural cut materials, preserved materials, and branches as centerpieces in my fall pots. A centerpiece of materials can be cut from your garden: maturing grass stems, branches, and dry perennial stems, zip tied around a bamboo stake set deep into your pot. This makes a bouquet from the proceeds of the harvest. Plant all around your centerpiece with plants that favor the fall weather. Perennial stems that dry beautifully include echinacea seed heads and acanthus. Look at your fall perennial garden for other ideas. It does not hurt to try anything that might be harvested for your fall pots. My favorites for natural and cut materials for fall pots? Cut
These fall harvest items are attached to a sturdy bamboo pole with zip ties. The pole will be secured in the container to provide height.
This unique pot has purple eucalyptus, dried money plant (Lunaria), bittersweet branches with red and yellow berries, and pansies.
MichiganGardener.com | September/October 2014 | Michigan Gardener
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This window box is packed full of ornamental kale, cabbage, grass, pansies, pumpkins, and more.
The bright silver leaves of Cirrus dusty miller, with Angelina sedum trailing out of the front.
The leaves have fallen and the temperatures have too, but these containers still look spectacular with dried grass, corn stalks, and hydrangeas, as well as ornamental cabbage for a pop of color.
broom corn, preserved eucalyptus, Japanese fan willow, and yellow twig dogwood branches. We have been known to create centerpieces from the skeletal remains of roadside weeds that are sturdy enough to stand up in fall pots. The remains of butterfly weed seed heads are gorgeous in fall pots. Dried thistle stems are great in fall pots—just be sure you shake the seeds into a plastic bag, and dispose of them. This weed is a terrible nuisance once it takes hold in the garden. The dry and seedfree stems are beautiful in shape and form. Fall containers are all about the change of the seasons, from the summer to the fall. Every gardener has no end of plants—
annual, perennial, and woody—to plant in their containers in the fall. Every gardener has the option of endowing their fall containers with the natural materials available from the harvest. The summer is not our only gardening season. We have three others. The fall is next up. Should you plant your containers for fall? Just my opinion, but oh yes! Gardening is year-round. My advice? Represent your garden in the fall as much as you do in the spring. Or the summer. Or the winter. Great container plantings reflect and keep pace with all of the seasons. One after another. When the time comes, plant for fall.
Deborah Silver formally studied English literature and biology, and later worked as a fine artist in watercolor and pastel. A part-time job in a nursery began her career in landscape and garden design. Since 1986, Deborah Silver and Co. has designed and installed landscapes and gardens that combine her thorough knowledge of horticulture with an artist’s eye for design. Deborah owns Detroit Garden Works, a retail store devoted to fine garden ornament and specialty plants. Follow her journal at deborahsilver.com/blog.
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Michigan Gardener | September/October 2014 | MichiganGardener.com
T. batalinii ‘Bright Gem’
T. clusiana ‘Peppermint Stick’
T. clusiana ‘Cynthia’
T. clusiana var. chrysantha ‘Tubergen’s Gem’
MichiganGardener.com | September/October 2014 | Michigan Gardener
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Species Tulips F
all is upon us and fall is bulb planting time. The enormous selection of spring-blooming bulbs offers our gardens a diverse and beautiful choice that can last from the last days of winter to the first days of summer. Among the perennial bulbs, tulips provide the broadest selection of colors and forms. But not all perennials are created equal. Like other perennials, some tulips will come back year after year (“perennialize”); others may only provide flowers for one season. There are several cultural factors that affect a tulip’s ability to return year after year; some of these include sunlight, fertility, drainage, and planting depth. But the most important factor in getting a tulip to become more perennial is selecting the right kind. Among the hundreds of tulips available, many are the products of hybridization. Breeders have developed tulips with desirable traits such as vibrant colors, large flowers, unique flower forms, and even interesting foliage. In this process, however, a tulip’s ability to perennialize has been a lower priority. However, there are other, non-hybrid tulips P h oto s co u r t e sy J o h n S c h e e p e r s F lo w e r B u l b s w w w. j o h n s c h e e p e r s .co m
T. humilis ‘Albocaerulea-oculata’
