Michigan Gardener - November / December 2012

Your guide to Great Lakes gardening a November/December 2012 a MichiganGardener.com

plant focus

Concolor fir

how-to Identify and control vole damage birds Winter birding in your garden

Please thank our advertisers in this issue

houseplants Clean the air in your home janet’s journal Plants on the wish list

Scent Christmas Decorate Your Home for the Holidays Enjoy the of

Area’s largest selection of fresh Christmas decorations • Fresh-cut trees: Fraser Fir & Noble Fir • Evergreen wreaths, swags & door charms: nearly 20 varieties, including decorated styles from the P. Allen Smith Holiday Collection • Fresh bundled greens: 16 varieties • Fresh garland: 6 varieties, 20 and 60-ft rolls, cut to length • Holiday Potted Evergreens: in decorative red pots • Custom-Designed Evergreen Porch Pots, hanging baskets & kissing balls • Remember your loved ones with fresh memorial wreaths & grave blankets MICHIGAN’S BEST: NURSERY • GARDEN CENTER • FLORIST • LANDSCAPING • PATIO SHOP • SEASONAL CHRISTMAS CENTER Ann Arbor 734-332-7900

Brighton 810-534-5059

A Michigan Family Business Since 1954 Clinton Township Dearborn Heights Eastpointe 586-286-6100 313-278-4433 586-771-4200

Royal Oak 248-280-9500

West Bloomfield 248-851-7506

Award-Winning Landscape Services: 248-874-1400

www.EnglishGardens.com

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter

Christmas

OPEN HOUSE Visit Our Christmas y Holida ion at Stores Inspir s at Start e’s! Today!

Bordin

Twinkling lights, glittering ornaments, colorful ribbon, artfully decorated wreaths, sparkling glass, aromatic candles and more! The sights and sounds of the holidays are sure to inspire you! From our breathtaking designer Theme Trees to holiday decor and gifts for everyone, we have it all! We GUARANTEE that you will leave our Christmas Store filled with Holiday Cheer!

Come experience the difference for yourself...you will leave feeling HAPPY, JOLLY, MERRY, CHRISTMAS!

Nov. 3rd & 4th

25% OFF

Entire Christmas Selection Sales Valid Nov. 3rd & 4th Only!

Collect Christmas Cash

From Nov. 9th to Dec. 2nd, you will receive $5.00 in Christmas Cash for every $50.00 you spend* *Net of discount and coupons

Redeem Your Christmas Cash Dec. 7th, 8th & 9th!

Visit our website for store hours!

w w w. b o r d i n e s . c o m ROCHESTER HILLS................... 1835 S. Rochester Rd .................. 248-651-9000 CLARKSTON ............................. 8600 Dixie Highway ..................... 248-625-9100 BRIGHTON ................................ 6347 Grand River Ave ...................517-552-9300 GRAND BLANC (Bordine’s Farm) ... Closed for Season.................Re-Opens in April 2013

Customers love our incredible selection during spring, summer and fall. Ditto for

The Holidays.

At Telly’s, we are fully stocked for the holiday season.

Let us impress you with our year-round dedication to superior selection, quality, and service.

Holiday Workshops All classes are at the Troy location.

Pre-registration required.

HOLIDAY GREENS ARRANGING FOR INDOORS & OUTDOORS Saturday, December 1, 10am Learn how to use our enormous selection of greens and accents to create a beautiful arrangement.

HOLIDAY SWAG WORKSHOP Saturday, December 8, 1pm In this hands-on workshop, participants will make a beautiful, handtied swag and then embellish it with our beautiful holiday décor.

HOLIDAY OUTDOOR ARRANGEMENT WORKSHOP Saturday, December 8, 10am Welcome guests to your home with a beautiful outdoor arrangement of long-lasting fresh greens. Bring your own container or choose one of ours. Use our beautiful holiday accents, pinecones, boughs, bows, ribbons and more.

REGISTER ONLINE AT TELLYS.COM OR CALL 248-689-8735. Workshop fee is $5 plus cost of materials used.

Please bring your own pruners.

4

Michigan Gardener | November/December 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com

contents November/December 2012 To-Do List...................................................................6 Ask MG.......................................................................8 Where to pick up Michigan Gardener............10 Advertiser Index....................................................10 Vegetable Patch......................................................11 Houseplants............................................................12 Books for the Michigan Gardener.................13 Weather Wrap.......................................................14 Subscription Form................................................14 Calendar....................................................................14 Bulk Subscriptions................................................15 Places to Grow.......................................................16 Birding........................................................................17 Classified Ads.........................................................17 Gift Subscriptions.................................................17 Plant Focus: Concolor fir....................................18.

From December to March, there are for many of us three gardens: the garden outdoors, the garden of pots in the house, and the garden of the mind’s eye.

—Katherine S. White How To: Identify and control vole damage....20 Thyme for Herbs...................................................21 Janet’s Journal.....................................Back Cover On the cover: Concolor firs have beautiful upward-curving needles in shades ranging from bluish green to silvery blue.

Photo: Eric Hofley/Michigan Gardener

To Our Readers...

Fresh-cut Christmas Trees Come see the finest variety of fresh-cut Christmas trees including: Fraser Fir • Nordmann Fir • Scotch Pine • White Pine Blue Spruce • Concolor Fir • Noble Fir • Grand Fir • Balsam Fir

Holiday Décor • Miles of fresh roping • 1000's of poinsettias in many sizes & colors • Dazzling “painted” poinsettias in every color of the rainbow • Custom-created wreaths and centerpieces • Memorial blankets created daily with that personal touch • Dozens of unique gift ideas for the holidays • Telly’s Gift Cards for that special gardener on your list • Christmas cactus, flowering plants, paperwhites, & more!

5 OFF any purchase of $50 or more

$

Not valid for gift certificates. One coupon per customer. May not be used in conjunction with any other coupon or offer. Expires December 24, 2012.

Please look for the next issue of Michigan Gardener in April, 2013.

We want to extend a big thank you to our advertisers for making Michigan Gardener available FREE to our readers. We have published Michigan Gardener, your local gardening magazine, for 17 years with their support.

Please visit our advertisers and purchase their products and services. When doing so, please let them know you saw their ad in Michigan Gardener. They will greatly appreciate that feedback.

We launched the Michigan Gardener E-Newsletter this year and it received rave reviews. Have you signed up yet? It’s free! Simply visit our website at MichiganGardener.com and enter your e-mail address.

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

Thank you and see you in the spring!

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

TROY - 248-689-8735

Editorial Assistant Carrie MacGillis

3301 John R–1/4 mile north of 16 Mile

SHELBY TWP - 248-659-8555 4343 24 Mile btwn Dequindre & Shelby Rd.

HOURS (Nov. 1-21): Mon-Sat 9-6, Sun 10-5 Thanksgiving Day: Open – Please call for hours (Starting Nov. 23): Mon-Sat 9-8, Sun 10-6

Garden Wisdom

find us on

www.tellys.com

Contributors Karen Bovio Cheryl English Mary Gerstenberger Julia Hofley Rosann Kovalcik Janet Macunovich Steve Martinko Beverly Moss Steven Nikkila George Papadelis Sandie Parrott Jean/Roxanne Riggs Jim Slezinski Lisa Steinkopf Steve Turner Joseph Tychonievich

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 7 issues per year: April, May, June, July, August, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec. Published the first week of the mo.

Subscriptions (Please make check payable to Michigan Gardener) 1 yr, 7 iss/$15 2 yr, 14 iss/$28 3 yr, 21 iss/$37 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, 7 iss/$22 US 2 yr, 14 iss/$42 US Copyright © 2012 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.

the

Gardenviews Christmas Store will delight and inspire you!

• 8 Themed Trees with styles from classic to contemporary • Gorgeous, no-maintenance holiday greens: a complete line of silk & artificial wreaths, garlands, florals and more • An assortment of Fiberstone statuary, birdbaths, benches & planters • Nostalgic little figurines and houses by Bethany Lowe • Candles from Trapp, Voluspa and Illume • Woodstock windchimes Need ideas?

Bring your camera • Realistic flame effect LuminaraTM candles to snap photos and • Exquisite lamps & clocks plus much more! get your creative juices flowing!

117 E. Main St.

Right in the middle of downtown Northville!

248-380-8881 www.gardenviewsinc.com

garden • gift • home • holiday

find your inspiration here!

christmas

open house weekend November 2nd, 3rd & 4th We invite you to the unveiling of our 2012 Holiday Collection. Our designers have traveled the world to bring back the finest selection of holiday decorations & giftware to create the spirit of Christmas in your home.

SAVE 20% on all artificial floral stems, tree skirts & stockings, holiday ornaments (excluding Radko & Mattarusky), holiday giftware (excluding fragrances), & holiday ribbon.

Our entire selection of pre-lit trees are priced 40% to 50% off the regular price.

Mon-Sat 10-5 • Sun 12-5

PRINCESS PARTY November 10th at 11 a.m. - COST: $5

LADIES FUNDRAISING EVENT November 16th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. - COST: $5

FEATHER & BERRY PORCH POT WORKSHOP

We help gardeners become professionals.

Join us and we will show you how to make a living doing what you are passionate about!

November 17th at 10 a.m. - COST: $45

EGYPTIAN GLASS BLOWING EVENT November 24th at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. & 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. - COST: FREE

FRESH PORCH POT WORKSHOP November 24th at 10 a.m. - COST: $35

TWILIGHT WALK November 30th from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. - COST: FREE

The Year in Review

ELVIN & THE REINDEER December 1st from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - COST: FREE

KIDS HOLIDAY WORKSHOP

Thursday, November 15, 2012, 6:30-9pm

December 1st at 11 a.m. - COST: $5

“The Year in Review” is an open forum where we share what we learned over the past growing season and discuss the gardening successes and problems that occurred (i.e. spring rains, hot summer, great/poor performing plants, etc.). Come join fellow enthusiastic gardeners for this lively, educational evening at the Spicer House in Farmington Hills.

December 8th at 2 p.m. - COST: $3

MAGIC SHOW

SANTA & ELVIN APPEARANCES

Sat, March 2, 2013: 15th Annual APG Conference. Please contact us for details!

November 25th, December 2nd, 9th, 16th, & 23rd, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. - COST: FREE

Guest fee: $5. Please contact us for more information about our substantive lectures and programs, as well as membership.

Visit our website, facebook page or call for event details.

47747 Romeo Plank Road | Macomb, Mi 48044

Web: www.associationofprofessionalgardeners.org Email: thegardener@comcast.net Phone: Gail Morrell at 248-828-2978

(586) 286-3655 586.286.3655

47747 Romeo Plank Road | Macomb, MI 48044

www.wiegandsnurser y.com www.wiegandsnurser y.com

Arts & Greens Holiday Artists Market

Musicians, Authors, Workshops, and more!

Featuring Huron Valley Council for the Arts Saturday, Nov 17, 9am-5pm / Sunday, Nov 18, 10am-5pm

Visit us for all your holiday decorating needs:

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

6

Michigan Gardener | November/December 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com

to-do list General Tasks • Take notes of what worked and what didn’t.

Those notes will be helpful when planning for next year.

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

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

Container Gardens

Auburn Oaks

• If possible, empty container gardens of soil and bring them into the garage. If that’s not possible, be sure to raise them off the ground so water flows through them easily.

Cover with burlap and then plastic. Another option is to turn them upside down. The goal is to try to stop the soil from expanding when the water in it freezes, so the pots don’t crack.

• Use the containers this winter and fill them with evergreen branches, lights and ornaments. It’s helpful to keep the soil in the container to use as a base for securing the branches and trim.

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

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

Roses

248-887-5101 1525 Bogie Lake Rd. / White Lake www.bogielakegreenhouses.com

Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5 Sat 9-5 Sun 11-3 Holiday Hours (starting Dec 1st) Mon-Fri 8-6 Sat 9-5 Sun 10-5

1-1/2 Miles S. of M-59 Across from Lakeland H.S.

GARDEN CENTER

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

$5.00 OFF

$2.00 OFF

$2.00 OFF

EXPIRES 12-16-12 / WITH COUPON / NO LIMIT

EXPIRES 12-16-12 / WITH COUPON / NO LIMIT

EXPIRES 12-16-12 / WITH COUPON / NO LIMIT

Full Size Memorial Blankets

$2.00 OFF Memorials

Fresh Evergreen Wreaths

$5.00 OFF

Cedar—White Pine Garland

20% OFF

Pillow or 1/2 blanket

Fresh Cut Christmas Trees (Reg. Price $25 and up)

Any One Regular Priced Holiday Item

EXPIRES 12-16-12 / WITH COUPON / NO LIMIT

EXPIRES 12-16-12 / WITH COUPON

EXPIRES 12-16-12 / WITH COUPON

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

• Roses should be going dormant now, so wait to winterize them until it stays cold.

Winterizing isn’t done to keep roses warm, but to help keep the soil temperatures consistent. Winterize too soon and roses may think it’s time to grow. Other parts of the country may prune their roses down now, but for us, it’s better to leave canes longer.

Save hard pruning for the spring to remove any winter dieback. Roses die from the top down, so save as much on top as possible.

• Do not prune climbers or old-fashioned garden roses until after their first flush in spring.

• Remove any diseased foliage and discard it.

Do not compost it or there could be a possible re-infection next year. Reduce fungus problems by using a late season application of fungicide on the plant and on the ground one foot out from the plant.

• Rose cones and burlap are used to hold the protective mulch around plants over the winter. Cut the tops off rose cones and add quarter-sized air holes, so plants don’t overheat. Before using burlap, use a saw to cut the entire roll to the right height. Cutting the entire length to the right height with

Feature Task: Winterizing your garden Winterizing this fall will get your garden off to a good start in the spring.

The most important step: Keeping plants watered until the ground freezes, usually mid-December.

Leaves falling from the trees are often called “gardener’s gold.” They make terrific mulch for all plants. Keeping a layer of leaves on the beds will keep weeds down. Plus, as the leaves compost next spring, they’ll provide great nutrients for the soil. Mulch the leaves from oak and maple trees into the lawn to prevent weeds next spring.

