Monroe County Master Gardener Association

By Gail K & Jennie S.

  June 16, 2022

Yeah! The time has arrived for us to wander in search of interesting & intriguing gardens.  First on the list- Jennie suggested we travel by car to Indiana & visit the

              WARSAW BIBLE GARDENS. 

It was a casual & enjoyable 2 1/2 hr. drive.

Chris & Michelle my car companions & trusty navigators!

When asked why this garden, Jennie replied:

“Olga Einfalt and I, along with my daughter, each planted bible gardens at our churches”

above: GARDEN ENTRY

unlike those, this public garden is well-funded and has a full-time horticulturist caretaker.

Dedication plaques

Immediately upon entering the garden proper -a very impressive tree!!!  The information office nestled in its shade, barely noticeable. Luckily, we had Jennie to guide us; we opted to forego a docent & soon discovered no brochures available on site. 

Jennie shared, the tree a Russian Olive; close cousin of Autumn Olive & a hardy substitute for zone 5.

With early AM temps already hot an arbor, anchored in grapevines provided a cool respite & perfect vantage point to view the entire garden.

Located within a block in the downtown; the garden sits alongside a lake, a playground, tennis courts and other public use spaces.  We soon learn, size isn’t always relevant. This garden’s focus is a myriad & variety of plants as depicted in the Bible.

Left of the arbor, closest to the lake: an area enclosed by rock walls—from a bench, a view of the lake

& the sound of splashing water from the nearby fountain.

Providing a calm for this weary Pisces’ spirit-a meditative spot; perhaps for prayer- like the Garden of Gethsemane.

The garden supported by mature trees was divided into 7 well marked areas. We were thankful for the filtered shade.

Each area held plants, or a substitute as noted in Bible readings.  Most but not all hardy to zone 5–

fragile ones in pots to allow them to be moved indoors…      (Note the labels)

There were annuals, perennials, bulbs, shrubs and vines. Each having a purpose during biblical times and even now.

One of the very well noted plants mentioned in the Bible. The Jerusalem Thorn.

Hebrews 9:24; Matthew 27:29; Mark 15:17; John 19:2

Below:  close up of Jerusalem Thorn. Imagine wearing on your head, a crown-made from this plant.

Named Bible lands included the desert area & it noted plants:  Such as below the  Cytisus Lena, “broom”

Below:  the Tamarisk tree per Bible- Abraham planted such in Beersheba.

A dry stream bed– featured in the story of Elisha; 1 Kings 17.

Brook: a water source; in scripture- drinking places. An Oasis where grasses & willows can be found, a

source of life in desert areas.

Water-an important Bible symbol. Referenced in countless scriptures.

Psalm 23:2, John 3:5, Revelation 22:1

Water:

 a valuable asset no matter the place or era in time. From water flows new life, its very existence dependent upon it. 

The brook, the meadow and the forest areas all blended together..Water the common bond- nurturing all life within. (Just for you Kay)

 Below: Lilium Martagon Hybrid-Guinea Gold Christ said “Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these”

The bonding factor-flowing water

Below: Blossom- Punica Granatum ‘Wonderful”
             Wonderful Pomegranate

I found the interior branching of this very mature Scotch- aka Baltic Pine far more intriguing than its overall appearance.

At the rear edge of the garden-we find a late morning snack-“white mulberries.” Disregarding the hesitancy of the others, I had to taste, finding them sweeter than the dark purple variety.

Rounding the pathway to exit–we enjoyed the canopy shade created by a unique structure—I suspect this was common in Biblical times.

Reaching the end of the path-we stop & admire the unique characteristics of a common quince tree.  I will add-

having visited Olga’s & Jennie’s church gardens; in my opinion because of differences & individuality: these gardens are equal in value & merit in the eyes of this gardener.

In closing: The night before our visit, Indiana was hit by devastating sheer winds. Driving to the gardens, we witnessed the level of destruction to the trees in the area. We were reminded to never underestimate the power of Mother Nature & that tomorrow is never promised.

We were thankful for no loss of life, for clear roadways, for no damage to the gardens & blessed for having Jennie who has the patience of Job; as she answered our countless questions & assisted me with this post. The second leg of our trip-the Defries Gardens-will be posted separately. 

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Jennie S. sent out this message. I felt it should be published on our Blog:

Dear friends, your Master Gardener training and our speakers, especially Amy Stone, have prepared you for this very invasive pest. Please review info about it and be especially alert to check “Tree of Heaven” and grapes in your neighborhood right now. It is possible that if we discover smallish infestations they can be treated and we can delay the damage.

Spotted Lanternfly Identified in Southeast Michigan

Link to MDARD info on Spotted Lanternfly

Link to MSU Extension Bulletin on Spotted Lanternfly

Link to Penn State Extension page on Spotted Lanternfly

Suspected SLF can be reported to the MDARD via email at MDA-Info@Michigan.gov or by calling 800-292-3939.

