February 17, 2015 Kim’s Weekly Garden Newsletter

February 17, 2015 Kim’s Weekly Garden Newsletter    © Kim Willis

http://www.examiner.com/gardening-in-detroit/kimberley-willis

http://www.examiner.com/country-living-in-detroit/kimberley-willis

Hi Gardeners

 

I woke up this morning to my dogs barking and looked outside to see a tree crew trimming my trees near the electric lines.  Those guys get an early start in this cold weather.  I wasn’t happy that they were trimming a blue spruce on the side opposite the electric wires and told them so. They said all the branches had to be 10 feet from the wires and since they only come through every 3 years or so they thought it necessary.  Since it was basically done already there was not much I could do. 

They next trimmed the top of a young oak in the yard.  I knew that one was heading for the wires and I had planned to top it myself this spring.  I didn’t plant it where it’s growing and really I should have removed it when it was younger but it was such a nice little tree.  I may take it out completely and plant a slower growing, shorter tree there.  But then the tree trimmers came to the door and said they needed to get in the backyard to do some trimming.  My dogs were out there, is why they asked.  In the ice storm last year we lost many branches off the red and white pines in the yard and I couldn’t see what they needed to trim.  I pointed out that there was still a big notch in the red pine closest to the wires where they had pruned 3 years ago.  Pines don’t rejuvenate big branches well.

They insisted they had to prune them and I finally said good luck getting the gates open.  We have a big gate on the west side where we can drive through but it was frozen to the ground and in a drift of snow. You have to go through the pasture to get to that gate and the gate to the pasture from the road was also frozen shut.  I have a little walk gate on the east- it’s a double gate with an enclosed space between gates so the dogs don’t dart out.  I have been using it to fill the bird feeders in the back yard but they wouldn’t be able to get any equipment through it – even carrying a ladder through it would be hard.  I locked the dogs up and reminded them that the top wire on the fence was hot and left them pondering the situation.

A short time later a guy poked his head in the barn where I was feeding my chickens and said they decided to wait until it was warmer and they could get the gates open.  He said he looked at his truck thermometer and it was 15 below.  I pointed to my thermometer near the barn and told him no, it’s 5 above.  He then remarked that he couldn’t believe how cold it was out here in the country.  I don’t know where he came from but it’s cold everywhere right now.  At least my poor trees are spared for a while.

I was hoping that my fruit trees and other woodies wouldn’t have as much damage from cold this year but it looks like it will be even worse this year.  This long stretch of below zero temps will take its toll on the landscape.  It looks like we will have a shift in the weather pattern about the beginning of March to milder conditions but this month certainly hasn’t been kind to plants and animals.  We were slowly warming into being planting zone 6 so we thought - but after the last 2 winters I’d look for plants hardy to Zone 5.

Sunday night the low here was about 24 below, last night about 10 below.  Some of you have told me that you had even lower temperatures. This is at least the 6^th day of temperatures falling to below 0 this month and more are coming. Last February we had only two nights where the low was close to that. In February 2013 we had one night where the temps went to 0. I believe in climate change- I really do – but I find it hard to call it global warming.

Creative container gardens

You probably can’t plant them outside yet but you can start dreaming them up – those lovely container gardens that will make everyone admire your garden and your clever ideas.  You can search flea markets and stores for original containers or begin building your dream container.  And you can glance through garden catalogs and sites for the perfect plant combinations to put in those containers.

An old toilet full of petunias is not very original or attractive. Of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  But how about an old pedestal sink with pansies and trailing ivy?   Or an old square granite farm sink full of sedums and alpine plants?  Old hope chests, old suitcases, and other items in the attic can become original containers.

Line the inside of an old gas grill and fill with hot colored plants. You can often find grills discarded in the trash.  An old wringer washer can be turned into a water garden, water cascading down from the wringers or into a colorful planter with ivy trained up the wringer.  Paint it a color that suits your garden.

How about painting old tires vivid colors and stacking them?  Or cut them in half, attach the halves to a wall and let plants cascade out of them.  Chains can be bolted on them to suspend them also.  Tractor tires are so big they can make a big raised planting bed in the yard.  You’ll probably have to pay something for them, even used ones, because there are many uses for them.

Children’s plastic toys can be painted more soothing colors with the new spray paints for plastics and turned into appealing garden art instead of garish litter.  Wagons and sleds can also be turned into planters.  With plastic paint you can turn plastic coffee cans or laundry soap containers into planters.

Old farm items can provide a variety of unique containers.  An old chicken feeder, wooden pails, buckets, crates, and baskets can all be used as well as the traditional milk cans.  Old kettles for boiling syrup or scalding hogs are excellent containers. Wheelbarrows have often been used as planters and if you have one that’s old and worn that’s even better.