Fall is a great time to plant, including preparing beds for spring planting.

Amend soil with organic material, cut new beds, and rototill the soil where required so it’s ready for spring planting.

Annual and vegetable beds should be cleared out. Keep any perennial herbs intact. Most debris can be added to the compost pile, unless there was a problem with disease or insects. Perennials can be pruned down to 3 or 4 inches.

Keep fall bloomers, like sedum, grasses and black-eyed Susan, intact to provide great winter interest. your scissors could be a pain in your hand.

Then install stakes, staple gun the burlap to the stakes, and fill with compost, leaves or mulch to about 6 inches deep. Be sure to put the mulch down after the soil is cool.

Trees & Shrubs • Keep watering trees and shrubs until the ground freezes, usually until mid or late December. Through the winter, even if the soil is frozen above, plants can access water below the freeze. Be sure to disconnect the hose from the faucet each time you water, just in case there is a hard freeze.

• Evergreens and broadleaf evergreens lose moisture to the wind throughout the winter. Apply an anti-desiccant to plants to keep them from drying out. Apply as late as possible, but while the temperature is still above 40 degrees. Re-apply in late winter, when we have a warm spell, because the product wears off in about six weeks. It is especially important to use on broadleaf evergreens to help reduce the stress from Michigan’s winter winds. A burlap tent is also helpful to cut the wind. If you have plants on the south or west side of the house that need protection, consider using both methods.

www.MichiganGardener.com | November/December 2012 | Michigan Gardener

• Prepare trees and shrubs for winter by pruning any dead wood, or rubbing and crossing branches.

• If you plan to move any shrubs or small trees in the spring, prepare them for the move now. Dig a circle around the plant with your shovel, just like you were going to dig it out. But leave the plant in place and water thoroughly with a dose of rooting or planting fertilizer. The shrub will spend the winter growing roots in that circle and next year when it’s moved, it will have many more roots, thus transplanting much better.

• Stake newly planted trees and shrubs, and apply tree wrap on any bushes or trees that wildlife might feed on.

• If you’re worried about plants after a heavy snow or ice storm, gently remove the snow or ice from the trees or shrubs. If the ice doesn’t come off easily, let it naturally melt so additional harm is not caused to the tree.

Prune any broken branches immediately so they don’t fall on someone. Also, plants will heal and re-grow better with a clean cut.

Houseplants • The furnace is on more frequently as the temperatures drop, so be careful when placing houseplants near heat vents. Frequently, the side of the pot facing the vent will dry out more quickly than the other side, leading to watering problems.

• Heat vents may also contribute to a spider mite infestation, because these pests attack drought-stressed plants. The warm air from the vent can dry out the leaves a little too much on some plants. Use a vent deflector to decrease the direct contact with blowing air.

• Always check plants before watering.

There’s a lot less sunlight now than during the summer, so plants will need water less frequently than they did before. They’ll also need less fertilizer. You don’t want to promote growth right now, just keep plants healthy. Growth in low light conditions tends to be weaker and more spindly.

• Continue a schedule of systemic granule applications every six weeks for plants that were brought in from the outside. Maintaining a schedule all year will help prevent hard-to-treat problems.

Perennials • Clean out perennial beds. Keep those perennials intact that have seed heads or evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage for winter interest. Some perennials have evergreen foliage with leaves that look good until the snow covers them, and even for a few weeks after the snow melts, including sage, germander, heuchera, hellebores, autumn fern, male fern, Christmas fern, Japanese tassel fern, many sedges, Japanese sweet flag, liriope, wintergreen, plumbago and Stokes’ aster.

• Another option is to add some miniature or dwarf conifers to the garden. They’re a good proportion to mix in with perennials, and a great alternative to totally blank perennial beds each winter.

• Add a new mulch layer as late as possible to help keep the ground cold and protect plants from the frost heave that occurs with Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Provided by the professionals at English Gardens.

Christmas trees Special purchase: Beautiful Fraser Firs, only $29.99

7

Join us for our Holiday/Winter Preview Event • Wreaths & swags • Cedar garlands • Poinsettias All sizes & all colors!

• Christmas centerpieces

Cemetery wreaths Grave blankets

NOVEMBER 8 - NOVEMBER 11 Thursday 5-9pm • Friday & Saturday 9am-5pm • Sunday 12-4pm Beautiful materials for holiday & winter pots Holiday ornament, garland, ribbon & wrap • Custom-made lighting Seasonal topiary sculpture & plants • Great gifts for gardeners Design & installation of winter pots, holiday décor & holiday events

*we can custom decorate for you!

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

1794 PONTIAC DRIVE, SYLVAN LAKE • 248-335-8089 BROWSE OUR COLLECTION AT: WWW.DETROITGARDENWORKS.COM

All Things Bright and Beautiful

8

Michigan Gardener | November/December 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com

ask mg

Come welcome the beauty of the season with us!

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

E SAVe th E DAT

Saturday & Sunday, November 10 & 11 Hors d’oeuvres, live music, inspirational decoration...

Check out our page for workshops, news, and events! facebook.com/theweedladygbw

All natural decorating, Unforgettable gifts, Inspiration for the holidays and beyond!

Call about HOLIDAY DECORATING and WINTERSCAPING for your home: inside and out. You will love your winter landscape!

9225 Fenton Road • Grand Blanc 810-655-2723 www.theweedlady.com

Open all winter— Come see us!

Serving your home and garden year-round!

• Christmas Trees & Holiday Décor • Wreaths • Roping • Holiday greens • Firewood (we deliver!)

• Houseplants • Cut flowers • Full Service Florist (open all winter!)

Bowers Haynes

Adams Rd.

Southfield Rd.

Maple Rd. (15 Mile) Mile

10% OFF

Your entire purchase With this ad • Expires 12-24-12

720 S. Adams • Birmingham, MI 48009 248-593-8484 Follow us on

Positioning hydrangeas properly There are two hydrangeas in a garden I tend. Someone before me was cutting back these two plants and they are now small, very dense, and not producing any flowers. They are located in a very sunny spot.

I was thinking of moving them to a more shady position so they would bloom. Would that be worth the effort? C., Pontiac Whether the plants are big-leaf hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) or panicle hydrangeas (H. paniculata), either plant would benefit from abbreviated sun exposure. Your description of “small and dense” strongly suggests the bigleaf type. Dappled sun for 4 to 6 hours should be sufficient. But light quality is not the only factor when it comes to lack of bloom.

If they burned out in sun and heat, then the previous caregiver may have chosen to cut down the eyesore. The timing of previous prunings may also have removed flower buds.

Also, a late frost as we had this spring would have killed flower buds but not leaf buds.

Consequently several factors are involved.

Make the effort to move them to a less exposed position, making sure the soil is loamy and rich with compost. A site with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal. Remove any dead branch stalks and thin out the plant center for better light and air circulation. No need to reduce height this season.

You may add granular fertilizer but keep the nitrogen proportion low to avoid excessive leaf growth. Big-leaf hydrangeas are pH sensitive, so soil test the new location.

Blue flowers are produced in pH less than 5.5, which indicates a more acidic soil. Pink flowers are produced in pH greater than 6.5, indicating a more alkaline soil. Anything in between, and the flowers are a mixed color.

Keep moisture consistent during the growing season. When spring comes, be mindful of temperatures and cover the plants with cardboard or brown paper to prevent direct contact from bud-killing frosts. The right plant, right place, and right care can make a huge difference between failure and success.

Leaf scorch on oak trees An arborist said my oaks have something called “scorch” and there is no remedy. Can you suggest anything to prolong the life of my beloved oaks? He did say it would take some years for them to die. Do you have any suggestions on how I might help the trees survive? C.M., Mt. Pleasant, MI Oak leaf scorch is caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. Maples, mulberries, sycamores, elms, and hackberries can also serve as hosts. The bacteria live in the xylem of the cambium, the pipeline for resources to the leaves and nutrients to the roots. It is trans-

Have a question?

Send it in!

Go to www.MichiganGardener.com and click on “Submit a question”

mitted by xylem-feeding insects such as leafhoppers, spittle bugs, and treehoppers.

Because this disease is prevalent over so many species, there is considerable research for effective treatments. Rutgers University has developed the bacteria profile. The International Society of Arboriculture and Urban Forestry (ISAUF) has published research on various treatments and their effectiveness.

Penn State University Extension has sifted the information into useable dialog.

Scorch requires several years to kill the trees. Removing infected trees may not prevent the spread because the bacteria are so prevalent in the wild plant population. The ISAUF research offered three treatment methods: 1) root flare soil drench with PBZ, 2) basal trunk application of a surfactant, and 3) antibiotic root flare injections. None of these was a cure. However, results were clear that a springtime injection with the antibiotic oxytetracycline into the tree’s root flares reduced the leaf scorch and delayed summer leaf symptoms and premature leaf drop. Leaf loss removes the food manufacturing ability and the tree starves. All injections should be done by a certified arborist who can properly time the treatment with leaf growth.

As a homeowner, you can extend the longevity of your mature trees by supplying ample water consistently through the growing season and especially during high drought periods. Proper mulching to prevent moisture loss is also critical. Combine this with the antibiotic treatment and you may be able to extend the life of your oaks.

Daturas and toxicity I have frequently found nurseries that sell daturas. Although it grows lovely flowers, I thought this was classified as a poisonous plant. If so, why are they selling it?

B., Plymouth Datura is not hardy in Michigan and is sold primarily as an annual or indoor plant.

A closely related plant is Brugmansia, whose showy trumpets point downward instead of upward like the datura.

Most reputable nurseries have cautionary labels on their plant material if any portion of the plant is poisonous if ingested. That is the key. Because the plants are sold for ornamental and decorative purposes, they are not prohibited from selling them. They are not offered as medicinal or edible plants. Both of these plants also belong to the family Solanaceae, the same family that includes tomatoes, bell peppers, potatoes, eggplants, and petunias.

Persons purchasing daturas or brugmansias are advised that young children and pets

www.MichiganGardener.com | November/December 2012 | Michigan Gardener

need to be watched carefully when around these plants. They are the unwary populations most likely to indiscriminately “taste” plant parts. Fortunately, the bitter taste and repellant aroma often put off any accidental samplings. These plants’ showy tropical blossoms make a dramatic statement in any summer garden, making them a worthwhile spring purchase from the garden center.

Low maintenance groundcovers I need a groundcover that is aggressive and does well in sandy soil (northern Michigan, hardiness zone 5a). We are not there all the time, so it has to do well during dry spells as well. I have tried “snow on the mountain,” which has not done well.

The area faces west, and half of it is shade and the other is part sun. Any suggestions?

K.F., Harbor Springs, MI A mixture of ornamental grasses makes one of the best groundcovers in sunny, sandy soils that get little to no attention. Fine fescues, such as sheep fescue (Festuca ovina) and hard fescue (Festuca longifolia) combine well to form the bulk of your planting. Canada wildrye (Elymus canadensis) can cover the shady section quickly by stolons and has attractive nodding heads. Another dry prairie grass is sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus) that handles sand or heavier soils. Intersperse native flowering plants, such as barren strawberry (Waldsteinia fragariodes), bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina) for added interest.

To get the plants properly established, it is necessary to rid the space of unwanted plant material; amend the planting holes with a xeriscape soil mix, and water consistently to get the plantings established. Plant in the spring to get the benefit of early season rains. Think about the space you wish to plant and make a planting diagram. Some plants require more basal space than others. Often landowners fear native grasses and flowering species because they do not want to appear “messy.” If you measure your space and create a leisurely but defined path through the plantings, the groundcover “garden” will not look haphaz-

9

ard or weedy. Add cobble rock cairns at one or two intervals along the path to guide the eye of the visitor. It also provides anchors for plant groups and a natural appearance. Once established with upfront care, grasses and natives need little to no maintenance.

Maintaining raspberry bushes Our raspberry bushes are taking over our garden! They are the variety that blooms twice. What is the best time and method to prune them? A.A., Grosse Pointe Farms, MI Fall is the right time to prune and train for a disciplined raspberry season next spring.

After the first killing frost, cut back all canes to 10 to 12 inches in height. Since your bushes bloom and fruit twice during the season, they are an everbearing variety that begins bloom in July and continues until hard frost.

Most raspberry bushes send up underground shoots. Examine your raspberry patch and define where your mounded rows will be. Once determined, clean out shoots in the maintenance paths between by cutting off the runner sprout below ground with a shovel. If the offshoot is large and rooted, you can dig it up and transplant to the established row. Keep about 10 to 12 inches of space around each bush. Once your rows are set, examine each bush and remove any broken or spindly canes.

Leave 3 to 5 primary canes per bush to produce the new season’s first growth. Make sure the site has 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. The soil should be loamy and amended with compost.

Keep water consistent through the growing season and increase during periods of drought.

Use drip lines or weeper hoses instead of overhead sprinkling to direct water to the roots.

To maintain air circulation and maintenance ease, consider a two-wire trellis system, anchored at the ends of the rows. By training and sandwiching the growing canes between the double wires, you increase light exposure and air penetration. This makes for higher fruit yield and reduces conditions favoring disease and insects.

call

“the little gardener that could” 15 Years Experience at Botanical Gardens FREE Estimates

586-214-9852 Pat Www.agardenspace.com

GARDEN RHYTHMS CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPES

n Renovation Specialists n Ornamental Pruning n Maintenance & Redesign n Garden Coaching

Certified Master Gardeners & Designers

248-217-6459

GardenRhythmsGardeningServices.com

Plan for the 2013 shows in Novi Novi Home Improvement Show January 25-27 Novi Home and Garden Show April 5-7

For exhibitor and visitor information, visit www.novihomeshow.com

$5 off purchase of $25 or more Save $5 OFF on your purchase of $25 or more including feeders, hardware and heated bird baths*

Answers provided by Beverly Moss, owner of Garden Rhythms.

