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Tuesday, February 3, 2015

February 3, 2015 Kim’s Weekly Garden Newsletter

February 3, 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.

Getting around in the winter.
Hi Gardeners

We got about 8 inches of snow here, I know some of you got a lot more. I was really dreading it but my driveway is cleared thanks to a neighbor, I have my path shoveled to the barn and our road was plowed by Monday noon so things aren’t too bad.  In fact our road was plowed again today – why I don’t know- maybe there was drifting somewhere. I listen to all the people complaining down in the cities about their roads not being plowed and kind of chuckle.  It’s the cities that have the hard times getting around when it snows, out here our people get the job done.

It does annoy me that people think their roads should be plowed two hours after a storm stops.  Everything must be immediately done anymore.  When there is a big storm it takes time to get it cleaned up.  I may be old but I remember a time when people didn’t get upset when it took a few days to get out after a storm. Modern technology just doesn’t have a good fix to produce more plows and plow drivers in a snap after a storm then get rid of them a few days later.

And another sign of getting old is I can’t believe how often they close schools any more for weather.  I never once remember a school closing because it was too cold when I was young or even when my son was in school. My sister lived in Alaska for a while and they don’t close schools there for the cold. If kids dressed in something appropriate for the weather it wouldn’t hurt them to stand outside to wait for a bus for a few minutes. It might be a way to curb the wearing of shorts and mini-skirts.  We had very few snow days in earlier times too and it wasn’t because we had less snow.  (Yes I did walk two miles to high school through deep drifts of snow, that’s the truth, although it wasn’t uphill both ways.)

Remember to feed the birds in this cold and snowy weather.  On Sunday when it was snowing there were easily 30 birds at my feeders all day long and 30 waiting to be seated. We have two seed and two suet feeders plus a tray feeder for ground birds and I am thinking of adding another feeder.  I think the most numerous species I am seeing this winter is the purple or house finch. They are out numbering goldfinches and chickadees this winter, usually the most numerous birds at my feeders.  There are a healthy number of cardinals this year too.

Garden classes and events are popping up all over now that the holidays are over.  Make sure to check the classes and events list at the bottom of the newsletter if you have cabin fever.

Idea for rooting cuttings

Here’s another way to get rid of cabin fever.  Putter around and do some inside gardening. About two years ago I netted a tiny baby fish from our pond and kept him in a jar to see what type of fish were spawning in the pond. It turned out to be a goldfish. When he outgrew his jar I bought a small aquarium and for two years he lived in the living room. Before Christmas I felt sorry for him and decided to buy him two friends from the pet store. Bad move, he and the new friends died.

Now I had an empty aquarium sitting in the living room. It does add humidity to the room so I decided to leave it. I was going to add some water plants but they are hard to find at this time of year. So I decided to root cuttings in it instead.  I took some plastic lids from various things and melted holes in them by holding a knife blade in the stove burner flame until it was red hot and then pushing it
My aquarium garden
through the lids.

I took some cuttings from various plants from sweet potato to rex begonia and inserted the bottom of the cutting through the holes.  I then floated the lid gardens on the water in the aquarium. Some of the lids sank too much so I broke off little pieces of Styrofoam from some packing material and put them under the lids.  If you dip the pieces in water they will stick to the lids and not float off.  This keeps the lids above water.

The plants seem to be rooting well in this way and maybe when I transfer them to pots I’ll add water plants or new fish to the aquarium.  But for now I have an interesting experiment to occupy me.

Check stored bulbs
If you have stored summer bulbs such as cannas, dahlias and glads, now is the time to take a look at them. If they seem reasonably firm and plump everything is fine.  If they are moldy or soft feeling you need to spread them out somewhere moderately warm and let them dry out a bit. Pack them back up in clean material such as wood shavings after a day or two. 

