Monroe County Master Gardener Association

Gail sent us this article she wrote along with these stunning photos.

COVID 2020; What a year!!!   I am still trying to pick up the pieces, coming across some information I had intended to share with you. Today as good a day as any–
Off we go to the Toledo Museum of Art to see; An “immersive” exhibit by Yayoi Kusamaof Shinjukyu, Tokyo. Currently, 90 yrs. old, her celebrated career has spanned 7 decades; which began as a child with hallucinations transformed into artistic manifestations. 
“Fireflies on the Water”- (150 LED lights)
The title alone sparked my interest.  Fireflies–what’s not to love!!! So I set my sights on finding the day to go and BAMM Covid hit. Would I ever see this very unusual exhibit??

Finally, YES-she was allowing the Museum to resume the display and I did not hesitate to call and get my assigned time……………
and I wasn’t disappointed!!!!!

This exhibit was very unique to anything I have ever experienced.I am not an art person but I love trying something different.  It speaks to my soul and this folks was different. entering into the room — alone-no one else in there with me. I would have 60 seconds to immerse myself into the exhibit& then I would have to leave…………. I was given explicit instructions to carefully walk onto the platform(edges were visible) and then stand still-do not reach out with my hands.  Folks–all I can say is    WOW!!!!  Follow along with me as I experienced fireflies like I have never seen………

The feeling of just standing there–was bazaar. I am not sure I can explain it in words……

 see me??    I am in—–I am a part of the exhibit!!!! 

This was just really freaky!!!

This statement was taken directly from the article in the Toledo City Paper—-I still have it if you want to read the full article.

Have you figured out just how this display worked????
60 seconds wasn’t long enough.  I was clicking pictures, my senses exploding with confusion; my emotions
begin to well up, tugging at the deepest pits of my soul. Suddenly the doors opened and I was asked to leave the exhibit…………HOLY COW-HOW DO I EXPLAIN THIS?? Do I make another visit……..?? I decided not to, and this is why……….

I would say-I believe I was fortunate and experiencedfully the intent behind Ms. Kusama’s exhibit.
Thank you for sharing your talents with the world !!!!

Let me close this story with a couple extra pics from the art museum …..

the one below is something anyone of us could create-really Hope you enjoyed it.  g

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Gail sent us a new post:

Happy Lunar New Year!!!!  The year of the Ox. I discovered my Chinese birth sign is the Water Dragon. To celebrate I am sharing a post on: What do you want for Christmas Mom?
I responded with How about an Amaryllis……fully expecting a beautiful bloom to brighten the day-but…

to my surprise, not one flower in sight as gifts were placed under the tree. There was a big box with my name on it???   Want to help me open my gift…….????   HINT-see above.

So the big box under the tree with my name on it– held 6 boxesof Amaryllis bulbs.   3 of each color.

To be honest, I have never forced a bulb. So I thought maybe there were others who also lacked in this experience.  Follow alongas I navigate the process. Opened the box, taking everything out. 

Finding a bulb, rather large.

The growing medium in the shape of a disc, about 1/2 inch thick.

Following the directions, I placed the disc into the pot.

Added Water:

Fluffed with fork.

making a hole for the bulb

Taking the bulb I placed it down into the pot.

covering up to the base of the green leafy portion with the
growing medium.

6 bulbs later

Watering once a week and keeping near a light source (window)which had a heat vent in front of I waited and watched. 

It didn’t take long, the box said 8-10 wks but mine closer to 14 days-normal plant time is Nov. with bloom time @ Christmas. SoI was doing it later & some of the bulbs had matured in the box

the first to bloom was a brilliant scarlett red color

one was white with a pink hue

one was a dark pink hue (not pictured on the box)
this one did the best–hosting double stalk with a cluster of 5blooms on each.

Here are the three of them together:

I gave a dark red one away; 2- produced no blooms, only leaves (could return).  After blooming, allow dying back. In May plant the bulbs in the garden (won’t the squirrels love these)& fertilize. In September lift the bulbs, cut back the foliage and store them in a cool dry place for 2 months, and then repeat the process again for another season of enjoyment. I found it a fun project, would be great to do with children-would suggest everyone tries it at least once…..PS  Caution: Children-no matter what their age, may not listen,
so use care when asking for that Christmas gift…..gk

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.The Toledo Zoo is once again hosting The Orchid Show on weekends in February. I did not see any lectures, but they are offering a few workshops to check it out   just go to the official Toledo zoo & aquarium site………….gail

Here is a link for additional information: https://www.toledozoo.org/orchidshow

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Gail K. Sent in the information for pre-order of trees.

