April 21,
2015, Kim’s Weekly Garden Newsletter © Kim
Willis
Hello Gardeners
As is usual today is a change-over day for the weather. The change started yesterday where we
transitioned from warm, dry sunny weather to cool cloudy and sometimes wet
weather. I had a half inch of rain
through this morning and we had a brief period of pea sized hail this
morning. We do need the rain however as
we are running below normal in rainfall this April.
I really loved the weather last week however. I planted a flat of pansies and did a lot of garden
clean up including weeding and cleaning up my raspberry and strawberry
beds. My first sowing of lettuce outside
is up and growing. I have hyacinths in
bloom and a single tulip along with lots of daffodils. Some crocus are still blooming although they
are starting to fade. Some tiny violas are blooming in the front lawn. Maples and willows are blooming, honeysuckle,
barberry, and a few other things are showing tiny leaves. I am told that magnolias are blooming in some
of the more southern areas. The grass is
green and getting long in some places.
I haven’t seen the hummingbirds or orioles yet although hummingbirds
have been spotted in Livingston County and a few other places in southern
Michigan. The frogs have been singing
like crazy, although they will probably be quieter the next few days until the
warmer weather returns. There’s supposed
to be a mix of rain and snow tonight and wet, cold temperatures for the next
few days but nicer weather will return by next weekend.
Spring
Peepers
For most of the year you won’t see these tiny frogs very often or hear
them but in spring these 1½ inch frogs will cause a mighty song to emanate from
every tiny puddle and pool in the landscape.
They are one of the first frogs to sing in the spring in Michigan, often
before the ice is off of larger ponds and lakes. Their song is a high pitched
trill that goes on day and night, although it’s strongest in early evening. The sound can be heard more than a mile away.
 |
| Spring peeper. |
The spring peeper is gray-brown with a black X on its back and some black
markings on its legs. The belly is a lighter cream color. The skin is smooth.
The feet have both small webs like other frogs and suction pads on the toes to
help them climb. Females may be a little
larger than males and often lighter in color.
Spring peepers are tree frogs and can climb into low trees and shrubs,
but they spend a lot of time in leaf litter on the ground and in low vegetation
looking for bugs. In the spring breeding season they congregate around any
low spot that holds water. The singing or croaking if you must- is caused by
male frogs inflating a balloon like area of skin under their chins and
releasing the air. They sing to attract
females.
In the winter spring peepers hibernate buried in soil. They emerge with the first warm weather in
the spring, earlier than most other frogs. During spring breeding season in the
north spring peepers frequently encounter freezing nights and they have the
ability to survive even if their blood freezes for a short time. They lay strings of 700-1000 eggs at the
edges of ponds and pools, usually hidden near vegetation. The eggs hatch into
tadpoles in 4-10 days depending on weather. The race is then on to develop into
tiny frogs before the pond or pool dries up. This can happen in as little as 45
days or as long as 60 days. Many
tadpoles are eaten by fish and even water bugs before they become frogs.
The main enemies of spring peepers once they become frogs are snakes and
other frogs and toads. They are great helpers in the garden, eating many
harmful insects and should be encouraged to stick around. Pesticides sprayed on lawns and low
vegetation can be harmful to these tiny guys and its another reason to avoid
using them.
Cultivating cute clovers
 |
| White clover Trifolium repens in lawn. |
Clovers are
so common that many people assume they are native plants but all the clovers
you see in the northeast (and in many
other places in the US) are most likely to be non –natives that have gone
wild. There are a few North American native
clovers, mostly from the western prairies, but they are seldom seen in other
areas of the country or in human landscapes.
Clovers have a wide range of uses, cover crops to improve soil nitrogen,
hay plants, low-care lawns, wildlife and bee food, medicinal teas and even as
ornamental garden plants. Clovers are a
prime example of a non-native plant that is considered to be very valuable to
the environment.
