January 6,
2015 Kim’s Weekly Garden Newsletter © Kim
Willis
These weekly garden notes are written by Kim Willis,
unless another author is noted, and the opinions expressed in these notes are
her opinions and do not represent any other individual, group or organizations
opinions.
Hi Gardeners
 |
| Someone enjoys winter. Photo Mary Frische |
Nature gave the garden a covering of snow before she
walloped it with this deep cold. Snow is
a great insulator but we have enough now I think, so let it stop. I was getting used to mild winter, now we
have mean winter. The weather is
moderating to the west so I expect it will moderate here in a few days. But until then we are going to have some
brutal temperatures and even worse wind chills.
Please bring your pets inside if you can.
My Chinese hibiscus is now blooming inside however the
squirrels ate the flowers off my geraniums on the porch. We thought we had the roof fixed so that they
couldn’t get inside this year. Guess
they fooled us. I saw one on the porch
and was able to open the house door in time for the dog to catch it. We caught another in a trap, but there is
still one left. I will let them be
outside, even though they are mean little buggers, but inside they are fair
game.
The birds have been swarming the feeders this
week. I was going to help with the
feederwatch science project at Cornell this year again but logged on to find
that you had to pay to participate this year.
I guess all state Extensions have gone to making a profit from their
research or volunteer projects. That’s a
shame because it will surely result in a great loss of participants. There is still lots of good information on
the Cornell bird site you can access free though. http://www.birds.cornell.edu/
Keep your eye out for Snowy Owls. People are seeing
them in my area again this winter. These
owls are large, don’t seem too frightened of humans and are sometimes seen
hunting by day. I saw a bald eagle again
last week, the only really large birds left since the turkey vultures migrated
south. But I am not so sure I’m totally
happy with them being around because I can’t persuade my ducks, which are
mostly black, they need to stay inside and they make perfect targets against
the snow.
 |
| Snow fell in the Grand Canyon on New Years Day. Nat.Park Service photo |
January almanac
January’s
full moon, which occurred January 4th, is called the Wolf Moon or
Old Moon. The comet Lovejoy may also be
visible in the night sky, if it isn’t cloudy, starting January 7 and continuing
for about a week. It is barely visible
to the eye as a greenish star with a tail near Orion’s Belt, high in the winter
night sky. Using binoculars or a
telescope will give you a better view.
The January
birth flower is the carnation. In the
language of flowers the carnation is supposed to portray love, fascination and
distinction. If you send a striped carnation to someone it means your regret that
the love isn’t shared. A white carnation means pure love, a red carnation
“carnal” love. A pink carnation means
friendship and a yellow one means rejection. An alternative birth flower is the
snowdrop. It has a lot less colors to
worry about. The birthstone is the
garnet.
January is
National Blood Donor month, National Hot Tea month, National Oatmeal Month, and
National Soup Month to name a few. The
10th is Houseplant Appreciation day, the 15th is National Hat day, the 13th is
International Skeptics day, the 18th is Winnie the Pooh Day, the 19th is
National Popcorn day, the 20th is Martin Luther King Day as well as Penguin
Awareness day and National Buttercrunch Day.
The 22nd is National Blond Brownie day and the 23rd is National Pie
day. The 27th is National Chocolate Cake
Day and the 28th is Fun at Work Day. The
31st is Backward day and Inspire Your Heart with Art day.
Garden trends for 2015
What’s
going to be the hot trends for gardeners this year? If you like keeping up with gardener Green
then here are some things that are going to be popular with gardeners this
year.
·
Pollinator
gardens. This has been a hot topic in
garden circles for a couple years, slowly erasing the native plants trend,
which is still pretty popular in some areas.
A pollinator garden is built around plants that have flowers that
attract bees, butterflies and or hummingbirds.
It includes both native and non-native flowers and lets gardeners have a
wide range of colorful plants to choose from.
