Your guide to Great Lakes gardening a April 2012 a MichiganGardener.com
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Plant Focus
Lungwort
tree tips Fertilizers perennial perspectives Hellebores birds Welcoming spring birds to your garden gardener profile A magnificent collection of plants
Plant Bulbs Now for
Beautiful Summer Color
NEW! Calla Lily, Black Forest
NEW! Crocosmia, Lucifer
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Best selection in town! NEW! Eucomis
Over 21 new colors & varieties for 2012
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Over 52 varieties of Dahlias Over 6 varieties of Begonias Over 16 varieties of Gladioli Over 18 varieties of Lilies Over 10 varieties of Cannas Over 85 varieties of specialty bulbs such as Calla Lilies, Wildflowers, Freesia, Caladiums, Ferns & more!
MICHIGAN’S BEST: NURSERY • GARDEN CENTER • FLORIST • LANDSCAPING • PATIO SHOP • SEASONAL CHRISTMAS CENTER Ann Arbor 734-332-7900
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A Michigan Family Business Since 1954
Clinton Township Dearborn Heights Eastpointe 586-286-6100 313-278-4433 586-771-4200 Award-Winning Landscape Services: 248-874-1400
www.EnglishGardens.com
Royal Oak 248-280-9500
West Bloomfield 248-851-7506 Follow us on Facebook & Twitter
Sp FRE G ar rin E E de g Ins EV X E n ide N P T Ou • r G FR O ree EE nh SE ou MI se NA s RS
Join Us...
April 21 & 22, 2012 Rochester Hills & Grand Blanc Locations! EXPO HOURS: 9am to 5pm • Take a walk through our BreaThTaking DiSplayS • Free SeminarS with exclusive drawings for seminar participants • enter to Win Bordine’s gift cards & other great gifts! • Booth-after-booth of garden experTS • Fun for the kids
Expo Seminars
11am, 1pm & 3pm – Sat. & Sun. (For a complete seminar schedule & event details go to www.bordines.com)
Visit our website for store hours!
w w w. b o r d i n e s . c o m (ExpO LOCATION) ROCHESTER HILLS................... 1835 S. Rochester Rd .................. 248-651-9000 CLARKSTON ............................. 8600 Dixie Highway ..................... 248-625-9100 (ExpO LOCATION) GRAND BLANC ......................... 9100 Torrey Rd .............................810-953-1111 BRIGHTON ................................ 6347 Grand River Ave ...................517-552-9300
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Michigan Gardener | April 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com
contents April 2012
BL O SSO M S
Where the season is
taking root. Spring Events Troy Events New Introductions for 2012 Day
Class fee $5 unless otherwise noted (materials not included). Registration required— Please call 248-689-8735.
To-Do List...................................................................8 Ask MG.....................................................................10 Vegetable Patch.....................................................12 Healthy Lawns........................................................13 Tree Tips...................................................................14 Birds............................................................................16 Plant Focus: Lungwort........................................18 Places to Grow......................................................22 Books for the Michigan Gardener................23 Calendar...................................................................24 Where to pick up Michigan Gardener...........26 Advertiser Index...................................................26
Weather Wrap......................................................27 Classified Ads........................................................27 Subscription Form...............................................27 Profile: Margot McCormack...........................28 Plant Patrol...............................................................31 Perennial Perspectives.......................................34 Janet’s Journal.....................................Back Cover On the cover: Lungworts bring both striking foliage and vibrant flowers to the shade garden. Photo: Eric Hofley/Michigan Gardener
Garden Wisdom
Saturday, April 14 • NEW Annuals for 2012, 10am • NEW Perennials for 2012, 11:30am • NEW Twist on an Old Herb Garden, 1pm
Spring into Roses Class
“The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”
Thursday, April 26, 6:30pm
—Nelson Henderson
Tea Lover's Herb Garden
Saturday, April 28
Thursday, April 19, 6:30pm
Children's Day
Saturday, April 21 • Smiley Face Planter Wrkshp, 10am, $20 • Seed Planting Workshop, 11:30am • Terrarium Workshop, 1pm
Getting to Know & Grow Dahlias Class
16th Annual Container Gardening Day • Container Gardening Class, 10am • Container Gardening Workshop, 11:30am • Succulent Garden Workshop II, 1pm • Bonsai Workshop, 1pm - $35 • Herbs in Containers Workshop, 2:30pm
Dahlia Tuber Sale - FREE
Saturday, April 21, 2pm
Sunday, May 5, 9am
Shelby Twp. Events
16th Annual Container Gardening Day
New Introductions for 2012 Day
Saturday, April 28 • Container Gardening Class, 1pm
Sunday, April 15 • NEW Annuals for 2012, 1pm
• Container Gardening Workshop, 2pm
• NEW Perennials for 2012, 2pm
• Trough Making Workshop, 3:30pm - $35
Children's Day
Sunday, April 22 • Smiley Face Planter Workshop, 1pm - $20 • Children's Seed Planting, 2pm
VISIT TELLYS.COM FOR MORE EVENT INFORMATION
To Our Readers... This past winter we were busily preparing to bring you another season of Michigan Gardener packed with plant features, gardener profiles, how-to advice, calendar of events, and much more! We also redesigned and updated our website—no small task. Check out the new look at MichiganGardener.com. Our calendar of events is being updated online more frequently than ever, so check the online version of the Event Calendar for the most up-to-date garden event listings. If you haven’t signed up for our FREE
Publisher/Editor Eric Hofley Design & Production Jonathon Hofley Advertising Eric Hofley Circulation Jonathon Hofley
TROY 248-689-8735
Editorial Assistant Carrie MacGillis
3301 John R–1/4 mile north of 16 Mile Rd.
SHELBY TOWNSHIP 248-659-8555
find us on
4343 24 Mile btwn Dequindre & Shelby Rd.
HOURS: Please call or visit tellys.com
www.tellys.com
Contributors Karen Bovio Mary Gerstenberger Julia Hofley Rosann Kovalcik Janet Macunovich Steve Martinko Beverly Moss Steven Nikkila George Papadelis Sandie Parrott Jean/Roxanne Riggs Jim Slezinski Lisa Steinkopf Steve Turner
E-Newsletter yet, now is the time. It features more helpful content, garden photos, contests with prizes, and more. Go to MichiganGardener.com to sign up. The premier E-Newsletter was e-mailed in late March, and the next one is coming in late April. Finally, now more than ever, it is important for you to thank our advertisers for their participation in Michigan Gardener. It only takes a minute, but it goes a long, long way. We would like to thank all our advertisers for making Michigan Gardener possible.
16291 W. 14 Mile Rd., Suite 5 Beverly Hills, MI 48025-3327 Phone: 248-594-5563 Fax: 248-594-5564 E-mail: publisher@michigangardener.com Website: www.michigangardener.com Publishing schedule 7 issues per year: April, May, June, July, August, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec. Published the first week of the mo. Subscriptions (Please make check payable to Michigan Gardener) 1 yr, 7 iss/$15 2 yr, 14 iss/$28 3 yr, 21 iss/$37 Back issues All past issues are available. Please send your request along with a check for $3.00 per issue payable to Michigan Gardener. Canadian subscriptions 1 yr, 7 iss/$22 US 2 yr, 14 iss/$42 US Copyright © 2012 Michigan Gardener. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or used in any form without the expressed, written permission of the publisher. Neither the advertiser nor the publisher will be responsible for misinformation, typographical errors, omissions, etc. contained herein. Michigan Gardener is published by Motor City Publishing, Inc.
Come explore one of our finest collections ever… Rob’s fall 2011 buying trips both here and abroad means a truly exciting collection of garden ornament, containers, tools, sculpture, and furniture is available for your review. The perfect time? Our second annual not to be missed spring fair April 14 & 15.
Plants & Topiaries
Seasonal plants and topiaries in a variety of sizes and shapes starting at $6.75
Garden Stakes
Mark your herb garden with these French terracotta garden stakes - $19.
Spring Fair Sat, April 14, 9am-5pm & Sun, April 15, 12-4pm Great annuals, perennials, bulbs, trees and shrubs for spring and beyond from a number of great local nurseries and growers. Of course we serve a little something to eat and drink! Join us in celebration of the opening of our 16th season providing advice, service, and ornament to discerning gardeners.
Glazed Terracotta Planters
Handmade Glazed terracotta pots in aged yellow or aged green finish starting at $56.
Hand Pruners & Shears
Arno leather handled garden pruners and shears starting at $38.
Pitch Pot & Windproof Candles Vintage French terracotta pitch pot and windproof garden candle - $36.
1794 Pontiac Drive • Sylvan Lake, Michigan 48320 detroitgardenworks.com • 248-335-8089 Pontiac Drive is one block W. of Telegraph on the N. side of Orchard Lake Rd.
of Michigan
Be inspired… ... e m o H likee & Fire Pits s e c a l P No alkways • Fireplac• Outdoor Kitchen s ’ e r e h W T es r Featur Patios & tions
va ate Paver alls • W pe Reno a W c a s e d S n a •L g& -7775n.com Retainin ver Restoration 2 3 6 0 a P 81 mplaw
a beauch US 23, Brighton Old 9 4 8 N. M - 59 outh of e il 1M S
! ultation s n o C E E for a FR Call us
Come tour over 40 water feature displays & our new state of the art specialty store for inspiration!
10% OFF One item • Expires 4-30-12 Some restrictions apply • MG
248-889-8400 3505 W. Highland Rd. (M-59) Milford, MI 48380 Our Online Store is Always Open!
www.pondplace.com
Re-Energizes Gardens & Potting Soil Organimax is a unique combination of ingredients tested and certified by the U.S. Composting Council: • Composted leaf waste • Humic acid • Kelp • Slow-release fertilizer • A micronutrient package • A carbohydrate package • A bacteria package • An amino acid profile
New & Improved Formula! Mix 1 part Organimax with 3 parts soil. Makes 25% more soil mix than the previous formula. Ask for Organimax at your local independent garden center!
For more information: 248-760-9342 or www.organimax.net
Orion Stone Depot Your one stop to beautify your home!
NEW!
What better way to enjoy your outdoor living area than to gather around a beautiful fire pit with friends and family? The Rosetta Fire Pit transforms your outdoor space into an inviting, warm retreat. Precast concrete is fire-safe and engineered to last. • Beautiful natural stone texture, fire safe • Fast installation, no waste • Kit contains all components: stones, caps & steel ring
9 varietiesMULCHES: of premiumDecorative mulches Stone • Flagstone 9 VARIETIES OF PREMIUM decorative stone ••flagstone • wallstone topsoil&• sand • gravelWalls Wallstone • Topsoil Sand • Gravel • Brick•Pavers Retaining Stone • Slabs Steps••slabs Boulders brick pavers &Natural retaining wallsPavers • natural stone&pavers & steps • boulders
4888 Joslyn Road - Orion, MI 48359 (1/2 mi North of I-75.)
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‘Miss Ruby’ Butterfly Bush
Double Take ‘Pink Storm’ Quince ™
se Pink Home Run Ro ®
Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon ™
Not just new, better Proven Winners’ searches the world for the most colorful and useful plants. Consider these new ColorChoice shrubs. Yes, they’re pretty, but they’re also better than older varieties. Let’s Dance Big Easy Hydrangea ®
You’ll get more flowers with Home Run® roses; they bloom continuously without any special care or pruning! You and the butterflies will adore the award winning ‘Miss Ruby’ butterfly bush with her unique, fragrant blooms. Impress your neighbors with the beauty and blooming power of Chiffon™ Rose of Sharon - they come in five brilliant colors. And no other reblooming hydrangea has the supersized blooms you get with Let’s Dance® Big Easy.
Look for Proven Winners in the white containers.
There are 150 ColorChoice shrubs that have been carefully developed, tested and selected for both beauty and performance. Genuine Proven Winners plants in the white container are found at better garden stores.
www.ColorChoicePlants.com
Get timely tips and garden advice. Search ColorChoice on Facebook and [Friend us].
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Michigan Gardener | April 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com
to-do list Annuals & Perennials
Summer-Flowering Bulbs
• Everyone wants color this time of year! It’s too early for tender annuals, like impatiens and begonias, but there are many other options that will withstand cooler spring temperatures. Pansies, primroses, cabbage, and kale will be showing up in local garden centers early this month. Plant directly in the garden if the soil’s not too wet, or plant up containers for your porch or patio. • If you didn’t clean garden beds last fall, this is the month to take care of that task. Wait until the ground is dry enough before spending a lot of time on the soil. Walking in garden beds and across the lawn when it’s wet will create compacted soil and can damage plant roots. • Give the beds a good raking, removing any spent flowers, weeds and loose debris. Mix in organic matter like compost, manure or pine bark fines. • Cut back any perennials that were left for winter interest. • An application of slow-release fertilizer in all garden beds will get plants off to a good start.
• It’s too early to plant gladiolas, elephant ears, dahlias, and begonias directly into the ground. Pot them up in the house and plan to transplant them outside with other tender annuals.
Lawns • There are three keys to a healthy lawn: fertilizer, water and proper mowing. The easiest way to fertilize is a four-step approach with granular products specifically formulated for seasonal application. Step 1 should be applied this month before the forsythias finish blooming. This will prevent crabgrass from growing. The following steps should be applied at 6- to 8-week intervals, usually around the holidays: Easter (Step 1); Memorial Day (Step 2); 4th of July (Step 3), and Labor Day (Step 4). • Healthy lawns need at least an inch of water each week. It’s best to water thoroughly to reach the entire root zone. Apply supplemental water only when needed—perhaps every three days, depending on rainfall. Use a rain gauge for accuracy.
• Mow with a sharp blade to prevent bruised, ragged leaf tips. Remove only one-third of the leaf blade at a time. Avoid mowing when grass is wet.
Roses • Since we have had an early warm spell, it is OK to remove winter protection and prune roses. Always wait until spring for major pruning of roses to improve air circulation. Remove any crossing branches or any that grow into the plant. Rose canes should grow out of the center of the plant. Apply a rose fertilizer at the end of the month. It’s also time to help control black spot and other diseases with an early fungicide spray. Be sure to spray all the canes and the soil a foot from the base.
Vegetables • It’s time to plant your veggie garden. Some seeds, like peas, lettuce, spinach and radishes, are cool season crops and can be sown directly into the ground this month. Plant a few rows now and then another few rows in a couple of weeks to extend the harvest.
Others, like tomatoes and peppers, should be planted when the ground is warmer, usually in mid- to late May. For these later season crops, it’s best to plant transplants from the garden center, or start seeds indoors. • Vegetables like full sun and well-drained soil. Many varieties will also do well in containers.
Houseplants • It’s a bit early to take plants outside, but they’ll enjoy the longer days of spring. Start fertilizing plants monthly and watch the watering as the temperature and humidity in your home changes with the season.
Trees & Shrubs • Spring-flowering shrubs like azaleas and lilacs should pruned after they’ve finished blooming and before the 4th of July. Prune summer-flowering shrubs like spirea, potentilla, and rose of Sharon before the foliage emerges. Annual trimming promotes new growth and flowering. • For tender shrubs like hydrangeas and butterfly bushes, wait until leaves emerge be-
Amazing Pottery Collection
Our assortment will WOW you! We have containers and pots in multiple sizes and colors—great for a stylish, coordinated grouping.
Two locations totaling 5 acres of indoor shopping! • 20,000 Hanging Baskets • Our geraniums are incredible— many sizes/colors! • Over 20,000 perennials to choose from! 6” and 1 gallon perennials just $6.99 • Annuals, vegetables, fruits, herbs & more! 3750 E. Grand River Williamston
517-521-4663
5685 Shoeman Rd. Haslett 517-655-1117
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Mon-Sat: 9-6 • Sun: 10-5
www.MichiganGardener.com | April 2012 | Michigan Gardener
9
Feature Task: Soil—The secret to gardening success Selecting plants and flowers is the fun part about gardening, but the soil is the most important part of a successful garden. It’s key to the vitality of plants, and provides a foundation crucial for the stability of larger trees and shrubs. Soil is comprised of three materials: sand, clay, and loam. The best soil has equal parts of all three. Problems arise when there is too much of one material. Sandy soil is too loose and drains too quickly, providing poor support of large plants and poor water retention. Clay soil is too hard when dry, repelling water and making it difficult for roots to grow. When wet, it holds too much water, leading to root rot. Compaction can also be a problem for most soils when there is lots of traffic, making it difficult for plants to flourish. Spending a little time becoming familiar with the soil type in your backyard will greatly improve your gardening success. If you need help, bring a sample into your local garden center and an expert will help you determine your soil type. This will save lots of time and money in the future. You’re not necessarily stuck with the soil you’re given. Adding amendments will help create a rich, loamy composition that’s a great environment for plants to thrive. For sandy soil, add organic matter, such as peat fore pruning. You’ll better see where winter die-back occurred and be able to remove any dead branches. • Apply a slow-release, organic fertilizer to trees and shrubs throughout the garden.
