Monroe County Master Gardener Association

by Chris E.

Several years ago, our Master Gardener friend, Mrs. Olga Einfalt presented a lecture on Clivia to our group.   Along with all the knowledge that she imparted to us, she also gave us a small, 1/2″ Clivia bulb.  She helped us plant it in a small pot with a topping of course builders sand.  Well, many years later that tiny bulb is still producing lovely blooms!  Some years it blooms in the midst of winter, i.e. January or February.  This year it started blooming in March and is still bringing a smile to my face.

Thanks to the Chicago Botanical Garden for explaining that Clivia is a genus of herbaceous perennial flowering plants native to southern Africa in the Amaryllis (onion) family. The vibrant orange to reddish flowers make it a stand out. Clivia miniata is a wonderful flowering plant, equal to, but more unusual than an amaryllis or a Christmas cactus. When given a month of cool night temperatures in autumn, followed by a six-to-eight-week rest period with very little water, a clivia plant will produce dense clusters of orange, lilylike flowers. Even when not in bloom clivia is an attractive foliage plant with straplike, dark green leaves; normally blemish free, unless your cat decides to take a bite!  Take note, this plant does have low severity poison characteristics with the bulb being the most poisonous part.

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UPCOMING at Hack House Museum, Milan, MI
Saturday, March 16 from 12 noon to 2pm                                                                                                                 775 County St. Milan MI.

About the event:Seed Swap

Hey fellow gardeners! Mark your calendars. I’ve got a seed swap planned for us. Gardening is so healing for the soul. It is a great chance to not only swap seeds but also share tips and stories with fellow gardeners in our community.
You are invited to bring seeds you would like to swap. You are invited if you do not have seeds to swap.
For those bringing seeds to swap-
*Please be sure your seeds are free from mold or infestation.
*Please have your plant/crop seeds labeled.
*It is always nice to share information about best planting practices or what has and hasn’t worked well for you by chatting with fellow gardeners.
*If you plan to bring a bulk container of seeds please make it clear how many seeds are allowed to be taken per gardener with a label or sign.
*Please be kind and only take what you will use.
*Don’t be shy. Ask questions and let’s talk gardening!
Tables will be labeled for easy browsing. There will be seed packets (while supplies last) and writing utensils available.
Happy almost Spring!
Moon Mama LLC and The Milan Area Historical Society are teaming up for this community event!

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Chris E. sent in this for posting.

These are forced paperwhite bulb in my unheated sunroom.  A glimpse of spring at I time when we know it is still a ways off.

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Jennie sent this.  

This new plant news has a lot of excellent background for thoughtful reading.

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Jennie sent this to me and I thought I would share: 

The American Horticultural Society is excited to launch its first Self-Paced Online Course through Lifelong Learning! Gardening in America begins mid-March and ends mid-August. Register now!

Each year, over 121 million Americans visit public gardens. From public green spaces to community gardens to private yards, gardening is a critical part of our country’s culture. Gardening in America offers an introductory overview to the state of the country’s gardening culture, contexts that inform gardening, and ways to apply gardening approaches, styles, and practices for the greater good.

This course is constructed in seven modules, each with lessons that include AHS-produced text, videos, articles, activities, and resource recommendations. You are welcome to explore the materials at your own pace throughout the semester and to connect with other learners in the forum to discuss the course topics. The modules and lesson topics are:

Module 1: Gardening Factors

·    Climate, Soil, Light, Water, Wind

Module 2: Gardening Where You Are and With What You Have

·    In-ground, Container, Raised Bed, Square Foot

Module 3: Gardening Approaches

·    Design Philosophy and Principles, Beauty, Function, Materials, Senses

Module 4: Garden Styles

·    Garden Design History and Influences, American Models

Module 5: Gardening Practices

·    Plant Choices, Design, Site Preparation, Seasonality, Maintenance

Module 6: Garden Movements

·    Ecosystems, Conservation, Climate, Beautification

Module 7: Gardening for Community

·    Health, Heritage, Service, Beauty, Global Connections

Open to the public. This course is approachable for beginners to master gardeners. AHS members receive discounts on this registration. $95 AHS members/$120 non-members.

Course access begins mid-March and ends mid-August.

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by Jennie

The Lenton Rose are also in Bloom

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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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