May 2019
MichiganGardener.com
Your guide to Great Lakes gardening
NEW PLANTS
New Annuals for 2019
Pruning
Grafted ornamental trees
Perennials Heucherella
Feature
How to build healthy soil
Garden to Table Spring carrots
Plant Focus Witch hazel
Please thank our advertisers in this issue
Better feeding . Better eating Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Flower &.Vegetable. ®
®
® If you® grow your own,® Plant growFood with Flower Osmocote . Osmocote Smart-Release & Vegetable feeds continuously and consistently for up to 4 full months. If you grow your own, grow with Osmocote®.
where gardeners go to grow.
© 2019, The Scotts Company, LLC. All rights reserved
© 2015, All rights reserved.
Better feeding. Better eating.
BEST SELECTION to Make Life Beautiful • More than 100 Proven Winners hanging basket combinations
NEW ANNUALS FOR 2019 Michigan’s #1 Destination for Proven Winners.
• More than 200 varieties • Certified Proven Winners Retailer • Daily deliveries
Angelonia Angelface® Cascade Pink
Angelonia Angelface® Steel Blue
Ipomoea Sweet Caroline Raven
Euphorbia Diamond MountainTM
Calibrachoa Superbells® Holy Smokes!TM
Lantana Luscious® Citrus BlendTM
Salvia Rockin’® Fuchsia
ColorBlaze® Strawberry Drop
Verbena Superbena® Scarlet Star
Verbena Superbena® WhiteoutTM
Ipomoea Sweet Caroline Kiwi
Calendula LadyGodivaTM Yellow
NOW OPEN - English Gardens Plymouth Nursery 734.453.5500 • EnglishGardens.com Clinton Township 586-286-6100 Royal Oak 248-280-9500
Dearborn Heights 313-278-4433 Plymouth/Ann Arbor 734-453-5500
Eastpointe 586-771-4200 West Bloomfield 248-851-7506
Connect with us:
Landscape Services 248-874-1400
WE DELIVER!
More new plants than you'll see ANYWHERE! Every year, Telly’s brings you an incomparable selection of the latest and greatest plant varieties. We travel from coast to coast in search of the best new plants. Just a small sampling of what’s new this year...
Salvia Skyscraper Orange. Annual. Electric orange flowers emerge from orange calyxes all summer long on plants growing 14-28" tall.
Begonia Amerihybrid Ruffled Doublet. Annual. Shade-loving tuberous begonias have huge flowers (4-5" across) in a range of colors.
4
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
Garden Wisdom Show me your garden and I shall tell you what you are. —Alfred Austin
Ask MG............................................................7 To-Do List........................................................8 Vegetable Patch..........................................10 Feature: Building healthy soil �����������������12 Books for the Michigan Gardener.......14 New Annuals for 2019.............................18 Weather Wrap...........................................27 Bulk Subscriptions.....................................27 Garden to Table..........................................28 Perennial Perspectives: Heucherella..................................................30 Classified Ads.............................................33 Feature: Pruning Grafted Trees ����������40 Where to pick up Michigan Gardener.....................................42
Advertiser Index........................................43 Calendar....................................................... 44 Subscription Form.....................................47 Places to Grow.......................................... 48 Garden Profile: Finding their garden theme...................50 Through the Lens......................................55 Plant Focus: Witch Hazel.....Back Cover On the cover: Vinca Tattoo ‘Raspberry’ is just one of many fabulous new annuals available this year. See more starting on page 18. Photo: Ball Horticultural Co.
To Our Readers... Hosta Diamond Lake. Perennial. Large blue leaves, wavy edges, heavy corrugation. Flowers early to mid summer. 17" tall, 36" wide.
Heuchera Electric Plum. Perennial. New cultivar of coral bells. Features deep purple leaves with darker veins. Part sun/shade.
Hellebore Honeymoon Tropical Sunset. Perennial. Single hellebore features single gold flower streaked in deep red. Early blooming.
Thunbergia Sunny Susy Brownie. Annual. Vine available in a broad range of colors including this red-brown. Grows 6-9 feet tall.
Petunia SuperCal Premium Cinnamon. Annual. There are several new colors in the SuperCal series, including this unique dark orange. Thrives in a broad range of soils.
Allium Lavender Bubbles. Perennial. Has it all: tidy foliage, deer resistance, long-bloom time, hardiness & beautiful flowers.12-14" tall.
When planning your garden shopping roadtrips this spring, check out the great advertisers we have in this May issue, plus our handy Places to Grow map and Destinations directories. And when you arrive, please be sure to tell those fine businesses you found them in Michigan Gardener! Speaking of visits, when you visit MichiganGardener.com, join the thousands of readers that have signed up for our free E-Newsletter. Just enter your e-mail address on the website’s home page. We send out E-Newsletters spring through fall (and no, we don’t bombard you with lots of e-mails). Plus, there are contests to win prizes! Thanks again for reading Michigan Gardener!
Publisher/Editor Eric Hofley Design & Production Jonathon Hofley Advertising Eric Hofley Circulation Jonathon Hofley
TROY • 248-689-8735 3301 John R • 1/4 mile north of 16 Mile Rd.
SHELBY TOWNSHIP • 248-659-8555 4343 24 Mile • Btwn Dequindre & Shelby Rd.
www.tellys.com
Editorial Assistant Anna Doman
find us on
Contributors Brian Allnutt Neil/Ruth Atzinger Karen Bovio Cheryl English Emaline Fronckowiak Mary Gerstenberger Julia Hofley Rosann Kovalcik Beverly Moss George Papadelis Sandie Parrott Traven Pelletier Jean/Roxanne Riggs Deborah Silver Jim Slezinski Lisa Steinkopf Steve Turner Emily Wilson
30747 Greenfield Rd., Suite 1 Southfield, MI 48076 Phone: 248-594-5563 Fax: 248-594-5564 E-mail: publisher@MichiganGardener.com Website: www.MichiganGardener.com Publishing schedule 5 issues per year: April, May, June, July/Aug, Sept/Oct. Published the first week of the month. Subscriptions (Please make check payable to Michigan Gardener) 1 yr, 5 iss/$13 2 yr, 10 iss/$24 3 yr, 15 iss/$33 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, 5 iss/$22 US 2 yr, 10 iss/$42 US Copyright © 2019 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 to Us, or… Come tour over 40 water feature displays at our state-of-the-art specialty store
FREE SEMINARS
NEW!
• Pond & Waterfall Design • Spring Pond Start-Up • Pond Maintenance • Pond Construction: Hands-On Workshop Register: www.pondplace.com or call 248-889-8400
We now offer Pond and Seawall Builds/Repairs! Call us for a free estimate
We’ll Come to You! Our Mobile Team will Service all of your pond needs
Pond Start-up and
Maintenance Programs starting at just $149
FREE KOI FOR ALL MOTHERS Mother’s Day Weekend, May 10-12
Call us for Summer Pond Maintenance!
ONE free koi w/any purch of $10 or more OPEN Mother’s Day, 10a-2p • Mom must be present
MICHIGAN’S #1 POND SPECIALIST SINCE 2001 SHOP ONLINE 24/7 AND VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MONTHLY DISCOUNTS 3505 W. Highland Rd. (M-59) • Milford 48380 • 248-889-8400 • www.pondplace.com 3 Great Locations for
From Mulch and Stone…
ALL YOUR LANDSCAPE NEEDS! HUGE MEMORIAL WEEKEND SALE! Big savings Fri thru Mon At ALL 3 LOCATIONS!
To Flowers and Shrubs…
One Stop Landscape Supply 2586 Milford Rd • Highland • 248-684-0332
Time for a Pond Spring Cleaning? Dreaming of a Koi Pond? Need a Seawall?
OneStopLandscapeSupply.com
Beauchamp Brighton
948 N. Old US 23 • Brighton • 810-632-5030
To Garden Decor…
Beauchamp Ottawa Lake
4570 Sterns Rd • Ottawa Lake • 734-854-5050
BeauchampLandscapeSupply.com
CALL US! 248-889-8400
Our Specialty: NEW & CHOICE varieties Fresh shipments arrive throughout the season. Stop in to see the latest gems!
Time to SPRING into action! Landscape Design & Installation Our family has been designing and installing landscapes for 88 years. Call us—we can bring your landscape to life!
NOW OFFERING:
Brick Walks, Patios & Walls Call Us!
Vegetables • Fruit Trees • Annuals • Tropicals • Indoor Plants Perennials • Trees & Shrubs • Home Décor & Garden Ornaments Knowledgeable staff • Organic gardening supplies • Delivery service
Proudly serving Metropolitan Detroit for 88 years
20815 Farmington Rd. (1 blk N of 8 Mile) Farmington Hills / 248-474-2925 May hours: Mon-Fri 8-8 Sat 8-6 Sun 10-5
D E T R O I T G A R D E N WO R K S
1794 PONTI AC DR I V E • SY LVA N LA K E • 248-335-8089 • DETROITGA R DEN WOR KS.COM
MichiganGardener.com | May 2019 | Michigan Gardener
7
Have a question? Send it in! Go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Submit a question”
Lawn care basics How, what, and when do I apply fertilizer and weed and grub control to my lawn? J.S., Trenton Before you dive into a seasonal maintenance regime, observe a few turf basics. To avoid excessive use of herbicides for weed control, remember to mow high and mow often. Longer grass shades out weed seeds from germinating and spreading. Short grass gives them plenty of space. Make sure your mower blades are continuously sharp through the season so they don’t bludgeon the grass, but actually cut it. Poorly cut grass leaves openings for disease pathogens. March and April are spring clean-up times to rake out debris and lift any matted grass from snow build up. Repair any damage found with spot-seeding and top dressing with light soil or compost. Remove crabgrass by hand and spot repair. Crabgrass is an annual weed and a pre-emergent weed control only addresses latent seeds in the soil. It does not kill existing plants. If necessary, chemically treat for broadleaf weeds in May with organic products. With the threat to our pollinator population, consider leaving any dandelion flowers for them. It’s one of the first pollen sources available for early bees. Other chores, such as dethatching, are safe until mid-May and core aeration of compacted clay soils is okay until early June. Late May is ideal for the primary fertilization. You can split the application between April and June. Our turf is comprised of coolseason grasses. It goes dormant in July and August. During this time, it is imperative to mow lawns high. If you want to prevent dormancy, then water every 7 to 10 days deeply and slowly. You want your lawn to develop good roots. Setting an irrigation system for 5-minute daily doses keeps the roots short and close to the soil surface. Michigan is a high humidity state. Too much moisture creates conditions for disease and weak lawn structure. Regarding grub control, make sure you actually have grubs by lifting the turf in a suspected area and checking for the larvae. Some fertilizer-weed combo products cannot be applied in conjunction with grub control. The MSU Extension website has an excellent article from the entomology department about the use and timing of grub control products, how they work in the soil, and what generation of grubs they work on: tinyurl.com/y6me3cow.
Encourage clematis to flower My two-year-old clematis grew full and lush but did not bloom at all. I did not cut it back. Any suggestions to help it flower? D. First, clematis can take from 3 to 5 years to
mature enough to bloom. Since you are seeing a great deal of leaf growth, this can indicate a self-sustaining root system allowing upward growth. It can also mean it is absorbing more nitrogen than necessary for proper growth. Take note where the clematis is planted to assure conditions are suitable with full sun and moist, well-drained soil. If planted too close to turf lawn that is regularly fertilized, the clematis may absorb excess nitrogen and produce more leaves, rather than spending energy on flower production. The roots need to be kept cool and shaded, but growth and flowering will be impaired if the top part of the plant is kept in shade. Carefully position other plants so that only the base of the clematis is shaded. You can also apply a loose coating of mulch to help retain moisture and keep the soil temperature cool and even. Pruning certain species and cultivars at the wrong time of year can prevent flowering, by removing the part of the plant from which the flower buds are formed. Research the cultivar you have to find out if it blooms on old wood (from the previous season), new wood (from the current season), or on both old and new wood. Knowing this will indicate the proper time to prune. Whatever the case, you can always remove damaged or dead stems. If the growing position seems suitable and the plant has been pruned correctly but still won’t flower, try an application of potassium sulphate per the container directions in late winter or early spring.
Strawberry plants in springtime When should I uncover my strawberries in the spring? I know they are frost tolerant and start growing early, so I don’t want to leave them covered too long. S.S., Clarkston Bob Tritten from the MSU Extension recommends checking for new leaf growth at the base of the plants. If the spring is late and cold, it can be premature to fully expose protected plants too early. Generally for the southern half of the Lower Peninsula, you can remove the covering in late March. But one has to watch the weather forecast for freezing temperatures overnight. It is also advised to leave about an inch of light straw or mulch on the plants as the leaves and stems can grow up through that without difficulty. That way, you provide some protection during the season change without jeopardizing the plant itself. The earlier you remove the covering, the earlier the fruit matures. If the spring is cold, the timeline has to shift to early April. If a major rain is forecast, the plants will respond better if the heavier covering is removed and only a light coating of mulch or straw is left on the bed rows.
Mowing around tree surface roots I have an oak tree with about a 36-inch diameter trunk. Some of its roots run along the surface of the lawn. The lawn mowing crew hit one of the root “knobs” protruding up through the grass and took a chunk out of it. Is this a cause for panic? The wound is several feet out from the trunk; should I smother the grass and install mulch? If done in a uniform circle, it would be a relatively large area. No need to panic, but a plan to prevent future damage is a must. An oak tree with that venerable a diameter is worth protecting. The spreading root structure of most trees is rarely more than 2 to 3 feet below the soil surface. Tree roots are not so much deep, but rather broad and expanding, often well past the tree’s drip line. Those roots not only form the support base for the trunk and canopy but are also the pipelines of soil nutrients and water to the living cambium that feeds the tree. Repeated mechanical injury, such as by the mowing crew, of the protruding roots gives access to fungal spores and bacteria that can enter the tree’s “bloodstream” and weaken the health and vitality of the plant. A mature tree such as your oak can probably handle a one-time injury like this. The tree responds with chemicals in its system that will seal off and callus the wound naturally. But be aware that even a small injury as this may cause a reaction in the canopy not immediately, but a few years after the occurrence. A single branch may die back on the side of the injury or the foliage in
that area may be discolored or appear not as healthy. You are on the right track, however, by removing the grass and replacing it with coarse mulch that does not smother the tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Whether you choose a uniform circle or a curving borderline to accommodate spacing between the large surface roots, ideally you should stop mowing the grass there. With that size tree, growing healthy grass underneath its canopy is probably futile. You may have inadvertently encouraged the tree over time to grow roots closer to the soil surface by fertilizing and watering your lawn. Roots grow where soil nutrients are most plentiful. It’s not to say the oak tree is lazy, but it will seek what requires less effort and is abundant. Remove the grass and replace it with 2 to 3 inches of double-shredded hardwood mulch. Be careful not to mound the mulch up around the trunk and root flare. Only the surface roots need sheltering. Also remember to keep the supply of water the same, even though the grass is gone. At the outer edge of the border, you can plant shade-tolerant perennials to offer a green alternative to grass, such as lily turf (Liriope) or even hostas. It would break the drastic contrast from nearby lawn to the mighty oak with a transition of intermediate height plant material, provide a pleasing complement to the tree and grass, and soften the expanse of mulch. Answers provided by Beverly Moss, owner of Garden Rhythms.
sHOUSES SellGFRaErEm N AND◆
◆
Perennials:
Over 350 different varieties
Vegetable Plants:
One of the best selections around—we’re sure you will find your favorite variety here!
Hanging Baskets & Combo Planters:
1000’s to choose from
7200 Willis Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734-484-3819
SellFarmsAndGreenhouses.com Open Mon-Sat 9-7 (closed on Sundays)
Annuals: Most in 48-count flats Beautiful selection of Roses: Including Knock-Outs
Complete line of Proven Winners Annuals, Perennials & Hydrangeas
8
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
Feature Task: Understand fertilizers Annuals
General
• If you want to put your plants out early, remember to keep a floating row cover on hand to protect tender plants from frost. • Consider how flowers performed last summer. If you’ve always planted geraniums in a certain spot, and the last few years they haven’t been blooming as expected, the garden may be getting more shade than it used to. Conversely, if New Guinea impatiens seem to wilt more frequently than normal, the garden may receive more sun. In either case, it may be time to plant a different flower more suited to the amount of sun your garden now receives.
• Start a compost pile: Compost your yard waste and use that to enrich your garden beds.
Bulbs: Spring-Flowering • Begin to use a water-soluble fertilizer on spring-flowering bulbs to help them build up energy for next year’s show. You have a narrow window to act—fertilizer should be applied before the foliage begins to yellow.
Bulbs: Summer-Flowering • Fertilize these plants throughout the summer. You’ll get larger bulbs to dig up in the fall, which translates into more flowers for next year.
Evergreens • Winter burn—in the form of bronzed branches—is showing up in many places. Usually, the plant will recover; it will just need a little pruning and a little time.
Fruit Trees • Spray fruit trees to help prevent insect and disease problems. Do not spray the tree while flowers are on it. Resume spraying after all the petals have dropped.
Herbs • May is a great time to thin out any perennial herbs, like thyme, oregano, tarragon or chives. Divide clumps and plant in different locations around the garden or share with neighbors.
Houseplants • Once outside temperatures remain above 55 degrees, move tropical houseplants outside. Be sure to gradually adjust plants to the bright sunlight outside. Moving them into direct sun right away may cause sunburn (large yellow patches) that never goes away. Put plants outside in the shade first, and gradually move them into more and more sun. Plants like peace lilies, Chinese evergreens, and other low-light houseplants should be left in the shade all summer.
Every fertilizer has three numbers on the label. This is the NPK ratio, or the percentage of each element’s weight in the product: nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). Nitrogen is for greening up and fast growth. Phosphorous is for fruit and flower development. Potassium is for strong roots and stems. Fertilizer comes in two forms: soluble and granular. Soluble fertilizers are mixed with water and absorbed through roots and leaves. Granular formulas are typically slower release for longer-term feeding. Slow-release fertilizer is gradually made available to plants over a period of 4 to 6 months. For bedding plants, mix a slow-release product into the soil at the time of planting, and supplement it with regular applications of a water-soluble fertilizer.
• The follow perennials emerge late, so don’t give up hope and rush out to replace them: blue mist shrub (Caryopteris), hibiscus, false indigo (Baptisia), milkweed (Asclepias), and leadwort or plumbago (Ceratostigma). • Clean up perennial beds before adding any new plants. Remove spent branches and pull weeds. • An organic fertilizer application can give existing plants a needed boost for the season.
Roses
• Watering: Set up rain gauges in the yard to accurately measure the amount of water the lawn receives. A healthy lawn only needs one application of one inch of water each week. On sandy soils, two applications of 1/2 inch each is best. Watering in the morning reduces the incidence of disease. • Proper mowing: Set your mower at two inches or higher and only cut off one-third of the grass blade at a time to reduce stress.
• Water roses at the base of the plant, so water goes directly to the roots. Keep the foliage as dry as possible when watering. It’s best to avoid watering roses with sprinklers. Do not water at night, if at all possible. • A regular fertilizer program will get and keep roses blooming all season. • If your roses have had black spot problems, keep them free of it this year. Start fungicide treatments early in the year. Be sure to spray the ground one foot out from the plant (black spot spores could be living there).
Perennials
Shrubs & Trees
• Around Memorial Day, shear back mums to promote bushiness.
• After they are done blooming, azaleas, lilacs, and rhododendrons can be pruned within a few weeks after flowering is done. This allows time for next year’s flower buds to develop. • If plants had a problem with scale last year, be sure to check weekly for scale crawlers. This stage of the insect’s life is the most susceptible to insecticides. You can make a huge dent in the pest population with proper timing. • May is a great time to plant trees. There are all kinds of replacement trees for ash or if you are just adding to your yard. Remember to look around you and see what is already planted. Plant different trees on your property to diversify the tree population.
Lawns
Vegetables • Prepare beds with a thick layer of organic material like compost. Till it in as deep as possible, don’t just layer it on the top of the soil. • It’s usually safe to sow seeds for warm-season crops, like beans and corn, directly into the soil after May 15.
• You should be able to set out your seedlings. Be sure to harden off seedlings before planting them in the ground. Gradually get them used to outside temperatures over the course of several days to a week. • Keep a floating row cover available to keep the frost and scavengers away until plants are fully established. • Plant tomatoes, peppers and herbs like basil once temperatures are consistently warm. These plants really dislike cooler temperatures, and never really recover from a nip of cold.
Vines • Annual vines are bright and colorful, climbing quickly and adding beauty that can be changed year to year. If you’re starting a new trellis or vine area, be sure to mix annual varieties with perennial ones. Annuals will fill in quickly, giving perennials a chance to establish themselves for years of beauty. • Vines are an underutilized group of plants that are extremely versatile. Plant a vine to hide an air-conditioning unit with a properly placed trellis, add privacy to a chain link fence, or add flowers to a plain green hedge. There are newer varieties of clematis, fragrant roses, and even shade-tolerant vines available.
Water Garden • Clean out debris from the pond bottom. Check your pump and filter, and get it running. • Choose a warm day to clean out the pond— the fish are more active and will be less stressed by the activity. Never change all the water in your pond (1/3 at the most). Use a chloramine remover to remove the chlorine and ammonia from the water. • Remember to add an appropriate amount of pond salt into the pond for the amount of fresh water you just added. All natural bodies of water have some salts in them, even fresh water, and fish need the salt to help maintain their slime coats and keep themselves healthy. Provided by the professionals at English Gardens.
Incrediball® Hydrangea: MASSIVE FLOWERS, RELIABLE, STURDY STEMS, COLD HARDY AND HEAT TOLERANT
2019
Before they reach your garden, our flowering shrubs undergo years of trials and testing for color, quantity of blooms, cold tolerance, stem strength, and ability to thrive with ease. Only a few prove they’re worthy of the #1 plant brand.
provenwinners-shrubs.com
10
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
Space-saving vegetables
H HUGE PLANT SELECTION
1200+ varieties of perennials & hostas! • Specialty annuals Patio Tropicals • Proven Winners • Herbs • Hanging baskets Container gardens • Patio pots & baskets • Trees & shrubs • Succulents Miniature & fairy gardening plants & supplies • Bonsai plants
NEW! EXPANDED NURSERY SELECTION Evergreens • Shrubs • Trees
HYDRANGEAS Over 50 varieties!
POTTERY
Fountains, Statuary
ANNUALS
& Specialty Annuals
GARDEN DÉCOR
Statuary • Fountains Wind chimes • Memorial stones • Mobiles • Bird baths • Bird feeders Plant stands • Garden flags • Ceramic & plastic planters • Kinetic yard art
Piechnik’s Garden Center & Nursery 1095 N. Rochester Rd, Oakland, MI 48363
586-336-7200 • www.piechniks.com MAY HOURS: MON-SAT 9-8 SUN 9-7
ASK US ABOUT OUR REWARDS PROGRAM!