One of the
most common clovers is white clover, Trifolium
repens. White clover was brought to North America very early in European
settlement and has now spread throughout the continent. It’s native to Eurasia and North Africa. White
clover is the clover of lawns, a short sturdy little perennial plant with
typical leaves consisting of 3 leaflets, sometimes 4 if you are lucky. Each
leaflet typically has a marking of red or white on it. White clover has small, white, round blooms tinged
with pink, which consist of a cluster of tiny flowers with long nectar tubes.
White
clover can be used as a cover crop since it fixes nitrogen, and then turned
into the soil to improve it. It’s often
used as a ground cover in orchards because as it improves the soil it also
draws pollinators. White clover is used for grazing pastures and hay. It is often included in wildlife food plot
mixes because deer and turkeys, as well as many other animals and birds, like
it. The leaves, flowers and seeds are
all important wildlife foods.
While some
people consider white clover a weed in lawns it was once included in many lawn
seed mixtures. White clover is also
seeing renewed interest as people want low maintenance lawns that are more
wildlife and pollinator friendly. It can
be allowed to mix with grasses or sowed as the entire lawn. It tolerates shade and poor soil, and spreads
quickly. Special varieties that are more
compact have been developed for lawn use.
Clover lawns are for people who don’t treat the lawn with weed killers
and don’t mind mowing less frequently.
Bees will swarm the flowers so walking barefoot in a clover lawn isn’t a
great idea. If you allow white clover to
grow in the lawn you will have less trouble with rabbits eating nearby ornamental
plants as they prefer clover to most other plants.
Because
many mutations of the clover leaflets develop naturally, white clover has been
developed into several pretty ornamental varieties. These can be allowed to spread as ground
covers or used in pots for their pretty foliage. ‘Dragons
Blood’ is one of the older mutations; each leaflet is splashed with varying
amounts of blood red. ‘Dark Dancer’ has purple toned leaves
edged in pale green. ‘Frosty Morning’,
‘Patchwork Quilt’, ‘Irish Mist’, and ‘Pistachio Ice Cream’ are varieties
developed by the University of Georgia and they are different variations of
white, pink, red and light green marked leaves. ‘4Luck Red-Green’ has a dark
green leaf heavily marked with red that has a high percentage of leaves with 4
leaflets- the lucky four leaved clover.
 |
| Cultivated white clover 4Luck Red-Green |
White
clover is edible, both blossoms and leaves.
Although it wasn’t a native plant North American native peoples found
many uses for the plant. They made a
pleasure tea of the flowers as Europeans did but they also dried and powdered
the blossoms and seeds to use as a spice in other foods. The dried flowers have a bit of vanilla
taste. The leaves and roots were often
boiled as a cooked green in spring. A
sweetened tea was used for coughs and colds similar to European use of the
tea. European herbal uses of white
clover are for colds and sore throats.
It was sometimes used as a tea for women’s problems but red clover
flowers are more often used for this.
Red clover,
Trifolium pratense, is the next most
common clover seen in the landscape. It
too was introduced from Europe but has naturalized across the country. It may have been brought here for its herbal
uses or as a good hay/pasture plant for livestock. Once it got here though, it was here to stay.
Red Clover is an example of a non-native
plant that has become very important to our native wildlife.
Red Clover
is used for food by either adults or larvae of these butterflies; Monarch,
Eastern Black Swallowtail, Pearl Crescent, Spicebush Swallowtail, Cabbage
White, Great Spangled Fritillary, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Common Sulphur and Eastern Tailed
Blue. It’s an excellent bee food plant also.
Red clover is eagerly sought out by rabbits, turkeys, deer and other
animals.
