Last an article from DNR regarding Balsam Woolly Adelgid. Many of us have fir, balsam, white pine, etc. We need to be aware of this! Scroll to the bottom of the article and find pictures under “Photos”.
we drive the short distance back to the HACK HOUSE,
to casually tour the property and enjoy some light refreshments.
The Milan girls tend the gardens at this historical site. – Front view of the house & garden area –
as you can see, the grounds are nipped, tucked & very well maintained.
We spot some new plants neatly tucked into the front bed, waiting to be planted……….
These will bring a contrasting blend of striking color along side the current blooms.
Many of the buildings are anchored by distinct plantings;
such as this one–a Kousa Dogwood and hostas. Below-Jerusalem Artichoke has been planted along the rear of this barn-its blooms will be loved by the bees.
Side view of house:- boasting a grand porch, perfect for rocking the day away.
Below: Most noted to many of us is the “bee barn’ on the far left.
I want to show more of the bee barn. Truly impressive–the bees that is…
A massive & Yummy variety of native plants surround the bee barn & the bees love it!!!!
The group allows the bees to occupy the barn; taking advantage of their activity to teach visitors about bees & their art of making honeycombs.
ABOVE: Bees enter the walls of the barn.
BELOW: The honeycomb swells in size & expands outside via the eave vents
Visitors enter the barn & safely view the inner portions of the walls which are protected with plexiglass.
a newly created honeycomb waiting to be filled.
a bee keeper comes to assist with harvesting the honeycomb and keeps an eye on the bees & the health of the hive.
the site where honeycomb was harvested-look at the expanse it covered, it must have been massive. I believe in our archives there are other pictures from prior visits to this hive…….
I suggested, they sell the honey— maybe @ the Bakery. Should be really good, given the nectar from the native flowers
and all those plantings available in downtown.
Some members toured inside the Hack House with its bounty of historical artifacts.
The rest of us completed the day by mingling on the front porch with lemonade & delicious baked goods in hand.
THANK YOU: MILAN GARDEN CLUB, THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY& BARB FOR GIVING US A GRAND TOUR of your special town. gk Coming next- going to share a few extra highlights of the town.
July 17, 2021 Milan Tour; part A If we were to send postcards of our travels; this one would read-Greetings from MILAN, MICHIGAN!!!!
Several of our members also belong to the Milan Garden Club
They graciously invited us to tour Downtown Milan & The Hack House to see the projects they are involved in.
Barb, a dual club member led the tour.
I traveled, US 23 N to Plank Rd; exited & got lost!! HOW? I’ve been tothe Hack House before. My fault; note to self–need full address & read signs.
do not rely on memory!!!….the error put me “running” behind, not to worry- certain I would be able to catch up–eventually; so I head out to find the downtown district.
I HAD ARRIVED!!!Parking my car, I set out to find the others, noting the unique artwork along the way.
Missing Barb’s informational details: I later learned–the art work was part of a display titled: “ART doors EXHIBIT.”
Organizations and businesses were given donated doors and asked to create works of art-which were then displayed in Wilson Park and throughout the downtown district. How Clever!!!
Looking left, then right on Main Street and
not seeing the group–I asked a friendly passer-by to point me in the direction of the Veteran’s Wall- (on list of sights to see)
Following her directions-I pass a grouping of planters overflowing with a stunning display of brightly colored flowers. Barb has spoken of these; crediting The Beautification Committee. Great Job!!
Crossing the street I head off in the direction which should get me to my next destination, hoping the group will be there.
As I head off in the direction of “those flags down there “I pass -THE FIRE DEPARTMENT- and on my right
THE AMERICAN LEGION VETERAN CENTER
In the distance-beyond the flags I see a group of people. For now I continue on alone, arriving at the flags;
This is the VETERAN’S WALL
The “Milan Girls” as they are called, are very proud of this project and with good reason.
They plant & care for, the plantings surrounding the site.
It is a stunning tribute the whole town can be proud of
The Veterans tribute sits on an expanse of park grounds known as Wilson Park.
LOOK more doors over on the hillside
Up ahead a group of people are crossing the street- might be them, I best get going.
I paused to study this unusual tree, will have to ask Barb?? From the the list of offices, this is one busy building.
Is this where they crossed????
The group??? We had to pass at some point???I need to go towards downtown, so I turn around and cross over.
This must be- FORD LAKE BOARDWALK. What a pleasant place to sit and ponder the day away…….
Slowly walking along the lakefront I come to a point where the lake water rushes over a dam,
crossing under the road bridge
then calmly flowing downstream on the other side.