Water Garden • Clean the water garden by removing any
moss or compost, to give it more texture and water-holding properties. To break up clay soil, add gypsum, pine bark fines or ceramic pellets. It’s also important to know your soil’s pH as well as nutrient composition before applying fertilizers. It’s a great investment to analyze your soil’s pH as well as nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) content so you’ll know what nutrients your soil will need. Soil test kits are available at local garden centers or through your county Michigan State University Extension (for an office list, go to MichiganGardener.com and click on Resources > Garden Help). Tests are available for about $20. When working the soil, begin by removing weeds and debris. Spread the appropriate amendments and fertilizer over the soil. Then turn it twice with a spading fork—once in one direction, and then work back the other way. Break up the clumps, and thoroughly mix in the ingredients. Tilling the soil with a rototiller is another option. When soil is properly prepared, smaller plants can be planted by hand. When planting in clay soil, be sure to plant high. When planting in well-drained soil, plant at the existing grade level. Be sure to plan for a layer of mulch. One of the most common reasons plant fail to thrive is planting too deep. leaves and debris that may have blown into the pond. Don’t feed the fish yet. Wait until the water temperatures are in the high 60’s, and nighttime temperatures are in the mid to upper 40’s. Provided by the professionals at English Gardens.
Spring Spectacular! Special Savings all weekend long! Please visit our website for more information. Free seminars, Free hotdogs & refreshments on Saturday & Sunday from 11-3pm. Saturday, April 28, 8:30am-6pm & Sunday, April 29, 8:30am-5pm
Gorgeous Easter plants available! Tulips • Hyacinths • Daffodils • Azaleas Lilies • Hydrangeas
Upcoming Hessell’s Events “Plant With Us” Seminar/Workshop Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21 Learn about new plants & ideas! Bring in two of your own planters & we will help you pick out the right plants for you. Leave them here to grow until the end of May. Please call for reservations.
14497 23 Mile Rd. • Shelby Twp btwn Schoenherr & Hayes 2-1/4 Miles E. of M-53
586-247-4675 April Hours: Open 8:30am daily www.hessellsgreenhouse.com
“Mother's Day Porch Pots” Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29
Please visit www.hessellsgreenhouse.com for full details and more savings!
25 ACRES of flowering & shade trees, flowering shrubs, perennials, evergreens, and ground covers To see our incredible selection, please visit milarchnursery.com and click on “Availability.”
NEW this year: Miniature gardening! We have many plants & accessories!
Bonsai – We are Michigan’s largest bonsai nursery with over 2,500 indoor and outdoor bonsai trees!
Indoor: Ficus, Fukien Tea, Bougainvillea, and many more. Outdoor: Maples, Junipers, Korean Hornbeam, Dawn Redwood, Larch and many more.
Milarch Nursery
We have something for everyone: From $3 starter plants up to $6,000 very mature, exceptional bonsai trees • Japanese & Chinese pots • Tools • Wire • Soil • Mud Men • Ongoing classes WATER GARDENS Hardy & Tropical Aquatic Plants: Water Lilies • Bog Plants Pond Supplies: Filters • Pumps Pond Liner • Fish Food Fish: Shubunkins • Fantails • Domestic Koi • Imported Koi From Japan • Crawfish & Tadpoles
8930 South Custer Rd. (M-50) • 5 mi East of Cabela’s on M-50 Monroe, MI 48161 • 734-269-2660 • Open Sundays 10-3 in April • Find us on See our Bonasi and Water Garden photo gallery at www.FlowerMarketDundee.com
28500 Haas Rd • New Hudson, MI 48165 • 248-437-2094 www.milarchnursery.com • Mon-Fri: 8-5:30 Sat: 8-3 Sun: Closed
GARDEN RHYTHMS
Staddle Stone For Sale
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPES
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Michigan Gardener | April 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com
ask mg
Go to www.MichiganGardener.com and click on “Submit a question”
n Renovation Specialists n Ornamental Pruning n Maintenance & Redesign n Garden Coaching
Certified Master Gardeners & Designers
248-217-6459
1100 • Very choice • 248-334-9190
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GardenRhythmsGardeningServices.com
Home on the Range ORGANIC LAVENDER FARM
Potted Hardy Lavender • U-Pick Gift Shoppe • Refreshments • Fresh Eggs Admission $3 • Children 12 & under FREE
OPEN MAY-AUGUST: Wed, Fri & Sat: 10am-4pm FEATURING: Guided Farm Tour: 10am • English Tea or Luncheon Tea: Friday only by reservation • Second Annual Weed & Tea: May 8 & 15 - FREE • Iris’ Weekend Workshops: Fri/Sat in June & July - FREE • Floyd King & the Bushwackers: June 23: 7-9pm • Rochester Farmers Market: First Saturday monthly
Special Events
Planting & Pruning Saturday, April 21 Mother’s Day Lavender Tea Saturday, May 12
Yule Love It Lavender Farm • 248-628-7814 • www.yuleloveitlavender.com 960 Yule Road • Leonard, MI 48367 – N of 32 Mile Rd, 1 mi. E of Rochester Rd.
Uncle Luke’s featuring
OrgaNic
Soil amendments & Fertilizers t
t t t
Cold-hardy vegetable & flower plants available early April (weather permitting) Natural pest & disease control products WIDE variety of bagged soils & mulches Top quality tools & garden accessories
t
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Bedding plants Perennials Herbs Seed potatoes, onions NEW! High Mowing Organic Garden Seeds. Renee’s Garden Seed Bulk garden seed Complete outdoor bird feed & supplies
Uncle Luke’s Feed Store 6691 Livernois, Troy • (1/4 Mile S. of South Blvd.) 248-879-9147 • www.unclelukes.com Mon-Fri 9-6:30 • Sat 8-6 • Sun 9-5 Visit our 2nd location in Flushing: Flushing Lawn & Garden • 810-659-6241
Have a question? Send it in!
Mulch and its decomposition If I keep adding mulch to my garden beds, will it not eventually increase the soil depth in that bed? And if it does, what happens to all the surface roots if I remove the mulch (soil)? J.J., Milford Adding about 2 inches of mulch to our garden beds prevents moisture loss, improves the soil condition, and prevents weeds from germinating. Natural wood mulch, composed of fine wood chips, ground up leaves and twigs, encourages worms and microorganisms to break down the material into nutrients which plants can absorb through their roots. This relationship between the soil organisms, mulch and plants creates a self-sufficient ecosystem if we, as the caregivers, don’t ruin it. When you clean your garden beds in spring, lightly cultivate some of that surface mulch into the soil bed. How much light and water a particular bed gets can speed up or slow down the composting of the mulch. Some beds may need an inch of new mulch each year around mid-June or when temperatures heat up. Other beds may be slower and may only need additional mulch every other year. Applying mulch is not an auto-pilot garden chore. Do not apply more than what is recommended. More is not better for preventing moisture loss or weeds. Thriving plants have deep roots in the soil rather than roots close to the surface. Overloading on mulch gives the plant a false sense of where the real soil is and can keep the hair-like roots away from microorganism activity.
Length of time vegetable seeds are viable How long can vegetable seeds be kept? A year ago I purchased many vegetable seeds in hopes of starting a garden last spring. My plans were interrupted and now the garden is scheduled for this spring. The seeds are all dated 2011 and have been kept in their original packaging and stored in my basement. Will these seeds still be viable this spring? A.L., Rockford Properly stored seed remains viable for different lengths of time depending on the type of seed. Be aware that seed companies may store seeds up to the number of years of their viability prior to selling them. If you purchased your seed from a reputable catalog or nursery, you can call them to find out what their company protocol is. Since all your seed was purchased in 2011 and dated as such, you have a fair chance that
the unopened packages will be viable. Most vegetable seeds are good for two years with some, like lettuce, viable up to six years. If they have been kept dry and cool in your basement, those conditions simulate dormancy. To test for germination, sprout seeds between moist paper towels; if germination is low, either discard the seed or plant enough extra to give the desired number of plants. You will know quickly which seeds need to be repurchased.
Damage to small dogwood tree I planted a kousa dogwood last summer, and it looked to be doing well, with nice autumn foliage. Last fall it looks as if a fat raccoon has tried to sit in the fork, and two of the largest boughs have been torn off. The total tree height is about 5 feet, the largest branch left is 3/4-inch diameter, and there is a huge scar where a branch got torn off. What should I do this spring to the wound? S.B., Troy Do not paint or bandage the wound left by the torn branch. This only provides hiding places for insect pests and traps moisture which can lead to mold issues. Trees have an amazing ability to heal over injuries. When the wound occurred, the cambium reacted chemically to seal off that area to prevent moisture loss. Eventually an exterior bark layer will form over that spot, much like a person’s skin heals from a cut. Make sure the dogwood is sited for optimum light and water preferences. Water the roots deeply when day temperatures are high and rainfall is absent. The tree has endured stress with this injury and used additional resources to repair itself. You can apply a granular tree and shrub fertilizer around the root zone before mulching to help the plant rebuild its energies. Provide two inches of composted mulch over the root zone, avoiding contact with the tree trunk. Watch the tree’s growth during the season. You may notice stunted leaf and branch development and even lack of bloom buds on the side of the tree with the wound. To prevent inquisitive critters from chewing on the bark, place a narrow cage of wire mesh around the trunk from the ground to about 2 feet up, being careful not to wrap the trunk with wire. After spring bloom, you may prune the dogwood to re-establish shape and form. In early fall, you can apply another light dose of granular fertilizer per the container label to help the tree’s nutrient storage for winter.
www.MichiganGardener.com | April 2012 | Michigan Gardener
11 2012 Elizabeth Sites Kuhlman Lecture
No worms in the soil
Growing plants under trees
Our several-year-old vegetable garden is high in organic matter but has no earthworms—none at all. What are possible reasons and potential solutions? If the soil is not healthy for worms, is it lacking something important? Our lawn adjacent to the garden has plenty of worms. F.B., Dexter A productive garden thoroughly depletes the organic matter to produce those prizewinning squash and tomatoes. So we correctly add organic matter annually. The problem may lie in the method. There are also different kinds of earthworms. Some live closer to the surface as evidenced by those living in your lawn. Epigeic species live in or near the surface plant litter. They are typically small and are highly adaptable to variable water and temperature conditions associated with lawn culture. Endogeic species are more mobile, making temporary tunnels, and live in the upper soil layers feeding on soil and organic matter. Then there are the deep-burrowing anecic species, which we often call “nightcrawlers.” These guys drag surface litter down into their burrows which can be several feet down below the soil surface. The nightcrawlers are much more common in the north and east where there are clay and loam soils. Something that gardeners do not realize is that continuous tillage or disturbance of the soil will cause most earthworms to vacate the premises. Remember your lawn soil is rarely disturbed. If you mechanically rototill organic matter into your garden every year or vigorously deep dig your soil before planting, you may be chasing the worms away. They don’t get the chance to do their job. You keep destroying their optimum working conditions. Examine your garden prep and add compost into the top 6 inches instead of deep tilling. The vegetables will still take all that they need. Cultivate it in by hand rather than mechanical means. Continue to practice good crop rotation.
We have a beautiful 32-year-old maple tree in our backyard and a city locust tree on the boulevard in the front yard. It is difficult to grow grass under both trees. If we planted ivy as a groundcover, would it hurt the trees if it climbed up them? My neighbor had some voracious vine grow up his mountain ash and the tree died. S.B.W., Troy. The age of your maple tree suggests a large trunk and root flare with heavy shade. Turf grass needs sun and water, both of which the maple tree takes first with its mature canopy and characteristic surface root system. Give up on growing grass under it. Apply two inches of composted mulch between the root flares out to the canopy drip line. Keep the compost and mulch away from the trunk and off the root flares. You can then “pocket plant” shade-tolerant perennials like hosta and liriope, which will grow comfortably in those conditions, offer seasonal bloom, and give you an interesting, low maintenance groundcover. One can grow grass under a locust although they too are shallow-rooted. If you thin out the canopy to allow more sunlight to reach the ground, a shade turf seed mix can work if the area is properly prepared. However, a boulevard takes heavy abuse from vehicles and weather. You may be better off applying the mulch method to the locust as well. The liriope is both sun- and shade-tolerant and will handle some road salt applied in winter. There are also creeping junipers that hug the ground and give you conifer presence all year. The key is to plant away from the tree trunk. Any kind of climbing ivy is difficult to control. Their accelerated rise within a tree’s canopy crowds out the tree leaves. The tree loses its food production source that feeds its roots, which in turn feed the branch scaffold. The tree literally starves and dies, as witnessed in your neighbor’s yard. Answers provided by Beverly Moss, owner of Garden Rhythms.
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Planning on starting a vegetable garden this year? Maybe it’s because you have conBefore you start killing sod or cerns about the flavor and quality of the proconstructing beds, consider duce at the grocery store. Maybe you want a healthier lifestyle and want to get out of doors what your vegetables need more often. Maybe you are planning on refor healthy growth. Start with ducing your grocery bills. Or perhaps you’re concerned about the environment. Whatever sunlight. Most vegetables need your reason for starting a garden, it’s necessary to plan ahead if you want to do it right. 6 hours of direct sunlight at the Start by thinking about your yard and askvery minimum. ing yourself a few basic questions. What type of garden do I want? Where do I plan to locate the garden? What am I planning on growing? Plant list. Start by talking to the family. Get These may seem like simple questions, but everyone’s opinion on what they will eat. Don’t there is a lot that goes into answering them. grow it if no one will eat it! Decide what you Garden type. There are several kinds of will plant and then how much you can grow gardens to choose from. The easiest may be in the space available. If you only have a small a simple ground level garden. You remove or space for your garden, choose what is most imkill off the sod and turn over the soil for plantportant to you. Check the spacing for ing. A little more time-consuming the seeds or transplants, consider the to set up is the raised garden bed, Mary mature size of the plant, and considbut it has several advantages. The Gerstenberger er the amount of produce each plant raised bed allows for better drainwill yield. If this is your first year age in areas with clay soils, and may with vegetable gardening, don’t bite be easier to work in for those who off more than you can chew. A few have difficulty bending or reaching vegetables grown successfully will down. Container gardens are great be better than a large garden that bewhere space is limited. Lastly, vegcomes a burden to care for. You can etables can even be planted among always enlarge the garden with time the flowers in existing beds. A comand experience. bination of garden types may work Once you have decided on the well, depending on time and space. type, location, size and plants, you can actuLocation. Before you start killing sod or ally get to work on building your garden and constructing beds, consider what your vegplanting your vegetables. Stay tuned for that etables need for healthy growth. Start with and more in upcoming articles! sunlight. Most vegetables need 6 hours of direct sunlight at the very minimum. Good Mary Gerstenberger is the Consumer Horticulsoil drainage is important, so if you have a ture Coordinator at the Michigan State Univerheavy clay soil, you need to amend it with sity Extension in Macomb County, MI. plenty of compost. Vegetables also do better with good air circulation. So if you were planSoil test kits are available for purchase ning on putting your garden in a shady area through your local MSU Extension office or behind the garage with a low spot that colby ordering through the MSUE bookstore at lects water with a privacy fence all around, www.bookstore.msue.msu.edu. you may want to rethink your location! Also, Also visit www.msusoiltest.com. get a soil test done. The test will tell you about the nutrients, type of soil, and pH. From that Event announcement: information, fertilizer recommendations will “Bees and Beekeeping: The Basics” be made. One of the biggest challenges to the April 10, 6:30-9pm. Presented by the Macomb quality of our surface water is overfertilizaCounty MSU Extension. Speaker: Rich Wieske. tion, so take the recommendations seriously. $10. Advance registration is required; please The pH is also important since most vegetacall 586-469-6440. bles do best in a soil that’s around 6.5.