Red clover
is taller – up to 3 feet- and thicker in substance and with larger leaves than
white clover. It too has 3 leaflets to
each leaf, and the leaflets usually have a red V shaped marking on them. Red clover has larger flower cluster than
white clover in varying shades of reddish purple, lavender and pink. Because of its floppy and invasive nature it
doesn’t make the best plant for ornamental gardens but it’s worth planting a
patch ( or allowing a wild patch to flourish) in butterfly gardens and in the
herb garden.
 |
| Red Clover, Trifolium pratense en.wikipedia.org |
Red clover
is often used in hay crop mixtures. It
too can be used as a cover crop to improve soil and as a wildlife food
crop. There are commercial varieties available
for hay crops. Prairie plant seed mixes
often include red clover even though it isn’t a native plant.
Red Clover has
a long history of use as a medicinal plant and dried flowers for tea can be
found in stores. Research has shown that
red clover contains phytoestrogens, substances that mimic estrogen, and it has
a long history of use for female problems such as menopausal symptoms. Red clover tea may help women with
pre-menstrual symptoms. It was once
considered a cancer remedy but current research suggests it while it may have
some benefit in certain cancers it might also encourage some estrogen dependent
cancers to grow. Those with breast
cancer are urged not to use red clover products. Red clover tea is also used on skin
problems, rashes and psoriasis, and for coughs and colds.
The last
three clovers discussed here are purely ornamental. The most common of the ornamental use clovers
is Pink Clover, Trifolium rubens, is often
called by the confusing common name Red Feathers. It has
the familiar clover leaves but the flower clusters are more elongated and
plume-like and occur two to a stem, one
larger than the other. The flowers are
held on long stiff stems and make good cut flowers. The
color of the flower clusters ranges from a silvery mauve to silvery rose
pink. Plants are up to 2 feet tall and
make good filler for informal flower beds.
It is a clumping type perennial plant and spreads only slowly so it’s a good
garden subject. The flowers dry into
attractive tan seed heads.
 |
| Crimson Clover Trifolium incarnatum commons.wikipedia |
Crimson
Clover Trifolium incarnatum is sometimes called Italian Clover because it
is native to that part of Europe. It is
similar to Pink Clover but the plume flower clusters are deep crimson red and
quite showy in the garden. It can grow up to 3 feet tall in a good
location. It’s quite attractive to bees
and a great plant for pollinator gardens and mixed borders. Crimson Clover is an annual, but will re-seed
itself if left to set seed. It will
tolerate partial shade. In Europe this
pretty clover is also used as a hay crop and if you have sufficient seed it can
be used as a cover crop, fall sown and turned under early in spring. Crimson Clover may not bloom well when
summers get really hot and will not bloom following mowing or grazing.
Trifolium ochroleucum or Sulphur clover is a hard to find ornamental
clover for those who like something different.
It has tennis ball sized, rounded, creamy to pale yellow flower heads on
a sturdy 18 inch high plant. The flowers
have a sweet scent and are long lasting.
Sulphur Clover makes excellent container plants or mid or front of the
mixed border subjects. In Europe they
are sometimes used as mass bedding plants.
Sulphur clover flowers attract bees and butterflies. The plant is a perennial that blooms for a
long period in summer. Sulphur clover
prefers sun but will tolerate partial shade and is hardy to US plant zone 4.
A caution
for growing clovers for herbal use is to make sure there is absolutely no mold
on any clover flowers or leaves you dry for teas and other uses. Moldy clover produces coumadin, a blood
thinning compound that can cause anemia and internal bleeding. It is more common to have this problem when
using two clover relatives, Melilotus officinalis and Melilotus
albus, which have the common names sweet clover or honey clover but all clovers
can produce the chemical in the presence of certain molds. Sweet
clovers have spikes of tiny flowers that are loved by bees but they should be
avoided by herbalists and removed from pastures and hay fields. Pregnant women should probably avoid all
clover herbal products and people who have cancer should always consult with a
doctor before consuming clover herbal products.
Red Clover has caused infertility in animals when they graze on the
plants for long periods of time.
Here are
some sources for clovers.
Tips on picking plants at big box
stores
Some
gardeners avoid buying plants from general purpose retail stores that have
garden centers out of plant snobbery, others avoid it because they have heard
that the plants are somehow not very good-( usually from the plant snobs) and
others avoid buying because they feel they need expert help in choosing plants
and don’t expect to get it from these stores.
