Monroe County Master Gardener Association

Article and Photos by Gail K.
Growing weary & impatient for warmer days, I’ve resorted to looking at garden photos from summer past to thaw my frozen bones. I hope this blog entry will warm the essence of your “inner gardener.”

Last July, Linda & I enjoyed a day at the Kingwood Gardens. We had a focus on seeing a specific exhibit by Lea Gray;Linda will blog later on that. The gardens are undergoing a huge ddition;note the gray area. Please, join me as I re-visit the day thru my photos.

In addition to the construction taking place beyond the painted barrier, it was hot—

so we strolled leisurely from one garden to the next; happy to find shaded respite.

An interesting journey never follows a straight path ( Marjan van den Belt )
From sun to shade to sun.

Note how the gardens embrace all styles,from relaxed borders to defined garden areas.

As the style of gardens changed, so did the use & type of plants in the design.

Despite the time of year, there was an abundance of plants in bloom.

Stairways–leading to or away from???

What is structure for some may be chaos to another.


One’s destination is never a place but a new way of seeing things. ( Henry Miller )


Water is always a pleasant feature in the garden for birds and people. It lends to a cooling effect and it was welcomed that day.


Which method would appeal to you for maintaining order?? Your answer might hinge around trimming when mowing???


Above: intriguing-plantings with defined borders, encircled by soft walkways of grass
Below: Archways attract me & are a favorite structural aspect; the conflict-which way do I go??

I hope you enjoyed viewing the structural & design aspects of The Kingwood Gardens….
How cool is this-Where could we most likely find such a display???

Thank you Linda for being such a valuable resource for us.
Stay tuned, will follow with a post focused on the flowers.

Naida sent this info, sounds like fun!
Sunday, April 26 2-4pm Spring Wildflowers Along the Saline River at the Draper-Houston Preserve

578 Mooreville Road, Milan 48160 – just east of Kroger

This walk will be led by Faye Stoner, Washtenaw County Naturalist. The never plowed portions of the preserve are rich with wildflowers—Trillium, Dutchman’s Breeches, Bloodroot, Hepatica, and many more. Wear shoes/boots that can get muddy.

Save the date for Flower Day @ Eastern Market in Detroit:
May 17, 2020 • 7am – 5pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/215388469587453/

post & photos by Gail K

Hey, did you hear–Gail attended the orchid show @
the Toledo Zoo???


I saw her!!! So did I.

The orchids were displayed throughout the Natural History Bldg & Conservatory.

Entry area filled with tiers of various orchids

The entire week was filled with various classes; all focused on one flower-THE ORCHID.

It was evident the orchid craze still exists…orchids, orchids and more orchids—in the walkways of the building; some hidden, tucked into the displays

I arrived early and enjoyed the extra time circling around the various displays before my class.

Talk about sensory overload–WOW

the explosion of color, shapes, smells– orchids in every possible area of the 2 story exhibit & conservatory.


So much to see- click, click ## Kodak moments I particularly loved the “slippers”



Others visiting the exhibit posed for “selfies” or group photo ops-everyone focused on capturing their favorite to be savored again at a later date–I took too many to share on the blog.

My class-focused on the flower facts of orchids.
The speaker was Ryan Walsh a staff member @ the Toledo zoo. His job is to care for the orchid collection on site; speaking at other classes, on other topics throughout the week.

Ryan offered a ton of information which covered species, hybrids, cultivation and pollination.

he shared how orchid flowers have evolved and vary to lure in specific pollinators. This one below

requires a moth with a very-very long proboscis- hence the white color to attract the night time
pollinator.

Did you know orchids have a different form of pollen-called Pollinia?

So much information- too much for the blog. I recommend asking Ryan to speak @ our meeting.

It was a long day-how could anyone be at the zoo and not visit the other notable features?
Mr. Polar bear says sit back and enjoy these orchid photos.

As we end our day @ the zoo—-let me share this quote by Darwin

If given an opportunity to visit an Orchid Show- I would encourage attending. Very interesting flower!!!!

