April 2012

Your guide to Great Lakes gardening a April 2012 a MichiganGardener.com

Please thank our advertisers

in this issue

Plant Focus

Lungwort

tree tips Fertilizers

perennial perspectives Hellebores

birds Welcoming spring birds to your garden

gardener profile A magnificent collection of plants

tree tips Fertilizers

perennial perspectives Hellebores

birds Welcoming spring birds to your garden

gardener profile A magnificent collection of plants

Plant Focus

Lungwort

Plant Bulbs Now for

BeautifulSummer Color

MICHIGAN’S BEST: NURSERY • GARDEN CENTER • FLORIST • LANDSCAPING • PATIO SHOP • SEASONAL CHRISTMAS CENTERA Michigan Family Business Since 1954

Best selection in town!Over 21 new colors & varieties for 2012• Over 52 varieties of Dahlias• Over 6 varieties of Begonias• Over 16 varieties of Gladioli• Over 18 varieties of Lilies• Over 10 varieties of Cannas• Over 85 varieties of specialty bulbs such as Calla Lilies, Wildfl owers, Freesia, Caladiums, Ferns & more!

Award-Winning Landscape Services: 248-874-1400www.EnglishGardens.com

Super Value PacksSummer Flowering BulbsBuy 1, Get 2nd50% OFFReg. $9.99. Includes Dinnerplate Dahlias, Cannas & other favorites.

NEW! Calla Lily, Black Forest

NEW! Crocosmia, Lucifer

NEW! Eucomis

NEW! Dahlia, Akita

NEW! Gladiolus, Sunset Blend

NEW! Alocasia, Nigra

NOW OPEN: PATIO SHOPThe Village of Rochester Hills • 248-842-8455 Follow us on Facebook & Twitter

Ann Arbor Brighton Clinton Township Dearborn Heights Eastpointe Royal Oak West Bloom� eld 734-332-7900 810-534-5059 586-286-6100 313-278-4433 586-771-4200 248-280-9500 248-851-7506

Expo Seminars11am, 1pm & 3pm – Sat. & Sun.(For a complete seminar schedule & event

details go to www.bordines.com)

• Take a walk through our BreaThTaking DiSplayS • Free SeminarS with exclusive drawings for seminar participants• enter to Win Bordine’s gift cards & other great gifts!• Booth-after-booth of garden experTS • Fun for the kids

April 21 & 22, 2012Rochester Hills &

Grand Blanc Locations!EXPO HOURS: 9am to 5pm

Spring Garden

EXPO

FREE EVENT • FREE SEMINARS

Inside Our Greenhouses

Visit our website for store hours!

w w w . b o r d i n e s . c o mROCHESTER HILLS ................... 1835 S. Rochester Rd .................. 248-651-9000CLARKSTON ............................. 8600 Dixie Highway ..................... 248-625-9100GRAND BLANC ......................... 9100 Torrey Rd .............................810-953-1111BRIGHTON ................................ 6347 Grand River Ave ...................517-552-9300

(ExpO LOCATION)

(ExpO LOCATION)

Join Us...

4 Michigan Gardener | April 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com�

contentsApril 2012

Garden Wisdom“The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”

—Nelson Henderson

Publisher/Editor Eric Hofley

Design & Production Jonathon Hofley

Advertising Eric Hofley

Circulation Jonathon Hofley

Editorial Assistant Carrie MacGillis

Contributors

Karen BovioMary Gerstenberger Julia HofleyRosann KovalcikJanet MacunovichSteve MartinkoBeverly MossSteven NikkilaGeorge PapadelisSandie ParrottJean/Roxanne RiggsJim SlezinskiLisa SteinkopfSteve Turner

16291 W. 14 Mile Rd., Suite 5 Beverly Hills, MI 48025-3327 Phone: 248-594-5563 Fax: 248-594-5564 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.michigangardener.com

Publishing schedule 7 issues per year: April, May, June, July, August, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec. Published the first week of the mo.

Subscriptions (Please make check payable to Michigan Gardener) 1 yr, 7 iss/$15 2 yr, 14 iss/$28 3 yr, 21 iss/$37

Back issues All past issues are available. Please send your request along with a check for $3.00 per issue payable to Michigan Gardener.

Canadian subscriptions 1 yr, 7 iss/$22 US 2 yr, 14 iss/$42 USCopyright © 2012 Michigan Gardener. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or used in any form without the expressed, written permission of the publisher. Neither the adver-tiser nor the publisher will be responsible for misinformation, typographical errors, omissions, etc. contained herein.

Michigan Gardener is published by Motor City Publishing, Inc.

find us on

To-Do List ..................................................................8

Ask MG ....................................................................10

Vegetable Patch .................................................... 12

Healthy Lawns ....................................................... 13

Tree Tips ..................................................................14

Birds ...........................................................................16

Plant Focus: Lungwort .......................................18

Places to Grow .....................................................22

Books for the Michigan Gardener ...............23

Calendar ..................................................................24

Where to pick up Michigan Gardener ..........26

Advertiser Index ..................................................26

Weather Wrap .....................................................27

Classified Ads .......................................................27

Subscription Form ..............................................27

Profile: Margot McCormack ..........................28

Plant Patrol ..............................................................31

Perennial Perspectives ......................................34

Janet’s Journal ....................................Back Cover

On the cover: Lungworts bring both striking foliage and vibrant flowers to the shade garden.Photo: Eric Hofley/Michigan Gardener

To Our Readers...This past winter we were busily preparing

to bring you another season of Michigan Gar-dener packed with plant features, gardener profiles, how-to advice, calendar of events, and much more!

We also redesigned and updated our website—no small task. Check out the new look at MichiganGardener.com. Our calendar of events is being updated online more fre-quently than ever, so check the online version of the Event Calendar for the most up-to-date garden event listings.

If you haven’t signed up for our FREE

E-Newsletter yet, now is the time. It features more helpful content, garden photos, contests with prizes, and more. Go to MichiganGardener.com to sign up. The premier E-Newsletter was e-mailed in late March, and the next one is coming in late April.