If the bulbs look shriveled and dry when you check them you need to moisten the material around them slightly. Then check again in a few days.  If the packing material again feels dry add a little more moisture. If it feels slimy or mold has started you’ll need to remove the bulbs and change the packing material. Bulbs that have shriveled may not regain plumpness but if you catch the drying out stage early enough these bulbs still have a chance to sprout when it’s warmer.

If you see signs that mice have been nibbling your bulbs you’ll have to move them to another storage spot or put them in a wire or metal container. Don’t seal bulbs up too tightly though, they are living things after all and they need circulating air. Tightly sealed containers usually lead to mold and decay.
  
Check trees for damage
Another thing to check now that we have had a good deal more snow is the trunks of your trees and shrubs.  Thin barked trees like fruit trees and maples are especially prone to being gnawed by rabbits, mice and voles.  Rabbits work above ground but mice and voles tunnel under the snow to the trunks of trees. If they gnaw around the trunk they will kill the plant, but even a small amount of nibbling weakens the trees. Look near the base of the tree or shrub, you may have to move the snow away if its deep against the tree. 

Circles of wire mesh with ¼ inch openings or less are the best protection but plastic spiral wrap or tubes you slip over small trees will also work. If you use mesh it shouldn’t touch the trunk of the tree. These protective devices should extend 3 feet high or more above ground.

Another thing to watch for is the splitting of young trees bark on the south or west side of the tree. When sun hits the bark it warms it up and expands it a bit.  But a quick drop of temperature at night causes it to contract and split. In spring these splits can leak sap and attract insects, as well as weakening the tree and making it look unattractive.

In the late summer or fall tree trunks can be painted white to help reflect sunlight but in the middle of winter painting isn’t a good plan. Instead you can apply white plastic spiral tree wrap or simply lean something light colored against the tree trunk on the south and west side to reflect heat. White paper wrap sold for tress may also work. Don’t apply anything like duct tape to the trunk. Once the tree is older and has heavier bark the winter sun seldom affects it. 

Answers to flower quiz, January 20 newsletter
I forgot to give the answers to the flower quiz from the January 20th newsletter.  Thanks, readers for reminding me and here they are.
Wide Brim, Venus and Red October are variety names of what popular perennial used for its foliage? Hosta
Rudbeckia is another name for what? Black eyed susan
Meconopsis is the formal name of what rare blue flowered plant? Himalayan Blue Poppy
Wake Robin is a common name for what woodland plant? Trillium
Culvers root has what colored flowers? violet or purple
Thunbergia, Cathedral Bells, and Love in a Puff are all what? Vines
Chrysler Imperial, Josephs Coat, and Mr. Lincoln are all named varieties of what? Tea rose
From what garden flower was a common heart medication derived? Foxglove- digitalis
Aruncus has what common name? Goatsbeard
Dinner plate, cactus and anemone are all flower types of what plant? dahlia

February Almanac
The names for the full moon in February, (which is today, February 3rd ), reflect the bleakness associated with the month.  It is called the Full Snow moon, Hunger moon and Bone moon among other things.  This full moon is the only time the moon will be seen entirely after dark in the month. All through the month Venus and Mars will be seen together in the western sky just after sunset.  The bright star near the moon most of the month is Regulus.

Good days for planting above ground crops are 14th -15th and 27th, 28th, below ground crops, 10th, and 11th.   If you want to go ice fishing try the 18th through the 28th

February is National Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month, American Heart Month, Marijuana Awareness Month, National Bird Feeding Month, National Cherry Month, National Grapefruit Month, and National Bake for Your Family Month.

The 2nd was Candlemas day as well as Groundhog Day.  It is the half way point through winter and also the beginning of housecleaning for spring. The 5th  is National Pancake Day. The 12th is Lincolns Birthday, Darwin Day and also Plum Pudding day.  The 14th is Valentine’s Day as well as National Condom day, and for those who don’t celebrate Valentine’s day, it’s also National Library Day. The 15th is Susan B. Anthony’s Birthday.  Then we observe Presidents Day on the 16th.  This year the 17th is the start of Mardi Gras.  The 19th is Chinese New Year.  Tortilla Chip day is the 24th, National Pistachio day is the 27th.  National Public Sleeping Day is the 28th , have fun with that.