Take a walk through the local farm store for ideas.  Galvanized animal water troughs are being featured as creative container gardens around the country.  They come in many sizes and shapes.  They can be used as water gardens or have drainage holes drilled in them for other plants.  Large tanks can be used to plant fruit trees or vegetables.  If you don’t like the metal look, stock tanks now come in several colors of heavy duty plastic.  Sometimes tanks that leak are even thrown out-these are perfect for your container garden.

There are a variety of farm items like flat sided buckets, and chicken or hog feeders, which could be painted or decorated in clever ways. Square clay drain tiles also make good planters.  Builders that put up porch columns now have sturdy heavy plastic cylinders of various dimensions.  They can be cut into the height you prefer and they take paint very well, so you can paint them any color.  They can be the container or the pedestal for it.  Even a cinder block can be turned into a planter for small plants.  Hint, the older blocks have larger holes for planting.

You can make your own containers of cement, “hypertufa” or clay if you have a warm spot to make messes this winter.  You can also fashion planters from wood that suit your ideas.  You can paint them to look like antique containers.

Sporting items that have been discarded, from rowboats to canoes, to bait buckets can be used for containers.  Plastic cooler chests can make nice deep planters. Spray paint them to colors you prefer.  Some even have wheels to make moving them easier.  Make sure you drill drainage holes in them.

Even clothing and shoes can become planters.  Most people have seen boots planted with something like ivy or sedums but there are many other clothing and accessory items that a clever gardener could re-purpose. How about an old purse turned into planter? High heels with tiny succulents?  Cut off shorts stitched closed at the bottom, or even a large bra? (Yes that’s a bit redneck).  Hats make good small planters.  Old fashioned clothespin holders made of colorful fabric often come with metal hangers attached.

Everydayfunny.com

Most fabric items will need a liner to keep water from rotting them out.  Sometimes you can insert a plastic pot or plastic bag to hold the soil.  Remember they must also drain somewhere.  Count on fabric containers to last just one season.  

You’ll want to fill your novel containers with a lightweight potting medium instead of garden soil.  If the container is deep you may want to fill some space on the bottom with plastic bottles, wood chips or Styrofoam to make them lighter.   

Anything planter you choose, however, should have some way to provide drainage for the plants.  If you are unsure of adding soil and plants to a fragile antique item or something that may rot from water, consider using a plain container inside that one as a liner.

Container gardens can be useful for people who have no land to plant gardens but they can also be beautiful statements of art and showcase your original thinking.  Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Revising USDA nutritional guidelines- and why we need to do more

You may have heard it on the news this week- the USDA will be revising its nutritional guidelines to state that cholesterol in foods does not contribute to high blood cholesterol and that high blood cholesterol is generally caused by genetics. People who have that genetic factor and whose cholesterol is high may want to avoid foods high in cholesterol, although there is no real evidence that will help lower their cholesterol levels.  Medication is needed in those cases.

Cholesterol levels in the blood can be high without impacting your health.  We now know it depends on what type of cholesterol is in your blood as to whether you are in danger or not and that’s not as simple as determining HDL and LDL cholesterol anymore.  LDL cholesterol- once considered the bad type of cholesterol- comes in two types, a small dense form, which comes from a diet high in carbs and sugars and a large fluffy type that comes from meat, dairy and other natural fats. Research is saying that the small dense cholesterol is the one you don’t want, that it is the type that may impact your health. Having lots of fluffy LDL is actually a good thing.

It’s been simmering in modern nutrition research for a while- the idea that our dietary guidelines are still based on outdated, probably faulty and in some proven cases, falsified, old research and need to be totally revamped. There is no evidence that consuming fat from meat, eggs and dairy products is bad for your health.  It is carbs and sugar which are the major factors in the obesity and type 2 diabetes epidemics that plague us today.  As our intake of grains and other carbs has increased, spurred on by USDA guidelines saying they should be a large part of a healthy diet, obesity and diabetes have sky rocketed.  We have been part of a massive nutrition experiment since the 1950’s and it’s obvious that experiment is a failed one. 

It’s hard to wrap your brain washed mind around this fact but lard and butter are actually better for you than soy and corn oil.  Whole eggs and whole fat milk are better for you than egg whites and skim milk.  Calories don’t count as much as people like to think- it’s the type of food you consume, and your colony of gut microbes along with heredity factors- that contribute to what you weigh and what health risks you have.

Go ahead and eat as much meat as you like including fatty cuts.  Eat whole eggs as often as you can- they are extremely nutritious.  Use lard and butter for cooking- or if you can’t possibly do that use olive oil or coconut oil, which are healthy oils, instead of other vegetable oils.  Researchers are actually finding that many types of vegetable oils are harming our health. Use real, full fat cheese instead of cheese food made with soy.  Drink whole milk and feel free to use cream whenever you want. 

Your diet does not need to contain any carbs or sugar- not any!