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healthy lawns Eliminating bentgrass patches from your lawn
Nothing can be so unsightly in a wellbut that was easy to combat. For large lawns groomed lawn than a patch of light green with bentgrass invasions, we treated them, bentgrass sticking out like a sore thumb, esaerated the same day, and overseeded using pecially when it pulls up easily while raking. turf-type tall fescue. We knew it would take 5 Heavy precipitation and constant moisture to 6 weeks to eliminate the bentgrass and that encourage bentgrass to spread rapidly. our seed required 3 weeks to begin emerging. In 2011, we had a perfect season for bentThis timing worked in perfect harmony, like grass with the record-breaking precipitation an orchestra reed section fading as the string we endured. The National Weather Service section started into its crescendo. confirmed that Metropolitan Detroit beat the This spring will determine how we cope 131-year-old annual precipitation with the bentgrass’s persistency of record of 47.69 inches (set in 1880) Steve trying to re-emerge. Our plan is to by one one-hundredth of an inch, Martinko apply just one Tenacity treatment reaching 47.70 inches on December to the entire lawn while it is clean, 31, 2011. preventing the bentgrass from reesSo this is an excellent year to tablishing itself. analyze whether a new product Managing lawns with this new called Tenacity really did eliminate tool should work wonders for bentgrass within established lawns. homeowners, but there is a word of Between June and October of 2011, caution about one limiting factor: we treated varying lawns at differshade grass. The types of grasses ent times under different conditions grown in shade are susceptible to and the results were amazing. After 2 weeks injury, so be careful when applying and only the bentgrass quickly turned into a whitish test one area before you accidentally create a cast. After another 2 to 3 weeks it began collarger, unmanageable problem. I have always lapsing down as if it were slowly melting. A believed if you have any grass growing well follow-up treatment ensured it died. enough in the shade you should leave it alone. We were a little concerned that with all Steve Martinko is the owner the rain last fall we would see it rebound, of Contender’s Tree and Lawn Specialists but that hasn’t happened yet. We did expect in Oakland County, MI. to see it reemerge in other non-treated areas,
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Michigan Gardener | April 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com
tree tips Fertilizers and their effect on soil and plants Knowing how fertilizers actually work will help save you time, money, and even the lives of a few of your plants. All plants need 16 essential nutrients to prosper. Too much or too little of any one of them can cause problems. Three are available in abundance from the air and/or water: carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen are absorbed through the leaves during photosynthesis. The other 13 must be obtained from either the soil they grow in or the water they receive. These 13 elements can be broken down into two categories: macro and micro. Macronutrients include the big three: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These three are vital parts of top growth, root development, and fruiting and flowering. They account for 75 percent of all the nutrients in a plant. In most Michigan soils, phosphorus and potassium are in sufficient quantities but nitrogen can be limited in soils with little or no organic matter. The natural decay process releases nitrogen back into the soil. Nitrogen also enters the soil from being knocked out of the atmosphere by electrical charges created during thunderstorms or even by electrical transmission lines. However, the most common Steve Turner way that nitrogen enters the soil in urban landscapes and agriculture is fertilizer—either in synthetic or organic form.
Synthetic vs. organic The main difference between the two is availability and solubility. Synthetic fertilizer is generally in a form that is quick-released, rapidly absorbed by plants, highly soluble, and easily leaches. Organic forms such as manures and composts rely on soil organisms to break down the raw form to a solution that plants can use. It feeds plants over a longer period of time and is less likely to leach until it is broken down. Another difference is cost. Synthetics are generally cheaper, but the rising cost of oil is starting to close the price gap with organics. Also, synthetics are more likely to have higher percentages of available nutrients and are more specific, with only 1 to 3 elements in the ingredients. Organics have lower quantities of available nutrients which is why the N-PK numbers on the bags are often much lower.
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Many organics, however, often contain more nutrients than just the big three. They will often contain other macro and micronutrients. There are three secondary macronutrients: calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). This group can affect the soil’s pH. Calcium is most often in the form of lime or bone meal and, if applied in sufficient amounts,
can raise the pH of the soil, making it more alkaline. Magnesium, another nutrient in lime, also raises pH but its uptake can be affected by too much potassium in the soil. Sulfur has the opposite effect of calcium and magnesium: it lowers the pH, thus making it more acidic. If too much sulfur is applied too fast, it has the potential to burn plants, so several smaller applications work much better than one big one. These three are usually also available in sufficient quantities in the soil. Their main use is going to be to manipulate the pH to suit the plants growing in that soil. Most plants do best in a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Woodland plants, including trees and shrubs, generally prefer more acidic soils, while prairie plants, including grasses, prefer more alkaline soils. Agriculture crops fall into the middle, typically preferring a neutral soil around 7.0.
Soil pH One of the more difficult aspects of soil is pH. Gardeners need to understand it in order to make smart choices in grouping plants together and meeting their needs. Planting an acid-loving plant next to an alkaline-loving plant will usually result in one unhappy plant because it will be impossible to meet the needs of both. The most important thing you need to know is that soils at different pH levels have different levels of available micronutrients. These nutrients are indeed present in the soil, but the plant may not be able to use them in the form they are in due to an improper pH level. If you add more of a particular micronutrient because your plants are showing a deficiency, but you don’t account for the pH, you are wasting both time and money. A good example is pin oak trees. The tree yellows and the homeowners are told it’s an iron deficiency. They buy Ironite for the soil, and think the problem is solved. Wrong, unless you take steps to start adjusting the pH, which is a slow and difficult process to do on a large scale. It is easier to accomplish in garden beds and containers. In this example, adding lots of iron won’t help unless you use a more expensive form that is chelated, which means it can be absorbed regardless of pH. The bottom line: soil pH can greatly influence soil fertility, since it controls how much and what nutrients are available to plants.
Micronutrients The seven micronutrients are iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), chlorine (Cl), and molybdenum (Mo). Plants only need trace amounts of these nutrients but they are essential for vital plant functions, including photosynthesis and re-
www.MichiganGardener.com | April 2012 | Michigan Gardener
production. Again, these are present in most soils in adequate amounts, but they are likely to be limited by the soil’s pH. Diagnosing nutrient deficiencies varies in difficulty depending on the nutrients lacking and the types of plants affected. Some deficiencies show telltale patterns on the leaves, others like iron affect foliage color, and others affect twigs, buds and roots. The presence of certain diseases can be attributed to specific nutrient deficiencies. In order to be certain, the combination of a soil test and a foliar test will tell the story better than just one test alone. The results will
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not only indicate what is in the soil and how much, but what the plant is able to take up from it. Since you will know the pH of your soil, you can start to make informed decisions based on facts not guesses. This will save you time, money, and aggravation, as well as make your plants happier. Fertilizers are only one tool in the toolbox. Use them correctly when needed, and they are an asset. Misuse or overuse them and they can become a problem. Steve Turner, Certified Arborist, is from Arboricultural Services in Fenton, MI.
MICHIGAN’S LARGEST SELECTION OF… Perennials, Woodland Wildflowers, Unusual Ferns, Rare Alpines, Dwarf Conifers, and Unusual Trees and Shrubs. We grow over 10,000 different varieties— many found nowhere else. Come out and see our fantastic collection! Anemone nemorosa 'Bracteata Pleniflora' Glorious early spring ephemeral with intricate, ever-changing green-andwhite flowers. Something different for the shade garden!
Gentiana acaulis 'Frei Hybrid' One of the easiest—and most glorious—gentians. Only requires fun sun and happiest with a little lime in the soil. Even better, this gorgeous spring show is often repeated in the fall. Primula x pubescens The toughest primrose for the Midwest! Thrives in full sun to part shade, and can take dry soil.
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Michigan Gardener | April 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com
for the birds Welcoming spring birds to your garden 1
4 1. Sun Valley Maple—Long-lasting brilliant red fall color. 10-yr size: 21’ tall, 10’ wide. Adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions. Excellent lawn or shade tree. 2. American Spice Viburnum—This fabulous viburnum was discovered right here in South Lyon, Michigan! Grows 4 feet tall and wide and has a spicy fragrance in spring. Very good fall color: deep red and purple with some yellow and orange.
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3. Snowball Bush Viburnum (Viburnum carlcephalum)— We have these amazing plants on standards, which are hardto-find. Incredible fragrance. Blue-green foliage. More elegant than a typical standard. Perfect for a small space focal point. 4. Jack Frost Brunnera—2012 Perennial Plant of Year. Silver leaves with green veins. A classic shade perennial & great groundcover. Baby blue, forget-me-not blossoms in spring.
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I
t’s happening. The increased sunlight, the song of the cardinals in our yards— we can’t help but think of spring. For those of us who love birds, the return of spring migrants is a heady thought. What birds will visit your yard and what birds will decide it is a place to stay and raise their young? And what can we do to make our yards a welcome place for those birds? It all comes back to the basics of food, water, shelter, and places to raise young. Food for returning migrants consists largely of the caterpillars that will be hatching from eggs. Native plants attract legions of insects, as opposed to non-native plants, which are less productive environments for the insects that these birds are seeking. Keeping your yard pesticide-free will be helpful to the birds that feed on caterpillars. Supplement the food sources for our returning birds by offering a fresh supply of nyjer (thistle) for the goldfinches that migrate from the southern states back to northern Rosann breeding grounds. ConKovalcik sider adding a feeder as a nectar source for ruby-throated hummingbirds returning from Central America. The eye-popping orange and black Baltimore orioles will drink nectar from feeders as well as eat orange halves and grape jelly. I encourage you to put out feeders for these two birds on April 15—a timely reminder that Tax Day doesn’t have to be completely painful! Place the feeders for hummingbirds and orioles in places where they can be easily seen as those birds fly over your yard. Change the nectar every 2 to 3 days during the cooler spring, and more frequently in the hot summer months. Clean the feeders each time you fill them to prevent the build-up of molds and bacteria that are harmful to birds. Water is essential for birds, especially the migrants that need to keep their feathers in good condition for flight. Consider offering fresh water in a birdbath, cleaning it with a stiff-bristled brush daily. When you add a mister or dripper or a combination of both, the sound of the dripping water will be a magnet for the migrant birds. Those birds find water by sound, listening for streams as they fly across North America. Advertising
Rosann Kovalcik
Baltimore Oriole
Rosann Kovalcik
Tufted Titmouse your yard with the sound of water is an invitation to birds to refresh themselves as they travel through. Place birdbaths close to the cover of shrubs or evergreens where they can safely dry and preen their feathers back into place. Encourage neighbors to keep their cats indoors during this important season for migrants. Shelter for birds comes in the form of evergreens that provide a wind and rain break. Consider adding a row of evergreens if your yard does not have one. Resident birds will use the evergreens for nesting purposes as well. You can play an important role in the spring by offering a diversity of nesting material. Natural dried plant material that remains from last season is perfect. If you can’t resist cleaning the beds, keep some of the plant material and place it in a pile for the birds to gather from, along with small twigs that you may find while cleaning. Natural fibers, string and
www.MichiganGardener.com | April 2012 | Michigan Gardener
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yarn can all be offered in a mesh bag or suet cage. Dryer lint should NOT be used as it will likely contain synthetic material that, once wet, will turn into a goo that will cool eggs and baby birds, potentially killing them. Nesting boxes for the cavity-nesting birds are a great addition to your yard. Resident cavity nesters, including black-capped chickadees and tufted titmice, will look for nest boxes in March and April, while house wrens will arrive in May to set up their territories. Make sure the openings on those boxes are small enough to exclude house sparrows.
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Look over your yard to review the various heights that you have available for nesting birds. Different birds prefer low shrubs and trees while others choose higher locations. Plan to add shrubs and trees that will add to the diversity you have to offer. Enjoy the returning avian delights that you welcome to your yard by offering what they need for a successful migration and nesting season!
Join us for our
Spring Open House April 28, 9am-5pm & April 29, 10am-5pm See NEW varieties for 2012! • Refreshments 1pm: Growums – Learn about a great, new way to grow a themed garden all summer long.
Spring Seminar Series
Rosann Kovalcik is the owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI.
Digging into Vegetable Gardening: April 14, 1pm Hands-on Container Gardening Weekend: April 21 & 22, 1pm Saturday will begin with the basics of container gardening, including container choice, plant selection & general planting ideas. Sunday will emphasize unique ideas in container gardening.
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34190 S. Gratiot (14-1/2 Mile) Clinton Township 586-791-6595 April hours: Mon-Fri 11a-8p Sat 9a-8p Sun 9a-5p
Locations
Wild Birds Unlimited Nature shop Canton: 41816 Ford Rd. • 734-983-9130 Grosse Pointe Woods: 20485 Mack Ave. • 313-881-1410 Novi: 47760 Grand River Ave. • 248-374-4000 Royal Oak: 28558 Woodward Ave. • 248-548-2424
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Michigan Gardener | April 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com
plant focus
Lungwort
F
Terra Nova Nurseries
The blooms of ‘Dark Vader’ range from pinkish-red to purple.
Lungwort Botanical name: Pulmonaria (puhl-mon-AIR-ee-uh) Plant type: Perennial 8-14 inches tall, up to 36 Plant size: inches wide Clump-forming Habit: Zone 3 or 4 depending on Hardiness: the cultivar Flower color: Blue, purple, pink, rose, or white Flower size: Up to 1/2 inch across Bloom period: Spring Leaf color: Green, silver, green with silver spotting, or green with silvery margins
Leaf size: Light: Soil: Uses: Companion plants:
Remarks:
10-18 inches long, 2-3 inches wide Part shade to shade Rich, well-drained Front of the shady perennial border, woodland settings Spring-blooming bulbs, hardy ferns, hellebores, ajuga, coral bells, primroses, European ginger, blackleafed mondo grass. Grown for their foliage as much as their spring flowers. Well-drained soil is important.
or hundreds of years, gardeners have used lungwort (Pulmonaria) species to enhance perennial borders with beautiful spring flowers and foliage. The genus name comes from the Latin word for lung: pulmo. This refers to the spotted appearance of the leaf which somewhat resembles a diseased lung. In the last few decades, breeders have developed dozens of cultivars displaying a broad range of wildly attractive leaves and flowers. The pointed, hairy leaves vary from being all green or all silver to green with silver spotting or green with silvery margins. The clustered flower buds are usually pink and open to funnel-shaped blossoms of blue, purple, pink, red, or white. Lungwort George prefers shade or part Papadelis shade but will grow in full sun if given adequate moisture. They are perfectly hardy, especially when grown in well-drained soil. The spring flowers can begin as early as late March or as late as mid-May depending on the cultivar and the weather. The spent flower stems are unattractive and should be removed to enhance the development of the fresh spring leaves. The foliage emerges most profusely as the flowering wanes. Lungwort will grow into wide mounds that are up to 3 feet across and vary in height from 8 to 14 inches. Assuming you have well-drained soil with Continued on page 21
www.perennialresource.com
‘Raspberry Splash’ has raspberry rose flowers that fade to purple tones.
Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener
Lungwort flowers can display rich blue and violet tones.
L E T U S M A K E YO U R O U T D O O R S B E AU T I F U L !
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Spruce Needle Cast is rampant in our area…
Washington Rd. EXIT
Wadsworth Rd.
HEALTHY SPRUCE
INFECTED SPRUCE
Needle Cast is usually first noticed on lower branches and then works upward slowly. Second-year needles turn a purple or brown color and eventually fall from the tree. After several years of needle loss branches may die. In general, trees appear to die from the bottom upward. In some cases, however, infections start higher on the tree, giving the appearance of scattered dead areas. Another characteristic of needle cast is the microscopic rows of small black dots that displace the normally white spots (stomata) along the length of the underside of needles. If you suspect your tree is infected, call Contender’s as soon as possible. We are experts in diagnosing and treating Needle Cast.
Call us for all your lawn fertilizing, mole control, tree & shrub fertilizing and pest control needs
248-698-4470
www.Contenders-mi.com
SERVICING OAKL AND COUNT Y
William Jacobi, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
DO YOU KNOW HOW TO SPOT IT?
Janes Rd.
I-75
Outer Dr.
I-675
EXIT
Holland Ave.