Also visit our Clio location: Piechnik’s Greenhouse • 810-686-9211
ave a small garden? Working with variety of space-saving vegetables that may be a container garden? In either case, listed with one of the following terms: mini, are you looking to make the most baby, dwarf, bush, compact, or suitable for out of your limited space? There are several containers. These may be clues to the size of ways to get more from the garden. One way the plant or the size of the fruit/vegetable itis to interplant your vegetables. For example, self. It is important to read the full catalog, interplant radishes in the same row as carseed package, or transplant description to rots—the fast germinating radishes can act as know if the plant itself will be smaller in size a row marker and will be mature enough to or just the vegetable is smaller in size. For harvest by the time the carrots have come up. example, a cherry tomato plant has smaller An example for a container garden would fruits but can be a very large plant at maturity. be to plant lettuce around a tomato plant (the I have seen the following vegetables listed tomato will shade the lettuce and extend the in catalogs as either “mini” or “baby” and harvest time for a while). Another way to get both the plant and the fruit/vegetable are the most from your space is to succession smaller in size: beets, bok choy, broccoli, cabplant. For example, plant cool weather peas bage, Chinese cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and when the harvest is over, pull and replace eggplant, lettuce (primarily romaines and with a warm weather vegetable like bibbs), melons, onions, peppers, peppers. And still another way is to pumpkins, Swiss chard, and some look for space-saving vegetables. squashes, including zucchini. Some What exactly are space-saving of these smaller varieties may be vegetables? As the name implies, listed as heirlooms as well. Many they are vegetables that do not reof these mini or baby varieties also quire a lot of space in the garden or mature a few days to a few weeks in a container. Vegetables that can earlier than their standard size relbe trellised are one type of spaceatives. One thing you can be sure of: saving veggie. Pole beans trellised smaller does not mean less quality Mary upwards may save space over a row or quantity. Gerstenberger of bush beans. Vining plants such Don’t forget to consider that as cucumbers and melons will take some types of space-saving vegetaup much less ground space when trellised. If bles are those that naturally grow in a longer, saving space by trellising vines, be sure that narrower form. For example, there are a few the trellis is secure and won’t fall over if there varieties of onions that are more cylindrical is a high wind or if the fruits become heavy. than round when mature. The same can be It might also be necessary to help support the said of radish and carrot varieties that are weight of the growing fruit. longer and narrower at maturity. These vegAnother type of space-saving vegetable is etables may be planted closer together, prowhere the plant and fruit are smaller. Lookducing more in the same space than those ing through garden catalogs and checking varieties that broaden out. out garden centers, a gardener can find a wide Don’t let limitations on space stop you from having a vegetable garden. Take a little time to consider what you really would like to grow and then hunt through your catalogs and check around at your garden centers for those varieties that will suit your garden Botanical Park space or growing containers. There are plenty OVE R 10 0 0 P L A NT VA R I ETI ES of space-saving vegetables out there, so go get growing! Come see the spectacle! See Michigan’s most complete Lilac collection— over 300 rare & different varieties 144 Crabapple varieties: Peak bloom in May Open May 1–Oct 31: Fri-Tues 10a-8p. FREE admission! Donations & volunteers appreciated. Paid group tours available. No pets please.
Mary Gerstenberger was the Consumer Horticulture Coordinator at the Michigan State University Extension in Macomb County, MI. For vegetable and gardening information from MSU, visit www.migarden.msu.edu.
Always something to see at Sunny Fields!
5444 Welch Rd, Emmett, MI 48022 810-387-2765 • www.visitsunnyfields.org
Call the toll-free Michigan State University Lawn and Garden Hotline at 888-678-3464 for answers to your gardening questions.
Remember the good old days of excellent customer service? We brought them back!
Tree & Lawn Services Tree & Shrub Disease Control • Tree & Shrub Insect Control Lawn Fertilization, including Organic & Lake-Safe Options Lawn Aeration • Lawn Weed & Insect Control
Home Insect Control We treat your home’s foundation—reducing the need to apply pesticides inside. Spiders, ants & more.
Sick trees? We can help save them! Our targeted tree injection methods are safer and more effective than traditional sprays. All tree injection methods are not alike. Our system: • Prevents air from entering the tree. When air is allowed into a tree’s vascular system, it cuts off flow of water and nutrients.
Pest Control: Deer & Rabbit Repellents • Mole & Chipmunk Control
• Minimizes wounding to keep out fungi, bacteria and insects. • No holes are drilled into the tree. • Allows multiple treatments without damaging the tree. We control diseases on Spruces, Pines, Maples, Oaks, Sycamores, Crabapples, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Hollies, and more. Call us!
Can’t garden due to biting mosquitoes? Enjoy gardening again! Our mosquito program will curtail mosquitoes all season long—Call us!
Discounts! Mention this Michigan Gardener ad for a 10% PREPAY DISCOUNT! Ask us about FREE SOIL TESTING!
248-698-4470
service@contenders-mi.com www.contenders-mi.com
Call or E-Mail Us Today for a Free Estimate! We Service Oakland, Wayne & Washtenaw Counties
Our clients have enjoyed our exceptional service since 2008. Call us—You will too!
12
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
How to build healthy soil by becoming a backyard “carbon farmer” W
hen we talk about building healthy soil, we’re often really talking about growing the level of organic matter, which is primarily composed of carbon. Carbon is fairly stable in the ground, helping microbes capture nutrients and contributing to the long-term health of soil and plants. The mineral component of soil (some combination of sand, silt and clay) is a given, but the percentage that is organic matter can be increased. The benefits of more organic matter include mitigating problems with drought or standing water, increasing nutrient-holding capacity, and offsetting problems with pH. Also, a key outcome is the aggregation of soil parBrian Allnutt ticles in a crumb-like consistency, created by the binding properties of things like glomalin from fungi and root exudates (both of which are really just forms of “goo”). This makes the ground more workable and easier for water and plant roots to infiltrate it. In organic gardening, the customary way to build soil is by adding compost and manure or perhaps by applying mulch, especially in perennial gardens. However, on farms, growers have long used cover crops—plants grown not for harvest, but as green manure, to improve the soil and provide other benefits. Some backyard gardeners use these as well, cultivating nitrogen-fixing clover in the pathways of their vegetable gardens or planting an unused bed with buckwheat to control weeds during the summer. Recently, scientists and growers have be-
gun to look at the role plants play in soil ecosystems. They feed microorganisms with the exudates from their roots, which they exchange for various nutrients, and they help facilitate the accumulation of carbon and build healthy soil. “Those living roots are feeding soil biology by providing its basic food source: carbon,” North Dakota farmer Gabe Brown says in his book Dirt to Soil. “This biology, in turn, fuels the nutrient cycle that feeds plants.” He describes this process as, “The fusion of life (that) transforms dirt into soil.” Roots also do this by sloughing off pieces of themselves, even as they’re growing, thus adding substantial amounts of organic matter and creating channels through the ground.
Carbon farming to improve your soil Plants and microbes, including mycorrhizal fungi, work together to build an ecology that stores carbon and creates soil health by accumulating organic matter that slowly turns into humus. The use of specific techniques to store atmospheric carbon in plants and soil is now known as “carbon farming” and it has been pitched as one way to counteract climate change. However, for the home gardener it’s also a way to improve soil and make plants grow better with less work. There are several ways to do this on a scale that is appropriate for a backyard. Perhaps most importantly, gardeners can start by composting and recycling as much organic matter on site as possible. This will jump-start the process of building up a bank of soil carbon. It can even be done with lawns by applying light additions of compost and mulching in as many leaves as possible. Reducing tillage in vegetable gardens also helps, as does planting perennials wherever possible. Like many organic practices,
In loving memory of Ron Hendrix 1949-2018
G R E E N H O U S E Specialty Annuals & Perennials
7445 Imlay City Rd Imlay City • 1mile E of M-53
810-724-1932 OPEN LATE APRIL TO EARLY JULY, CALL FOR HOURS
Great plants, Great prices. Enough said! But check out our Facebook page if you want to learn more!
Carbon farming is a way for the home gardener to improve soil and make plants grow better with less work. this mimics natural processes where the soil is never tilled and is seldom left uncovered or without plant roots for that matter. Brown describes this as leaving an “armor” on the soil, either with living plants, mulch, or leaf litter. Utilizing cover crops may also be an option for vegetable gardeners. Under tallgrowing plants, there are a number of green manures that can work, such as hairy vetch, clovers, and buckwheat. Not only do these plants offer numerous short-term benefits like providing forage for bees and beneficial insects, they put more roots in the ground to drive the carbon-building process. Gardeners might also consider preparing areas for planting with cover crops like ryegrass or a combination of rye and hairy-vetch to build up organic matter over a season or two and reduce weeds before planting. Diversifying plantings as much as possible
also helps. Some plants grow better at different times than others, helping sustain life both above and below the soil. This is a principle that can even be applied to lawns where a diverse mix of grass will do better throughout the year than a single species that may need watering in midsummer. Although this may horrify some readers, incorporating white clover into your lawn is also an option, supplying nitrogen without needing additional inputs and creating a more diverse, wildlife-friendly yard. And, of course, transitioning any area from lawn to taller-growing, more bird- and bee-friendly native grasses and wildflowers is also a great way to build soil and could pay dividends with neighboring fruit trees and vegetable plots. Brian Allnutt is a gardener, writer and speaker in Detroit. His work regularly appears in Detroit-area publications.
Creating beautiful outdoor spaces for over 50 years
Garden Center Nursery Landscaping
We grow our own annuals & perennials: You are buying fresh directly from the grower—quality guaranteed!
COME SHOP OUR INCREDIBLE 2 ACRES OF GREENHOUSES!
LOCATE A CERTIFIED PRO:
PlantMichiganGreen.com
• • • •
Area’s largest selection of annuals & perennials Fully stocked nursery Miniature garden plants & accessories Pottery, birdbaths, statuary, garden art, and more
4431 South Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
734-663-7600 • turnersannarbor.com
Time for a visit to THE WEED LADY for inspiration & rejuvenation!
Time to Plant!
Gift, Home & Landscape Shop Garden Center • Greenhouse • Florist Design / Build / Maintenance Landscape Company 9225 FENTON RD • GRAND BLANC 25 MINS FROM GREAT LAKES CROSSING
THEWEEDLADY.COM • 810-655-2723
❂
14
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
WE SPECIALIZE IN CONTAINER PLANTING! Unique selection of Hybrid Annuals and Perennials • Herbs & Hanging Baskets Unusual Flowering Shrubs • Arbors Garden Statuary & Pottery • Fountains Trellises • Waterfall Display Gardens
Everlastings In The Wildwood
A Tapestry Garden: The Art of Weaving Plants and Place
2577 West Brewer Rd. Owosso, MI • 989-723-7175 EverlastingsInTheWildwood.com
by Marietta and Ernie O’Byrne
Open 7 Days: 10am-6pm / 4.5 mi. N of I-69, take M-52 N, then E on Brewer Rd
Pond Store • Liners & Pumps • Fountains • Water Plants • Koi
Pond Service • Spring Openings • Summer Maintenance • Emergency Service • Filter Upgrades
Garden Art • Sculptures • Found Artifacts • Accent Boulders • Hand Carved Stone
NOW SCHEDULING Spring Openings and Summer Maintenance Service: Call 248-738-0500 ext. 3
2629 Orchard Lake Rd. Sylvan Lake, MI 248-738-0500 aguafina.com Mon-Sat 9am-5pm Closed Sunday
design • create • build
The authors’ garden is filled with an incredible array of plants from around the world. By using the garden’s many microclimates, they have created a stunning patchwork of exuberant plants that is widely considered one of America’s most outstanding private gardens. In A Tapestry Garden (Timber Press, 264 pages, $34.95), the O’Byrnes share their deep knowledge of plants and essential garden advice. You will discover the humble roots of the garden, and explore the numerous habitats and the plants that make them shine. There is something here for every type of gardener: a shade garden, perennial borders, a chaparral garden, a kitchen garden, and more. Profiles of the O’Byrnes’ favorite plants—including hellebores, trilliums, arisaemas, and alpines—provide growing information as well as tips on pruning and care. Gardeners of every skill level will be enriched and informed by the authors’ wisdom, experience, and deep love of plants.
Success with Hydrangeas: A Gardener’s Guide by Lorraine Ballato When a garden includes hydrangeas, you can count on months of consistent color—if you know how to properly care for them. Success with Hydrangeas (B&B Publications, 182 pages, $24.95) gives tips for both knowledgeable and novice gardeners that will take the guesswork out of growing this classic shrub. The author covers the whys and wherefores in easy-to understand language, with nearly 150 photos and illustrations. The book is packed with valuable information, including when and how to fertilize, when to transplant, how to propagate, when and how to prune, and more. You will have the information you need to surround yourself with all the delightful colors and shapes hydrangeas can offer.
Starting & Saving Seeds: Grow the Perfect Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs, and Flowers for Your Garden by Julie Thompson-Adolf Creating dinner from food you’ve grown provides a tremendous sense of accomplishment. Imagine the pleasure of starting plants from seeds, tending them, planting them in your garden, harvesting their fruits, and enjoying a delicious meal or bouquet. But that’s not the end of the journey—you can now save the best seeds for next year’s garden. You are now self-sufficient; you have grown your own garden from seed to seed. In Starting & Saving Seeds (Cool Springs Press, 160 pages, $25), the author shares the tools and techniques you need to be successful. You will find hints to encourage stubborn seeds to germinate, lists of varieties to add to your garden, growing reference charts, and simple DIY projects to aid your seed starting and saving adventure. The extensive plant entries cover the most popular vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers.
PROVEN by independent research to out-last and out-perform all other repellents—up to 6 months over-winter!
ORGANIC—1st animal repellent OMRI Listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute for food production.
EFFECTIVE against: deer, rabbits, voles, elk, moose, chipmunks, squirrels, nutria, opossum, and beaver.
SAFE—for use in vegetable gardens, on fruit trees and other food crops.
RAIN-RESISTANT—no need to re-apply after every rainfall.
3 FORMULATIONS for maximum effectiveness. BONUS—built in fertilizer for bigger, healthier plants!
For DEALER LOCATOR, testimonials and answers to FAQs, visit: www.plantskydd.com
Not your typical garden center! • Many varieties of Heirloom & “Around the World” vegetables • Annuals & Perennials 50 • Unique hanging baskets YEARS • Colorful planters in Shelby
Grown local since 1968
#1 Choice of Professional Growers, Landscapers & Foresters
Twp!
14497 23 Mile Rd. • Shelby Twp btwn Schoenherr & Hayes 2-1/4 Miles E. of M-53
586-247-4675 May Hours Hours: Mon-Wed & Sat 8am-8pm Thu & Fri 8am-8:30pm • Sun 8am-7pm
Visit our website: www.HessellsGreenhouse.com
REVIVE YOUR GREENSPACE Welcome a fresh start Springtime is the right time to restore the vibrancy of your yard. From planting to soil care to pruning, we’ve got solutions for your unique outdoor space.
Monroe 419-464-7038
Auburn Hills 248-518-0560
Chesterfield 586-221-0530
Full Service Tree Care Plant Health Care | Lawn Programs The Davey Tree Expert Company | davey.com
Canton 734-249-6695
Wixom 248-621-3828
WHITMORE LAKE
DEXTER PLYMOUTH
CHELSEA
ANN ARBOR YPSILANTI
Abbott’s Landscape Nursery 2781 Scio Church Rd., Ann Arbor MI 48103 734-665-8733 www.abbottsnursery.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 9-6, Sun 10-5. Abbott’s turn-of-the-century farm is a perfect setting for our unique nursery. Mike Abbott likes what gardeners like, both classic and new, and handpicks all our plants. Over 55 Japanese maples and 25 reliably-blooming hydrangea varieties. Also garden ornaments, fixtures, containers and more. Come see us—we stock plants you demand and probably some you never knew existed.
Alexander Farm Market & Greenhouses 6925 Whitmore Lake Rd., Whitmore Lake, MI 48189 734-741-1064 Find us on Facebook May/June hours: Daily 9-7. We’re that hidden gem savvy gardeners have been raving about. Homegrown annuals, vegetables, perennials, extraordinary hanging baskets and planters. Plus our exclusive 99¢ seed perennials. Distinctive variety of fruit trees, small fruits, flowering shrubs, climbing vines, herbs, succulents, and roses, including easy-care shrubs, and luxuriously scented David Austins.
Dexter Mill 3515 Central St., Dexter, MI 48130 734-426-4621 www.dextermill.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 8-5. Proud to sell quality gardening supplies, seasonal plants (including natives!), all natural non-GMO feeds, pet supplies, rugged clothing, and our own wild bird seed. Our products are made locally or in America whenever possible. We stand behind the products we sell and the services provided by our knowledgeable staff.
Downtown Home & Garden 210 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734-662-8122 www.downtownhomeandgarden.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 7:30-7, Sun 10-5. A century-old retailer focused on indoor and outdoor gardening supplies, outdoor veggie plant starts, annuals, perennials, and greenhouse plants. Outdoor furniture, kitchenware, sundries and hardware, K9 gear and treats, and hardy clothing for hardworking people. Drive-thru barn and on-site parking for patrons in the heart of Downtown Ann Arbor.
English Gardens Plymouth Nursery 9900 Ann Arbor Rd. W., Plymouth, MI 48170 734-453-5500 www.EnglishGardens.com Hours – Thru Sun, June 9: Mon-Sat 8-9, Sun 8-6; Starting Mon, June 10: Mon-Sat 9-8, Sun 9-6. English Gardens acquired Plymouth Nursery in 2018. The store features a full-service nursery and garden center with a fullservice landscaping company. English Gardens is family-owned and locally operates six stores in Metro Detroit featuring the best value and finest quality products and services. For more information: 800-335-GROW.
MANCHESTER
SALINE
MILAN
Fraleighs Landscape Nursery
TECUMSEH
8600 Jackson Rd., Dexter, MI 48130 734-426-5067 www.fraleighs.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 10-5. Wide variety of perennials, shrubs, ornamental grasses, flowering ornamentals, native plants, shade trees, and evergreens. Expert staff to assist with your landscaping and horticultural questions. We source plants from Michigan growers whenever possible. We stock unusual items, but we really love selling plants that are reliable and functional, but never boring!
The Garden Mill 110 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118 734-475-3539 www.thegardenmill.com May/June hours: Sun-Mon 12-6, Tue-Thu 10-7, Fri-Sat 10-8. An ever-changing variety of beautiful and functional products. Unique and hand-crafted artifacts for garden and home. Wrought iron and rustic garden features, eclectic wind chimes, fountains, classic garden sculptures, colorful plant containers, magical fairy garden supplies, birdhouses, feeders, and baths, seasonal seeds, hanging baskets, and bedding plants.
Hidden Lake Gardens 6214 Monroe Rd. (M-50), Tipton, MI 49287 517-431-2060 www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu April-October hours: Open daily 9-7. 755 acres. Don’t miss one of the finest collections of Dwarf and Rare Conifers—over 500 specimens. Hosta Hillside has over 800 varieties. Enjoy a leisurely drive through the Arboretum. See lush tropicals in the Conservatory. Serene outdoor displays in the Bonsai Courtyard. The Demonstration Garden shows attractive mixed plantings. Great hiking trails and dog-friendly, too!
HillTop Greenhouse & Farms 8996 West Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734-302-4233 www.hilltopgreenhousea2.com May hours: Mon-Sat 9-7, Sun 9-6. June hours: Please call. Just 10 minutes from Ann Arbor or Chelsea, our greenhouse is a relaxing drive from all corners. Choose from over 8,000 baskets and 10,000 flats, plus veggie starters, specialty annuals, and lush combination planters. Each plant is grown on site, with hands-on care from start to finish. Smiles, hugs and a friendly staff, free of charge!
Lodi Farms 2880 S. Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734-665-5651 www.lodifarms.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-4, Sun in May 1-4. Come visit our wonderful nursery! We have a fantastic selection of Michigan-grown shade and ornamental trees, evergreens, shrubs of all types, and perennials. Bring your pictures and plans and we’ll help you choose the best plants! Check our sales calendar for specials and browse our catalog on the website. Take a roadtrip here—soon!
Margolis Nursery 9600 Cherry Hill Rd., Ypsilanti, MI 48198 734-482-0771 www.margoliscompanies.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 8-3. Family owned and operated since 1926. From trees and shrubs to perennials and groundcovers to mulch and Unilock pavers. Our experienced staff will help with your plant selections. Our full-service landscaping company provides complete landscape design and installation, and has a reputation for quality and competitive prices.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum Matthaei: 1800 North Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Arboretum: 1610 Washington Hts., Ann Arbor, MI 48109 734-647-7600 www.mbgna.umich.edu May 1-23: Daily 10-4:30; Wed 10-8 • May 24-Labor Day: Daily 10-8. Trails open sunrise to sunset. The University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum offer trails and natural areas, children’s garden, native plant gardens, bonsai garden, large collection of heirloom peonies, year-round conservatory, wedding venues, special events and sales, youth and adult educational programs, gift shop, and more.
The Produce Station 1629 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734-663-7848 www.producestation.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 8-9, Sun 8-8. Proudly supplying high-quality, rare perennials and specialty annuals! Succulents, echeveria, agave, rare tropicals, sedum, and sempervivum. Unique dwarf conifers and alpine plants. Enormous selection of specialty herbs and vegetables, plus heirlooms! Vast hosta selection, including tea cup varieties. Gorgeous Vietnamese pottery! Additional location: 2105 W. Stadium Blvd. May-August: Mon-Sat 9-8, Sun 9-7.
Sell Farms & Greenhouses 7200 Willis Rd., Ypsilanti, MI 48197 734-484-3819 www.sellfarmsandgreenhouses.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 9-7. Family-owned. Great selection of high quality Annuals, Perennials & non-GMO Vegetable plants at reasonable prices. Thousands of Hanging Baskets, Combination Planters, Geraniums & Proven Winners plants. One of the best selections of Perennials, Hydrangeas & Roses in the area.
Turner’s Landscape & Garden Center 4431 South Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor MI 48103 734-663-7600 www.turnersannarbor.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 9-7, Sat 9-6, Sun 10-4. Ann Arbor’s premier garden center and nursery. We grow an unbelievable selection of annuals and perennials in our greenhouses. Plus a fully-stocked nursery with mature trees and shrubs. Landscape design, construction and installation also available. Our quality plants and knowledgeable, friendly, helpful staff will make your garden a success.
Willow Greenhouse 7839 Curtis Rd., Northville, MI 48168 248-437-7219 www.willowgreenhouse.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 9-6, Sun 10-5. Full of beauty, free of pesticides—all our plants are grown pesticide-free! Buy direct from the grower. Thousands of Annuals, Perennials, Proven Winners, Wave Petunias, Fairy Garden Plants & Supplies, Vegetables, Heirloom Tomatoes, Herbs, Trees, Shrubs, and much more. New: flowering shrubs, specializing in hydrangeas. Like us on Facebook!
To advertise in Destinations, email Publisher@MichiganGardener.com or call Eric at 248-594-5563
Experts trust the #1 brand in organic gardening
The area’s most comprehensive calendar of garden event listings Submit your garden event listings • Sign up for our FREE E-Newsletter Read both current and back issues online • And much more! The print edition of Michigan Gardener is still your exclusive source for new gardener profiles, how-to articles, plant features, and much more.
Laura LeBoutillier grew up working in her parents’ garden center. Since then, she and her husband Aaron have published hundreds of inspirational and educational gardening videos online for over 2.4 million loyal fans. Laura loves her garden and uses only the best products to ensure it looks beautiful. That’s why she trusts Espoma Organic® for her fertilizer and potting soil needs.
Espoma. A natural in the garden since 1929.
Visit www.espoma.com/video to see our inspirational videos.
18
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
Julia Hofley
Petunia: Glamouflage ‘Pink Lemonade’ Proven Winners
Calibrachoa: Superbells Doublette Love Swept Calibrachoas are trendy and each year dozens of new ones are introduced at the trade shows and evaluated in trial gardens. They are popular because they look like pretty mini-petunias, but typically do not require deadheading. That makes them perfect for being up close in containers in high-profile locations. This year seemed to be the year of the double-flowering calibrachoa. This new introduction created buzz and stood out to many admirers. Unique, deep pink rosettes laced with a white picotee edge might just sweep you
off your feet, especially with the high flower count. The double flowers add dimension while the white edge gives them definition, so you can actually see and admire the layers of soft ruffles. I think it’s a more tailored and sophisticated-looking plant that will need to be grown close by on an apartment balcony, a cozy patio, or near your front doorstep. Hummingbird friendly! Height: 6-10 inches. Width: 12-16 inches. Light: Full sun to part sun.
