HAPPY NEW YEAR-2023!!!! As we ring in the new year I want to reflect back to our last tour of the 2022 season: Welcome to Belle Isle.
a 982 acre “State Park” located in the Detroit River;
between Detroit on the US side & Windsor on Canadian side.
a pair of Mute Swans swim in one of the isle’s inland waterways. The park’s history going back to the 1900’s when this
was the place to be, if you were anyone at all. (Yacht Club)
Over the past couple of years- the Isle has undergone revitalization effort. We have previously visited the Conservatory & the Aquarium.
Today our focus is a new exhibit; a renowned Oudolf Garden. Located on the south end, near the old Peace Tower…..
Entering the garden; the design unlike others we have visited. Using native plants, Mr. Oudolf creates
waves of color, in changing succession, throughout the season.
Almost like a quilt-the garden is divided into blocks, with pathways intertwined.
As is my norm, I will flit about taking photos while still sharing in the discussions.
Hoping my photos show the true intent of this garden design– refer to Jennie’s lecture notes on particular plants
Overall view of two of the beds.
We didn’t have a docent but were fortunate in finding a group of Master Gardeners working that day.
They took time out to share their knowledge of these unique gardens with us.
the large number of mass plantings literally engulfing us; leaving us to feel as if we were standing in the midst there of; when
in reality the pathways directed & restricted our movements
Now that you have seen an overall view of the garden, Let’s look closer at some individual plants
from colorful grasses to a wide variety of flowering plants
Along with Jennie’s help and her lecture notes: I’ll try to ID each plant featured in my photos– Despite a soft color, this plant really caught our attention-
Eragrostis Spectabilis-Purple Love Grass
Cultivar Rudbeckia subtomentosa “Little Henry” Naida has a variety of this plant in her garden Cone flower-did anyone on tour get the specific name??
Aster
Rattlesnake Master
Helenium Autumnale”Helena Red Shades” (I love this one) Big Blue Stem-Andropogon “Dancing Wind”shorter & colorful cultivar
Mountain Mint ( its aroma filled the air) and the pollinators
loved it
Gentiana Andrewsii “Bottle Gentian” flowers turn deep blue infall but never open Veronia “Summers Surrender” & “Summer Swan Song”-bushy ironweed developed @ Chicago Botanical Gardens (road trip)
Swamp Milkweed-another favorite of the pollinators
Turtlehead- unopened-I have the pink variety
Echinacea Pallida “Hula Dancer’
Achillea filipendulina “Parkers Variety’ (3-4 ft tall golden yellow) or
Achillea x ‘Moonshine’ (1-2 ft tall pale yellow, grayish foliage)***
Penstemon digitalis-Foxglove, Bearded Tongue
Below: a favorite of all the pics I took-I think it reflects the intent & purpose of this garden design.
As we prepare to leave-it would be a disservice to the Master Gardeners to not mention their restoration project surrounding the Oudolf gardens.
As you can see above, the area is lowland and prone to being wet; a flood plain.
Sitting adjacent to the Detroit River which serves as a shipping channel. This large freighter passed by during
our visit.
Their effort is to remove anything that is invasive & to promote the growth of natives & planting others to increase the beneficial flora; below a Cardinal Flower.
@ left-the Oudolf gardens sit higher than the low wet lands; in a depression below the level of the parking lot; a Rain
Garden was planted to control any excess water run off .
One of the flowering shrubs in the rain garden area.
A closer view of the Rain Garden & its plantings.
Having planned our trip around the open hours for the Conservatory & Aquarium; It’s time to ship off & move along. I will share those photos in an upcoming post.
Many of us, plan to return next year, late spring/early summer to capture a vision of the Oudolf Gardens in a different season….
Now- where was that food truck, it’s time for lunch!!! g
Naida asked to post for MGs information. Diane was one of our Master Gardeners and worked at the Extension office. For visitation and arrangements you will find a link below.
First, I’ll ask, did anyone else have any unusual dealings with bees this summer? I got stung more times this year than I recall in past years-in fact I can’t remember when the last time was that I got stung.