Like many species tulips, T. bakeri will tolerthat are the same as those found in the wild. ate partial shade where its colors may be less We call these species tulips. Species tulips and faded by the bright sun. Tulip batalinii ‘Bright their close relatives are some of the most peGem’ features soft yellow flowers flushed rennial and beautiful tulips available. with orange, above narrow, grey-green leaves Tulips are native to a region that extends on plants that grow 6 to 12 inches tall. It typifrom northern Africa to southern Europe and cally flowers late April to early May. Asia. They thrive in full sun and well-drained The lady tulip or T. clusiana features white soil. The inhabitants of these regions have the petals brushed with red on the outside. The privilege of seeing species tulips blooming in inside is pure white with a purple unspoiled areas such as meadows base from which the pronounced or hillsides. Of the dozens of species dark anthers emerge. Flowers open that are growing naturally in these wide and flat in the sun. T. clusiana areas, several are in cultivation and is native to Afghanistan and grows hardy enough to benefit the Michi8 to 12 inches tall. T. clusiana ‘Lady gan gardener. These are the tulips Jane’ is one of the most graceful that can most easily return year after of all tulips. The exterior color of year despite their delicate appearthe petals is rosy-red with white ance. Each spring, for a few weeks, margins, while the interior color is a small clump of blooming species George white. The overall effect is a strong tulips can remind us of nature’s pure Papadelis resemblance to a candy cane. Origiand unenhanced perfection. nally from Iran and Afghanistan, it grows 10 Species tulip plants to 14 inches tall. T. clusiana ‘Peppermint Stick’ Tulip bakeri (aka tulip saxatilis) is native to is very similar to ‘Lady Jane’ but with slightly the mountains of Greece. The glowing pink more elongated petals. All T. clusianas sport flowers have a prominent yellow center and narrow leaves and may produce several flowyellow anthers on plants that grow 8 to 10 ers per bulb. Some cultivars such as ‘Cynthia’ inches tall each May. ‘Lilac Wonder’ is the continued on next page bakeri cultivar that is most readily available.
T. humilis ‘Persian Pearl’
Species Tulips Botanical name: Tulipa (TOO-li-pah) Plant type: Perennial bulb Plant size: Species tulips are generally 4 to 12 inches tall Habit: Clusters Hardiness: Zone 3, 4, or 5, depending on the species Flower color: Wide range of colors and combinations Bloom period: Early to late spring Light: Full sun Soil: Well-drained Uses: Natural drifts, rock gardens, front of perennial borders Remarks: Species tulips perennialize better than hybrid tulips. Well-drained soil is important to prevent the bulbs from rotting.
T. linifolia
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Michigan Gardener | September/October 2014 | MichiganGardener.com
T. sylvestris
T. turkestanica
continued from previous page or ‘Tubergen’s Gem’ have pale yellow interiors to their flowers. One of the earliest-blooming tulips is tulip humilis (aka T. pulchella). Its flowers can appear as early as late March. There are several cultivars available in colors ranging from white to red to purple with centers of either yellow or purple. Most have pointed petals and flowers that open by day and close at night. Plants are usually from 3 to 6 inches tall. T. humilis ‘Albocaerulea-oculata’ produces unique flowers of white with a deep blue purple base. T. humilis ‘Persian Pearl’ has deep rose petals with electric yellow bases. Tulip linifolia is a Central Asian native only growing 3 to 4 inches tall. It produces red flowers with a jet black base in May. Tulip ‘Little Beauty’ (probably T. hageri) has rosyred petals with a blue-purple base edged in pink: a truly unique color combination. It grows 4 to 6 inches tall and blooms in May. Tulip ‘Little Princess’ (a cross between T. hageri and T. aucheriana) has deep orange petals with a black base edged in yellow on plants 4 to 6 inches tall. This one also blooms in May. Tulip sylvestris has sweetly scented, yellow flowers that are produced in small clusters from each bulb. They are pendant in bud, but stand erect when the flowers open. These grow about 10 inches tall and bloom late April to early May.
T. ‘Little Beauty’ and ‘Little Princess’
T. tarda (dasystemon)
The first species bulb I ever planted was T. tarda. I planted it under an apricot tree about 25 years ago. The apricot died a few years later and was replaced with a different tree. At its base, the 4-inch tall, distinct yellow and white flowers of T. tarda still return each late April. The bulbs of this extra-tough plant can spread slowly like a groundcover. It is interesting to think that a tulip can be planted and then enjoyed by multiple generations with virtually no care at all.