Mounted on the bridge pillar a plaque–
and straight ahead, another spot to rest
and downtown within clear sight.
Back in downtown-I catch up.
The group heading off to a cluster of small shops.
If I hurry, I can get a couple pics of the square foot gardens; and meet them at the bakery.
so many different little shops & everyone enjoyed
popping in and out of each one.
Where is Emoke heading off to??
one shop drew many-should I say or can you guess??
a peek inside & you’ll know why-but it carries a risk;
consuming too many baked goods may cause you to put on ??pounds— they even have
a “secret” place to enjoy their heavenly treats-YUM!
Leaving the Bakery, we make a quick visit at the Church
where the club holds their meetings during winter months.
Following the others, we leave downtown, passing an old Fire Station;
our adventure will continue back at the Hack House–see you there!
While touring TBG, members took photos and jotted down the names of plants they were attracted to. As promised, with but a brief window in time, a few which caught my eye.
Please; take a moment to relax. Have a seat, here in the shade and enjoy the following photos.
The lily looking down at its feet while the delphinium reach up to the sky– contrasting with the blue of the sky.
Such a showy seed head; how magnificent the flower must have been.
Love this shade of pink??
Seed heads which appear to be a strange insect vs remains of a flower
Are you an individual or just a part of the group??
Isn’t it intriguing–the various shapes within the flower community —just like humans—
The path less traveled****
Despite the dark shadows, you can find hidden highlights in the shade—–
WHITE–A STAND OUT COLOR IN THE SHADE!!!
A big giant scrunch ball………
intrigued this dogwood in such full bloom at this time
Leaving the cool respite of the shade, to find warmth in the sun
even the water lily reaches out of the cool water to catch some warm rays of sunshine; while the garlic sways in the daylight.
The Holy Ghost (Angelica Archangelica)– I want one!!! —-below, the pink of this double hollyhock cannot be subdued even by sunlight.
Attracted much interest… but what is it?? salvia??
I’m not even a bee but attracted to the brilliance of this bee balm
Hope you enjoyed looking back at the highlights– no good byes, just— til we meet again @ TBG!!!
We would enjoy seeing your photos…Please send, for the blog………….g
As we exited the Inclusive Garden, Jonathon was waiting to lead us thruthe main garden areas of TBG. The first area, the Rose Garden:
So fortunate for the beautiful weather as this portion will involve extensive walking over vast terrain to reach the various garden areas
Moving along—over the river and thru the woods-heading for what I am calling the meadows—–passing the cabin gardens & the areas where later dahlias and daylilies will be in bloom.
Off in the distance we catch a glimpse of what awaits us. Hidden garden features????
What is that?? On the hillside.
Did you see the Monarch Butterfly??? On the hillside. How about now?? (Never have made it to the top of that hill)
The gardens boast flat lands, hills, water and architectural features along with the various plantings. We did our best to take it all in as Jonathan narrated the history & purpose of the gardens, along with answering any questions. (this area below is where Stella works/volunteers her magic)
Just a few pictures of plantings and architectural features. Specific photos will be shared in a later post.
The groupings boast colors which work well with each other
Tucked away–exploring will bring pleasant surprises
Your experience will vary; depending on the time of day &whether cloudy or sunny.
The wall below a favorite of photographers; gardening here challenging for caretakers & those plants which dare to obstruct the intrusive footsteps taken for “that special pic”
Following the brick path we head back to the entry area.
Rounding the bend; up pops a grand display of Giant Reed Grass.
Tom-did you say you were 6 foot???
We again pass by the cabin gardens—
this time we take the path leading us to the Hosta Garden–
A tree house is tucked into a playground– designed to introduce children to fun in a garden; club member Michele ,volunteers in the Hosta Gardens behind the exhibit.
I Hear the sound of water
Such Beauty
Exiting the Hosta Garden, Enroute to the Herb Garden
Passing a secluded pond that boldly captures the magic of the gardens: color, sounds and the glistening sunlight playing on the water— real or just a reflection???
We arrive at our last stop before lunch: the Herb Garden.
There were plenty of oohs & ahhs as the group mingled around touching & smelling the various plants. Club member Sandy volunteers in this garden.
Despite the majority having been to TBG before-it was special to see the completion of Scott’s Inclusive/Sensory Garden.
A huge thank you to Stella and Jonathan for an outstanding tour!!!!Can’t wait to see where we head off to for our next tour. Hint: ask Barb, she knows…….
