Monroe County Master Gardener Association

Gail sent me the newsletter, good information, I added the link below to the newsletter so you can interact with it.

This is the link to the newsletter:

https://mailchi.mp/b4689f0662f6/oak-openings-gri-feb_23-newsletter?e=8f5512a66a

Gail send this educational information. The link to register is at the end

https://stewardshipnetwork.salsalabs.org/eventfebruary2023webcast/index.html?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=16a7b650-f774-49c8-9f2f-ae728e479607

If you have a question or wish to volunteer email: rriprograms@gmail.com

The button for Volunteer and Ask A Question are not active. You can use the email address above

for those purposes.

stories and photos by Gail K.

Welcome back!!! President Marie opened the meeting and Jennie spoke to issues we need to address: officers, tours

and speakers.

The educational portion of our meeting was learning to identify trees & shrubs during the winter months.

ABOVE: Jennie shows one of the many reference books she finds most helpful.

BELOW: a few of the many samples brought in to help us practice in recognizing the features to ID a tree.

Jennie, using one of the specimens; points out a feature to focus on. Following her suggestions, the members

selected branches to ID.

ABOVE:–the two darker wood specimens  a female and a male winterberry….using berries or fruit is an easy way to help ID a tree or shrub.

BELOW:  Jennie sneaked in a trick plant.  Do you know what it is??  Clue word, plant: feature the seed head

Now is also a good time to ID conifers and other evergreen trees; using their cones, & needles to help.

Use the bark & other markings along the stems to help with naming a tree. The bottom one is labeled, can you name the

tree above????

Of course, another feature would be the buds found on your spring blooming shrubs and trees ex: Magnolia.It was great seeing everyone again– looking forwardto another exciting season-won’t you join us……..
Answers: trick specimen; Smilax Herbacea & the “camo” bark belongs to a Sycamore. g

From Gail K.

Follow this link below for the Monroe County Tree Sale

https://monroecd.org/tree-sale2023

Here is another opportunity: maybe a bit closer esp for you western county folks.

Check out the Lenawee County Tree sale-Adrian
Different products–but still offer trees and shrubsalong with daylilies (one caught my eye) &
 books–one on morel mushrooms as well as someother interesting topics.

Remember folks…..both of these organizations will
gladly welcome any volunteer help……..the only sad thing is that they are both on the samewknd which makes it rough……..but I am sure you canwork something out with either one……….

Here is a link to the site:

https://www.lenaweeconservationdistrict.org/tree-sale-and-products

The storm passed, the sun came out and LOOK who flew in with hopes of finding dinner…………

photos from Gail K.

On the eve of a looming snow storm, look who’s back

photos & story by Gail K.

Belle Isle Part 4- The Conservatory

Leaving the outdoor formal gardens, we head inside to see the myriad of non-hardy exhibits.

We don’t even get thru the door when we spot a plant of interest. Jennie carefully dissects the plant parts to try & identify it.

apologies for the blurry photo-the plant in question? once inside, we enter a “tropical” realm-

With camera in hand, my attention is not always on the plants..but can’t ignore a vivid color display.

A lot of contrast among the plants, in the flowers & in the foliage as well…..

 sensory surge…….just try to pick a favorite        ( pink tendrils fall from a plant above!!)

the colors, shapes-such variety

     A living wall !!!!!

            An angel trumpet flower

  how interesting….. some of Mother Nature’s finest

 such contrast in the hues of the same color

such diversity, not a surprise that this transfers to the pollinators and birds of the tropical climates?

This plant so striking, I’m tempted to take up indoor gardening…….

From the lowest of low such as this ground orchid to the heights of this impressive display-the tropical dome touches all the senses…………

Not willing to go unnoticed- cactus in the small arid section put on quite an impressive & “touching” display.

Tall, short, pointed and rounded–all kinds

      so high above – so white below—-

          wonder who pollinates these flowers?

In a small outdoor courtyard we find a pond, waterfall and fish-along with native plantings.

It’s time to head home; leaving the conservatory we pass thru one more zone-can you guess which one??

Along with staghorn ferns, orchids find a happy home in which to thrive………..

I love this color!

No matter where or whose collection–seems almost mandatory that they have an area where Orchids are
the feature plant….a trend in today’s gardening

Before leaving, I drive around the isle, how lucky we are to have such a resource in our backyard.

Most of us want to see the Oudolf Gardens in another season;

 I hope you will join us when we return to Belle Isle.     g

from Stella & Jennie

Nature Break Webinar: Walking in a Winter Wonderland with Catherine Henry, Bailey Conservation Fellow. January 19, 5:30-6:30 PM

Have you ever wondered how trees make it through the winter? Join us to learn how Michigan trees “hibernate” and for tips on identifying trees and critters in the winter. We’ll also share insights from field staff on what conservation fieldwork is like during the winter and their favorite TNC preserves for snowy adventures. Register at https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/volunteer-and-attend-events/find-local-events-and-opportunities/?r=United%20States&s=Michigan&vu=mievents

story & photos by Gail K.

Leaving the Oudolf Garden exhibit, we get a sneak peek of the formal gardens.  Something about this,
tugs on the inner child, beckoning one in to explore.

Rear view–

Within this display, you will be treated to various plantings, intermixed with sculptures & architectural features.

Front Entry-

Upon entering the garden, we are greeted by an in your face HOT orange -striped leaf canna lily!!

Immediately on our right; a grassy pathway with bilateral- massive planting beds.  I don’t remember this from our past

visit??

Let me showcase some to the plantings

How many can you name??

note the contrasting foliage in each photo

Well established plants, along with new ones–is the work in our gardens ever done???

Well it would seem that this is a good time to visit the formal gardens…..quite a show

This sculpture is the center focus in the garden; the Detroit Zoo displays one like this as well.

Members took their time walking the pathways to look closer at various plantings…..

In case you didn’t notice, the beds were fairly weed free, were heavily mulched and on a timed water system………

as we turned the bend; the next pathway revealed the multi tier-simple yet elegant design; hedges, seating,

steps and statement planting beds. The conservatory providing an architectural backdrop for the whole picture.

This concludes our walk thru the outside gardens.

Please join us when next; we visit inside the conservatory.