Given the photo above, my editor in chief questioned the word “bee “My response: it flies-it stings I call it a bee-right or wrong? SPECIAL EDITION: LEARNING MODULE
With this new information I’m editing my post to read WASPS!!
Encounter #1: helping a friend & noted the blue fescue we transplantedwas uprooted & tossed aside?? Replanting-incited a sudden attack & multiple stings. Given the info above—Wasps had dug up the grass clump while making their nest…The earlier photo: ?? queen left the nest but did not escape multiple “foam” attacks
Encounter #2- prepping a weeping pine for transplanting. under a thin layer of mulch; a shallow nest with honeycomb at least 6-8 inches across. Off to Tru-Value Hardware to get
ammunition. Heavily garbed & under the cover of darkness; despite sentry guards flying about; I applied-POOF POOF the recommended powder to the site (this stuff works!!)
Observed over a couple of days; removed the nest & completed moving the tree. (See the “wasps”)
While most of us will holler BEE!, when under attack by a flying missile with but one goal–to sting…. The close up below, shows distinct abdomen markings: “Wasps”. Most fuzzy ground bees-we call bumble bees.
Encounter #3: pulling plants during a pre-fall cleaning-under the foliage, a neat little hole to another dimension?!!! Finally! Proof that gnomes exist?? However, a flurry of small flying “bees” sent me running. That nite-POOF-POOF!!
After a couple of days & seeing no activity & dead “bees” nearby-I took a closer look. Folks, the neat hole was entry to
a CAVERN!! 13 inches deep-straight down & off on an angle on both sides, I believe was honeycomb!! What in the world did I find……Just how big is it??? Below.?? honeycomb on side of the hole matching one on the opposite side.
To date, I have not dug in that area but monitor for activity: the powder quickly alleviated the problem-despite the label saying “ground bee”…whether it “be a bee” or a ?? wasp issue, I will leave it undisturbed til spring, when I’ll dig up the area to get to the bottom of the issue.
Buzz Buzz g.
ADDEND TO GAIL’S STORY:
FREE RANGE OR FREE RUINS
by Linda W.
As Gail was dealing with insects, I had a pest this summer as well. You could ask: Why did the chickens cross the road? In this case the answer is Ruins….yes ….as in the remains of free-range chickens deliberate destruction.
Oh look, there are chickens across the street. How cute they were! The must have come across Dixie from the farm next to Kroger. Often seeing them in the Kroger Parking lot. Everyone enjoys seeing chickens until they visit you.
When I first saw this, I blamed those DARN SQURRIELS! Then there was more and there she was::
I called Animal Control. Seems like so many other offices, they were lacking help, but would go to the farm and talk with the owners. This happened 3 days in a row. and they were cited 3 times. I soon discovered, I was wrong and called Animal Control again. The four chickens were not from the farm but were from a neighbor one street over. They soon had a Sheriff deputy come to my house (since there was a shortage of animal control officers).
He went over and spoke with the family. They said they’d take care of them when the husband got home from work. Finally. No, wrong again. The next morning, I had this
Calling again, sent a video to the person standing in for the Animal Control. Citation issued to them, and they discussed that the chain link fence will not keep them in their yard. Then it got worse:
On left is my path in the memorial garden….on the right is the way the chickens decided it should be….all the mulch was scratched away from my plants, some roots exposed, All that work!
They scratch away much, exposing my drip irrigation and dug into the soil. Damaged plants. Called again. They again were cited and told that if they did not build proper pen for chickens that they would have to surrender them or put them in garage until they could build a cage. This solved the problem. They did not surrender them, but there were no more chickens after.
So sad to see the damage every day, I’d watch for them, the one was a defiant chick. Refusing to leave. But after hours of repair, there are no more ruins, just in time for the leaves to fall and cover everything.
As the colorful leaves fall to the ground, the Monarchs take flight & geese head south; the curtain closes on another year for the Monroe County Horticulture Club.
This is the time when we come together for fellowship and one last educational opportunity.
Calling the meeting to order: President Marie gives directions to ensure smooth movement through the food line (or should I say dessert line).
Prayer was offered by our speaker Mr. Vince Ste. Marie-owner of Windy Rock Nursery.