Also included in this trend are things like bee boxes for mason bees and
bee feeders- similar to hummingbird feeders, which as anyone who has ever put
up a hummingbird feeder are one and the same thing. Mud “puddling” spots for butterflies are trendy
too. This may be a trend of its own but
many gardeners have begun putting beehives in their gardens as well.
 |
| Sedums in a rock garden. |
·
Sedums
and succulents are finding many enthusiastic new owners and garden stores are
adding new varieties constantly. Large,
exotic succulents and groupings of succulents and sedums in containers are
finding a niche in many gardens. Rock gardens are also seeing an increase as
gardeners want a good place to display their succulents and sedums. Some of these succulents are not cold hardy
and must be wintered inside, where they make fairly good houseplants. A downside to this trend is that some succulents
are pretty pricy and if you start with a small specimen it can take years for
it to mature into an impressive focal point.
And although you can find a few succulents and sedums for the shade,
most of these plants require full sun to do well.
·
Food
gardens and edible landscaping have been hot for years and the trend
continues. More gardeners are planting
small food gardens than the old fashioned big family gardens and heritage and
gourmet vegetables and fruits are popular.
Edibles grown in containers on porches, decks and patios are also
popular and there are many new varieties of vegetables, herbs and even fruits
being offered for container production. The containers themselves have become big
business, with dozens of new styles and innovations on the market.
In edible landscaping kiwi plants are giving
way to goji berries and honeyberries and yards are being planted with
saskatoons and aronia. Grapes and hop vines are also being planted
as gardeners experiment with producing their own adult beverages. Kitchen and medicinal herb gardens are
showing modest growth among gardeners also.
Much like bee hives, chicken coops are also springing up in many gardens
to provide another source of home grown food.
·
As
for plants, peppers, bok choy, unusual evergreens, roses and hydrangeas are all
being featured in catalogs and stores this year. Heritage and unusual peppers are filling many
pages in garden catalogs and are a hot item for food gardeners and cooks this
year. Rare and kinky looking evergreens are being sold for garden focal
points. Some of these are very expensive
and some are not winter hardy so be careful choosing them in colder areas. Some of them can be wintered inside if
planted in containers. Easy care
landscape type roses and the improved landscape hydrangeas are also top
sellers. Why bok choy is being featured
is anyone’s guess. Colors considered
trendy this year are pink and teal, with “rustic” hues also popular.
·
Pre-designed
gardens and plants labeled environmentally
friendly and easy to grow are a hot trend this season, with stores offering
packages of plants of several complementary varieties and little plans to show
you how to plant them. Some stores and
catalogs color code pots or otherwise mark plants that could be grouped
together. Plants that conserve water, or
that can grow in rain gardens, plants considered native plants, plants that don’t
require pesticides and pruning and grow quickly are attractive to gardeners
too. If a plant requires a lot of
attention many gardeners now pass them up.
·
Trends
in garden art and hardscape include using recycled materials, outdoor showers,
garden lights, firepits and patio heaters.
Outside kitchens continue to be popular too. Underground
hobbit houses – some big enough to walk in – are being shown in trendy catalogs
and magazines. Gardening lighting is a
hot trend now, with the many improvements to LED and solar lighting making
installation much easier. Underwater
lighting for water features is now safe and easy too. People are trying to make gardens extensions
of their living space and lighting and heating allows gardens to be used after
dark. I guess taking a shower outside
can be thought of as conserving water- if the drain is directed to the garden-
but that’s a trend I’ll pass on.
Garden Quiz
I saw a
quiz for gardeners in a British article and I thought what fun it would be to
construct a quiz of my own. So I put
together this little quiz to give you something to do on a wintery day. This one is all about vegetables, herbs and
fruits. Hopefully I can make a quiz
about flowers and woody ornamentals in another article. I’ll
give the answers next week. Test your
garden trivia knowledge by answering the questions below. You may have to consult with some garden
catalogs!
11. Lollo Bozo, May Queen, Flashy
Troutback, and Jericho are all named varieties of what plant?
2. Tip Top, Pork Chop, Copper River,
Tomcat and Shady Lady are all named varieties of what plant?
3. What part of celeriac is eaten?
44. Foeniculum vulgare is the Latin name
for what herb?
5. Coriander comes from the same plant
as what herb?
6. Chase Devil is a folk name for what
medicinal herb?
7. What part of the Chocolate Vine is
eaten?