3500 Wadsworth Rd • Saginaw 989-752-5625 At the corner of I-75 & I-675 www.abelegreenhouse.com Open 7 days a week
SOIL • SAND • MULCH • STONE • GRAVEL
State Crushing L A N D S C A P E S U P P LY
Full line of organic products • Same day delivery service We specialize in natural wood mulches Hello gardeners! Our “wood fines” and “red pine bark” products are a gardener’s dream. Very finely shredded, you can mix them in with your existing soil to create an excellent amended soil for planting. You’ll also love our premium compost and cedar bark mulch.
Yard Waste Recycling Big yard clean-up? Got lots of garden debris? Bring it in! We accept many types of yard waste.
2260 Auburn Rd. • Auburn Hills • 248-332-6210 www.statecrushing.com • Hours: Monday-Friday 7-5 Saturday 7-1
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Michigan Gardener | April 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com
www.PerennialResource.com
‘Majeste’ brightens shady spots with its luminous silver foliage.
www.PerennialResource.com
The blue flowers of ‘Bertram Anderson’ hover above its narrow dark green leaves spotted in silver.
www.PerennialResource.com
‘Roy Davidson’ has powder blue flowers.
Terra Nova Nurseries
‘Excalibur’ has striking silver leaves with green edges.
www.MichiganGardener.com | April 2012 | Michigan Gardener
Continued from page 18
1 Or 00 ga % ni c
adequate organic matter, only two things can go wrong with a lungwort. In very dry summers, under-watered plants will experience some browning of the leaves. As with any damaged leaves, simply remove them and new ones will emerge to restore your plant’s beauty. Lungwort is also vulnerable to slug damage. Like hostas, measures should be taken early in the season before slug populations can escalate. A slug control product called Sluggo (iron phosphate) is organic, effective, and readily available. Lungwort makes an excellent companion to other shade-loving plants. As they are usually under a foot tall, they are best suited for the front of the flower bed. Plants like hostas produce leaves that are similar in shape—ideally, one should position lungwort next to plants of contrasting texture and color. Good lungwort companions include the blackleafed mondo grass (Ophiopogon p. ‘Nigrescens’), European ginger (Asarum europaeum), primroses, coral bells (Heuchera), ajuga, hellebores, hardy ferns, and spring-blooming bulbs. My first lungwort was called ‘Mrs. Moon.’ It is rarely available now, but it sports silverspotted, green leaves that form clumps 36 inches wide and 10 inches tall. Its pink flowers become blue as they mature. A similar
21
cultivar, ‘Bertram Anderson’ (aka ‘E. B. Anderson’), has similar spotted foliage that is longer and narrower. It only grows 8 inches tall and 24 inches wide. One of the more popular lungworts today is ‘Diana Clare.’ Its showy flowers are an electric violet-blue when they emerge and transition to purple and finally pink. The foliage is speckled with silver in spring and becomes completely silver from summer to fall. The height is 8 to 12 inches and the width is a mere 12 to 18 inches. ‘Raspberry Ice’ has green leaves with some white splashes and a consistent white edge on every leaf. The raspberry pink flowers remain the same color from the moment they emerge to the end of its blooming period. Plant height is 10 to 12 inches and the spread is 24 inches when mature. ‘Raspberry Splash’ also has raspberry rose flowers but these senesce to violet tones. The leaves are narrow green with relatively small silver spots. The plant height is 10 to 12 inches with a spread of 16 to 24 inches. No matter which cultivar you select, you’ll find that lungworts are valuable in the garden. They are long-lived, low maintenance, and shade-tolerant perennials that are one of the first to bloom each spring. George Papadelis is the owner of Telly’s Greenhouse in Troy, MI.
Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener
Lungworts are clumping perennials for shade. After their flowers fade, beautiful foliage remains.
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Michigan Gardener | April 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com
Gladwin,Midland, Roscommon, Saginaw
Columbiaville, Davison
North Branch
Lapeer
Emmett Imlay City
Flushing Lennon
Hadley
Port Huron
Dryden
Grand Blanc
Flint
Bancroft, Owosso
Metamora
Fenton
Almont
Oxford
Ortonville
Addison Twp.
Orion Clarkston Hartland
White Lake Highland
East Lansing, Fowlerville, Grand Rapids, Haslett, Lansing, Mason, Williamston
Holly White Lake Waterford
Commerce
West Bloomfield
New Hudson South Lyon
Whitmore Lake
Novi Northville
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New Baltimore
Utica Clinton Twp.
Troy Sterling Hts.
St. Clair Roseville Shores Madison Royal Oak Heights Warren
Southfield Oak Park Ferndale
Livonia Redford
Eastpointe
Grosse Pointes
Detroit Westland
Ann Arbor
Macomb
Berkley
Farmington Hills Farmington
Dexter Canton
Wayne
Dearborn Dearborn Heights
Ypsilanti
Taylor Belleville
Saline New Boston
Tipton
Shelby Twp.
Auburn Hills
Plymouth
Cement City, Chelsea, Jackson, Stockbridge
Ray
Rochester
Pontiac
Walled Lake Wixom Brighton
Washington
Oakland
Sylvan Lake Milford
Howell
Manchester
Lakeport
Tecumseh
Romulus Brownstown Twp.
Southgate Trenton Grosse Ile
Rockwood, Monroe
Dearborn Fairlane Gardens Westborn Flower Mkt Dearborn Heights H English Gardens 22650 Ford Rd, MI 48127 313-278-4433 www.EnglishGardens.com Detroit Allemon’s Landscp Ctr Dexter H Alexander’s Farm Mkt Dexter Gardens H Fraleigh’s Landscp Eastpointe Ariel’s Enchanted Gard H English Gardens 22501 Kelly Rd, MI 48021 586-771-4200 www.EnglishGardens.com
A collection of stores and gardens to shop and visit. Please call ahead for hours, as they may vary from season to season. h Denotes MG Advertiser Addison Twp H Yule Love It Lavender Farm Almont H American Tree Ann Arbor H Abbott’s Nurs Ace Barnes Hardware Downtown Home/Gard H English Gardens 155 N. Maple Rd, MI 48103 734-332-7900 www.EnglishGardens.com HillTop Greenhse/Farms Lodi Farms, 734-665-5651 H The Produce Station Turner Greenhse Wild Birds Unltd Auburn Hills Drake’s Landscp & Nurs H Haley Stone H State Crushing Bancroft Grand Oak Herb Farm Belleville Banotai Greenhse Gardeners Choice
Pinter Flowerland Zywicki Greenhse Berkley Garden Central Westborn Flower Mkt Bloomfield Hills Backyard Birds Birmingham H Blossoms 33866 Woodward Ave, MI 48009 248-644-4411 www.blossomsbirmingham.com H Plant Station Tiffany Florist Brighton H Beauchamp Landscp Supp H Bordine’s H Brighton Farmer’s Mkt Cowbell Lawn/Gard H English Gardens 7345 Grand River, MI 48114 810-534-5059 www.EnglishGardens.com H Grasshopper Gardens H Meier Flowerland Brownstown Twp Elegant Environ Pond Shop Ruhlig Farms & Gard
Canton Canton Floral Gardens Clink Nurs Crimboli Landscp/Nurs Keller & Stein Greenhse H Wild Birds Unltd Cement City H Hallson Gardens Chelsea H Garden Mill Clarkston H Bordine’s Country Oaks Landscp I Lowrie’s Landscp The Pond Source Clinton Twp H English Gardens 44850 Garfield Rd, MI 48038 586-286-6100 www.EnglishGardens.com H Tropical Treasures Columbiaville Hilltop Barn Commerce Twp Backyard Birds Zoner’s Greenhse Davison H Wojo’s Gard Splendors
Semrau Gard Ctr Farmington Backyard Birds Farmington Hills Angelo’s Landscp Supp Farmer John’s Greenhse Loeffler Stone Ctr H Steinkopf Nurs Fenton Gerych’s Flowers/Gift H Heavenly Scent Herb Farm Ferndale Casual Modes Home/Gard Green Thumb Gard Ctr Flushing Flushing Lawn/Gard Fowlerville H Arrowhead Alpines Gladwin H Stone Cottage Gard Grand Blanc H Bordine’s H The Weed Lady 9225 Fenton Rd, MI 48439 810-655-2723 www.theweedlady.com Grosse Ile H Westcroft Gardens Grosse Pointe Allemon’s Landscp Ctr Meldrum & Smith Nurs Grosse Pointe Woods H Wild Birds Unltd Hadley H Le Fleur Décor
Hartland H Deneweth’s Garden Ctr Haslett H Christian’s Greenhse H Van Atta’s Greenhse Higgins Lake H The Greenhouse Highland Colasanti’s Produce/Plant H Fragments H Highland Garden Ctr One Stop Landscp Supp Holly H Rice’s Garden Ornaments Howell H Howell Farmer’s Mkt Penrose Nurs Howell H Specialty Growers 4330 Golf Club Rd, MI 48843 517-546-7742 www.specialtygrowers.net Imlay City H Earthly Arts Greenhse Jackson The Hobbit Place Schmid Nurs/Gard Lake Orion Lake Orion Lawn Orn H Orion Stone Depot H Wojo’s of Lake Orion Lakeport H Earthly Arts Greenhse Lapeer H Iron Barn Gard Ctr Lennon H Krupps Novelty Shop Livonia Bushel Mart Superior Growers Supp Westborn Flower Mkt Macomb Altermatt Greenhses Boyka’s Greenhse H Deneweth’s Garden Ctr H Elya’s Village Gardens Landscape Source Joe Randazzo’s Nurs Wade Nurs H Wiegand’s Nurs Madison Heights Green Carpet Sod Manchester McLennan Nurs Mason Wildtype Nurs Metamora Gilling’s Nurs Milford H One Stop Landscp Supp Milford Gardens H The Pond Place Monroe H The Flower Market New Baltimore Meldrum Bros Nurs New Boston Gorham & Sons Nurs H Grass Roots Nurs New Hudson H Milarch Nurs North Branch H Campbell’s Greenhse Oldani Landscp Nurs Northville H Gardenviews Novi H Dinser’s Greenhse Glenda’s Gard Ctr Stone City H Wild Birds Unltd Oak Park Four Seasons Gard Ctr Oakland Goodison Farms Daylilies
Ortonville Country Oaks Landscp II H Wojo’s Greenhse Owosso H Everlastings in Wildwood Oxford Candy Cane Xmas Trees Oxford Farm/Gard Plymouth Backyard Birds Graye’s Greenhse Lucas Nurs H Plymouth Nurs Plymouth Rock H Rock Shoppe H Saxton’s Gard Ctr Sparr’s Greenhse Pontiac H Goldner Walsh Gard/Home Ray Van’s Valley Greenhse Redford Seven Mi Gard Ctr Rochester H Fogler’s Greenhse H Haley Stone Sherwood Forest Gard Ctr Rochester Hills H Auburn Oaks Nurs 3820 West Auburn Rd, MI 48309 248-852-2310 www.auburnoaksnursery.com H Bordine’s Shades of Green Nurs Wild Birds Unltd Rockwood H Marsh Greenhouses Too 31820 W. Jefferson, MI 48173 734-379-9641 www.marshgreenhouses.com Romulus Block’s Stand/Greenhse Kurtzhals’ Farms Schoedel’s Nurs H Schwartz’s Greenhse Roscommon H The Greenhouse Roseville Dale’s Landscp Supp World Gardenland Royal Oak H Billings Lawn Equip H English Gardens 4901 Coolidge Hwy, MI 48073 248-280-9500 www.EnglishGardens.com H Wild Birds Unltd Saginaw H Abele Greenhse Saline Eden Gard Ctr Nature’s Gard Ctr Saline Flowerland Shelby Twp Diegel Greenhses H Hessell’s Greenhse Maeder Plant Farm Potteryland H Telly’s Greenhouse 4343 24 Mile, MI 48316 248-659-8555 www.tellys.com South Lyon Hollow Oak Farm Nurs H Raney’s Gardens Southfield 3 DDD’s Stand H Eagle Landscp/Supp Flower Barn Nurs H Lavin’s Flower Land Main’s Landscp Supp Southgate H Ray Hunter Gard Ctr St Clair Shores Hall’s Nurs H Soulliere Gard Ctr Sterling Heights Decor Statuette H Eckert’s Greenhouse Flower Barn Nurs Prime Landscp Supp Vidosh Landscp Ctr Stockbridge Gee Farms Sylvan Lake H AguaFina Gardens Intrntl H Detroit Garden Works
Taylor D&L Garden Ctr H Massab Acres Panetta’s Landscp Supp Tecumseh Mitchell’s Lawn/Landscp Trenton Carefree Lawn Ctr Troy H Telly’s Greenhouse 3301 John R Rd, MI 48083 248-689-8735 www .tellys.com Tom’s Landscp Nurs H Uncle Luke’s Feed Store Wilkop Gard Ctr Utica Dale’s Landscp Supp Stone City Walled Lake H Suburban Landscp Supp Warren Beste’s Lawn/Patio Supp Garden Ctr Nurs Young’s Garden Mart Washington Landscp Direct Rocks ‘n’ Roots Waterford Hoffman Nurs H Merrittscape Wayne Artman’s Nurs West Bloomfield H English Gardens 6370 Orchard Lake Rd, MI 48322 248-851-7506 www.EnglishGardens.com Planterra Conservatory Westland Artman’s Westland Nurs H Barson’s Greenhse Bushel Stop Panetta’s Landscp Joe Randazzo’s Nurs White Lake H Bogie Lake Greenhse Mulligan’s Gard Sunshine Plants Whitmore Lake H Alexander’s Greenhses Williamston H Christian’s Greenhse Wixom H Brainer’s Greenhse Angelo’s Landscp Supp Milford Tree Farm Ypsilanti Coleman’s Farm Mkt Lucas Nurs Margolis Nurs H Materials Unlimited
Gardens to Visit Ann Arbor H Matthaei Bot Gard/Nichols Arb Bloomfield Hills H Cranbrook Gardens Dearborn Arjay Miller Arboretum at Ford World HQ Henry Ford Estate Detroit Anna S Whitcomb Conservtry Dryden Seven Ponds Nature Ctr East Lansing H MSU Horticultural Gardens W.J. Beal Botanical Gard Emmett H Sunny Fields Botanical Pk Grand Rapids Frederik Meijer Gardens Grosse Pointe Shores H Edsel & Eleanor Ford Hse Lansing Cooley Gardens Midland H Dow Gardens Novi Tollgate Education Ctr Royal Oak Detroit Zoo Tipton H Hidden Lake Gardens
www.MichiganGardener.com | April 2012 | Michigan Gardener
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books for the michigan gardener
IT’S TIME...
To get your garden, pond, & waterfeatures ready for 2012. Full maintenance and start-ups.
Armitage’s Garden Perennials by Allan M. Armitage
The Fruit Gardener’s Bible (Storey, 320 pages, $24.95) provides how-to guidance on growing strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, a wide range of nuts, and more. Readers learn how to choose the best varieties and methods for growing these plants at home. With a focus on organic techniques, this book provides information on propagating, pruning, harvesting, and protection from wildlife. Step-by-step illustrations and photographs add to the thorough descriptions of how to choose the best fruit varieties for specific regions, prune fruit trees, shrubs and vines, create edible landscapes, select spray-free fruits for organic gardens, and pick nutritious fruit from your own backyard. The last section of the book focuses on more general tips such as soil preparation, how to get plants off to a good start, pest control, pruning, and wildlife friends and foes. Any gardener who wants to have access to fresh fruits and nuts will find this resource useful.
Ultimate Guide: Walks, Patios & Walls by the Editors of Creative Homeowner Walks, Patios & Walls (Creative Homeowner, 240 pages, $16.95) provides the homeowner with all the information needed to integrate popular hardscape designs into the overall home landscape. Included are ideas for brick, mortar, and concrete walks and patios; flagstone and tile patios; and brick and mortared stone walls. Color photographs provide design inspiration, while the extensive how-to section provides easyto-follow information. There are more than 500 color, step-by-step photographs and illustrations to help spark design ideas and transform your ideas into reality. Whether you are starting fresh or adapting a project to a particular landscape, this resource offers instructions for many projects. The book starts with tips on safety, design basics, and how to plan your project, then proceeds to advice on the proper tools and materials for different jobs. A comprehensive glossary and index complete this book and make it a valuable guide for do-it-yourselfers.