The February birth flower is the violet, which symbolizes faithfulness, humility and chastity.  African violets are being featured in many stores in February and make a good gift for a gardener.  The February birthstone is the Amethyst.

Add Sweet Potato leaves to your salad

Are you over-wintering a sweet potato plant indoors?  They do make good houseplants. They are also easily sprouted by suspending a sweet potato from the grocery in a glass jar. If you do have a sweet potato plant inside you may want to harvest some of its leaves for your next salad.

Two types of sweet potato vine.
A study done by Louisiana State University and recently published in Hort Science found that sweet potato leaves are very nutritious, being high in Vitamins C, B6, and riboflavin as well as containing other vitamins and minerals. The leaves and young shoots of sweet potato are as nutritious as broccoli, carrots, bananas and other fruits and vegetables.

Unlike the leaves and stems of white potatoes sweet potato leaves and stems are not poisonous and can be added to any salad or eaten alone. Sweet potato leaves and stems can also be eaten as cooked greens, just like spinach and just as nutritious. Just make sure that the sweet potato leaves you use haven’t been treated by pesticides.  

Sweet Potatoes grown for ornamental use come in a variety of colors and even varying leaf shapes. While researchers tested common varieties grown for their roots for edible foliage qualities, there is no reason ornamental varieties would not be great salad plants. Sweet Potato plants will grow in sunny windows inside during the winter. They do need to be kept in warmer rooms and kept moist to grow well. You could use them for a salad plant all winter and then put them back out as an ornamental container plant. It’s also easy to start cuttings of sweet potato over the winter simply by putting pieces of stem into a jar of water.  

Ants may control pollination of some plants

A recent study published in the American Journal of Botany found that some ants may change the sugar content of a flowers nectar, and that may change what pollinators are interested in visiting the flower. The ants carry yeasts on their body which when introduced into nectar change the composition of its nectar.

While many gardeners aren’t aware of it, ants are pollinators of many types of flowers. Flower nectar is a reward for pollinators and attracts them to the flower. Nectar is composed of 3 sugar types, fructose, sucrose and glucose. The amount of each type of sugar in the nectar varies according to plant species and what pollinators the flowers are designed to attract. For example hummingbirds are attracted to flowers whose nectar is higher in sucrose.  But when ants introduce yeasts to nectar the yeast colonize it and change the sugar make-up to higher fructose content.

When researchers keep ants from visiting flowers the flowers don’t have any yeast colonies in the nectar. Research is continuing to explore this ant and sugar content relationship but it suggests that ants are manipulating the nectar of flowers to make it less desirable to other pollinators and to keep more for them. This is just one more example of how ants manipulate an environment to make it more favorable for them.

Growing African Violets

African violets are popular houseplants because they give us something blooming to look at in winter. Because they are small potted plants they fit easily into most living arrangements and one can have several plants on a windowsill. African violets are generally inexpensive to buy, although for serious collectors some varieties can get quite pricy.

African violets have the reputation of being difficult as a houseplant but new varieties are much easier to grow. While they don’t thrive on neglect as some houseplants do, with a little attention to their needs African violets will reward you with beautiful blooms in a wide range of colors.
African violet.

Light and temperature
If you turn down the heat at night your African violets will be happy-unless it gets below 60 degrees. African violets like the temperature at night to be 60-65 degrees F and the day temperatures to be 70-80 degrees F.  Don’t let the leaves of African violets touch cold window glass. If your window sill gets very cold at night in the winter you may want to move the plants out of it at night.

African violets like bright light but direct sunlight shining through a window may burn the leaves. A north or east facing window is best in the summer. If you have gloomy winters the African violet can do well in a west window or even a south window if set back from the window a few inches.