• WWW.MonroeCD.orgMonroe Conservation District bE-Informed
  January 20212021 Conservation Plants catalog 2021treesale.pdf (monroecd.org) Spring Tree Sale 
  pre-order forms now available. Each spring the Conservation District sells a variety of trees, shrubs, wildflowers and prairie grasses which are intended for conservation uses, such as:
  • Reforestation
  • Soil erosion control
  • Windbreaks and screens
  • Wildlife habitat improvements
  • Landscaping naturalizing
  • Pollination                                      Tips for Enjoying Winter Wildlife in your Backyard Wildlife Wildlife :Wildlife need four things for survival, food, water, shelter and space, all of which we can help supply them. These are needed year-round, especially in the stressful winter months. Plantings around the yard can provide you with windbreaks, aesthetics, food and privacy, as well as wildlife. Choose the right plants for the desired purpose and keep natives in mind for best results. Densely leaved and branched trees or shrubs provide the best cover. A variety of nut and berry plants that produce throughout the season are beneficial to wildlife, providing year-round food sources. Besides the plants themselves, brush, leaf and rock piles also provide good shelter for a diversity of wildlife. Christmas trees can provide great wildlife habitat after the holiday season, just remove all ornaments and tinsel first.If providing food, think diversity. Don’t just place one feeder, with one type of food. More options will attract more varieties and species by both the type of food and its placement. Water is essential to wildlife survival and can be tricky in the winter months. Shallow depressions are safest but can freeze quickly. The use of heated bowls/dishes or multiple watering throughout the day can help with freezing problems.
    
     WELCOME THE DISTRICT’S NEW MAEAP TECHNICIAN In December, Monroe Conservation District said goodbye to MAEAP Technician Taylor Myatt. Taylor served at the District for over 2.5 years. Thank you Taylor for your service and we wish you the best in your future endeavors.
    Please help us welcome a new member to our team, Emma Nehan. Emma began her role at Monroe Conservation District as our new MAEAP Technician at the beginning of January. 
    Raised in Troy, Michigan, Emma grew up camping, hiking, and biking in Michigan and Canada with her family. Emma graduated from Lake Superior State University with a BS in Conservation Biology and an Associate’s in Natural Resources Technology in 2015. After graduating Emma gained experience in the field of conservation and natural resources at A Conservation Corps, and Michigan United Conservation Clubs. Emma is excited to begin working with the Monroe agricultural community and to help the county of Monroe achieve its conservation goals.
    In her spare time, Emma takes solace in nature by backpacking, hiking, camping, and listening to podcasts and audiobooks with her fiance Danny. 
    Welcome Emma!Copyright © 2021 Monroe Conservation District, All rights reserved.
    You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.
    
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    Monroe Conservation District1137 S Telegraph Rd Monroe, MI 48161-4040
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Naida sent writing:  Deb Kessell sent this to me and I’m wondering if it would be a good article for the Blog?

Thanks,
Naida

Ann Arbor Farm & Garden presents

Janet Macunovich: Getting More Mileage from Your Garden

Thursday, February 11, 2021

1 pm via Zoom

Public admission $10

Registration: Janet Macunovich: Getting More Mileage from Your Garden

Gardeners love their gardens, but could they enjoy them more? Garden designer and author Janet Macunovich thinks the answer is “yes” in every case. There are always more layers of wonder and delight awaiting the gardener who digs a bit deeper with trowel, notebook, index and internet. Join Ann Arbor Farm & Garden and Janet on February 11^th via Zoom for a fun hour of history, folklore, science and magic unearthed from a garden.

This is a brand new topic for Janet, presented for the first time with AAFG and open to the public via Zoom virtual presentation. Registration is required by clicking here: Janet Macunovich: Getting More Mileage from Your Garden  Admission fee for non-members is $10 per person. Once you make your purchase, you will receive a confirmation email. This email will be your receipt for the February 11th Zoom program.  You will receive a reminder email in early February with the Zoom link to the program.

Janet Macunovich is a professional gardener, author and educator who has been designing, planting and maintaining gardens and landscapes for nearly 40 years. Janet’s horticultural training includes extensive coursework at botanical gardens and colleges. Since 1989 she has authored nine books, developed and presented seminars and workshops, hosted radio shows and written weekly gardening columns that have helped gardeners in the U.S., Canada, England, Europe and Brazil. She is recognized for her no-nonsense practicality, humor and ability to take the mystery out of gardening topics. She is co-founder of the Michigan School of Gardening (1996-2008) and the Association of Professional Gardeners.

Janet is co-owner with husband Steven Nikkila of Garden A to Z, a garden and landscape design and maintenance firm with clients in Michigan and several other States. They’re also the parents of two children, for whom Steven put his career on hold in 1981 to be full-time parent. At that time, Janet began moonlighting in gardening to help make ends meet and to pursue her passion. By 1984 the two were gardening together professionally, each with a child riding on their back. Since that time, gardening and garden education has been their full-time occupation.