Finally, now more than ever, it is important for you to thank our advertisers for their participation in Michigan Gardener. It only takes a minute, but it goes a long, long way.

We would like to thank all our advertisers for making Michigan Gardener possible.

Troy Events New Introductionsfor 2012 DaySaturday, April 14

• NEW Annuals for 2012, 10am• NEW Perennials for 2012, 11:30am• NEW Twist on an

Old Herb Garden, 1pm

Tea Lover's Herb GardenThursday, April 19, 6:30pm

Children's DaySaturday, April 21

• Smiley Face Planter Wrkshp, 10am, $20• Seed Planting Workshop, 11:30am• Terrarium Workshop, 1pm

Getting to Know& Grow Dahlias ClassSaturday, April 21, 2pm

Class fee $5 unless otherwise noted (materials not included). Registration required— Please call 248-689-8735.

Spring into Roses ClassThursday, April 26, 6:30pm

16th AnnualContainer Gardening DaySaturday, April 28

• Container Gardening Class, 10am

• Container GardeningWorkshop, 11:30am

• Succulent Garden Workshop II, 1pm

• Bonsai Workshop, 1pm - $35

• Herbs in ContainersWorkshop, 2:30pm

Dahlia Tuber Sale - FREESunday, May 5, 9am

Shelby Twp. EventsNew Introductionsfor 2012 DaySunday, April 15

• NEW Annuals for 2012, 1pm

• NEW Perennials for 2012, 2pm

Children's DaySunday, April 22

• Smiley FacePlanter Workshop, 1pm - $20

• Children's Seed Planting, 2pm

16th AnnualContainer Gardening DaySaturday, April 28

• Container Gardening Class, 1pm

• Container GardeningWorkshop, 2pm

• Trough MakingWorkshop, 3:30pm - $35

VISIT TELLYS.COMFOR MORE EVENT INFORMATION

BL O SSOM S

Where the season is taking root.

Spring Events

TROY248-689-87353301 John R–1/4 mile north of 16 Mile Rd.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP248-659-85554343 24 Mile btwn Dequindre & Shelby Rd.

HOURS: Please call or visit tellys.com www.tellys.com

There’s No Place like Home...

Paver Patios & Walkways • Fireplace & Fire Pits

Retaining & Sea Walls • Water Features • Outdoor Kitchens

Paver Restoration • Landscape Renovations

810-632-7775

beauchamplawn.com

948 N. Old US 23, Brighton

1 Mile South of M-59

Call us for a FREE Consultation!

Be inspired…Come tour over 40 water feature

displays & our new state of the art specialty store for inspiration!

of Michigan

248-889-84003505 W. Highland Rd. (M-59)

Milford, MI 48380

Our Online Store is Always Open!

www.pondplace.com

10% OFFOne item • Expires 4-30-12

Some restrictions apply • MG

Glazed Terracotta PlantersHandmade Glazed terracotta pots in aged yellow or aged green fi nish starting at $56.

Hand Pruners & ShearsArno leather handled garden prunersand shears starting at $38.

Come exploreone of our fi nest collections ever…Rob’s fall 2011 buying trips both here and abroad means a truly exciting collection of garden ornament, containers, tools, sculpture, and furniture is avail-able for your review. The perfect time? Our second annual not to be missed spring fair April 14 & 15.

1794 Pontiac Drive • Sylvan Lake, Michigan 48320detroitgardenworks.com • 248-335-8089

Pontiac Drive is one block W. of Telegraph on the N. side of Orchard Lake Rd.

Plants & TopiariesSeasonal plants and topiaries in a variety of sizes and shapes starting at $6.75

Garden StakesMark your herb garden with theseFrench terracotta garden stakes - $19.

Pitch Pot & Windproof CandlesVintage French terracotta pitch potand windproof garden candle - $36.

Spring FairSpring FairSpring FairSat, April 14, 9am-5pm & Sun, April 15, 12-4pmGreat annuals, perennials, bulbs, trees and shrubs for spring and beyond from a number of great local nurseries and grow-

ers. Of course we serve a little something to eat and drink! Join us in celebration of the opening of our 16th season pro-

viding advice, service, and ornament to discerning gardeners.

For more information: 248-760-9342 or www.organimax.net

Re-Energizes Gardens & Potting SoilOrganimax is a unique combinationof ingredients tested and certifi ed bythe U.S. Composting Council:• Composted leaf waste• Humic acid• Kelp• Slow-release fertilizer• A micronutrient package• A carbohydrate package• A bacteria package• An amino acid profi le

New & Improved Formula!Mix 1 part Organimax with 3 parts soil.Makes 25% more soil mix than the previous formula.

Ask for Organimax at your local independent garden center!

Mix 1 part Organimax with 3 parts soil.

4888 Joslyn Road - Orion, MI 48359 (1/2 mi North of I-75.)

(248) 391.2490www.orionstone.com

9 varieties of premium mulchesdecorative stone • flagstone • wallstone • topsoil • sand • gravel

brick pavers & retaining walls • natural stone pavers • slabs & steps • boulders

Orion Stone DepotYour one stop to beautify your home!

OrionOrions t o n e d e p o t

What better way to enjoy your outdoor living area than to gather around a beautiful fi re pit with friends and family? The Rosetta Fire Pit transforms your outdoor space into an inviting, warm retreat.Precast concrete is fi re-safe and engineered to last.

• Beautiful natural stone texture, fi re safe

• Fast installation, no waste

• Kit contains all components:stones, caps & steel ring

NEW!

9 VARIETIES OF PREMIUM MULCHES: Decorative Stone • FlagstoneWallstone • Topsoil • Sand • Gravel • Brick Pavers & Retaining Walls

Natural Stone Pavers • Slabs & Steps • Boulders

Pink Home Run® Rose

Blue Chiffon™ Rose of Sharon

Double Take™ ‘Pink Storm’ Quince

‘Miss Ruby’ Butterfl y Bush

Let’s Dance® Big Easy Hydrangea

Not just new, betterProven Winners’ searches the world for the most colorful and useful plants. Consider these new ColorChoice shrubs. Yes, they’re pretty, but they’re also better than older varieties.

