Monroe County Master Gardener Association

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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from Gail K.

Seen at Menards on  E Alexis (near I 75 connector) a couple of COPPER DWARF BUSH HONEYSUCKLE PRICED @ $25.

NO    I did not get one….I was busy choosing tulip bulbs  g

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Naida

We have our last work session in the Monroe Extension Demo gardens coming up October 9 from 2 to 4pm and I’m hoping something in BOLD AND LARGE can be put on the Blog reminding our Hort Club members to please mark their calendars – that this is the last work session of 2023 and we sure could use some extra help getting the gardens put to bed for the season!  

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Sent me photos of her Seven Son shrub / tree, Heptacodium miconioides, Zone 5. She bought it last October at North Branch nursery in Pemberville, Ohio. It’s done well.

These photos of hers that have now turned color.

The flower blooms begin white in July-August and later turns to a red with golden yellow foliage in fall. It also has exfoliating tan bark that exposes a cinnamon-colored inner bark. As a tree it can grow up to 15-25 feet and will have a spread of 8-15 feet. It’s a member of the Honeysuckle family.

Jennie has often spoken about this tree, that provides a habitat to birds along with the flowers supplying nectar for pollinators.

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from Gail K.

below is a link to view newsletter

https://mailchi.mp/977bee981263/oak-openings-gri-jul_23-newsletter?e=8f5512a66a

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We recently had conversation on the Lotus–so here is some

history on that white to yellow flower in Lake Erie.

Gail K.

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MILAN GARDEN CLUB GARDEN TOUR– THIS COMING SATURDAY

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Story & photos by Gail K.

YAY!!!!  Our tour season has arrived. Typically; June, July & August are reserved for working in the Demo Gardens and tours.

Mr. Pfeifer offered and we accepted an invitation to be a test group before the grand opening.  Follow along as we explore the TREE TOP CANOPY at HIDDEN LAKE GARDENS.

Driving down a winding road, flanked by various trees & shrubs; we watch for signs to direct us to our

meeting site.  Looks like a good turn out-(25 or so)

Mr. Pfeifer spoke to the various topographies & having to balance a natural experience with the abilities of all guests.

Here we go; so far-so good.

As we walk along, we see various side paths. Some for future expansion, others connect current hiking

trails.    I can’t help but wonder where they lead to.

A Hiking trail marker, anyone read hieroglyphics???

Stopping, Mr. Pfeifer points out, here the gravel path gets steeper before leveling out.   What?? No elevator???

Already feeling a bit short of breath; in part to the beauty surrounding us. So dense, lush, & green.  How many miles??

A cool, damp & sweet musty aroma fills the air. Shh-Listen as nature’s creatures warn of strangers in the woods.

THERE!  Up ahead—Can you see it??? 
The entry beckons us in……..

But-before we cross, Mr. Pfeifer gives a short safety lesson on the rules & shares more details on the construction of the project.

Ready?? our goal lies straight ahead on the left- see it?

So you’re thinking, this is it?? But peering through the trees you make out a shape –OH MY!!

I think i spoke too soon….the “walkway” has started to climb up into the tree tops. 

The children chattering away—sharing their versions on what they see—oh what young minds can conjure up? Focus-look ahead, what is that?  The  Mighty Mac???

  The Golden Gate???

looking behind & look over—compare the support posts at  the start- to those at this point- TAKE ME HIGHER-  

Our end goal comes into full view- no visible water but the only way–yes, the only way- –

to reach it is by crossing the suspension bridge!!!!Last chance to turn around…..

You have arrived!   Welcome to the tree canopy!!!

With hands firmly on the rails–Chris looks around.

Below: What she saw from her vantage point….

I truly believe you could get lost in here…(?? that post)

Oh dear am I the last one?? Turning around, here comes  Tom with Emoke & Linda.

I better pick up the pace–I kinda get lost in time when taking those Kodak moments………..so pretty.

Oh good, some of the group is still on the last platform. Jennie is a brave one looking down over the rail at this height.

As we descend, the going is easy & you see the anchors used to maintain stability.  The group now split into

smaller units, gives the flexibility to stop & explore the flora & fauna.

As we depart, views of other paths to unknown parts in the woods………..

Below:   Tip your head- can you make out a lady’s face with her arms outstretched…..(The lady of the woods)

Seen on the way but now we have time to look closer.

We leave the canopy tour path. Heading to our cars we opt to take the long way to the exit.

By doing so we see some note worthy trees.

Reflecting on the day; a unique experience I’m sure others will enjoy. Thankful for the minds & hands which brought it to fruition & lucky it exists so near to home.  Recommend all to visit at least once.  I want to check out the vistas & colors come fall—–I bet it will be a sight to behold!!!!

                       Thank you Mr. Pfeifer!!

“FOR THEY CAN CONQUER WHO BELIEVE THEY CAN”

                  –Virgil-

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