Monroe County Master Gardener Association

by Gail K.

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Forwarded by Naida

“Plastic Pollution “The toxic connection between plastics and the planet Available for all MGC Members to attend!  This Online Lecture is Sponsored by The Garden Club of Michigan Event Details:7PM, Tuesday, February 13, 2024Via Zoom Register by February 12 by email to info@gardenclubofmichigan.organ email with the link will be Kim Cameron of Beyond Plastics  Kim Cameron who holds a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology, will delve into the toxic connections between plastics and plants, animals, soil water and our bodies. She will provide information about what micro-plastic particles do to our soil. She has worked with Beyond Plastics whose mission is to end plastic pollution everywhere to help the organization develop presentations about plastics for local and non-local groups .About Beyond Plastics Beyond Plastics’ mission is to end plastic pollution everywhere. It is a nationwide project that was launched in January 2019, based at Bennington College in Bennington, Vermont. Beyond Plastics “pairs the wisdom and experience of environmental policy experts with the energy and creativity of grassroots advocates to build a vibrant and effective movement to end plastic pollution. We use our deep policy and advocacy expertise to build a well-informed, effective movement seeking to achieve the institutional, economic, and societal changes needed to save our planet, and ourselves, from negative health, climate, and environmental impacts of the production, usage and disposal of plastics.  Learn more about Beyond Plastics FACT SHEETS | REPORTS & STUDIES | LEGISLATION | TOOLS YOU CAN USE About The Garden Club of Michigan The Garden Club of Michigan founded in 1911, is the oldest member club of Michigan Garden Clubs. Libbey Chandler, GCM co-president said that the club “holds conservation and environmental stewardship as one of our core principles and we are so pleased to be able to share a speaker on such an important topic with the public. ”Like MGC on Facebook

Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. | 1047 Wedgewood Drive , Plainwell, MI 49080

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Forwarded for posting

 

 
 
ENJOY OUR SKY WALK IN EVERY SEASON!


After a prolonged closure due to winter conditions, the Sky Walk has re-opened as of January 31, 2024 with hiking access only. Although the Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk is designed to be experienced year-round, if the weather creates unsafe conditions for visitors, it will close temporarily. Please check our website or Facebook page before visiting to confirm the availability of the Sky Walk.


WELCOME TO OUR NEW INTERN!


Meet Alyvia Zamora, our new Conservatory Intern at Hidden Lake Gardens. Alyvia is a current student at Adrian College. She will be helping care for our Conservatory each week and gain valuable experience during the installation of our Spring Bulb Flower Show coming this March!


SUNRISE WATCH
Friday, February 2, 2024


Don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch the sunrise at Hidden Lake Gardens on Friday, February 2! Gates open at 7:00 a.m.


OWL EVENT SOLD OUT


Thank you to everyone who registered for the Avian Owl Experience sponsored by the Hidden Lake Gardners Club on February 10, 2024!


The registration for this event is now closed. We do hope to offer this event again in the future.



VALENTINE’S SALE
February 10-11, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.


Visit the Daffodil Gift Shop the weekend of February 10-11 to find the perfect gift for your Valentine and receive a surprise discount of up to 30% off.

SEED STARTING 101
@ the Tecumseh District Library
Thursday, February 29, 2024
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.


Celebrate Leap Day by leaping into spring with seed planting at the Tecumseh District Library!

Have you always been disappointed by your efforts to grow your own vegetables from seed? Does your seed turn out long necked and weak looking? Do they fall over dead before you can even put them in the ground? Find out the secrets of successful seed starting with Paul Pfeifer, Managing Director of Hidden Lake Gardens. Registration available starting on February 1.
VIEW OUR EVENTS PAGE




SPRING FLOWER BULB SHOW


Tired of winter? Spring is coming to our Conservatory! Enjoy a spectacular showing of daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, amaryllis and other spring flowers inside the conservatory.
 
Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from March 9-24, closed on Mondays.


HLG entry fee gives access to all garden attractions, including the Spring Flower Bulb Show.


MEMBERS ONLY PREVIEW: Friday, March 8, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

VOLUNTEER FAIR
Sunday, March 10, 2024
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.


Interested in volunteering at Hidden Lake Gardens? Stop in our Visitors Center and see how you can help HLG continue to grow! Learn more about the many volunteer and docent opportunities available.