Ornamental Corn Pink Zebra
Julia Hofley
Petunia Glamouflage ‘Pink Lemonade’ greeted guests at our front door last summer with stunningly bright golden, variegated foliage with electric pink flowers in abundance that stood above the pretty leaves. After spending a summer with this beautiful new plant, we could see why it was awarded a Retailers’ Choice Award at the Cultivate ’18 trade show. You could mix it in a combination
planter or in a wall basket, but give it a prominent place and prepare yourself to be dazzled as you come and go. ‘Pink Lemonade’ is the newest addition to the early-blooming Glamouflage series, which also includes Glamouflage ‘Grape’ and Glamouflage ‘Blueberry.’ Height: 8 inches. Width: 12 inches. Light: Full sun.
Here’s an unusual “thriller” opportunity for containers that need to go the distance into autumn. This ornamental corn (Zea mays) has dramatic color and texture, with green and white striped foliage. Pink Zebra even produces small purple ears of corn that will add value to this novelty plant. Gardeners looking for a “wow” plant suitable for an important focal point in their landscape might consider planting this wavy, colorful obelisk in beds or borders, or making a statement at a street-side entrance. Later in the season, when days stay cooler longer, the foliage amps up by turning tri-color in showy shades: rosy pink, green and white (hence the Pink Zebra name). That can make your
Pan American Seed
fall plantings of porch mums, kale, and celosia much more interesting. When planted in a container, Pink Zebra may not get as tall as when planted in a garden bed. Height: 4-5 feet. Width: 12-18 inches. Light: Full sun. NEW ANNUALS continued on page 20
HOUSE & GARDENS
Native Plants • Perennials Greenhouse Plants • Tomatoes Herbs • Fairy Garden Plants Gardening Items & More!
$5 OFF
Spring
Purchases of $30 or more. Must present this ad. No copies. One per guest. Expires May 15, 2019.
Plant Sale
Tuesday, May 14, 2019: 10am-7pm | Wednesday, May 15, 2019: 10am-2pm 380 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 housegardens.cranbrook.edu
• Over 500 varieties of Perennials • 145 varieties of Hostas • Huge selection of Annuals including Proven Winners • Hanging Baskets & Porch Pots • Flowering Trees & Shrubs
PLUS, A GARDEN GIFT SHOP! 4,000 square feet filled with everything you can think of for your yard or garden!
13172 McCumsey Rd, Clio, MI 48420 10 min. from I-75, exit 131
810-686-9211 www.piechniks.com ALSO VISIT OUR OAKLAND LOCATION: PIECHNIK’S GARDEN GATE • 586-336-7200
Celebrate Spring with Wojo’s From our greenhouse to your home!
Shop With Us And See THE DIFFERENCE!
Legendary Plants Since 1953 OAKLAND COUNTY’S LONGEST-RUNNING PREMIER LANDSCAPE & GARDEN STORE Spring is here and we have everything you need from gorgeous porch pots and beautiful hanging baskets to the newest varieties of perennials, trees & shrubs.
An exceptional horticultural experience Extensive garden plant collection Landscape Nursery • Greenhouse • Garden • Florist • Event Venue
Hours: April 22–July 7: Mon-Sat 8-8 Sun 9-7
www.wojos.com ORTONVILLE
DAVISON
2570 Oakwood Rd. • Ortonville, MI 48462 248-627-6498 3 Mi E. of M-15 at Hadley Rd.
7360 E. Court St. • Davison, MI 48423 810-658-9221 Exit #143 off I-69 at Irish Rd.
559 Orchard Lake Rd • Pontiac 248-332-6430 • www.goldnerwalsh.com
20
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
continued from page 18
Begonia ‘Canary Wings’ Michigan gardeners looking for drama in the shade will have something to get excited about with this noticeably new plant discovered in Ohio. It is a mutation of the begonia Dragon Wing ‘Pink,’ with large, shiny leaves in a luminous shade of chartreuse surrounded by golden new growth. The arching stems bear tons of brilliant red blooms that are nonstop all season long, contrasting beautifully against the bright foliage and are sure to get attention by hummingbirds and bees. Perfect in hanging baskets, a combination planter component, or in shady nooks along the garden path. Filtered sunlight is best for the light-colored foliage. Place this plant in cool, early morning sun or late evening sunlight; give it shade during the heat of the day. Winner of the 2018 Retailers’ Choice Award at Cultivate in Columbus, Ohio. Height: 12-18 inches. Width: 15-18 inches. Light: Shade.
Ball Horticultural Co.
Firebush Lime Sizzler Consider a bicolor tropical plant with bright lime green, yellow and chartreuse foliage for a dynamic patio container. In the southern belt, firebush or scarlet bush (Hamelia patens) gets its name because of the sizzling orange-red tubular flowers that resemble candle flames or firecrackers. Imagine happy hummingbirds and butterflies delighted by an additional nectar source, whether in a container or planted in a butterfly garden. Lime Sizzler needs lots of sunshine to bloom and thrives in the summer heat and humidity, like they get in Florida or Texas. Last summer, we grew Lime Sizzler inground in the dappled light of our hillside garden. It didn’t get flowers, but the foliage glimmered and glowed, and could be seen from a long distance. This year, I can’t wait to grow this tropical mounding bush on our back patio
Euphorbia Diamond Mountain
Southern Living Plant Collection
facing west in full sun to see the flower show, along with appreciative pollinators. Height: 24-36 inches. Width: 24-36 inches. Light: Full sun.
Remember when Euphorbia Diamond Frost came out about a dozen years ago, and it was a plant that offered something totally new for the garden? Since then, plant breeders have focused more on compact and heavier flowering versions. New this year is an additional version of this annual plant that’s perfect for gardeners who just like to Go Big! Diamond Mountain is bigger than Diamond Frost, growing up to three feet tall, yet still with the same wispy, white flowers. Good-sized containers with Diamond Mountain flanking your home’s entrance will be visible from a distance and make a finetextured statement up close. Down by your mailbox, it would be big and showy, yet low maintenance, drought and heat tolerant, and avoided by browsing animals like deer, who seem disinterested in it. There are so many applications for this larger-than-life annual, like pairing it with other large annuals like Mexican sunflowers (Tithonia) and cannas.
Height: 24-36 inches. Width: 24-36 inches. Light: Full sun. NEW ANNUALS continued on page 22
Proven Winners
NEW ANNUALS continued on page 22
Trees • Shrubs • Perennials
Poison Ivy Control
Celebrating
Premium Landscape Supplies:
25 Years!
Composted Pine Bark Premium Soils Bulk Michigan Peat
OF MICHIGAN
Organic Products Flagstone, Limestone & Boulders Campania Fine Garden Statuary
Call 844-IVY-GONE
Landscape Design & Installation Services
(844-489-4663)
www.PoisonIvyControlofMichigan.com
8215 Elizabeth Lake Rd. • White Lake
248-698-4741
WE ALSO PROVIDE INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL
MulliganLandscaping.com Open 7 days during May & June
Milarch Nursery get your yard ready!
Q UA LIT Y P L A N TS & S E RV I C E S I N C E 1 972
ORDER NOW FOR OUR SPRING SPECIALS Quality Products At Wholesale Pricing SAME DAY DELIVERY
MARVELOUS MAGNOLIAS
At Suburban, Your Satisfaction Is Guaranteed!
All products made in Michigan
Call early for same-day delivery
248-960-4000 960 Ladd Rd • Walled Lake
We carry: Mulch • Soil • Sand Stone • Boulders/Ledgestone Decorative Stone Pavers Accessories and more!
ORDER ONLINE AT SuburbanLandscapeSupply.com DELIVERY INCLUDED
132
$
50 +tax
Screened Topsoil 5 yards
DELIVERY INCLUDED
194
$
+tax
With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Call for discounts on larger deliveries. Out of local area may be slightly higher. Expires 6-15-19
DELIVERY INCLUDED
DELIVERY INCLUDED
15450
$
TO SEE OUR INCREDIBLE SELECTION, PLEASE VISIT MILARCHNURSERY.COM AND CLICK ON “AVAILABILITY.”
5 yards
Call for discounts on larger deliveries. With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Out of local area may be slightly higher. Expires 6-15-19
21950
27 ACRES of Flowering & Shade Trees, Shrubs, Evergreens, Roses, Perennials, Groundcovers & Topiaries
Northern Michigan
Suburban Landsdcape Supply • 248-960-4000
$
LUSCIOUS LILIES
Premium 50 HARDWOOD MULCH
Suburban Landsdcape Supply • 248-960-4000
Premium Shredded Mulch +tax Cedar 5 yards
SPECIALTY EVERGREENS
Premium Planting Mix +tax Garden 5 yards
Suburban Landsdcape Supply • 248-960-4000
Suburban Landsdcape Supply • 248-960-4000
With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Call for discounts on larger deliveries. Out of local area may be slightly higher. Expires 6-15-19
With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Call for discounts on larger deliveries. Out of local area may be slightly higher. Expires 6-15-19
28500 HAAS RD • NEW HUDSON, MI 48165 • 248-437-2094 www.milarchnursery.com • Mon-Fri: 8-5:30 Sat: 8-3 Sun: Closed
22
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
continued from page 20
Mandevilla: Giant Marbled Crimson The Giant series of mandevillas is unique, in that even though they flower a little later than the original group, the super-sized, deep red flowers on this vigorous vine measure up to nearly a 5-inch span. Plus, they exhibit the most heat tolerance, along with excellent disease resistance. That said, what is most remarkable about this natural climber are the glossy, variegated leaves as a backdrop to the gorgeous crimson red flowers.
I immediately started thinking about which trellis on our south or west walls would show this climber to its best advantage. Those crimson red bells against gorgeous marbled green and white leaves will bring a crisp freshness to any container with a stately obelisk, while also drawing in appreciative pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Height: 6-10 feet. Width: 2-4 feet. Light: Full sun.
Ball Horticultural Co.
Skyscraper ‘Orange’
Salvia Skyscraper
Sunfire Nurseries
Coleus: Color Clouds ‘Spicy’ Looking for a dramatic plant to fill a large contemporary container or to soften an in-ground space along a shady garden path? Check out Coleus Color Clouds ‘Spicy’ for the perfect pop of color to spice up any area with a green backdrop. Large, spade-shaped foliage is covered in harvest gold, patterned with magenta and hot pink. Veins have a seersucker effect in the summer, adding to the overall interest of this great plant.Leaf edges are serrated and slightly lobed. Coleus are invaluable at making a patchwork quilt of color in the shade. Height: 10 inches. Width: 30 inches. Light: Part shade to full shade.
Terra Nova Nurseries
My radar is always on for the next great plant to attract hummingbirds into our garden and I have exciting news—the Salvia Skyscraper series will deliver the goods for our hummers, butterflies and bees! This group of sophisticated salvias were literally all the buzz in trial gardens across the nation this past summer, by both evaluators for their excellent garden performance and pollinators who simply couldn’t leave them alone. With its stupendous flower power, we enjoyed Skyscraper Orange on our back patio last summer. The orange color is an exciting breakthrough in breeding in this type of salvia. I found it hard to deadhead as the hummers wouldn’t stop circling long enough to cut them back. If there was one flower left, they were going for the gold. When the flowers did finally drop, the calyxes left behind (the part that holds the flower and attaches to the stem) were a lovely color themselves. So much so, they made the overall plant look like it was still blooming. Plus, our patio faces west, so the backlighting of the flowers and calyxes brought a lovely glow in the slowly setting sun. When compared to the Wish series of salvias (Wendy’s, Ember’s, Love and Wishes), Skyscraper salvias are similar, but smaller in size and more upright in habit. The colorful blooms are larger, and last longer on stronger stems with better branching that create a rounded habit, giving Skyscrapers a more
Ball Horticultural Co.
Skyscraper ‘Pink’ tailored look. For those gardeners who like to cut and arrange flowers in a vase, cut these salvia stems when about half the blooms are open. Requiring good drainage in containers, Skyscraper salvias are durable, water wise, and tolerant of summer heat. Available colors: pink, dark purple, and orange. Height: 14-28 inches. Width: 12-24 inches. Light: Full sun to part sun. NEW ANNUALS continued on page 24
Annuals
Sun/Shade A to Z 36ct. Flats
Vegetable & Herb plants
Geraniums
Patio & Deck Pots
Many varieties & colors
INSTANT COLOR!
• Heirloom Varieties • Seed Potatoes • 3 Greenhouses to choose from • Livingston County’s largest selection of vegetable & herb plants!
Yard Décor Gazing Globes Stepping Stones Much, much more!
Hanging Baskets
• We grow over 10,000 Sun/Shade hanging baskets
Accent Plants
• Bacopa, potato vines & many Proven Winners
Wednesdays are Senior Day ALL YEAR LONG: 15% OFF Live Plants!
Perennials
• Bud & Bloom • Groundcovers • Shrubs, Bushes, Roses
Full-service Florist!
8087 Grand River • Brighton Since 1955 • Family owned & operated • Open 8am everyday
www.MeierFlowerLand.com We are Greenhouse: 810-229-9430 worth Florist: 810-220-4848 the drive!
NO MORE MOSQUITOES, PERIOD! Re-Energizes Gardens & Potting Soil OrganiMax is a unique combination of natural ingredients tested and certified by the U.S. Composting Council: • • • • •
Composted leaves Humic acid Kelp Slow-release natural fertilizer Necessary Micronutrients and Amino acids • 23 species of Beneficial Microbes • 8 species of Endo & Ecto Mycorrhiza
99.9% Effective Results! You spend your time and hard-earned money to keep your backyard looking nice. You deserve to enjoy it MOSQUITO FREE!
25 OFF
$
Regular Price $74.95*
NOW $49 95
*Up to 1/2 acre property size. Each additional 1/2 acre only $12.50 more! Single application only. First time client only. Expires 8-31-19.
EASY TO USE!
Mix 1 part ORGANIMAX with 3 parts soil
Ask for ORGANIMAX at your local independent garden center! For more information: Call 248-760-9342
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT
“Seasonal Packages Available”
MosquitoOne.com or Call 734-922-5700
24
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
continued from page 22
Vinca Tattoo With hundreds of new plant choices introduced at the Cultivate ‘18 trade show in Columbus, Ohio last summer, the Vinca Tatoo series won a highly coveted Medal of Excellence award: Industry’s Choice, Best New Variety. Vinca Tatoo makes me actually look forward to the dog days of summer when the heat hits its peak and Vinca Tattoo is in its glory. The color and contrast of each variety dramatically intensifies in the seemingly endless heat and sun. Pick your spot, but these plants deserve to be close to where you hang out, so you can enjoy the kaleidoscope of color all summer long. Tattoo is a modern flower that is floriferous and well-branched, displaying unique flowers with an overlapping, fully rounded form. Each flower is boldly multi-colored and uniquely different, with center eyes and swirls—almost an airbrush effect. Colors include Black Cherry, Raspberry, Papaya, and Tangerine. Height: 10-14 inches. Width: 6-8 inches. Light: Full sun.
Ball Horticultural
‘Tangerine’
Artemisia: Makana Silver
Terra Nova Nurseries
This striking wormwood comes to our mainland shore from the island of Maui in Hawaii. It was a showstopper last summer at the trade shows and in the garden trials, rating top scores across all categories. You will simply be compelled to go up and touch the soft, feathery mound that can be trained as a small topiary, a specimen annual in a container, or a dynamic annual hedge in the landscape. The silver color is the perfect foil for pastels, hot colors or cool blue tones, giving gardeners countless options. This fast-growing, billowy tropical prefers good drainage and, once established, is easy care, drought and heat tolerant, and avoided by animal browsers. Ball Horticultural
‘Papaya’
Ball Horticultural
‘Raspberry’
Ball Horticultural
‘Black Cherry’
Height: 24 inches. Width: 36 inches. Light: Full sun.
Impatiens: Imara XDR Reunited and it feels so good! One of the most beloved annual plants known for creating ribbons of color in shady garden beds is returning to garden centers this year. This comeback plant (Impatiens walleriana Imara XDR) has a high degree of resistance to impatiens downy mildew, the disease that made impatiens decline, defoliate and meet an untimely demise. XDR means “extra disease resistance” and to be labeled XDR, the genetics must be proven to be resistant to whatever disease they’re labeling it for, as verified through rigorous testing in multiple settings and situations. Also, the disease resistance has to be independently verified by third-party experts—Cornell University in this case. The conclusion of Cornell’s pathologist was, “Good performance by an impatiens under those conditions was exciting to see. The plants were not immune to the pathogen, but they held up very well in its presence—they are highly resistant.”
Imara XDR is all-new breeding from the Netherlands, not just a sport or selection of an existing series. In 2011, the breeder found a healthy plant in the middle of plants that were infected and Imara XDR is the result of the work done on that one healthy impatiens plant. In spring 2018, it was launched in Europe in the United Kingdom, and in the U.S., was launched in Florida in early 2019. The name “Imara” comes from the Swahili language and means “strength and resilience.” Blooming from spring to first frost, there are seven colors in the Imara line, including white, red, rose, violet, orange, orange star, and a mix, with new colors being added next year. The breeding company’s tagline is “Take Back the Shade!” and their hope is that gardeners will reunite with their old flowering friend.
Editor’s note: There are more New Annuals appearing in the Michigan Gardener E-Newsletter this spring. Sign up for free on our website: www.MichiganGardener.com.
Height: 10-12 inches. Width: 10-12 inches. Light: Part sun to shade.
Julia Hofley is a plant collector, freelance garden writer, speaker, and independent sales rep (E-mail: julia@juliasbiglife.com).
Syngenta Flowers
Hanging Baskets! Wide selection of Single and Mixed Annual Hanging Baskets, for both Sun and Shade!
11-inch Hanging Basket
14-inch Cone
16-inch Weekender
5 OFF a purchase of $25 or more
$
Coupon must be redeemed at the time of purchase. Cannot be combined with other coupons. Valid 5-1-19 to 5-31-19
Eckert’s Greenhouse FROM THE RARE & UNUSUAL TO THE PREFERRED AND POPULAR!
Wide selection of Annuals • Perennials • Vegetables & more!
34051 Ryan Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 (between 14 & 15 Mile on the west side of Ryan)
586-264-5678 • www.eckertsgreenhouse.com
Locally owned. Locally grown. We’re that hidden gem Michigan gardeners have been delighted to find. Just north of Ann Arbor and filled to the brim with an unsurpassed selection of hanging baskets and planters, all designed, planted, and pampered right on site. Plus—homegrown annuals, vegetables, perennials, succulents, fruit trees, flowering shrubs, herbs, herb bowls, Itoh peonies, and roses, including many awesome David Austin varieties.
Every Great Garden Starts with Great Bones Brick Paver & Bluestone Patios, Walks, Steps & Driveways Block Retaining Walls • Limestone/Boulder Walls • Outdoor Kitchens Design & Installation of Custom Landscapes & Outdoor Living Spaces BRICK PAVER WALKWAYS
STONE STEPS & BRICK PAVER RETAINING WALLS
Flickr / Christopher.Michel
BLUESTONE PATIOS
6925 Whitmore Lake Rd. Whitmore Lake, MI Corner of N. Territorial & Whitmore Lake Rd.
Providing dedication and quality since 1978
734-741-1064
734-578-8073 • www.civiltechllc.com SERVING SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN SINCE 1998 • LICENSED MICHIGAN BUILDER
American Tree 3903 Van Dyke, Almont, MI 48003 810-798-2525 www.americantreeinc.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 8-8, Sun 9-6. Family owned & operated since 1990. American Tree offers an assortment of annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses, herbs, heirloom & organic vegetables, a large selection of roses, acres of evergreen & flowering trees & shrubs, plus hundreds of fruit trees. We have a complete landscape supply yard and a full service landscaping company.
Meldrum Brothers Nursery & Supply 29500 23 Mile Rd., New Baltimore, MI 48047 586-949-9220 www.meldrumbros.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 8-7, Sun 10-5. Huge selection of plants, bulk and bagged materials, decorative stone, Fendt and Oaks paver bricks and wall stones, garden decor, fairy gardening supplies, Traeger grills, fountains, and statuary. Organic and traditional lawn and plant care products including fertilizers, soils, mulches. We pride ourselves on offering the best service and advice. Visit meldrumbros.com for coupons and promotions.
Brohl’s Greenhouse 19780 25 Mile Rd., Macomb, MI 48042 586-781-6842 Find us on Facebook May/June hours: Mon-Sat 8:30-7, Sun 9-6. Family owned and operated since 1966. Very reasonable prices for top quality plants. The Brohl family offers annuals, baskets, combo pots, tropicals, perennials, and vegetable plants. Convenient shopping under covered greenhouses. Plus, fall mums and Christmas poinsettias, wreaths, roping, and holiday decor. Only at Brohl’s Greenhouse—Come check us out!
Telly’s Greenhouse 4343 24 Mile Rd., Shelby Twp, MI 48316 248-659-8555 www.tellys.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 9-8, Sun 10-5. We find and grow new, rare, and choice plants from the United States and around the world. You will see unique annuals, tropicals, and perennials that you are unlikely to find elsewhere. Our Shelby Township store is the newest addition to our original Troy location.
Eckert’s Greenhouse & Perennials 34051 Ryan Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48310 586-264-5678 www.eckertsgreenhouse.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 8:30-8, Sun 8:30-6. From rare and unusual to preferred and popular: Annuals, Geraniums, Hanging Baskets, Flower Pouches, Patio Containers, Vegetables, Perennials, Hostas, Roses (David Austin English, hybrid tea, floribunda, shrub, climbing, grandiflora, tree, groundcover, miniature, rugosa), Clematis, Vines, Alpine Plants, Groundcovers, Butterfly Plants, Native Plants, Tropicals, Succulents. Visit our Monarch Waystation and hosta display gardens too!
Elya’s Village Gardens & Greenhouses 24200 26 Mile Rd., Macomb, MI 48042 586-749-9212 or 586-405-7592 May/June hours: Mon-Sat 9-7, Sun 10-3. We do more than just sell you plants—our award-winning landscape designers will help you select the right plants for your home and garden. Annuals, perennials, many hosta varieties, trees and shrubs from top-quality Michigan growers. Family-owned garden center since 1966. Also full-service landscape installation.
English Gardens 44850 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48038 586-286-6100 www.EnglishGardens.com Hours – Thru Sun, June 9: Mon-Sat 8-9, Sun 8-6; Starting Mon, June 10: Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 9-6. Founded in 1954, English Gardens is family- and locally-owned, operating six full-service stores and a full-service landscaping company in Metro Detroit. Each full-service store has a nursery, garden center, patio shop, and seasonal Christmas center featuring the best value and finest quality products and services. For more information: 800-335-GROW.
Van Thomme’s Greenhouses
English Gardens 22501 Kelly Rd., Eastpointe, MI 48021 586-771-4200 www.EnglishGardens.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 9-7; Sun 9-6. Founded in 1954, English Gardens is family- and locally-owned, operating six full-service stores and a full-service landscaping company in Metro Detroit. Each full-service store has a nursery, garden center, patio shop, and seasonal Christmas center featuring the best value and finest quality products and services. For more information: 800-335-GROW.
Hall’s Nursery 24300 Harper, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 586-775-3455 Find us on Facebook May/June hours: Mon-Sat 8-7, Sun 9-5. Two acres in the middle of the city. Since 1937, a big city garden center with personable, small-town customer service. Familyowned. Trusted advice on plants and superb landscape design too. Annuals, perennials, roses, shrubs, ornamental trees—we have plants you won’t find at big box stores!
32385 23 Mile Rd., Chesterfield Twp., MI 48047 586-725-3708 www.vanthommesgreenhouses.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 8-8, Sun 9-5. Established in 1963. Huge variety of annuals, perennials, vegetables, and gorgeous hanging baskets. We carry Proven Winners. Big selection of organic vegetables, with over 65 varieties of tomatoes, many heirlooms. Lots of herbs too. Fall decor and hardy mums. Fairy gardens, wrought iron plant stands, fertilizers, and complete gardening supplies.