Starting March 31
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 9am-5pm
M-59
ard ch Or
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Te PONTIAC le gr ap h . Rd d R . ke La Middlebelt Rd.
WATERFORD
Rd. Square Lake
Ave. Woodward
The Fruit Gardener’s Bible: A Complete Guide to Growing Fruits and Nuts in the Home Garden by Lewis Hill and Leonard Perry
2629 Orchard Lake Rd. Sylvan Lake, MI 48320 248-738-0500 www.aguafina.com
d. ke R s La Cas
This is the second edition of Armitage’s Garden Perennials (Timber Press, 347 pages, $49.95), a comprehensive photographic resource on perennials. In it, renowned horticulturist Allan Armitage describes and illustrates choice perennials in 136 genera, from Acanthus to Zephyranthes. This volume offers more than 1,300 photographs and an authoritative presentation of the most interesting, important, or overlooked perennial plants. The author combines objective information with his own personal experiences, frank opinions, and preferences for plants. This new edition includes 300 more plants and 400 additional color photos than the original. Some of the added plants include arisaemas, echinaceas, heucheras, and podophyllums. The author also expanded the coverage of perennials grown primarily for their foliage, including ornamental grasses and ferns. This reference guide is rounded out by lists of plants suitable for particular situations or uses, including plants for wet places, drought tolerance, and fragrance, just to name a few.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Landscape Design Build Services asian décor fountains sculpture found artifacts garden décor
Spring Fever?
Time for a visit to The Weed Lady for
inspiration & rejuvenation!
• Garden Center & Nursery • Full Service Landscape Design & Installation • Gift & Home Accent Boutique • Full Service Event Planning • Original Art for your Home & Garden
Explore The Weed Lady . . . where every visit is an adveture. 9225 Fenton Road • Grand Blanc 25 min. from Great Lakes Crossing
www.TheWeedLady.com
810.655.2723
Looking for a new career? Take yours to new heights! Skilled tree climbers are in high demand, and the positions are well-paid!
General Tree Work This NEW class is offered by Oakland Community College. LST1800 (4 credits) is aimed at climbers looking to further their career, people interested in a tree climbing career or simply recreational climbing. • Students will learn state-of-the-art climbing techniques. Before starting any outdoor climbing activity, you will learn all necessary safety precautions, basic techniques, knots, and equipment functions. All climbing equipment will be provided: rope, saddles, etc. • Ground work instruction is included for students not wanting to climb. • 7.5 week course / 6-9pm / Classroom & field work • Instructors: Jeff and Dawn Thierbach Jeff is a Board Certified Master Arborist Dawn is chairperson of the Michigan Tree Climbing Championships • Arborist ISA 40 CEU credits. For more information email Marshall Baeckeroot at mmbaecke@oaklandcc.edu
We help gardeners become professionals. Join us and we will show you how to make a living doing what you are passionate about!
Upcoming Meetings – Please join us! Wednesday, April 18, 7-9pm: “Eckert’s: A Hidden Treasure” See how a greenhouse prepares for the busy spring season, and learn about new annuals, perennials, and roses for 2012. At Eckert’s Greenhouse and Perennials, a fabulous garden center in Sterling Heights (34075 Ryan Rd., halfway between 14 and 15 Mile). Guest fee: $5. Please contact us for more information about our substantive lectures and programs, as well as membership. Web: www.associationofprofessionalgardeners.org Email: thegardener@comcast.net Phone: Gail Morrell at 248-828-2978
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Michigan Gardener | April 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com
calendar April / May / June H Denotes Michigan Gardener advertiser H Annual Garden Party Weekend Sat, & Sun, Mar 31 & Apr 1, Metro Detroit area. At 7 English Gardens locations. Packed with informative gardening & decorating seminars. www.EnglishGardens.com. Local Food Summit Mon, Apr 2, 8am-4pm, Washtenaw County. At Washtenaw Community College, Morris J. Lawrence Building. www.localfoodsummit.org. H Spring Planning Tue, Apr 3, 7pm. By Association of Professional Landscape Designers at Northville Library. Brick patios, my favorite 5 plants, sustainable landscaping, Q & A. 248-867-2164, dxlixby@comcast.net. The Discriminating Flower Gardener Tue, Apr 3, 4-8pm, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. 4pm: Annuals for Connnoisseurs, 5:15pm: Best New Flowering Shrubs, 7pm: Stunning Plant Combinations for Sunny Gardens. $15/class, register: www.MeijerGardens.org/Education. Early French Medieval Gardens Wed, Apr 4, 10am, Davisburg. By Springfield Garden Club at Springfield Township Community Center. $1. donna@ celadongardensandpar-teas.com. H Miniature Stained Glass Tree Sat, Apr 7, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. www. heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-629-9208. Attract Butterflies to Your Garden Mon, Apr 9, 7pm, St. Clair Shores. By Yardeners of St. Clair Shores at St. Clair Shores Public Library. www. ButterfliesInTheGarden.com. Plants That Make You Itch & Twitch Mon, Apr 9, Royal Oak. By Royal Oak Garden Club at Royal Oak Public Library. Dangers of plants, with humor. hamlinh@aol.com The Magic of Mystical Fairy Gardens Mon, Apr 9, noon, Mt. Clemens. By Mt. Clemens Garden Club at Mt. Clemens Library Community Room. Fairy expert teaches how to create a fairy garden. $5, 586-2634891. Bees & Beekeeping-the Basics Tue, Apr 10, 6:30-9pm, Clinton Twp. By MSU Extension at VerKuilen Building. $10, register: 586-469-6440. Square Foot Gardening 101 Tue, Apr 10, 7pm, Dearborn. At Dearborn Heights Public Library. For beginners. 734-377-8720, teachmesfg@ gmail.com. From Garden to Table Tue, Apr 10, 4-8pm, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. 4pm: Digging In: the Spring Vegetable Garden, 5:15pm: Designing the Kitchen Garden, 7pm: Using Culinary Herbs & Edible Flowers. $15/class, www. MeijerGardens.org/Education. H Nursery Opening Day Fri, Apr 13, Howell. At Specialty Growers. 517-546-7742, www.specialtygrowers.net. Growing Your Own Medicinal Herb Garden Sat, Apr 14, 10am, Highland. By Garden Angel Art Works/A Gardener’s Friend at Colasanti’s Market & Greenhouse. Starting herb seeds indoors, growing, harvesting, drying & storage, seeds & supplies included.
For information about Public Gardens, please visit MichiganGardener.com. Click on "Resources" then "Public Gardens." 810-653-0104, info@gardenangelart.com. Square Foot Gardening 101 Sat, Apr 14, 1pm, Wayne. At Wayne Public Library. For beginners. 734-377-8720, teachmesfg@gmail.com. Tomatoes & Peppers Sat, Apr 14, 10am-noon, Ann Arbor. By Project Grow Gardens at Leslie Science & Nature Center. education@ projectgrowgardens.org. H Digging into Vegetable Gardening Sat, Apr 14, 1pm, White Lake. At Bogie Lake Greenhouses. Speaker. blgreenhou@aol.com, 248-887-5101. H Garden Design 1-2-3 Sat, Apr 14, through May 12, Waterford. At MSU Extenstion Oakland. Register: smithlin@oakgov.com, 248-858-0887. H Miniature Gardening with Gigantic Possibilities Sat, Apr 14, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. www. heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-629-9208. H New Introductions Day Sat, Apr 14, Troy. At Telly’s. 10am-annuals, 11:30amPerennials, $5 each. www.tellys.com, 248-689-8735. H New Twist on an Old Herb Garden Sat, Apr 14, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $5. www.tellys.com, 248-689-8735. H Outdoor Living Extravaganza Sat, Apr 14, 8:30am-4pm, Grand Rapids. By Proven Winners at The Pinnacle Center. A retreat & seminar. www.provenwinners.com, 877-865-5818. H Small Giants Sat, Apr 14, 10:30am-noon, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. Miniature gardening with giant possibilities, FREE. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-629-9208. H Spring Fair Sat, Apr 14, 9am-5pm, Sun, Apr 15, 12-4pm, Sylvan Lake. At Detroit Garden Works. Antiques, ornaments, plants. 248-335-8090. www.detroitgardenworks.com. New Gardener Shindig Sun, Apr 15, 11:30am-2:30pm, Ann Arbor. All welcome, focus on new gardeners, community gardens, organic practices, volunteering. www.projectgrowgardens.org. H New Introductions Day Sun, Apr 15, Shelby Twp. At Telly’s. 1pm-Annuals, 2pmPerennials, $5 each. www.tellys.com, 248-689-8735. Secchia Garden Lecture Tue, Apr 17, 7pm, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. Change: The Passage of Time in the Garden. FREE w/admission. www.MeijerGardens.org. Butterfly Garden Enhancements Wed, Apr 18, 7pm, Westland. By SEMBA at Nankin Mills Nature Center. $3. 734-326-0578, www.sembabutterfly. com.
Promote your events! Send us your information! Website: Go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Garden Event Calendar” E-Mail: calendar@michigangardener.com Upcoming Issues & Deadlines: Issue
May 2012 June 2012
Deadline April 15, 2012 May 15, 2012
www.MichiganGardener.com | April 2012 | Michigan Gardener
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House & Gardens Auxiliary Cranbrook House & Gardens invites you to visit us this spring and summer. Come and discover what we have to offer!
Garden Art Wed, Apr 18, 6:30-7:45pm, Hamburg. At Hamburg Twp. Library. $5, fundraiser for library gardens. www. hamburglibrary.org, 810-231-1771. H Garden Writing Workshop Wed, Apr 18, 7-9pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. No previous writing experience required, invitation to write for Conifer Quarterly, $20. Register: 517-431-2060. H Eckert’s: A Hidden Treasure Wed, Apr 18, 7-9pm, Sterling Heights. By Association of Professional Gardeners at Eckert’s Greenhouse & Perennials. See how a greenhouse prepares for it’s spring season, learn about new 2012 plants. $5. www. associationofprofessionalgardeners.org, 248-828-2978. Community Gardens Thu, Apr 19, 7pm, Sylvan Lake. By Sylvan Lake Garden Club at Sylvan Lake Community Center. Speaker. 248-4201869, robinreisig1@gmail.com. H Tea Lover’s Herb Garden Thu, Apr 19, 6:30pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $5. www.tellys.com, 248-689-8735. H Plant with Us Seminar Fri, Apr 20, Shelby Twp. At Hessell’s Greenhouse. www. hessellsgreenhouse.com, 586-247-4675. H Spring Open House Fri, Apr 20 to Sun, Apr 22, Fri & Sat, 8am-6pm, & Sun, 10am-5pm, Rochester Hills. At Auburn Oaks Garden Center. New products, more. www.auburnoaksnursery. com, 248-852-2310. H Organic Gardening Basics Sat, Apr 21, 2-4pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. Compost, plant nutrition, fertilizers, $20. Register: 517431-2060. H Pruning Fundamentals Sat, Apr 21, 9am-noon, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. Indoor and outdoor class, $20. Register: 517-431-2060. Southeastern Michigan Dahlia Society Meeting Sat, Apr 21, 2pm, Troy. By SEMDS at Telly’s Greenhouse. Speaker, Q&A, 4pm: preparing tubers & dividing. hye3@ att.net. Spring into Gardening Conference Sat, Apr 21, 9am-4pm, Mt. Pleasant. By Master Gardeners Association of Isabella County at Mt. Pleasant High School. $60, 4 speakers, register: 989-772-0911, b.laughlin@cmich.edu. Square Foot Gardening 102 Sat, Apr 21, 10am, Belleville. At Belleville Public Library. 734-377-8720, teachmesfg@gmail.com Victory Garden Program Sat, Apr 21, 10am-2pm, Oakland Twp. By Oakland Twp. Historic District Commission at Cranberry Lake Farm. Come anytime. www.sixriversrlc.org. H Children’s Day Sat, Apr 21, Troy. At Telly’s Greenhouse. Workshops at 10am(Face Planter-$20), 11:30am(Seed Planting-$5) & 1pm(Terrarium-$20). www.tellys.com. H Getting to Know & Grow Dahlias Sat, Apr 21, 2pm, Troy. At Telly’s. FREE. www.tellys.com, 248-689-8735. H Hands-on Container Gardening Sat, Apr 21, 1pm, White Lake. At Bogie Lake Greenhouses. FREE, 20% off supplies. blgreenhou@aol.com, 248-8875101. H Open House Sat, Apr 21, 10am, Westland. At Barsons. Seminars at 10am & 1pm. www.barsons.com, 734-421-5959. H Painted Daisies on a Vintage Window Sat, Apr 21, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. www. heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-629-9208. H Planting & Pruning Sat, Apr 21, Leonard. At Yule Love it Lavender. www. yuleloveitlavender.com, 248-628-7814. H Spring Garden Expo Sat, Apr 21, 9am-5pm, Rochester & Grand Blanc. At Bordine’s. FREE seminars(11am, 1pm, 3pm), booth, fun for kids, displays. www.bordines.com.
H Spring Garden Show Sat, Apr 21, Macomb. At Wiegand’s Nursery. Seminars/ workshops throughout the weekend on soil, herbs, bulbs, conifers, lawns, containers, more. Visit www. wiegandsnursery.com for times/details. 586-286-3655. H Spring Open House Sat, Apr 21, 10am-4pm, Plymouth. At Plymouth Nursery. vendors, speakers, demos. Sun, 2pm: Janet Macunovich. 734-453-5500, www.plymouthnursery.net. Earth Day Festival Sun, Apr 22, noon-4pm, Milford. At Carls Family YMCA. www.hrwc.org. Earth Day Festival Sun, Apr 22, noon-4pm, Ann Arbor. At Leslie Science & Nature Center. FREE. www.hrwc.org. Faerie Garden Seminar & Workshop Sun, Apr 22, 11:30am, Troy. By Master Gardener Society of Oakland County at Telly’s Greenhouse. Seminar: $5, workshop: $10+materials. 248-673-8092, smclarty2002@yahoo.com. H Children’s Day Sun, Apr 22, Shelby Twp.. At Telly’s Greenhouse. Workshops at 1pm(Face Planter-$20), 2pm(Seed Planting-$5) & 1pm(Terrarium-$20). www.tellys.com. The Wild Gardener/Naturally Native Tue, Apr 24, 4-8pm, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. 4pm: Woodland Wildflowers for Shady Gardens, 5:15pm: Native Plants for Tough Places, 7pm: Invasive Plants in Your Backyard. $15/class, register: www. MeijerGardens.org.Education. Garden Writing Workshop Wed, Apr 25, 7-9pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. No previous writing experience required, invitation to write for Conifer Quarterly, $20. Register: 517-431-2060. H Spring Into Roses Thu, Apr 26, 6:30pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $5. www.tellys.com, 248-689-8735. H Bonsai Workshop Sat, Apr 28, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s Greenhouse. $35. www. tellys.com, 248-689-8735. H Container Gardening Classes & Workshops Sat, Apr 28, Troy. At Telly’s Greenhouse. Classes & Workshops, $5 each. www.tellys.com. H Herbs in Containers Sat, Apr 28, 2:30pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $5. www.tellys.com, 248-689-8735. H Spring Open House Sat, Apr 28, 9am-5pm & Sun, Apr 29, 10am-5pm, White Lake. At Bogie Lake Greenhouses. Seminar at 1pm both days on Growums. Self-guided tours, all ages welcome. www.bogielakegreenhouses.com, 248-887-5101. H Spring Spectacular Sat, Apr 28, Shelby Twp. At Hessell’s Greenhouse. Seminars, refreshments, kids: make “Mother’s Day Porch Pots.” www.hessellsgreenhouse.com, 586-247-4675. H Succulent Garden Workshop II Sat, Apr 28, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $5. www.tellys.com, 248-689-9735. H Trough Making Workshop Sat, Apr 28, 3:30pm, Shelby Twp. $35. www.tellys.com, 248-659-8555. Foot Gardening 201 Sat, Apr 28, 9am, Belleville. At Garden Fantasy Florist. Hands-on workshop. 734-377-8720, teachmesfg@gmail. com. Advanced Bonsai Techniques Sun, Apr 29, 2pm, Troy. By Four Seasons Bonsai Club at Telly’s Greenhouse. 3 demonstrators. 586-646-3888, lamont_tiger@lycos.com. Tuber Sale Sun, Apr 29, 1-3:30pm, Ann Arbor. By Michigan Dahlia Association at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Rm. 125 & 139. Hundreds of flower tubers, DVDs and handouts, 734429-5796. continued on next page
Docent Training: Docent training begins at historic Cranbrook House on April 3, at 6:30pm Membership Drive: “Blooming Anticipation” April 14, 10am (reservations required) Gardens Open May 1 through October: Come see what’s in bloom! Our 40th Annual Plant Sale: May 15 (10am-7pm) & May 16 (10am-2pm) The very best in native Michigan plants and wildflowers, perennials, greenhouse plants, orchids, herbs, vegetables, annuals and much more! Cranbrook House guided tours: (Thurs., Fri. & Sun.) beginning June 21. Reservations required for Thursday lunch or tea. Enjoy craftsmanship and art under one roof. Music in the Gardens: July 12. Benefitting Cranbrook House & Gardens Endowment fund. Join us for an evening under the stars.