But these discount stores can offer good plants at good prices if you
know how to shop for them. And more and
more discount stores are carrying new and rarer plants thanks to plant
wholesalers such as Proven Winners and Monrovia. While plant lovers will always find a store
devoted to plants and plant products fascinating and money draining, it doesn’t
hurt to carefully shop at the discount retailers also.
First
choose general purpose retail stores that take good care of the plants they set
out seasonally. They should have a
dedicated area where plants are displayed so that they can be watered and cared
for easily. Plants set out on the
parking lot surface or pallets on the sidewalk are usually good for just a day
or two after they arrive, after that they tend to dry out and become stressed
and diseased. Avoid stores where the
plants are dried up and wilting, pots are damaged or soil is spilled all over. Plants should be clearly marked with the price
and name of the plant. A good retail
shore will also have at least a few employees that know a little about plants or will have reps from the wholesale companies on hand to help people
with plant questions.
Even if the
garden shop employees know a little about gardening it’s best to do your
homework before shopping for plants at general purpose retail stores. Know what type of plants are suitable for the
areas where you want to add plants, which species require sun or shade or don’t
like wet feet or need acidic conditions for example. Bring a list or book with you to consult if
needed.
Read labels
on plants carefully. Look for hardiness
ratings, the planting zone suitable for the plant should be on all perennial
plants sold. The retail stores that don’t
specialize in plants often buy plants that aren’t hardy for the local area. You need to know what plant hardiness zone
you live in. You can safely buy plants
that are a lower rated zone than yours, but if they are rated as hardy in a
higher numbered zone they may die over the winter. Remember that some varieties within a species
may be more cold hardy than others. Some types of lavenders or butterfly bushes,
for example, aren’t hardy in zone 5 but others will be.
Annual plants, which live for one year,
probably won’t have a zone listed but remember that most of these greenhouse
grown plants need to be planted after the danger of frost has passed or
protected whenever frost threatens. Stores have tomatoes, impatiens, petunias and
other things in stock long before it’s really safe to plant them in the
garden. They really don’t mind if you
have to buy them again after frost kills them.
Plants in
big general purpose retail stores and even in some plant dedicated nurseries
and greenhouses are generally about a month ahead in size and bloom time than
plants grown in the ground in your area.
Plants in bloom get more impulse sales. Things that are in bloom in the
store now probably won’t be blooming at the same time next year when they are in
your garden. Don’t choose plant color
combinations based on what’s blooming together in the store- next year the
bloom time of the different plants may not be synchronized. If it’s before the last frost when you are
buying perennial plants in bloom the flowers may be killed by frost or freezing
when you plant them in the garden this year.
That probably won’t kill the plant, but will ruin this year’s show.
Compare the
pot size with the plant price and look at the size of the plant in the
pot. Bigger sized pots usually cost more
than smaller ones but if you look at the size of the plant in the pot you may
find that the plant in the smaller, cheaper pot is nearly as big as the plant
in the larger pot. It will be the better
bargain. Smaller annual plants usually
catch up quickly with larger potted ones.
In perennials the size of the plant may mean it will bloom faster or
fill in a spot faster but if you are willing to be patient the smaller sized
pot will be a great bargain. Potted
trees and shrubs should be in pots that look proportionate to the plant size. Big trees in small pots may have stunted
roots and small trees or shrubs in huge pots may mean you are paying for a lot
of potting soil, not a lot of plant.
Check the warranty
or return policy of the store as regards to plants. Do you need to retain the receipt, plant tag,
plant container? Trees, shrubs and
perennials should generally be guaranteed for one growing season. Annual plants commonly have only a short or
no guarantee. Big box stores may actually
have better guarantees than plant dedicated stores.
