Monroe County Master Gardener Association

Downtown Milan Highlights:

I’m gonna let you in on a little secret. Tour day I hit Milan like a whirlwind.  Quickly snapping photos along the way, rushing to “catch up.” 

Coming from & living in a small town; Milan’s revitalization efforts interest me. The following Saturday I went back; YUP!!  To leisurely take in the sights. I would like to share with you—At this junction I went straight ahead…….Downtown Milan here I come.

Look what I discovered!!!   Architectural Yard art??? Aren’t our homes what most of us base our gardens around… cool.

I love old houses; here is another one & I am quite happy I chose the other route.

I recalled seeing some on tour day- by the square gardens. Despite being behind, I had taken the time to walk down. If I hadn’t, I would have missed seeing these two….

Driving along, I arrive at the Milan Civic Complex.

Now I know where I am.

This time I can check out that rock over there-Who knew??? Cool!!!

Traveling via car I head to Wilson Park where I can park& head out on foot to get more photos.

I walk to the Veteran’s Wall…Sitting on a bench, I see where some of the bricks are engraved with names; I presume, donors.

Each of the walls, are dedicated to a specific war or
group of veterans.  The medallions represent branches of the military; this wall pays tribute to all Milan Veterans.

The plaque below honors Milan vets from WW ll.

It’s time to move on, away from the lake, so let’s cross the street for one last look ……

I’m attracted to water (Pisces); finding the sound of rushing water soothing to my soul.

Back on the park side of the street-I barely notice the murals-located on the front lawn with all the door art.   Did you see them?

Beautiful works of art providing the public-with a unique way to learn the history of Milan.

I believe I need a bite of something sweet to get my energy up……..can ya guess where I am heading??

Barely able to get in on the first visit- this time I had time to wait and yes—I did purchase some delicious treats.  After all, how could you not—

Flavored breads with fruit jellies for your bellies &high top muffins and donuts with stuffin’s  yum yum

intoxicating smells waffling thru the air, cause you to linger-but I must move on; indulging in one scone was just enough.

I make the short walk to the church, taking note of

the sign and its greeting— I can reach the car by walking down the rear hill.

It’s time to head home– but before I leave, did I miss a chance to vote on my favorite door??? These two get my vote-

I liked them both equally for my #1 pick. Which door did you like??

From where I sit on my lily pad, may I offer a “lesson for this day?’

we have visited many places- from grand to small-but do we really see it all???

I think we should always take that second look-you just never know what you may have missed the first time.

The lesson: if given an opportunity to take a different path  Take It”  I’m happy I gave Milan another look.

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Naida sent us in this information:

Time to take a walk around your property looking for potential problems listed below:

If you have Coneflowers you need to read this article.  Be sure to download all the photos.  I will definitely inspect mine tomorrow!

Coneflower Conundrums | BYGL (osu.edu)

Also sending an interesting link regarding “slime mold” which I’m pretty sure many of you have seen in your landscapes at various times.

Creeping Slime Molds | BYGL (osu.edu)

Last an article from DNR regarding Balsam Woolly Adelgid.  Many of us have fir, balsam, white pine, etc.  We need to be aware of this!  Scroll to the bottom of the article and find pictures under “Photos”.

Invasive balsam woolly adelgid confirmed in Kent County (govdelivery.com)

Naida

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Invasive balsam woolly adelgid confirmed in Kent County, below is a link to some additional information:

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDARD/bulletins/2ece9b1

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Story and photos by Gail K.

Leaving Downtown Milan:

we drive the short distance back to the HACK HOUSE,

to casually tour the property and enjoy some light refreshments.

The Milan girls tend the gardens at this historical site.
        –  Front view of the house & garden area –

as you can see, the grounds are nipped, tucked & very well maintained.

We spot some new plants neatly tucked into the front bed, waiting to be planted……….

These will bring a contrasting blend of striking color along side the current blooms.

Many of the buildings are anchored by distinct plantings;

such as this one–a Kousa Dogwood and hostas. Below-Jerusalem Artichoke has been planted along the rear of this barn-its blooms will be loved by the bees.

Side view of house:- boasting a grand porch, perfect for rocking the day away.

Below: Most noted to many of us is the “bee barn’ on the far left.

I want to show more of the bee barn. Truly impressive–the bees that is…

A massive & Yummy variety of native plants surround the bee barn & the bees love it!!!!  