African violets can grow and even bloom in artificial light. You can use grow lights suspended over them but some plants will do just fine in a brightly lighted room, especially if the walls are light colored to reflect light.

You’ll know if your African violets are getting too much light if the leaves turn reddish, get thick and wrinkled looking, with new leaves being smaller and having short leaf stems. If they are in hot, direct sun the leaves will turn yellow, and the edges will turn dry and look scorched. Too little light will cause the leaves to be large, thin, and light green with long floppy stems. Plants with too little light will not bloom.

If they get strong enough light African violets will bloom with 8-10 hours of daylight but a goal would be to provide 12-14 hours of daylight.  They should have at least 8 hours of darkness to do well.

Be sure to dust the hairy leaves of your African violets from time to time with a soft toothbrush and gentle strokes. This allows the maximum amount of light to reach the leaf surface.

Soil and fertilizer
There are special mixes sold for potting African violets but any good soil-less potting mix will work. Soil-less mixes are composed of peat, vermiculite and shredded bark. They are light weight and drain well. Don’t use garden soil for African violets or buy cheap, heavy potting soil.

The pot you use for your African violet can be clay, ceramic or plastic but it must have good drainage. Don’t use too large of a pot as large pots cause watering problems. Small plants will grow well in 4-5 inch pots, as the plant increases in size it can be transplanted into 6-8 inch pots.

African violets should be fertilized from March to September. If the potting soil you used had fertilizer mixed into it, (check the label), you will not need fertilizer for several months. Use a special African violet fertilizer or a houseplant fertilizer and carefully follow directions. Too much fertilizer will cause more problems than too little. If the plant has dark green healthy looking leaves and blooms regularly it is getting enough fertilizer.

Water and humidity
Most older books call for African violets to be watered by pouring water in a saucer and setting the pot in it so it draws water up. With modern, well draining potting soils you can just as safely water from the top. Just make sure to keep water off the leaves or it will spot them.

Don’t water on a schedule, water when the pot feels dry to the touch. Use distilled water or rainwater for best results. If you use chlorinated water let it sit a day or so for the chlorine to dissipate. Use mildly warm water to avoid shocking the plant roots.

Both hard and softened water may cause a build up of mineral salts in the soil. If you use either, watch for yellow-white crusts on the top of the soil or sides of the pot. You should re-pot the plant in new soil if this happens.

African violets are jungle plants and appreciate high humidity, which most homes don’t have, especially in the winter. If your home doesn’t have a humidifier you can sit your African violet pots on a tray filled with marbles or decorative stones and some water. The stones or marbles should hold the pot bottom out of the water, so the pot isn’t continually soggy, which would kill the plant. Do not mist your African violets, water will spot the leaves.
African violet

Flowering
African violets flower in repeated cycles if they have all their needs met. That is they will flower for a month to 6 weeks and then rest before repeating bloom. Some varieties are more free blooming than others. Remove dead flowers to make the plant look nicer and encourage more blooming.

African violets come in many colors from white to pink to deep purple. Some are bi-color. There are double flowered African violets, fringed and star shaped blooms and a whole range of leaf shapes and sizes. African violet growers often enter their plant pets in shows and get involved in developing new varieties. For more information on types of African violets you can go to the website of the African violet society of America at http://www.avsa.org/Home.html

Keep that snow shovel handy.
Kim Willis
 “He who has a garden and a library wants for nothing” ― Cicero

More Information

Garden planning at its best

Old advice can be new advice for beginning gardeners.
Posted on January 8, 2015 by Gretchen Voyle, Michigan State University Extension

In the late 1800s, a professor by the name of Liberty Hyde Bailey wrote and lectured extensively about a new field called horticulture. He is considered to be one of the founders of the Extension Service and the father of modern horticulture. Bailey was the first superintendent of the Horticulture Department at Michigan State University in 1886. He wrote: “A garden is half-made when it is well planned. The best gardener is one who does the most gardening by the winter fire.”