Van’s Valley Greenhouse 74865 Van Dyke, Bruce Twp, MI 48065 586-752-6002 www.vansvalley.com May/June hours: 7 days a week, 8–7 We’ve moved to a new location! Just south of 35 Mile. Wide variety of annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetable plants, succulents, garden art, wreaths, fairy gardens and much more! One-of-a-kind hanging baskets and porch pots. Your pot or our pot: we will customize it and fill with our beautiful flowers. Can’t wait to see you! To advertise in Destinations, email Publisher@MichiganGardener.com or call Eric at 248-594-5563
MichiganGardener.com | May 2019 | Michigan Gardener
27
Precipitation March 2019
NORMAL Monthly 2.28 1.91 2.06
NORMAL Yr. to Date 6.26 5.02 5.18
Detroit Flint Lansing
ACTUAL Monthly 2.46 2.34 1.96
March 2018 DEVIATION from Normal +0.18 +0.43 -0.10
2019 Year to Date: Jan 1 - Mar 31 Detroit Flint Lansing
ACTUAL Yr. to Date 6.54 6.64 6.40
NORMAL
Monthly 2.28 1.91 2.06
ACTUAL Monthly 2.63 1.11 1.29
DEVIATION from Normal +0.35 -0.80 -0.77
2018 Year TOTAL: Jan 1 - Mar 31
NORMAL
DEVIATION from Normal +0.28 +1.62 +1.22
Yr. to Date 6.26 5.02 5.18
ACTUAL Yr. to Date 8.26 6.99 7.90
DEVIATION from Normal +2.00 +1.97 +2.72
Give a gift of potential and strength - the tiny acorn. Visit us in-store, online or call for details.
Temperature March 2019
March 2018
Detroit Flint Lansing
NORMAL Avg. High 45.2 43.1 43.5
ACTUAL Avg. High 43.0 40.5 40.9
DEVIATION from Normal -2.2 -2.6 -2.6
ORMAL N Avg. High 45.2 43.1 43.5
ACTUAL Avg. High 43.4 39.7 41.8
DEVIATION from Normal -1.8 -3.4 -1.7
Detroit Flint Lansing
NORMAL Avg. Low 28.5 24.3 24.3
ACTUAL Avg. Low 25.7 22.6 22.9
DEVIATION from Normal -2.8 -1.7 -1.4
ORMAL N Avg. Low 28.5 24.3 24.3
ACTUAL Avg. Low 27.5 23.3 24.4
DEVIATION from Normal -1.0 -1.0 +0.1
162 South Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham MI. 248-647-4414 www.grinsteinjewelry.com
Data courtesy National Weather Service
Bulk Subscriptions • Great for clubs, retail stores, and libraries outside our regular circulation routes. • Have Michigan Gardener delivered in bulk for your members, customers, or patrons. • These copies are sent directly to the address you specify. • The cost per copy is much lower than the individual subscription price. • It’s a great way to provide another benefit to your members, customers, and patrons. The order form is available at MichiganGardener.com or please contact us for an order form: publisher@MichiganGardener.com • 248-594-5563
The Best Solution for Problem Lawns With an N-P-K of 15-0-7, Grass Magic contains primarily organic materials with a small addition of urea to allow for a quick green-up in the spring. Unlike most lawn fertilizers, it also contains kelp, seaweed, and beneficial soil microbes to help grass plants better absorb the nutrients. Grass Magic lasts for 12 to 16 weeks, so its nutrients continue to be effective for much longer than water soluble fertilizers, which release their nutrients in a brief spurt after water is applied. This often causes stress to the grass by forcing growth at the expense of root development and plant vigor. In addition, the insoluble nature of Grass Magic is far less susceptible to leaching and run-off than soluble fertilizers.
PHOSPHORUSFREE
“MY LAWN FERTILIZER OF CHOICE IS GRASS MAGIC.” —Nancy Szerlag, Detroit News Garden Writer
Ask for GRASSMAGIC at your local independent garden center! FOR MORE INFORMATION: CALL 248-760-9342
28
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
Spring Carrots with Kale, Pickled Shallots, Feta and Pistachios
O
ne of the first crops I plant when spring that long-awaited feeling of satisfaction that comes starts to break through and gardening seawhen it’s finally time to pull them from the garden. son arrives is carrots. Frankly, I love that I To dress them up, I’ve paired the carrots with some can direct sow the seeds outside, right into my garof my other favorite produce, like kale leaves and den bed. It’s nothing if not efficient! While I love pickled shallots. nurturing little seedlings inside during the final If you happen to be growing your own kale, even cold weeks of winter, I appreciate the fact that carbetter. Use baby leaves, or cut off the heartier leaves rots are resilient enough to germinate and push on and simply slice them very thinly. As for the shallots, through frigid soil. Watching the little green tops I’m a huge fan of quick pickling. From onions to fenEmily pop through the dirt even in the most uncertain of nel to bell peppers, this simple technique adds heaps Wilson seasonal weather offers hope that warmer days reof flavors to dishes like tacos, salads or grain bowls, ally will arrive! which is why I suggest making these in advance and This recipe is written with adorable young garden carrots in doubling, or tripling the recipe, so you have plenty on hand to mind. Specifically, ones that are slender and delicate, to honor toss into future meals.
MichiganGardener.com | May 2019 | Michigan Gardener
Ingredients: For the quick-pickled shallots: • 1 large or 2 small shallots, peeled and sliced thinly into rings • 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar • 1/4 cup water • 1 tablespoon sugar • 1 pinch kosher salt
Serves: 2 • Prep Time: 10 minutes • Cook Time: 15 minutes For the carrots: • 1 pound spring carrots • 1+1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar • 1 tablespoon water • 1 tablespoon sugar • 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted • kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Emily Wilson is Chef/Owner of Guest Chef, a personal chef and catering service in Metro Detroit, as well as the recipe developer and food writer behind The Craveable Kitchen food blog. Each of these projects are the manifestation of Emily's past work experiences, from catering in New York City to
To finish: • 1 cup kale leaves, sliced thinly (if using baby leaves, leave whole) • 1/4 cup feta, crumbled • 2 tablespoons unsalted pistachios, crushed or chopped
recipe development for various websites and publications, and the overflow of her ever-present passion for cooking, feeding people and helping others cook better too. Inquire about Emily cooking for you at Emily@GuestChefDetroit.com or find more recipes at www.TheCraveableKitchen.com.
29
Instructions: Make Ahead: 1. Measure 1/4 cup of rice wine or apple cider vinegar into a small sauce pan along with 1/4 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 pinch of salt. Set over high heat and bring to a boil. 2. Place the peeled and sliced shallots into a small, heat-proof bowl or jar. Once the pickling liquid comes to a boil and the sugar and salt are dissolved, pour over the shallots. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate.
For the Carrots: 3. Peel the carrots and slice lengthwise down the middle. I like to leave a little bit of green part at the top. 4. Heat a medium sauté pan over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and warm until nearly smoking. Add half the carrots, season with salt and pepper and then toss to coat. I work in batches here so every carrot can have contact with the surface of the pan. This ensures a good sear. 5. Use tongs or a spatula to arrange carrots in a single layer and let them sit in the hot pan for a few minutes to sear. You want them to stay on the surface of the pan long enough that they begin to caramelize, but not so long that they stick and burn. Lower heat slightly if necessary. Be patient, but attentive! This process can take about 5 minutes. 6. Once seared nicely on one side, transfer carrots to a clean plate. Remove pan from heat and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Then repeat with remaining carrots. 7. After all carrots are nicely seared, add them all back into the pan and adjust heat to medium-high. Pour in 2 tablespoons rice wine or apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of water, then cover the pan. If you don't have a lid, aluminum foil will work too. Let the carrots steam quickly, just about 2 minutes, then remove the lid. They should be fork tender. If your carrots are thicker and still firm, you can add another 1-2 tablespoons of water, and cover again for another 2 minutes. 8. Next, add the sugar and butter. As they start to melt, toss the carrots to coat them in a glossy glaze. Right at the end, toss in the kale leaves and allow to wilt just slightly, then remove the pan from the heat. Scoop carrots and kale onto a serving platter. 9. Opposite page: To finish, top with crumbled feta and crushed pistachios. Lift some shallots from the pickling liquid, and scatter those over the top as well. Ready to serve!
30
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
Heucherella Coral Bells + Foamflower = Foamy Bells
W
hat do you get when you hybridize one genus with another genus? An intergeneric hybrid. The man-made genus Heucherella represents the intergeneric hybrid between two different but related genera: Heuchera and Tiarella. The name Heucherella is a combination of those two scientific names. Even the common name for Heucherella (foamy bells) is a blend of the parents’ common names: coral bells and foamflower. Heucherella’s attractive foliage, including many different foliage colors, is mostly derived from Heuchera, which Karen is generally used as the Bovio female parent. Tiarella, typically the male (pollen) parent, contributes a more profuse flowering habit and, depending on the species of Tiarella used, different foliage shapes.
Timeline of hybridization The best-known heucherella hybridizers (and not coincidentally, hybridizers of new heuchera and tiarella varieties) are Terra Nova Nurseries (Oregon), The Primrose Path (Pennsylvania), and more recently Walters Gardens (Zeeland, Michigan). Blooms of Bressingham (England) continues active breeding work as well, and most of the currently available heucherella varieties are the result of work by these four hybridizers. The first commercially successful heucherella cultivar, H. ‘Bridget Bloom,’ was created by Alan Bloom, founder of Blooms of Bressingham, and named after his daughter. It was introduced in 1955, but experimentation dates back to the 1930s. Renewed interest during the 1980s resulted in the introduction of a few more heucherella cultivars, but the groundwork for our newer, perhaps more garden-worthy heucherellas was laid with the explosion of new heuchera cultivars in the 1990s and early 2000s. Those ground-breaking heuchera hybrids continued on page 32
Terra Nova Nurseries
‘Dayglow Pink’
More on intergeneric hybrids Intergeneric hybrids are not common in the plant kingdom. In order to occur, the parents must not only be in the same plant family, in this case the Saxifragaceae, but they must have the same chromosome number and enough similarity in their DNA sequence to make cross-pollination possible. Nearly all intergeneric hybrids have occurred with the helping hand of man. The botanically correct way to write the genus name for an intergeneric hybrid is with an “x” preceding the name, as in x Heucherella. For simplicity’s sake in this article, I have dropped the x.
Terra Nova Nurseries
‘Stoplight’
enrich your
LakeOrion Orion Lawn LawnOrnaments
garden
25% OFF ALL IN-STOCK ITEMS Plus: Large DISCOUNT area, up to 50% OFF! Sale Ends 9-30-19
Gardener’s Paradise! Over 800 different items on display
Concrete Benches • Tables • Fountains • Planters Saucers • Birdbaths • Statues • Religious Statues • Rails Animals • Ballisters • Oriental Lanterns • Pier Caps
62 W. Scripps Rd., Lake Orion • 248-693-8683 Corner of M-24 (Lapeer Rd) & Scripps Rd. - 4 mi N. of The Palace of Auburn Hills
www.lakeorionconcrete.com • Call ahead for hours
artfully composed containers statues, urns, and garden iron herbs & scented geraniums outdoor garden weddings exquisite hanging baskets faerie headquarters
(miniature plants and accessories)
workshops topiaries
S
eavenly cent
(810) 629-9208 www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com 13730 White Lake Road, Fenton
HERB FARM
Spring 2019 Sales at Matthaei-Nichols
Make us your Destination. Van Atta’s has one of the largest selections of garden accents, trees, garden toys, annuals, shrubs and perennials in Southeastern Michigan. We grow an enormous variety of perennial species and cultivars. There’s a good chance we have that one plant you’ve been searching for or the garden ornament that will set your yard apart. Come on out and stroll our grounds. You’ll be amazed any one item at what you’ll find, as well as the friendly Offer valid through May 31, 2019 Not to be combined w/other offers service and expert advice you will receive.
10% OFF
Van Atta’s Greenhouse & Flower Shop
Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale Sat. & Sun., May 11 & 12, 10 am-4:30 pm, Matthaei
Mom-approved hanging baskets and container plantings grown and designed at Matthaei by volunteers and staff.
Spring Artist Market Sat., May 11, 10 am-4:30 pm, Matthaei
Unique items for sale from local artisans and crafters (No member discount on merchandise.)
Kitchen Favorites Sale Sat. & Sun., May 18 & 19, 10 am-4:30 pm, Matthaei
Heirloom vegetables and herbs grown by U-M student Campus Farm volunteers. Herb Study Group also on hand to answer herb and gardening questions.
Peonies Galore Sale Sat., June 1, 10 (or until peonies run out), Nichols Arboretum
Heirloom varieties of peonies for sale. Peonies sell out quickly; arrive early!
Family owned and operated since 1980
Gardens: 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor
9008 Old M-78 • Haslett, MI • 517-339-1142 www.vanattas.com • Open year round
Arboretum: 1610 Washington Hts., Ann Arbor
caring for nature, enriching life
mbgna.umich.edu • 734.647.7600
32
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
Terra Nova Nurseries
‘Sweet Tea’
www.PerennialResource.com
‘Pink Fizz’ continued from page 30 included genetic material from many different heuchera species, greatly expanding the gene pool available to create new heucherella varieties. All known heucherellas are sterile, meaning that they cannot serve as parents for new heucherellas. New heucherella varieties are developed by working with heuchera and tiarella species and the lengthy list of their cultivars.
How to grow heucherellas
Terra Nova Nurseries
‘Alabama Sunrise’
Heucherellas are typically sold in the shade plant department of garden centers, along with their parents, coral bells and foamflowers. In fact, these three groups can be so similar in appearance that reading tags may be the
only way to tell them apart. However, they don’t behave the same way in the garden. In general, heucherellas are more shade tolerant than the heucheras, which need some sun to develop their best foliage color. Of the three, tiarella is the most shade-tolerant. Most tiarella species are native to woodlands of North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest and high rainfall areas east of the Mississippi. Heucherellas are more moisture-requiring than many heuchera cultivars, which may have genetic drought tolerance imparted by species that grow in rock crevices in mountainous regions. Heucherellas fall somewhere in between their parents when it comes to moisture preference. continued on page 34
MichiganGardener.com | May 2019 | Michigan Gardener
33
Classified Ads NEED TO REPLACE SOME GRASS? We provide top quality sod grass to metro Detroit homeowners like you. Hillcrest Sod Farms has been growing quality sod for over 50 years. We provide sod to Do-It-Yourselfers or we can do the entire installation for you. A half century of experience has taught us to treat our customers like family—personalized care and attention is what you can expect from Hillcrest. For a free estimate, call 734-941-9595 and ask for Mike or Caryl. Or visit www.sodfarm.com to learn more. NEED A HAND? Call “The little gardener that could.” 15 yrs experience at Botanical Gardens. FREE Estimates. Pat: 586-214-9852, agardenspace.com.
SEEKING KNOWLEDGEABLE, PROFESSIONAL AND FRIENDLY sales staff for garden center in Southfield. Great pay. Full/part time available. 248-361-5945. GARDEN SPEAKER AVAILABLE for your club or group. This active collector gardener can speak on many subjects. Experienced to present at Garden Ctr open houses & conferences. For presentation list, biography, fee & references, contact Julia Hofley at Julia@juliasbiglife.com. 248-497-2674. Find me on Facebook. Michigan Gardener Classified Advertising is a cost-effective way to promote your business. Let our readers know! Go to MichiganGardener. com and click on “Classified Advertising.”
Campbell’ s G
REENHOUSES campbellsgreenhouses.com
Customer Appreciation Day! Join us Saturday, May 18th for a great day full of sales, music, hot dogs, and refreshments! A shop for home, garden, and soul. 15% OFF any single item under $50 OR 25% OFF any single item above $50 n.
Light can transform your landscape.
Lighting designed to enhance: •Safety •Security •Beauty Accentuate the features of your property—excellent return on investment. Extend your living space after sunset—enjoy your landscape like never before. Trust our technical expertise, attention to detail and years of experience.
We are landscape lighting specialists— it’s our only business.
Residential/Commercial
•
248-761-9377
Contact us for a consultation
present coupo Expires 5-31-19. Must with any other Cannot be combined sions do apply. sales or coupons. Exclu
Visit our website and check out our 2019 classes!
4077 Burnside Road • 810-688-3587 (Halfway between M-53 & M-24 in North Branch) May Hours: Open 7 days, 9-7
S O I L • S A N D • M U LC H • S TO N E • G R AV E L
State Crushing L A N D S C A P E S U P P LY
HELLO
GARDENERS!
• We specialize in natural wood mulches • Same day delivery service • Full line of organic products
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 & cedar bark mulch. Call us!
2260 Auburn Rd. • Auburn Hills • 248-332-6210 www.StateCrushing.com • Hours: Monday-Friday 7-5 Saturday 7-1
34
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
continued from page 32 Heucherellas grow best in partially shaded sites, either with morning sun or filtered light throughout the day. These shallow-rooted plants prefer moist, humus-enriched soil. They will not survive in poorly drained or continuously wet soil—good drainage is essential. Heucherellas are more disease-resistant than many of the coral bells and their hybrids, which are subject to a variety of fungal and bacterial leaf spot diseases, particularly in areas of high rainfall and humidity. Perhaps the biggest cultural challenge to growing heucherella and its kin is an insect called the black vine weevil. The adults are grayish-black nocturnal beetles that eat notches along the leaf margins. This leaf damage serves as a warning that more serious damage is going on underground. Gardeners may notice that one of more of their plants have an off color, look unthrifty, or have stopped growing. When the foliage is tugged lightly, the plant may pull out of the ground easily, with the gardener left holding the entire top of the plant in his or her hand. A closer look will reveal white, 1/3-inch long, white grubs in the plant’s crown and roots. Unfortunately, control of this pest is difficult without the use of chemicals, and timing of application is critical in order to target Terra Nova Nurseries
continued on page 36
‘Tapestry’
www.PerennialResource.com
‘Hopscotch’
Terra Nova Nurseries
‘Gold Zebra’
Beauchamp Landscape Supply 948 North Old US-23, Brighton, MI 48114 248-684-0332 www.BeauchampLandscapeSupply.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 8-5, Sun 9-3. We carry superior products at very fair prices. Bulk materials— mulch, topsoil, decorative stone, sand, gravel, boulders, outcropping, cobbblestone. Call us for same day delivery! Plus, fireplaces & firepits, garden decor, irrigation, tools & power equipment, outdoor lighting, pavers, water features. And plants! Annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, fruits, vegetables, herbs.
Christians Greenhouse & Garden Center 3750 E. Grand River Rd., Williamston, MI 48895 517-521-4650 www.christiansgreenhouses.com May/June hours: Please call. Amazing selection, amazing prices. Over 700 different varieties of annuals, grasses, perennials, roses, vegetables and herbs. The newest cultivars and traditional favorites. Plus rock garden perennials, bird and butterfly plants, and more. Our pottery assortment will wow you, with multiple sizes and colors.
Meier Flowerland 8087 W. Grand River, Brighton, MI 48114 810-229-9430 www.meierflowerland.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 8-8, Sun 8-6 Where you’re only limited by your imagination! We grow over 10,000 sun/shade hanging baskets. Plus annuals, geraniums, patio and deck pots for instant color, shrubs, roses, yard décor, gazing globes, stepping stones, more. Vegetables and herbs, including heirloom varieties. Wednesdays are Senior Day: 15% off live plants. Since 1954.
Milarch Nursery 28500 Haas Rd., New Hudson, MI 48165 248-437-2094 www.milarchnursery.com Hours – Thru Sat, June 15: Mon-Fri 8-5:30, Sat 8-3; Starting Mon, June 17: Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 8-1. The finest nursery stock and perennials since 1972. We grow and maintain quality plants, along with special care in handling. 27 acres of shade and flowering trees, evergreens, flowering shrubs, perennials and groundcovers. Landscape-grade sizes are available. We offer each customer a knowledgeable salesperson to assist with plant selection.
One Stop Landscape Supply 2586 S. Milford Rd., Highland, MI 48357 248-684-0332 www.OneStopLandscapeSupply.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 8-5, Sun 9-3. Over 5 acres of landscape supplies, plus an outdoor living display. Mulches, soils, stone, garden decor, tools, water features, lighting, and much more. We are your One Stop for everything you need as a do-it-yourself gardener. Knowledgeable staff helps answer your questions. Call us for same day delivery!
The Pond Place of Michigan 3505 W. Highland Rd., Milford, MI 48380 248-889-8400 www.pondplace.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-3, Sun 10-3. Established in 2001, The Pond Place is one of the largest retailers and wholesalers of pond supplies in Michigan. Our knowledgeable staff will help with your pond supply, koi, goldfish and water plant needs. We build ponds and seawalls too. Visit www.pondplace. com for online shopping and browse our free pond workshops!
Specialty Growers 4330 Golf Club Rd., Howell MI 48843 517-546-7742 www.specialtygrowers.net May/June hours: Mon-Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4. Excellent selection of perennials, grasses, hostas, native plants, herb and vegetable plants, all grown here at our nursery. Heirloom tomatoes and interesting pepper varieties. Perennials from starter 3.5” pots up to 2-gallon size. Outdoor-grown perennials, acclimated to local weather conditions, selected for Michigan gardens. Complete catalog on our website. Knowledgeable, experienced staff.
Van Atta’s Greenhouse 9008 Old M-78, Haslett, MI 48840 517-339-1142 www.vanattas.com Hours – May: Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 10-7; June: Mon-Sat 9-8, Sun 10-7. One of the largest selections of plants and garden accents in Southeastern Michigan. We grow an enormous variety of perennials. There’s a good chance we have that one plant you’ve been searching for, or the garden ornament that sets your yard apart. Come stroll our grounds—you’ll be amazed at what you find.
To advertise in Destinations, email Publisher@MichiganGardener.com or call Eric at 248-594-5563
More of a great thing (and still free!) Sign up today for our FREE e-newsletter! Visit MichiganGardener.com and enter your e-mail address at the top of the page next to the Michigan Gardener logo. Don’t miss the contest in each issue for your chance to win FREE garden prizes!
36
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
www.PerennialResource.com
‘Red Rover’
Terra Nova Nurseries
‘Cracked Ice’
continued from page 34 a vulnerable stage of the insect’s life cycle. Control measures are beyond the scope of this article but many university bulletins are available online, with complete descriptions of the insect and its effective control. Left untreated, affected plants will be killed, and worse yet, black vine weevil may become established in your garden. Many types of garden plants are damaged by black vine weevil, including yews, rhododendrons, astilbes, hostas, and sedums.
Using heucherellas in your garden Like coral bells, heucherellas can be used as colorful feature plants in part shade or part sun gardens. They come in nearly as wide an array of colors as their famous momma, including shades of green, silver, pewter-gray and purple, plus brighter color groups like chartreuse/yellow and earth tones encompassing orange, amber, russet, bronze and mahogany. Care should be used when siting chartreuse or yellow varieties, as they are more prone to burning with too much sun. However, sun for part of the day will intensify and improve the colors of the darkerpigmented varieties, including those in the orange/russet group. Highly colored plants Terra Nova Nurseries
continued on page 38
‘Solar Eclipse’
Plant Sale
Saturday, May 11, 10am-2pm (Members Only: Friday, May 10, 6-8 pm)
Offering a wide selection of plants, including Annuals, Perennials, Hostas & companions, Herbs, Conifers, Shrubs & Trees.
Come see THE HARPER COLLECTION:
A world-class collection of more than 500 dwarf & rare conifers
Botanical Garden & Arboretum • Hosta Hillside • Plant Conservatory Flower Gardens • Picnic Area • Bonsai • Hiking Trails • Weddings & Tours by appointment 6214 Monroe Rd. (M-50) • Tipton, MI • OPEN DAILY
517-431-2060 • hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu
Livingston County Gardens!