*Valid on new purchases only, of regularly-priced items.

One discount per purchase. Excludes sale items, consignment, DSC membership, and gift cards.

Valid until 11-30-12 only at the stores listed below.

Fresh Wreaths & Greens • Seasonal Blooming Plants • Planters Bird Houses, Baths & Feeders • Wind Chimes and Much More!

Join us for Chelsea’s 7th Annual Wine, Women & Shopping on Saturday, November 10, 2012

$10

OFF ANY PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE

Cannot be used with any other offer.

Cannot be used to purchase gift certificates. Expires 12-31-12

110 S. Main • Downtown Chelsea • 734-475-3539 • www.thegardenmill.com

Locations

Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop Canton: 41816 Ford Rd. • 734-983-9130 Grosse Pointe Woods: 20485 Mack Ave. • 313-881-1410 Novi: 47760 Grand River Ave. • 248-374-4000 Royal Oak: 28558 Woodward Ave. • 248-548-2424

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

Fraser Firs - The BEST Christmas tree • Douglas Fir • Spruce • Scotch Pine We hand-pick our trees so you get the BEST of the BEST

Huge selection of wild bird seed & feeding equipment

• Seasoned firewood • Winter plant protection supplies Wilt Pruf, burlap, & more

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

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

organic fertilizers & soil amendments

Uncle Luke’s Feed Store 6691 Livernois, Troy • (1/4 Mile S. of South Blvd.) • 248-879-9147 www.unclelukes.com • Mon-Fri 9-6:30 • Sat 8-6 • Sun 9-5 Visit our 2nd location in Flushing: Flushing Lawn & Garden • 810-659-6241

More of a great thing!

Sign up today for our FREE e-newsletter! Simply visit MichiganGardener.com and enter your e-mail address at the top of the page next to the Michigan Gardener logo.

You will receive a few e-mails each year containing handy tips, events, expert Q&A and much more— all conveniently delivered to your inbox.

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!

www.

.com Updated and Redesigned!

• See current garden events in our Event Calendar

• Find your county MSU Extension contact info in “Garden Help”

• Sign up for our FREE E-Newsletter

• Submit a classified ad to promote your product or service

• Check out Website Extras, bonus material to our print magazine features • Submit your garden event listings

• Learn where you can pick up Michigan Gardener

• Subscribe to Michigan Gardener

• And much more!

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

10

Michigan Gardener | November/December 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com

Look for H Denotes Michigan Gardener advertiser Allen Park • ACO Hardware Almont • American Tree Ann Arbor H Abbott’s Landscp Nurs • Ace Barnes Hardware • Downtown Home & Gard H English Gardens • HillTop Greenhse & Farms • Larry’s Mower Shop • Lodi Farms H Matthaei Botanical Gard H The Produce Station • Turner’s Greenhse/ Gard Ctr • Wild Bird Ctr • Wild Birds Unltd Auburn Hills • ACO Hardware • Drake’s Nurs H Haley Stone H Oakland Community College H State Crushing Belleville • Banotai Greenhse • Gardeners Choice • Hollow’s Landscp Supp • Pinter Flowerland • Zywicki Greenhse Berkley • Garden Central Birmingham • ACO Hardware H Blossoms • MT Hunter • Neighborhood Hdwe H Plant Station • Tiffany Florist • Watch Hill Antiques Bloomfield Hills • ACE Hardware • Coastal Outdoor Living Space Brighton H Beauchamp Landscp Supp H Bordine’s H English Gardens • Main’s Landscp Supp H Meier Flowerland Brownstown Twp • Ruhlig Farms & Gard Canton • Canton Floral Gardens • Clink Landscp & Nurs • Crimboli Nurs • Keller & Stein Greenhse H Wild Birds Unltd Chelsea H The Garden Mill • The Potting Shed Clarkston • ACE Hardware • ACO Hardware H Bordine’s • Country Oaks Landscp Supp I • Lowrie’s Landscp • The Birdfeeder H The Pond Source • Weingartz Clawson • ACO Hardware

at these fine locations: Clinton Twp • ACO Hardware H English Gardens • Michigan Koi • MSU ExtensionMacomb Cty H Tropical Treasures Clio H Piechnik’s Greenhse Commerce Twp • Backyard Birds @ ACE Hardware • Zoner’s Greenhse Davison H Wojo’s Garden Splendors Dearborn • ACO Hardware • Fairlane Gard Dearborn Hts • ACO Hardware H English Gardens Detroit H Detroit Farm & Gard • Detroit Gard Ctr Dexter • Dexter Gard H Fraleigh’s Nurs Eastpointe H English Gardens Farmington • ACO Hardware Farmington Hills • ACO Hardware • Farmer John’s Greenhse • Saxton’s Flower Ctr H Steinkopf Nurs • Weingartz Fenton H Gerych’s H Heavenly Scent Herb Farm Ferndale • Casual Modes Home & Gard Fostoria H Iron Barn Iron Work Fowlerville H Arrowhead Alpines Gladwin H Stone Cottage Gardens Grand Blanc H Bordine’s H The Weed Lady Grand Rapids • Meijer Gardens Grosse Ile H Westcroft Gardens Grosse Pointe • ACE Hardware • Allemon’s Landscp Ctr • Meldrum & Smith Nurs Grosse Pointe Shores H Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Grosse Pointe Woods H Wild Birds Unltd Hadley H Le Fleur Décor Hartland H Deneweth’s Gard Ctr Haslett H Van Atta’s Greenhse Highland • ACO Hardware • Colasanti’s Produce & Plants H Fragments

Advertiser Index Assoc. of Professional Gardeners................5 Auburn Oaks Gard Ctr.......................................6 Barson’s Greenhouse.........................................7 Blossoms.................................................................11 Bogie Lake Greenhouses..................................6 Bordine’s....................................................... Page 3 Detroit Garden Works.......................................7

Holly H Rice’s Garden Ornaments Howell H Howell Farmer’s Mkt • Penrose Nurs H Specialty Growers Imlay City • 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 • ACO Hardware (5 Mi/ Middlebelt) • ACO Hardware (6 Mi/ Newburgh) • Bushel Mart • Superior Growers Supp Macomb • ACO Hardware • Altermatt’s Greenhse • Boyka’s Greenhse H Deneweth’s Gard Ctr • Elya’s Village Gard • Landscape Source • Olejnik Farms H Wiegand’s Nursery Madison Hts • Green Carpet Sod Midland H Dow Gardens Milford • ACO Hardware • Milford Gardens • One Stop Landscp Supp H The Pond Place Monroe H The Flower Market New Baltimore • Meldrum Bros Nurs • Van Thomme’s Greenhses New Boston H Gorham & Sons Nurs • Grass Roots Nurs • Mums the Word New Hudson H Milarch Nurs North Branch H Campbell’s Greenhses • Oldani Landscp Nurs Northville • Begonia Bros H Gardenviews Novi • ACO Hardware H Dinser’s • Glenda’s Gard Ctr • Tollgate Education Ctr H Wild Birds Unltd Oak Park • Four Seasons Gard Ctr 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 H Goldner Walsh Gard/Home Ray • Van’s Valley Grenhse Redford • Pinter Flowerland • Seven Mi Gard Ctr Rochester • Casual Concepts H Fogler’s Greenhse H Haley Stone • Sherwood Forest Gard Ctr Rochester Hills • ACE Hardware • ACO Hardware H Auburn Oaks Gard Ctr H Bordine’s H English Garden Patio Shop • Shades of Green Nurs • Wild Birds Unltd Rockwood H Marsh Greenhses Too Romulus H Kurtzhal’s Farms H Schoedel’s Nurs H Schwartz’s Greenhse Roscommon • The Greenhouse Roseville • Dale’s Landscp Supp • World Gardenland Royal Oak • ACO Hardware • Billings Lawn Equip H English Gardens • Frentz & Sons Hardware • La Roche • Manus Power Mowers H Wild Birds Unltd Saginaw H Abele Greenhse & Gard Ctr Saline • Junga’s ACE Hardware H Nature’s Gard Ctr • Saline Flowerland Shelby Twp • Diegel Greenhses • Eden Gard Ctr H Hessell’s Greenhses • Maeder Plant Farm • Potteryland H Telly’s Greenhse • Third Coast Garden Supp South Lyon • ACO Hardware • Hollow Oak Farm Nurs Southfield • 3 DDD’s Stand • ACO Hardware H Eagle Landscp & Supply • Lavin’s Flower Land • Main’s Landscp Supp Southgate H Ray Hunter Gard Ctr St Clair Shores • ACE Hardware • ACO Hardware (Harper/13 Mi) • Greenhouse Growers • Hall’s Nurs • Soulliere Gard Ctr

Dream Gardens...................................................11 English Gardens................Inside Front Cover The Flower Market.............................................11 The Garden Mill....................................................9 Garden Rhythms..................................................9 A Garden Space....................................................9 Gardenviews..........................................................5 Hidden Lake Gardens.......................................11

Sterling Hts • ACO Hardware • 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 H D&L Garden Ctr H Massab Acres H Panetta’s Landscp Supp Tipton H Hidden Lake Gardens Trenton • Carefree Lawn Ctr • Keck Hardware Troy • ACO Hardware • Maeder’s West H Telly’s Greenhse • The Home & Gard Shop • Tom’s Landscp Nurs H Uncle Luke’s Feed Store Utica • Dale’s Landscp Supp • Stone City • Weingartz Warren H Beste’s Lawn & Patio • Young’s Garden Mart Washington • Landscape Direct • Miller’s Big Red Greenhse • Rocks ‘n’ Roots Waterford • ACO Hardware • Breen’s Landscp Supp • Jacobsen’s Flowers Waterford H Merrittscape Wayne • Artman’s Nurs West Bloomfield H English Gardens H Planterra • Whole Foods Westland • ACO Hardware • Artman’s Westland Nurs H Barsons Greenhses • Bushel Stop • Joe Randazzo’s Nurs • Panetta’s Landscp Supp White Lake H Bogie Lake Greenhse • Mulligan’s Gard Ctr • Sunshine Plants Whitmore Lake H Alexander’s Greenhses Williamston H Christian’s Greenhse Wixom • Angelo’s Landscp Supp • Brainer’s Greenhse Ypsilanti • Coleman’s Farm Mkt • Lucas Nurs • Margolis Nurs • Materials Unlimited • Schmidt’s Antiques

Iron Barn Iron Work...........................................11 Novi Home & Garden Shows.........................9 The Plant Station..................................................8 Telly’s Greenhouse..............................................4 Uncle Luke’s Feed Store..................................10 The Weed Lady.....................................................8 Wiegand’s Nursery.............................................5 Wild Birds Unlimited..........................................9

www.MichiganGardener.com | November/December 2012 | Michigan Gardener

11

Christmas Décor!

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

vegetable patch

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

Planning next year’s vegetable garden

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

8930 South Custer Rd. (M-50) • 5 mi East of Cabela’s on M-50 Monroe, MI 48161 • 734-269-2660 • Find us on See our Bonasi & Water Garden photos at www.FlowerMarketDundee.com

O pe ro n un ye d! ar -

It’s November and the vegetable eaten or something in a different Mary gardening season is rapidly drawcolor. Having vegetables in a variety Gerstenberger ing to a close. Time to clean up the of colors can add a broader range of tools for this year, take a day to rest, nutrients into your diet. and then start planning for next Now is the time to start looking year. Take a look back at what you over the garden catalogs. This year’s grew this past season. Was there catalog and any new catalogs comtoo much of one vegetable and not ing out before the holidays provide enough of another? Get a notepad or many great ideas for gift items for journal, if you don’t already have one, yourself or your gardening friends. and make a note. It is far too easy to Is there a tool available that will forget how much we planted, what make gardening easier for you? went to waste, and what we came up short on Could you use some seed-starting materials? by the time next spring rolls around. Keeping Maybe packets of seeds you would like to try? a journal helps us remember and we can make The winter months are a great time to better use of our garden area each year. choose which varieties of vegetables you plan In a journal it is also a good idea to make on growing next season. Start looking over a note of the vegetable variety or cultivar you the descriptions the catalogs offer. There is grew and whether you liked it or not. Did it always something new and when it comes to have the flavor and texture you wanted? Was vegetables, you should get to know them beit better raw or cooked? Was it easy or diffifore you grow them! cult to grow? Many a time I’ve heard gardenMary Gerstenberger is the Consumer ers talk about what a wonderful tomato or Horticulture Coordinator at the Michigan pepper they grew last season or the season State University Extension in Macomb County, before, but they could not remember its name MI. For gardening information from MSU, so they could plant it again this season. Frusvisit www.migarden.msu.edu. trating!

Don’t forget to include a sketch of where The Macomb County MSU Extension is offeryou planted each vegetable in the garden. ing holiday classes: Next season it will be important to plant • Thursday, November 8, 9:00-11:30 a.m. “A those veggies in a different location. Also, Macomb Green Holiday.” Using greenery in don’t plant veggies from the same family in the home and other environmentally friendly an area where another member of that vegeways to celebrate the holidays. Cost: $5.00. table family was planted the year before. The • Friday, December 7, 1:00-2:30 p.m. “Herbal purpose is to reduce the potential for recurHoliday Gifts.” How to use your herbs in ring diseases. making gifts for the holidays. Cost: $7.00.

As you begin to determine the layout of • For details or to register for either program, your garden for next year, see if there is a litplease call the Macomb MSU Extension tle room to add a vegetable you haven’t tried office at 586-469-6440. before. Maybe something that you’ve never

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

Hidden Lake Gardens BOTA N IC A L G A R DEN & A R BOR ET U M

Evening of Lights: Friday, Nov 30 & Sunday, Dec 2, 5-8pm Holiday Festival: Saturday, Dec 1, 4–8pm

755 Acres of Gardens and Natural Areas

OVER 2000 LUMINARIES DISPLAYED!