Big general
purpose stores tend to sell plants a little cheaper than plant dedicated stores
but they will generally have less variety than a nursery or greenhouse. If you just want hosta’s and don’t care if they are the newest
varieties you may get better deals at a general purpose retail store. Sales at these stores will often allow you to
get plants at bargain prices that are perfectly healthy because the stores don’t
mind losing money on the plant in hopes you will buy other things in the
store. Annual plants for bedding are
often – but not always- cheaper than at a plant dedicated store and if you just
need 5 red geraniums the general purpose store’s garden shop is probably a good
choice.
While
garden supplies and art pieces won’t be as extensive or as exclusive as at some
nurseries and greenhouses you may get better prices on things like brand name
tools, fertilizers, mulch, and potting soil.
Gardeners should always consider these large retail stores for supplies
if they want to keep costs down.
However if
you are looking for specific named varieties of plants, like new and unusual
plants, or need lots of help selecting plants for your conditions a nursery or
regular garden store may be the better choice. There’s just something about a big nursery or
greenhouse filled with plants that gets the gardeners heart going. Most gardeners learn to use both types of
stores, however, and to a plant lover any plants for sale will draw your eye
and tempt you to buy. Don’t avoid the
garden shop of the local mass retail store because of plant snobbery- search it
for bargains and neat finds.
1000 year old herbal remedy cures
MRSA
One
thousand years ago, in the 10th century, a man named Bald described
in his book, Bald’s Leechbook, a
remedy for curing eye infections. In
this century Dr. Christina Lee, who is an Associate Professor in Viking Studies
and part of the University’s Institute for Medieval Research collaborated with Dr.
Freya Harrison, a microbiologist, to translate and recreate the ancient remedy.
The remedy
consists of a blend of garlic, leeks or onions, wine and the bile from a cow’s
stomach. The researchers were careful to
source older varieties of garlic and leeks and follow the directions for making
the cure exactly. To their amazement when
they treated the very deadly methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus
bacteria (MRSA) with the remedy it killed 90% of the bacteria, which is as good
as the only current antibiotic we have for these bacteria. They repeated the research under a variety of
conditions and found it remained extremely effective. They’ll present their findings at the Annual
Conference of the Society for General Microbiology, in Birmingham, England this
year.
The
researchers want to try the remedy on other bacterial infections, such as the
foot ulcers that plague diabetes patients. In the meantime it makes one wonder what other
medical breakthroughs ancient medical texts might hold.
This week’s fabulous foods- pears
and shitake mushrooms
Pears are
one of the stars of the nutrition-medicine scene this week. Research published in Food Research
International this week found that pears, specifically Bartlett and Starkrimson
pears, could help prevent type 2 diabetes and hypertension associated with it. Pears, consumed with the skin, help regulate
blood glucose control and hypertension because of their high phenol and vitamin
content and the fiber associated with pear pulp and skin. Research suggest eating a whole raw pear
every day may be beneficial for those who are pre-diabetic or recently
diagnosed.
Shitake
mushrooms are the subject of another research report by the University of
Florida. It was found that people who
ate 4 ounces daily of shitake mushrooms had a better immune system response as
measured by better-functioning gamma delta T-cells and reductions in
inflammatory proteins than a control group who did not eat the mushrooms. So chow down this week on shitake mushrooms
and pears.
Harvesting and cooking asparagus
Gardeners
will begin to harvest their asparagus patches soon and asparagus is available
in local farmers markets in May up to late June in Michigan. Allow asparagus shoots to get 6-8 inches high
before harvest. Cut asparagus shoots
with a sharp knife at ground level to harvest and never harvest more than one
third of your patch in a season. You are
eating the stems and leaves before they fully emerge and the plant needs some
stems and leaves left so it can produce its own food. When buying asparagus
look for firm, bright green shoots about the width of your little finger.
Wash your
harvested shoots or those you purchase in clean, running water, don’t soak
them. If the stems are larger in diameter
than a pencil they are probably a bit tough and need to be peeled. To peel, simply slice off a thin layer of
outer skin with a paring knife up to the start of the tip area.