Weekend LACASA’s
Saturday & Sunday July 13 & 14 9 am - 4 pm
Tickets: $20 in advance $25 at gardens Check out our Bus Tour!
Uncle Luke’s featuring
All proceeds benefit abused children and victims of interpersonal violence
Get event details at lacasacenter.org 517-548-1350
ORGANIC
Soil Amendments & Fertilizers t
t t t t
t t t
Vegetables & flowers: Fresh plants arrive frequently throughout spring— Come visit often! Natural pest & disease control products WIDE variety of bagged soils & mulches Cocoa mulch (great price!) Seed potatoes, Bulk garden seed, Onions, Renee’s garden seed, High mowing organic garden seeds Dairy Doo compost & Square Foot gardening supplies Vegetable, Bedding, and Herb plants 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:
Flushing Lawn & Garden 114 Terrace St., Flushing, MI 810-659-6241
A Perennial Farm like no other! Set in a Botanical Garden 25 years in the making. Grown by people that know and love their plants.
Offering…
* Rare and Unusual Perennials * Hostas - 80 types * Daylilies - 150 types * Annuals * Large sizes
MerrittHomeDesign 5940 Cooley Lake Rd. Waterford, MI 48327
MerrittHomeDesigns.com 248-681-7955
38
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
Heucherella: Recommended cultivars The genus Heucherella has very diverse genetics—a given variety may have parentage from many different species of Heuchera and Tiarella, each imparting different characteristics. Additionally, hybrid heucheras and tiarellas, with their own complex heritage, may be used to create new cultivars of heucherella. Varieties that do well in the Pacific Northwest may or may not perform as well in an upper Midwest climate. This makes it hard to pick and choose “the best” varieties to recommend. Moreover, microclimates within each gardener’s locale can also have a big impact on success. Newer cultivars, with their more complicated lineages, may be improvements on older ones, but not necessarily in all regards. Although some of the first varieties of Heucherella have been superseded, gardeners know that new is not always better, and some of the older ones have remained solid performers over the years. Many stunning new varieties have not been grown long enough to have a track record. Each gardener will have to choose whether to try older, more established varieties or be adventurous and opt for newer, cutting-edge cultivars.
COLOR GROUPS A list of cultivars (and their breeders), arranged approximately chronologically by date of introduction within each color group. Green foliage, sometimes with burgundy center or veins • ‘Bridget Bloom’ – First heucherella commercially available (Blooms of Bressingham). • ‘Pink Frost’ – Bicolored pink and white flowers (The Primrose Path). • ‘Viking Ship’ – Coral-pink flowers (Terra Nova). • ‘Dayglow Pink’ – Bright neon-pink flowers (Terra Nova). • ‘Pink Fizz’ – Long-blooming, pink flowers; silvery green/burgundy (Walters Gardens).
Terra Nova Nurseries
‘Brass Lantern’
Silver/Purple/Green foliage combinations • ‘Quicksilver’ – Metallic silver with bronze veins; pink buds reveal white flowers (The Primrose Path). • ‘Twilight’ – Velvety charcoal gray, maple-shaped leaves veined purple (Terra Nova). • ‘Kimono’ – Very deeply dissected silver/green leaves with purple center (Terra Nova). • ‘Tapestry’ – Green/purple foliage; pink flowers; heavy blooming (Terra Nova). • ‘Cracked Ice’ – Deeply dissected, teal green with icy overlay; white flowers (Blooms of Bressingham). • ‘Galactica’ – Star-shaped silver leaves with purplish-black veins (Walters Gardens). Yellow/chartreuse foliage; burgundy or red center and/or veins • ‘Sunspot’ – The first chartreuse heucherella; red spot in leaf center; pink flowers (Terra Nova). • ‘Stoplight’ – Red centers and veins; white flowers; improved vigor (Terra Nova). • ‘Alabama Sunrise’ – Innovative incorporation of Heuchera villosa parentage; palmate leaves (Terra Nova). • ‘Gold Zebra’ – Deeply lobed palmate leaves with even more red throughout (Terra Nova). • ‘Thunderbird’ – Rival to ‘Gold Zebra’; maple-shaped leaves with red centers (Walters Gardens). • ‘Solar Eclipse’ – Round-lobed leaves; red center covers most of the leaf in cool weather (Terra Nova). • ‘Leapfrog’ – Red spots on softly lobed chartreuse leaves (Walters Gardens). Orange/ Amber/ Russet/Bronze foliage • ‘Burnished Bronze’ – Shiny bronze chocolate foliage; long-lived in garden (Terra Nova). • ‘Sweet Tea’ – A breakthrough with orange and tea colors (Terra Nova). • ‘Honey Rose’ – Amber and rose shades (Blooms of Bressingham). • ‘Buttered Rum’ – Golden-orange, becoming rum colored (Terra Nova). • ‘Brass Lantern’ – Large glossy palmate leaves; pronounced darker center (Terra Nova). • ‘Pumpkin Spice’ – Orange leaves with red veins; color deepens in summer (Walters Gardens). • ‘Hopscotch’ – Butterscotch to bronze/green, large palmate leaves (Walters Gardens). • ‘Red Rover’ – Red to bronze/green, deeply lobed (Walters Gardens).
Terra Nova Nurseries
‘Buttered Rum’ continued from page 36 in woodland settings often look artificial; these foliage colors aren’t found naturally in the woods. Look to the green, silver/green, or purple/green foliage colors to blend harmoniously in your woodland gardens. The delicate flowers, in shades of pink and white, add sparkle without being overpowering. Consider the soil when planting heucherellas in your gardens. They do best with loamy, moisture-retentive soils that neither hold water excessively, nor dry out quickly. Adding
compost or other organic matter is always a good practice. Remember that good drainage is of upmost importance for their long-term well-being. Planting companions should enjoy the same conditions of partial shade and well-drained but evenly moist soil, and could include hostas, ferns, bleeding hearts, perennial forget-me-nots (Brunnera), toad lily, Japanese forest grass, primroses, lungwort, and hellebores. Karen Bovio is the owner of Specialty Growers in Howell, MI.
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 !
GREENHOUSE & GARDEN CENTER
Selection! Selection! Selection! 2000+ varieties of Annuals, Perennials, Vegetables, Trees & Shrubs!
Excellent quality at low, northern prices! Come relax and enjoy spring by our waterfall with a free bag of popcorn! Washington Rd. EXIT
Wadsworth Rd.
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
Quality Plants for Dedicated Gardeners We grow our perennials outdoors, under natural conditions. This ensures that our plants are hardy and well-adapted to the local climate. That means better performance in your garden!
WE OFFER MORE THAN 600 VARIETIES of perennials, hostas, daylilies, ornamental grasses, native plants, herbs, ferns, wildflowers, annuals and gourmet vegetable plants.
4330 Golf Club Rd. ~ Howell ~ 517-546-7742 www.specialtygrowers.net Open April 12 to October 6: Mon-Sat 9a-5p • Sun 10a-4p
$5 OFF your plant purchase of $30 or more
Expires June 16, 2019
Visit Our Website to see our complete catalog of plants!
PR[MIUM MUlCH - lOPWll - D[CORAHV[ HON[ - flAGHON[ - VAllHON[ - BOUlDm - �AND - GRAV[l - PAV[R�
Annuals, Perennials, Vegetables, Herbs, Combination Planters, Hanging Baskets, Roses, and Much More!
Don’t Forget Mom on Mother’s Day! Jump into Summer with The Uniqueness You Find At Bogie Lake Greenhouse
YOUR ONf-�lOP �HOP lO BfAUilrY YOUR HOMf fOR OVfR 30 YfAR�! www.orionstone.com 248-391-2490 Orion Stone Depot I 4888 Joslyn Road, Orion, Ml 48359 Located 1/2 mile north of 1-75 and Great Lakes Crossing Outlets
Flowering Tropical Trees & Shrubs
248-887-5101 1525 Bogie Lake Rd. ~ White Lake 1-1/2 Miles S. of M-59 • Across from Lakeland H.S.
40
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
Pruning advice for grafted ornamental trees B
eing a professional pruner, I come across all levels of client awareness regarding their trees and shrubs. As I work on more and more grafted plants, I have realized that clients are usually unaware of what grafting is and what that means for their tree care. Grafting is a plant surgery, so the course of action taken includes extra consideration compared to a tree that has not been grafted.
What is a grafted ornamental tree? Grafting is the operation of inserting a plant shoot (the scion) into another plant (the rootEmily Fronckowiak stock). The intention is that the two knit together and grow as one. Thus the desirable characteristics of both are kept: the scion for its ornamental attributes and the rootstock for its root system. To do this, the two must be botanically compatible. The process of grafting adapts plants with desired features into more diverse sizes, forms, soil, and climate applications. It is also used for reparative purposes and for propagation. Having the ability to use grafted plant material has really opened the possibilities of including more variety into our urban landscape. A commonly known plant for this is the Knock Out rose. They offer many color choices, a low level of care, and a long bloom time. Another typical example is the tree form (i.e. standard) hydrangea. Many different hydrangea species are grafted to change the struc-
Crown Graft
Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener
Tree form or “standard” hydrangeas are created by grafting up high into the crown. This changes the plant’s structure from a shrub to a small tree. ture from a shrub to a small tree. Also, grafting was traditionally done on fruit trees, such as apple, for agricultural reasons. This is still a practice used today in our fruit tree crops, allowing for more selection in our production. There are many different kinds of grafts. The method used is determined by the final result desired. To simplify things for this pruning article, I will address just the location of the graft union. Understanding the graft’s location will help you diagnose your tree’s
Drawing by Emily Fronckowiak
growth and solve potential problems.
Graft locations: Root and crown These are two common graft union locations on the ornamental trees you may have in your landscape: A root graft is located at the bottom of the tree’s trunk. It is sometimes just under the soil level and sometimes above. An example of a commonly seen root graft is the upright Japanese maple (Acer palmatum). This is one of the reasons why there are so many choices within the Japanese maple upright forms. A crown graft is located at the top of the tree’s trunk, typically just under where the majority of the branches grow. Well-known in Michigan, the Camperdown elm is an example where you can find a crown graft. This tree is a scion of a weeping elm grafted to the rootstock of an American elm. Graft locations can have an impact on tree quality, just as the appearance of the graft union may be a factor of a tree’s quality. Graft unions generally look like a fissured area in the tree bark where the two sections have grown together. Sometimes the graft is visibly obvious, while other times it is difficult to distinguish, depending on the skill of the grafter, tree care after grafting, and the spe-
cific tree species. That said, there may be a swollen area where the union has occurred. It might be helpful to do an Internet search by the tree’s botanical name to see if and how that species is typically grafted. On grafted trees, certain tree growth anomalies are subtle at first. If something catches your eye, ask yourself these questions: Does your ornamental tree look different than it used to? Are some of the leaves changing shape, size, or color in grouped locations? Did you have a purple-leaved tree that now has a green section to it? Are the growth increments now disproportionate in sections and the overall form is no longer consistent? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, it is possible you have a grafted tree and that it needs some specific attention to curb the changes you are noticing. Care needs to be done, otherwise you will eventually lose the desirable characteristics for which the tree was grafted. For example, your purple-leaved tree may gradually turn to all green leaves.
Action plan: Strange growth lower in tree When a tree is sprouting new growth that appears different from the rest of the tree, it is time to analyze the situation. Let’s say
MichiganGardener.com | May 2019 | Michigan Gardener
41
growth increments that could be mistaken for a rootstock sprout. Keeping an observant eye on your trees and tracing the growth back should remedy any confusion. Something else to be mindful of with grafted trees is that not all scion growth is necessary or desirable. With some grafted tree cultivars such as weeping redbuds, there is often branch elimination that should take place in order to selectively nurture the canopy structure. Not doing so on a species like this will lead to the need for larger cuts down the road and a much more difficult time cutting out knotted and dead branches. The knotted branches will grow into one another, often killing off many branches in one section of the canopy. Fortunately, in this situation I have been able to give the tree much needed attention and guide it back to full canopy recovery. In certain circumstances, having the right professional care for your trees is important. Grafted trees that have been overlooked for some time may need additional techniques that are beyond the gardener’s typical skill set. Remember that recovery in older plants may take substantial time, so it is beneficial to get assistance while the tree is still relatively young. Becoming more aware of your grafted trees will help you properly care for them. A little additional knowledge to understand and nurture them will help you enjoy your treasured trees for as long as possible.
Upright Japanese maple is an example of a commonly seen root graft. that the leaves are larger and have a different shade of green. The first thing to look for is relatively simple: a tree seedling may have rooted within your tree’s root zone and has disguised itself as part of your plant. This is common among multi-stem trees. First, locate the growing anomaly and trace it back as far as you can. If it goes back to the ground, notice the bark color and texture. Is it different than the bark on your tree? What about the buds? Do they look different? If you are able to determine they are not related, then you most likely have a tree seedling (weed) and it should be removed in its entirety. If no noticeable difference exists in the sprouting, then it may be a sucker (strong new growth from the rootstock), which should be removed. Suckers are a way plants increase their ability to survive. Some tree species, such as dogwoods, are more likely to sucker or colonize as a form of propagation. However, with a grafted tree this is not the form of propagation that will keep the traits of the desired tree (the scion). If not removed, this sucker growth will draw most of the nutrients away from the scion portion of the tree. In my travels, I see that many gardeners know to remove suckers. Thumbs up! Now consider, why is this suckering hap-
pening? Grafted trees start suckering due to different variables and stresses, but ultimately they appear due to an imbalance of energy circulation in the tree. Sometimes the quality of the graft union is poor or damaged so the scion is struggling due to a lack of support from the roots. Or, the rootstock may simply create more opportunities to grow and produce suckers. Outside stress from the environment can also cause a tree to grow suckers, whether grafted or not. Suckering can happen when a tree is not getting as much light as it would like, going through a drought, fighting off a pest or disease, or was planted too deep. You can help your grafted tree by looking at what stresses may be affecting it and do what you can to minimize or eliminate them. Root pruning, a more drastic measure, can help when a tree’s rootstock is thriving and aggressively taking over the scion, but it is important to properly assess the full picture before taking this step. There is a line between encouraging and weakening an already weak plant.
Action plan: Strange growth higher in tree So what about solving unusual growth when it appears higher up in the tree? The process is much the same. You trace the growth
back and remove it from the location in which it begins. In this instance, you will find that the growth is originating from just below the crown graft. So again, the rootstock portion has surpassed the scion and needs to be removed to aid the scion’s longevity. On grafted weeping tree species, sometimes a branch shoot from the rootstock will grow out from the crown union, and grow vertically instead of cascading. This is an obvious juxtaposition to the planted tree form, signaling that there may be a rootstock shoot pushing through. If not removed, you would lose the weeping portion of the tree over time due to the dominant nature of this vertical growth of the rootstock. However, do not be too hasty in cutting. While it is important to remove these sprouts as soon as possible when they come from the rootstock, I would give the developing growth a little extra look. On some weeping trees, the new shoots go almost straight up in the air and then they cascade. You would not want to miss out on a new level of cascade just because you thought it was a sprout from the rootstock. A good example of this is the weeping white pine (Pinus strobus ‘Pendula’), which is a grafted conifer. This pine throws out long, sometimes seemingly vertical
Emily Fronckowiak earned a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from Cornell University in New York. She continued to study abroad in Italy and Japan. Varied landscape cultural exposure and Emily’s passion for details led her to specialize as a designer and hone her pruning skills. She is a Certified Aesthetic Pruner through the Aesthetic Pruners Association. To learn more about her work and craft, email her at emily@emalinedesign.com.
Drawing by Emily Fronckowiak
Root Graft
★ The Oldest Family Owned and Operated Farm In Michigan ★
Westcroft Gardens Established July 6, 1776
Annuals • Perennials • Herbs • Vegetables • Shrubs • Trees Greenleaf Compound — Our own custom-blend soil conditioner helps acidify your soil to improve your azalea and rhododendron blooms
Mother’s Day Weekend Open House Sat, May 11, 9a-6p & Sun, May 12, 10a-5p
4 acres of Botanical Gardens open to the public dawn to dusk every day of the year Rent the gardens for your next special event!
21803 W. River Rd., Grosse Ile, MI 48138 • 734-676-2444 westcroftgardens.com Celebrating
39 YEARS
in business! • Perennials– Flat of 18 $ 3999 Mix & Match • Expanded Native Plant section • Large Selection of plants to attract hummingbirds, butterflies & all other pollinators
• Huge selection of organic amendments & fertilizers • Hanging Baskets • Vegetables & Herbs • Huge line of perennials– Lots of NEW varieties! • Great selection of 4" Annuals • Worm Castings • Greenview 2- & 4-Step lawn fertilizer
Compost Blends and Potting Soils
For great looking plants all summer, use what we use—Jack’s Classic from J.R. Peters, Inc.
We offer a wide variety for all
Lots of NEW Yard Art!
EXPANDED WATER PLANT SELECTION! Lotus • Hardy Lilies • Cannas • Carnivorous Plants • Iris • Elephant Ears Papyrus • Lobelia • Lysimachia • Water Lilies • Water Hyacinth
EXPANDED SELECTION of Miniature & Fairy Gardening plants, fairies, and supplies
6414 N. Merriman • Westland, MI Located between Ford and Warren
734-421-5959 • www.barsons.com Check our website for sales & seminar dates/times
42
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
Look for Allen Park • Ace Hardware Almont H American Tree • Brohl’s Flower Garden Ann Arbor H Abbott’s Landscp Nurs • Ace Barnes Hardware (Washtenaw Ave) • Ace Barnes Hardware (West Stadium) • Dixboro Gnl Store H Downtown Home & Gard H HillTop Greenhse & Farms H Lodi Farms H Matthaei Botanical Gard H Produce Station H Turner’s Greenhse/ Gard Ctr • Weingartz • Wild Birds Unltd Armada • Pond Guy Auburn H Warmbier Farms Auburn Hills • Ace Hardware • Drake’s Landscp & Nurs H Haley Stone H State Crushing Belleville H Banotai Greenhse H Pinter Flowerland H Zywicki Greenhse Berkley • Garden Central Beverly Hills • Ace Hardware Birmingham H Blossoms Brighton • Ace Hardware H Beauchamp Landscp Supp • Brighton Stone & Fireplace • Grasshopper Gardens • Leppek Nurs H Meier Flowerland Brownstown Twp • Raupp Bros Landscp Supp H Ruhlig Farms & Gard Bruce Twp H Van’s Valley Greenhse Burton • Country Oaks Landscp Supp Canton • Canton Floral Gardens • Schmidt’s Roadside • Wild Birds Unltd Chelsea • Ace Hardware H Garden Mill • Potting Shed Chesterfield H Van Thomme’s Greenhses Clarkston • Ace Hardware (Dixie Hwy) • Ace Hardware (Sashabaw) H Country Oaks Landscp Supp • Gateway • Lowrie’s Landscp • Weingartz
at these fine locations: Clawson • Ace Hardware Clinton Twp H English Gardens • Michigan Koi • MSU ExtensionMacomb Cty • Tropical Treasures Clio H Piechnik’s Greenhse Commerce Twp H Zoner’s Greenhse Davison H Wojo’s Garden Splendors Dearborn • Ace Hardware • Fairlane Gard Dearborn Hts H English Gardens Detroit • Detroit Gard Ctr Dexter • Bloom! Gard Ctr H Dexter Mill • Earth Art H Fraleigh’s Nurs Eastpointe • Drew’s Garden H English Gardens Farmington • Alexander True Value Hardware Farmington Hills • Ace Hardware • Saxton’s Flower Ctr H Steinkopf Nurs • Weingartz Fenton • Gerych’s H Heavenly Scent Herb Farm Ferndale • Casual Modes Home & Gard Flushing H Flushing Lawn & Gard Ctr Fostoria H Iron Barn Fowlerville • Green-Up Gard Ctr Gladwin H Stone Cottage Gardens Grand Blanc H Weed Lady Grand Rapids • Meijer Gardens Grass Lake H Designs by Judy Grosse Ile • Grosse Ile Pet & Gard Ctr H Westcroft Gardens Grosse Pointe • Allemon’s Landscp Ctr • Meldrum & Smith Nurs Grosse Pointe Shores • Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Grosse Pointe Woods • Wild Birds Unltd Hadley • Le Fleur Décor Haslett H Van Atta’s Greenhse Highland • Ace Hardware • Colasanti’s Produce & Plants • Five Star Ace Hdwe • Fragments H One Stop Landscp Supp • Thornton Nurs
Howell H Specialty Growers H Superior Landscp Supp • Wilczewski Grnhses Imlay City H Earthly Arts Keego Harbor • Creative Brick Paving Lake Orion • Ace Hardware H Lake Orion Lawn Ornaments H Orion Stone Depot Livonia • Ace Hardware (5 Mi/Middlebelt) • Ace Hardware (6 Mi/Newburgh) • Bushel Mart H George’s Livonia Gard • Superior Growers Supp • Valley Nurs Macomb • Ace Hardware • Altermatt’s Grnhse • Boyka’s Greenhse H Brohl’s Greenhouse H Elya’s Village Gard • Joe Randazzo’s • Kutchey Family Farm • Landscape Source • Olejnik Farms • Wild Birds Unltd Midland • Dow Gardens Milford • Ace Hardware • Peter’s True Value Hardware H Pond Place Monroe • Flower Market New Baltimore H Meldrum Bros Nurs New Boston H Grass Roots Nurs • Mums the Word New Hudson • Fletcher & Rickard Landscp Supp H Milarch Nurs North Branch H Campbell’s Grnhses H Oldani Landscp Nurs Northville • Begonia Bros • Gardenviews Novi • Ace Hardware • Glenda’s Gard Ctr • Tollgate Education Ctr - MSU • Wild Birds Unltd Oak Park • Ace Hardware • Four Seasons Gard Ctr Oakland H Piechnik’s Gard Ctr Ortonville H Wojo’s Greenhse Owosso H Everlastings in the Wildwood Oxford • Ace Hardware • Oxford Farm & Gard Pinckney • Bock’s General
Plymouth H English Gardens Plymouth Nurs • Graye’s Greenhse • Lucas Nurs • Plymouth Rock & Supp • Rock Shoppe • Sideways • Sparr’s Greenhse Pontiac H Goldner Walsh Gard/Home • MSU ExtensionOakland Cty Ray • Heritage Oaks Redford H Pinter Flowerland • Seven Mi Gard Ctr Rochester • Allstate Home Leisure • Fogler’s Greenhse • Sherwood Forest Gard Ctr Rochester Hills • Ace Hardware H Auburn Oaks Gard Ctr H Haley Stone • Wild Birds Unltd Romeo • Cold Frame Farm Romulus • Kurtzhal’s Farms • Rush Gard Ctr Greenhse • Schwartz’s Grnhse Roseville • Dale’s Ldscp Supp • Flower Barn Nurs Sea World Royal Oak • Ace Hardware • Billings Lawn Equip H English Gardens • Frentz & Sons Hardware • Manus Pwr Mowers • Wild Birds Unltd Saginaw H Abele Greenhse & Gard Ctr Salem Twp H Willow Greenhses Saline • Clink Landscp & Nurs • Junga’s Ace Hdwe • KBK Gard Ctr • Saline Flowerland Shelby Twp • Ace Hardware • Diegel’s Greenhse H Hessell’s Grnhses • Maeder Plant Farm H Telly’s Greenhse South Lyon • Ace Hardware • Bader & Sons • Mike’s Garden • Stone Depot Landscp Supp Southfield • 3 DDD’s Stand • Eagle Landscp & Supp • Lavin’s Flower Land • Main’s Landscp Supp Southgate • Ray Hunter Gard Ctr St Clair Shores • Ace Hardware (Harper/13 Mi) • DeRonne True Value Hardware • Grnhse Growers H Hall’s Nurs • Soulliere Gard Ctr
Sterling Heights • Sterling Hts Nature Ctr Sterling Hts • Decor Statuette H Eckert’s Greenhse • Prime Lndscp Supp Stockbridge • Gee Farms Sylvan Lake H AguaFina Gdns Intl H Detroit Gdn Works Taylor • Ace Hardware • Beautiful Ponds & Gard • D&L Garden Ctr • Massab Acres H Panetta’s Landscp Supp Trenton • Ace Hardware • Carefree Lawn Ctr • Keck Hardware Troy • Home & Gard Shop H Telly’s Greenhse H Uncle Luke’s Feed Store Utica • Stonescape Supp • Weingartz Warren • Ace Hardware • Beste’s Lawn & Patio • Greco’s Nurs • Kutchey Family Mkt Washington • Landscape Direct • Big Red Orchard • Rocks ‘n’ Roots Waterford • Ace Hardware • Breen’s Landscp Supp • Jacobsen’s Flowers H Merrittscape West Bloomfield • ACE Hardware H English Gardens • Whole Foods Westland • Ace Hardware H Barsons Greenhses • Bushel Stop • Joe Randazzo’s Nurs • Merlino’s Bushel Ctr • Panetta’s Landscp Supp White Lake H Bogie Lake Greenhse H Mulligan’s Gard Ctr • Sunshine Plants Whitmore Lake H Alexander’s Greenhses • Green Oak Gard Williamston H Christian’s Grnhse Wixom • Angelo’s Landscp Supp • Brainer’s Greenhse Ypsilanti • Coleman’s Farm Mkt • Lucas Nurs H Margolis Nurs • Materials Unlimited • Michigan Greenscape Supp • Schmidt’s Antiques H Sell Farms & Grnhse
melvindale
allen park
Banotai Greenhouse
Ruhlig Farms & Gardens 24508 Telegraph Rd., Brownstown Twp, MI 48134 734-782-9811 www.ruhligfarmsandgardens.com Spring hours: Mon-Sat 9-8, Sun 10-6. A Gardener’s Dream come true. Enhance your garden’s beauty and uniqueness at our premier garden center. Explore 2 acres of beautiful nursery and greenhouses. Discover the enormous selection of annuals, perennials, patio containers, hanging baskets and potted plants. Friendly staff are always available to assist. Make us your destination for Spring, Summer, Fall & Christmas.
riverview brownstown
sumpter twp.
woodhaven
huron twp.
d
20200 Goddard, Taylor, MI 48180 313-291-3880 www.panettasupply.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 8-4, Sun 10-3. Wide variety of decorative rock and mulches. Bagged pine bark and cocoa mulch. Unilock, Oaks, Oberfields brick pavers and wall blocks. Variety of natural stone. Try our RJ’s Garden Mix, a custom blend of soils and soil additives—perfect for your garden. Visit both locations to experience our vast selection of perennials, roses, shrubs, trees.