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

Dream Gardens, LLC Landscape Design, Installation & Maintenance

Jennifer Blankenship 248-980-8719 jennifer@dreamgardensmi.com www.dreamgardensmi.com Personalized designs with a focus on

sustainability and low environmental impact

FULL SERVICE FLORIST

Iron Work for the Home & Garden

Order your railings NOW!

Hand railings add both safety & beauty to your home’s entrance

• Driveway Gates • Powder Coat Finishing • Restoration • Porch, step, deck & hand rails

6823 N. Lapeer Rd. (M-24) 12 mi. N. of Lapeer Call for winter hours – Appointments welcome

810-358-0010

When You Think Of Flowers...

Think of Blossoms Fresh Flowers & Arrangements Candles • Gifts & Holiday Decorations Let BLOSSOMS deliver your holiday gifts!

JOIN US FOR OUR HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Sunday, November 4, 12-5pm

33866 Woodward at Adams • Birmingham 248.644.4411 • blossomsbirmingham.com

12

Michigan Gardener | November/December 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com

Use houseplants to clean the air in your home P

aint, carpeting, drywall, furniture and has reported that people spend over 90 perelectronics. What do all these things cent of their time inside, where the level of polhave in common? Yes, most likely they lutants can be 2 to 5 times higher than outside. are in your home, but there is something else.

There are two primary forms of indoor air These items are emitting VOCs, or volatile pollution. The first is particle pollution such organic compounds, into the air we breathe. as dust, pollen, animal dander, and smoke.

These chemicals include formaldehyde, benThe second form is gaseous pollutants such as zene, xylene, styrene, and ammonia. How VOCs that are emitted from sources such as can we decrease the levels of these toxic combuilding materials, electronics, dry-cleaned pounds from our breathing space? Buy an exclothing, and aerosol sprays. pensive air cleaner? Empty the house and rip In the early 1980s, NASA conducted tests up the carpeting? Or purchase a few to determine if plants could regrowing air cleaners called housemove toxins from enclosed spaces.

Lisa plants? I’m voting for the latter.

They found that all plants remove Steinkopf After the energy crunch of the the harmful VOCs to some extent, 1970s, buildings were made more but some do it better than others. energy efficient. This involved makHow do they do this? Plants photoing buildings as airtight as possible. synthesize in the light, converting Expensive heat was not escaping, carbon dioxide into oxygen. Duryet fresh air wasn’t coming in eiing this process, the contaminants ther. Wall-to-wall carpeting and are taken in through small holes electronics were more prominent, on the bottom of the leaves, called as well as furniture made of fiberstomata. These are then drawn board, held together by glues and through the plant and into the soil. resins, instead of solid wood. It was found that Microbes in the potting soil or medium get newer products emit higher volumes of VOCs rid of the contaminants. (which, fortunately, decrease as the materiPlants that have a higher transpiration rate, als age). Office workers started to complain or release more humidity into the air, seem to of burning eyes, sore throats, and respirawork best. Palms are great choices, because tory problems, in what became known as sick they transpire more than most plants, espebuilding syndrome, or SBS. Other symptoms cially the areca palm (Dypsis lutescens). There of SBS include allergies and fatigue. The EPA are also special planters that have incorpo-

Flamingo flower (Anthurium andreanum) has beautiful spathes, an added bonus to its air-cleaning ability.

’Limelight’ dracaena is a not only a great houseplant, but it is fabulous as the centerpiece or “thriller” of a summer container planting.

The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) shown here at Kingwood Center conservatory in Ohio has beautiful white spathes, and is a great medium light plant.

rated carbon filters and fans to help the plants remove the VOCs even faster and more efficiently. Plants grown by hydroculture, where plants are grown in an absorbent aggregate and nutrients (not to be confused with hydro-

ponics), also remove VOCs better.

A study done by Washington State University tested the effect of plants on dust particles. By placing plants around the sides of a room, they found that dust particles were reduced by 20 percent. Who, I ask you, is going to say “no” to less dusting chores? Not me!

Dr. Wolverton, of NASA, pioneered these

English ivy (Hedera helix), a popular houseplant, is very effective in removing the toxin formaldehyde.

A ficus tree is a long-lived, classic houseplant.

P h oto s b y L i s a Ste i n kopf

www.MichiganGardener.com | November/December 2012 | Michigan Gardener

studies. He has written two books about this subject, How to Grow Fresh Air and Plants: Why You Can’t Live Without Them. There has been much skepticism about his findings, but more research is being conducted all the time. More and more studies are agreeing with Dr. Wolverton’s research.

In Norway, a study was conducted in 51 offices. After adding plants, it was found that the plants helped lessen health problems of which the office workers were complaining. These findings concluded that fatigue was lessened by 32 percent, headaches by 45 percent, sore/dry throats by 22 percent, and coughs by 38 percent.

Large numbers of plants or plants clustered together help raise humidity. Since plants like the same humidity level as humans (30 to 60 percent), they transpire more if they need to, helping raise the humidity to comfortable levels for them and for humans. Extra humidity helps with respiratory problems and dry skin, especially in the winter months.

Natural Companions: The Garden Lover’s Guide to Plant Combinations

by Ken Druse

Mother-in-law’s tongue is an easy-to-grow and tolerant houseplant. This beautiful and unusual form is Sansevieria kirkii var. pulchra.

Choosing plants All that said, what are the best plants for removing VOCs? Let’s concentrate on the plants that are the easiest to care for, yet still remove a good number of VOCs. These should be readily available to purchase. One of the best plants is the peace lily (Spathiphyllum). It has the added bonus of white flowers. It needs medium light and doesn’t like to dry out.

Another great plant is the rubber plant (Ficus robusta). This is a large-leaved plant and can tolerate lower light levels.

English ivy (Hedera helix) is a great choice and comes in many forms. This is a plant for lower light levels and is suitable for hanging baskets. High humidity is a must to prevent spider mites.

Boston ferns (Nephrolepsis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’) are popular plants. I’ve had mine for over 26 years. It grows in an east window quite happily. Keep up the humidity and never let it dry out.

There are many more plants that will help clean your air: pothos, dracaena, arrowhead plant (Syngonium), dieffenbachia, ficus, snake plant (Sansevieria), spider plant (Chlorophytum), and flamingo flower (Anthurium).

Go buy a few plants and see if your air doesn’t seem cleaner and fresher, and your house more humid and comfortable. Plants also improve moods and relieve stress, but that’s an article for another time!

Lisa Steinkopf, the Houseplant Guru, is from Steinkopf Nursery in Farmington Hills, MI. Contact her to speak at your next club meeting or event (houseplantgurulisa@gmail.com, 734-748-1241).

Read Lisa’s blog (houseplantguru. blogspot.com) and follow her on Facebook (Facebook.com/HouseplantGuru), Twitter (@houseplantguru), and Instagram (houseplantguru).

13

Variegated rubber plant (Ficus robusta) and arrowhead plant (Syngonium) planted together make an attractive indoor pollutionremoving team.

The dieffenbachia seen here at the Phipps Conservatory (Dieffenbachia ‘Camouflage’) is a beautifully patterned foliage plant as are all dieffenbachias.

This fern, a cultivar similar to the Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’), has been cleaning the air in my home for over 26 years.

Natural Companions: The Garden Lover’s Guide to Plant Combinations (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 256 pages, $40.00) presents recipes for plant pairings using species that look great together and bloom at the same time. The book is organized by theme within seasons and the sections have eye-catching titles such as, ”Sweet and sharp,” “The big break-up,” “Amber waves,” and “Circle of light.” Topics include color, fragrance, foliage, grasses, and more. Each combination has an explanation about soil requirements, challenges, pests, climate, plant options and even personal accounts.

Beautiful garden photographs show the plant combinations in a natural setting. Also featured are more than 100 stunning botanical photographs created using modern digital technology.

In addition to being a guide for creating pleasing plant combinations, this book is enjoyable just to skim through. A unique appendix includes a list of edible flowers with descriptions, and the language of flowers, which describes the symbolic message some flowers convey. This splendid coffee table book is a worthy holiday gift candidate for the gardeners on your list.

Decoding Gardening Advice: The Science Behind the 100 Most Common Recommendations

by Jeff Gillman and Meleah Maynard Everyone receives gardening advice from a variety of resources and people. In Decoding Gardening Advice (Timber Press, 224 pages, $16.95) the authors measure 100 of the most common pieces of gardening advice against scientific fact and attempt to sort them into categories such as “helpful” or “just plain wrong.”

If you have wondered if you should follow the spacing advice on plant labels, or if ladybugs really keep other bugs away, then this book will interest you. Areas covered include bulbs, annuals, perennials, edibles, trees, pests, weeds, water, and soil care. The authors use humor to provide dos and don’ts and the reasons why. The various pieces of advice are broken down and examined. Then they are assigned to categories labeled good, debatable, or wrong.

Readers could start at the beginning of the book and enjoy the wide variety of tips and information or they could go straight to the index to look up their specific topic of concern.

Growing Roses in Cold Climates

by Richard Hass, Jerry Olson, and John Whitman This updated edition of Growing Roses in Cold Climates (University of Minnesota Press, 280 pages, $34.95) covers 875 varieties of roses best suited to cold climates, including 175 roses not in the first edition. It covers organic and inorganic solutions to common rose problems, and profiles 12 major classes of roses.

Topics include understanding how roses grow, buying roses, preparing a site, spacing, buying bare root plants, staking, disbudding, winter protection, special problems, and propagation. The individual rose listing is divided into many categories, including climbing, hybrid, miniature, shrub, and tree roses. Various instructions are illustrated with color photographs, showing the step-by-step process for the task at hand.

A tools and supplies list explains what many basic items are used for and why they are needed when working with roses. Two appendices review insect and disease control, and a chronological rose culture checklist.

14

Michigan Gardener | November/December 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com

calendar November / December / January / February / March

Precipitation September 2012

Detroit Flint Lansing

Normal Monthly 3.27 3.75 3.50

Actual Monthly 2.47 2.58 2.88

September 2011

Deviation from Normal -0.80 -1.17 -0.62

2012 Year to Date: Jan 1 - Sept 30

Detroit Flint Lansing

Normal Yr. to Date 25.70 24.31 24.59

Actual Yr. to Date 21.43 24.30 21.59

Deviation from Normal -4.27 -0.01 -3.00

Normal

Actual Monthly 6.28 2.09 2.09

Monthly 3.27 3.76 3.48

Deviation from Normal +3.01 -1.67 -1.39

2011 Year to Date: Jan 1 - Sept 30

Normal

Yr. to Date 25.70 24.31 24.59

Actual Yr. to Date 36.77 33.54 30.55

Deviation from Normal +11.07 +9.23 +5.96

Temperature September 2012

September 2011

Detroit Flint Lansing

Normal Avg. High 73.7 71.9 72.0

ACTUAL Avg. High 74.4 73.7 73.1

Deviation from Normal +0.7 +1.8 +1.1

ormal N Avg. High 73.7 71.9 72.0

ACTUAL Avg. High 72.5 72.1 70.3

Deviation from Normal -1.2 +0.2 -1.7

Detroit Flint Lansing

Normal Avg. Low 54.1 49.4 48.9

ACTUAL Avg. Low 53.7 49.1 50.5

Deviation from Normal -0.4 -0.3 +1.6

ormal N Avg. Low 54.1 49.4 48.9

ACTUAL Avg. Low 56.3 51.5 51.2

Deviation from Normal +2.2 +2.1 +2.3

Data courtesy National Weather Service

Find a garden in your mailbox.

Subscribe for convenient home delivery of Michigan Gardener 7 issues (1 year) – $15

14 issues (2 years) – $28

21 issues (3 years) – $37 BEST VALUE

name address city

state

zip

Would you like to receive our free e-newsletter?

Please indicate your e-mail address:

Canadian subscriptions: 1 year, 7 issues for $22.00 USD / 2 years, 14 issues for $42.00 USD

For information about Public Gardens, please visit MichiganGardener.com.

Click on "Resources" then "Public Gardens."

November 2012 H Christmas Open House Weekend Fri, Nov 2, Macomb. At Ray Wiegand’s Nursery. 586-2863655, www.wiegandsnursery.com.

H Christmas Open House Sat-Sun, Nov 3-4, Metro-Detroit. At 4 Bordine’s locations. www.bordines.com.

H Holiday Open House Sun, Nov 4, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores.

Decorated trees, photos w/ Santa (10am-5pm), caroling, FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Holiday Open House Sun, Nov 4, 12-5pm, Birmingham. At Blossoms. www. blossomsbirmingham.com, 248-644-4411.

Fresh Flower Demonstration Mon, Nov 5, noon, Mt. Clemens. By Mt. Clemens Garden Club at Mt. Clemens Library auditorium. Demo, $5.

Register: 586-263-4891.

Plants That Make You Itch & Twitch Tue, Nov 6, 11:30am, Northville. At Cady Inn, Mill Race Village. 248-348-8123.

The Greening of Detroit: Growing Tomorrow’s Detroit Wed, Nov 7, 7pm, Grosse Pointe. By Grosse Pointe Garden Center at Grosse Pointe War Memorial. $5. Register: 313-881-7511 x206.

H English Gardens Ladies Night Thu, Nov 8, Royal Oak. At English Gardens. FREE. Register: www.EnglishGardens.com.

Blind Garden Auction Thu, Nov 8, 7pm, Ferndale. By Ferndale Garden Club at Kulick Community Center. 248-541-6427.

A Macomb Green Holiday Thu, Nov 8, 9-11:30am, Macomb County. By Macomb MSU Extension office. $5. Register: 586-469-6440.

Shoreline Educator Training Thu, Nov 8, 8:30am-4pm, Oakland County. At Ralph A. MacMullan Center on Higgins Lake. $75 includes material, lunch, workshops. 989-448-2293.

H Holiday Open House Sat, Nov 10, Grand Blanc. At The Weed Lady. Music, inspirational decoration, hors d’oeuvres. www.theweedlady. com, 810-655-2723.

H Princess Party Sat, Nov 10, 11am, Macomb. At Ray Wiegand’s Nursery. $5. 586-286-3655, www.wiegandsnursery.com.