This is where the USDA guidelines need to continue to go- the guidelines should say that carbs and sugar should be a minimal part of a healthy diet.  The carbs you get should be from non-starchy vegetables and fruits. Carbs from grain and starchy vegetables like corn and potatoes should be eaten only occasionally.  That’s a drastic revision of current dietary guidelines but I bet that over the next 5 years we will finally move to this – if the big food producers and grain farmers don’t bribe and threaten the government into continuing to advocate for a poor diet.

There’s a new study published by the British Medical Journal this month that shows how their nutrition policies are being influenced by big sugar and grain companies , corporations like Coca Cola and so on because most nutrition research is funded by them. It’s hard to fault your benefactors. The same thing is happening here, our USDA nutrition recommendations and policies are based on research funded by big food companies and those companies love sugar and carbs. But times are changing- more people are pushing for unbiased research and access to research that might contradict the wishes of big corporations.

What you want to minimize in your diet are grain products in all forms and all added sugar.  It doesn’t matter if its whole grain or white flour, white rice or brown rice, fructose or glucose, limit your consumption. Your body does not need carbs from any food source.  It makes its own carbs from protein and fat.  (Look this up if you don’t believe me- in modern research literature.) A properly working body burns dietary fat for energy, uses protein for body repair and muscle building and stores very little of these as body fat. Your body is able to make carbs- then turn them into sugars- from the protein and fat you eat but it makes only the amount of sugar which it needs. Your body only needs about 2 teaspoons of glucose, (sugar) a day to run your brain and other organs.  

When you feed your body carbs or worse, sugars, the body has to do something with them.  It converts most excess carbs and sugars into body fat. What glucose it can’t quickly convert to fat floats in the blood.  Excess sugar circulating in the blood makes the liver and pancreas work harder, eventually damaging them and causing type 2 diabetes and coronary disease among other things.  When there is excess sugar circulating the body burns sugar instead of fat as a fuel, which it is not designed to do.

Fruits and vegetables do contain some sugars and carbs, along with fiber, and while you don’t have to have them- they do have some health benefits.  All the vitamins and minerals you need, except for maybe vitamin C, (that’s debatable) and Vitamin D that is made when your body is exposed to sunlight, are taken by your body from protein and fat. (When you restrict fat too much you won’t get your vitamins.) But nuts, fruits and vegetables contain healthy types of fiber, antioxidants and other trace nutrients that contribute to health, even if you could live without them.

Throw out the shredded wheat, the cornflakes, the oatmeal, the flour,  the granola mix, the whole grain bread, the pita wraps, the noodles, the pasta,  the frozen fries, the baked potato, the cookies, the muffins, the rice cakes, the corn chips, the sweetened low fat yogurt, the candy and so on.  Dry beans (navy, pinto, red, etc.) and corn are also high in carbs and should be eaten rarely.  Avoid anything with added sugar, whether it’s high fructose corn syrup or plain white sugar.  Eat lots of protein, (avoid soy as a protein source), lots of healthy fats, including full fat, not reduced fat, dairy products, plenty of eggs, and nuts, fruits and vegetables. Avoid added salt and preservatives.  Food labels contain the amount of carbs in a serving.

Research has shown that some people’s bodies handle carbs more efficiently; some can tolerate more carbs than others.  But everyone should reduce carbs and sugars from our current American diet. Aim for less than 100 grams of carbs a day if not overweight, 40-60 grams if overweight or diabetic. That’s the diet the USDA should recommend.

Here's why I know eating less carbs and sugar is healthy. My husband and I are both overweight and have various weight related medical issues.  In the fall my cardiologist, who has kept up with modern research, urged me to try a low carb diet- no calorie or fat restriction. We both went on the diet. Without watching calories, just carbs, and no extra exercise we have both lost weight steadily, without hunger or feeling deprived. After the first week or so we didn't even crave carbs or sugar. I have eliminated one of my diabetes medications and cut the other two in half.  My husband has eliminated two blood pressure medications and is at the lowest weight he has been at in 20 years.  We are proof that cutting carbs, not fat or calories, really works. If this type of healthy eating interests you please research low carb diets and start getting healthier.

Sansevieria- Snake Plants and Mother in Law’s Tongue

Sansevieria are houseplants in much of the United States, very tough and long lived houseplants.  Sansevieria are esteemed houseplants in China and Asia because they are said to furnish all of the eight essential virtues, and that’s where they get another common name, Good Luck Plant.  They are often placed in doorways of homes and shops for good luck. With a host of common names from Mother in Law’s Tongue, Snake plant, Good Luck plant and Birds Nest, the Sansevieria suffers cheerfully through neglect and mistreatment.   No matter how brown your thumb is you can grow a Sansevieria.

Sansevieria in bloom.
Credit en.wikipedia.org

Sansevieria are native to Africa and come in several forms.  They are related to Agaves. The most common Sansevieria seen in homes has long, narrow leaves banded with light and dark areas of green and a thin line of gold along the edges. These are the plants commonly known as Snake Plants, because of the mottled pattern, or Mother in Laws Tongue, because of the sharp point. 