Asparagus
is a little tricky to cook. Don’t
overcook it or it will taste bland and mushy. You either like asparagus and the smell that
your body will give off after you eat it or you don’t. Here are some ways to cook asparagus for
those who like it.
Boiling asparagus
Bundle
asparagus stems in groups of 6-8 stems by wrapping them with a bit of string at
the bottom and just below the tips. Make
sure the pot you use will accommodate the length of the stems. If left unwrapped asparagus stems bump together
and break up the tips.
Bring water
to boil in the pot and add a little salt- about a teaspoon. Add the asparagus bundles. Cook uncovered for 6-8 minutes or until the
stalk part is softened. Remove by
hooking the string with a fork or use tongs.
Boiled asparagus is usually served with a cheese sauce.
Asparagus steamed in
the microwave
Peel
asparagus. Wrap several stems in a
two-3 layers of soaked and wrung out white paper towel. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, test stems
for softness, microwave for additional minutes at a time until soft enough.
Skillet fried
asparagus
* 2 pounds of asparagus stalks
* 8 tablespoons butter
* 3 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* salt and pepper to taste
Peel
asparagus and slice very thinly, diagonal slices work best; slices should not
be more than a 1/4 inch thick. Par-boil
slices by putting them in a colander and dipping them into boiling water for 1
minute. Drain.
Heat butter
in a frying pan with soy sauce and lemon juice.
When bubbling add asparagus slices and stir and toss until they are
crisp and the butter lightly browned. This will serve 4-6.
Remember April Showers bring May
flowers
Kim Willis
“He who has a garden and
a library wants for nothing” ― Cicero
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
A new herb group is forming!
The Lapeer Herb
Circle will meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month at Rebekah’s Health
and Nutrition Store, 6 pm. at 588 S.
Main, Lapeer ( next to Office Depot).
They also have a facebook page you can join.
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
Here’s a link to
classes being offered at Campbell’s Greenhouse, 4077 Burnside Road, North
Branch. Now open.
Here’s a link to
programs being offered at English Gardens, several locations in Michigan.
Here’s a link to
classes at Telly’s Greenhouse in Troy and Shelby Twsp. MI, and now combined
with Goldner Walsh in Pontiac MI.
Here’s a link to
classes and events at Bordines, Rochester Hills, Grand Blanc, Clarkston and
Brighton locations
Here’s a link top
events at the Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road Ann Arbor,
Michigan | Phone 734-997-1553 |
http://www.lesliesnc.org/
Here’s a link to events at Hidden
Lake Gardens, 6214 Monroe Rd, Tipton, MI
Here’s a link to all
the spring programs being offered at Seven Ponds Nature center in Dryden,
Michigan. http://www.sevenponds.org/education/progs/springprograms/
Here’s a link to events
and classes at Fredrick Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids Mi
http://www.meijergardens.org/learn/ (888) 957-1580, (616) 957-1580
New-Back Track To
Nature offers the following programs to inspire you and deepen your
relationship with nature! In partnership with the Lapeer Land Conservancy and
Seven Ponds Nature Center these programs are a perfect way for families and
adults to enjoy the outdoors.
MAY 2015
Frog Walk at Sutherland Nature
Sanctuary
Saturday, May 2,
2015 9:30AM to 11:00AM
Entrance and parking
is located at 3960 Diehl Road, Hadley, Michigan 48440
Today, on this
guided walk we will visit the most likely habitats on the edges of ponds,
stream and moist wetlands where Michigan’s fantastic frogs live. We will learn
about edge habitats that link grasslands to forest and marshes to open water
habitats that are indicators of healthy environments. No admittance fee. For
more information about this walk, please contact Karen Page at 810-969-1023.