You’ll get more fl owers with Home Run® roses; they bloom continuously without any special care or pruning! You and the butterfl ies will adore the award winning ‘Miss Ruby’ butterfl y bush with her unique, fragrant blooms. Impress your neighbors with the beauty and blooming power of Chiffon™ Rose of Sharon - they come in fi ve brilliant colors. And no other reblooming hydrangea has the supersized blooms you get with Let’s Dance® Big Easy.

There are 150 ColorChoice shrubs that have been carefully developed, tested and selected for both beauty and performance. Genuine Proven Winners plants in the white container are found at better garden stores.

Look for Proven Winnersin the white containers.

www.ColorChoicePlants.com

Get timely tips and gardenadvice. Search ColorChoice on Facebook and [Friend us].


to-do list

AmazingPotteryCollectionOur assortment will WOW you!We have containers and pots in multiple sizes and colors—great for a stylish, coordinated grouping.

Two locations totaling5 acres of indoor shopping!• 20,000 Hanging Baskets• Our geraniums are incredible—

many sizes/colors!• Over 20,000 perennials to choose from!

6” and 1 gallon perennials just $6.99• Annuals, vegetables, fruits, herbs & more!

www.christiansgreenhouses.comAPRIL HOURSMon-Sat: 9-6 • Sun: 10-5

3750 E. Grand RiverWilliamston517-521-4663

5685 Shoeman Rd.Haslett517-655-1117

fi nd us on

Annuals & Perennials•Everyonewantscolorthistimeofyear!It’s

tooearlyfortenderannuals,likeimpatiensandbegonias,buttherearemanyotherop-tionsthatwillwithstandcoolerspringtem-peratures.Pansies,primroses,cabbage,andkalewillbeshowingupinlocalgardencen-tersearlythismonth.Plantdirectlyinthegardenifthesoil’snottoowet,orplantupcontainersforyourporchorpatio.

• If you didn’t clean garden beds last fall,this isthemonthtotakecareofthattask.Waituntilthegroundisdryenoughbeforespendingalotoftimeonthesoil.Walkingingardenbedsandacross the lawnwhenit’swetwillcreatecompactedsoilandcandamageplantroots.

•Givethebedsagoodraking,removinganyspentflowers,weedsandloosedebris.Mixinorganicmatterlikecompost,manureorpinebarkfines.

•Cutbackanyperennials thatwere left forwinterinterest.

•Anapplicationof slow-release fertilizer inallgardenbedswillgetplantsofftoagoodstart.

Summer-Flowering Bulbs• It’s too early to plant gladiolas, elephant

ears,dahlias,andbegoniasdirectlyintotheground.Potthemupinthehouseandplantotransplantthemoutsidewithotherten-derannuals.

Lawns•Therearethreekeystoahealthylawn:fer-

tilizer,waterandpropermowing.Theeasi-estwaytofertilizeisafour-stepapproachwithgranularproductsspecificallyformu-latedforseasonalapplication.Step1shouldbeappliedthismonthbeforetheforsythiasfinish blooming. This will prevent crab-grass from growing. The following stepsshouldbeappliedat6-to8-weekintervals,usuallyaroundtheholidays:Easter(Step1);MemorialDay(Step2);4thofJuly(Step3),andLaborDay(Step4).

•Healthylawnsneedatleastaninchofwa-tereachweek.It’sbesttowaterthoroughlytoreachtheentirerootzone.Applysupple-mentalwater onlywhenneeded—perhapsevery three days, depending on rainfall.Usearaingaugeforaccuracy.

•Mowwithasharpbladetopreventbruised,raggedleaf tips.Removeonlyone-thirdoftheleafbladeatatime.Avoidmowingwhengrassiswet.

Roses•Sincewehavehadanearlywarmspell,itis

OKtoremovewinterprotectionandpruneroses. Always wait until spring for majorpruning of roses to improve air circula-tion.Removeanycrossingbranchesoranythatgrowintotheplant.Rosecanesshouldgrowoutofthecenteroftheplant.Applyarosefertilizerattheendofthemonth.It’salsotimetohelpcontrolblackspotandoth-erdiseaseswithanearlyfungicidespray.Besuretosprayallthecanesandthesoilafootfromthebase.

Vegetables• It’stimetoplantyourveggiegarden.Some

seeds, like peas, lettuce, spinach and rad-ishes,arecoolseasoncropsandcanbesowndirectlyintothegroundthismonth.Plantafew rows now and then another few rowsinacoupleofweekstoextendtheharvest.

Others,liketomatoesandpeppers,shouldbeplantedwhenthegroundiswarmer,usuallyinmid- to lateMay. For these later seasoncrops,it’sbesttoplanttransplantsfromthegardencenter,orstartseedsindoors.

•Vegetables like full sun and well-drainedsoil.Manyvarietieswillalsodowellincon-tainers.

Houseplants• It’s a bit early to take plants outside, but

they’llenjoythelongerdaysofspring.Startfertilizing plants monthly and watch thewateringasthetemperatureandhumidityinyourhomechangeswiththeseason.

Trees & Shrubs•Spring-flowering shrubs like azaleas and

lilacsshouldprunedafter they’vefinishedbloomingandbeforethe4thofJuly.Prunesummer-flowering shrubs like spirea, po-tentilla,androseofSharonbeforethefoli-age emerges. Annual trimming promotesnewgrowthandflowering.