H Life-Like Christmas Wreath Workshop Sat, Nov 10, 11am, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. Register: www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Holiday Bow Making Workshop Sat, Nov 10, 11am & 1pm, Sun, 1 & 3pm, Metro-Detroit.

At 7 English Gardens. $5+cost of ribbon. Step-by-step instructions to create & take home a bow. Register: www.

EnglishGardens.com.

H Ladies Night Tue, Nov 13, Ann Arbor. At English Gardens. FREE. Register: www.EnglishGardens.com.

A Really Green Holiday Wed, Nov 14, 11:45am-2:30pm, Troy. By Troy Garden Club at Big Beaver United Methodist Church. Speaker, light lunch, $7. Register: 248-642-7277.

H The Year in Review Thu, Nov 15, 6:30-9pm, Farmington Hills. By Association of Professional Gardeners at Spicer House. Open forum discussion. $5. www.associationofprofessionalgardeners. org, 248-828-2978.

Plunger Topiary Thu, Nov 15, Taylor. By Taylor Garden Club at Taylor Senior Activity Center. Demo, tree display, FREE. Register: 734287-6851, www.taylorgardenclub.com.

H Ladies Night Fri, Nov 16, Clinton Twp. At English Gardens. FREE. Register: www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Ladies Fundraising Event Fri, Nov 16, 6-9pm, Macomb. At Ray Wiegand’s Nursery. $5. 586-286-3655, www.wiegandsnursery.com.

Herb & Holly Boutique Sat, Nov 17, 9am-2pm, Grosse Pointe Woods. By Herb Society of America at Grosse Pointe Woods Community Bldg. Marketplace, samples, demos. 586-773-6682.

H Holiday Artists Market Sat, Nov 17, 9am-5pm & Sun, 10am-5pm, White Lake. At Bogie Lake Greenhouses. Musicians, authors, workshops. www.bogielakegreenhouses.com, 248-887-5101.

H Feather & Berry Porch Pot Workshop Sat, Nov 17, 10am, Macomb. At Ray Wiegand’s Nursery. $45. 586-286-3655, www.wiegandsnursery.com.

H Life-Like Table-Top Christmas Tree Sat, Nov 17, 11am, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. Register: www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Holiday Bow Making Workshop Sat, Nov 17, 11am & 1pm, Sun, 1 & 3pm, Metro-Detroit.

At 7 English Gardens. $5+cost of ribbon. Step-by-step instructions to create & take home a bow. Register: www.

EnglishGardens.com.

Bonsai Winter Protection Sun, Nov 18, 2pm, Troy. By Four Seasons Bonsai Club at Telly’s Greenhouse. www.fourseasonsbonsai.com.

Gardens of the American Hosta Society Convention Mon, Nov 19, 7pm, Birmingham. By Metro Detroit Hosta Society at First United Methodist Church. Hgold2843@ comcast.net.

Christmas & Holiday Traditions Around the World Tue, Nov 20, through Jan 6, 2013, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. Decorated trees, displays, lights. www.meijergardens.org.

Promote your events! Send us your information!

where did you pick up mg?

michigan gardener is published in april, may, june, july, august, sept/oct & nov/dec

H Denotes Michigan Gardener advertiser

please enclose your check (payable to michigan gardener) & mail to: Michigan Gardener 16291 W. 14 Mile Rd., Suite 5 Beverly Hills, MI 48025-3327

Website: Go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Garden Event Calendar” E-Mail: calendar@michigangardener.com Upcoming Issues & Deadlines: Issue

Deadline

April 2013

May 2013

March 15, 2013 April 15, 2013

www.MichiganGardener.com | November/December 2012 | Michigan Gardener

H Thanksgiving Floral Arrangements Tue, Nov 20, 6-8pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens.

Make a fresh centerpiece, $28. Register: 517-431-2060, www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu.

H Christmas Open House Fri-Sat, Nov 23-24, 10am-5pm & Sun, Nov 25, 11am-5pm, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-629-9208.

H Egyptian Glass Blowing Event Sat, Nov 24, 11am-4pm & 5-8pm, Macomb. At Ray Wiegand’s Nursery. FREE. 586-286-3655, www.wiegandsnursery.com.

H Fresh Porch Pot Workshop Sat, Nov 24, 10am, Macomb. At Ray Wiegand’s Nursery. $35. 586-286-3655, www.wiegandsnursery.com.

H Santa & Elvin Appearances Sun, Nov 25, 12-4pm, Macomb. At Ray Wiegand’s Nursery. FREE. 586-286-3655, www.wiegandsnursery.com.

H Holiday Williamsburg Wreath Tue, Nov 27, 6-8pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens.

Create a decorated wreath, $40. Register: 517-431-2060, www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu.

H Holiday Porch Pot Wed, Nov 28, 7pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. Register: www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Evening of Lights Fri, Nov 30, 5-8pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens.

2,000 luminaries, conservatory, gift shop. 517-431-2060, www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu.

Fresh Greens Market Fri, Nov 30, 9am-6pm & Sat, 9am-1pm, Rochester. By Rochester Garden Club at St. Philips Episcopal Church.

248-762-9343, www.rochestergardenclub.org.

H Twilight Walk Fri, Nov 30, 7-9pm, Macomb. At Ray Wiegand’s Nursery.

FREE. 586-286-3655, www.wiegandsnursery.com.

December 2012 H Fresh Holiday Wreath Sat, Dec 1, 10am-noon, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. Make a 14-inch wreath, $44.75. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-629-9208.

H Holiday Festival Sat, Dec 1, 4-8pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens.

Crafts, music, entertainment, Santa, 2000 luminaries, conservatory, gift shop. www.hiddenlakegardens.msu. edu, 517-431-2060.

Greens Market Sat, Dec 1, 9am-4pm, Clarkston. By Clarkston Farm & Garden Club at Church of Resurrection. www.ClarkstonGardenClub.org.

H Holiday Greens Arranging Sat, Dec 1, 10am, Troy. At Telly’s. $5+materials. Bring pruners. Register: 248-689-8735.

H Elvin & the Reindeer Sat, Dec 1, 11am-3pm, Macomb. At Ray Wiegand’s Nursery. FREE. 586-286-3655, www.wiegandsnursery.com.

H Kids Holiday Workshop Sat, Dec 1, 11am, Macomb. At Ray Wiegand’s Nursery. $5.

586-286-3655, www.wiegandsnursery.com.

H Evening of Lights Sun, Dec 2, 5-8pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens.

2,000 luminaries, conservatory, gift shop. 517-431-2060, www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu.

H Santa & Elvin Appearances Sun, Dec 2, 12-4pm, Macomb. At Ray Wiegand’s Nursery.

FREE. 586-286-3655, www.wiegandsnursery.com.

Herbal Holiday Gifts Fri, Dec 7, 1-2:30pm, Macomb County. By Macomb MSU Extension office. $7. Register: 586-469-6440.

H Fresh Holiday Centerpiece Sat, Dec 8, 10am-noon, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. Make a candle centerpiece, $48.75. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-629-9208.

H A Merry Herbal Christmas Sat, Dec 8, 10am, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. Create a topiary tree, $34. Register: www.hiddenlakegardens. msu.edu, 517-431-2060.

H Holiday Outdoor Arrangement Workshop Sat, Dec 8, 10am, Troy. At Telly’s. $5+materials. Bring pruners. Register: 248-689-8735.

H Holiday Swag Workshop Sat, Dec 8, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $5+materials. Bring pruners. Register: 248-689-8735.

H Magic Show Sat, Dec 8, 2pm, Macomb. At Ray Wiegand’s Nursery. $3.

586-286-3655, www.wiegandsnursery.com.

H Santa & Elvin Appearances Sun, Dec 9, 12-4pm, Macomb. At Ray Wiegand’s Nursery.

FREE. 586-286-3655, www.wiegandsnursery.com.

H Christmas Floral Arrangements Thu, Dec 13, 7pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. Register: www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Holiday Candle Arrangements Sat, Dec 15, 10am, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens.

Create a candle centerpiece, $28. Register: www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu, 517-431-2060.

2013 Master Gardener Class Deadline Sat, Dec 15, 6-10pm, Jan 24-Apr 25, Waterford. By Oakland County MSU Extension at Executive Office Conference Center. $25 application fee, $300 class fee.

248-858-0887, smithlin@oakgove.com.

H Santa & Elvin Appearances Sun, Dec 16, 12-4pm, Macomb. At Ray Wiegand’s Nursery. FREE. 586-286-3655, www.wiegandsnursery.com.

H Santa & Elvin Appearances Sun, Dec 23, 12-4pm, Macomb. At Ray Wiegand’s Nursery. FREE. 586-286-3655, www.wiegandsnursery.com.

January 2012 H Tips for Indoor Gardening Sat, Jan 5, 1pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H English Gardens Gift Garden Sat, Jan 5, 2:30pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. Fee involved. Register: www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Chocolate-From Tree to Table Sat, Jan 12, 2-4pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. $10.

Register: www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu, 517-4312060.

H Starting Seeds Indoors Sat, Jan 12, 1pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H English Gardens Gift Garden Sat, Jan 12, 2:30pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. Fee involved. Register: www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Designing Jewelry from Nature Sat, Jan 19, 9am-noon, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens.

Create a unique piece of jewelry, $40. Register: www. hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu, 517-431-2060.

H Arranging Fresh Flowers Sat, Jan 19, 1pm, Metro-Detroit. At 5 English Gardens stores. FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Spring Floral Arrangement Sat, Jan 19, 2:30pm, Metro-Detroit. At 5 English Gardens stores. Fee involved. Register: www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Novi Home Improvement & Garden Show Fri, Jan 25, Novi. www.novihomeshow.com.

Heirloom Bulbs for Every Garden Fri, Jan 25, 9:15am, Rochester. By Meadow Brook Hall Garden Club at Meadow Brook Family Garage. $5. 248364-6210, www.meadowbrookhall.org.

H Propagation: Making More of a Good Thing Sat, Jan 26, Feb 2 & 9,10am-noon, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. Hands on series, $100. Register: www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu, 517-431-2060.

It’s All About Going Native-A Winter Symposium Sat, Jan 26, East Lansing. By Master Gardener Association Capital Area Chapter at Plant & Soil Sciences Building, MSU. 4 speakers & lunch. Register: http://mgacac.wordpress.com, mga.cac@gmail.com.

H Orchid Show Sat, Jan 26, Grand Rapids. At Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. www.meijergardens.org.

H Attracting Birds Sat, Jan 26, 1pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Make a Bird Feeder Kids Workshop Sat, Jan 26, 2:30pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. $5. Register: www.EnglishGardens.com.

February 2012 H Orchid Festival Fri, Feb 1, through Feb 28, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Introduction to Orchids Sat, Feb 2, 1pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores.

FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Repotting Orchids Demo Sat, Feb 2, 2:30pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H More About Orchids Sat, Feb 9, 1pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores.

FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Repotting Orchids Demo Sat, Feb 9, 2:30pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H The Basics of Landscape Design Sat, Feb 16, 1pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores.

FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Photography of Michigan’s Birds Tue, Feb 19, 6-7:30pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens.

FREE w/ admission. Register: www.hiddenlakegardens.msu. edu, 517-431-2060.

Landscape Design & Sustainable Landscapes Fri, Feb 22, 9:15am, Rochester. By Meadow Brook Hall Garden Club at Meadow Brook Family Garage. $5. 248-3646210, www.meadowbrookhall.org.

H Fresh Flower Arranging Sat, Feb 23, 1pm, Metro-Detroit. At 5 English Gardens stores. FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Spring Floral Arrangement Sat, Feb 23, 2:30pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. Fee involved. Register: www.EnglishGardens.com.

March 2012 H Butterflies are Blooming Fri, Mar 1, through Apr 30, Grand Rapids. At Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. www.meijergardens.org, 616-975-3155.

H Professional Gardeners Conference Sat, Mar 2, By Association of Professional Gardeners. www. associationofprofessionalgardeners.org.

H Intro to Fairy & Miniature Gardens Sat, Mar 2, 1pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores.

FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

15

H Make a Fairy Garden Kids Workshop Sat, Mar 2, 2:30pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. Ages 3-12, fee involved. Register: www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Advanced Grafting Sat, Mar 9, 10am-1pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens.

Increased difficulty of propagation, must complete beginner class, $50. Register: www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu, 517-431-2060.

H Spring Bulb Show Sat, Mar 9, through Mar 24, Tipton. www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu, 517-431-2060.

H ABC’s of Growing Herbs Sat, Mar 9, 1pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores.

FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Kitchen Herb Garden Sat, Mar 9, 2:30pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. Fee involved. Register: www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Perennial Gardening 101 Sat, Mar 16, 1pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

Overlooked & Underused Perennials & Annuals Fri, Mar 22, 9:15am, Rochester. By Meadow Brook Hall Garden Club at Meadow Brook Family Garage. $5. 248364-6210, www.meadowbrookhall.org.

H The Secrets of a Beautiful Lawn Sat, Mar 23, 1pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Easter Egg Hunt Sat, Mar 23, 2:30pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. Ages 3-12, FREE. Register: www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Plant Care: Pruning & Dividing Tips Wed, Mar 27, 7pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Plant Care: Pruning & Dividing Tips Sat, Mar 30, 1pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Critter Control Wed, Apr 3, 7pm, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. Register: www.EnglishGardens.com.

H Novi Home Improvement & Garden Show Fri, Apr 5, Novi. www.novihomeshow.com.

H Garden Party Weekend Sat, Apr 6, & Sun, Apr 7, Metro-Detroit. At 7 English Gardens stores. Gardening & decorating seminars. www.

EnglishGardens.com.

Bulk Subscriptions • Great for clubs and retail stores outside our regular circulation routes.

• Have Michigan Gardener delivered in bulk and give copies to your members and customers.

• These copies are sent directly to the address you specify.

• The cost is much lower than the individual subscription price.

• It’s a great way to provide another benefit to your members and customers.