8. Heaven Can Wait is a variety name of
what fruit?
9. Membrillo is a dessert- cooking
product made from what fruit?
110. Mojito, a rum drink from Cuba is flavored with
what herb?
111. Black Coco, Yin Yang, Pink Floyd and Tigers
eye are named varieties of what?
112. W hat part of the vegetable salsify do you eat ?
She lets the bedbugs bite
I just read
an interesting article about a woman who has let more than a thousand bedbugs feed
on her every week for five years. Simon
Fraser University biologist Regine Gries does it for science and the hope of
developing a lure to trap bedbugs. Her
husband Gerhard is a respected biologist who studies insect behavior and along
with chemist Robert Britton and a team of students has now determined just what
set of chemicals and pheromones is needed to lure bedbugs to their death. Regine volunteered to feed the test subjects
because she develops little reaction to the bites.
Bedbugs are
attracted to areas where other bedbugs have been. The team used shed pieces of
bedbug skin to isolate chemicals and pheromones that attract them. The mixture that shows the most promise contains
histamine and 5 other chemicals or pheromones.
This mixture is being developed for commercial use by Contech Enterprises and there may soon be a
non-toxic way to control bedbugs on the market.
In the meantime Regine continues to feed her little friends each week,
in case they may be needed for further studies.
Chinese
Hibiscus
The Chinese hibiscus, Rosea sinesis, has flowers that
look similar to the hibiscus that is commonly grown in gardens. Chinese
hibiscus makes a stunning blooming houseplant with its 4” to 5” (10 to 12 cm)
flowers in many gorgeous colors. They come in single flowered and double
flowered varieties. A happy, healthy
hibiscus will reward you with a constant succession of these flowers. Here is how to keep that hibiscus happy.
 |
| Chinese Hibiscus. |
Give Chinese hibiscus lots of light. A southern window
or sunroom location is the best choice. If you don’t have a sunny spot use a
grow light over them. Keep Chinese hibiscus warm. These plants require
temperatures between 55 to 85 degrees F.
Keep humidity around the plant high- 50-60 % relative room humidity is
ideal. It’s good for you too. Low humidity can keep flower buds from opening;
they will generally fall off the plant at a small size. Keep Chinese hibiscus out of drafts from
opening doors, leaky windows or forced air vents.
Plant your Chinese hibiscus in a lightweight potting
soil, not garden soil. Keep the soil in the pot moist at all times but never
let the pot sit in water or become too soggy.
If you can, use distilled water or rain water at room temperature. Touch the top of the potting soil to know if
the plant needs water. Don’t rely on a schedule
to water, water when the soil feels dry to the touch. A hibiscus that is
wilting can be too dry or too wet. Check the pot before watering.
Chinese hibiscus are an exception to the rule of not
fertilizing houseplants in the winter. Fertilize Chinese hibiscus regularly all
year round. Use a flowering plant,
water soluble fertilizer mixed according to directions for indoor plants, once
a month. Or use a granular, slow release
fertilizer for flowering houseplants as the label directs.
Remove dead flowers and yellowed or dead leaves promptly.
Trim off dead branches. Dust the leaves
if they appear dusty and examine your hibiscus regularly for pests. A few yellow leaves on the plant occasionally
are normal but watch for lots of curled and yellowed leaves. Look for insects on and under leaves or fine webbing
on leaves and stems. If you are having lots of disease and insect
problems a hibiscus can be treated with a systemic rose care product or a
systemic houseplant insect and disease control product. Follow label directions
for potted roses. Keep pets from eating
any treated plants.
You can prune hibiscus to keep it from getting too large
and to encourage fullness. Tip each tall, upright branch in spring to encourage
side growth and fullness. Using bypass garden pruning shears cut each branch
back to the second leaf node from the tip. Cut just before the node. You can
prune back to just before any leaf node if you want to reduce the height or
width of the hibiscus. Make sure to
leave 2 to 3 leaf nodes on each stem or remove the stem completely. Hibiscus
can be pruned to look like a shrub or pruned and trained to look like a tree. Some hibiscus are sold with a braided trunk. Keep the long side shoots shortened on these
so the plant doesn’t look unbalanced.