•Fortendershrubslikehydrangeasandbut-terflybushes,waituntil leavesemergebe-

� www.MichiganGardener.com | April 2012 | Michigan Gardener 9

See our Bonasi and Water Garden photo gallery at www.FlowerMarketDundee.com

Bonsai – We are Michigan’s largest bonsainursery with over 2,500 indoor and outdoor bonsai trees!Indoor: Ficus, Fukien Tea, Bougainvillea, and many more.Outdoor: Maples, Junipers, Korean Hornbeam,Dawn Redwood, Larch and many more. We have something for everyone: From $3 starter plants up to $6,000 very mature, exceptional bonsai trees • Japanese & Chinese pots • Tools • Wire • Soil • Mud Men • Ongoing classes

8930 South Custer Rd. (M-50) • 5 mi East of Cabela’s on M-50Monroe, MI 48161 • 734-269-2660 • Open Sundays 10-3 in April • Find us on

WATER GARDENS Hardy & Tropical Aquatic Plants: Water Lilies • Bog Plants Pond Supplies: Filters • PumpsPond Liner • Fish Food Fish: Shubunkins • Fantails • Domestic Koi • Imported Koi From Japan • Crawfi sh & Tadpoles

NEW this year: Miniature gardening! We have many plants & accessories!

14497 23 Mile Rd. • Shelby Twpbtwn Schoenherr & Hayes 2-1/4 Miles E. of M-53

586-247-4675April Hours: Open 8:30am daily

www.hessellsgreenhouse.com

Gorgeous Easterplants available!

Tulips • Hyacinths • Daffodils • AzaleasLilies • Hydrangeas

Upcoming Hessell’s Events“Plant With Us” Seminar/Workshop

Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21Learn about new plants & ideas! Bring in two ofyour own planters & we will help you pick out

the right plants for you. Leave them here to grow until the end of May. Please call for reservations.

“Mother's Day Porch Pots”Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29

Please visit www.hessellsgreenhouse.com for full details and more savings!

Spring Spectacular!Special Savings all weekend long! Please visit our website for more information.

Free seminars, Free hotdogs & refreshments on Saturday & Sunday from 11-3pm.

Saturday, April 28, 8:30am-6pm & Sunday, April 29, 8:30am-5pm

28500 Haas Rd • New Hudson, MI 48165 • 248-437-2094www.milarchnursery.com • Mon-Fri: 8-5:30 Sat: 8-3 Sun: Closed

25 ACRES of fl owering & shade trees,fl owering shrubs, perennials,

evergreens, and ground coversTo see our incredible selection,

please visit milarchnursery.comand click on “Availability.”

Milarch NurseryMilarch Milarch Milarch NurseryNursery

fore pruning. You’ll better see where winter die-back occurred and be able to remove any dead branches.

•Apply a slow-release, organic fertilizer totrees and shrubs throughout the garden.

Water Garden•Clean the water garden by removing any

leaves and debris that may have blown into the pond. Don’t feed the fish yet. Wait until thewatertemperaturesareinthehigh60’s,and nighttime temperatures are in the mid to upper 40’s.

Provided by the professionals at English Gardens.

Selecting plants and flowers is the fun part about gardening, but the soil is the most important part of a successful garden. It’s key to the vitality of plants, and provides a foundation crucial for the stability of larger trees and shrubs.

Soil is comprised of three materials: sand, clay, and loam. The best soil has equal parts of all three. Problems arise when there is too much of one material. Sandy soil is too loose and drains too quickly, providing poor sup-port of large plants and poor water retention.

Clay soil is too hard when dry, repelling water and making it difficult for roots to grow. When wet, it holds too much water, leading to root rot. Compaction can also be a problem for most soils when there is lots of traffic, making it difficult for plants to flourish.

Spending a little time becoming familiar with the soil type in your backyard will greatly improve your gardening success. If you need help, bring a sample into your local garden center and an expert will help you determine your soil type. This will save lots of time and money in the future.

You’re not necessarily stuck with the soil you’re given. Adding amendments will help create a rich, loamy composition that’s a great environment for plants to thrive. For sandy soil, add organic matter, such as peat

moss or compost, to give it more texture and water-holding properties. To break up clay soil, add gypsum, pine bark fines or ceramic pellets.

It’s also important to know your soil’s pH as well as nutrient composition before applying fertilizers. It’s a great investment to analyze your soil’s pH as well as nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) content so you’ll know what nutrients your soil will need. Soil test kits are available at local garden centers or through your county Michigan State University Extension (for an office list, go to MichiganGardener.com and click on Resources > Garden Help). Tests are available for about $20.

When working the soil, begin by remov-ing weeds and debris. Spread the appropri-ate amendments and fertilizer over the soil. Then turn it twice with a spading fork—once in one direction, and then work back the other way. Break up the clumps, and thor-oughly mix in the ingredients. Tilling the soil with a rototiller is another option.

When soil is properly prepared, smaller plants can be planted by hand. When plant-ing in clay soil, be sure to plant high. When planting in well-drained soil, plant at the ex-isting grade level. Be sure to plan for a layer of mulch. One of the most common reasons plant fail to thrive is planting too deep.

Feature Task: Soil—The secret to gardening success


Uncle Luke’s

t Cold-hardy vegetable & flower plants available early April (weather permitting)

t Natural pest & disease control products

t WIDE variety of bagged soils & mulches

t Top quality tools & garden accessories

t Bedding plants Perennials Herbs

t Seed potatoes, onions NEW! High Mowing Organic Garden Seeds. Renee’s Garden Seed Bulk garden seed

t Complete outdoor bird feed & supplies

OrgaNicSoil amendments & Fertilizers

featuring

Uncle Luke’s Feed Store6691 Livernois, Troy • (1/4 Mile S. of South Blvd.) 248-879-9147 • www.unclelukes.comMon-Fri 9-6:30 • Sat 8-6 • Sun 9-5

Visit our 2nd location in Flushing:Flushing Lawn & Garden • 810-659-6241

OPEN MAY-AUGUST: Wed, Fri & Sat: 10am-4pmFEATURING: Guided Farm Tour: 10am• English Tea or Luncheon Tea: Friday only by reservation • Second Annual Weed & Tea: May 8 & 15 - FREE• Iris’ Weekend Workshops: Fri/Sat in June & July - FREE• Floyd King & the Bushwackers: June 23: 7-9pm• Rochester Farmers Market: First Saturday monthly

Yule Love It Lavender Farm • 248-628-7814 • www.yuleloveitlavender.com960 Yule Road • Leonard, MI 48367 – N of 32 Mile Rd, 1 mi. E of Rochester Rd.