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

16

Michigan Gardener | November/December 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com

Columbiaville, Davison

Bay City, Clio, Gladwin, Midland, Roscommon, Saginaw

North Branch

Lapeer

Emmett Imlay City

Flushing Lennon

Port Huron

Hadley Dryden

Grand Blanc

Flint

Bancroft, Owosso

Metamora

Fenton

Almont

Oxford

Ortonville

Addison Twp.

Orion Clarkston Hartland

White Lake Highland

East Lansing, Fowlerville, Grand Rapids, Haslett, Lansing, Mason, Williamston

Holly White Lake Waterford

Commerce

West Bloomfield

New Hudson South Lyon

Whitmore Lake

Novi Northville

Rochester Hills

Auburn Hills Bloomfield Hills Birmingham

Sterling Hts.

Southfield Oak Park Ferndale

Detroit

Canton Wayne

Dearborn Dearborn Heights

Ypsilanti

Taylor

Saline New Boston

Tipton

Clinton Twp.

Livonia Redford

Belleville

Tecumseh

New Baltimore

Utica

Troy

Westland

Ann Arbor

Macomb

St. Clair Roseville Shores Madison Royal Oak Heights Warren

Plymouth

Cement City, Chelsea, Jackson, Stockbridge

Shelby Twp.

Berkley

Farmington Hills Farmington

Dexter

Ray

Rochester

Pontiac

Walled Lake Wixom Brighton

Washington

Oakland

Sylvan Lake Milford

Howell

Manchester

Lakeport

Romulus Brownstown Twp.

Southgate Trenton Grosse Ile

Rockwood, Monroe

Eastpointe

Grosse Pointes

Davison H Wojo’s Gard Splendors Dearborn Fairlane Gardens Westborn Flower Mkt Dearborn Heights H English Gardens 22650 Ford Rd, MI 48127 313-278-4433 www.EnglishGardens.com Detroit Allemon’s Landscp Ctr H Detroit Farm & Garden 1759 20th St, enter on 21st, 48216 313-655-2344 www.detroitfarmandgarden.com Dexter Dexter Gardens H Fraleigh’s Landscp Eastpointe Ariel’s Enchanted Gard

A collection of stores and gardens to shop and visit.

Please call ahead for hours, as they may vary from season to season. h Denotes MG Advertiser Addison Twp H Yule Love It Lavender Farm Almont 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 HillTop Greenhse/Farms Lodi Farms H The Produce Station Turner’s Greenhse/Garn Ctr Wild Birds Unltd Auburn Hills Drake’s Landscp & Nurs H Haley Stone H State Crushing Bancroft Grand Oak Herb Farm Bay City H Begick Nursery & Garden Center 5993 Westside Saginaw Rd., MI 48706 989-684-4210 www.begicknursery.com

Belleville Banotai Greenhse Gardeners Choice Pinter Flowerland Zywicki Greenhse Berkley Garden Central Westborn Flower Mkt Bloomfield Hills Backyard Birds Birmingham H Blossoms 33866 Woodward Ave, MI 48009 248-644-4411 www.blossomsbirmingham.com H Plant Station Tiffany Florist Brighton H Beauchamp Landscp Supp H Bordine’s Brighton Farmer’s Mkt Cowbell Lawn/Gard H English Gardens 7345 Grand River, MI 48114 810-534-5059 www.EnglishGardens.com H Meier Flowerland Brownstown Twp Elegant Environ Pond Shop Ruhlig Farms & Gard

Canton Canton Floral Gardens Clink Nurs Crimboli Landscp/Nurs Keller & Stein Greenhse H Wild Birds Unltd Cement City H Hallson Gardens Chelsea H Garden Mill The Potting Shed Clarkston H Bordine’s Country Oaks Landscp I Lowrie’s Landscp H The Pond Source Clinton Twp H English Gardens 44850 Garfield Rd, MI 48038 586-286-6100 www.EnglishGardens.com H Tropical Treasures Clio H Piechnik’s Greenhouse Columbiaville Hilltop Barn Commerce Twp Backyard Birds Zoner’s Greenhse

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 H Gerych’s Flowers/Gift H Heavenly Scent Herb Farm Ferndale Casual Modes Home/Gard Green Thumb Gard Ctr Flushing Flushing Lawn/Gard Fowlerville H Arrowhead Alpines Gladwin H Stone Cottage Gard Grand Blanc H Bordine’s H The Weed Lady 9225 Fenton Rd, MI 48439 810-655-2723 www.theweedlady.com Grosse Ile H Westcroft Gardens Grosse Pointe Allemon’s Landscp Ctr Meldrum & Smith Nurs

Grosse Pointe Woods H Wild Birds Unltd Hadley H Le Fleur Décor Hartland H Deneweth’s Garden Ctr Haslett H Christian’s Greenhse H Van Atta’s Greenhse Higgins Lake The Greenhouse Highland Colasanti’s Produce/Plant H Fragments H Highland Garden Ctr One Stop Landscp Supp Holly H Rice’s Garden Ornaments Howell H Howell Farmer’s Mkt Penrose Nurs Howell H Specialty Growers Imlay City Earthly Arts Greenhse Jackson The Hobbit Place Schmid Nurs/Gard Lake Orion Lake Orion Lawn Orn H Orion Stone Depot H Wojo’s of Lake Orion Lapeer H Iron Barn Gard Ctr Lennon Krupps Novelty Shop Livonia Bushel Mart Superior Growers Supp Westborn Flower Mkt Macomb Altermatt Greenhses Boyka’s Greenhse H Deneweth’s Garden Ctr H Elya’s Village Gardens Landscape Source Joe Randazzo’s Nurs Wade Nurs H Wiegand’s Nursery 47747 Romeo Plank Rd., MI 48044 586-286-3655 www.wiegandsnursery.com Madison Heights Green Carpet Sod Manchester McLennan Nurs Mason Wildtype Nurs Metamora Gilling’s Nurs Milford One Stop Landscp Supp Milford Gardens H The Pond Place Monroe H The Flower Market New Baltimore Meldrum Bros Nurs New Boston H Gorham & Sons Nurs Grass Roots Nurs Mums the Word New Hudson H Milarch Nurs North Branch H Campbell’s Greenhse Oldani Landscp Nurs Northville H Gardenviews Novi H Dinser’s Greenhse Glenda’s Gard Ctr Stone City H Wild Birds Unltd Oak Park Four Seasons Gard Ctr

Oakland Goodison Farms Daylilies Ortonville Country Oaks Landscp II H Wojo’s Greenhse Owosso H Everlastings in Wildwood Oxford Candy Cane Xmas Trees Oxford Farm/Gard Plymouth Backyard Birds Graye’s Greenhse Lucas Nurs H Plymouth Nurs Plymouth Rock Rock Shoppe Sparr’s Greenhse Pontiac H Goldner Walsh Gard/Home Ray Van’s Valley Greenhse Redford Pinter Flowerland Seven Mi Gard Ctr Rochester H Fogler’s Greenhse H Haley Stone Sherwood Forest Gard Ctr Rochester Hills H Auburn Oaks Gard Ctr 3820 West Auburn Rd, MI 48309 248-852-2310 www.auburnoaksnursery.com H Bordine’s H English Gardens Patio Shop Shades of Green Nurs Wild Birds Unltd Rockwood H Marsh Greenhouses Too 31820 W. Jefferson, MI 48173 734-379-9641 www.marshgreenhouses.com Romulus Block’s Stand/Greenhse H Kurtzhals’ Farms H Schoedel’s Nurs H Schwartz’s Greenhse Roscommon The Greenhouse Roseville Dale’s Landscp Supp World Gardenland Royal Oak H Billings Lawn Equip H English Gardens 4901 Coolidge Hwy, MI 48073 248-280-9500 www.EnglishGardens.com H Wild Birds Unltd Saginaw H Abele Greenhse Saline H Nature’s Gard Ctr Saline Flowerland Shelby Twp Diegel Greenhses Eden Gard Ctr 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 Southfield 3 DDD’s Stand H 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 Flower Barn Nurs Prime Landscp Supp Stockbridge Gee Farms Sylvan Lake H AguaFina Gardens Intrntl H Detroit Garden Works

Taylor H Beautiful Ponds & Gardens 20379 Ecorse, MI 48180 313-383-8653 www.skippysstuff.com H D&L Garden Ctr H Massab Acres H Panetta’s Landscp Supp Tecumseh Mitchell’s Lawn/Landscp Trenton Carefree Lawn Ctr Troy Maeder’s West H Telly’s Greenhouse 3301 John R Rd, MI 48083 248-689-8735 www.tellys.com Tom’s Landscp Nurs H Uncle Luke’s Feed Store Utica Dale’s Landscp Supp Stone City Walled Lake H Suburban Landscp Supp Warren H Beste’s Lawn/Patio Supp Garden Ctr Nurs Young’s Garden Mart Washington Landscp Direct Rocks ‘n’ Roots Waterford Hoffman Nurs H Merrittscape Wayne Artman’s Nurs West Bloomfield H English Gardens 6370 Orchard Lake Rd, MI 48322 248-851-7506 www.EnglishGardens.com H Planterra Westland Artman’s Westland Nurs H Barson’s Greenhse Bushel Stop Panetta’s Landscp Joe Randazzo’s Nurs White Lake H Bogie Lake Greenhse Mulligan’s Gard Sunshine Plants Whitmore Lake H Alexander’s Greenhses Williamston H Christian’s Greenhse Wixom Brainer’s Greenhse Angelo’s Landscp Supp Milford Tree Farm Ypsilanti Coleman’s Farm Mkt Lucas Nurs Margolis Nurs Materials Unl imited

Gardens to Visit Ann Arbor H Matthaei Bot Gard/Nichols Arb Bloomfield Hills H Cranbrook Gardens 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 Pk Flint Applewood Grand Rapids Frederik Meijer Gardens Grosse Pointe Shores H Edsel & Eleanor Ford Hse Lansing Cooley Gardens Midland H Dow Gardens Novi Tollgate Education Ctr Royal Oak Detroit Zoo Tipton H Hidden Lake Gardens

www.MichiganGardener.com | November/December 2012 | Michigan Gardener

17

for the birds Winter birding in your garden

Flickr / Austin Valley

Red-breasted nuthatch

Flickr / David-Mitchell

Redpoll

As we anxiously await the arrival of spring overwintering insects and will be eaten by and the renewal it brings, we can greet the black-capped chickadees, downy woodpeckchange to cooler temperatures as a harbinger ers, and nuthatches. I learned from expert of winter birds. This year, the word is out on Patricia Taylor Sutton that leaf litter is where the birding news hotlines that it is going to certain caterpillars and chrysalises will rebe a red-breasted nuthatch winter. The seed main during the winter months. Cleaning out crop that is usually available to them is scarce leaves instead of letting them remain on the where naturally found in Canada. Listen for ground until warmer weather is like throwthem announcing their presence with a nasal ing away next year’s population of butterflies “neep, neep, neep.” and moths.

Look for these upside down cuties with Finches prefer nyjer (thistle) seed and finetheir white-breasted cousins along the trunks hulled sunflower. Hang a feeder designed esand branches of trees as they search for caterpecially for these smaller seeds, placed away pillars and insects under the tree bark. Notice from other main feeding stations that you their beak shape and how it is the perfect tool have. Finches, especially goldfinches, like to for prying under bark. Look at the evergreens have a little space away from the main crowd. in your area, where red-breasted nuthatches Squirrels generally avoid nyjer, but if you can be found hanging on to the sides of the use the finch blend of nyjer combined with cones in order to remove the seeds sunflower chips, make sure that Rosann inside. the feeder is baffled to prevent the Kovalcik Other birds will also migrate into squirrels from gaining access. this area in search of seeds. In adThe nuthatches can be enticed to dition to the usual goldfinches that your yard by providing foods that we can expect to see, the prediction are high in fat and protein. Peafor this winter is that we will also be nuts out of the shell are a favorite welcoming their cousins: pine sisfor both white-breasted and redkins, redpolls, and purple finches. breasted nuthatches. A mesh feeder These winter visitors will be about is easy for them to hold onto and the same size as goldfinches and extract the seed, and fun to watch will act similarly. Look for the fine as well. Suet is another way to help brown streaks all over the siskins and the flash these birds in winter and may also attract the of yellow on their wings, as well as a beak that local woodpeckers, including downy woodlooks like a sharp pencil point. Redpolls are pecker, hairy woodpecker, and the striking generally gray and white with a distinct red red-bellied woodpecker. Plain rendered suet cap and a dark face around the bill. Purple is a great option when squirrels are not able finches look similar to our local house finches to be kept out of the suet feeder. When using but are larger and look as if they have been suet with added nuts, insects or fruit, a baffle dipped in raspberry juice. All of these winter is a must to keep squirrels from monopolizing visitors can be enticed to visit your yard for your suet feeder. two reasons: the natural seed on plants and Now is the best time to get your feeding the feeders that you place out for them. stations ready for these winter visitors. And One of the best gardening practices for you will have more time to relax and enjoy birds is to leave plants and leaves through them now that you are leaving some “fall the fall and winter. The seeds on coneflower, clean-up” off of your list! sunflower, and other complex flower heads Rosann Kovalcik is a Certified Birdfeeding will be a bounty for the finches that can easSpecialist and the owner of Wild Birds ily hang on to the stalks and extract the seeds Unlimited in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI. inside. The stalks themselves are home to

Classified Ads Huron County Master Gardeners’ 11th ANNUAL SPRING INTO GARDENING CONFERENCE and Yard & Garden Expo, March 23, 2013. New location, same format, same opportunities: Knights of Columbus Hall, 1038 S. Van Dyke, Bad Axe, MI. Previous location was Ubly Heights Country Club. Time: 8 am - 4 pm. Email to receive more information when available: holtropc@gmail.com, or call 989-553-2992.

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

Advertising sales experience is required.