Chinese hibiscus appreciate a summer outside, move them
outside when all danger of frost has passed.
Set them in a shady protected place for the first week so they can
adjust to the outside light then gradually move them to full sun. Remember to water them frequently in pots
outside and keep up the fertilization. When you bring the plant back inside before
frost expect it to lose some leaves. It
is adjusting to a lower light level. New
leaves should appear shortly. If you
keep them in bright light and high humidity, and fertilize regularly your hibiscus
can give you years of flowers.
It’s a good day for a bowl of warm soup, keep warm
everyone.
Kim Willis
“He who has a garden and
a library wants for nothing” ― Cicero
More Information
Improve your personal happiness this winter with flowers
Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy but now
research proves it too! Learn ways improve your happiness this winter with
flowers.
Posted on December 19,
2014 by Dixie Sandborn, Michigan State University Extension
A recent study published by Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D.,
reports that research now proves flowers have an immediate impact on happiness.
A professor of psychology at Rutgers University, Dr. Haviland’s study reported
participants felt less depressed, anxious and agitated around flowers. This
confirms a long –held belief about flowers, as Dr. Haviland noted, “Common
sense tells us that flowers make us happy.” In other studies, it is also noted
that workspace is positively affected when flowers are present, to which
Haviland commented, “Flowers bring about positive feelings in those who enter a
room.”
So how can you bring a little bit of happiness to your life
with flowers this winter? Cut flowers are always great, but there are also many
flowering plant options available for gardeners as well.
During winter months, forcing bulbs indoors is a great way
to do some cold weather gardening. Easy winter favorites that are readily
available now include are Paperwhites (narcissus sp.) and Amaryllis. Both
flowers are inexpensive and Paperwhite bulbs can also be replanted outdoors
when the weather improves.
''African violets are another all-time favorite that does
well indoors and can be easily propagated by leaf cuttings. The stem of the
violet can be placed in water or in soil for easy rooting and many violets can
be started from just one stem cutting. Start several at a time and pass the
happiness around by sharing with friends and family!
Orchids are another great indoor plant that has become very
popular in recent years. An affordable option, these flowers last weeks at a
time, re-flower, require little care and come in a variety of interesting
colors, shapes and sizes. As a result, orchids have become an all-around “go
to” plant for all occasions.
These recommendations are not the only plants that will
flourish inside this winter. Small, potted miniature roses, kalanchoes,
periwinkles and primroses are also good options and can be transplanted to a
semi-shady outdoor location this spring. In addition, there are always
interesting options at local grocery stores and box stores. Head to a retail
location near you to see what new plants and varieties are available, as well
as old favorites.
Michigan State University Extension encourages you to let
the inner gardener in you nurture a plant during these winter months. It will
lift your spirits and bring happiness to those you live and work with!
This article was published by Michigan State University
Extension.
Events, classes and other offerings
Please let me know if there is any event or class that
you would like to share with other gardeners.
These events are primarily in Michigan but if you are a reader from
outside of Michigan and want to post an event I’ll be glad to do it.
Master Gardeners if you belong to an association that
approves your hours please check with that association before assuming a class
or work day will count as credit.
Do you have plants or seeds you would like to swap or
share? Post them here by emailing me.
Free- 5 male Muscovy ducks,
young, mostly black feathered.
Excellent eating, less greasy than other duck- taste like beef. Or great for decorating your pond. Kimwillis151@gmail.com
A
Note to readers- Garden classes will be less frequent during the next few
months.
MSU offered a variety of on line
seminars for those who were interested in beginning farming topics of various
types. Some of those are now available
free to watch at the address below.
Gardeners may be interested in topics like organic pest control. Get the list of topics and links here.
New- Dow Gardens winter beekeeping series at Dow Gardens, 1809 Eastman Avenue, Midland, MI
Discover
the amazing world of honey bees and beekeeping in this 3-part winter
series. Spots are limited! Call (989)
631-2677 to register or email entomologist Elly Maxwell maxwell@dowgardens.org
with questions.
January
8, 6-8PM Tales of a First Year Beekeeper
So
you’re thinking about keeping bees? We’ve gathered a panel of our favorite
rookie beekeepers to have a candid discussion about their experiences.