ORGANIC LAVENDER FARM

Home on the RangePotted Hardy Lavender • U-Pick

Gift Shoppe • Refreshments • Fresh EggsAdmission $3 • Children 12 & under FREE

Yule Love It Lavender Farm • 248-628-7814 • www.yuleloveitlavender.com – N of 32 Mile Rd, 1 mi. E of Rochester Rd.

Special EventsPlanting & Pruning Saturday, April 21

Mother’s DayLavender Tea

Saturday, May 12

$1100 • Very choice • 248-334-9190

Staddle Stone For Sale

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FORRESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPES

n Renovation Specialistsn Ornamental Pruningn Maintenance & Redesignn Garden Coaching

Certifi ed Master Gardeners& Designers248-217-6459GardenRhythmsGardeningServices.com

GARDEN RHYTHMS

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FORRESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPES

n

n

n

n

Certifi ed Master Gardeners& Designers248-217-6459GardenRhythmsGardeningServices.com

ask mg

Mulch and its decompositionIf I keep adding mulch to my garden

beds, will it not eventually increase the soil depth in that bed? And if it does, what hap-pens to all the surface roots if I remove the mulch (soil)? J.J., Milford

Adding about 2 inches of mulch to our gar-den beds prevents moisture loss, improves the soil condition, and prevents weeds from ger-minating. Natural wood mulch, composed of fine wood chips, ground up leaves and twigs, encourages worms and microorganisms to break down the material into nutrients which plants can absorb through their roots. This re-lationship between the soil organisms, mulch and plants creates a self-sufficient ecosystem if we, as the caregivers, don’t ruin it.

When you clean your garden beds in spring, lightly cultivate some of that surface mulch into the soil bed. How much light and water a particular bed gets can speed up or slow down the composting of the mulch. Some beds may need an inch of new mulch each year around mid-June or when temper-atures heat up. Other beds may be slower and may only need additional mulch every other year. Applying mulch is not an auto-pilot gar-den chore.

Do not apply more than what is recom-mended. More is not better for preventing moisture loss or weeds. Thriving plants have deep roots in the soil rather than roots close to the surface. Overloading on mulch gives the plant a false sense of where the real soil is and can keep the hair-like roots away from microorganism activity.

Length of time vegetable seeds are viable

How long can vegetable seeds be kept? A year ago I purchased many vegetable seeds in hopes of starting a garden last spring. My plans were interrupted and now the garden is scheduled for this spring. The seeds are all dated 2011 and have been kept in their original packaging and stored in my basement. Will these seeds still be vi-able this spring? A.L., Rockford

Properly stored seed remains viable for different lengths of time depending on the type of seed. Be aware that seed companies may store seeds up to the number of years of their viability prior to selling them. If you purchased your seed from a reputable catalog or nursery, you can call them to find out what their company protocol is.

Since all your seed was purchased in 2011 and dated as such, you have a fair chance that

the unopened packages will be viable. Most vegetable seeds are good for two years with some, like lettuce, viable up to six years. If they have been kept dry and cool in your base-ment, those conditions simulate dormancy.

To test for germination, sprout seeds be-tween moist paper towels; if germination is low, either discard the seed or plant enough extra to give the desired number of plants. You will know quickly which seeds need to be repurchased.

Damage to small dogwood treeI planted a kousa dogwood last sum-

mer, and it looked to be doing well, with nice autumn foliage. Last fall it looks as if a fat raccoon has tried to sit in the fork, and two of the largest boughs have been torn off. The total tree height is about 5 feet, the largest branch left is 3/4-inch diameter, and there is a huge scar where a branch got torn off. What should I do this spring to the wound? S.B., Troy

Do not paint or bandage the wound left by the torn branch. This only provides hid-ing places for insect pests and traps moisture which can lead to mold issues. Trees have an amazing ability to heal over injuries. When the wound occurred, the cambium reacted chemically to seal off that area to prevent moisture loss. Eventually an exterior bark layer will form over that spot, much like a person’s skin heals from a cut.

Make sure the dogwood is sited for opti-mum light and water preferences. Water the roots deeply when day temperatures are high and rainfall is absent. The tree has endured stress with this injury and used additional resources to repair itself. You can apply a granular tree and shrub fertilizer around the root zone before mulching to help the plant rebuild its energies.

Provide two inches of composted mulch over the root zone, avoiding contact with the tree trunk. Watch the tree’s growth during the season. You may notice stunted leaf and branch development and even lack of bloom buds on the side of the tree with the wound. To prevent inquisitive critters from chewing on the bark, place a narrow cage of wire mesh around the trunk from the ground to about 2 feet up, being careful not to wrap the trunk with wire.

After spring bloom, you may prune the dogwood to re-establish shape and form. In early fall, you can apply another light dose of granular fertilizer per the container label to help the tree’s nutrient storage for winter.

Have a question? Send it in!Go to www.MichiganGardener.com and click on “Submit a question”


G A R D E N C E N T E RHigh quality plants & service for your garden success since 1964.

Auburn OaksSpring

Open HouseFriday, April 20, 8am-6pm

Saturday, April 21, 8am-6pm

Sunday, April 22, 10am-5pm

New Products • Discounts

Close Outs • Free Gifts

Refreshments • Drawings

3820 W. Auburn Rd. (2 blks E. of Adams Rd.) • Rochester Hills • 248-852-2310 Mon-Sat 8am-6pm Sun 10am-5pm • www.auburnoaksnursery.com

2012 Elizabeth Sites Kuhlman Lecture

F R U I T F U L B L O S S O M Sby Ron Morganwww.ronmorgandesigns.com

Ron will inspire, dazzle, and entertain as he creates unique, spontaneous, and original designs combining “the seed, the flowers, and the fruit.”