The Sutherland Nature Sanctuary of the Lapeer Land Conservancy is open to the
public dawn to dusk as a place where people can enjoy nature and observe good
land stewardship practices. For more information about the properties visit
Lapeer Land Conservancy
Eco Days at Seven Ponds Nature Center
Sunday, May 3,
2015 beginning at 1:00PM
Seven Ponds Nature
Center presents Eco Days. Join us for a Rain Barrel demonstration, learn how to
build a rain barrel and take one home. The cost for a barrel is $60.00. If you
have any questions call Karen at 810-969-1023.
Frog Walk at Hilton & Marjorie
Tibbits Nature Sanctuary and Land Stewardship Center
Saturday, May 9,
2015 9:30AM to 11:00AM
Entrance and parking
is located directly across from 4090
Columbiaville Road, Columbiaville, Michigan 48421
Today on this guided
walk we will visit the most likely habitats on the edges of ponds and wetlands
where Michigan’s fantastic frogs live. We will learn about edge habitats that
link grasslands to forest and marshes to open water habitats that are the
indicators of healthy environments. No admittance fee. For more information
about this walk, please contact Karen Page at 810-969-1023. The Tibbits Nature
Sanctuary of the Lapeer Land Conservancy is open to the public for guided walks
only. For more information about the properties visit Lapeer Land Conservancy
Birds Along the Way at the Tibbits
Nature Sanctuary
Monday, May 11,
2015 8:00AM to
10:30AM
Entrance and parking
is located directly across from 4090 Columbiaville Road, Columbiaville,
Michigan 48421 Today, we will take a leisurely walk through field, forest and
visit the wetland enjoy a variety of bird species, identify feathers and even
learn a few bird calls. Wear walking shoes, bring binoculars, camera and a
guidebook if you have one. Please contact Karen Page at 810-969-1023 to
register and children 17 and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult.
No admittance fee. The Tibbits Nature Sanctuary of the Lapeer Land Conservancy
is open to the public for guided walks.
JUNE 2015
Learn in the Garden Tour - A
Visit to Three Roods Farm
Monday, June 1,
2015 9:30AM to 11:30AM
and 3:30PM to 5:30PM
4821 One Acre Drive,
Columbiaville, Michigan 48421
In this tried and
true farm and garden tour we will discover what’s growing at 3RF and learn the
meaning of CSA. See what goes into managing a beehive, discover how permaculture
garden design uses the inherent qualities of plants and animals combined with
natural characteristics of the landscape, and
visit with the chickens, ducks and peahens all living in harmony with
one another. Dress for the weather. No admittance fee. Please call 810-969-1023 to register,
children under 17 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
The History of the Land Series -
Introduction to Land Stewardship
Thursday June 4,
2015 6:00PM to
8:00PM
Entrance and parking
is located across from 4090 Columbiaville Road, Columbiaville, Michigan In this
History of the Land Series, our focus will be on land stewardship of the
Tibbits property. You will gain valuable
information and understanding about what a land steward is required to do: we
will discuss how to monitor property, identify encroachments both the animal an
human impact and show you how to perform trail maintenance and identify
invasive species. Join Karen Page land steward, at the Tibbits Nature Sanctuary
a Lapeer Land Conservancy property. Cost is $3.00 per person, children 12 and
under are free. Groups of 5 or more please call Karen at 810-969-1023 at least
3 days prior to reserve your spot.
Wild Springtime Tea Party
Saturday, June 13,
2015 10:00AM to 12:00PM
Cassie M owner of
Hilltop Barn will guide us through field and forest to show us how to identify
native plants and brew up some tasty teas and learn the how wild edibles are
beneficial to your overall health. Please contact Karen Page at 810-969-1023 to
register, children 17 and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. No
admittance fee and donations accepted. Please park in the designated parking
area.