The leaves of the upright form are thick, with a waxy covering, and may grow to three feet in length or longer. Some newer variegated forms exist with silvery leaves, larger golden edges and other coloration.  The leaves all originate from a basal rhizomous root in a clump that will eventually fill a pot.

There are varieties of Sansevieria whose leaves are broader and shorter and form a rosette of leaves with a central “cup”. They rarely get more than a foot high and are called Bird’s Nest Sansevieria. They too, come in some color variegations, the most common one being a golden leaved one.

There are also rare forms and species of Sansevieria for collectors, some with narrow, spike like leaves and some that have only one thick rounded spike as a leaf.

When Sansevieria is in a place it likes it sends up a stalk covered with tiny, white to greenish white flowers from its center. The flowers have a strong scent in the evening, somewhat like a hyacinth. The flowering occurs randomly and may not happen for years at a time.  If the flowers get pollinated, which is rare indoors, tiny red berries may form.

Sansevieria are extremely long lived plants and are often passed from family member to family member as an inheritance.  I have one in my home that is more than 50 years old.

They are good houseplants for beginners and children really enjoy having a plant called a Snake Plant.   They also function well as cleaners of indoor air, removing harmful pollutants.

How to Grow Sansevieria

In our homes Sansevieria are often placed in doorways and windows because they will tolerate almost any light conditions and even drafts.  They can also go long periods of time between watering and prefer to be root bound in their pots.

The preferred site for your Sansevieria will be in bright light.  In Florida the plants are grown outdoors in full sun.  However, the Snake Plant will be fine without direct sunlight indoors if the artificial light is bright. 

Sansevieria like loose, well drained soil.  A lightweight potting soil mix will do.  The pot should be allowed to dry between watering. Try not to get water on the leaves, especially in the rosette of the Birds Nest type as this tends to promote rot. A little houseplant fertilizer, mixed according to directions, can be added a few times a year. 

You will need a stout, deep pot to counter balance the height and heaviness of upright Sansevieria.  They will eventually burst the pot with their root systems if they are growing well.  You will want to transplant to a slightly larger pot when that is about to happen.

Sansevieria produce small plants at the edge of the clump; these are called pups and can be removed and rooted for new plants. The rooted pups should look like the parent. Sansevieria are also easy to start from leaf cuttings.  The leaf cuttings won’t always look like the parent plant however, as many Sansevieria are chimeras and do not reproduce true to type from cuttings.

One large long leaf can be cut into several sections about 2 inches wide.  It is very important to keep the bottom of the piece identified, notch the bottom as you cut each piece.  If you stick the cut pieces in rooting medium with the “up” side down, they will not root. Rooting medium can be sand or vermiculite.  The cuttings take some time to grow but may produce more than one plantlet from each piece.  Sansevieria can also be propagated by dividing the clump the plant makes.

Dust the leaves of your Mother-In –Law’s Tongue if they look dirty and trim off any brown edges or dead leaves.

Sansevieria can be grown outdoors in zone 8 and above but Sansevieria will survive and multiply to pest status in warmer zones of the country. In zones 8 and above it should be confined in metal or cement pots and watched for escapes. They will grow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade and are good plants for landscaping in dry areas.  Gardeners in the colder zones can use sansevieria in containers in place of the traditional “spike” or use them as patio plants. 

Some references list Sansevieria as poisonous, particularly to cats.

 

Houseplant fertilization

As the days grow longer and the sun shines more frequently in Michigan it’s time to give the houseplants a little attention and maybe some fertilizer.  Beginning in March most houseplants respond to the lengthening days and brighter light by putting on some new growth.  They’ll often require water more frequently and they may require fertilization.

Whether you need to fertilize houseplants depends on many things.  If the plant is already growing vigorously and too much growth could be a problem, then fertilizer probably isn’t needed.  Remember plants make their own food from the process of photosynthesis.  The fertilizer we supply them is more like us taking vitamins, it replaces certain minerals that the plants may be lacking because they are not growing in natural soil.  Some plants seem to be able to exist very well without much supplementation.

If a plant is already touching the ceiling and sinking it into the floor isn’t an option, then it’s probably not a good idea to fertilize it.   However if the plant isn’t growing well, appears weak and sparsely leafed, then fertilizer may be needed.  If you have flowering plants like African violets, geraniums, or begonias, fertilization will allow them to put on a good bloom show.  

Fertilization may also increase the plants resistance to disease and insects, just as vitamins boost our immune system.  If a houseplant is struggling with an insect infestation like scale or spider mites, or a disease, fertilization may allow it to survive.