Moderated by Dow Gardens’ entomologist Elly Maxwell, this question-and-answer
style class will help you decide if beekeeping is for you, educate you on the
equipment you’ll need to get started, and spark interest in a rewarding hobby.
Free Class.
January
24, 2015 10-2PM. Hive Building Workshop
Beekeeping
is not just science, but art. Dan Keane will share his carpentry expertise with
techniques on best assembling a 2-story hive from a kit. Come with 2 hammers
(one heavy and one light) and leave with an assembled hive ready to be painted
and placed outdoors. 10-frame or 8-frame option. Cost of equipment $150.00.
Sign up deadline: January 16, 2015
February
12, 6-8PM Snelgrove Board and Advanced Frame Workshop
At Dow
Gardens, we use the Snelgrove method to manage our hives in the spring. The
Snelgrove method was designed to prevent strong hives from swarming, to cull
old frames, make splits, to replace mature queens, and other benefits. Join us
in this workshop to construct a Snelgrove board and learn the technique.
Additionally, we’ll explore the option of harvesting comb honey from your hive.
Cost of equipment $25, per board. Signup deadline: February 2, 2015
E-mail
Elly at maxwell@dowgardens.org for more details. Call 989-631-2677 to signup.
New-Dow Know and Grow Seminar February 21, 2015 Bullock Creek High School, 1420
Badour Rd. Midland, MI
This
seminar consists of 3 classes, “Creating
Your Perennial Plant Community:The Know Maintenance Approach”, “Living Soil: How it Works”, and “Year-Round
Vegetable Gardening”. There will be a
vendor’s area. Lunch is included. The early registration fee is $60.00. Registration
after February 6, 2015 is $75.00.
To
REGISTER BY PHONE call Dow Gardens at 631-2677 or 1-800-362-4874. Please have
your credit card information ready.
To
REGISTER BY MAIL send the form in this brochure with a check or credit card information
to: Dow Gardens, 1018 W. Main St., Midland, MI 48
To look
at a brochure, get more information and register on line please use this link.
New-Conifer Propagation Seminar at Hidden Lake Gardens, March 7,
2015 – 9am – 4pm, 6214 Monroe Road (M-50),Tipton, MI
Join us
as we share what we know about some of the rare plants of the Harper Collection
of Dwarf and Rare Conifers. Now condensed into one day!
Learn
the art and science of making more conifers (cone-bearing plants). Staff and
volunteers will share their extensive knowledge and experience on the nuances
of propagation. Seminar includes:
Hands-on
grafting of 6 different plants*
Cuttings
of at least 16 plants*
Lunch,
and
Tour of
Harper Collection or propagation facility
*
Species will likely include Thuja, Juniperus, Pinus, Picea, and Abies.
Extensive care instructions provided.
Designed
for the beginning propagator, this seminar will share techniques even
experienced propagators will appreciate. Advance registration is required, but
experience is not.
Cost:
$100 per person early registration ($90 per person for Friends of HLG) $125 per
person after Feb 21. Registration is limited and will close on March 1st.
Registration is required. Hidden Lake Gardens - www.HiddenLakeGardens.msu.edu (517)
431-2060
Designing Your Garden for All Five Senses- January
13, 2015 11 am – Rochester Garden Club - Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow,
Rochester, Michigan.
Janet
Macunovich, well known local professional gardener, author, columnist, garden
designer and dynamic speaker will present Designing your Garden
for all Five Senses. Janet is always informative as well as
entertaining and will add some interesting ideas for your garden.
Cost is
$5 and pre-registration is required. To
register or for more info- Pat (586-337-0897) or Rosemary (586-739-5337).
Indoor
Succulent Gardens- a class and make it and take it workshop
Saturday, Jan 17, 2015, At all locations of English Gardens. See below.
The class at 1 pm is free and discusses varieties of
succulents and how to care for them. The
workshop begins at 2:30 pm and requires a $24.99 fee. You’ll make a mixed container of succulents
that you take home.
Sign up in-store or on-line: www.EnglishGardens.com.