Living with Less: Talk and Tour of
the Tibbits Nature Sanctuary
Saturday, June 13,
2015 1:00PM to
3:00PM
4107 Columbiaville
Road, Columbiaville, Michigan 48421 Rewire your brain to repurpose, reuse,
recycle, harvest rainwater and grow your own foods, begin a new lifestyle
recreated by living with less, Tibbits Nature Sanctuary owner Clark Tibbits
will share his successful experiences creating a life long choice to live on
less. A step you can make toward a living with less can be as simple as adding
a rain barrel and a square foot garden to your home landscape. Back Track To
Nature owner Karen Page, will demonstrate how to harvest rainwater and grow
your own food in a small spaces. Please
call 810-969-1023 to register, children under 17 must be accompanied by a
registered adult. Follow the signs and park in the designated parking area.
The History of the Land -
Introduction to Wetland Restoration
Monday, June 15,
2015 9:00AM to 11:00AM
and 6:00PM to 8:00PM
Entrance and parking
is located across from 4090 Columbiaville Road, Columbiaville, Michigan. In
this History of the Land Series we will explore, observe and study the wetlands
and learn about rich and exciting varieties of wildlife and plants, focusing on
water lilies, Today, this wetland is cared for by the Lapeer Land Conservancy
but it could have been in the backyard of the famous painter Monet who in 1890
developed his own outside studio where water lilies influenced his paintings.
Cost is $3.00 per person, children 12 and under are free. Dress for the weather. Groups of 5 or more
please call Karen at 810-969-1023 at least 3 days before to reserve your spot.
Change of the Season – A Guided
Nature Walk
Saturday, June 27,
2015 9:30AM to 11:30AM and
3:30PM to 5:30PM
Entrance and parking
is located across from 4090
Columbiaville Road, Columbiaville, Michigan Join us for a guided nature walk on
the trials of the Hilton and Marjorie Tibbits Nature Sanctuary a Lapeer Land
Conservancy property. Bring water bottle, binoculars, camera and field guides.
Dress for the weather. This is a walking tour on uneven terrain. No Admittance
fee. Groups of 5 or more please call 810-969-1023 at least 3 days prior to this
walk.
Learn in the Garden Tour - Planting,
Composting and Water Harvesting
Monday, June 29,
2015 9:30AM to 11:30AM
and 3:30PM to 5:30PM
In this tried and
true garden tour you will learn basic techniques, of planting, composting and
water harvesting to promote sustainability and keep your own garden growing in
abundance. This farm and garden tour will be held at Three Roods Farm at 4821
One Acre Drive, Columbiaville Michigan. Dress for the weather. Class size is
limited to 15, children 17 and under must be accompanied by a registered adult.
No admittance fee. Call 810-969-1023 to reserve your spot.
ReLeaf Michigan is
having its annual tree sale, order online and
pick up at several locations around Michigan.
http://releafmichigan.blogspot.com/p/tree-and-shrub-fundraiser-sale.html Check out the unusual selection
of trees and shrubs.
ReLeaf Michigan's annual tree and
shrub sale helps to reverse Michigan's loss of tens of thousands of trees due
to the emerald ash borer, storms, and old age.
Our tree sale is a fundraiser that also encourages the public to plant
trees to improve the overall tree canopy of their community. Purchasing and
planting our trees and shrubs offer environmental benefits that also provide
ReLeaf Michigan with much-needed revenue to support our ongoing tree planting
and educational programs. Thanks for
your support!
Spring Into
Gardening Conference, Saturday, April 25,
2015, 9:00am to 4:00 pm, Mt. Pleasant, MI
A day-long Master Garden Conference
held in Mount Pleasant, Michigan at the Comfort Inn and Suites. Sponsored by the Master Gardener Association
of Isabella County. This conference is
for the beginner to advanced gardeners who love to learn about gardening. Please invite a friend to come along for a
fun filled day! Public welcome-Not
restricted to MG
Speakers:
Barb Balgoyen, topic - Perennials
Jason Erickson, topic - Water
Features
Chuck Martin, topic - Divine use of
Vines
Mary K. Hausbeck, topic - research on
diseases of ornamentals, herbs and vegetables
Requires pre-registration. $60.00
cost includes - Four Speakers, Lunch, Vendors and door prizes
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®isProcessID=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
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.
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
No comments:
Post a Comment