LECTURE/DEMONSTRATION10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 2, 2012Luncheon and book signing to followDoors open at 10 a.m.Marvin & Betty Danto Lecture Hall

Lecture and Floral Design Demonstration $25.00Luncheon, Kresge Court $25.00 (optional)

Valet parking available at the Farnsworth Street (south) entrance.

Sponsored by the FRIENDS OF ART & FLOWERS at THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS5200 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48202Tickets available through DIA Box office: 313-833-4005, dia.org or mail check to DIA c/o Elisia Wheeler

PROJECT NOTESTitle FAF MG AdRequested By L. PatersonDue Date March 1, 2012Designer EK

PRODUCTION NOTESFinished Size 4.75” w x 5.25” tPages 1Ink/Paint BWBindery

APPROVALS Date

Publications Requesting Department Curatorial Photography

EXTERNAL APPROVALS Date(List name and organization)

Friends of Art & Flowers(?)

OTHER NOTES

DIA FAF Ad.indd 1 2/27/12 12:31 PM

Steve Turner 248-259-8420 [email protected] ed Arborist and Writer of Michigan Gardener’s Tree Tips

LANDSCAPE PROBLEMS?Have a tree or shrub that looks sick?Call us—We have 20+ years of experience diagnosing & solving garden and landscape problems

WE SERVICE SMALL GARDENS TO ENTIRE ESTATES

Arboricultural Services

No worms in the soilOur several-year-old vegetable garden

is high in organic matter but has no earth-worms—none at all. What are possible rea-sons and potential solutions? If the soil is not healthy for worms, is it lacking some-thing important? Our lawn adjacent to the garden has plenty of worms. F.B., Dexter

A productive garden thoroughly depletes the organic matter to produce those prize-winning squash and tomatoes. So we correct-ly add organic matter annually. The problem may lie in the method.

There are also different kinds of earth-worms. Some live closer to the surface as evi-denced by those living in your lawn. Epigeic species live in or near the surface plant litter. They are typically small and are highly adapt-able to variable water and temperature condi-tions associated with lawn culture. Endogeic species are more mobile, making temporary tunnels, and live in the upper soil layers feeding on soil and organic matter. Then there are the deep-burrowing anecic species, which we often call “nightcrawlers.” These guys drag surface litter down into their burrows which can be several feet down below the soil surface.

The nightcrawlers are much more com-mon in the north and east where there are clay and loam soils. Something that garden-ers do not realize is that continuous tillage or disturbance of the soil will cause most earth-worms to vacate the premises. Remember your lawn soil is rarely disturbed. If you me-chanically rototill organic matter into your garden every year or vigorously deep dig your soil before planting, you may be chasing the worms away. They don’t get the chance to do their job. You keep destroying their optimum working conditions.

Examine your garden prep and add com-post into the top 6 inches instead of deep tilling. The vegetables will still take all that they need. Cultivate it in by hand rather than mechanical means. Continue to practice good crop rotation.

Growing plants under treesWe have a beautiful 32-year-old maple

tree in our backyard and a city locust tree on the boulevard in the front yard. It is dif-ficult to grow grass under both trees. If we planted ivy as a groundcover, would it hurt the trees if it climbed up them? My neighbor had some voracious vine grow up his moun-tain ash and the tree died. S.B.W., Troy.

The age of your maple tree suggests a large trunk and root flare with heavy shade. Turf grass needs sun and water, both of which the maple tree takes first with its mature canopy and characteristic surface root system. Give up on growing grass under it. Apply two inches of composted mulch between the root flares out to the canopy drip line. Keep the compost and mulch away from the trunk and off the root flares. You can then “pocket plant” shade-tol-erant perennials like hosta and liriope, which will grow comfortably in those conditions, of-fer seasonal bloom, and give you an interest-ing, low maintenance groundcover.

One can grow grass under a locust although they too are shallow-rooted. If you thin out the canopy to allow more sunlight to reach the ground, a shade turf seed mix can work if the area is properly prepared. However, a bou-levard takes heavy abuse from vehicles and weather. You may be better off applying the mulch method to the locust as well. The liri-ope is both sun- and shade-tolerant and will handle some road salt applied in winter. There are also creeping junipers that hug the ground and give you conifer presence all year. The key is to plant away from the tree trunk.

Any kind of climbing ivy is difficult to con-trol. Their accelerated rise within a tree’s can-opy crowds out the tree leaves. The tree loses its food production source that feeds its roots, which in turn feed the branch scaffold. The tree literally starves and dies, as witnessed in your neighbor’s yard.

Answers provided by Beverly Moss, owner of Garden Rhythms.


vegetable patchPlanning your vegetable garden

Large Selection of Fountains

Rice’s Garden OrnamentsProducers of Quality Concrete Statuary

Hundreds to choose from • All of Enriched Cement • Unique Selection • Low Prices Many new & old world finishes including permanent colors

810-694-291510510 N. Holly Rd. • Holly • 1-1/2 Mile S. of I-75May–Aug: Mon-Sat 9-6pm (Open Sundays 12-3pm in May & June Only)

September–April: Mon-Sat 9-4:30pm

www.ricesgardenornaments.com

Baldwin Rd.

Grange Hall Rd.

County Line Rd.

I-75exit108

N. H

olly

Rd.1 Mile

• Garden Consultations• Landscape Design,

Planting, Maintenance,Restoration & Pruning

• Seasonal Container Plantings• Rain Gardens• Garden Lighting• Walks, Walls & Patios

248-891-0548TWOwomenANDaHOE.COM

$10OFF

any $50 purchase with this ad.Not valid with any other coupon

or prior purchase. Expires 6-30-12

Unique Garden Features Handcrafted by Artisans

110 S. MAIN • DOWNTOWN CHELSEA734-475-3539 • www.thegardenmill.com

Artisan-made tablewareChimes • Fountains • Planters • Birdhouses • BathsFeeders • Wrought iron arbors • Trellises • Topiaries

Nursery & Garden CenterImprove your world with help from our knowledgeable staff

2781 Scio Church • Ann Arbor 734-665-TREE (8733)

Planning on starting a vegetable garden this year? Maybe it’s because you have con-cerns about the flavor and quality of the pro-duce at the grocery store. Maybe you want a healthier lifestyle and want to get out of doors more often. Maybe you are planning on re-ducing your grocery bills. Or perhaps you’re concerned about the environment. Whatever your reason for starting a garden, it’s neces-sary to plan ahead if you want to do it right.