Pinter Flowerland 6830 Rawsonville Rd., Belleville, MI 48111 734-482-2776 www.pinterflowerland.com May/June hours: Open 7 days a week; please call for hours. Buy direct from the grower—that means great quality and low prices. Family owned and operated since 1926. Annuals, hanging baskets, containers, perennials, garden supplies, soils, mulches, and much more. 13 acres of covered shopping— stay dry when it’s raining! Come see us at our Redford location also (313-538-7580).
trenton grosse ile
oo
Panetta’s Landscape Supplies
southgate wyandotte
w
24765 Bell Rd., New Boston, MI 48164 734-753-9200 www.grassrootspondandgarden.com Grass Roots Pond and Garden: Michigan’s place for quality pond supplies and service. See our website for hours and specials. Thank you, The Bates family.
taylor
ck
Grass Roots Pond & Garden
romulus
van buren twp.
ecorse
ro
6981 Rawsonville Rd., Belleville, MI 48111 734-482-2764 www.banotaigreenhouse.com May/June hours: Mon-Sat 8-7, Sun 8-6. Quality plants at competitive prices since 1960. Visit our 6 acres of the finest-quality plants: annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, specialty pots, tropicals, succulents, and more. New: trees and shrubs too! Certified Proven Winners distributor. We are committed to delivering superior customer service and building customer loyalty with every customer experience.
lincoln park
river rouge
flat rock
brownstown gibraltar
Westcroft Gardens 21803 West River Rd., Grosse Ile, MI 48138 734-676-2444 www.westcroftgardens.com May/June hours: Mon-Fri 8-7, Sat 9-6, Sun 10-5. Michigan’s oldest farm still owned and operated by the same family, established 1776. Specializing in our own azalea and rhododendron hybrids that grow well in Michigan. Also trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, herbs & vegetables. Our Greenleaf Compound acidifies & improves your soil. Stroll our botanical gardens or rent them for your next special event.
Zywicki Greenhouse 50705 Willow Rd., Belleville, MI 48111 734-461-6197 www.zywickigreenhouse.com May/June hours: Open 7 days a week, 9-7. Zywicki’s has served lower Michigan for over 50 years with quality annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, planters, window boxes, vegetable plants and roses. 200 varieties of vegetable and herb plants. Over 400 varieties of annuals, perennials, and hanging baskets. When it’s quality you need, it’s Zywicki’s indeed!
To advertise in Destinations, email Publisher@MichiganGardener.com or call Eric at 248-594-5563
Advertiser Index Abbott’s Landscape Nursery................46 Abele Greenhouse & Gard Ctr...............39 Aguafina Gardens International............14 Alexander’s Farm Mkt/Greenhses.....25 Applewood.......................................................13 Assoc. of Professional Gardeners........47 Auburn Oaks Gard Ctr..............................44 Barson’s Greenhouse.................................42 Beauchamp’s/The Pond Place.................5 Blossoms.........................................................46 Bogie Lake Greenhouses..........................39
Campbell’s Greenhouses.........................33 Civiltech............................................................25 Contender’s Tree/Lawn Specialists......11 Country Oaks Landscape Supp.............25 Cranbrook House & Gardens..................19 Davey Tree........................................................15 Destinations: Ann Arbor...........................16 Destinations: Downriver...........................43 Destinations: I-96........................................35 Destinations: Macomb..............................26 Detroit Garden Works................................. 6 Earthly Arts......................................................12 Eckert’s Greenhouse..................................25 EcoChic Landscape Design....................46
English Gardens...................................Page 3 Espoma..............................................................17 Everlastings in the Wildwood..................14 Fraleigh’s Landscape Nursery................45 The Garden Mill............................................47 Garden Rhythms..........................................47 A Garden Space............................................47 Goldner Walsh Garden & Home...........19 Gordon’s Lawn Core Aeration................. 8 Grass Magic....................................................27 Grinstein Jewelry & Design.....................27 Haley Stone....................................................44 Heavenly Scent Herb Farm.......................31 Hessell’s Greenhouses...............................15
Hidden Lake Gardens.................................37 Iron Barn Iron Work....................................47 LACASA Center...........................................37 Lake Orion Lawn Ornaments..................31 Matthaei Botanical Gardens....................31 Meier Flowerland.........................................23 Merritt Home Design.................................37 Michigan Green Industry Assoc............17 Michigan Nursery/Landscp Assoc......13 Milarch Nursery.............................................21 Mosquito One................................................23 Mulligan’s Garden Ctr.................................21 Organimax......................................................23 The Original Budget Tree Service........46
Orion Stone Depot.......................................39 Osmocote.......................Inside Front Cover Piechnik’s Gard Ctr...................................... 10 Piechnik’s Greenhse....................................19 Plantskydd........................................................15 Poison Ivy Control of Michigan...............21 Proven Winners Color Choice................. 9 Schuman Landscape Lighting................33 Sell Farms & Greenhouses..........................7 SOCRRA..........................................................46 Specialty Growers........................................39 State Crushing...............................................33 Steinkopf Nursery.......................................... 6 Stone Cottage Gardens............................46
Suburban Landscape Supply...................21 Sunny Fields Botanical Park.................... 10 Telly’s Greenhouse........................................ 4 Turner’s Landscp & Gard Ctr...................13 Uncle Luke’s Feed Store............................37 Van Atta’s Greenhouse..............................31 Warmbier Farms..........................................45 The Weed Lady..............................................13 Westcroft Gardens.....................................42 Wojo’s.................................................................19 Zoner’s Greenhouse...................................23
44 B EA DISPUTIFUL LAYS !
Patio & Landscape Supplies
Specializing in Landscape Supplies for Over 60 Years
calendar
• Brick Pavers • Wall Systems • Boulders • Wallstone • Natural Stone • Bluestone • Flagstone • Mulch & Topsoil • Stone Veneers • Bulk Stones • & Much More!
May
Knowledgeable staff to assist with your installation questions Prompt and Courteous Delivery
3975 S. Rochester Rd. • Rochester Hills (JUST SOUTH OF M-59 )
3600 Lapeer Rd. • Auburn Hills
(ACROSS FROM PAL ACE OF AUBURN HILLS )
248-852-5511
248-276-9300
May-August hours: Mon-Fri: 8-6 Sat: 8-4 • www.haleystone.net
Auburn Oaks GARDEN CENTER
OVER 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS!
All Bedding Plants
Begonias, Ageratum, Petunias, Marigolds & more!
48ct flat - ONLY $1299
Seed Geraniums Flat of 18 $2499 / 6 pack $899 10" Hanging Baskets
1599ea / 3 for $4199
$
12" Porch Pots
2199ea / 2 for $4199
$
12" Hanging Baskets $ 2199 ea / 2 for $4199
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
4.5" Potted Specialty Annuals $ 99 3 ea 10 or more only $359ea
3820 W. Auburn Rd. (2 blks E. of Adams Rd.) • Rochester Hills • 248-852-2310 Mon-Fri 8-8 Sat 8-6 Sun 10-5 • www.auburnoaksnursery.com
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT PUBLIC GARDENS, please visit MichiganGardener.com. Click on "Resources" then "Public Gardens."
May / June / July
Preschool Nature Storytime Wed, May 1, Select Wednesdays & Sundays, 10-11am, Ann Arbor. At Leslie Science & Nature Ctr. $5. Ages 1-5 w/ caregiver. Indoor/Outdoor activities. www.lesliesnc.org. Nature Tykes Preschool Program Wed, May 1, & Wednesdays, May 8, May 15, & May 22, Ann Arbor. At Leslie Science & Nature Ctr. Ages 4-5 without caregiver. Indoor & outdoor activities. Register: www.lesliesnc.org. H Applewood Estate Garden Tour Season Opening Thu, May 2, 11am-5pm, Thursdays to Sundays, May-Sep, Flint. At Applewood, The Charles Stewart Mott Estate. FREE. Guided house tours, historic orchard, spectacular gardens & more. www.Applewood.org, 810-233-3835. H Welcome Back Birds Sat, May 4, 8am-2pm, Grosse Pointe Shores. At Ford House. $12. Take a guided bird walk, see live owls & other birds of prey up close. Making your own feeder & other hands-on activities. 313-884-4222. Dahlias: Annual Tuber Sale Sat, May 4, 9am-Noon, Troy. By SEMDS at Tellys Greenhouse. Over 700 dahlia tubers & cuttings available. A variety of sizes, colors & petal forms. 248-689-5947. Plant Exchange Sat, May 4, 9-11am, South Lyon. By Four Seasons Garden Club on grounds at Witch’s Hat Depot Museum, 300 Dorothy St. Public plant exchange held rain or shine. 248-767-4183. H New Annuals for 2019 Sat, May 4, 10am, Troy. At Tellys. $40. Owner George Papadelis shares 60 new annuals. Participants will chose 10 to take home. Register: 248-689-8735. H May Day Sat, May 4, 10am-5pm & Sun, May 5, 11am-4pm, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. $1. Activities, crafts, fairy garden supplies & more. 810-629-9208, www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com. What’s Bloomin’ Crafter & Artisan Market Sat, May 4, 10am-3pm, Troy. At Balkan American Community Ctr. Over 75 vendors, one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day gifts from local businesses. www.CelebrateMetroDetroit.com. Exploration Hike at Anchor Bay Woods Preserve Sat, May 4, 10-11:30am, New Baltimore. By 6 Rivers Land Conservancy at Anchor Bay Woods Preserve. Come explore our newest parcel, acquired just this winter. 248-601-2816. Annual Afternoon Tea in the Greenhouse Sat, May 4, 12:30pm, Fenton. At Gerych’s Distinctive Flowers & Gifts. Join us in the beautiful greenhouse for our Annual Tea & Luncheon. Featuring live music. Groups welcome. RSVP: 810-629-5995. H How Do I Do Herbs? Sun, May 5, 1pm, Westland. At Barsons. Herb Q&A’s presented by Laura Lee, 29-year volunteer in the herb gardens at Greenfield Village. www.barsons.com.
20th Annual Elizabeth Sites Kuhlman Lecture Mon, May 6, 10:30am, Detroit. At Detroit Institute of Arts. $35. Lewis Miller, owner of Lewis Miller Designs, New York City, will present “Styling Nature in Floral Design.” Tickets: tickets.dia.org, 313-833-4005. Insects & Diseases Mon, May 6, Noon, Farmington Hills. By Farmington Hills GC at Spicer House. Gary Eichen of Sav-A-Tree/Mike’s Tree Surgeons discusses threats to our trees. vitaminsea55@gmail.com, 248-722-4503. Organic & Sustainable Gardening Classes Tue, May 7, & May 21, Jun 11, Jun 25, Jul 9, Aug 23, Detroit. By Voices for Earth Justice at 15894 Greydale Street. $5/ class. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ voices-for-earth-justice-15744281866. Great Gardens Party Wed, May 8, 6pm, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. $100. Signature spring fundraiser features cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a sit-down dinner, auctions, & more. www.meijergardens.org. H Container Gardening Workshop Thu, May 9, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. www.tellys.com. Register: 248-689-8735. Edible Fairy Gardening Thu, May 9, 1pm, Shelby Twp. By Shelby GC at Shadbush Nature Ctr. FREE. Enjoy a new form of functional gardening, with Melodee Beals. 586-873-3782. Flower Show & Tell Thu, May 9, 7pm, Ferndale. By Ferndale Garden Club at Kulick Community Center. “Flower Show” & “Show & Tell” by club members. 248-541-6427. Starting & Sustaining a School Garden: Exploring Seasons in the Garden Fri, May 10, 8am-3:30pm, Novi. At MSU Tollgate. Explore the steps to planning & maintaining a school garden. Speakers: Hanifa Adjuman, Norm Lownds. Register: Apr 26, 248-347-0269. Chelsea Area Garden Club 21st Annual Plant Sale Sat, May 11, 8am-Noon, Chelsea. By Chelsea Area Garden Club at Chelsea Fairgrounds. Rain/shine. Perennials, wildflowers, daylilies, ornamental grasses, ferns from member’s gardens. 734-475-9748. H Super Sprouts Kid’s Club Event: Paint & Plant a Pot for Mom Sat, May 11, 9am, all locations. At English Gardens. $5. We supply all the materials needed. An adult helper must attend with child. Register: www.EnglishGardens.com. H Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale Sat, May 11, 10am-4:30pm, Ann Arbor. At Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Hanging baskets & container plantings grown and designed by our staff/volunteers. 734-647-7600, mbgna.umich.edu. 2019 Bare Root Plant Event Sat, May 11, 10am, Novi. At MSU Tollgate Conference Center. FREE. https://events.anr.msu.edu/ 2019BareRootWLO/.
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
Deadline
May 15, 2019 June 15, 2019
June 2019 July/August 2019
45
Mother’s Day Wildflower Hike Sun, May 12, 1-2:30pm, Ann Arbor. By Leslie Science & Nature Ctr. at Black Pond Woods. $5/person, Mothers FREE. Critter House Open Hours 10am-1pm before the program. Register by May 8: 734-997-1553. Clematis Care & Culture Mon, May 13, Noon, Dearborn. By the Dearborn Garden Club at 1st Presbyterian Church of Dearborn, 600 N Brady. gardenclubdearborn.org. H Cranbrook Spring Plant Sale Tue, May 14, 10am-7pm & Wed, May 15, 10am-2pm, Bloomfield Hills. At Cranbrook. Shop for native plants, perennials, fairy garden plants, herbs, tomatoes, gardening items, & more. housegardens.cranbrook.edu. Heirloom Vegetables Tue, May 14, 6:30pm, Mt. Clemens. By MCMGA at Mt. Clemens Library. $5. Mary Gerstenberger covers heirlooms, benefits/drawbacks & where to buy seeds. macombcountymga@yahoo.com. H New Annuals & Perennials for 2019 Tue, May 14, 6:30pm, Troy. By Master Gardener Society of Oakland County at Telly’s Greenhouse. $5. chase8219@gmail.com. Grounds & Gardens Tour at Ford House Tue, May 14, Every other Tue, Grosse Pointe. At Ford House. $10. Get captivated by the gorgeous naturaliststyle landscapes on this guided tour. 313-884-4222. Meadow Brook Greenhouse Plant Sale Thu, May 16, 8am-6pm, & Fri, May 17, 9am-3pm; Rochester. By Meadow Brook Greenhouse at Meadow Brook Hall. 248-364-6171. Meadow Brook Garden Club Perennial Plant Sale Thu, May 16, 8am-2pm, Rochester. By Meadow Brook Garden Club at Meadow Brook Hall. 248-364-6171. A Glimpse of Japan Thu, May 16, 11am-2pm, Southfield. By Ikebana International Detroit Chapter at Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church. $10. Demonstration of ikebana & member exhibition. www.ikebana.org. Flower Arranging with Roses Workshop Thu, May 16, 6-8pm, Grosse Pointe Shores. At Ford House. $65. Hands-on workshop led by Rosarian Kelley Maricle. Basic principles of floral design. Take home an arrangement. Tickets: 313-884-4222. Meadow Brook Garden Club Book Club Fri, May 17, 9:15am, Rochester. By The Meadow Brook Garden Club. Program at 10am. $5. Peter Carrington, Ph.D. “Toxic Plants & Their Friends”. meadowbrookhall.org. Fair Lane Garden Volunteers’ Spring Plant Sale & Garden Market Fri, May 17, 10am-3pm; Sat, May 18, 9am-1pm, Dearborn. At Fair Lane (Henry Ford Estate). All proceeds benefit the historic gardens. 313-668-3195, www.henryfordfairlane.org. H Signs of Spring Fri, May 17, 6pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. $45. Angie Hanawalt guides participants as they create a fun & beautiful garden sign. Register: hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu. H Campbell’s Appreciation Day Sat, May 18, 9am-7pm, North Branch. At Campbell’s. 810-688-3587.
H Pond & Waterfall Design Sat, May 18, 10am-Noon, Milford. At The Pond Place. Workshop addresses key issues associated with designing/building your own pond, stream & waterfall. Register: 248-889-8400. Demo Garden Kick-Off Sat, May 18, 10am, Noon, Flint. At the corner of 5th Ave. & Begole St. Opening day for the Edible Flint demo garden & volunteer day. Register: www.EdibleFlint.org. Perennial Plant Exchange Sat, May 18, 10am-Noon, Troy. By Troy Garden Club at parking lot adjacent to Troy Aquatic Center. FREE. Trade your excess plants & increase the variety in your garden. No money will exchange hands. Pot & label. 248-528-2647. Home Garden Community Day Sat, May 18, 10am-2pm, Belleville. At WCCCD Ted Scott Campus. FREE. Smart gardening workshop, vendors, plants, shrubs, flowers. mkhoury1@wcccd.edu, www.wcccd.edu. H Pond Construction - Hands-On Workshop Sat, May 18, 1-3pm, Milford. At The Pond Place. Handson experience building an 11’ x 16’ pond with a stream, waterfall & bog, as well as a pondless waterfall. Register: 248-889-8400. H Kitchen Favorites Herb Sale Sat, May 18, & Sun, May 19, 10am-4:30pm, Ann Arbor. At Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Herbs, containers & heirlooms. Herb study group on hand to answer questions. www.mbgna.umich.edu. Michigan Orchid Society General Meeting Sun, May 19, 2:30pm, Birmingham. By the Michigan Orchid Society at the First Baptist Church, 300 Willits St. Discussion will be on Novelty Phaleanopis. Plant sales & plant raffle. Public welcome.
u s, F lov Plu We
H Mother’s Day at Applewood Estate Sun, May 12, 11am-5pm, Flint. At Applewood Estate. FREE. Strolling tours of the 1st floor 11:30-4:30. Walking garden tour begins at Noon. Enjoy a taste of Applewood during your visit. www.Applewood.org.
Waterford Garden Club Spring Plant Sale Sat, May 18, 9am-5pm, Waterford. By Waterford Garden Club at Waterford Senior Center. Perennials, succulents, houseplants & herbs. waterfordgardenclub.org.
e
Tre es !
Michigan All-State Bonsai Show Sat, May 11, At Frederik Meijer Gardens. FREE. Enjoy bonsai trees on display. Shop for plants & growing supplies & watch demos. www.meijergardens.org.
Plant Sharing Sat, May 18, 9-10am, Livonia. By Livonia Garden Club at Greenmead Historical Park, 20510 Newburgh Road. Rain or shine. Share perennials, annual seeds, houseplants, yard art. livoniagardenclub.org.
ll S pl ele an ts t ction h
ls er a i nn t nev e r e P O at a f Shrubs, nal, bu re re t io
&
Pulling Together at Fair Lane Sat, May 11, 1-4pm, Dearborn. At Fair Lane, home of Clara & Henry Ford. Join the effort to remove invasive plant species. Wear long pants & closed-toe shoes. Register: 313-668-3193.
a
bo rin g
Perennial Exchange Sat, May 18, 9am-11am, Auburn Hills. By Auburn Hills Beautification Advisory Commission at Community Center Patio. Rain or shine. Please label plants. 248-364-6946, ebrennan@auburnhills.org.
b
H Spring Artist’s Market Sat, May 11, 10am-4:30pm, Ann Arbor. At Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Unique items for sale from local artisans and crafters. mbgna.umich.edu.
TREES N G N I R • Magnolias • Red OW E bud Wpples s•
K! STOC IN
Annual Plant Sale & Green Days Sat, May 18, 9am-2pm, Dexter. By Dexter Garden Club at Monument Park Gazebo. Array of plants to suit all growing conditions & budgets. 734-834-3300, kathleenstevenson@charter.net.
ore! any m dm An
H Hidden Lake Gardens Plant Sale Sat, May 11, 10am-2pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. Wide selection of plants, including annuals, perennials, hostas, herbs, conifers, shrubs & trees. hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu.
SPRING Dogwood -FL s• Cra O
MichiganGardener.com | May 2019 | Michigan Gardener
liable and func
860
67
0 Call 0 Jackso 26-5 .com 4 n 4 or ch 3 R 7 d . • Dexter, MI hs eck ou r website for hours – www.fraleig
WARMBIER FARMS Everything for your Garden, Home, and You
Yardeners of St. Clair Shores Native Plant Sale Fri, May 24, By The Yardeners of St. Clair Shores. Last day to order. Pickup is on the day of the plant sale (June 8) at the Selinsky-Green Farmhouse Museum. Plant list: scsyardeners@gmail.com. Grounds & Gardens Tour at Ford House Tue, May 28, Every other Tue, Grosse Pointe. At Ford House. $10. Get captivated by the gorgeous naturaliststyle landscapes on this guided tour. 313-884-4222.