The group allows the bees to occupy the barn; taking advantage of their activity to teach visitors about bees & their art of making honeycombs.

ABOVE: Bees enter the walls of the barn.

BELOW: The honeycomb swells in size & expands outside via the eave vents

Visitors enter the barn & safely view the inner portions of the walls which are protected with plexiglass.

a newly created honeycomb waiting to be filled.

a bee keeper comes to assist with harvesting the honeycomb and keeps an eye on the bees & the health of the hive.

the site where honeycomb was harvested-look at the expanse it covered, it must have been massive. I believe in our archives there are other pictures from prior visits to this hive…….

I suggested, they sell the honey— maybe @ the Bakery. 
Should be really good, given the nectar from the native flowers

and all those plantings available in downtown.

Some members toured inside the Hack House with its bounty of historical artifacts.

The rest of us completed the day by mingling on the front porch with lemonade & delicious baked goods in hand.

THANK YOU: MILAN GARDEN CLUB, THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY& BARB FOR GIVING US A GRAND TOUR of your special town.   gk
Coming next-  going to share a few extra highlights of the town. 

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Downtown Milan & Hack House Tour

article and photos by Gail G.

July 17, 2021   Milan Tour; part A
If we were to send postcards of our travels; this one would read-Greetings from MILAN, MICHIGAN!!!!

Several of our members also belong to the Milan Garden Club

They graciously invited us to tour Downtown Milan & The Hack House to see the projects they are involved in.

Barb, a dual club member led the tour.  

I traveled, US 23 N to Plank Rd; exited & got lost!!  HOW? I’ve been tothe Hack House before. My fault; note to self–need full address & read signs.

do not rely on memory!!!….the error put me “running” behind, not to worry- certain I would be able to catch up–eventually; so I head out to find the downtown district.

I HAD ARRIVED!!!Parking my car, I set out to find the others, noting the unique artwork along the way.

Missing Barb’s informational details: I later learned–the art work was part of a display titled: “ART doors EXHIBIT.”

Organizations and businesses were given donated doors and asked to create works of art-which were then displayed in Wilson Park and throughout the downtown district.  How Clever!!!

Looking left, then right on Main Street and

not seeing the group–I asked a friendly passer-by to point me in the direction of the Veteran’s Wall- (on list of sights to see)

Following her directions-I pass a grouping of planters overflowing with a stunning display of brightly colored flowers. Barb has spoken of these; crediting The Beautification Committee. Great Job!!

Crossing the street I head off in the direction which should get me to my next destination, hoping the group will be there.

As I head off in the direction of “those flags down there “I pass -THE FIRE DEPARTMENT- and on my right

In the distance-beyond the flags I see a group of people. For now I continue on alone, arriving at the flags;

This is the VETERAN’S WALL

The “Milan Girls” as they are called, are very proud of this project and with good reason.

They plant & care for, the plantings surrounding the site.

It is a stunning tribute the whole town can be proud of

The Veterans tribute sits on an expanse of park grounds known as Wilson Park. 

LOOK more doors over on the hillside 

Up ahead a group of people are crossing the street- might be them, I best get going.

I paused to study this unusual tree, will have to ask Barb?? From the the list of offices, this is one busy building.

Is this where they crossed????

The group???   We had to pass at some point???I need to go towards downtown, so I turn around and cross over.

This must be- FORD LAKE BOARDWALK.  What a pleasant place to sit and ponder the day away…….

Slowly walking along the lakefront I come to a point where the lake water rushes over a dam,

crossing under the road bridge

then calmly flowing downstream on the other side.

Mounted on the bridge pillar a plaque–

and straight ahead, another spot to rest

and downtown within clear sight.

Back in downtown-I catch up.

The group heading off to a cluster of small shops.

If I hurry, I can get a couple pics of the square foot gardens; and meet them at the bakery.

so many different little shops & everyone enjoyed

popping in and out of each one.

Where is Emoke heading off to??

one shop drew many-should I say or can you guess??

a peek inside & you’ll know why-but it carries a risk;

consuming too many baked goods may cause you to put on ??pounds— they even have

a “secret” place to enjoy their heavenly treats-YUM!

Leaving the Bakery, we make a quick visit at the Church

 where the club holds their meetings during winter months.

Following the others, we leave downtown, passing an old Fire Station;

our adventure will continue back at the Hack House–see you there!

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