Start by thinking about your yard and ask-ing yourself a few basic questions. What type of garden do I want? Where do I plan to locate the garden? What am I planning on growing? These may seem like simple questions, but there is a lot that goes into answering them.

Garden type. There are several kinds of gardens to choose from. The easiest may be a simple ground level garden. You remove or kill off the sod and turn over the soil for plant-ing. A little more time-consuming to set up is the raised garden bed, but it has several advantages. The raised bed allows for better drain-age in areas with clay soils, and may be easier to work in for those who have difficulty bending or reaching down. Container gardens are great where space is limited. Lastly, veg-etables can even be planted among the flowers in existing beds. A com-bination of garden types may work well, depending on time and space.

Location. Before you start killing sod or constructing beds, consider what your veg-etables need for healthy growth. Start with sunlight. Most vegetables need 6 hours of direct sunlight at the very minimum. Good soil drainage is important, so if you have a heavy clay soil, you need to amend it with plenty of compost. Vegetables also do better with good air circulation. So if you were plan-ning on putting your garden in a shady area behind the garage with a low spot that col-lects water with a privacy fence all around, you may want to rethink your location! Also, get a soil test done. The test will tell you about the nutrients, type of soil, and pH. From that information, fertilizer recommendations will be made. One of the biggest challenges to the quality of our surface water is overfertiliza-tion, so take the recommendations seriously. The pH is also important since most vegeta-bles do best in a soil that’s around 6.5.

Plant list. Start by talking to the family. Get everyone’s opinion on what they will eat. Don’t grow it if no one will eat it! Decide what you will plant and then how much you can grow in the space available. If you only have a small space for your garden, choose what is most im-

portant to you. Check the spacing for the seeds or transplants, consider the mature size of the plant, and consid-er the amount of produce each plant will yield. If this is your first year with vegetable gardening, don’t bite off more than you can chew. A few vegetables grown successfully will be better than a large garden that be-comes a burden to care for. You can always enlarge the garden with time and experience.

Once you have decided on the type, location, size and plants, you can actu-ally get to work on building your garden and planting your vegetables. Stay tuned for that and more in upcoming articles!

Mary Gerstenberger is the Consumer Horticul-ture Coordinator at the Michigan State Univer-sity Extension in Macomb County, MI.

Soil test kits are available for purchase through your local MSU Extension office or by ordering through the MSUE bookstore at www.bookstore.msue.msu.edu. Also visit www.msusoiltest.com.

Event announcement: “Bees and Beekeeping: The Basics”April 10, 6:30-9pm. Presented by the Macomb County MSU Extension. Speaker: Rich Wieske. $10. Advance registration is required; please call 586-469-6440.

Mary Gerstenberger

Before you start killing sod or constructing beds, consider what your vegetables need for healthy growth. Start with sunlight. Most vegetables need 6 hours of direct sunlight at the very minimum.


OPEN HOUSESaturday, April 21

- SEMINARS -

10am: Pond Opening Tips and What’s New for Your Pond

1pm: Butterfl y Gardening, with local expert Brenda Dziedzic

BRENDA’SBUTTERFLY

HABITATWill have all the native butterfl ies for this area. Also all the host plants of these butterfl ies. You will be able to observe

their complete life cycle. Come experience the enchantment of these

winged beauties!

OPENING JUNE 1AT BARSON’S!

I-96

Ford Rd.

I-275

Warren

Mer

rim

an R

d.

M-12 (Mich. Ave.)

6414 N. MerrimanWestland, MILocated between Ford & Warren

734-421-5959Check www.barsons.comfor more information

OPEN HOUSE COUPON

20% OFF1 ITEM

Valid on April 21 ONLY

Beautiful stone houses for Miniature & Fairy Gardening

Offering a wide selection of choice plants:Perennials for sun & shade • Ferns • Wildfl owersOrnamental grasses • Dwarf conifers • Trees & Shrubs

755 Acres of Gardensand Natural AreasFlower Gardens • Plant Conservatory • Hosta HillsideDwarf Conifers • Picnic Area • Lake • Hiking TrailsWeddings and Tours by appointment

6214 Monroe Rd. (M-50) in Tipton • 8 Miles W. of Tecumseh517-431-2060 • hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu • OPEN DAILY

PLANT SALESaturday, May 12, 10am-2pm

Offering a wide selection of choice plants: PLANT SALE

Hidden Lake GardensB O T A N I C A L G A R D E N & A R B O R E T U M

SchumanLandscape Lighting, Inc.

Lighting for • Safety• Security • Beauty…

Enhance the appear-ance of your propertywith an excellentreturn on investment.

Enjoy your landscapeas an extended livingspace after sunset.

We are specialists.Landscape Lighting is our only business.

(248) 761-9377Residential • Commercial

Award- WinningLandscape Lighting: Named “Michigan

Contractor of the Year”by

SchumanLandscape Lighting, Inc.

Lighting for • Safety• Security • Beauty…

Enhance the appear-ance of your propertywith an excellentreturn on investment.

Enjoy your landscapeas an extended livingspace after sunset.

We are specialists.Landscape Lighting is our only business.

(248) 761-9377Residential • Commercial

Award- WinningLandscape Lighting: Named “Michigan

Contractor of the Year”by

Nothing can be so unsightly in a well-groomed lawn than a patch of light green bentgrass sticking out like a sore thumb, es-pecially when it pulls up easily while raking. Heavy precipitation and constant moisture encourage bentgrass to spread rapidly.

In 2011, we had a perfect season for bent-grass with the record-breaking precipitation we endured. The National Weather Service confirmed that Metropolitan Detroit beat the 131-year-old annual precipitation record of 47.69 inches (set in 1880) by one one-hundredth of an inch, reaching 47.70 inches on December 31, 2011.