June Clarkston Perennial Plant Exchange Sat, Jun 1, 8:30am, Clarkston. By Clarkston Farm & Garden Club at Corner of Main St. & Washington St. Rain/shine. Pot & identify your plants. www.clarkstongardenclub.org, 248-625-2644. Tollgate Big Spring Plant Sale Sat, Jun 1, 9am-2pm, Novi. At Tollgate Farm. Perennial plants, organized sale with volunteers to provide advice, proceeds support gardens. 248-347-3860 ext. 251, prentic1@msu.edu. Perennial Exchange Sat, Jun 1, 9-10:30 am, Romeo. At Romeo Village Park. Bring your labeled plants to share & acquire new ones. Exchanges only. Free raffle giveaways. No registration necessary. www.rwbparksrec.org. H Peonies Galore Sale Sat, Jun 1, 10am, Ann Arbor. At Nichols Arboretum. Several varieties of locally grown heirloom peonies for sale. 734-647-7600, mbgna.umich.edu. continued on page 46
Garden Center
Garden Statuary
Available seasonally, we have a wonderful assortment of annuals and herbs. And roses! Over 100 varieties each year, including hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, shrubs & miniatures. Plus, outdoor-grown perennials & shrubs. Why does outdoor-grown matter? Our plants are hardy, healthy & well-rooted— ready to succeed in your garden from day one.
Over 2,000 different cement garden statues in our outdoor showroom, all made here in Michigan by us! Plus, come see our mind-boggling selection of garden decor, arbors, gazing globes, furniture, and so much more.
5300 Garfield Rd. • Auburn, MI • Centrally located between Saginaw/Bay City/Midland
989-662-7002 • www.warmbierfarms.com
HEADING UP NORTH? We’re just 7 minutes off of I-75!
Outstanding collection
of spring-blooming trees, shrubs & perennials available
Japanese maples
Colorful leaves in spring, summer & fall! Come see our 55 varieties
Nursery & Garden Center 2781 Scio Church • Ann Arbor 734-665-TREE (8733) www.abbottsnursery.com
IMPROVE YOUR WORLD WITH HELP FROM OUR KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF
ecoChic
landscape design
Bees to Trees Minus Invasive Weeds
• Native Plant/Pollinator Designs • Invasive Plant I.D. & Removal • Small Tree/Shrub Care • Presentations & Consulting
248-978-2300 www.ecochiclandscape.com design@ecochiclandscape.com
THE Original BUDGET TREE SERVICE • Tree & Shrub Removal/Trimming • Stump Removal & Grinding • Lot Clearings • Storm Damage WE WILL TRY TO BEAT ANY INSURED QUOTE—CALL US!
800-964-7785
LICENSED
www.OriginalBudgetTreeService.com & INSURED
Stone Cottage Gardens Huge selection of perennials & daylilies
High quality tools / Cocoa shell mulch Organic garden amendments & animal repellents Help for your gardening questions & concerns
On your way Up North, stop by and wander through our beautiful display gardens that surround our old stone cottage & farm buildings. Open May 6 - Oct. 6 Mon-Fri 10-6 Sat 9-4
3740 Willford Rd. Gladwin, MI 989-426-2919 www.stonecottagegardens.com Check out our gardens on
46
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
continued from page 45 Harrison Township Trunk Plant Exchange Sat, Jun 1, Noon-2pm, Harrison Twp. By Harrison Township Beautification Commission at Tucker Senior Ctr. Exchange for garden plant treasures with others. 586-242-3868. 11th Annual Spring Garden Tour Sat, Jun 1, Detroit. At Black Cat Pottery. www.blackcatpottery.com. Iris Show Sat, Jun 1, & Sun, Jun 2, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. Enjoy a variety of tall bearded & Siberian iris blossoms on display, all locally grown for this judged show. www.meijergardens.org. Hardy Plant Society: Plant Sale & Auction Mon, Jun 3, 7pm, Bloomfield Hills. By Hardy Plant Society at Congregational Church of Birmingham (1000 Cranbrook Rd). Annual plant sale & auction. Free admission; open to all. For more info: julia@juliasbiglife.com or visit us on Facebook. Rose Care Thu, Jun 6, 6-8pm, Grosse Pointe Shores. At Ford House. $35. How to select, grow, prune & care for your roses with Rosarian Kelley Maricle. Tickets: 313-884-4222. Yardeners Native Plant Sale Sat, Jun 8, 9-11:30am, St Clair Shores. By The Yardeners at The Selinsky-Green Farmhouse grounds. Deadline to preorder is May 24. Plant list: scsyardeners@gmail.com. H Bugs: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Sat, Jun 8, 10am, All locations. At English Gardens. FREE. We will help you decipher which bugs can be your garden helpers & which ones are just plain pests. www.englishgardens.com. Organic & Sustainable Gardening Class Tue, Jun 11, & Jun 25, Jul 9, Aug 23, Detroit. By Voices for Earth Justice at 15894 Greydale Street. $5/class. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/voices-for-earthjustice-15744281866. Grounds & Gardens Tour at Ford House Tue, Jun 11, Every other Tue, Grosse Pointe. At Ford House. $10. Get captivated by the gorgeous naturalist-style landscapes on this guided tour. 313-884-4222. Franklin 34th Annual Garden Walk Wed, Jun 12, 10am-4pm & 6-9pm, Franklin. By Franklin Garden Club. $15. Artisan Market on the Green from 9am-5pm. Tickets: EventBrite,@2019franklingardenwalk. eventbrite.com. The Rose: Unequaled by Any Other Plant Form Wed, Jun 12, 6:30, Mt. Clemens. By MCMGA at Mt. Clemens Library. $5. Duane DeDene, ARS, shares what to look for when purchasing a rose, planting/care tips & more. macombcountymga@yahoo.com. H Attracting Birds & Butterflies Sat, Jun 15, 10am, All Locations. At English Gardens. All about the birds & butterflies, and the flowers/trees they love to call home. www.EnglishGardens.com. Rose Show Sat, Jun 15, & Sun, Jun 16, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. Enjoy a variety of rose blossoms on display, all locally grown & carefully prepped. www.meijergardens.org. Meadow Brook Garden Club Open House Tue, Jun 18, 8:30am-Noon, Rochester. By Meadow Brook Garden Club at Meadow Brook Hall. Experience the joy of gardening at Meadow Brook. Meet in the white tent on the south side. 248-364-6210. Dearborn Garden Club Annual Luncheon Thu, Jun 20, 11:30am, Dearborn. At Dearborn Country Club. $25. Luncheon & installation of officers. www.gardenclubdearborn.org. H Make It & Take It: Terrarium Trio Thu, Jun 20, 7-8pm, all locations. At English Gardens. $34.99. Some creative fun, while enjoying a signature cocktail. Register: www.englishgardens.com. 28th Annual Grosse Pointe Garden Tour Fri, Jun 21, 10am-4pm, Grosse Pointe. By Grosse Pointe Garden Center at 7 private gardens & the Trial Gardens & Veterans Garden at the War Memorial. $20. 313-4990743, gpgardenctr@outlook.com. H Pond & Waterfall Design Sat, Jun 22, 10am-Noon, Milford. At The Pond Place. Workshop addresses key issues associated with designing/building your own pond, stream & waterfall. Register: 248-889-8400. Lakeside Garden Walk Sat, Jun 22, 11am-5pm, Lakeside. The Lakeside Association at 8 unique gardens that represent Harbor Country. $35. A range of settings from lake front to urban. www. thelakesideassociation.com, 773-343-1680.
H Pond Construction - Hands-On Workshop Sat, Jun 22, 1-3pm, Milford. At The Pond Place. Handson experience building an 11’ x 16’ pond with a stream, waterfall & bog, as well as a pondless waterfall. Register: 248-889-8400. Trenton Garden Walk Sat, Jun 22, Trenton. At 7 home gardens & the Trenton Cultural Center Gardens. $8/advance & $10/day of. Glenda Albright, 734-281-6504. Genesee County Master Gardener Tour Sun, Jun 23, 10am-5pm, Otisville. By Master Gardener Assoc of Genesee County at 8 Davison-Otisville area gardens. Self-guided tour. MSU Extension Master Gardeners on hand to answer questions. 989-723-6074, leemar4321@frontier.com, GCgardentour.weebly.com. Evening of Roses at Ford House Thu, Jun 27, 5:30-8:30pm, Grosse Pointe Shores. At Ford House. Step into Eleanor’s personal rose garden for an open-air soiree. Enjoy rose treats & more. Tickets: 313-884-4222. Crocker House Garden Walk & Breakfast Talk Sat, Jun 29, 9am-4pm, Mount Clemens. By Macomb County Historical Society at Crocker House Museum. Garden Walk: $17. Breakfast: $15. Plant exchange at the Michigan Transit Museum. 586-465-2488, www.crockerhousemuseum.org. H Landscape Design 101 Sat, Jun 29, 10am, all locations. At English Gardens. Our landscape designers will share their expertise on the fundamentals of landscape design, & provide information on installation. www.EnglishGardens.com.
July Farmington Hills Garden Club Front Porch Picnic Mon, Jul 8, Farmington Hills. Farmington Hills GC at Warner Mansion. Share food, friendship & more food. Bring a dish to pass & a place setting. vitaminsea55@gmail.com, 248-722-4503. Grounds & Gardens Tour at Ford House Tue, Jul 9, Every other Tue, Grosse Pointe. At Ford House. $10. Get captivated by the gorgeous naturalist-style landscapes on this guided tour. 313-884-4222. Northville Garden Walk Wed, Jul 10, 9am-4pm, Northville. By Country Garden Club of Northville. $12/advance. $15/day of at Gardenviews & Northville Town Square (new location), 150 E. Main, across from clock. Garden artisans, live music & more. cgcnv.org, 734-788-9935. 45th Annual Troy Garden Walk Wed, Jul 10, 9:30am-3pm & 5-8:30pm, Troy. “Between Art & Nature” by Troy Garden Club at 7 private gardens. $10/advance ticket. Activities at Troy Historic Village, free admission 9am-6pm. www.TroyGardenClubMI.com, 248-540-6158. Annual Flower Show: Lakeshore Beauty Thu, Jul 11, to Sat, Jul 13, Spring Lake. By Tri-Cities Garden Club at Spring Lake District Library. H Hydrangeas 101 Sat, Jul 13, 10am, all locations. At English Gardens. FREE. The basics of all things hydrangea, including the different varieties & care. www.EnglishGardens.com. Garden-Nature-Fest Sat, Jul 13, 11am-4pm, South Lyon. At The Salem-South Lyon District Library. FREE. Speakers, nature vendors, face painting, gardening styles, music, Q&A. 248-437-8539. H LACASA’s Garden Tour Weekend Sat, Jul 13, & Sun, Jul 14, 9am-4pm, Livingston Co. By LACASA. $20 advance tickets. $25 at gardens. Check out our Bus Tour. All proceeds benefit abused children & victims of interpersonal violence. www.lacasacenter.org, 517-548-1350. Friendly Garden Club Garden Walk Thu, Jul 18, Noon-7pm, Traverse City. By The Friendly Garden Club of Traverse City at 5 gardens in The Holiday Hills area. $12. Rain/shine. Tickets: www.mynorth.com. www.thefriendlygardenclub.org. Harrison Township Inspirations Garden Tour Sat, Jul 20, 9am-4pm, Harrison Twp. Harrison Township Beautification Comm. at 8 residential gardens. Self guided: $10/presale. $15/day of. $20/VIP bus tickets pre-sale. Start at Tucker Senior Ctr. 586-242-3868. H Pond & Waterfall Design Sat, Jul 20, 10am-Noon, Milford. At The Pond Place. Workshop addresses the key issues associated with designing/building your own pond, stream & waterfall. Register: 248-889-8400.
MichiganGardener.com | May 2019 | Michigan Gardener
47
Daylily Show Sat, Jul 20, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. Daylily flowers last for just one day & so does this show. See an amazing variety of daylily flowers. The Garden Cruise Sun, Jul 21, 9am-4:30pm, Metro Detroit, by Detroit Garden Works & The Greening of Detroit. Tour only: $35/ person. Tour & cocktail reception: $50/person. 248-335-8089. www.thegardencruise.org. H Savor the Summer at Applewood Estate Thu, Jul 25, 4-8pm, Flint. At Applewood Estate. FREE. We’ll be celebrating the season with live music, outdoor games, hands-on activities & more with our partners from the community. www.Applewood.org. Food Garden Tour Wed, Jul 31, 5-8pm, Flint. Explore Flint’s Community & Market Gardens by bike or bus. $10/person donation. Registration begins July 1st. www.EdibleFlint.org.
H Hydrangea Blooming Tips Sat, Jul 20, 10am, all locations. At English Gardens. An English Gardens expert will share our secrets for successful hydrangeas. www.EnglishGardens.com. 25th Annual Garden City Garden Walk Sat, Jul 20, 10am-3pm, Garden City. By the Garden City Garden Club. $8. Help us raise money for our scholarship program at Garden City HS. gcgc.weebly.com, 734-564-3868. H Pond Construction - Hands-On Workshop Sat, Jul 20, 1-3pm, Milford. At The Pond Place. Hands-on experience building an 11’ x 16’ pond with a stream, waterfall & bog, as well as a pondless waterfall. Register: 248-889-8400. Tollgate Sunset Garden Celebration: Open House Sat, Jul 20, 4-7pm, Novi. At Tollgate Farms. FREE. Tour 16 gardens, plus enjoy music, education, walking tours, refreshments & garden market. 248-347-3860 ext. 251, prentic1@msu.edu.
call “the little gardener that could” 15 Years Experience at Botanical Gardens call pat for FREE Estimates 586-214-9852 • Www.agardenspace.com
Iron Railings Custom Iron Work for Home/Garden
is FREE.
• PORCH, STEP, DECK & HANDRAILS • DRIVEWAY & GARDEN GATES
Let’s keep it that way.
• ALUMINUM LAMPS • POWDER COAT FINISHING • RESTORATION AND MORE!
Shop with our advertisers and please tell them you saw their ad in Michigan Gardener.
810-358-0010 • theironbarn.com
Never miss an issue.
Subscribe for convenient home delivery of Michigan Gardener 5 issues (1 year) – $13
10 issues (2 years) – $24
15 issues (3 years) – $33 BEST VALUE
Need help in your garden? Hire a Professional
Our members work with Integrity, Intelligence & Pride www.associationofprofessionalgardeners.org aprogardener@gmail.com
New members always welcome Visit our website for program schedule
GARDEN RHYTHMS
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPES
Ornamental Pruning Maintenance & Redesign Garden Coaching Seasonal Containers Certified Master Gardeners & Designers 248-217-6459 • bevinbloom@comcast.net
name
6TH ANNUAL
address city
state
zip
Spring Pottery Sale!
Would you like to receive our free e-newsletter? Please indicate your e-mail address:
Let’s Get Gardening! Hanging Baskets • Window Boxes • Porch Pots Annual Bedding Plants • Herbs • Vegetable Plants
where did you pick up mg?
michigan gardener is published in april, may, june, july/aug & sept/oct Canadian subscriptions: 1 year, 5 issues for $22.00 USD / 2 years, 10 issues for $42.00 USD
please enclose your check (payable to michigan gardener) & mail to: Michigan Gardener 30747 Greenfield Rd., Suite 1 Southfield, MI 48076
Come in for savings up to 50% OFF planters of all sizes While supplies last. See store for details. Expires 5-31-19 or while supplies last
10 OFF
$
any $50 purchase with this ad
Cannot be used with any other offer. Cannot be used to purchase gift certificates. Expires 5-31-19.
110 S. MAIN • DOWNTOWN CHELSEA • 734-475-3539 • www.thegardenmill.com
A collection of stores and gardens to shop and visit. Please call ahead for hours, as they may vary from season to season.
Mt. Pleasant
Gladwin
Bay City
Midland
Auburn
Saginaw North Branch Clio
Lapeer
Davison
Imlay City
Flushing
Owosso
Lennon
Burton
Port Huron
Dryden
Grand Blanc
Flint
Emmett
Hadley Almont
Bancroft
Grand Rapids
Bruce Twp. Fenton
Oxford
Ortonville
Lake Orion
Haslett
Lansing
East Lansing
Oakland
Clarkston
Fowlerville
Howell
Mason
Stockbridge
White Lake
White Lake Waterford
Plymouth Chelsea
Jackson
Dexter
Detroit Westland
Ann Arbor
Grass Lake
Canton
Taylor Belleville
Romulus
Saline New Boston
enhanced listing 4-line listing with your: • Business name • Address • Phone • Website or E-mail
premium listing 4-line listing PLUS highlighting: • Business name • Address • Phone • Website or E-mail
please contact us for info: publisher@ MichiganGardener.com 248-594-5563
Southgate Brownstown Trenton Twp. Grosse Ile Flat Rock
Tecumseh
Cement City
Want to advertise your local business in Places to Grow? 2 options:
cement city
DearbornDearborn Heights
Ypsilanti
Manchester
Tipton
Monroe
Ottawa Lake
ann arbor H Abbott’s Nurs & Garden Ctr 2781 Scio Church Rd, MI 48103 734-665-8733 www.abbottsnursery.com H Downtown Home/Gard 210 S Ashley St, MI 48104 734-662-8122 www.downtownhomeandgarden.com H HillTop Greenhse/Farms H Lodi Farms H The Produce Station H Turner’s Greenhse & Garden Ctr 4431 South Wagner Rd, MI 48103 734-663-7600 www.turnersannarbor.com Wild Birds Unltd
auburn H Warmbier Farms 5300 Garfield Rd, MI 48611 989-662-7002 www.warmbierfarms.com
auburn hills Drake’s Landscp & Nurs H Haley Stone 3600 Lapeer Rd, MI 48326 248-276-9300 www.haleystone.net H State Crushing
bancroft Grand Oak Herb Farm
bay city H Begick Nursery & Garden Ctr 5993 Westside Saginaw Rd, MI 48706 989-684-4210 www.begicknursery.com
brownstown twp
H Banotai Greenhse Gardeners Choice H Pinter Flowerland H Zywicki Greenhse
Bruce’s Pond Shop Raupp Brothers Gard Ctr H Ruhlig Farms & Gard
berkley
H Van’s Valley Greenhse
Garden Central
burton
birmingham
H Country Oaks Landscp Supp
brighton H Beauchamp Landscp Supp Bordine’s Brighton Stone Leppek Nurs H Meier Flowerland 8087 W. Grand River, MI 48114 810-229-9430 www.meierflowerland.com
chelsea H Garden Mill 110 S. Main St, MI 48118 734-475-3539 www.thegardenmill.com
chesterfield
belleville
H Blossoms
H Hallson Gardens 14280 US-127, MI 49233 517-592-9450 www.perennialnursery.com
The Potting Shed
La Salle H American Tree
Ray
Rochester Macomb Rochester Shelby Twp. Highland Pontiac Hills New Utica Baltimore Auburn Hills Sylvan Lake Clinton Twp. Chesterfield Commerce Milford Troy West Sterling Hts. Bloomfield Bloom. Hills Birmingham Walled Lake St. Clair Berkley Wixom Roseville Shores Brighton Warren Royal Oak New Hudson Eastpointe South Lyon Novi Farmington Southfield Hills Oak Park Ferndale Whitmore Northville Grosse Lake Pointes Livonia Redford Hartland
Williamston
Washington
bruce twp
H Walker Farms & Greenhouse 5253 E. Atherton Rd, MI 48519 810-743-0260 www.walkersfarm.com
canton Canton Floral Gardens Schmidt’s Roadside Wild Birds Unltd
H Van Thomme’s Greenhses
clarkston Bordine’s H Country Oaks Landscp Supp Lowrie’s Landscp
clinton twp H English Gardens 44850 Garfield Rd, MI 48038 586-286-6100 www.englishgardens.com Michigan Koi Tropical Treasures
clio H Piechnik’s Greenhouse 13172 McCumsey Rd, MI 48420 810-686-9211 www.cliogreenhouse.com
MichiganGardener.com | May 2019 | Michigan Gardener
columbus Haack’s Farm Greenhses
commerce twp H Zoner’s Greenhse 2355 E. Commerce Rd, MI 48382 248-363-6742 www.zonersgreenhouse.com
davison H Wojo’s Gard Splendors 7360 E. Court St, MI 48423 810-658-9221 www.wojos.com
dearborn Fairlane Gardens
dearborn heights H English Gardens 22650 Ford Rd, MI 48127 313-278-4433 www.englishgardens.com
detroit Eastern Market
dexter Bloom! Gard Ctr H Dexter Mill H Fraleighs Landscape Nursery 8600 Jackson Rd, MI 48130 734-426-5067 www.fraleighs.com Guthrie Gardens
eastpointe H English Gardens 22501 Kelly Rd, MI 48021 586-771-4200 www.englishgardens.com Drew’s Garden
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 13730 White Lake Rd, MI 48430 810-629-9208 www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com
grosse ile H Westcroft Gardens 21803 West River Rd, MI 48138 734-676-2444 www.westcroftgardens.com
grosse pointe Allemon’s Landscp Ctr Meldrum & Smith Nurs
grosse pointe woods Wild Birds Unltd
hadley Le Fleur Décor
hartland Deneweth’s Garden Ctr
haslett H Christian’s Greenhse H Van Atta’s Greenhse
highland Colasanti’s Produce/Plant Fragments Highland Garden Ctr H One Stop Landscp Supp Thornton Nurs
howell Penrose Nurs H Specialty Growers 4330 Golf Club Rd, MI 48843 517-546-7742 www.specialtygrowers.net H Superior Landscape Supplies 4805 Musson Rd, MI 48855 517-548-2068 Find us on Facebook
jackson The Hobbit Place
lake orion H Lake Orion Lawn Orn H Orion Stone Depot
lansing Lansing Gardens
lapeer H The Iron Barn
lasalle
flat rock
Krupps Novelty Shop
Masserant’s Feed/Grain
livonia
grand blanc Bordine’s H The Weed Lady 9225 Fenton Rd, MI 48439 810-655-2723 www.theweedlady.com
grass lake H Designs by Judy Florist & Greenhse 3250 Wolf Lake Rd, MI 49240 517-522-5050 www.designsbyjudyflowers.com
Milford Gardens H The Pond Place
monroe The Flower Market
new baltimore H Meldrum Bros Nurs
new boston H Grass Roots Pond & Gard Mums the Word
new hudson H Milarch Nurs 28500 Haas Rd, MI 48165 248-437-2094 www.milarchnursery.com
north branch H Campbell’s Greenhouses 4077 Burnside Rd, MI 48461 810-688-3587 www.campbellsgreenhouses.com H Oldani Landscape Nurseries 2666 Tozer Rd, MI 48461 810-688-2363 www.oldanilandscapenurseries.com
northville Begonia Brothers Gardenviews at Home H Willow Greenhouse 7839 Curtis Rd, MI 48168 248-437-7219 www.willowgreenhouse.com
Glenda’s Gard Ctr Wild Birds Unltd
H Earthly Arts Greenhse Schutz’s Tree Farm Super & Sons Nurs
lennon
H Stone Cottage Gardens 3740 West Willford Rd, MI 48624 989-426-2919 www.stonecottagegardens.com
milford
imlay city
Casual Modes Home/Gard
gladwin
Fogler’s Greenhse Sherwood Forest Gard Ctr
novi
Fowler’s Gift Shop
H Flushing Lawn & Garden Ctr 114 Terrace St, MI 48433 810-659-6241 www.unclelukes.com
rochester
Wildtype Nurs
Wilczewski Greenhses
ferndale
flushing
mason
Bushel Mart H George’s Livonia Gardens 31405 W. 7 Mile Rd, MI 48152 248-476-6719 Find us on Facebook Superior Growers Supp Valley Nurs
macomb Altermatt Greenhses Boyka’s Greenhse H Brohl’s Greenhse Deneweth’s Garden Ctr H Elya’s Village Gardens Landscape Source Joe Randazzo’s Nurs Olejnik Farms Wade Nurs Wiegand’s Nursery Wild Birds Unltd
manchester McLennan Nurs
oak park Four Seasons Gard Ctr
oakland H Piechnik’s Garden Ctr 1095 N. Rochester Rd, MI 48363 586-336-7200 www.cliogreenhouse.com
ortonville H Wojo’s Greenhse 2570 Oakwood Rd, MI 48462 248-627-6498 www.wojos.com
ottawa lake H Beauchamp Landscp Supp
owosso H Everlastings in Wildwood Crooked Tree Nurs Sunburst Gardens
oxford
rochester hills H Auburn Oaks Garden Ctr 3820 West Auburn Rd, MI 48309 248-852-2310 www.auburnoaksnursery.com Bordine’s
Wild Birds Unltd
troy
romulus Block’s Stand/Greenhse Kurtzhals’ Farms Rush Gard Ctr Schwartz’s Greenhouse
roseville Dale’s Landscp Supp Flower Barn Nurs Sea World
royal oak H English Gardens 4901 Coolidge Hwy, MI 48073 248-280-9500 www.englishgardens.com Wild Birds Unltd
saginaw H Abele Greenhouse & Garden Ctr 3500 Wadsworth Rd, MI 48601 989-752-5625 www.abelegreenhouse.com
saline Clink Landscp & Nurs KBK Gard Ctr Saline Flowerland
shelby twp Diegel Greenhses H Hessell’s Greenhouse Maeder Plant Farm H Telly’s Greenhouse 4343 24 Mile, MI 48316 248-659-8555 www.tellys.com
south lyon Mike’s Garden Stone Depot Landscp Supp
southfield 3 DDD’s Stand Eagle Landscp/Supp Lavin’s Flower Land Main’s Landscp Supp
southgate Ray Hunter Gard Ctr
plymouth
Greenhouse Growers H Hall’s Nurs Soulliere Gard Ctr
pontiac H Goldner Walsh Gard/Home
ray Heritage Oaks
redford H Pinter Flowerland Seven Mi Gard Ctr
Beautiful Ponds & Gardens D&L Garden Ctr Massab Acres Greenhse H Panetta’s Landscp Supp
tecumseh
st clair shores
Graye’s Greenhse Lucas Nurs Plymouth Rock & Supp Rock Shoppe Sparr’s Greenhse
taylor
H Haley Stone 3975 S. Rochester Rd, MI 48307 248-852-5511 www.haleystone.net
Dafoe’s Feed & Seed H English Gardens Plymouth Nurs 9900 Ann Arbor Rd W, MI 48170 734-453-5500 www.englishgardens.com
H Detroit Garden Works 1794 Pontiac Dr, MI 48320 248-335-8089 www.detroitgardenworks.com
sterling heights Decor Statuette H Eckert’s Greenhouse 34051 Ryan Rd, MI 48310 586-264-5678 www.eckertsgreenhouse.com Prime Landscp Supp
stockbridge Gee Farms
sylvan lake H AguaFina Gardens International 2629 Orchard Lake Rd, MI 48320 248-738-0500 www.aguafina.com
Mitchell’s Lawn/Landscp
trenton Carefree Lawn Ctr H Telly’s Greenhouse 3301 John R Rd, MI 48083 248-689-8735 www.tellys.com H Uncle Luke’s Feed Store 6691 Livernois Rd, MI 48098 248-879-9147 www.unclelukes.com
utica Stonescape Supp
walled lake H Suburban Landscp Supp
warren Beste’s Lawn/Patio Supp Kutchey Family Mkt
wixom Angelo’s Landscp Supp Brainer’s Greenhse Milford Tree Farm
ypsilanti Coleman’s Farm Mkt Lucas Nurs H Margolis Nurs Materials Unlimited H Sell Farms & Greenhouses 7200 Willis Rd, MI 48197 866-296-3090 www.sellfarmsandgreenhouses.com
Gardens to Visit ann arbor H Matthaei Botanical Gardens/ Nichols Arboretum 1800 North Dixboro Rd, MI 48105 734-647-7600 www.mbgna.umich.edu
battle creek Leila Arboretum
bloomfield hills H Cranbrook Gardens 380 Lone Pine Rd, MI 48303 248-645-3147 housegardens.cranbrook.edu
washington
clinton twp
Landscp Direct Rocks ‘n’ Roots
dearborn
waterford Breen’s Landscp Supp Hoffman Nurs H Merritt Home Design 5940 Cooley Lake Rd., MI 48327 248-681-7955 www.merritthomedesigns.com
west bloomfield H English Gardens 6370 Orchard Lake Rd, MI 48322 248-851-7506 www.englishgardens.com
westland H Barson’s Greenhse 6414 North Merriman Rd, MI 48185 734-421-5959 www.barsons.com Bushel Stop Joe Randazzo’s Nurs Merlino’s Bushel Ctr Panetta’s Landscp
white lake H Bogie Lake Greenhouses 1525 Bogie Lake Rd, MI 48383 248-887-5101 www.bogielakegreenhouses.com H Mulligan’s Landscp & Gard Ctr 8215 Elizabeth Lake Rd, MI 48386 248-698-4741 www.mulliganlandscaping.com Sunshine Plants
whitmore lake H Alexander Farm Mkt & Greenhouses 6925 Whitmore Lake Rd, MI 48189 734-741-1064 Find us on Facebook
williamston H Christians Greenhse
49
Tomlinson Arboretum Arjay Miller Arboretum @ Ford World HQ Henry Ford Estate
detroit Anna S Whitcomb Conservtry, Belle Isle
dryden Seven Ponds Nature Ctr
east lansing H MSU Horticulture Gardens W.J. Beal Botanical Gard
emmett H Sunny Fields Botanical Park 5444 Welch Rd, MI 48022 810-387-2765 www.visitsunnyfields.org
flint H Applewood Estate
grand rapids Frederik Meijer Gardens
grosse pointe shores Edsel & Eleanor Ford Hse
lansing Cooley Gardens
midland Dahlia Hill Dow Gardens
novi Tollgate Education Ctr
rochester Meadow Brook Hall & Gardens
taylor Taylor Conservatory & Botanical Gard
tipton H Hidden Lake Gardens 6214 Monroe Rd (M-50), MI 49287 517-431-2060 www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu
50
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
Finding their garden theme After experimenting with various styles, Mark and Carolyn Resch settled on a gorgeous Asian garden
W
hen attending garden walks, my first glimpse of the house usually gives me a good indication of what will greet me in the back garden. In the case of Mark and Carolyn Resch’s Macomb County home, the front yard is lovely but does not give you even a hint of what is going on in the backyard. Mark has always gardened with a theme in mind. Previously he had a Western theme, complete with wagon wheels and cow horns. He then scrapped that and decided a tropical look was the way to go, Lisa until he realized a tropSteinkopf ical garden is a lot of work and maintenance. Digging dahlias, cannas, and bananas to store for the winter became more than he wanted to do. His current garden does require some work, but it is a different type of maintenance and a bit less than before. Ten years ago, Mark and Carolyn discovered their forever theme—they wanted an Asian feel for their garden. Mark didn’t jump feet first into this style, but did some research first. He wanted to make sure it all flowed together, and he incorporated the Asian theme in a manner he liked, yet represented it in a tasteful way.