We are seeking volunteers to assist with our events, the Sky Walk, as well as all of our garden areas, including the Conservatory, Hosta Hillside, Harper Dwarf Conifer Collection, Demonstration (Gazebo) Garden, and Elardo Garden. Volunteers also help in the Gatehouse and Daffodil Gift Shop.
LEARN MORE

2024 SCHEDULED EVENTS
 
Feb 2 Sunrise Watch
Feb 10 Avian Experience with Owls – SOLD OUT
Feb 29 Leap Day Seed Planting
Mar 8 Members Only Spring Flower Bulb Show Preview
Mar 9-24 Spring Flower Bulb Show
Mar 10 Volunteer Fair
April 20 Adopt-a-Highway Clean-up
April 22 Earth Day Tree Planting
April 26 Bonsai Courtyard Opens
May 11 Plant Sale
May 18 Hosta Hillside Workday with Michigan Hosta Society
June 15 Michigan Hosta Society Hosta Plant Sale
July 13 The Art of Bonsai
July 20 Adopt-a-Highway Clean-up
Sept 14 Run for the Hills 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk
Dec 13 & 14 Under the Silver Moon Trek


More 2024 events to be announced!


VISIT

JOIN

DONATE

Open Tuesday – Sunday, Closed Mondays


Gardens & Grounds
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Last Admission Time 4:30 p.m.


Sky Walk, Conservatory & Gift Shop
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Deb forwarded me this information. I’ve included the download files.

Greetings Plant Quest Registrant!

Attached are the recording links for the first three Plant Quest 2024 webinars along with the speaker handouts for all presentations.  Note that for the Jan.15^th presentation, we have also included several web sites providing information on gardening with deer and Viburnum Leaf Beetle and for the Jan. 22^nd presentation, we have included links for upcoming Pruning Events (via Zoom) and the Smart Gardener Conference in Belleville, Michigan.

You may watch the recordings as many times as you wish until June 1^st. 

We hope you are enjoying these webinars and are looking forward to seeing you next Monday at 6 p.m. ET.

Diane Brady

Horticulture and Events Account Manager – West Michigan

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Monroe Conservation District  January 2024 Spring 2024 Tree Sale Catalog and Order Forms Now Available Click Here to Download an Order Form Product Descriptions/Additional Information Each year the Conservation District sells a variety of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and prairie grasses through our various sales. These include our Spring Tree Sale (deadline in March), Native Plant Sale (deadline in May), and Fall Conifer Tree Sale (deadline in September). Products from these sales are intended for conservation uses, such as:   Reforestation   Soil erosion control   Windbreaks and screens   Wildlife habitat improvements   Landscaping naturalizing   Pollination    Our Spring Tree Sale order form is now available. The order deadline is March 15th, 2024. Orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Native Plant Sale orders may be placed along with Spring Tree Sale orders, though pick-up dates differ between the two sales. Check out the Monroe Conservation District’s Tree Sale page for pictures and more information. Native Plant Sale 2024 Catalog Available Native plant sale orders may be placed with your tree sale order or by May 24th, 2024. Order pickup and extra plant sale is June 13th, 3:00-6:00 PM Click Here to Download Native Plant Sale Order Form For more information about our native plant sale, or to view pictures, please visit the Monroe Conservation District’s Native Plant Sale page.

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EXCELLENT information and photos of box tree (Boxwood) moth in various stages from MSU!

Also sending link for information on an evening online program of four series that might interest you:

And once again, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Naida

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Chris E. sent in this for us:

Karen Hehl & Chris Eddolls enjoyed spending the month of November working at Matthes Tree Farm (Lulu Rd., Ida, MI), making Xmas wreaths and roping.  Here is Karen behind her 6-foot diameter, hand wrapped wreath.  Look for it is gracing the MCCC building!  That’s Chris next to a star wreath; one of several unique shapes she makes (star, candy cane, cross, xmas tree, & swags).  Happy holidays to all!

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By Naida A.

MARK YOU CALENDAR FOR THIS CHRISTMAS CONCERT!  It’s always a great one!

Subject: Concert Poster The poster for the upcoming Holiday Concert is attached for your info and for sharing with your family and friends. Jim Cubberly

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By Gail K.