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

RETAIL NURSERY MANAGER - New upscale retail nursery opening in Dexter/ Scio Township MI, seeks manager. Creating a dynamic and creative team. Requires 5-10 yr. retail exp. certified nurseryman or plant design experience. Excellent horticultural knowledge, sales, and communications skills required.

Email Resume & letter of interest: traven@ bloom-gardens.com.

DO YOU ENJOY SCRAPBOOKING? Then pick up a copy of Michigan Scrapbooker magazine. It’s free! Visit MichiganScrapbooker. com for more info and to sign up for the free Michigan Scrapbooker e-newsletter.

Join the conversation at facebook.com/ MichiganScrapbooker.

MICHIGAN GARDENER E-NEWSLETTER Sign up for our free e-newsletter! Go to www.

MichiganGardener.com and simply enter your e-mail address.

DON’T LOOK. Oops, you looked. And so will 70,000 potential customers. Advertise in Michigan Gardener. call 248-594-5563 or e-mail publisher@michigangardener.com

WILDFLOWER ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN 2013 CONFERENCE, March 3rd & 4th 2013, featuring Doug Tallamy, author of Bringing Nature Home, also numerous other speakers. Kellogg Center, E.Lansing, visit www. wildflowersmich.org for more information!

Have a big event coming up? Need help? Have help to give? Have some items to sell? Need a cost-effective way to promote your business?

Use Michigan Gardener Classified Advertising to let readers know! Go to MichiganGardener. com and click on “Classified Advertising.”

Please visit our website for the April 2013 issue deadline.

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

The perfect gift for the gardener on your list.

Subscribe for convenient home delivery of Michigan Gardener 7 issues (1 year) – $15

14 issues (2 years) – $28

21 issues (3 years) – $37 BEST VALUE

Gift Recipient: Name Address City

State

Zip

We will send a note to the recipient stating that they have received a gift subscription from you.

Gift from: Name Want to receive our free e-newsletter?

Please indicate your e-mail address:

michigan gardener is published in april, may, june, july, august, sept/oct & nov/dec Canadian subscriptions: 1 year, 7 issues for $22.00 USD / 2 years, 14 issues for $42.00 USD

please enclose your check (payable to michigan gardener) & mail to: Michigan Gardener 16291 W. 14 Mile Rd., Suite 5 Beverly Hills, MI 48025-3327

18

Michigan Gardener | November/December 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com

plant focus

Concolor fir T Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener

Concolor fir’s flat needles curve upwards and are 1 to 2 inches long.

he slogan “Go West, young man” vertically on the terminal leader of the tree. could easily be reworded for the conIn later years as the tree matures, a slower color fir: “Go East, young tree”—and pace of growth generally produces 4 to 6 thrive. And it does. This fir (Abies concolor), inches of lateral growth. also known as the white fir, adapts exceptionSince it is a fir, the needles are distinctly ally well in parts east of the Mississippi River flat and flexible to the touch; they bend easily. and of course in Michigan.

There’s no prickliness due to their This American native dwells in rounded tips. Needle color generJim the high mountainous elevations ally is blue-green to yellow-green.

Slezinski of the West, up to 10,000 feet above Some are stand-out-in-the-crowd sea level. Being the most widesilvery-blue and glow when the spread fir, it inhabits the Cascades, sunshine hits them. Variations in Sierra Nevada, California Coastal, colors occur when trees are grown and Rocky mountain ranges to from seed. A few cultivars display name just a few. This tree shines exceptional, brilliant blue needles, with light gray and smooth bark such as ‘Candicans,’ a narrowwhen young. With maturity the growing tree, and ‘Blue Cloak,’ a bark takes on plate-like ridges in new variety which many say is the pleasing patterns. “bluest.”

With a conical or pyramidal framework to Both the needles and sap of concolor fir its branches, growth is uniform and proporimpart a pleasant citrusy-pineapple aroma tional. Some call it the “perfect Christmas when the needles are crushed or the branchtree.” In the West, concolor fir can rise to 165 es or wood are cut. Some also describe the feet. In Michigan, it is more likely to eventufragrance as “balsamic.” ally reach 50 to 80 feet. One can expect modBeing a cone-producing evergreen tree, erate annual growth when young: 6 to 10 concolors form olive-green to purplish-colinches on the branches and up to 2 to 3 feet ored cones that are 3 to 5 inches long. They

Concolor fir Jim Slezinski

With maturity, concolor fir bark displays plate-like ridges in pleasing patterns.

Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener

A mature ‘Blue Cloak’ concolor fir.

Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener

This group of concolor firs will serve as a visual screen as the trees mature.

Botanical name: Abies concolor (AY-beez KON-cull-er) Plant type: Tree, evergreen conifer Plant size: Will eventually grow 50 to 80 feet tall, with a width of 15 to 20 feet.

Habit: Stiff conical form; uniform proportional growth; “perfect Christmas tree” shape.

Hardiness: Zone 4 Leaves: Evergreen needles, curving upwards; flat, flexible, rounded or pointed at the tip; 1 to 2 inches long; pale bluish-green to yellow-green when young; some are glaucous blue depending on trees grown from seed.

Light: Full sun to light shade; best needle color and fullness of branches in the sun.

Soil: Any well-drained soil; sandy loam or gravel or even pure sand. Not adaptable to wet or heavy soil. Soil amendments help establish new plantings; mulch for the first several years.

Water: Supplemental during first several years after planting; natural rainfall is sufficient afterwards.

Cones: Female seed cones at top of tree, upright on branches, barrel-shaped, 3 to 5 inches long, yellowish-green to purple.

Uses: Highly ornamental specimen tree; plant in groups for visual screening, or as background for smaller trees, shrubs and perennials. Excellent in sandy, gravelly situations.

Remarks: A prime conifer for Michigan, very adaptable and thrives; better than Colorado blue spruce if a blue color is desired; long-lived and very hardy in windswept, open areas; no significant disease or insect pest problems.

www.MichiganGardener.com | November/December 2012 | Michigan Gardener

19

Jim Slezinski

An unusual characteristic of concolor fir is that new saplings can sprout near stumps from viable roots underground.

Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener

For the best needle color and fullness of branches, plant concolor fir in full sun. are barrel-shaped and flat-topped, and are devoured by squirrels seeking the seeds within the scales. Cones mature about six months after pollination and then disintegrate. The rose-colored, winged seeds helicopter down with the blowing winds. Collected seeds easily germinate if stratified for a month or so.

Planting this fir is for posterity—the grandchildren, or three generations beyond, can enjoy and marvel at its statuesque presence.

The concolor is hardy to USDA hardiness zone 4, and therefore can be planted anywhere in Michigan. The key is a planting site that has well-draining soil, like a sandy loam.

Incredibly pure rocky gravel or sand will also suit it well. Soil amendments and a top dressing of mulch will insure proper establishment when trees are newly planted. Young firs can be planted bare root in the spring or early fall.

Balled and burlapped or potted concolors can be planted almost any time the soil is not frozen, a testament to their great hardiness.

Watering newly planted trees is necessary to establish a good root system for the first

several years, especially if drought conditions occur. Afterwards, normal Midwestern rainfall is adequate for continued growth. Adult concolors are drought-resistant once established.

Full sun provides the best needle color and better density to the tree’s entire branching or fullness. Concolors naturally grow in the high shade of other adjacent towering trees; they are, therefore, adaptable for light shade.

Another highly unusual and uncommon trait of this conifer is that it is able to regenerate (sprout) young trees from the roots of living trees downed in storms or timbered.

Stump “sapling” fir trees can reforest an area if conditions are optimum.

Most garden authors, horticulturists and nurserymen rave about this outstanding fir for its handsome form, color, ease of transplanting, and fine growth. Many cultivars are now avalable since this fir was introduced in 1872. Seedlings can show many variants as they grow on. Some selected noteworthy cultivars include: ‘Candicans,’ ‘Violacea,’ and

Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener

‘Compacta’ concolor fir is a slower-growing, compact shrub.

‘Blue Cloak,’ all having blue to intense silvery blue needles. Others can be dwarf, compact, and shrub-like, such as ‘Compacta.’ ‘Gable’s Weeping’ is a pendular branched cultivar that has mounding branches.

Several years ago the Michigan Champion concolor fir was recorded, plaque and all, at a residential property in Bloomfield Hills. Sadly, it met its demise with a bolt of lightning, having been the tallest object near the home.

Paraphrasing Donald C. Peattie’s poetic description in his A Natural History of Western Trees, he says: “You see it (the concolor fir) abundantly in the mountain slopes just above the floor of the Yosemite Valley and its beautiful, light gray and smooth bark shining between its tier on tier of regularly whorled branches, its deep green or almost silvery gray needles cheerfully matching the clear

Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener

‘Blue Cloak’ has exceptionally blue needles. mountain sunlight.”

I’m in total agreement and we can all easily enjoy this modified picture, growing concolor firs right here in our own Michigan backyards.

Jim Slezinski is the Vice President and Senior Landscape Designer/Horticulturist at Goldner Walsh Garden and Home in Pontiac, MI.

20

Michigan Gardener | November/December 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com

how-to Identify and control vole damage Voles are small mammals that resemble mice. In Michigan there are two species of voles: meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and woodland vole (M. pinetorum). The meadow vole is usually the cause of damage in gardens and lawns.

Meadow voles are often called meadow mice but they differ from mice in color—they are brown to black rather than gray. They also have a stockier body, a nose that’s more blunt, and a shorter tail (photo #1).

Meadow voles are active all year, around the clock, and are voracious eaters of plant parts. As well as eating Steve leaves and other aerial plant parts Nikkila during summer, they chew the bark at the bases of trees and shrubs.

They also devour the crowns of lawn grass, ornamental grasses, bulbs (tulips, crocuses and lilies are favorites), and perennials with thick, starchy roots such as liatris and hibiscus. Voles do a lot of damage to plants in the winter, when they eat roots, gnaw on bark, and create telltale furrows in the lawn under the snow as they eat the grass plants. They are accomplished diggers and can tunnel 15 inches in one minute.

Voles reproduce quickly and two voles may become a hundred from the end of winter to fall. Farmers call those times when voles multiply rapidly a “mouse year.” In a mouse year, it’s not unusual for voles to be so numerous that their feeding during winter can completely undermine the crown of the biggest, most division-daunting ornamental grass.

Voles are often confused with moles but the two have little in common beyond an underground life and rhyming names. Voles are vegetarians while moles are insectivores.

Rabbits are often to blame for trees and shrubs gnawed in winter, but voles chew with serious results too. In spring, if you notice furrows in your lawn that developed during winter (photo #2), or if you find burrow entrance holes in the garden about the size of a quarter, and/or you’ve noticed darting motion in the garden as creatures slip out of sight just at the periphery of your vision, then voles are living there.

in more sheltered areas. At the very least, it opens up the area so voles foraging there will be easier prey for hawks, owls, foxes, coyotes, and other predators.

There is a chance that deep mulch early in fall will provide cover for voles. The rodents won’t appear just because there is mulch.

However, the mulch may be just one more advantage to voles already established there.

If your plantings can’t survive winter in a bed bare of mulch, apply that covering only when the ground is frozen solid, late in December. That’s in time to protect plants from winter’s worst freezethaw cycles but too late to attract voles, which will have dug in to other areas for the winter.

Circle woody plants’ bases with hardware cloth from just below the soil line to a little higher than snow might accumulate. Hardware cloth is steel mesh with approximately 1/4-inch holes (photo #3) that are small enough so voles can’t get through. Chicken wire has holes too large to bar voles. Around perennials likely to be eaten by voles, use hardware cloth to make a fence with its base extending about 3 to 4 inches into the soil. This can prevent the voles from tunneling to the plants. Make mesh cages and fencing high enough so it will be above the snow by at least three inches.

Chemical repellents that deter rabbits may work on voles. Poison baits can be used, but don’t place them where children, pets or other desirable mammals might reach them.

Putting such bait inside a short length of PVC pipe tucked under groundcover where voles

1 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

find shelter can make it accessible to voles but inaccessible to most other animals—voles love thick wintercreeper euonymus, rug junipers, cotoneaster, myrtle, and pachysandra.

During the winter when snow cover has been steady, be suspicious of what it may be hiding. Poke around at the bases of small trees and shrubs, checking for damage by voles working under cover of snow. They chew (photo #4) through bark at and below the snow line or just below the soil line and eat the starch-filled cambium. This can girdle and kill trunks and canes.

Finally, put mousetraps on your to-do list for early April. Trap the surviving voles then, when their numbers are lowest because winter hardship and predators have taken their toll, and you can practically eliminate them for the year. Set mousetraps where you see their holes.

Check them daily, because it’s not unusual to trap more than one vole per day from a burrow.

Text and photos unless otherwise noted

by Steven Nikkila, who is from Perennial Favorites in Waterford, MI (E-mail: hortphoto@gmail.com).

What you can do in fall, winter, and spring Where vole activity is evident, it’s time for traps and deterrents for the voles, plus protection for plants. Fall is a key time to act.

The most effective control tactic in fall is to deny shelter to these critters and expose them to predators. Where there is evidence of voles, rake away all the mulch and clip back all herbaceous plants in the area. Clearing the bed can force voles to set up housekeeping

2

3

4

www.MichiganGardener.com | November/December 2012 | Michigan Gardener

The Herb Garden at Dow Gardens Dow Gardens in Midland, Michigan, is a The Dye Garden had many of the plants beautiful collection of gardens and expanses used historically and now enjoying a resurset in a rolling area near the Tittabawassee gence of interest. We found marigolds, peand Chippewa Rivers. The original gardens rilla, purple cabbage, St. John’s wort, yarrow, were developed by Herbert Dow, founder of sunflowers, and amaranth ‘Hopi Red Dye.’ It The Dow Chemical Company, on the estate he was enough variety to spike anyone’s interest shared with his wife, Grace, and their family. if they are into any of the crafts that use yarn.

