Monroe County Master Gardener Association

Chris E. sent me an email which included information on Sunflower seeds to help Support Ukrainian. I took a copy of the posted email. The links in the photo below will not work because it’s a copy of the live post. However, I added their link below the image. Just click it will take you to the page of available seeds to order. It shows in green.

Sunflower Seeds | Botanical Interests

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I am the first to declare I am not an expert in bird treat projects; but with an excess of mixed birdseed to use– I needed to explore my options.

Checking the web provided a lot of conflicting info. Most say NOT OK to feed items that contain sugar, salt or too much protein, which could make the birds dependent on “our feeding.”

As you see in the photo above- I chose a very simple project;
Pinecones & Peanut butter.

Instead of throwing the pinecones into the fire pit; I took leftover elastic cording from Christmas and tied a loop around the tip of the cone.  The natural curve of the seed bract will be a perfect seat for the Peanut butter & bird seed–the cord will allow me to hang it.

This project is simple and a great one to do with the grandkids……but it is messy. With the cones all tied with cording- the next step is to apply the Peanut butter to hold the seed.  I used a spoon but whatever works……..to shove the Peanut butter down into the open spaces.

This project is best for winter; the cold temps prevent the Peanut butter from melting off the cones.  Just for this project, I used Peanut butter with no salt or sugar & luckily it was priced for closeout.

Following the Peanut butter, holding the cones over a bowl to catch the excess, I spooned bird seed over the cones. I did not use any fruits or nuts this time—just “no mess” bird seed.

No pun intended……..Here are the finished cones.

Once done, & temps still cold, I will hang them alongside my bird feeders; the squirrels will devour if I put them on the bushes or trees.

I am expecting blackbirds, woodpeckers, sparrows, nuthatches, chickadees & titmice to enjoy. Once the cones are picked clean, I will remove the cord & toss into the compost-the squirrels will find and finish cleaning them up. Did you do any bird feeding projects
this winter? please share your photos with the blog……..g

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What a great meeting our Horticulture Club had today. We discussed places we’d like to visit. Many had websites available. I took the information and visited a few of the sites. Thought I’d share the links. You should be able to just click on these links and it’ll take you to the sites.

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Well Gail suggests this:

Here’s a link for more information:

https://www.toledozoo.org/orchidshow

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story & photos by Gail K.

Happy Sunny-day.

Here we are in mid-January and it feels more like early spring.  Can’t say I miss shoveling the white stuff but right on cue………..look who came to pay me a visit.

I can’t help but smile from ear to ear when the bright colored bluebirds grace me with a visit.

They are just precious-a bright spot in the white of winter.

Let me challenge all of you to observe the feathered and non-feathered creatures in your yard—–snap a photo and send it on……..the blog could use some “cuteness.” 
gk

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Story and photos by Gail K.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
In the grip of the coldest temps so far this winter & the cancellation of our January meeting- as a precautionary Covid hiatus; along with receiving too much bird seed at Christmas (darn kids); I decided to tackle a project & share it with you.

Homemade bird seed cakes: The recipe I used, required minimal supplies. 
Bird seed- (Your choice). You may add nuts,raisins, or
currents if not in your seed mix. (Great way to clean out the pantry)
Water, Plain Gelatin, & molds. 

FIRST: put 1 1/4 cup of the bird seed mixture in a bowl-set aside.

The above photo shows several shapes of molds-made of metal or glass. Use silicone, plastic, cookie cutter, clay pots or any other “shape.”

I sprayed the mold to ensure ease of removal and found the deeper the mold, the better the end result.  This mold worked well.

Put 1/4 c of water in a saucepan-add 2 pkg. of the unflavored gelatin to the water.

Over low heat, stirring until the gelatin has fully dissolved. (doesn’t take long)
Once dissolved, remove from heat and allow to cool for one minute before adding the bird seed.

Mixing well, to ensure all the bird seed is coated with gelatin.

Take the mixture & place into the mold.

firmly press the mixture into the mold and set aside to harden– allow for at least 24 hrs.

How you “hang” the seedcake is part of the final design. Many ways to “offer” & the type of bird you want to feed may determine that. To hang from a branch or hook, while soft,make a hole to thread ribbon or twine thru; or place a loop of twine between two layers of the mixture. You can just insert into a suet feeder.