Proceeds from this program will directly benefit AAF&G’s grant and scholarship fund. To learn more, visit our website at: http://www.annarborfarmandgarden.org/
—

Ann Arbor Farm & Garden (AAF&G) is a nonprofit social and philanthropic organization. Since our founding in 1946, we have distributed more than $600,000 in grants and student scholarships. We have been the horticultural therapy “Flower Ladies” at Mott Children’s Hospital for more than 35 years. The Garden Walk is our major annual fundraising event, with all proceeds benefiting local garden-related projects, programs, and people. Join us, and help continue our mission of giving, education, and community service. 

You have received this email because you expressed interest in the Ann Arbor Garden Walk in the past. We will only send you a few emails each year. We do not rent, sell or exchange membership lists with any person, group or organization. If you would like to be removed from the Ann Arbor Garden Walk email list, reply to this message and type “unsubscribe” in the subject line.  If you would like to join Ann Arbor Farm & Garden (AAF&G); nominate a garden, or have questions; please visit our website at www.annarborfarmandgarden.org or write to us at Ann Arbor Farm & Garden (AAF&G) P.O. Box 354; Dexter, MI 48130

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Sandy O’Connell has let us know that longtime member Sue Anderson passed away in hospice care in Virginia where a daughter lived. Sue kept her horticulture club membership even after illness prevented her from maintaining Master Gardener certification and while we had missed seeing her for some time now, many will remember her gentle spirit and unfailing cheerfulness at meetings and work sessions. Sandy wrote: “On Dec 23rd Master Gardener Susan Anderson passed away while in hospice care in Virginia. For years she and I tended the lower east and south gardens at the extension center. Some may still be making her butternut squash apple cranberry casserole that she took to one of the Christmas potlucks. I remember there were requests for the recipe after members tasted it.” 

Susan Anderson’s recipe
Butternut Squash Apple Cranberry Casserole

Ingredients
1 large butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 large tart cooking apples
½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup chopped pecans
¼ cup (4 tablespoons) butter
1-tablespoon flour
1-teaspoon salt
1-teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg

Preparation
Butter a 2 to 2 ½ – quart-baking dish. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
I washed the squash, put in microwave for 3 minutes for each pound. Then cut off ends, peeled and cubed. Core apples, peel, and cut into thin slices. Toss squash and apples together. Transfer squash and apple slices to the prepared baking dish. Put cranberries on top.

Combine brown sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Sprinkle on top of squash, apples and cranberries. Sprinkle chopped pecans over all and dot with butter. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until squash is tender.

We will miss her and her bright smile

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May all the Gardeners have a Very Merry Christmas from Monroe County Master Gardeners and Horticulture Club Members.

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Jennie sent me this for posting:

This seminar is now posted at Emerald Ash Borer | EAB University for viewing by anyone who missed the live version:

Invasive Jumping Worms: The Impact of a New Soil Invader Brad Herrick, Ecologist/Research Program Manager, UW-Madison Arboretum	Thursday, November 19, 2020 @ 11 a.m. EST	Play Webinar
Jumping worms are invading forests and horticultural landscapes throughout the United States. These Asian earthworms modify soil structure and chemistry, nutrient dynamics, soil food webs, litter depth, and plant health. This talk will share information on general earthworm biology and identification, impacts, control options, and the latest research findings.

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This was sent by Jennie for posting:

No doubt several of our members saw info posted recently about hemlock woolly adelgid found in Michigan.  Or, they remember hearing about it from Amy Stone or other presenters on invasive pest species. We have not emphasized it because our woodlots and natural areas in SE Michigan do not have significant, if any, hemlocks.  We have some in our nurseries, where they are inspected and/or treated, and some in our landscapes that are not too likely to become infested, nor too difficult to treat.  Still, it is very good news that some new tactics to control this nationally serious forest pest are being developed, and you may want to read about them?

 Hope for hemlocks: New tactics found to fight deadly pest | Wildlife & Habitat | bayjournal.com

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Stella sent this to me for the blog. The graphic is a photo. If interested click

on this link:

https://www.gardengatemagazine.com/freegardeningcourses/gardenorganic/?utm_campaign=GDT%20-%20IP&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=100242427&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-80uo3ehkdZ27j1i6weCSrkEUhzg5TfknVSwgr78QDiE3vZwm7yFxUrAJoTiTw8f7RbPezMCKm1oxwcUqTNcwO8MfKKRA&utm_content=100242427&utm_source=hs_email

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