Monroe County Master Gardener Association

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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Here’s a PDF for you to review

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story & photos by Gail K.

May 2023-
Welcome back!!! Sunny with a spring chill in the air. Arriving early, I took a quick look  at the demo gardens.  Here are some highlights:

Theme at this time is GREEN & WHITE

Typically in May we have a member plant share.
BELOW: Emoke & Tom with their shade loving plants-     

Chris brought her honey to sell.

I got one of Emoke’s stinky helleborus plants;

We also invite Bob to sell his greenhouse veggie

and native plants. BELOW: Debbie looks over the veggie plants.

Marie, Pat & Chris, inspect the many varieties of herbs Bob included.

Following our mtg: Jennie introduced a new member to the extension staff

Vegetable crop consultant-  Chris Galbraith

We listened intently as Chris explained one of the newest research initiatives to control weeds in the farm fields-INJECTING ELECTRICITY into the soil.

From the presentation, it appears the future of our gardens& farms are in good hands.  Now about the weed control in our yards????  
WELCOME TO MONROE COUNTY CHRIS!  g   

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Pictures & story by Gail K.

Apologies for the lateness, choosing to post anyway- given excessive heat and 20 days with no rain–may the photos of “spring in the demo gardens, “serve as a reminder; as we witness the beauty of rebirth in our gardens each spring.

I hope you enjoyed this short walk thru the demo gardens.

How many could you name?

Jennie recently shared some she had taken and I will

include others with the May mtg post.

-our gardens change weekly, be sure to take the time

 to ENJOY THE BLOOMS IN ANY SEASON. g

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