Monroe County Master Gardener Association

By Gail K.
This week, I want to show you pictures from the afternoon portion of our tour:
the home of Edsel & Eleanor Ford on the shores of Lake St. Clair. For the last 90 yrs, the notable features which designated this home a National Historic Landmark are the lake shore and the designs used to create the various garden rooms. While we are lucky to have Linda to assist us with design questions, the Ford’s used Jens Jensen.

The entry is located up on the roadside (where the staff stayed) one of the features there is a butterfly house and pollinator garden.

Our docent spoke to the major features of the estate. One major problem the gardeners are facing, is the aging landscape. All of the Elms on the property have been treated to prevent Dutch Elm disease. Mr. Jenson loved to create “rooms of trees”.

I don’t have the exact size of the estate but we started from the road and went to the shoreline–we could not see the water until we actually reached the shore. Here is a path to show just how vast the area is–

This shows a bit of size comparison with the adults on the right of the area. We all spoke to just how much fun
a child would have had on this estate. While you note the designs when you look at the following pictures,imagine playing a game of hide and seek.

Some of the rooms were hidden by design but they all connected–again; we are walking in a fairly straight path heading towards the water. One of the major plants on this estate are the 700 roses.

Note the design-dictates the type, color to be planted in each area.

The “pool house” is another. What is so unique with this feature, the water comes from the lake and is filtered back to the lake via a water fall feature.

Again, I am going to remind you we are still not to the shore, “Darling, will you please bring me my towel”

As we ended the tour, it brought us to the house. Whew!!! Our docent tells that when the whole family was on site-they had 50 people to assist them while they were there.

We did not get a handout pamphlet about the estate but were told if you have an iPhone…you can download a free tour app….”Edsel and Eleanor Ford House Tour.” As we leave, note yet another path to ????? Mr. Jensen was a real visionary.

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by Gail K.:
For those of you who are unfamiliar (like me) the college usually covers 3 days.
the second day this year included 2 options. First-a choice from 5 full day
tours or an afternoon workshop. So this week’s blog topic will focus on the full day
tour I attended: Explore the Shore. The tour’s primary focus was the gardens of Fair Lane;
home of Clara & Henry Ford, and the Edsel & Eleanor Ford estate. Please, take a seat-enjoy
the trip.

Our docent, having worked on site for 30 yrs. was a wealth of knowledge. Here are some pictures with a few highlights. The gardens are currently under an “Interpretive”restoration. The gardens were designed by Jens Jensen who used the “natural environments.”

The tour of the grounds started with the new grand entry, the powerhouse/garage-cutting garden with the adjacent potting shed,& greenhouses. The property abuts the Rouge River-Jensen used the river to create a dam needed to produce hydro electric by the powerhouse. Today, the restoration includes creation of a stepping process beside the dam for fish to move up stream to spawn.

The estate has a large number of “rooms,” each with a different purpose & story..
I have a pamphlet with the 27 various aspects of the estate. We did not get to all of them.
Much of the lecture took place while we stood in the rose garden-at one time, Clara tended 10,000 roses
on 2.5 acres (now in ruins).

We continued our trek across the back of the house which faces the river. In an earlier photo, you saw the “blue garden” The house is also under renovation, this is a view of the rear and the side of the house.

From the side of the house you can view the “great meadow” The Ford’s were very progressive-
loved nature & natural features, organic gardening practices and ecological preservationists.



As Master Gardeners, we can volunteer in a variety of ways on this project, go to http://www.henryfordfairlane.org for more information.

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Story and photos by Gail K:

I would like to feature the Master Gardener College which took place on Sept 14 and 15th. The event was held @ Wayne County Comm. College; being so close to home, it allowed for a bit more affordability & flexibility for those who wished to attend any portion of the 3 day event. We had many members of our MCMG assoc. present, it was my first time to attend this event.

This week will focus on the last day; 8 hrs. featuring 2 keynote speakers; 3 break out sessions each participant chose the topic of their focus;opportunities to shop @ various vendors (and we did shop) and of course–FOOD & fellowship with so many others who enjoy gardening & many of us (not all, sorry Pat) won door prizes.

Following breakfast-Mary Wilson MSU MG program coordinator gave the opening statement and introduced the first keynote speaker Bill Culina Director & President of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

Mr. Cullina spoke on various aspects of plants, & insects. Plants are photosynthesis factories and the gardener is the manager of those factories. A notable fact: in response to a stimuli, a plant is cable of producing airborne smells-a chemical messaging system- detected by other plants alerting them to produce a defense mechanism. He shared a recipe for a preventative protein spray: 1 regular aspirin-ground up along with 1 tsp of mild dish soap mixed into 1 gal of water Spray on plants every 3 weeks prior to a known issue. The spray will cause the plant to increase its chemical response– helps ward off disease such as powdery mildew. He also spoke to the use of ultraviolet light vs daylight and how insects see @ night. Very good speaker, covering a lot of material.