To fertilize houseplants use a water soluble fertilizer formulated for houseplants or a general purpose plant food that includes houseplants on its label.  Read and follow the label instructions carefully for mixing the fertilizer with water.  There are even organic houseplant fertilizers such as fish emulsion on the market.

Do not make the fertilizer solution too strong!  Most commercial fertilizers are formulated with various “salts”  and these build up in the medium or soil of houseplants over time.  You may notice the buildup as a crusty whitish-yellow substance on the soil surface or on the pot.  After a while this accumulated salt will harm the plant roots and cause the plant to grow poorly or die.

To get rid of accumulated salts you can re-pot the plant in clean potting medium or you can leach it.  Leaching is placing the plant in its pot in a sink or bathtub and letting warm water gently flow through the soil continuously for an hour or two.  The water needs to drain out of the pot at the bottom.  When you water your plants and catch the water that drains out of the pot in a saucer that saucer should be emptied a short time later. If the water is sucked back up into the pot the salts that were leached out will be re-absorbed too.

Houseplants need fertilizer once or twice a month from March until the beginning of September.  After September in Michigan, most houseplants slow their growth because of lower light intensity and shorter days.  Fertilizing then may cause more salt build up in the soil. There are exceptions to this rule, usually for flowering houseplants or plants under intense artificial light.

If you move houseplants outside for the summer they will probably benefit from careful fertilization.  They are less likely to develop salt buildup if they are watered often and the pot drains freely.  Fertilize them  when you fertilize containers and hanging baskets, about every 10 days.

Before beginning a fertilization program because your plants look poorly, make sure you do not have a watering problem-too much or too little- or a temperature problem, your room is too hot or too cold.  Fertilizing in these instances may actually harm the plant.

Lush, beautiful houseplants are usually carefully fertilized by their owners.  Your houseplants may only need that little extra boost to really shine.

Sigh- 31 days until spring!

Kim Willis

 “He who has a garden and a library wants for nothing” ― Cicero

More Information

How about some SunButter®?

A news brief from the ARS

Researchers at the ARS Southern Regional Research Center in New Orleans, LA, in collaboration with Red River Commodities, a major sunflower seed producer based in Fargo, ND, developed a process for making a sunflower butter product that resembles the flavor, texture and appearance of commercially available peanut butter. Red River Commodities came to USDA-ARS researchers Isabel Lima and Harmeet Guraya for their processing expertise. The ARS scientists were able to solve a major obstacle in processing the product after discovering that improper roasting results in poor texture, flavor and appearance. By modifying the roasting process, and controlling moisture and ingredient effects, they produced a significantly improved sunflower butter.

The beauty of this product is that it is an alternative to peanut butter for peanut allergy sufferers. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 2 percent of the population suffers from peanut allergies, with symptoms ranging from a mild case of hives to severe anaphylactic shock. So, this alternative is welcome news.

Red River Commodities created SunGold Foods, Inc., a company dedicated to commercializing the sunflower product SunButter®. As a result, 25 new jobs were created in rural America. Sunflowers

Although Red River Commodities unveiled the new product in 2002, SunButter® has had tremendous commercial success within the last few years with its expanded product line. It is now available in a variety of flavors (creamy, organic unsweetened, natural, natural crunch and natural omega-3) and sizes, including new "go packs" designed for lunches and on-the-go snacking. The product is being sold to some of the largest U.S. food companies and retailers, such as Kroger, SuperValu, Walmart, Target, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, and recently through the QVC network. It can also be purchased at the company's Website: www.sunbutter.com.

Sunflower seeds are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamin E, zinc and iron. SunButter® is currently being used in a variety of foods as an added ingredient, including in energy bars and a no-peanut peanut sauce. SunButter® is an entitlement item, and thus part of the food commodities list for the USDA National School Lunch Program.

The technology addresses one of the USDA Secretary's top priorities—child nutrition and health—in that it promotes a healthy food alternative for children with peanut allergies. It also supports farm and rural development by increasing the value of U.S. sunflower seeds, boosting profitability for U.S. sunflower farmers.

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. Kimwillis151@gmail.com

Attention Beekeepers!!! We are looking for individuals to participate with a state-wide apiary registry. We are currently developing the website/database for this project and we are looking for beekeepers who will come in on the ground floor of this project and help us get it launched. Not asking for any money, only your time and/or input. Please send us an e-mail if you are interested in helping the bees or want to know more.

In specific, we are looking for people with beekeeping experience to be board members for the organization, inspectors for different areas around Michigan and volunteers to help us get the word out at different clubs, festivals, etc. Please consider helping us and the bees too! Visit our website and let us know if you can help! www.MichiganApiaryRegistry.org

New- Starting Seeds Indoors Tue, March 3, 1pm, Spicer House, Farmington Hills, MI,

Give your gardens a better start by starting seeds indoors. Sponsored by  Farmington Garden Club.  For more info contact  248-477-3854, fgc1932@gmail.com.