380 Lone Pine Rd, Bloomfield Hills • 248-645-3149 • housegardens.cranbrook.edu Parking for all events at Christ Church Cranbrook • Shuttle service for plant sale
The trees around your home might be 25, 50, or even over 100 years old. Give them the care they deserve.
All tree care companies are not alike. In fact, there is a tremendous range in the skills and services they offer. We offer what few other companies can: • We use a scientific approach to diagnosis and recommendations: site analysis, soil sampling, decay evaluation, prescription fertilization, pruning and plant health care work based on current research, etc. • Low impact work. We have mastered climbing and rigging techniques that enable us to tread lightly on your property (no lawn ruts from trucks, no grass divots from wood, no broken or damaged plants, etc.). • Safe work practices. All our work conforms to the industry’s standard for safety (ANSI Z 133.1). • We tailor plant health care and monitoring programs to each tree and each client, as opposed to a one-size-fits-all, vague spray program. • We utilize our experience in root invigoration and soil amending: air spading, organic matter additions, improvements in the chemical, biological, and physical properties of soil, and more. • Client care—Our clients are family. We stop by our clients’ properties and check back with them to make sure we’re taking care of their tree care concerns.
Pruning • Removals • Cabling • Lightning Protection Fertilization • Root Care & Soil Management • Planting Insect & Disease Management • Tree Risk Assessment
734-786-1688 www.GuardianTreeExperts.com
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Look for H Denotes MG Advertiser Allen Park ACO Hardware Almont H American Tree Ann Arbor H Abbott’s Landscp Nurs Ace Barnes Hardware Downtown Home & Gard H English Gardens HillTop Greenhse & Farms Larry’s Mower Shop Lodi Farms H Matthaei Botanical Gard Nicola’s Books H The Produce Station Turner Greenhses Whole Foods Wild Bird Ctr Wild Birds Unltd Auburn Hills ACO Hardware Drake’s Nurs H Haley Stone H Oakland Community College H State Crushing Belleville Banotai Greenhse Gardeners Choice Pinter Flowerland Zywicki Greenhse Berkley Garden Central Birmingham ACO Hardware H Blossoms MT Hunter Neighborhood Hardware H Plant Station Tiffany Florist Watch Hill Antiques Bloomfield Hills ACE Hardware Backyard Birds Brighton H Beauchamp Landscp Supp H Bordine’s H English Gardens H Grasshopper Gardens Main’s Landscp Supp H Meier Flowerland Brownstown Twp Ruhlig Farms & Gard Canton Canton Floral Gardens Clink Landscp & Nurs Crimboli Nurs Keller & Stein Greenhse H Wild Birds Unltd Chelsea H Garden Mill The Potting Shed Clarkston ACE Hardware ACO Hardware H Bordine’s Country Oaks Landscp Supp I Lowrie’s Landscp The Birdfeeder The Pond Source Weingartz Clawson ACO Hardware
at these fine locations: Clinton Twp ACO Hardware H English Gardens Michigan Koi MSU ExtensionMacomb Cty H Tropical Treasures Commerce Twp Backyard Birds @ ACE Hardware Zoner’s Greenhse Davison H Wojo’s Garden Splendors Dearborn ACO Hardware Fairlane Gard Dearborn Hts ACO Hardware H English Gardens Detroit Detroit Gard Ctr Dexter Dexter Gard H Fraleigh’s Nurs Eastpointe H English Gardens Farmington ACO Hardware Farmington Hills ACO Hardware Angelo’s Landscp Supp Farmer John’s Greenhse H Steinkopf Nurs Weingartz Fenton Gerych’s H Heavenly Scent Herb Farm Ferndale Casual Modes Home & Gard Green Thumb Gard Ctr Fostoria H Iron Barn Iron Work Fowlerville H Arrowhead Alpines Gladwin H Stone Cottage Gdns Grand Blanc H Bordine’s H The Weed Lady Grand Rapids Meijer Gardens Grosse Ile H Westcroft Gardens Grosse Pointe ACE Hardware Allemon’s Landscp Ctr Meldrum & Smith Nurs Grosse Pointe Shores H Edsel/Eleanor Ford House Grosse Pointe Woods H Wild Birds Unltd Hadley H Le Fleur Décor Hartland H Deneweth’s Gard Ctr Haslett H Van Atta’s Greenhse Highland ACO Hardware Colasanti’s Produce & Plants H Fragments Holly H Rice’s Garden Ornaments
Howell H Howell Farmer’s Mkt Penrose Nurs H Specialty Growers Imlay City H Earthly Arts Lake Orion Lake Orion Lawn Ornaments H Orion Stone Depot H Wojo’s of Lake Orion Livonia ACO Hardware (5 Mi/ Middlebelt) ACO Hardware (6 Mi/ Newburgh) Bushel Mart Superior Growers Supp Macomb ACO Hardware Altermatt’s Greenhse Boyka’s Greenhse H Deneweth’s Gard Ctr H Elya’s Village Gard Landscape Source Olejnik Farms H Wiegand’s Nurs Madison Hts Green Carpet Sod Midland H Dow Gardens
Pontiac H Goldner Walsh Gard/Home MSU ExtensionOakland Cty Ray Van’s Valley Grenhse Redford Seven Mi Gard Ctr Rochester Casual Concepts H Fogler’s Greenhse H Haley Stone Sherwood Forest Gard Ctr Rochester Hills ACE Hardware ACO Hardware H Auburn Oaks Gard Ctr H Bordine’s Shades of Green Nurs Wild Birds Unltd Rockwood H Marsh Greenhses Too Romulus Block’s Greenhse Kurtzhal’s Farms Schoedel’s Nurs H Schwartz’s Greenhse
Milford ACO Hardware Milford Gardens One Stop Landscp Supp H The Pond Place
Roscommon H The Greenhouse
Monroe H The Flower Market
Royal Oak ACO Hardware H Billings Lawn Equip H English Gardens Frentz & Sons Hardware La Roche Manus Power Mowers H Wild Birds Unltd
New Baltimore Meldrum Bros Nurs Van Thomme’s Greenhses New Boston Gorham & Sons Nurs H Grass Roots Nurs Mums the Word New Hudson H Milarch Nurs North Branch H Campbell’s Greenhses Oldani Landscp Nurs Northville Begonia Bros H Gardenviews Novi ACO Hardware H Dinser’s Glenda’s Gard Ctr Tollgate Education Ctr H Wild Birds Unltd Oak Park Four Seasons Gard Ctr Ortonville Country Oaks Landscp Supp II H Wojo’s Greenhse Owosso H Everlastings in the Wildwood Pinckney Ed Bock Feeds & Stuff Plymouth Backyard Birds Lucas Nurs H Plymouth Nurs Plymouth Rock & Supp H Rock Shoppe H Saxton’s Gard Ctr Sideways Sparr’s Greenhse
Roseville Dale’s Landscp Supp World Gardenland
Saginaw H Abele Greenhse & Gard Ctr Saline Junga’s ACE Hardware Nature’s Gard Ctr Saline Flowerland Shelby Twp Diegel Greenhses Eden Gard Ctr H Hessell’s Greenhses Maeder Plant Farm Potteryland H Telly’s Greenhse Third Coast Garden Supp South Lyon ACO Hardware Hollow Oak Farm Nurs H Raney’s Gardens Southfield 3 DDD’s Stand ACO Hardware H Eagle Landscp & Supply Flower Barn Nursery H Lavin’s Flower Land Main’s Landscp Supp Southgate H Ray Hunter Gard Ctr St Clair Shores ACE Hardware ACO Hardware (Harper/13 Mi) Greenhouse Growers Hall’s Nurs H Soulliere Gard Ctr
Sterling Hts ACO Hardware Decor Statuette H Eckert’s Greenhse H Flower Barn Nurs Prime Landscp Supply Stockbridge Gee Farms Sylvan Lake H AguaFina Gardens Interntl H Detroit Garden Works Taylor Beautiful Ponds & Gard D&L Garden Ctr H Massab Acres Panetta’s Landscp Supp Tipton H Hidden Lake Gardens Trenton Carefree Lawn Ctr Keck Hardware
H Container Gardening Classes & Workshops Sun, Apr 29, Shelby Twp. At Telly’s Greenhouse. Classes & Workshops, $5 each. www.tellys.com. H Cranbrook Gardens Tue, May 1, through October, Bloomfield Hills. At Cranbrook Gardens. 248-645-3149, www.housegardens. cranbrook.edu. H Fruitful Blossoms Wed, May 2, 10:30am, Detroit. By Friends of Art & Flowers at DIA. Floral designer will create arrangements, lecture, demo, book signing-$25 and optional lunch-$25. 313-833-4005. Plant Exchange Sat, May 5, 9-11am, South Lyon. By Four Seasons Garden Club at Witch’s Hat Depot Museum parking lot. 248437-0154 Tuber Sale Sat, May 5, 9am-2pm, Troy. By Southeastern MI Dahlia Society at Telly’s Greenhouse Barn. hye3@att.net. H Faerie Festival Sat, May 5, Sat, 10am-5pm & Sun, 11am-5pm, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. Workshops & activities for all ages, $1. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-6299208.
Perennial Plant Sale Sat, May 19, 10am-2pm, Owosso. By Shiawassee County Master Gardeners at 1535 N. Hickory Rd. timnjenhes@ aol.com. Plant Exchange Sat, May 19, 9am-noon, Westland. By Westland Garden Club at Westland Historic Village Park. 734-522-3918. Plant Sale Sat, May 19, 10am-2pm, Dexter. By Michigan Dahlia Association at Dexter Mill. 734-429-5796. Plant Sale Sat, May 19, 10am-3pm, Owosso. By Shiawassee County Master Gardeners at 1535 Hickory Rd., Owosso. timnjenhes@aol.com. H Lilac Festival Sat, May 19, 10am-5pm, Emmett. At Sunny Fields Botanical Park. Music, food, crafters, FREE admission, donations appreciated. www.visitsunnyfields.org, 810387-2765. H Stain Glass Tree Sat, May 19, 10am-noon, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. Construct a 4 ft. copper tree for your garden, $89.75. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-6299208.
Troy ACO Hardware The Home & Gard Shop H Telly’s Greenhse Tom’s Landscp Nurs H Uncle Luke’s Feed Store Wilkop Gard Ctr
Herb Fest Sat, May 5, Waterford. At MSU Extension. Register: 248858-0887, smithlin@oakgov.com.
Bonsai Mentor Workshop Sun, May 20, 2pm, Troy. By Four Seasons Bonsai Club at Telly’s Greenhouse. Bring your own tree, beginners paired up with experienced members. 586-646-3888, lamont_tiger@lycos.com.
Leaf Bowl & Fountain Garden Art Class Sun, May 6, 11am, Highland. By Garden Angel Art Works at Colasanti’s Market & Greenhouse. 810-653-0104, info@gardenangelart.com.
Attract Butterflies to Your Garden Wed, May 23, 7:30pm, Grosse Pointe Farms. By Master Gardeners of Greater Detroit at United Methodist Church. www.ButterfliesInTheGarden.com.
Utica Dale’s Landscp Supp Stone City Weingartz
H Weed & Tea Tue, May 8, & 15th, Leonard. At Yule Love it Lavender. FREE. www.yuleloveitlavender.com, 248-628-7814.
Iris Show Sat, May 26, Sat, 1-5pm & Sun, 11am-5pm, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. FREE. www.MeijerGardens. org.
Warren Beste’s Lawn & Patio Young’s Garden Mart Washington Landscape Direct Miller’s Big Red Greenhse Rocks ‘n’ Roots Waterford ACO Hardware Breen’s Landscp Supp Jacobsen’s Flowers Waterford H Merrittscape Wayne Artman’s Nurs West Bloomfield H English Gardens Planterra Whole Foods Westland ACO Hardware Artman’s Westland Nurs H Barsons Greenhses Bushel Stop Joe Randazzo’s Nurs Panetta’s Landscp Supp White Lake H Bogie Lake Greenhse Mulligan’s Gard Ctr Sunshine Plants Whitmore Lake H Alexander’s Greenhses Williamston H Christian’s Greenhse Wixom Angelo’s Landscp Supp H Brainer’s Greenhse Woodhaven Bruce’s Pond Shop Ypsilanti Coleman’s Farm Mkt Lucas Nurs Margolis Nurs H Materials Unlimited Schmidt’s Antiques
Attract Butterflies to Your Garden Thu, May 10, 7pm, Ypsilanti. By Ypsilanti Garden Club at Ypsilanti Senior/Community Center. www. ButterfliesInTheGarden.com. Square Foot Gardening 201 Sat, May 12, 9am, Belleville. By Van Buren Parks & Rec at Park Building. 734-377-8720, teachmesfg@gmail.com. H All-State Bonsai Show Sat, May 12, Sat, 9am-5pm & Sun, 11am-5pm, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. Vendors, displays, classes, lectures, workshops. www.MeijerGardens.org. H Plant Sale Sat, May 12, 10am-2pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. 517-431-2060, www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu. H Sedum Trree Sat, May 12, 10am-noon, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. Create a 15 inch Sedum Tree, $72.75. www. heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-629-9208. H Plant Sale Tue, May 15, Sat, 10am-7pm & Sun, 10am-2pm, Bloomfield Hills. At Cranbrook Gardens. 248-645-3149, www.housegardens.cranbrook.edu. Spring Plant Sale & Garden Market Fri, May 18, Fri, 10am-3pm & Sat, 9am-1pm, Dearborn. At Henry Ford Estate. 313-701-2240, www.henryfordestate. org. Perennial Plant Sale Sat, May 19, 8am-noon, Saline. By Saline Stone & Thistle Garden Club at UAW Hall. 734-646-9408.
Advertiser Index Abbott’s Landscape Nursery...................................12 Abele Greenhouse & Garden Ctr...........................19 Aguafina Gardens International............................23 Arrowhead Alpines.......................................................15 Arboricultural Services................................................11 Assoc. of Prof. Gardeners.........................................24 Auburn Oaks Gard Ctr..................................................11 Barson’s Greenhouse...................................................13 Beauchamp Lawn & Landscape...............................5 Blossoms............................................................................15 Bogie Lake Greenhouses............................................17 Bonide................................................Inside Back Cover Bordine’s...................................................................Page 3 Christian’s Greenhouse................................................ 8 Contender’s Tree & Lawn Specialists..................19 Cranbrook House & Gardens.................................25 Detroit Garden Works...................................................5
Volunteer to Plant Native Gardens Sat, Jun 2, Southfield, Birmingham, Beverly Hills. Help plant native buffers and pull galic mustard on Rouge Rescue Day. 248-601-2816. Attract Butterflies to Your Garden Tue, Jun 5, 6:30pm, Bloomfield Hills. By Master Gardeners Society of Oakland County at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.www.ButterfliesInTheGarden.com. H Palettes of the Garden Sun, Jun 10, 11am-4pm, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. Painters & photographers in the gardens, FREE. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-629-9208. Garden Walk Wed, Jun 13, 10am-4pm & 6-9pm(walk) 9am6pm(market), Franklin. By Franklin Garden Club. Self-guided walk. $12. Lunch available. www. franklingardenclub.org. Garden Journey Bus Tour Sat, Jun 16, 8am-6pm, Bloomfield. By Master Gardener Society of Oakland County at Bowers Farm. Visit 6 gardens, lunch, shop. lakess@sbcglobal.net. Garden Walk & Market Sale Sat, Jun 16, 10am-6pm, Milford. By Milford Garden Club at 6 gardens in Milford area. $12, www. themilfordgardenclub.org. H Cranbrook House Guided Tours Thu, Jun 21, (begins-Thu, Fri & Sat), Bloomfield Hills. At Cranbrook Gardens. 248-645-3149, www.housegardens. cranbrook.edu.