Just a note from Gail–DWARF BUCKEYE

At the November pot luck I had buckeyes to offer

from my dwarf tree–the question, if you plant

the buckeye will it grow and if it does, will it be a

dwarf.   I am not an expert, and Jennie may want to

offer some insight—I think  maybe it’s that way with

 a hybrid,

you don’t get the same plant by planting its seeds; but

from what I could find-if you plant the dwarf buckeye, you

will propagate a dwarf buckeye tree:  read below

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Welcome, November! As we turn the page to a new month, we have been reflecting on the theme of renewal as we seek ways to preserve and restore Nichols Arboretum after the severe storm that hit in August. Don’t miss our interview with Jeff Plakke, our Natural Areas Program Lead, who shares his insights and heartfelt connection to the Arboretum’s preservation. Meanwhile, at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, our commitment to ecological stewardship continues as we prepare for our public Prescribed Burn Demo Day on November 12th. Prescribed burns are essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem – if you are available to join us, we encourage you to register for this free event to learn more about this important practice. As always, we thank you for staying connected and joining us in this journey of renewal and restoration. Restoring Nichols Arboretum with Native Oaks In late August, a fierce storm took its toll on Nichols Arboretum, and over a hundred mature trees were brought down from high winds and rain. Yet, within this chaos, we have found an opportunity for renewal, staying true to our commitment to promote environmental and ecological sustainability.Well before the storm, oak tree management had taken center stage in our efforts to safeguard the Arboretum’s ecological well-being. Studies conducted within the space had revealed a concerning absence of oak tree seedlings. Oaks are not just any tree; they are keystone species, vital for maintaining the balance of our local ecosystems. They support an array of plant-eating insects, which in turn are the primary food source for songbirds. In addition, acorns are a valuable food source for a variety of animals, from ducks and turkeys to deer. In essence, oak trees are an important foundation of our local food chain. Read about MBGNA’s efforts here. Learn more about the importance of planting oak treesExcluding seabirds, 95% of bird species rely heavily on insects, particularly caterpillars. The chickadee, for example, requires 6,000 to 9,000 caterpillars to successfully raise a single clutch of nestlings. Oaks trees stand out from other plants in that they support over 450 species of these moth and butterfly caterpillars, making them crucial hubs for biodiversity.In this short clip, ecologist and conservationist Doug Tallamy delves into the wide range of caterpillars that look to oaks for sustence, and the importance of planting these trees to support our local ecosystems. Preserving Nichols Arboretum: An Interview with Natural Areas Program Lead, Jeff PlakkeJeff Plakke, the Natural Areas Program Lead at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, has played a pivotal role in addressing the August storm damage at the Arboretum. In this interview with Jeff, he shares not only his professional insights and strategies for managing and rejuvenating the Arboretum’s ecosystems but also offers a heartfelt connection to this special place, revealing his profound dedication to its preservation. Giving Tuesday is November 28th and a chance for the Matthaei-Nichols community to join the global University of Michigan community in an annual day of giving.Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum is seeking support for Nichols Arboretum. Your contribution will enable us to replant trees, repair structural damage, and provide the necessary care and resources for the Arb’s recovery and long-term future.On Giving Tuesday we will be asking for your support to help us heal the Arb. We welcome your donation then, or you can give today! Indigenous Collaborative Garden HarvestOn October 15th, in partnership with a season-long team led by Rosebud Sera of Ziibimijiwang Farm (Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians), we celebrated the fruitful harvest from the Indigenous Collaborative Garden at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. These food relatives, grown with traditional varieties and techniques, are the result of a collective effort with the Michigan Anishinaabek Cultural Preservation and Repatriation Alliance (MACPRA). This harvest, which included Bear Island corn, Odawa pole beans, Chippewa beans, Gete Okosomin (squash), and sunflowers is not merely a collection of crops but a celebration of the contemporary vibrancy of ancestral knowledge and lifeways. We are grateful to our partners for including us in this celebration. Upcoming EventsEvent Spotlight:Prescribed Burn Demo DayJoin us on Sunday, November 12th for a prescribed Burn Demo Day at Matthaei Botanical Gardens! The event is free, but to ensure a safe experience for everyone, registration is limited and required. Please visit this link to reserve your spot.NOV 1st and 5thWonder Walks: Preparing for DormancyNovember 1 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pmNovember 5 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pmMatthaei Botanical GardensNOV 8thNature Play Pop-Up at Gaffield Children’s GardenNovember 8 @ 4:45 pm – 5:45 pmMatthaei Botanical GardensNOV 11thReception with Artist Rachel Yurkovich “Black Grass” Chernobyl ExhibitionNovember 11Matthaei Botanical GardensNOV 12thBurn Demo DayNovember 12 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pmMatthaei Botanical Gardens – Registration requiredNOV 15th and 19thWonder Walks: Searching for Food in the Dormant SeasonNovember 15 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pmNovember 19 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pmMatthaei Botanical GardensNOV 18th -NOV 19thAnn Arbor Orchid Society Orchid ShowNovember 18 and 19 @ 10:00 am – 4:30 pmMatthaei Botanical GardensTHROUGHNOV 19thRachel Yurkovich “Black Grass” Chernobyl ExhibitionAugust 26 – November 19Matthaei Botanical GardensNOV 22ndNature Play Pop-Up at Gaffield Children’s GardenNovember 22 @ 4:45 pm – 5:45 pmMatthaei Botanical GardensNOV 25th -DEC 30thConservatory Display – AuroraNovember 25 – December 30Matthaei Botanical GardensNOV 25thDEC 30thCommunity Art Show – Earth and SkyNovember 25 – December 30Matthaei Botanical Gardens

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