SO LONG—YA ALL COME BACK REAL SOON!!!!!

Here is a link from the Conservation District for upcoming events
https://mailchi.mp/de1bcac7ddf8/annual-conservation-plant-fundraiser?e=59451f14cf

article and photos by Gail K.

Feb. 15,2020:
Our speaker for the assoc. meeting was Linda W. A certified MG member, Linda has a professional focus in interior design.

Her program focus emphasized using other characteristics, not just the “flower,” of plants when designing our gardens.

The members were attentive as Linda skillfully described how using the foliage could enhance season long interest in our gardens.


Linda spoke to the importance of considering all aspects of a plant before “choosing” the right one. READ THE TAGS!! Look at the shape, color, texture & form of the foliage.

Using photos of her own garden to give examples-Linda’s talents in this field were visually obvious; we all enjoyed seeing the impact foliage could make in all aspects of our gardens.

Linda covered a lot of information-she went through the types of specific plants she finds most valuable based on their foliage to bring contrast and color to her garden.

Creating gardens are like writing a musical; we need rhythm. Blending or contrasting; use color to “move the eye” from one area to the next. A must-consider the undersides of leaves. Air currents & other movement
brings exposure and an unexpected variable.

With careful planning, we can all experience the heavenly notes of a garden symphony….the only thing left; to sit back & listen.

Naida sent this for me to add:

I thought this picture along with two questions
would be worthwhile for the Blog. I learned a new word connected with
this tree (and a few other hardwood trees) at my home and wanted to
share it with our readers. Once you have guessed the condition this
tree is showing look it up – very interesting information!

1) Name this tree pictured in my yard in late January.
2) What is the name of the condition shown on this tree?

Thanks,
Naida

Gail has submitted the following post:

HAPPY NEW YEAR & WELCOME BACK!!!!!

The Monroe County MG & Horticulture Assoc. held its first meeting of  2020 on Jan 25th.

Chris using bees as a primary source, gave an in depth talk on “POLLINATION”  & it’s importance and how we, as master gardeners can play a role in protecting pollinators.

The group listened intently as

Chris went through the specific process of what happens when a plant is pollinated. *Flash back-10h grade biology*.

It was apparent early on that Chris is passionate about bees and has a wealth of knowledge on the subject.

I was intrigued by the Commercial Bee Farmers- just one fact she shared–the latest trend; the practice of raising bees then seasonally moving them (at night); farm to farm allowing farmers to achieve higher yields due in part to the pollination process–These hives aren’t for honey but for production of more bees.

She addressed the variety of bees; 450,000 species in Michigan; types of bees, characteristics which determine a “bee” and the various jobs bees have within a hive. 

The end of her talk dealt with topics that as master gardeners we need to be attentive to.  Simply; our very existence as humans is dependent upon our food sources-it is IMPERATIVE we protect our pollinators.

NEWS FLASH- butterflies are not considered pollinators.

She covered the 5 P’s- factors which impact

bees.

1    Pests            2. Pathogens     3.   Pesticides     4. Poor Nutrition     5.   Pedigree &/or diversity

Looking at the above factors–I can easily identify each one occurring within our very own county.  This

means, our call to action must be NOW.  As MG’s we must educate others and our actions must be based on our knowledge of the subject matter.

In closing; as Chris did, let me quote–Teddy Roosevelt:

 

“do what you can, with what you have and where you are!!!”

 

I love that quote.  NOW-let’s all get as passionate as Chris.A great spring project; plant a pollinator garden, even a small one.

              here are some fun facts–

>plant cat nip around plants to discourage aphids

>geraniums around a plant will discourage Japanese Beetles

>Nasturtiums will lure aphids

>4’oclocks will lure Japanese Beetles

> Yellow, blue & white colors will attract pollinators>>>

>replace lawns with low growing plants such as violets, clover & dandelions

OR simply, DON’T spray to prevent these pollinator

plants from existing in your lawn. (Warning: walking barefoot on such

a lawn may result in a bee sting to your foot)

THANK YOU CHRIS, A VERY INFORMATIVE PRESENTATION