With Covid restrictions lifted- the newly formed Monroe County Horticulture Club eagerly welcomed & celebrated the onset of their 2021 “Tour season” with a visit to the Toledo Botanical gardens,
Not a new tour site for our group; but this time we were on a mission to see the completed “sensory” garden.
A perfect weather day in June & all accounted for; let’s begin Part A of our tour!!!!Stella, is one of our hort club members who volunteers @ TBG.She had Steve present his vision for an inclusive sensory garden at a previous meeting. Today, everyone is excited to see how this has finally come to fruition..
We were greeted by TBG staff member Jonathan,who will lead us on a tour
of other gardens following the presentation of the inclusive garden.
At the entryway & with coffee in hand- Steve begin with a history & purpose of the garden.
Approaching the entry-Visitors are greeted by a wave of multi-colored flowers, planted in an arc.
Steve explained how each and every aspect of this garden has a purpose and how it’s focused around any variety of disabilities a person could have.
The design incorporated many special effects; including unique rocks
specially designed walkways.
Steve explained how & why the garden was designed to encourage visitors to interact with the garden.
Even those without disability-experience more enjoyment when fully engaging their senses in this compact but well designed and impactful garden.
Just had to —didn’t ya Joan???? The displays really draw you in to the experience.
Even the plantings were chosen for the effect they would make on a person’s senses.
When you visit this particular garden–You need to pause-SHHH—QUIET—-sit & calmly let your zen open the soul to your senses. Take it all in, absorbing it deep into the very fiber of your being.
Wait——-Listen what can you hear? water?? Bees?? Birds?? Solitude—–Loneliness—-Peacefulness–Harmony
Close your eyes and breathe in, Filling your lungs with thevery essence of the odors that swirl around you on the breeze. Is it sweet, pungent or fruity??Soft, heavy, damp or dry????
There were visual effects all around the display-
Most of the displays impacted multiple senses; such as the vibrant multi colored geranium which gave way to a heavy aroma if you pressed its leaves.
These plants made a strong visual impact but imagine— if you could not see-
Reach out and touch—- Bumpy Rough Soft Fluffy Squishy
Everyone enjoyed our experience & as master gardeners, could fully appreciate the time and effort required for this project to become available for public enjoyment.
THANK YOU STEVE!!! The gardens are a better place because of your hard work, dedication & willingness to share and bring to fruition your vision for this special garden.
wishing all a peaceful-post Covid gardening season 2021.
The lilies are prime now if anyone wants to return for a walk.
I’ve added a few shots of what’s happening in my garden.
Soul Sister RoseFinal touch to my new garden….but is it ever done?Cone Flowers are doing very well.Been busy and haven’t cleaned pond… yet it’s still rewarding me.Koko Loco RoseHydrangeas are blooming
What’s happening in your garden? Email me your photos for our next Photo Friday.
The latest BYGL newsletter reports on something going on with birds and I had been wondering, having seen at least 4 dead blackbirds around my yard in recent days.
1) As the cause is still unknown, specimen submission is critical at this stage. Please contact your nearest wildlife rehabilitator if you find a sick bird. To track the spread of the disease, the ODNR-Division of Wildlife is accepting reports of dead birds through their online reporting system a: https://apps.ohiodnr.gov/wildlife/speciessighting/. Choose ‘Bird – Diseased/Dead’ in the ‘Species’ drop-down menu.
2) Avoid touching sick or dead birds by wearing disposable gloves and taking other precautions. USGS recommends disposing of dead birds in a sealable plastic bag with household trash.
Take down your bird feeders and empty your bird baths for 7—10 days.
1) The National Wildlife Health Center recommends temporarily removing bird feeders and bird baths “during a disease outbreak observed at bird feeders or when sick and dead birds are consistently turning up at a feederto prevent congregation of infected and non-infected birds at the feeding site.”
Clean and disinfect bird feeders and bird baths.
1) Clean bird feeders and bird baths with a 10% household bleach solution (9 parts water:1 part bleach) and remove any spilled and potentially contaminated feed from under the feeder.
2) Clean the feeders, bird baths, and any items contaminated with bird droppings in an outdoor space or in another area of your home that is not used for food preparation or bathing. Some avian pathogens, such as Salmonella, can cause sickness in people and cleaning bird feeders and baths with you and your families health in mind is very important.
3) Remember, even when there isn’t an outbreak, it’s still important to regularly clean your bird feeders and baths to reduce the spread of other diseases that may spread among songbirds
Monroe County Master Gardener Association 