Siting
The months of the winter fire are upon us and so is the season of planning for your coming growing adventure. Whether it is a vegetable garden or flowers, this is the time to consider a location if this is a new garden. When plans are on paper and you have an eraser, changes are easy. Vegetable gardens need a good eight hours of direct sunlight to flourish. Consider surrounding trees and where shade will fall during the day. If the garden is close to a sidewalk or where people pass by, some vegetables could be damaged or disappear. Ripe cherry tomatoes tempt the more honest of people.

Watering
Consider how easy it is to get water to this location. If vegetables are to be grown, it is a good idea to have potable water available. That essentially means the water is suitable for drinking. If it is not, extra time and care will be necessary to wash vegetables, especially if they are to be eaten raw. If more hoses are needed to connect your water supply to the garden, start hunting now. At slightly over 8 pounds a gallon, carrying water sounds exciting but gets very tiresome, unless the garden being grown is the size of a card table.

Soil test
If the garden area has not had a soil test within the last three years, get one. You want to know before the first seed is planted if you need to add fertilizer or adjust the soil pH. You are aiming for a soil pH of around 6.5 and at least 5 percent organic matter. There will be a recommendation for nutrients in most cases and now is the time to locate the fertilizer. Michigan State University Extension has soil test self-mailers available at www.msusoiltest.com for $25. Use and keep your results and in another three years, test again and see what has improved through your efforts.

Buying seeds or transplants
Many seed companies have free catalogs if you request them – this is the time of year many gardening magazines are filled with blow-in cards to fill out and mail away for catalogs. You can also go online and start deciding what you would like to grow. There is nothing like looking at vegetables and fruit to motivate you to grow something new or different. It is good to order early before what you want has been sold out. More people than ever are gardening, so there are more buyers. Certain plants can be purchased as transplants to give them more weeks in the garden, such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, head cabbage and giant pumpkins. Find a local source.

Tools needed
Now is the time to check and see if you have all the tools needed for your garden. This includes enough stakes and strings for rows. Owning a flat hoe for small weeding jobs and a triangular hoe for making small seed trenches can be handy. Having a tiller to turn over soil and incorporate compost is a back saver. This is the time to price and talk to those who own them. Almost all of them will suggest a tiller with the tines in the rear rather than at the front. With the tines in front, you have to lift the handles on most tillers to get the tines into the soil. This can be very tiring on the arms.

As the snow blows by the windows and the wind whistles around the corner of the house, planning your garden by the winter fire can make the smart gardener believe spring is coming and tasty vegetables are on the horizon.

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. 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-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






New- 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 2483646210.

New- 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.

New- 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.

New- 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

New- 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.

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.

Growing Bee Friendly Plants Workshop February 12, 2015, 1:00pm - 3:00pm- Tollgate Conference Center, 28115 Meadowbrook Road, Novi, MI

Are you concerned about all of the media hype around pollinator health or buyer restrictions on growing plants without neonicotinoids? Do you want to ensure that the plants you produce will be bee-friendly? Dr. Dave Smitley will share his research results from recent studies on the effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on bumblebees and share best management practices in order to grow bee-friendly plants. Topics to be covered include: • Overview of neonicotinoid and bee issue • Biorational products • Alternatives to neonicotinoids • Biological control as an alternative pest management practice • Bee-friendly insecticides • Safe use of systemic drenches • New products available • Best management practices for producing bee-friendly plants Cost: FREE! But it does require an RSVP* by February 9, 2015 to Kristin Getter at 517-355-5191 x1341 or getterk@msu.edu *If fewer than 10 attendees are registered by February 9, 2015, this workshop will be canceled.

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
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.

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.  

Landscape Design Workshop Sat, February 14, 1 pm at All English Gardens locations- see below.
FREE. We provide the supplies & suggestions you need to plot an area & create a successful design. www.EnglishGardens.com.

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

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/

$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 controlGet the list of topics and links here.

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.
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.
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.

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


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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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