Once hardened, gently remove from the molds and offer to the birds……..I found the heart shape to be too thin and slid them into a suet feeder. The star I hung by a loop of twine from my feeder pole. The squirrels would have had a quick snack if I dare to hang from a branch. Full recipe follows…………..

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Story & photos by Gail K.

The Monarchs have flown south as the days grow shorter; we awake to find frost on the pumpkins. 
The winter solstice is upon us; and the end of another year draws near.
It’s time to reap the harvest, to celebrate & mingle with friends…..hurry now, lady snow waits on the horizon.

Jennie gives a prayer of thanks before our meal….AMEN.

Despite continued concerns with Covid; it was so nice to gather as a group again.
One last time before year’s end; to share a meal–

To converse face to face; sharing stories & laughter;

To just be with; to share time with; friends– old & new— “our family of fellow gardeners”

This year’s speaker was ARLA- a Master Gardener and member of the Brighton Garden Club.

Arla’s topic: “A Garden To Die For.” Plants not planted AKA weeds–which could pop up in your garden; nightshade, herbane or giant hogweed; As well as those planted intentionally such as Angel’s Trumpet, Foxglove & Monkshood.  We learned just how they could poison by touch or ingestion.

She shared the stories on how these plants impacted history over time. Their past uses & how we use them today.  She covered far more than I can share in this blog. She was an excellent speaker, with a very informative presentation. Thank you!!!!   I know we all learned something.

Following the presentation, we continued to share fellowship & do some shopping.

Chris brought “home grown” honey—
Karen & Arla brought beautiful pieces of handmade ceramics. (craft show flyer under education opp. on our mg page).

People took this opportunity to do some early holiday shopping.

There were tables of give one- take one or just TAKE IT! Everyone went home with something-I grabbed some canna and tuberose tubers.,

Saying our goodbyes for 2021—stay safe my friends.

May your Thanksgiving be bountiful-so many of us faced difficulties this past year.  

May Christmas bring you blessings-beyond your wishes. May the New Year bring us back together with a renewed spirit.

I look forward to seeing all of you in the New Year!!!!!! 

We look forward to meeting once again in 2022; be safe…..gail & linda

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Story & Photos by Gail K.

Despite a few of us getting turned around; we all reached the Beach Ridge Area in
the Oak Openings Metropark.

This is where the Cannaley TreeHouse Village is located; and the destination for our September tour.

Upon arrival; we were greeted by Nick & Patty, Park Rangers, who will lead our tour.

They shared the history behind the creation of this unique aspect within the Toledo Metropark system.

With everyone accounted for, we begin the walk to the village; Nick answering the many questions we had & sharing much more information on the Metro-Parks in Toledo.

Walking along the path we could peer thru the trees & catch sneak peeks at what lie ahead:      LOOK!  OVER THERE, ANOTHER ONE!!

Reaching the official entry point:

 we were given a brief description of each structure and sent off to explore at our own pace……

Here is a map of the village, the descriptive info on each treehouse, can be found on the Toledo Metropark web site.

Excited & eager to check things out- we scattered in different directions. Looking around, my first impression: this was gonna be way too cool!!  C’mon, let’s get started.

Pick a path…..

From my unique vantage point-I was overlooking-
WHOA–Look, over that way–
Where are those gals headed off to???

Our guides stayed on site- no questions went unanswered

There was much thought & planning put into the design-
construction was done to protect the environment as
well as the trees which were used; along with ensuring the structures would be safe for use………… 

You need to see what the various tree houses offer inside as well, since they are all different.

These are not like any tree house I ever saw as a kid.

The sleeping quarters were very unique in each treehouse-based on a theme…………

living areas and kitchens varied as well—
No two alike in any aspect……….

The cabins varied in occupancy limits. Exterior colors were chosen to enhance blending in with their surroundings.  

You could look to the right and to the left:
You could look up and then down.
Cabins and pathways were tucked in all around

ABOVE: I knew those girls were up to no good—ha ha

Our treehouse adventure brought the “kid’ out in all of us. It reminded me of the Ewok village in the Star War movies.
BELOW:   Yeah, I see you Tom!!!

Time’s up-meeting @ the swing set, ‘Smores please???Walking to our cars, we pass by the bike trail; most of us will be making one more stop before heading home….

   APPLES OR PUMPKINS ANYONE????