DIA Friends of Art & Flowers....................................11 Dream Gardens...............................................................17 English Gardens...........................Inside Front Cover The Flower Market......................................................... 9 The Garden Company.................................................16 Garden Mill........................................................................12 Garden Rhythms...........................................................10 A Garden Space..............................................................17 Guardian Tree Experts................................................25 Heavenly Scent Herb Farm...................................... 14 Hessell’s Greenhouses................................................. 9 Hidden Lake Gardens...................................................13 Meier Flowerland...........................................................15 Michigan Nursery & Landscape Assoc......................................................19 Milarch Nursery............................................................... 9 Oakland Community College.................................24 Organimax.......................................................................... 6 Orion Stone Depot.......................................................... 6
Plantskydd.........................................................................21 Plymouth Nursery......................................................... 14 The Pond Place..................................................................5 Proven Winners Color Choice...................................7 Rice’s Garden Ornaments.........................................12 Saxton’s Garden Center..............................................15 Schuman Landscape Lighting..................................13 Specialty Growers..........................................................21 Staddle Stone...................................................................10 State Crushing..................................................................19 Steinkopf Nursery..........................................................16 Telly’s Greenhouse.........................................................4 Tropical Treasures.........................................................17 Two Women and a Hoe..............................................12 The Weed Lady..............................................................23 Uncle Luke’s Feed Store.............................................10 Wiegand’s Nursery........................................................ 6 Wild Birds Unlimited....................................................17 Yule Love It Lavender Farm......................................10
www.MichiganGardener.com | April 2012 | Michigan Gardener
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Precipitation February 2012
Detroit Flint Lansing
Normal Monthly 2.02 1.48 1.47
Actual Monthly 1.91 1.84 1.59
February 2011 Deviation from Normal -0.11 +0.36 +0.12
2012 Year to Date: Jan 1 - Feb 28
Detroit Flint Lansing
Normal Yr. to Date 3.98 3.11 3.12
Actual Yr. to Date 4.91 3.78 3.61
Normal
Actual Monthly 3.60 2.36 2.36
Monthly 1.88 1.35 1.45
Deviation from Normal +1.72 +1.01 +0.91
2011 Year Total: Jan 1 - Dec 31
Normal
Deviation from Normal +0.93 +0.67 +0.49
Yr. to Date 32.89 31.61 31.53
Actual Yr. to Date 47.70 40.95 38.89
Deviation from Normal +14.81 +9.34 +7.36
Temperature February 2012
February 2011
Detroit Flint Lansing
Normal Avg. High 34.4 32.3 32.6
ACTUAL Avg. High 39.3 38.1 37.7
Deviation from Normal +4.9 +5.8 +5.1
ormal N Avg. High 34.4 32.3 32.6
ACTUAL Avg. High 32.1 32.0 31.9
Deviation from Normal -2.3 -0.3 -0.7
Detroit Flint Lansing
Normal Avg. Low 20.0 15.3 15.4
ACTUAL Avg. Low 25.9 23.9 23.4
Deviation from Normal +5.9 +8.6 +8.0
Normal Avg. Low 20.0 15.3 15.4
ACTUAL Avg. Low 17.4 15.0 16.9
Deviation from Normal -2.6 -0.3 +1.5
Data courtesy National Weather Service
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Michigan Gardener | April 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com
A Magnificent Collection of Plants By gathering one or two plants of everything she likes, Margot McCormack has transformed her small yard into a “horticultural zoo” A sign by the side of Margot McCormack’s driveway and the entrance to her eclectic garden proudly proclaims, “Margot’s Horticultural Zoo.” Picture rare and beautiful trees, vegetables, flowers, and maybe a few strange specimens—all packed into a small residential yard. McCormack related, “That is what Betty Frankel (the late garden writer for the Detroit Free Press) called a garden without any real design, or one that has one or two of everything, like a zoo.” She also refers to it as a collector’s garden. She collects unique perenSandie Parrott nials that catch her eye and bloom a long time, along with herbs to “touch, squeeze, sniff, and use in the kitchen.” As a child, McCormack unwittingly learned about gardening from her parents, Otto and Gisela Oestreich, and their community garden in Augsburg, Germany. “As a child I hated my parent’s community garden (about 45 by 75 feet). I had to spend my free time there, including summer vacations. They went by bike and I had to walk about 25 minutes from home. We had the garden for about 16 years,” McCormack recalled. German community gardens called “garden colonies” or “allotment gardens” were popular in the 1940s and still are today. McCormack calls herself a garden junkie. You may have seen her at a garden club meeting, garden tour, talk, or anything to do with
V Website Extra Go to MichiganGardener.com and click the “Website Extras” department for: • More photos of Margot McCormack’s garden, including tropicals, a beautiful tree peony, and the annual flood in her backyard.
Sandie Parrott Sandie Parrott
A local garden writer once called a collector’s garden a “zoo.” McCormack embraced the nickname for her own garden.
McCormack’s husband found this Bird Girl statue in Savannah in 2007 and gave it to her as a surprise birthday gift.
gardens. The first club she joined was the Livonia Garden Club in the 1970s when she visited for a talk by Betty Frankel. Later, after visiting several societies to promote a trip she lead to the Hampton Court Flower Show in England, she joined the Hardy Plant Society, Hosta Society, two rose societies and more recently the North American Rock Garden Society and Lily Society. If that isn’t enough, she is contemplating joining the daylily, dahlia, and chrysanthemum societies. “The plant societies all sound interesting, but there are only so many days in a week and many meetings are too far from my home,” she lamented. All these societies and her garden book collection lead the fearless McCormack to attempt many difficult plant experiments, as Right: These look like concrete or hypertufa troughs, but they are spray-painted styrofoam meat-packing containers.
Sandie Parrott
www.MichiganGardener.com | April 2012 | Michigan Gardener
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Margot’s Serbian spruce tale by Sandie Parrott In the mid-1970s, Margot McCormack contacted the Michigan State University Extension to see if she could grow a Serbian spruce (Picea omorika) from a cone. The tree was very popular in Bavaria because of its narrow growth habit, which is perfect for small residential lots. “In Bavaria they ‘throw’ them at you, they are that cheap,” chuckled McCormack. Her property in Westland was about the same size as typical lots in Bavaria and she wanted the tree badly, but couldn’t locate one back then. McCormack obtained a cone and dutifully followed the instructions given by the extension service and the seed germinated. It grew into a small seedling, but alas, didn’t make it. In the mid-1990s, McCormack discovered some very small trees at a local garden center. “I could have hugged the buyer, I was so happy finally finding my favorite conifer, and I bought it,” she recalled. In 2011 it developed some problems on the tip and she had the top four feet trimmed. Luckily, “it just happened that a new leader was there.” The experience of contacting the Michigan State University Extension was so rewarding and the people were so helpful that she studied and became a Master Gardener in the class of 1980.
Sandie Parrott
A small but jam-packed backyard includes ‘Heritage’ raspberries, boxwood raised from a Christmas arrangement 20-plus years ago, New England aster, phlox, Joe Pye weed, variegated dogwood, native cup plant behind the statue (tall yellow flowers; birds and insects drink from the cupped leaves), and a variegated porcelain vine on the fence.
Sandie Parrott
This collection includes gaura under a serviceberry (from the Greening of Detroit 20-plus years ago), an espaliered pear tree on the house, bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana), miniature rose, white potentilla, ‘Arnold Promise’ witch hazel, bearded iris, white obedient plant, brown-eyed Susan, white butterfly bush, lavender, and winter savory.
she calls them. Her step-over apple tree is a mere 18 inches tall and forms a border on her property. She has espaliered a pear tree on the front of her house, tinkers with a bonsai plant, and has germinated and grown (for a short while) a Serbian spruce (Picea omorika) from a cone (see the sidebar “Margot’s Serbian spruce tale”). McCormack lived as an au pair in England for a time and that is what she thinks really started her love of gardening. “The lady of the house would always have fresh flowers in the apartment. I liked that and that must have started it,” remembered McCormack. Although the community garden in Germany likely helped influence her passion for plants as well. In 1969, McCormack came to live in Michigan after she met her husband, Jim, working in a hospital in Germany. They both worked in administration and were married in Germany. She stayed there while Jim completed his last year of service in Korea for the Army. They reunited in Virginia, where Jim was from originally, until he received a job offer in Michigan in 1970. After briefly living in an apartment, they purchased their house in Westland in 1971 because it was less expensive than the apartment. She also calls herself
“Margot the Frugal.” Her home garden efforts started with a vegetable garden in the backyard. “I wanted to grow plants that wouldn’t make it in Bavaria, where it was not warm enough or the season was too short. Things like eggplant, zucchini, and celery. After trying all types of veggies and perennials in the backyard and having a drainage problem every spring, I took gardening to the front yard. The backyard became too small for the plants I wanted to grow. In December 1994, there was also an article in the newspaper under the title, ‘Let’s Bury Backyard Notions About Front Yard Landscaping.’ That was right up my alley. War to the lawn!” exclaimed McCormack. Besides, the lawn is Jim’s interest, not Margot’s. Another gardening influence was the late Geoff Hamilton and his BBC TV series, The Ornamental Kitchen Garden. “I got inspired by Geoff Hamilton’s TV series around the mid-1990s. He grew veggies, fruit trees, berries, and flowers together. His demonstration garden in England was about the size of my backyard and it brought tears to my eyes every time I viewed one of the episodes. I just loved that man and how the program was Continued on next page
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Michigan Gardener | April 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com
Continued from previous page presented,” McCormack recalled fondly. A white garden with plants that bloom all through the season brightens the side of McCormack’s garage. In this theme garden, she grows white crocuses, hyacinths, and daffodils in early spring along with rock cress, lily of the valley, Siberian iris, Shasta daisy, peony and clematis ‘Duchess of Edinburgh’ blooming in late spring. This is followed by Culver’s root (Veronicastrum), phlox, turtlehead (Chelone), delphinium, liatris, and creeping white thyme. Summer brings Asiatic lilies, garlic chives, hostas, white toad lilies (Tricyrtis),
feverfew, and a mini rose ‘Popcorn.’ McCormack explained, “Where I find space, I plant some annuals like pansies, geraniums, pentas, alyssum, or whatever I find in white. The white garden idea started when I went with a small group to Sissinghurst in England. I liked the famous white garden and that started me to do this in my own garden. I am not a designer, but a copier, and white shows up well against our redwood garage.” Sandie Parrott is a freelance writer, blogger, photographer and Advanced Master Gardener living and working in Oakland County, MI.
Sandie Parrott
Above: McCormack’s “step-over” apple tree forms a border in the front yard with her neighbor. She started it as a tiny whip, chose two side branches and supported those branches as they grew. Below: It is about 15 to 20 feet long and only stands about 18 inches tall.
Margot McCormack
Margot McCormack Sandie Parrott
An espaliered pear tree transforms the front of the house. McCormack calls this her experiment and labor of love. She started it with a tiny whip, chose horizontal branches as it grew and wired them to the house. She prunes it frequently to keep its shape.
McCormack visited the famous Sissinghurst Garden in England and upon her return wanted a white garden. She likes that it contrasts nicely with the redwood on the garage. Some of the plants include: Shasta daisy, peony, Culver’s root (Veronicastrum), phlox, turtlehead (Chelone), delphinium, creeping thyme, Asiatic lilies, toad lilies (Tricyrtis), and a miniature rose ‘Popcorn.’
www.MichiganGardener.com | April 2012 | Michigan Gardener
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plant patrol Cytospora canker of spruce Cytospora canker of spruce (SIGH-tohspor-ah) is the most damaging disease of spruce trees in our area. The disease is caused by a fungus (Cytospora kunzei var. piceae, sometimes listed as Leucostoma kunzei). It most often attacks Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens f. glauca) and Norway spruce (Picea abies). It is also known to infect other spruces, Douglas fir, hemlocks, larches, Eastern white pine and balsam fir. Trees infected by this canker become unsightly, lose their orSteve namental value, and die Nikkila earlier than they otherwise would. Usually the first symptom is needle browning and lower branches dying. The disease progresses to affect higher branches and may even get into the trunk. Once the fungus infects the trunk there is no control; the tree will eventually die. Looking closer at a suspect tree, you may see white patches of dried resin on limbs, branches, and maybe the trunk. Resin flow can have a number of causes, but is often associated with cytospora canker. So examine the area on the resin-stained limbs and the branches just above, which may be dripping. If the branch underside is soft and slightly sunken and shows signs of oozing resin, the tree is probably infected with cytospora canker. Consult a certified arborist to confirm it if necessary. Trees most likely to contract this disease are over 15 years old or stressed. Stress can come from mechanical injury (tips, twigs, or trunk hit by mowers and weed trimmers), insect damage, drought, low fertility, competition from lawn, insufficient light, inadequate root space, compacted soil, salt accumulation, etc. There is no effective chemical treatment for cytospora canker at this time. Affected branches should be removed and destroyed. Do not prune when wet and always disinfect your cutting tools between cuts to avoid spreading the fungus. Young, vigorously growing trees have some resistance to cytospora. So keeping the tree healthy and growing vigorously is the most effective preventive measure. Establish an area of mulch around the tree well beyond the branch tips to avoid mechanical injuries and allow root growth without competition from lawn. Keep the soil moist throughout the root zone, especially during
Browning needles and dead branches are symptoms of cytospora canker.
Cytospora canker is well-established and has done severe damage to this spruce. After dead limbs are removed, the tree will be unsightly, practically useless as a screen, and have little ornamental value.
This canker has girdled the branch and killed it. times of drought. Fertilize regularly. Watch for and control insects and mites if they appear. Prune only when it’s dry, and with clean tools, being sure to re-cut any damaged limbs to eliminate ragged breaks and tears where
fungal spores are most likely to gain entry. Text and photos by Steven Nikkila, who is from Perennial Favorites in Waterford, MI (E-mail: hortphoto@gmail.com).
Resin drips on the trunk and limbs are a sign of cytospora canker.
Resin oozes from breaks in the bark caused by fungus, often on the underside of a branch. At some times of the year this canker is soft to the touch. Cankers expand, eventually girdle the limb, and kill it. Shortly afterward, the needles brown and fall. This limb needs to be pruned back to the trunk and destroyed. Do not prune in the rain or when the tree is wet. Sterilize tools between cuts, make straight, clean cuts, and do not cover cuts with paint or tar.