New-ABC’s of Growing Herbs Sat, March 7, 1pm, all locations of English Gardens, see below.

Herbs are easy to grow in your garden & do wonders for enhancing your meals. Get tips on the best varieties.  Class is free.  

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

New-Wonderful World & Folklore of Cabbage, Thursday, March 12, 7pm, Kulick Community Ctr., Ferndale, MI

Sponsored by the Ferndale Garden Club and presented by Virginia Froehlich. Guests are welcome.  For more information call 248-398-6283.

New- 7th Annual Growing Great Gardens, Sat, March 14, 8am-4pm, Wayne Co. Community College, 21000 Northline, Taylor, MI

         

Presented in partnership with the Taylor Garden Club, Taylor Conservatory Foundation and Wayne County Community College District, this garden seminar features 4 presentations, the latest in garden trends, door prizes, lunch, shopping & more.  Cost is $35 before Mar 2, $45 after.  Sign up for a bonus class with Janet Macunovich, “Lunch & Learn- Fine Pruning in the Landscape”, just $10 additional.  Registration Forms @taylorconservatory.org Or @taylorgardenclub.com or email pk48180@yahoo.com Or phone 313-715-8316

New - Great Lakes Region American Hosta Society / Hosta College 2015, Friday evening, March 20^th  and Saturday March 21^st , Upper Valley Career Center, 8811 Career Drive, Piqua, Ohio.

At this conference there is a rare plant auction starting at 6 pm Friday evening and on Saturday, beginning at 8 am participants will attend 5 classes from a list of 70 to choose from.  There is a big vendor’s area and a buffet luncheon is included.  In the evening there is a banquet.  Cost is $42 for members, $55 for non-members.

Further information:  http://www.ihostohio.org/portal/glhc/   To register http://www.ihostohio.org/portal/glhc/

    

17th Annual Conference ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL GARDENERS Saturday, March 7, 2015, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Waldenwoods Banquet and Conference Center, 2975 Old US-23, Hartland MI.

Drawing Inspiration from Japanese Garden Design

 Our Guest Presenter for the day will be Greg Afman, Head Horticulturist for the Japanese Garden at Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This phenomenal new garden will debut in June 2015, and as part of his presentation, Greg will share a first-hand review of its progress.   Greg is a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and engaging speaker, whom we discovered last August, when he led APG members on a tour of the future Japanese Garden.

His presentations will cover: 

The Evolution of the Japanese Garden

Applying Japanese Aesthetics to your Garden - This presentation conveys how Japanese design principles are universally applicable to all gardens especially here in Michigan.

Create Your Own Bonsai Planter - In the afternoon Greg will facilitate a hands-on workshop, in which all Conference attendees will create and take home their own Bonsai.  All materials will be supplied with the exception of wire cutters and a small pair of scissors or pruners, which we ask you to bring.

Cost: APG Member $60; Non-member $80. Includes Continental breakfast, lunch, conference materials, and workshop supplies. Registration Deadline: Friday, February 20, 2015. Seating is limited, so please register early! Registration at link below or call/email Sue Grubba, president, (248) 535-4940, or suegrubba@sbcglobal.net

http://www.associationofprofessionalgardeners.org/app/download/7237381895/2015+APG+Conference+Registration+Form_Dues+Renewal.pdf

Bringing Birds & Bees Through the Use of Native Plants Fri, February 27, 10-11:30am Meadow Brook Hall, Rochester, MI,

Laura Zigmanth shares what native plants bring in butterflies & native bees. Sponsored By Meadow Brook GC.  Cost: $5. Coffee at 9:15. For more information call 248‑364‑6210.

Never Stop Growing Tue, March 3, 2015, Ypsilanti District Library, Ypsilanti, MI

Join Garden A to Z.com's Janet Macunovich for tips on gardening as the years add up.  Part of a new series.  Call  734-482-4110 for more information.

Backyard Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop Saturday morning, March 28, 2015 from 10am to 12:30pm, Greater Holy Temple C.O.G.I.C. , 6702 N. Dort Hwy, Flint, MI

Bob Tritten, MSUE District Fruit Educator will give an outdoor demonstration workshop at two community orchards. We will also visit the Uni-Corn Community Garden to cover pruning of older fruit trees. Participants will learn the basic methods of pruning young and bearing fruit trees. Pre-registration required by 3/25/15. Workshop to be held rain or shine (walking required)

Contact: Deb Hamilton at 810-244-8547 or email: hamiltod@anr.msu.edu Cost per person: $10.00 Make check payable to edible flint Mail to: MSU Extension, 605 N. Saginaw Street, Suite 1A, Flint, MI 48502.  Please include NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE # AND EMAIL ADDRESS.