Incorporating Asian garden elements He learned that anything curved is supposed to ward off evil spirits. When entering the back garden, you walk under a circular entrance gate, so the evil spirits are unable to follow you in. Who can find evil in a beautiful garden, anyway? There certainly isn’t any at the incredible Resch property. text continued on page 52
The plants and decor in Mark and Carolyn Resch’s garden add to the Asian theme, culminating with the striking red torii gate.
MichiganGardener.com | May 2019 | Michigan Gardener
This stunning garden view is what Mark and Carolyn Resch enjoy from inside their home.
Mark prunes the Japanese maples in the garden. By allowing the plants to speak to him, he captures the personality of each plant.
The pavilion is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the garden.
51
The Asian theme is even carried over to the containers on Mark and Carolyn’s deck.
52
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
P H OTO G R A P H S BY L I S A S T E I N KO P F
text continued from page 51 Visible from all areas of the backyard is the torii gate, painted the vermillion color that is a common characteristic of many of these gates. They are typically used to ward off evil spirits in front of temples or in front of a seaport. Though there are no temples or seaports here, the gate is a stunning focal point in Mark and Carolyn’s Asian garden. If the gate was leading somewhere, it would be customary to walk through on the sides and leave the middle area only for deity to tread. Mark has included a bridge going over a “stream” of junipers. Asian gardens mimic nature and this faux stream is symbolic of a real stream running through the garden, though he does have a koi pond for a true water feature. The pond is shaded by a beautifully trimmed Japanese maple, one of many he has incorporated into the garden. The koi stay in the pond all winter, where a bubbler keeps the water moving to make sure it is aerated for the fish. The pond is deep enough to allow the fish to live outside all winter. All of the trees and shrubs are meticulously trimmed, and Mark says he lets the plant talk to him as he trims their branches. Each one has its own personality and he tries to capture that as he maintains them. Many of the shrubs are trimmed once a month to keep them in the form he would like them to retain. His plants not only have been pruned and maintained, they have been placed in soil that is constantly being improved. The clay/sand mix is amended every year as Mark incorporates ground leaves, peat moss, manure, and good topsoil into the existing soil to make it the best growing situation for the players in his garden’s performance. Instead of fighting through clay, his plants are sinking their toes into a well-amended soil that helps them be healthy and look their best. Although Mark loves the running bamboo he has incorporated into the garden (you can’t have an Asian garden without bamboo, of course), he learned the hard way that the container it resides in should have been text continued on page 54
This fire pit is planted with yellow creeping Jenny and plumed celosia that mimics fire and flames.
A meticulously trimmed Japanese maple shades the koi pond, helping keep the fish comfortable.
MichiganGardener.com | May 2019 | Michigan Gardener
A red Buddha in the bamboo adds an Asian flair.
Mark installed all the paths and created the decorative tiles.
Handmade patio stones and pathways
The planting bed around the deck is home to Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’). In the background, bamboo stands guard at the gate.
I was fascinated by the lovely stepping stones and pathways throughout Mark and Carolyn’s garden. I was surprised to find out that Mark had installed them all himself. How does he get them to last through our Michigan winters without heaving and cracking? He gave me a detailed recipe for success: For the walkways, he lays a 3- to 4-inch gravel base. (He uses 3 to 4 inches of gravel for his soil conditions. With heavier, slow-draining, Mark made this tile using glass pieces and high clay soils, 6 to 10 inches of gravel strength tile grout. would be preferred.) He then pours 2 to 3 inches of high-strength cement on top of the gravel. After the cement has cured, Mark uses a bonding agent labeled for outdoor tile use, and spreads a 1/4-inch layer on both the cement and the back of the tile. Between the tiles, he then uses a 50/50 mix of high strength tile grout and high strength cement. For the decorated patio blocks, he uses the high strength tile grout and the thickest glass pieces he can find to incorporate into his creations. They have weathered the Michigan winters beautifully.
53
54
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
This clumping bamboo is well-behaved and kept trimmed—a perfect hedge to soften the fence.
The bridge over the “stream” of junipers leads to the torii gate in the back of the garden.
continued from page 53
unique features and another layer to the garden. Though they add interest in every season, he especially appreciates that uniqueness in the winter when the snow adds even more beauty to the hardscape. Mark and Carolyn have discovered a garden theme that suits them—it is calming and peaceful. Isn’t that why we all garden?
constructed of thicker cement to keep the bamboo roots contained. The cement planter he built is six inches thick, and the powerful roots cracked it and the bamboo has spread out into the lawn and garden. It is a vigorous grower and he says that for approximately three weeks in the spring, it grows 3 to 5 inches per day. While it can exceed heights of 30 feet, he keeps it trimmed to a more manageable height of 10 feet. The clumping form
of bamboo (Fargesia) used as a hedge against the fence is much better behaved and makes a gorgeous five-foot tall hedge. He also uses yellow Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’) as an accent around the garden. Statuary is an important part of the composition and Mark says he collects pieces wherever he can—if he can find a bargain, all the better. He enjoys the statuary, as well as all the hardscaping in the garden. The walls, pergola, gates, and even the walkways add
This curved gate marks the entrance to the garden—the round shape is said to keep evil spirits out.
Lisa Steinkopf is The Houseplant Guru. Check out her newly updated website and blog at www.thehouseplantguru.com. Contact Lisa
to speak at your next club meeting or event (houseplantgurulisa@gmail.com or 734-7481241). Follow her on Facebook (Facebook.com/ HouseplantGuru), Twitter (@houseplantguru), and Instagram (houseplantguru).
V Website Extra Go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Website Extras” for more photos of the Resch garden.
MichiganGardener.com | May 2019 | Michigan Gardener
through the lens Photographs from Michigan gardeners
Send Us Your Photos! 1. E-mail 2 or 3 of your best garden photos to: photos@MichiganGardener.com. We are looking for photos of your garden, both wide-angle and plant close-ups. Be sure to e-mail a high-resolution file. 2. Please include your full name and a caption describing the scene and the plants. 3. If your photo is published, we’ll give you a free one-year subscription to Michigan Gardener.
“I plant begonias every year in my window box at my cottage. They bloom like crazy and must like the Lake Huron air.” —Laurie Thiel
A butterfly rests on a ligularia in Lisa Mannix’s garden.
55
A “Summer Celebration” of full sun plants in my backyard during the month of July. —Debbie Goldin
Hummingbird moth feeding on a garden phlox (Phlox paniculata). —Thomas McClanahan
56
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
Jim Slezinski
‘Feuerzauber’ (aka ‘Fire Charm’) boasts coppery red flowers.
Goldner Walsh Garden & Home
Hybrid witch hazel flowers are groups of tiny, thin ribbons, like those of ‘Primavera’ shown here. continued from back cover will curl up and tuck tightly together to shun the cold. On the next warm day, the colored open flowers will return once again. Despite the snow and ice, this opening and closing continues through the cold weather, with the flowers unscathed. This pure enjoyment of continuous blooming may last 4 to 6 weeks.
How to grow The cultivars are winter hardy into zone 5 and are best planted in well-drained, slightly acid soil. A light mulch of shredded bark, leaves, or pine needles is beneficial when newly planted. Prime locations are in sun or semi-shade, and fit well into natural landscapes. Because of the early flowering time during Michigan’s cold winter weather, the best viewing site is from an indoor room or near a regularly traveled walkway outdoors. Adding early-flowering companion plants nearby can bring more focus to the garden scene. Hellebores, crocuses, snowdrops (Galanthus), early tulips, miniature daffodils, pheasant’s eye (Adonis), and Grecian windflower (Anemone blanda) will all generally coincide with the hybrid witch hazel bloom time. All cultivars produce seeds. Once ripe, the hard capsules discharge or explode the seeds, which fly out in many directions. Propagation from seed requires three months of warmth and the next three months in cold for ideal germination. New seedlings may not be ex-
actly like the parent, so evaluation might take 5 to 7 years from seed to flowering. Softwood cuttings can also be rooted from early May to early June in Michigan in a halfsand and half-sphagnum peat moss mix using a rooting hormone. Unfortunately, plants rooted from cuttings are usually slow growers for the first few years, but do produce better plants eventually than those that are grafted. This slowness is why many commercial plant producers use grafting to propagate hybrids onto other witch hazel rootstocks for quicker growth and faster market sales. Suckering on the grafted plants is a common occurrence after planting. This requires careful removal of these vigorous suckers at the base, at ground level or below, to provide adequate growth of the desirable cultivar. Digging and probing below the soil line and “tearing off” the young, flexible suckers is a better technique than pruning them. Pruning will only increase more sucker growth and cause the decline of the valuable cultivar. Insects and pests are minimal, with occasional aphids and Japanese beetles to a lesser extent. These are of little consequence. Powdery mildew can be an issue on the foliage, especially during humid, warm weather in summer and early fall. Planting in open conditions with good air movement can sometimes be a remedy. Deer and rabbits will browse on the twigs and flowers, so treating with a repellent is advised, especially in winters with long-lasting snow on the ground.
Jim Slezinski
‘Primavera’
Hybrid varieties Since 1945, hybrid cultivars have become numerous, with the count today beyond sixty. Development and selection has been done in Belgium, England, Germany and Japan. But the breakthrough was in America in 1929, with the selection of ‘Arnold’s Promise’ from the Arnold Arboretum in Massachusetts.
‘Arnold’s Promise’ is by far the most common cultivar available and most worthy of any Michigan garden. It’s a winner! The lemon-yellow, strongly sweet-scented flowers are showstoppers on a vase-shaped, small tree growing to nine feet tall. Autumn foliage can text continued on page 58
MichiganGardener.com | May 2019 | Michigan Gardener
57
Witch Hazel Botanical name: Plant type: Plant size: Habit: Hardiness: Flowers:
Hamamelis x intermedia (ha-mah-MEL-iss in-ter-MEE-dee-ah) Deciduous large shrub or small tree 8 to 20 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide Spreading V-shaped to rounded; open branching Zone 5 Four petals; extremely narrow, ribbon-like; in groups of 2 to 4; yellow to orange to red, depending on cultivar Bloom period: Late winter to spring Oval to round, with somewhat wavy margins. Can be downy, or smooth Leaves: and glaucous. 3 to 6 inches long by 1-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches wide. Fall color varies with each cultivar. Light: Sun to partial shade Average with good drainage; some organic content preferred Soil: Water: Drought tolerant after established Highly ornamental small tree or large shrub for late winter or early spring Uses: blooms and fragrance, depending on the cultivar. Use in natural landscapes, and gardens for viewing from indoors. Companion plants: Early-flowering bulbs and perennials such as hellebores, crocuses, snowdrops (Galanthus), early tulips, miniature daffodils, pheasant’s eye (Adonis), and Grecian windflower (Anemone blanda). Should be on the “must-have” list for most Michigan gardens. A joy Remarks: to see in bloom so early in the year, with enduring flowering for 4 to 6 weeks of color. Autumn foliage color is a bonus on most cultivars. A longtime personal favorite of the author.
Jim Slezinski
‘Moonlight’ is a heavy bloomer with pale, sulfur-yellow coloration and a sweet fragrance.
Jim Slezinski
These witch hazel leaves are transitioning from their summer green to the golden yellow of fall.
Goldner Walsh Garden & Home
‘Jelena’ has coppery orange flowers and colorful fall leaves.
58
Michigan Gardener | May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
Why such a “spooky” name? It is believed the name “witch” comes from “wych,” an ancient Anglo-Saxon word meaning “to bend.” The early English colonists in America saw the native witch hazel trees (Hamamelis virginiana) as being similar to the “hazel” trees (Corylus) of the Old World. Some say the early American settlers observed the Native Americans bending the wood for making bows as well as using the twigs as divining rods. Botanically, the genus name Hamamelis is from a combination of Greek words: “hama” (meaning “together”) and “mela” (meaning “fruit”). Our native, common witch hazel holds on to its hard capsule (nut-like) fruits for an entire year and is present when the next year’s flowers are blooming. Consequently, in nature, the previous year’s fruit and the new flowers coincide together. text continued from page 56 become shades of yellow to orange to red. Other noteworthy cultivars include ‘Primavera,’ with warm yellow, faintly scented flowers, and ‘Aurora,’ with a strongly scented, yellow-reddish floral effect. ‘Moonlight’ is a heavy bloomer with pale, sulfur-yellow coloration and a sweet fragrance. The foliage tends to hang on into late winter. The German-named ‘Feuerzauber’ (aka ‘Fire Charm’) boasts autumn foliage in orange-red shades with coppery red flowers. ‘Jelena’ is a Belgium selection (aka ‘Copper Beauty’) with warm, coppery orange flowers and colorful fall leaves. Another popular hybrid developed in Belgium, ‘Diane’ has wide petals and a striking red flower color. Leaves can be maroon to yellow-orange in the fall, but the flowers have no fragrance. In England, ‘Pallida’ is hands down the best sulfur yellow cultivar, having good flower fragrance. With a spreading habit up to 12 feet wide, it grows to 9 feet tall. Autumn foliage is yellow with some winter leaf retention. ‘Twilight’ produces crimson-red flowers on older plants with no scent and no fall leaf color. These are just a few of the hybrid witch hazels, and generally the most readily available. Any one or several make ideal flowering trees for very early and colorful garden scenes, especially with contrasting snow on the ground. Once witch hazel color appears, spring is not far behind.
Jim Slezinski
‘Pallida’ has a spreading habit up to 12 feet wide and grows to 9 feet tall.
Jim Slezinski
Jim Slezinski is the Vice President and Senior Landscape Designer/Horticulturist at Goldner Walsh Garden and Home in Pontiac, MI.
With a clear blue sky background, the yellow blooms of ‘Arnold’s Promise’ are particularly striking.
Jim Slezinski
Witch hazel shrubs flower in late winter and early spring, and they can handle the varied weather of that time period, including cold and snow.
MichiganGardener.com | May 2019 | Michigan Gardener
59
Jim Slezinski
The native, common witch hazel blooms very late—from November into December. Leaf retention can be drawback to a clear viewing of the yellow flowers.
Jim Slezinski
‘Glowing Embers’ is aptly named, as it glows in the late winter landscape.
Eric Hofley/Michigan Gardener
‘Diane’ displays fiery fall color.
| May 2019 | MichiganGardener.com
plant focus
Witch Hazel D
uring the late winter months, witch hazels effortlessly beacon the springtime. Flowering can be as early as the end of January into February and March on hybrid witch hazels (Hamamelis x intermedia). Deciduous small trees or large shrubs, the open and spreading leafless branches are heavily festooned with thinly ribboned flowers—brilliant yellow to gold and orange to red and burgundy, many times fragrant.
Native witch hazels Cousins to the Asian species, our native American species include the common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) and the Ozark or vernal witch hazel (H. vernalis). They are considered lower on the totem pole for garden aesthetics when compared to the hybrid varieties. That said, our natives do fit well into natural landscape settings. Some cultivars Jim of these natives have Slezinski interest in both flower and fall foliage color. The common witch hazel is touted as being the last native American tree or shrub to flower—from November into December with its tiny, curly and threadlike fragrant flowers. Leaf retention can be a drawback to a clear viewing of the yellow flowers. Similar to the common’s flowers in form, the vernal witch hazel flowers are yellow to red, blooming January to March. Both are hardy to zone 5.
Asian witch hazels The Japanese (H. japonica) and Chinese witch hazels (H. mollis) are the parents to the well-known hybrid witch hazels (H. x intermedia). These hybrids have similar traits to our native ones, but are positively magnified. Vigorous growth comes from the hybridization of the Asian parent plants. If evaluated alone, both parents cannot compete with their progeny, having mediocre flowers, slower growth, and less winter hardiness. One exception is H. mollis ‘Early Bright’—a selection with golden yellow flowers that are fragrant and bloom in late winter, one of the earliest.
Eric Hofley/Michigan Gardener
The witch hazel ‘Jelena’ has coppery orange flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring.
Hybrid witch hazels Hybrid varieties (H. x intermedia) merit much attention in the garden. Multi-stemmed, loosely and low branched, and somewhat vase shaped, their growth is vigorous. Ranging in heights from 8 to 20 feet and widths of 8 to 12 feet, these shrubs are ideal for smaller landscapes and gardens. Leaves are oval to round, with somewhat wavy margins. Depending on the cultivar, the foliage can be downy, or
smooth and glaucous. Fall color is a bonus, with foliage ranging from yellow to red and variations in between. Some cultivars retain dried leaves, which can distract from the latewinter and early-spring flowering. Better varieties are clean of foliage when flowering. Four-petaled flowers are 1/2 to 1 inch long and only 1/16 of an inch wide, occurring in groups. Clustered along the gray-brown branches, massive quantities of flowers create
impressive, colorful scenes. Another bonus is their fragrance. Perfumed early springtime air conjures up thoughts of “no more winter!” The fascinating crimped, curled and twisted petals actually move according to the temperature. They unfurl and openly spread during mild, sunny winter days. Then on colder days, much below freezing, these same petals continued on page 56