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Michigan Gardener | April 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com
Sleep, creep, leap Perennial plants—including hardy trees and shrubs—push out new growth in spring and then store energy throughout summer toward the next year’s push. Some of the energy the leaves make in that first year goes into roots too. Since we often buy our new plants in full leaf, and root growth goes unseen, we don’t notice any significant increase in size the first year. However, if all went well the first year, the plant does become larger in year two. Every leaf from year one made enough energy to replace itself, plus some. So what was planted with 100 leaves may unfurl 150 leaves the next spring. In that second year, energy is stored at the same rate as before, but with 150 leaves contributing, the plant can burst onto the scene in year three with 225 leaves—more than twice its leaf count at planting time. The leaping continues in a geometric progression: • Year 1: 100 leaves • Year 2: 15 0 leaves • Year 3: 225 leaves • Year 4: 338 leaves • Year 4: 507 leaves • Year 5: 761 leaves • Year 6: 1,142 leaves • Year 7: 1,713 leaves (over 17 times its size when planted) The expansion stops only when the plant’s genes or the environment cap the action. That leaf replacement ratio, by the way, is just an average. Some species grow faster, some more slowly. Some put extra energy into roots for a while, then bulk up their canopy. Many plants grow very quickly until they reach the size or condition that allows flowering, then slow in leaf production as energy goes into producing fruit or seeds. Along the way, any plant can have a bad year, or produce a bumper crop. Janet’s Journal continued from back cover
Misrepresentation, misunderstanding, or overload? Vague or misleading catalog or label descriptions abound in the plant business. The situation’s compounded by misunderstanding of terms, inability to visualize, truly variable plants, and overwhelming inventory. Marketing plays a big role in developing catalog and plant tag data. For instance, imagine a marketer who’s selling Hicks yews. That plant’s mature height of 20 feet doesn’t fit comfortably with the rest of the data the marketer’s given, such as the popularity of these evergreens as foundation plants and decorative hedging. So, the marketer rum-
Drive a truck under a Japanese maple?! Sure. Acer palmatum can top 30 feet, especially when growing conditions are good. If you recognize this setting as part shade—under bigger trees— and the source you checked when you bought the tree urged you to plant it in part shade, the tree can way outgrow its twin in sun. mages around in the fact bin and finds three other items. First, that people in the U.S., on average, change homes every 5 to 7 years. Second, that reliable sources say Hicks yew might grow to about four feet in 7 years. Third, that most people trim their foundation plants and hedges every year. The marketer now views the buyer as one who won’t ever see the plant after its first decade in place, and who would simply prune it if it got too tall. So why not list the ten-year size and show that in the catalog photo? A catalog with a reputation as effectively written and illustrated may be copied or its generic pieces sold to nurseries that can’t afford to develop a fully customized catalog. Thus misleading descriptions are perpetrated and spread. Misleading information can also be simple error or an expression of true but limited experience. For instance, how would a proofreader know to challenge a “4” where a “14” should be, as the height of a new item? What if the nursery manager who brought the new plant into inventory has seen it in only two locations, both in climates more favorable to that species? Plain old error also occurs because of plain old overload. Nurseries carry a dizzying array of species and varieties. Any individual can only observe a portion of those firsthand, over enough time to predict their local size and growth rate. Stats for the others must come from secondhand reports. Every one of those is a potential typo or regional deviation. In addition, growers add new varieties every year—types so new that there may be few, if any, mature specimens in existence. Catalog writers must work from promotional reports regarding size, bloom, disease resistance, etc.
You call that a shrub?! Other instances are actually reflections of the gardener’s own misunderstanding of terminology. For instance, a shrub is a plant with woody stems, usually with a maximum
height under 20 feet, and which tends to have multiple trunks that may die out and be replaced by new shoots. “Tree” is reserved for taller plants that keep the same trunk or trunks for life. People who equate “shrub” with “hip-high” and “tree” with “anything taller” may be discombobulated by shrub viburnums large enough to shade a picnic. Technical terms which can be confused with ordinary English are no help. To many people, “dwarf” conjures images of Snow White’s little buddies. Yet horticulturists use it to describe a plant that can be expected to max out below its species norm. An example is false cypress, a species that can top 100 feet, which has dwarf varieties ranging from 12 inches to 30 feet or more. “Slow” and “fast” are also ordinary words with specific, and unfortunately variable, horticultural application. One expert classifies as “slow” any woody plant that adds less than eight inches of new wood per year, while another applies “slow” to growth up to a foot per year. Some horticulturists consider an herbaceous perennial fast-growing if the stem count doubles each year, while others think a 150 percent increase is fast. Most catalogs and reference books include an explanation of these terms (see the sidebar “My dwarf plant can beat your dwarf plant”), but they can be hard to find or go unused by the casual reader who reads the words as ordinary and self-explanatory. The realm of herbaceous perennials has its
My dwarf plant can beat your dwarf plant There is no governing body and no referee in the game of plant variety description. Most are honest attempts to usefully organize an astounding number and variety of plants. So check your catalog or reference for a glossary or key that explains terms and symbols used in plant listings. As examples, the great and well-respected book Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael Dirr begins with an introductory chapter titled “Introduction to the use of the manual.” In it, the author explains each category of information given for plants in the manual, including “Rate”: “RATE of growth refers to the vertical increase in growth unless specified differently. Rate, as is true for size, is influenced by numerous variables... The designation slow means the plant grows 12 inches or less per year; medium refers to 13 to 24 inches of growth per year; and fast to 25 inches or greater.” And in Dirr’s glossary: “Tree: a woody plant with one main stem at least 12 to 15 feet tall, and having a distinct head in most cases.” “Shrub: a woody plant that is never treelike in habit and produces branches or shoots from or near the base.” Another widely used reference book,
Both people and landscape structures, such as paths, benches and buildings, provide scale in photographs. We imagine a person on the path, to gauge the size of this Cripps dwarf Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Crippsii’). Landscape Plants for Eastern North America by Harrison L. Flint, explains in its preface that it uses classifications from a system developed at Cornell University, in which plants up to about 18 inches tall are groundcovers, a dwarf shrub is between 1.5 and 3 feet, a small shrub may reach 6.5 feet, medium shrubs can be 13 feet tall, and a large shrub is equivalent to a small tree at up to 26 feet.
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Help for those who can’t picture plants from measurements Most plant encyclopedias and catalogs feature close-ups of plant flowers or leaves, or show the whole plant in isolation. Without reference points such as people or buildings in a photo, even a visualization artist may have trouble imagining a plant in a given setting. One way around that problem is to use an Internet search engine; select the “Images” option, and type in the plant name. Use the whole scientific name plus any variety name, such as Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Mops.’ Then, scan the resulting montage, looking for plant plus people or structures. Another aid for visualization comes from books such as Landscape Plants for Eastern North America by Harrison L. Flint and The Plant Growth Planner by Caroline Boisset. Both depict plants graphically, against a scale that includes elapsed time. The Plant Growth Planner is unique in my experience, in predicting herbaceous perennial plants as well as woody species.
Here’s a kousa dogwood with a person in the photo so you can be sure it’s about 30 feet tall. That’s at the top end of the 20 to 30 feet experts tell us to expect from this species.
That’s just one shrub, a ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius). It’s about 15 feet wide. A person who has trouble visualizing size would not know without taking a tape measure to both, and maybe checking twice, that this shrub is as wide as a 15-foot patio. own lexicon, to describe plants that increase in size horizontally rather than vertically. The cautions just described apply equally to deciphering descriptors such as “aggressive” and “invasive,” and dealing with nuance in “colonizes readily” and “fast to spread.”
If only we could picture it, we wouldn’t be blindsided
Beyond those genetic differences, there are the variations in size and appearance attributable to the individual site. In some climates, a species may grow so vigorously as to be a bully. In another, we may give a plant the best conditions we can provide, but it may still grow slowly, and disappoint us.
Start this year with better choices
Another reason we end up with missized In conferences all over the country, market plants stems from a common human shortanalysts are telling green industry profescoming—inability to visualize from a writsionals that they must make things simpler ten description. It explains why people can for shoppers. Standardization of pot sizes and say, “No way, not in my yard!” in reference plant names is discussed. Reorganization of to a tree that dwarfs a house, then buy a tree garden center sales areas are recommended, clearly described as “small to group plants by best site tree, to 35 feet,” and plant or best use, rather than it next to their ranch home plant name. that is barely 18 feet at the Individuals like you Go to MichiganGardener.com roof peak. who take time to read garand click the “Website Extras” Those with visualizadening articles shouldn’t department for: tion issues must lay out a wait for these changes, • Additional sidebar and tape measure to perceive a but improve your own photos about checking the patio as 15 feet wide. They screening techniques. size and growth rate of will measure again while Simply scan more posplants BEFORE you plant standing in front of a fullsibilities, check multiple sized ninebark shrub, to references to identify verify that it is 13 feet wide and 9 high. discrepancies, and thereby develop a more This isn’t a mental deficiency, simply a difrealistic prediction of plant performance. ference in perception. Some people can, oth(Visit MichiganGardener.com and select the ers can’t imagine a plant in place in the way “Website Extras” department for photos and that people can or can’t grasp math, or do or the sidebar, “Dig for the straight scoop before don’t have an ear for foreign language. you plant.”) We can also make this easier for the buyAt the heart of the matter, ers who come behind us. That is, we can recliving things defy description ognize that each of us is an expert on plants Remember that we’re dealing with living grown in our unique conditions, and report things. In any group of 100 plants of the same what we see to others. We can also share species, there will be several genetically inour observations with those who sold us the clined to be smaller, several bluer or greener, plants. Even though they can’t make our para few have potential to be giants, and a couple ticular plant change its ways, the best of them may develop odd branching or different bloom. will use the information to expand their local
V Website Extra
We might wish that all of our catalogs and books showed plant size and shape so clearly. However, it is a time-consuming, expensive process to obtain the photos or equip the artist to produce such illustrations. experience and modify their plant descriptions if necessary. We gardeners can also share this information with each other. The whole gardening world has grown exponentially smarter. It’s partly a result of an increase in gardening in the U.S., and also because we have computers and the Internet. If you have plant growth observations, post something about them on an Internet forum. Give a report to your garden club or just your neighbors. Every bit of information contributes to a mighty flow that more and more people can access.
Learn to prune, and to make the hard cuts as well Finally, learn to prune, because some
plants are worth keeping even if they want to be too big. Almost everything can be kept under control and still be beautiful with smart pruning. Get out the big plant dolly and start making some moves as well. Pick new locations by reviewing your original basis for placement. Move some of those plants to the compost pile. Wth so many plants waiting to be grown, no gardener can try them all in a lifetime. Be smart and let go of the most misplaced ones. Janet Macunovich is a professional gardener and author of the books “Designing Your Gardens and Landscape” and “Caring for Perennials.” Read more from Janet on her website www.gardenatoz.com.
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perennial perspectives Something old, something new – a comparison of new cultivars with the tried-and-true
www.PerennialResource.com
‘HGC Jacob’
www.PerennialResource.com
www.PerennialResource.com
‘HGC Spring Party’
‘HGC Pink Frost’
tee edge, speckles or red streaks, while others may be solid yellow. This lack of uniformity has sometimes led to disappointment, particularly in strains that bear the word “red” in the variety name. Many of these turned out to be pink, or a muddy red at best. Usually, the best way to buy the hellebore of your dreams is to choose it while in bloom. Unfortunately, blooming hellebores sell out very quickly from garden centers in the spring. The genus Helleborus is a large one, and includes many species besides H. orientalis. The whole group interbreeds readily, and hybridizers have taken advantage of this promiscuity to create many new interspecific hybrids (breeding a species with another species). The vast majority of hellebore species hail from the northern parts of Europe and Asia, with the highest concentration around the Baltic Ocean and Black Sea. The climatic conditions in this region, from hot to cold, facilitated the evolution of hellebore species to include some unique traits, including the ability to delay growth and flowering times, and the ability to reduce cell pressure during cold weather. Although the plants appear to collapse with a hard freeze, they rebound quickly when temperatures rise. When used in hybridization, some of these species, particularly H. niger, bring very early bloom time to their hybrids.
New breeding efforts capitalize on this early-blooming tendency. The new Helleborus Gold Collection (HGC) includes about a dozen true, vegetatively propagated cultivars (those reproduced from tissue culture as opposed to seed). The HGC also ushers in a new use for hellebores as an indoor flowering plant. These plants, which utilize the early-blooming H. niger, along with H. argutifolius, H. corsicus, H. lividus, and various hybrids, bloom so early and heavily that they can be produced and sold for the Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter holidays. Because they are hardy perennials, they can be enjoyed indoors and then planted outdoors for many more years of enjoyment in the garden. Being propagated by tissue culture, each individual is an exact duplicate of others that share the cultivar name, unlike varieties sold as “strains.” HGC cultivars of H. niger are typically white. They greatly improve upon the original species with greater flower production, and larger and more refined flowers, which are borne attractively upright in the center of the plant. Cultivars that utilize some of the other species have flowers with pink or pastel blended colors. Gardeners and plant aficionados can look forward to many new developments in the world of hellebores!
Hellebores Most gardeners who have shade will eventually discover hellebores (the genus Helleborus). With a reputation for being beautiful, easy-to-grow, hardy, evergreen, pest- and deer-resistant, early- and long-blooming, it’s no wonder that this genus is so popular. The cultural requirements are easy to meet: a site in full to partial shade, with well-drained, humusy soil. Even lessthan-ideal soils can easily be amended to provide a hospitable site for hellebores. Karen The most popular species, Helleborus orientalis, Bovio generally goes by the name of Lenten rose. Hybrids of this type are numerous, and the variety name (which is often the breeder’s trademark name) is sometimes followed by the term “strain.” A strain is a group of plants that is grown from seed that has been carefully selected to produce plants that are similar in color or other traits, such as double flowers. Some, such as the old ‘Royal Heritage’ strain, provide a wide variety of colors. The plants in a strain are comparable to siblings in a family—similar but different. Even plants with a cultivar name may vary from one individual to the next if they have been grown from seed. For example, ‘Golden Sunrise,’ bred by Marietta O’Byrne of Oregon and part of the Winter Jewels series, will produce yellow-flowered plants, but some may have a red pico-
Karen Bovio is the owner of Specialty Growers in Howell, MI.
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| April 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com
janet's journal
Plant size surprise Taking a little extra time to research plant size and growth rates can prevent potential problems later Each year in gardens all over the land, an age-old tale plays out. Gardeners and plants they’ve recently added engage in a performance reviews: Gardener: So, let’s talk about how you fit into the garden last year. Plant: What about it? Seems like a fine fit, to me. Gardener: Exactly. You filled up all the available space, already. Even though you got here late and only had two months to grow. Plant: Think nothing of it. Wait’ll you see what I can do this year. Gardener: That’s just what we’re concerned about... Or the review may revolve around a shortcoming: Gardener: Can we talk? I’m a little concerned about your failure to meet objectives. Plant: Objectives? Gardener: Right. See here, in the catalog where it says you’re “a stellar addition to any shade garden.” Plant: You’re joking, right? Gardener: No, really. See, it’s here on page 47. Plant: Let me see that! Well, I’ll be... It’s frustrating to discover that a plant failed to read its catalog description. Even if the situation becomes apparent during the first growing season, the cost is a year’s delay in filling the space. However, it may take much longer to recognize a misfit. Evaluating a tree or shrub may take many years, during
This dwarf burning bush (Euonymus alata ‘Compactus’) is not breaking any rules. Its variety is generally as you see here, about 10 feet tall. That is dwarf compared to the species, which may be 12 to 15 feet tall. Plant names and labels and even text books can be misleading regarding size or just about any other vital statistic. This fact, however, is certain: The plants will keep growing as they please, despite experts’ differing opinions. So we should be double- and triple-checking references before we plant. which we think, “It probably just takes time for it to settle in. Next year, it’ll (choose one) slow down/ start growing/bloom better/develop that nifty form.” When realization comes, it may be a decade later and devastating to start over. So let’s understand the sources of these misunderstandings, and make better matches the first time ‘round.
vacy fence; a single sweet potato vine engulfs everything in its pot and blankets half the patio; and in the background, a garage groans under the weight of a 50-foot wisteria that launched itself from a trellis, scrabbled to the peak of the roof and then got a leg up into a neighbor’s maple. Although none of this happens overnight, it can seem that way. Many of a garden’s long-term players seem to increase only gradually, but they grow exponentially so that one year they balloon in size. (See the sidebar “Sleep, creep, leap.”) If the plant is one that was intended to fill a large space, the gardener may be pleased that it’s noticeably larger, and cheer it on. It may be only when it exceeds the desired size that its caretaker begins to wonder when it will stop growing.
Janet Macunovich
You weren’t supposed to be so big... The catalog detail that plants most often ignore is size. Sometimes they refuse to measure up. More often, they grow far beyond expectation: The Japanese maple overwhelms a whole courtyard; a cute little tricolor beech reaches up to become a massive shade tree; a dwarf false cypress and dwarf mugo pine swallow the pathway then begin to duke it out for a space as wide as the driveway; a dwarf butterfly bush rests its elbows on the top of a 6-foot pri-
So what kind of light do you like?! Another miss that occurs between the
P h oto g r a p h s by S t e v e n Ni k k i l a
printed description of a plant and the real thing growing in our garden is in the amount of light the plant needs. Light is the energy a plant uses for growing. Given too little—or in some cases, too much—the plant may grow very slowly, fail to develop promised leaf colors or flowers, have weak, sprawling stems, and be so weak that it can’t fend off its natural enemies. If the light needed versus what’s available amounts to only a small deficit or minor overload, the plant’s shortcomings may be too small to attract attention. The gardener may be less than thrilled with the plant’s performance, but makes allowances for it as “just settling in” or “not yet old enough.” No correction is made in the light because the need isn’t apparent, or the poor showing is expected to work itself out. Continued on page 32