Monroe County Master Gardener Association

MILAN GARDEN CLUB GARDEN TOUR– THIS COMING SATURDAY

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-

Here’s a PDF for you to review

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   

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

Following are photos taken during our April 2023 meeting.
  Please accept my apologies for the tardiness of post.

The members sit quietly as Stella introduces our speaker.

We welcomed Paul Pfifer from Hidden Lake Gardens in Tipton, Michigan. To begin, he asked for a show of hands of those who have visited the gardens.

Most of us are familiar with the gardens. Yearly, members attend their spring bulb show & some members volunteer in the gardens.

He briefly spoke to the bulb show & the labor intensive job getting the bulbs planted so they bloom at just the right time. We have several posts on this blog with photos from past visits.  

Today, after a long wait; we would learn how the newest project at the gardens was progressing. THE TREE CANOPY WALK!

We listened intently to the history of the gardens & how this project is revitalizing their mission.

The following pictures speak for themselves.

OK   YOU HAVE MY ATTENTION!!!  TALK ABOUT  UP CLOSE WITH NATURE!!!!

In closing, a list of some past & upcoming events.  Don’t forget- we have our planned visit to take the canopy tour coming up very soon……you can bet, I will be there.  g 

there is a scroll bar on the right side to scroll down the list.

First things first-
As promised, Scott sent a jar of his homemade Maple Syrup. Holding it up to the light—-you could see the beautiful color–it was one of the note worthy comments made by the members.

Even though he filters it 4-5 times, he always gets this sediment at the bottom- called Nitre/sugar sand. 

Our “beekeeper” Chris took a sample…& found the taste to be “just right”  Others agreed—Scott, they say it is so good you should sell it.

Fortunate to be able to take the rest home; I enjoyed my taste test the next morning at breakfast—slowly, I savored

each bite–of the sticky sweetness which I had drizzled over a warm stack of  waffles………

Thank you Scott!!!!!!           What a treat/g.

Let go out and support these gals!