 It was a good day!! I must say, my photos do not dojustice to the treehouse village.  I suggest you take a
look for yourself…check the web site for public viewing timesand who knows, you may decide to bunk there for a day or two.

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Photos and story by Gail K.

2021 Final tour:leaving rural Michigan we head south to Ohio;
down US 23 to Airport Hwy West. 
First stop: OAK PARK NURSERY.

Warning: Gardener- I brake for plant sales & yard art.
           (maybe we should make a sticker)

Oak Park is well noted for their expertise in pond care. They have several on site ponds and carry a vast array ofproducts & supplies needed to maintain any type of pond.

Along with pumps & liners; they offer a variety of pond plants and fish. I have always found the staff to be informative and helpful.

In addition to the outdoor displays & products; their indoor exhibits offer a variety of unique garden items,which attract gardeners of all types

ABOVE:     Fairy Garden items

.BELOW:   Terrariums

ABOVE:  Indoor plants

BELOW:  Succulents galore

Back outside: we found a large expanse of trees, shrubs, & plants on display.  These are but a fraction of what they have on site at the start of the growing season…but at this time of the year-the price is right…..

ABOVE: ground covers galore!!! 

SMILE!!! I caught the Milan gals off guard, as they walked around the gardens–

Then there is my favorite-YARD ART!!!

As expected; the variety has diminished since the start ofthe growing season, but they still had a lot to offer……

There are pots of all sizes, shapes and uses.
BELOW:  Assisted by a staff member-Debbie found justthe right pot to take home for her garden.

Tucked away in the shade garden is an expansive

Gnome village. I admit; I believe in fairies & gnomes. Do you??  This was a really neat display, and not far from the small playground they have for children without parents.

Tom & Emokee discuss adding a gnome garden to their wooded lot garden. One plant in the shade garden, deserving of attention was The butter burr…. several members grabbed at least one for their own shade gardens

OK folks; finish your shopping and tuck your goodiesinto your cars…..it’s time to hop off our designated
stop of the day—- The Cannaley Treehouse Village.

Look who I found to take home–just so cute!!!

Thank you Oak Park for your hospitality & shopper’s discount.We enjoyed our visit and found some great deals. We’ll besure to check back early in 2022 for our gardening needs.

Meet you at the village………………….g

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One last time I flipped thru the photos.  A select few catching my eye; as if the others not quite enough. In this final post on the Dahlia tour; I share a view of Mother Nature & perhaps her **  perspective of life.

ABOVE: Even Mother Nature isn’t always perfect;        ** Why should we try to be?

BELOW: Wonder, if the nectar tastes like vanilla or strawberry??
         ** Life is a matter of give and take….

Erect & standing at attention; as if to say Hey!  “Look at me”
        ** Be proud of who you are—

ABOVE: A color standout; makes up for the lack of petals.
           ** Be the best you can be.

BELOW: Delicate yet “imperfect”; kissed by the soft
   glow of a morning sun;
                   ** just happy to BE……

BELOW: Nodding as if embarrassed in lacking a full bloom;
       **Be patient; beauty doesn’t happen over night

ABOVE: Deformed or just unique; reality two separate blooms.
           **Don’t be too quick to judge

BELOW: Who needs all that stuff around the outside anyway??            *** Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder

BELOW: Muted colors outside, mask the brightness from within.
**Things are never as they seem. 

ABOVE: Yummy delight, the bee oblivious to my presence;
      ****Enjoy what you will …….
BELOW: Lookin’ good no matter which way you see them

 ** two sides to everything; Be willing to look at both ….

ABOVE: when the time is right; the bud will “pop” to full bloom
      *** enjoy this moment in time, it will never happen again

BELOW: Hey there, you lookin’ at me??
    **wonders of nature are all around us-just look

You think I resemble what???***Dare to be different

Just a few of the standout groupings: As we leave

the Dirty Girls Dahlia Farm –carry this thought with you

“NATURE WILL ALWAYS WEAR THE COLORS OF THE SPIRIT”              Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thank you Gail for all the lovely photos from our visit to the Dirty Girls Dahlia Farm. It has been inspirational. I will miss seeing everyone at our brunch.. I hope to be back in track in 2022. As you requested, Gail, here are this season’s dahlias from my paper farm inspired by this visit and your photos. Linda

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