Members went down the line filling their plates with samples of all the various food dishes brought.
many went back for seconds
It was a great time for fellowship & catching up with those we hadn’t seen in awhile.
BELOW: along bottom is a piece of that fantastic
PAW PAW ice cream made by Jennie.
**Recipe can be found in the minutes of this mtg.
When everyone had completed their meal we welcomed to the podium our final speaker for 2022:MR VINCE STE. MARIE of WINDY ROCK NURSERY.
It was apparent right from the start, this was going to be a great presentation.
He handed out detailed plant lists to facilitate note taking; I quickly noted many of the plants listed will certainly be used to revitalize & repurpose the native shrub row into a friendlier, native pollinator garden.
Members listened intently as he spoke of using native trees, shrubs & plants- needed by a variety of pollinators at
various times of the year.
some using their phones to take notes or photos from the presentation for future reference
An excellent speaker-he was passionate about the subject matter and was able to do so in a very informal
manner-allowing questions as he went along…that takes talent, earning 5*****
Most of us,seasoned gardeners; still felt we took away at least one new piece of information from the presentation.
Additionally, he brought a variety of books for purchase….Jennie selected a mushroom book; I chose the one below.
He even had a recipe book which used native berries; maybe next time.
As we prepared to leave……snow had begun to fall.
Jennie shared a garden proverb:
a special thank you to Kay for helping with set up & keeping ourcoffee cups full!!!!!
We so enjoyed Mr. Ste. Marie’s presentation; we have placed him on our speaker and tour list for 2023…
In closing- we still have the other events from 2022 to post; but at this
time, Linda and I want to wish everyone a blessed & safe
Traveling to a favorite apple orchard (Kapnick’s) for fresh cider & donuts. I could not help but notice that some of fall’s bold colors had begun to fade….I hope you took the time to enjoy our Indian summer & leave you with this quote.
AUTUMN IS A SECOND SPRING WHEN EVERY LEAF ISA FLOWER Albert Camus
Back @ Four Star; for part 2 of our visit; which will focus more on specifics.
Many discussed if this plant would be a good substitute for dusty miller or even Lamb’s ear.
Remember this one?? Anyone from the Milan group care to share-did you use this plant & how did it perform???
In the mean time, this one fascinated me – I believe it’s Supertunia Daybreak Charm. Linda
And while speaking of these Supertunia, I just have to share this photo from my yard. This one called Latte was a true winner in my yard this year. I didn’t see it in the gardens but thought it performed so well and was used in my columns . The fragrance was delightful. (below) Linda
This caught my eye & Found IT!!! The name & specifics on the ID board.
Or maybe you would prefer this plant–.
Let’s read about it–hey this one is a perennial!!!
a closeup–still interested???
I in turn found this board with the Playing the Blues Salvia, Linda
And her it is. A close up view and also in the background
The true blue petunia; seen here planted & also a noteworthy salmon colored flower; which combo do you prefer?
And here is the sample I got from our meeting this past winter when Josh came. I managed to keep it going during the winter inside.
Look how nice these pair together.
read it & see it; a valuable planning tool.This is what makes these gardens so unique!!
We all know we need the right plant in the right place, to enjoy success in our gardens.
Would this beauty work in your garden? So striking!!
Here it is in a display setting
If purple isn’t your color- here is another one that was getting a lot of attention-
Found it on the list- and in a different display.
What do you think???
Here is a unique color–how could it work in your garden?
Check it out–look- it’s a filler & a spiller.
Linda couldn’t help but take some additional photos of their beautiful landscape of blooms and the stream
What a cleaver way to hang pots.
Very interested in this grass. I thought it maybe purple fountain grass. I asked because it wasn’t on the board, and sure enough it is. However, notice the green in it….I was told it was probably reverting to the original plant.
This should brighten your day!
And last, the stream. The sound of running water to relax. Beyond the flowers, I love the stream.
We have our surveys to complete, but this brings our 2022 tour @ FOUR STAR DEMO GARDENS to an end. We hopeyou have a better understanding on the workings of these gardens & by all means– TAKE THE TIME TO VISIT NEXTYEAR–no appt. needed; Thank You Josh.
Monroe County Master Gardener Association 