Did I mention shopping???

The second keynote speaker for the day was Karl Gercens lll-Conservatory Horticulturist for Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. Mr. Gercens spoke to the design aspects he uses in the Conservatory. He has 800 volunteers and things change with each season & rarely repeat year after year. He spoke to the various plants they use & how they adapt them for their use…. Learned that Coral Bells grow better in potting soil, a wreath made of succulents.

References seedyourfuture.org and http://www.KarlGercens.com
Following his talk I added the Longwood Gardens to the list of places I want to visit ……..
DID I MENTION SHOPPING????

I SOMEHOW MISSED THE SILENT AUCTION DISPLAY BUT WINNIE FOUND IT

Many of our members won a prize throughout the 3 days—

BIG PRIZE WINNER!!!! Norma Buggy

The day was long- constant hustling and bustling as we tried to shop & eat; eat and shop and still get to our classes on time. I think everyone who attended enjoyed the day. I know that I did and give it a thumbs up. We all left with a wealth of knowledge to take out into the real world to share and put into practice in our daily gardening.

For all attendees we received 2 tote bags full of goodies for just attending. At the closing event, we learned that next JUNE in Pennsylvania there will be an INTERNATIONAL MASTER GARDENER CONFERENCE!!! Stay tuned…………information to come.

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I’m not the best writer but here’s a short post with some photos:

I’ve made major changes to my garden this year. Much hard work has gone into it. But I used some advice I gave on a presentation to help me manage all the work. Now that I’m 70, it’s harder to do a full day.

First off what do I benefit from gardening as a senior? It’s low impact exercise and I’m not sitting idle around the house. All that digging and moving things improves my strength and dexterity. I get the benefit of all that fresh air and sunshine. It takes some focusing and keeps the mind sharp. It also requires you to increase your attention span on one area at a time. Although, I often find myself jumping from project to pulling weeds. Gardening has always help me with stress. It lowers the level of stress that I have. Mainly because it gets my mind focused on something else rather than what may be stressing me out.
I’m sure all this exercise reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. However, don’t stay in the heat too long.

Now to begin with a few stretching exercises. Bending, lunging, stretching out my side will all help avoid injury during my digging. Next, I get out the tools. They include my favorite shovel and a wagon (or wheel barrel). I use these every time I plan to do a project. The wagon carries the heavy plants, soil and fertilizer. It saves trips back and forth into the garage as well.

I’ve also prepared the garden for low maintenance. I’ve replaced many of my jumbled up beds full of various plants into massed plantings of single varieties. I take a morning walk through the garden and “pull as I go” the weeds that pop up overnight. After that, I begin any changes needed. Early morning is best to do a large project. The sun is not out yet, there’s shade, and it’s cool. I’ve been planting shrubs, such as hydrangeas and roses. They seem to requires less maintenance.

I’ve adjusted my type of gardening as well. I vertical garden, making it easier to reach, water, and there are few weeds. Raised beds also help with the bending. As so many of you have visited my garden, you will remember the multiple seating areas I’ve placed around the yard. It sure helps for a quick break.

I have 3 watering areas right now, but hope to do some drip irrigation next year. Each of the hoses are non kinking, and are on an automatic hose reel. It runs with the water pressure. I’m not cranking that hose; which saves my back. I try to keep plants within my reach for watering. Self watering containers also help.

Adding walkways to move along also help. You should try and avoid tripping hazards. However, my walkways don’t follow that tip. My problem is I love aesthetics, it’s the designer in me, So you can see there are a few tripping hazards in my pathways.

That’s not the only advice I don’t follow. Gloves should be worn. Although often, I like to just get my hands in that soil. I’m more concerned with a good shoe to wear. They should be comfortable and protective.

After all this, take a great break and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

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Photos and Story by Gail K.

Hello- Let’s go back to Paul’s native garden and take a closer look at the plants he has in the garden.
As always, Paul has information available for people to take for referencing to start their own native garden…………

Ready?? follow me—–Paul’s garden offers many pathways- let’s travel down this one
and see where it takes us.

A mass planting of Ergrostis spectabilil – Purple love grass. Paul uses many native grasses in his landscape. He does use non native plants as well. Diversity is a key to design in a Garden.
Paul wasn’t sure-this may be a Wolfeye Dogwood. Remember when we toured the Taylor Gardens I think this was a plant we saw there. It is stunning especially in a shaded area.
Throughout the garden are artistic accents which add structure:

As we move on, did you note the thistle that is growing next to the
spider web?? Paul says the finches love that plant. Not what we typically
plant in our gardens……….

What do you see—-It changes as you change from where you are viewing–
another attribute of an interesting garden…………

NOTE:
For those who might be interested. I found pictures from another tour at Paul’s
the difference is unreal……………our Blog dated July 28 2014. If you click on July 2014 you will see that tour.