Locations: Ann Arbor, Maple Village
Shopping Center, 155 N. Maple Rd., Ann Arbor, Phone: (734) 332-7900, Clinton
Township, 44850 Garfield Rd. at Hall Rd., Clinton Twp., MI, Phone: (586)
286-6100, Dearborn Heights, 22650 Ford Rd., Dearborn Heights, MI Nursery: (313) 278-4433, Eastpointe, 22501
Kelly Rd., Eastpointe, MI, Phone: (586) 771-4200, Royal Oak, 4901 Coolidge Hwy,
Royal Oak, MI , Phone: (248) 280-9500, West Bloomfield, 6370 Orchard Lake Rd.,
West Bloomfield, MI, Phone: (248) 851-7506
Introduction
to Unusual Houseplants, January 24th , 2015, 1 pm
at all English Garden Nurseries. See
locations below.
Learn about some unusual houseplants and how to care
for them at this free class.
Sign up in-store or on-line: www.EnglishGardens.com.
Locations: Ann Arbor, Maple Village
Shopping Center, 155 N. Maple Rd., Ann Arbor, Phone: (734) 332-7900, Clinton
Township, 44850 Garfield Rd. at Hall Rd., Clinton Twp., MI, Phone: (586)
286-6100, Dearborn Heights, 22650 Ford Rd., Dearborn Heights, MI Nursery: (313) 278-4433, Eastpointe, 22501
Kelly Rd., Eastpointe, MI, Phone: (586) 771-4200, Royal Oak, 4901 Coolidge Hwy,
Royal Oak, MI , Phone: (248) 280-9500, West Bloomfield, 6370 Orchard Lake Rd.,
West Bloomfield, MI, Phone: (248) 851-7506
Made
in Michigan Sunday, January 25, 2:00 pm SEVEN
PONDS NATURE CENTER- 3854 Crawford Road Dryden, MI (810) 796-3200
Farming has been the second largest industry in
Michigan for many years. We will discuss many topics from, but not limited to,
organic farming to composting and recycling. This will be a unique program
featuring live goats, chickens, doves, geese, and more as we discuss farming in
Michigan. This will be fun for all ages.
Speaker-Dynamic West. Free to members, $3 non-members.
Signs
of Insects -Sunday, February 1, 2:00 pm SEVEN
PONDS NATURE CENTER- 3854 Crawford Road Dryden, MI (810) 796-3200
Insects of all sorts leave signs that they are
building, chewing, crawling, and “having families” around us. Join Naturalist
Nancy Kautz for a closer look at a variety of shelters, galls, eggs and webs
that might be found in your backyard. Free to members, $3 non-members.
Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for students and
seniors, $6 for ages 5-13, $4 for ages 3-4 and free for museum members and kids
2 and younger. Check out the entire schedule of holiday events at www.meijergardens.org.
Capital Area Master
Gardeners - Mixing It Up Garden
symposium - January 31, 2015, 8:15-4 pm.
MSU Plant and Soil Sciences Building ,1066 Bogue Street
East Lansing, MI.
This symposium features a variety of
garden classes to lighten the winter blahs.
Registration fee includes lunch.
A garden marketplace will be available for shoppers. Fees are $35 for
local club members, $45 for other Master Gardeners, $55 for all others.
To get a description of classes and
register online go to: https://mgacac.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/brochure2014_11-14.pdf
Newsletter
information
If you would
like to pass along a notice about an educational event or a volunteer
opportunity please send me an email before Tuesday of each week and I will
print it. Also if you have a comment or opinion you’d like to share, send it to
me. Please state that you want to have the item published in my weekly notes.
You must give your full name and what you say must be polite and not attack any
individual. I am very open to ideas and opinions that don’t match mine but I do
reserve the right to publish what I want.
Once again the
opinions in this newsletter are mine and I do not represent any organization or
business. I do not make any income from this newsletter. I write this because I
love to share with other gardeners some of the things I come across in my
research each week. It keeps me engaged with local people and horticulture.
It’s a hobby, basically. I hope you enjoy it. If at any time you don’t wish to
receive these emails just let me know. If you know anyone who would like to
receive these emails have them send their email address to me. KimWillis151@gmail.com
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