Spotted Lanternfly Found in Oakland County

This is Michigan’s first detection of this invasive bug

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Gary McDowell confirmed the state’s first detection of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in Michigan. A small population of spotted lanternfly was detected in Pontiac in Oakland County last week with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirming the finding on August 10.

“Although not unexpected, this is certainly tough news to share due to its potential to for it to negatively impact Michigan’s grape industry,” said McDowell. “Spotted lanternfly has been moving closer to the state over the last few years. MDARD, along with our state, local and federal partners, has been working tirelessly to inform and educate growers and the public about this highly invasive insect.”

Spotted lanternfly is an invasive plant hopper native to eastern Asia. First found in the United States in 2014 in southeastern Pennsylvania, spotted lanternfly has spread rapidly through the eastern states. Confirmed observations of spotted lanternfly have since been recorded in Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

“MDARD and MDNR are working with the United States Department of Agriculture to define the extent of the infestation,” said Mike Philip, MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division Director. “Although we can’t pinpoint exactly how it got here, it likely hitchhiked on nursery stock brought in from an infested state and has possibly been here for several months. We are in the assessment stage of response, but it is important to note that typical pest management techniques have not proven effective for eliminating the pest in other states.”

Spotted lanternfly moves easily on firewood, tires, campers, vehicles and more. Prevention and early detection are vital to limiting the spread of spotted lanternfly. If you find a spotted lanternfly egg mass, nymph or adult, take one or more photos, make note of the date, time and location of the sighting, and report it online to Eyes in the Field. Photos are necessary to verify a report and to aid in identification.

Spotted lanternfly prefers to feed on the invasive tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but also feeds on a wide range of plants including grapes, and trees such as black walnut, river birch, willow, sumac, and red maple. When feeding, spotted lanternfly produces a sticky liquid, honeydew, that can collect on the ground or surrounding vegetation. This results in the growth of sooty mold, which can discolor and kill plants.

“The research community is still learning about the spotted lanternfly and its potential for impacting our natural resources as well as treatments to eliminate this pest,” said Joanne Foreman, invasive species communications coordinator for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “It also could have an effect on important timber species statewide. What the long-term impact might be is unknown.”

What can you do?

•             Check Your Vehicle: Before leaving a parking lot or work site, inspect vehicles for spotted lanternfly egg or insects. Check doors, sides, bumpers, wheel wells, grills, and roofs. If found, destroy any eggs or insects you find.

•             Park with Windows Closed: The spotted lanternfly and its nymphs can enter vehicles unsuspectedly. When parked, make sure to keep windows closed.

•             Remove and Destroy Pests: Crush nymphs and adult insects. Scrape egg masses into a plastic bag containing hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to kill them.

•             Remove Host Trees: Spotted lanternflies prefer the ailanthus tree, also known as “tree of heaven.” Try to remove trees from properties to avoid attracting spotted lanternfly.

•             Report Sightings: Send in required photos to Eyes in the Field. Photos are necessary to verify a report and to aid in identification.

For additional information on identifying or reporting spotted lanternfly, visit Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly. You can also learn more at USDA’s Spotted Lanternfly website found at USDA APHIS | Spotted Lanternfly

Key stats:

1.   According to the 2020 USDA-NASS Grape Survey: Michigan is home to 10,900 acres of juice grapes and 3,375 acres of wine grapes.

2.   Spotted lanternfly has been identified in 11 states since arriving in the U.S. in 2014.

3.   Likes to primarily feed on the non-native tree of heaven.

Moves easily.

Jennie S.

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Story and Photos by Gail K

 

 In honor of May 1—- “Naked Gardening Day”  a few pics from my back yard

 feathered friends——always welcome a sharp call announcing their arrival & the grape jelly stays out til they fly south.

removing winter colors for a sunny display-

Just tulips….One year, I changed out the colors but

people let me know, they “really” preferred the all red and all
white flower beds……….so  that’s what I plant.

this and that, in and about the yard

Welcome mat for Hummers-Dwarf Buckeye

 Below: Trillium–all for now, & I promise I had clothes on when I took these photos……..    Welcome Spring!!!!

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Gail sent this in case anyone is interested

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story & Phots by Gail K.

April mtg-2022Covid restrictions newly lifted:

Jennie suggested with no speaker scheduled; we take advantage of watching a previous zoom meeting hosted by MSU extension.   (note location of speaker)

One major aspect of being a Master Gardener at any level is the quest to learn & share.  Covid forced us to change in order to achieve and maintain……

Zoom meetings allowed us to broaden the scope of who & where  we garnered our gardening info.

Look at the number of people who were involved in the original mtg.

If you look closely-one of our own members was a participant-

do you see her??? Hello-Deb!

She is proficient & knowledgeable in growing daylilies–

Here are the pictures of two plant types he spoke of Lenten Roses & Succulents. So very striking—-in color and contrast.

This lecture was informative & well worth the time. Thanks Jennie for sharing: because no matter where we are, or what we grow; as gardeners we face the same concerns. We love Mother Earth & know we must strive to seek a balance in our care of her and our quests to find that perfect plant./g

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