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Photo & story by Gail K.
Paul’s & Gerard’s river garden tour 8-18-18
It was a beautiful August day with a gentle breeze and sunny skies. I went about an hour before the tour to offer help; by doing so I also hoped to beat the rising heat, humidity

Since I was early, Paul & Gerard treated me to an elevated view of the vista!!! Ok
I’m impressed, as if I already wasn’t. From the 2nd story porch, I enjoyed a panoramic view-
clearly seeing the structure of the garden beds & paths.

As Paul readied for the tour, I trekked off for the short time I had left. Now in the backyard along the river, I was greeted by this squirrel who just sat there
posing for me.
Here are some views of the river from the backyard………so relaxing

Hearing car doors I return to the front entry-I find Chris and Gerard deep in
discussion on vegetable gardening.

OK–ready??? Let’s start the tour:

the group listened as Paul spoke to the importance of using native plants.


Entering the rear of the property, Paul & Gerard discussed the various plants;
as we intently followed winding paths in and out; from shady to sunny; from lower to higher levels in the garden.

After the tour, we each went off to explore as we wished. Seemed that we all had areas we wanted to go back to.
here are some of my finds………..

Thank you Paul, Gerard & Stanley for allowing us to spend time in your wonderful garden. Next week more photos from their garden; focusing more on specifics….in the mean time, garden on!!!!!

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Here are some photos from the tour at MCCC:

The group was met by Andy McCain MCCC program coordinator and Nick Beaudrie student intern.
Nick described as he passed out detailed information-just what his job–a student intern involves. The two of them gave a very informative talk on the program as a whole. An example of the labels used for each crop–allowing collection of detailed data which is then analyzed and used later as reference.




In this view, can you see the plots along the top edge?????……….the 12 acre college farm is also home to crop plots which are managed by the MSU Dept. of Entomology & 3 of its graduate students. They have planted corn and soybeans and do testing of various treatments used to control pests and insects in the soil–documenting the effects on each. These results can then be shared with farmers and those who develop products for use in farm fields.

In addition to the cherry tomatos, the group also planted Okra- Kale, variety of peppers, eggplant, cabbage, broccoli, greenbeans, lettuce, cucumbers and squash. All crops are donated to a variety
of charitable food banks. The group listened as Nick & Andy spoke of using ornamental kale
as a food source.

In addition to crops, they have planted flowers to entice the pollinators. This project created another collaborative-one with the Monroe Bee Keepers Club who after much controversy, erected this bee hive.
Some good honey coming soon–which can also be shared with the group.

This is a great project–long overdue for our farming community and I personally hope that the grant can be extended to continue this after the 2 yr. time frame. Connie and Gail are going to do some outreach and hopefully bring a like project to the south county area. Andy and Nick- Keep up the good work. Further reading on this venture can be found in the Monroe Evening News articles on June 9 & July 14, 2018.

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Naida sent this information to share:
Five Seasons:

The Gardens of Piet Oudolf

https://shoutout.wix.com/so/57MLOqKK0?cid=9abd027f-eb5e-4c20-9f39-c35465a85d23#/main

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I was asked to share this with our Master Gardeners and Horticulture Club by Chris K.

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Gail gives us another photo display:
Gail recently attended an exhibit titled “COMMUNITY” by Rebecca Louise Law @ the Toledo Museum of Art.
She learned of this while driving to the Leila Garden tour, from horticulture club member Sandy Rabie.
It just so happened that Sandy had helped with the tying of the flower garlands. She shared,someone from Toledo saw an exhibit by Ms. Law in England and invited her to bring her exhibit to Toledo- she accepted. Ms. Law uses local plant material for her display. It makes her “artwork” truly unique yet very personal. Here aresome pics from Gail.

The exhibit located in a room-behind glass doors has strategic lighting from the ceiling.
Looking into the room there is an appearance of shimmering gold strands. Once in, you smell the various nectar, pollen and stages of decomp. from the multitude of material used. The museum’s employees (with allergies) held handkerchiefs to their noses. I visited soon after the opening; June 16th. so I cannot predict what it is like now.

As much as I could tell you what I saw, this exhibit encourages self interpretation. COMMUNITY- the title of the exhibit; was perfect. They control the numbers in the room and base it on a 20 minute cycle. I took a bit longer :)… For as much as you connect with the exhibit as an individual, cautiously weaving around the displays while trying to not miss a thing, there are others all around you. You feel you can share with complete strangers what you see. It’s amazing how we can see the same yet see it differently. In that short moment of time, a community was formed.

I was intrigued by the set up. At first glance chaos-the ceiling laden with the various strands of color & composition; hanging long or short – some as garlands, others in clumps or lonely individuals– and then you enter the canvas and realize, there had to be a remarkable sense of organization to create this unique work of art.

I would encourage a visit. Avoid exhibit fee-go Thursday night (5pm), just parking…..
go early-plenty to see from glass blowing, a sculpture garden, other exhibits and gift shop.

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