Spring 2015 Symposium by the Master Gardeners of St. Clair County, Saturday, March 21, 2015 - 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Cornerstone Church, 4025 North Road, Clyde, MI 48049 - (Two miles west of Port Huron, MI)

Keynote speaker Sean Hogan Portland, OR. Cistus Nursery.  Class topics: Richard Bitner-  “Designing with Conifers”, Panayoti Kelaidis, “Rockgardens”,

 Susan Betz: “Magical Moons & Seasonal Circles”, Sean Hogan: “More Than Meets the Eye”.

Early bird registration: $80.00, includes all speakers, continental breakfast, lunch, and snack break. Late registration,(after February 20, 2015), $90.00. Make check payable to MGSCC (Master Gardeners of St. Clair County) Checks or money orders only, to be cashed upon arrival in the mail – no refunds can be made after February 20.

Mail registration to: Sandy Billings, 99 Richman Rd., St. Clair, MI 48079, call Sandy at (810) 367-3399; E-mail: sanderan51@yahoo.com or Lisa Sharrow at (810) 329-3722. More information and Registration forms are also online at www.mgoscc.org

The MSU Hort Club 2015 Spring Show and Plant Sale Saturday April 18th 2014, 9am-6pm and Sunday April 19th 2014, 10am- 4pm located in the head house of the Plant and Soil Sciences Building (PSS) at Michigan State University, 1600 Bogue St, East Lansing (located on the corner of Wilson and Bogue.)

No information is given about what the show entails or whether there is a fee to enter but if you want to see the list of plants they are selling you can go here.

http://www.msuhortclub.com/spring-show-inventory/

There is parking in the 4H Children’s garden parking lot just south of the PSS bldg, in the vet med lot across Bogue and the Horticulture Department lot to the west of PSS. (*Note: locations are marked on the map with 'Parking') Be sure to read parking signs as parking tickets are common on MSU's campus. Please enter through either the south door of the head house or through the greenhouses.

MSU Horticulture Gardens’ Spring Program: Can You Dig It?, May 2, 2015 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Plant and Soil Sciences Building, 1066 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI

Sessions include: Woodland wonders from the wild, Art of Gardening, Joy of Propagation, Cultivating the recipe garden, lunch from Grand Traverse Pie Company included.  Rare plant sales.  Early registration (on or before April 21) for MSU Horticulture Garden Member $69 Early registration (on or before April 21) for non-MSU Horticulture Garden Member $79 Registrations received after April 21 $89

Register online:   http://events.anr.msu.edu/register.cfm?eventID=F981110CAB81205F&regisProcessID=78A6375F6399E682

Contact: 517-353-0443, hgardens@msu.edu.

Gardening and All That Jazz – Innovation and Sustainability For Your Garden, Saturday, April 25, 2015 – 7 am – 4:15 pm, Oakland Schools Conference Center 2111 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford

Sessions include: Will Allen – Growing Power and the Good Food Revolution: A visual story of how Growing Power came to be and of Will Allen’s personal journey, the lives he has touched, and a grassroots movement that is changing the way our nation eats., Will Allen – How To Put “Growing Power” in Your Backyard: How to make your own compost bin, outdoor and indoor worm bins and raised beds. Matthew Benson – Growing Beautiful Food: Cultivating the Incredible, Edible Garden - Kerry Ann Mendez – Gardening Simpli­fied for Changing Lifestyle: Exceptional Plants and Design Solutions for Aging and Time-pressed Gardeners

Lunch and snacks included in cost.  Garden marketplace and jazz musicians. Early Bloomers Registration Fee: $70 After March 14, 2015 Fee: $80 Registration at the door is not available. Registration Deadline: Wednesday, April 20, 2015  Registr by going to http://www.mgsoc.org/2015Conference_registration.pdf   For more info:  Nancy Strodl, Phone: 248-552-5095, E-mail: nancy_strodl@comcast.net

Horticultural Therapy: Connecting People and Plants-March 13, 2015 - March 14, 2015 Plant and Soil Sciences Building, 1066 Bogue St., East Lansing, MI 48824

The Michigan Horticultural Therapy Association is excited to present two events 36th Annual Conference ‒ Friday, March 13, 8:30 a.m. ‒ 4 p.m. and a workshop ‒ Saturday, March 14, 8:30 a.m. ‒ 12:30 p.m. in conjunction with Agriculture and Natural Resources Week at Michigan State University. Join us for presentations, networking, vendors, books sales and more as we learn more about using horticulture as therapy.

For complete program and registration information, go to www.michiganhta.org or contact Cathy Flinton at cathy@michiganhta.org.

Michigan Herb Associates Annual Conference- March 13, 2015 - March 14, 2015 Eppley Center and Business College Complex/Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, MSU Campus, East Lansing MI.

The theme of the 28th annual Michigan Herb Associates (MHA) Conference is “Sensational Savory.” The Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Horticulture and Michigan Herb Associates sponsor the conference. The two-day MHA conference is filled with programs of interest to beginning and advanced herb gardeners and crafters who enjoy growing and using herbs as a hobby.