Alden B. Dow, their son and famed architect, The Medicinal Garden was also filled with added many architectural elements to the garat least a dozen varieties of herbs used around dens. He believed, as did his father, in a phithe world in native medicines, many of them losophy that the entire beauty of the garden finding places in our current medicine cabishould never be revealed in a single glance. nets. Included were eyeball flower, chamoThe Dow family nurtured and expanded the mile, valerian, comfrey, and Joe pye. This is property to its current 110-acre size. a good place to see them growing, and the The gardens (www.dowgardens.org) are plants are well-marked to help identify them well-maintained, with lots of benches placed in in other locations. areas that encourage viewing of special things The Edible Flower Garden had lots of old fawhile resting your feet. There are many water vorites including violas, lavender, chives, borfeatures, including waterfalls, streams, and age, and nasturtiums. Anyone who is taking ponds. The gardens include a stream walk with a “dish to pass” to a party or picnic will find sensory trail, boulder pass, waterfall, spring that adding a few of these beautiful flowers in tulips and summer annuals, red bridge, and a little bouquet on the top of their dish (just butterfly garden. The estate garden features tuck the stems into the top of the cold food a jungle walk, sun bridge, perennial garden, and they will stay fresh) will earn them the herb garden, secret garden, and more. The col“gourmet cook” title! or garden has annual and perennial displays, The Fragrance Garden had many of the with a yew maze to meander plants that are found in old through. The exploration and potpourri recipes, giving you Jean & Roxanne Riggs children’s gardens find an a chance to experience the island, rhododendron trail, fragrances before you use grasses, trial gardens, chilthem. Some of them were ordren’s garden, overlook, and ange mint, chocolate mint, a wedding area. Throughout pineapple sage, lemon grass, the gardens we found plants lemon verbena, apple mint, labeled clearly, even the trees. scented geraniums, bee balm, In addition to attractand fragrant roses. How could ing many visitors, Dow Gardens is home to you smell these wonderful plants and not be many animals and birds including rabbits, inspired to make a potpourri of your favorites? deer, frogs, ducks, hummingbirds, songbirds, The Cutting Garden had a nice collection chipmunks and more. We looked in many of flowers that would be lovely in a fresh niches as we walked along, and found statubouquet, or dried for an everlasting bouquet. ary and wonderful artwork. One of the anThey included celosia, globe amaranth, lovenual gardens had many beautiful and colorful in-a-mist, bronze millet, strawflowers, amabirdhouses that caught our eye—it was late ranth, and tiny baby’s breath that would be summer and everything was in full bloom perfect in a tussie-mussie or boutonniere. and just gorgeous. Hummingbirds were flitThe highlight of the garden for us was the ting about and songbirds were singing. It Culinary Garden. It had thyme, sage, perilla, was peaceful, and we saw people of every chives, lemon grass, cardoon, fennel, stevia, age walking about on the trails. People were agastache, burnet, parsley, and several basils, painting, taking pictures, and just viewing all including some that were new varieties. the scenery. The water features were crystal Many people who worked at Dow Gardens clear with ducks and fish galore. were well-versed in the gardens and were happy to answer questions. We had allocated The herb garden two hours for our visit, but we could have The herb garden did not disappoint either. spent a lot more time taking in all the plantWe were pleased to find a large variety of ings and vistas. These gardens are well worth herbs organized into little groupings for differthe visit. We were delighted to be in the midst ent uses. of so much botanical splendor.

P h oto g r a p h s by J e a n a n d R ox a n n e R i g g s

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

A portion of the herb garden at Dow Gardens.

This sundial is surrounded by the amaranth ‘Hopi Red Dye.’

The plants throughout Dow Gardens are well-labeled.

In late summer the birdhouse garden is in full, spectacular bloom.

21

22

Michigan Gardener | November/December 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com

Janet’s Journal continued from back cover

Welcome to my current wish list of “new stuff ” Here are some other newcomers moving on to my wish list from test positions.

I group them to improve the chance I’ll use them this winter as I design new and remake old gardens. When I come across a place for one, several can make the jump.

I hope you enjoy my novelties, even those that may be stale by some yardsticks.

However, no worries if you find my list lacking—in January there will be 100 more in each of the new catalogs!

A part sun bed for ‘Wolf Eyes’ kousa dogwood and friends ‘Wolf Eyes’ kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa ‘Wolf Eyes’) We’ve been admiring a dwarf, variegated Chinese dogwood (Cornus kousa ‘Wolf Eyes’) for years and have begun to feel comfortable enough with it to plant it for others. I feel confident in its variegation—it hasn’t reverted on any of the trees, nor does it scorch badly during summer. It seems the sellers spoke true of its size, since the oldest I’m watching is 15 years old and still hasn’t reached the forecast 10 feet by 10 feet. We’re using this list to craft a worthy set of companions for this fine tree.

‘Marsha’ gentian (Gentiana makinoi ‘Marsha’) This is an upright plant that produces true blue flowers in late summer or early fall.

Three years into watching it in three different environments tells me it’s time to try it now in other well-drained sandy soils where the plant will have some shade in the hot afternoon— such as on the east side of a small tree.

Meadowsweet (Filipendula vulgaris)

cream or lilac. Now breeding breakthroughs allow growers to accurately predict even young plants’ flower color and form—single, double, upfacing or pendant. So we can pick exactly what we want, from yellow to nearblack.

My notes point to most of the new offerings showing impressive hybrid vigor—one plant multiplying so rapidly that it can be divided three ways after a single season, for instance.

I’m tempted to stop checking and just go with any new named variety as worthwhile. Still, there are so many being offered, some of them produced in ways that may impact at least their first season of growth, that I’ll stick with ‘Golden Sunrise’ and any of the ‘Brandywine’ hybrids for this dogwood combo.

‘Golden Sunrise’ has proved itself for vigor, bloom count, and leaf spot resistance for five years while ‘Brandywine’ is not only very attractive but all seed-grown. Seed-grown plants tend to do much better in the garden even while small, compared to some tissue culture plants that have trouble adapting to outdoor conditions.

Not new but newly available after our begging at garden centers finally bore fruit. This lesser known relative of queen of the prairie has foliage like Boston fern that is nearly evergreen. In spring it produces 24-inch stems topped with flat clusters of whitepink flowers much like Queen Anne’s lace.

Its foliage and adaptability are its best assets. The dark green ferny mound looks good with everything, and although the plants grow best in sun to part sun in moist soil, they grow reasonably well from shade to sun if the water is adequate.

‘Wolf Eyes’ kousa dogwood

Select Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis varieties) I’m certainly not the only one who remembers selection so limited that we bought whatever Lenten rose was available, with flower color always in question and rarely anything other than

’Golden Sunrise’ Lenten rose

’Marsha’ gentian and ‘Silver Mound’ artemisia

www.MichiganGardener.com | November/December 2012 | Michigan Gardener

A stir of hot colors, cool plants

23

Various variegation Three candidates on the wish list may create a spotlight in a green garden. I’ll be looking for a sunny spot to showcase the variegated rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus Sugar Tip) and perennial Knautia ‘Thunder and Lightning.’ Their whitemarked leaves should be great together.

I’ll cross my fingers in hope of overlapping bloom. The dark rose-pink knautia flowers start earlier but carry on a long time and it would be great to see them setting off the rose of Sharon’s pale pink blooms.

perennialresource.com

‘Arizona Apricot’ blanket flower first bloom, and division at the first sign of center-crown deterioration. It may be that the good performance we’ve seen lately has to do with hot summers.

If I find that they still fail in one or all three of those categories, I’ll be sorry next year.

Yet I think it’s well worth a try, and I’ll begin by renewing my acquaintance with the old standard tricolors ‘Goblin’ and ‘Baby Cole’ and red-orange ‘Dazzler’ plus a plunge into the new yellows like ‘Arizona Apricot.’

‘Sienna Sunset’ coreopsis It can be tough to find a place to try out a single plant with orange, red or very bright yellow flowers. Put it in with any two other plants and there’s likely to be a clash. So plants that bloom in that hot color range might be relegated to the wish list for years unless they’re grouped with equally hot items and trialed in those groups.

Hybrid marsh mallow (Hibiscus varieties)

New coreopsis There are so many reasons to love a Coreopsis verticillata or C. lanceolata, from their long bloom time to vigor without aggression. It’s great that long-time stalwart varieties remain available (threadleaf ‘Moonbeam,’ lanceleaf ‘Sunray,’ ‘Baby Sun’ and double ‘Early Sunrise’), but I wonder how long that will be the case with such eyecatching varieties as ‘Star Cluster’ coming along in increasing numbers. We’ll hinge our hot color combo on this coreopsis ‘Sienna Sunset,’ knowing that if we keep deadheading, it will provide a summer-long, go-between of color for all the others.

Blanket flower (Gaillardia) Gaillardias are great for hot color blending and rock solid for providing flowers over a long, long season—if they’re healthy. It’s possible they’re moving back onto my list under false pretenses. Yet that’s what I’ve decided to do because they have such cheery faces and are so essential in a hot color scheme.

Sugar Tip rose of Sharon

‘Cranberry Crush’ hibiscus They may have dropped off my list of regulars because sites we worked too rarely had both the moist soil and perfect drainage these plants need. They’re at home on mountain slopes where the sun’s unmitigated, all extra water drains away quickly through gritty soil and more water is always trickling down from the peak.

It’s also possible that the plants dwindled in number and performance over the years we watched them because too few of their minders had the firm hand required to tend them—including a ruthless cutting back after

Looking at new Hibiscus moscheutos varieties, a gardener might think they’re the same old species selected for dark leaves, even bigger late summer flowers, and particular colors. What you don’t see is all the work in crosses for longer bloom time, more compact form, and better pest resistance, especially for building in Japanese beetle resistance.

Some luscious end results are available and from them, so far, we’ve grown and decided to do more with the dark foliage and rosy pink flowers of ‘Plum Crazy.’

However, that won’t work for a hot color group! I forgot in assembling this group that I’m only one year into looking at red-flowered ‘Fireball’ and red-blooming, dark leaf ‘Midnight Marvel.’ There are a slew of greatlooking new hibiscus out, and more coming, but I like to grow them for a while myself before using them in designs for others. That said, it’s hard to practice restraint when the newest look as good as ‘Cranberry Crush.’

V Website Extra Go to MichiganGardener.com and click the “Website Extras” department for more plants on Janet’s wish list: • “New” Natives • Classic Combinations

’Thunder and Lightning’ knautia

Broad leaf mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum) With green-white blooms reminiscent of bee balm, this plant brings form, silvery green foliage, and sparkle during bloom time that will work well with the knautia and rose of Sharon. Like other natives throughout my wish list, it’s hardly “new” but has recently made new inroads into general garden acceptance.

My relationship with it goes back 30 years, so I’m not taking any risks “Giving it” to the other two. I know it’s native from the Atlantic seaboard west to Michigan, appreciated by indigenous beneficial insects, and that it does spread and needs reining in every few years but is not so aggressive as the “mint” in its name suggests. Give it plenty of water in spring and it’s fine in sun or part shade even if summer tends to be droughty.

Janet Macunovich is a professional gardener and author of the books “Designing Your Gardens and Landscape” and “Caring for Perennials.”

Read more from Janet on her website www.gardenatoz.com.

| November/December 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com

janet's journal

Remarkable, unusual plants on my wish list D

uring one recent 7-year stretch, an because.” I do it this way: If a plant happens to be Janet average of 1,500 new plant patents were in a place where I am and has enough distinctive Macunovich registered each year in the U.S. and Canada. character to jump out and hit me in the head, I might Meanwhile, the average plant catalog included 30 to remark, “Now, there’s something unusual. I should 100 “new” items each year. In that mix are species try that, or keep an eye on how it does.” Next, I grow just captured from the wild, selected varieties and it myself or work regularly in a garden where I see it hybrids, and also old items being rediscovered. Some regularly so I can watch its staying power and pest are “new” to everyone, others are new only to the resistance. After a year or three if it proves to have particular grower. vigor and gumption to go with its engaging fresh It’s all too much for me to keep straight, and daunting face, I think about putting it on my “Wish list: New for other green industry proefessionals as well. guys to use.” From that list, in time, some do graduate Yet new is certainly fun and even someone like to my list of regulars, making room on the wish list me, preoccupied with how-to, likes to dabble in novelties “just for additions.

For instance, I’m watching and pulling for ‘Autumn Charm’ sedum. It’s so beautiful and upstanding, but I won’t commit to it until it proves itself more stable than other variegated sedums we’ve grown or watched.

Coral bells and foamy bells, for example

’Autumn Charm’ sedum P h oto g r a p h s by S t e v e n N i k k i l a unless otherwise indicated

I have several coral bells on my list of regulars and on the wish list too. My love of coral bells goes back 35 years, to the moment I saw a hummingbird at our seed-grown, green leaf, red-flowered Heuchera sanguinea ‘Firespray.’ Since then, and especially in the last 10 years, dozens if not hundreds of new selections of Heuchera and Heucherella (coral bells crossed with foam flower) have appeared.

My take on these new heucheras describes my perspective on new plants overall. Some of the new introductions have been pretty faces that didn’t have the vigor to make it in the rough and tumble of a real garden. Many came from competing breeders and seemed to be duplications. In such a flurry my strategy has been to try some myself, keep an eye on others, and wait a few years to form an attachment to any newbie.

In that manner, from the top of the heuchera heap I’m adding to my list for next year’s design work the six-year-old variety ‘Caramel’ (amber-colored foliage). It joins ‘Obsidian’ (purpleblack and almost ten years proven) and ‘Stormy Seas’ (maroon with pewter overtones dependable for over 15 years).

I’m still a sucker for coral bells with bright red flowers over green foliage. Neither are plentiful. More colorful leaves are in vogue. The coral bell and foam flower species being used by breeders to strengthen new types don’t have red flowers. So I’ve settled for trying out ‘Hercules’ and ‘Snow Angel’ (with red flowers and white-variegated green leaves). Both show promise in their first couple of years out in the field.

Janet’s Journal continued on page 22

perennialresource.com

’Obsidian’ coral bells

perennialresource.com

'Caramel’ coral bells