Tulip turkestanica has mostly white flowers with yellow bases. The April flowers close at night and whenever the sky grows dark. This central Asian native produces multiple flowers per bulb on plants growing 6 to 8 inches tall.
Planting tips Like other tulips, species tulips provide the best show when planted in masses. Digging one larger area rather than a single hole for
each bulb can make this process easier. Rich, organic soil that is well-drained will help prevent bulbs from rotting in extra wet weather. When well-drained soil is available, planting your tulips extra deep will make them more perennial: 2 or 3 inches deeper than recommended will do. Always plant tulips using a bulb fertilizer, which should be incorporated into the soil below the bulb (where the roots will grow) when planting. Select the largest bulbs you can. Tulips can be planted as late as November but keep in mind that September/October is better gardening weather. Also note that bulbs displayed at your local garden center for several months will desiccate to a certain degree while they are sitting in their bags/boxes. Buying early and refrigerating your bulbs until you can plant them will give you the best selection and optimize the bulbs’ moisture content. Once planted, species tulips can last for decades. An early application of bulb fertilizer each spring can help your tulip colony remain vigorous. Established colonies can be divided and replanted once they have bloomed and the foliage has died back. Avoid removing the green leaves of tulips when they have finished blooming, as they continue to create food that feeds and strengthens the bulb. George Papadelis is the owner of Telly’s Greenhouse in Troy, Shelby Township and Pontiac, MI.
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| September/October 2014 | MichiganGardener.com
Refresh your containers for the autumn season Explore garden centers for many types of plants, and your own garden for creative harvest materials Ornamental kale and cabbage anchor this rich burgundy and purple theme.
A striking feature can be created with no live plants at all. Here, pumpkins, ornamental grass blooms, and eucalyptus branches.
The fall gardening season in struggling come late August. I never Michigan is rich and varied. It is the take this personally. This summer season of the harvest, but also a time season has been decidedly on the to plant anew. Fall is a great time to cool side. Many seasonal plants are plant trees, shrubs, and perennials. of tropical origin—they like the heat. The Michigan fall promises the posThe weather of every summer seasibility of cooler temperatures and son is different. As long as I have a more regular rain. Introducing new plan to plant or refresh containers plants into the landscape in the fall for fall, the day those summer contakes advantage of weather perfect tainers need to be replanted is a welfor establishing new plants. Perencome day. The pleasure of planting nials planted at the end of September containers is all about the chance to will represent the following spring replant and try something new. as a second-year plant, though they Michigan has four seasons, each have barely been in the ground for of which last just about 3 months. 6 months. The fall season is also an Once the summer season comes to opportunity to rescue or replace a close, I am interested in refreshing summer container plantings that are or re-imagining my container plantwaning. ings in tandem with the change of Why would a gardener plant conthe seasons. tainers in the fall? An empty conPlants for fall containers tainer is about as forlorn a garden Some container plants are happy look as I could imagine. I like my planted in a pot in early summer, pots full, year-round. Given the inand go on to shine long into the fall. credible range of plants available to A list of long/multi-season plants is Bleached and dyed dried twigs create a strong a gardener from spring through the different for every gardener. I would vertical exclamation point as well as a fall, there is no need for any pot to sit recommend keeping a journal, or color contrast to dark foliage. empty. Some containers have to be taking pictures. A smart gardener stored for the winter. But weatheris a gardener that learns from every experience. proof pots on a front porch or at the back door plantSome summer container plantings can be refreshed ed for the fall season continue to say welcome, long with the addition of plants that relish the fall temafter the summer is past. peratures and less intense light. In my containers, No matter the weather, I invariably see a change I find that petunias, trailing verbena, Cirrus dusty in container plantings come Labor Day. Those conmiller, Persian Queen geraniums, and Tuscan kale tainer plantings that sallied on throughout the summake the transition from summer to fall with ease. mer season may tire in early fall. On the other hand, Ornamental grasses, both big and small, are terrific my less-than-scientific theory is that if I wait for the container plants. Even as the grasses mature, the soil to warm in the spring, and plant my containDeborah ers in June, they will have the energy to persist into Silver continued on page 26 September. That said, some years the containers are