Lectures and demonstrations will take place at the Eppley Center and Business College Complex. A market of vendors will offer herbal plants and topiaries, herbal food-related items, decorative garden ornaments and jewelry, and many other gift items. MHA will have a small gift shop along with speaker book sales and signings. A live plant auction will take place Friday and Saturday.

Visit the MHA website at http://miherb.org/ to register online or download the registration form.

Organic Farming Intensives Initiative Classes March 12, 2015 - 9 am- 4 pm - Michigan State University, Brody Complex, East Lansing MI.

The Organic Farming Intensives Initiative will offer three to four all-day classes of single topics with a focus on organic farming. Possible topics include vegetable production, fruit tree management, soil health, transplants, pest management, farm-plan building and organic certification.

For more information, contact Vicki Morrone at sorrone@msu.edu or 517-282-3557. To learn more about the Organic Farming Exchange, visit http://www.michiganorganic.msu.edu/.

Michigan Beekeepers Association Spring Conference Friday, March 13, 2015 and Saturday, March 14, 2015 at the Kellogg Center on the Michigan State University campus, East Lansing, Mi.

There will be break-out sessions on both days covering a wide range of topics that should be of interest for both the beginner and advanced beekeeper alike.  And, of course, the ever-popular vendor area will be back so that you can see all of the latest beekeeping equipment in one place.  Also, this year we will be expanding the vendors to include a “beekeeping” trade show.  The trade show will feature major manufacturers of beekeeping equipment and gear.  Here will be your opportunity to see what’s new in the beekeeping world and meet the folks who actually make your stuff!

Pre-registration is available on-line and we encourage all attendees to do so.  When you pre-register you get a discount too!  We encourage all conference attendees to pre-register.  If you pre-pay when you pre-register, your conference material will be available for immediate pick-up… no waiting in line.  For more information go to http://www.michiganbees.org/2015-spring-conference/

MSU Tollgate Maple Tapping and Pancake Celebration March 15, 2015-10 a.m. - 12 p.m. or 1 - 3 p.m. 28115 Meadowbrook Rd, Novi, MI,

Celebrate the Maple Tapping Season with Pancakes at MSU Tollgate! With a full-on pancake breakfast or lunch!

Identify and tap a maple tree, tour the sugar shack with ongoing evaporation, take a wagon ride, taste maple syrup, and tackle historical tools! Prior to the 2-hour program, enjoy a pancake celebration in the historic, 19th-century barn. Pancakes, coffee, cocoa, and of course, real maple syrup will be provided!

Eat your fill of yummy food and grab a cup of coffee 9 - 10 a.m. before your 2-hour program. Enjoy entertainment in the 19th century barn while you eat and relax.

Need to sleep in? Join us at 12 p.m. for a pancake lunch before heading out to the sugar bush at 1 p.m.

Cost is $12.00 per person. If cancellations are needed, please do so before March 11, 2015, to avoid cancellation fee of $5 per person registered.

Register at http://events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm?folder=msutollgatemapletappancake15

The last day to register online is March 11, 2015.

Contact: tollgateprograms@anr.msu.edu or call Mandy Jacobs at 248-347-0269 ext. 238.  

Grand Rapids Smart Gardening Conference March 7, 2015- 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monroe Meeting Rooms DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, Michigan

 Classes include: “Smart Design of the Living Landscape-Putting back the Layers”, Rick Darke, “Tapping the Smart Gardener’s Work Force—Predators, Parasitoids and Pollinators!”, Elly Maxwell, Entomologist, Dow Gardens, Vegetable Potpourri for the Smart Gardener”, Rebecca Krans, “Grow More with Less-a Smart Approach to Gardening!”, Vincent Simeone Horticulturist, Author, Lecturer, Oyster Bay, New York.

Cost:  Early Bird Registration by Feb. 13 - $59  Late Registration - $70 Must pre-register. Enrollment deadline is Friday, Feb. 27, 2015 or until full. More info and online registration       http://events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm?folder=smartgardening2015 or  Contact: finneran@msu.edu, 616-632-7865

28th ANNUAL MICHIGAN WILDFLOWER CONFERENCE- Sunday March 8 and Monday March 9, 2015- Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center , MSU campus, East Lansing MI.

Landscape Design: Where Art and Nature Meet.  For full agenda please see http://wildflowersmich.org/

Pre- registration at http://wildflowersmich.org/assets/docs/15_reg_form.pdf

$65 for one day, $120 for both until 2/25/2015, after that $75 and $140.  WAM membership required, add $15.    Laura Liebler, Registrar Phone: 734.662.2206

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.

http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/msu_extension_beginning_farmer_webinar_series_continues_online

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.

http://media.wix.com/ugd/a6644a_72156cb8da534cff8aeaefbdb4f6a83e.pdf

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

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