So this is an excellent year to analyze whether a new product called Tenacity really did eliminate bentgrass within established lawns. Between June and October of 2011, we treated varying lawns at differ-ent times under different conditions and the results were amazing. After 2 weeks the bentgrass quickly turned into a whitish cast. After another 2 to 3 weeks it began col-lapsing down as if it were slowly melting. A follow-up treatment ensured it died.

We were a little concerned that with all the rain last fall we would see it rebound, but that hasn’t happened yet. We did expect to see it reemerge in other non-treated areas,

but that was easy to combat. For large lawns with bentgrass invasions, we treated them, aerated the same day, and overseeded using turf-type tall fescue. We knew it would take 5 to 6 weeks to eliminate the bentgrass and that our seed required 3 weeks to begin emerging. This timing worked in perfect harmony, like an orchestra reed section fading as the string section started into its crescendo.

This spring will determine how we cope with the bentgrass’s persistency of trying to re-emerge. Our plan is to apply just one Tenacity treatment to the entire lawn while it is clean, preventing the bentgrass from rees-tablishing itself.

Managing lawns with this new tool should work wonders for homeowners, but there is a word of caution about one limiting factor: shade grass. The types of grasses grown in shade are susceptible to

injury, so be careful when applying and only test one area before you accidentally create a larger, unmanageable problem. I have always believed if you have any grass growing well enough in the shade you should leave it alone.

Steve Martinko is the owner of Contender’s Tree and Lawn Specialists in Oakland County, MI.

Steve Martinko

healthy lawnsEliminating bentgrass patches from your lawn


Mon.-Sat. 9-6 • Sun. 11-5Extended Hours

Spring & Christmas

Rooted in excellence since 1963

734-453-5500

GROW GREEN WITH US!www.plymouthnursery.net

Come check out ournew look inside.

April 21 and 2210am - 4pm

Two days full of events with vendor representatives,

speakers and refreshments!• Gardening Demonstrations• Lawn Maintenance• Organic Lawn Care

details on www.plymouthnursery.net

Grow Green With Us!www.plymouthnursery.netStart April 19, Mon.-Fri. 8am-8pm Sat. 8am -6pm • Sun. 9am-6pm

9900 Ann Arbor/Plymouth Rd.7 Miles East of US-23 • 7 MIles West of I-275

1 1/2 Miles south of M-14Corner of Gotfredson Rd.

SPRING OPEN HOUSE

Dahling you look Mahvelous!

Janet MacunovichGuest speaker SundayApril 22, 2pm.

tree tips

Knowing how fertilizers actually work will help save you time, money, and even the lives of a few of your plants.

All plants need 16 essential nutrients to prosper. Too much or too little of any one of them can cause problems. Three are avail-able in abundance from the air and/or water: carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen are absorbed through the leaves during photosynthesis. The other 13 must be obtained from either the soil they grow in or the water they receive.

These 13 elements can be broken down into two categories: macro and micro. Macronu-trients include the big three: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These three are vital parts of top growth, root de-velopment, and fruiting and flowering. They account for 75 percent of all the nutrients in a plant. In most Michigan soils, phosphorus and potassium are in sufficient quantities but nitrogen can be limited in soils with little or no organic matter. The natural decay process releases nitrogen back into the soil.

Nitrogen also enters the soil from being knocked out of the atmosphere by electri-cal charges created during thunderstorms or even by electrical transmission lines. However, the most common way that nitrogen enters the soil in urban landscapes and agriculture is fertilizer—either in synthetic or organic form.

Synthetic vs. organicThe main difference between

the two is availability and solubility. Synthetic fertilizer is generally in a form that is quick-released, rapidly absorbed by plants, highly soluble, and easily leaches. Organic forms such as manures and composts rely on soil organisms to break down the raw form to a solution that plants can use. It feeds plants over a longer period of time and is less likely to leach until it is broken down.

Another difference is cost. Synthetics are generally cheaper, but the rising cost of oil is starting to close the price gap with organics. Also, synthetics are more likely to have high-er percentages of available nutrients and are more specific, with only 1 to 3 elements in the ingredients. Organics have lower quantities of available nutrients which is why the N-P-K numbers on the bags are often much lower.

Three secondary macronutrientsMany organics, however, often contain

more nutrients than just the big three. They will often contain other macro and micronu-trients. There are three secondary macronu-trients: calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). This group can affect the soil’s pH.

Calcium is most often in the form of lime or bone meal and, if applied in sufficient amounts,

can raise the pH of the soil, making it more al-kaline. Magnesium, another nutrient in lime, also raises pH but its uptake can be affected by too much potassium in the soil. Sulfur has the opposite effect of calcium and magnesium: it lowers the pH, thus making it more acidic. If too much sulfur is applied too fast, it has the potential to burn plants, so several smaller ap-plications work much better than one big one.

These three are usually also available in sufficient quantities in the soil. Their main use is going to be to manipulate the pH to suit the plants growing in that soil. Most plants do best in a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Woodland plants, including trees and shrubs, generally prefer more acidic soils, while prairie plants, including grasses, prefer more alkaline soils. Agriculture crops fall into the middle, typi-cally preferring a neutral soil around 7.0.

Soil pHOne of the more difficult aspects of soil is

pH. Gardeners need to understand it in order to make smart choices in grouping plants to-gether and meeting their needs. Planting an acid-loving plant next to an alkaline-loving

plant will usually result in one un-happy plant because it will be im-possible to meet the needs of both. The most important thing you need to know is that soils at different pH levels have different levels of avail-able micronutrients.

These nutrients are indeed pres-ent in the soil, but the plant may not be able to use them in the form they are in due to an improper pH level. If you add more of a particular mi-

cronutrient because your plants are showing a deficiency, but you don’t account for the pH, you are wasting both time and money.

A good example is pin oak trees. The tree yellows and the homeowners are told it’s an iron deficiency. They buy Ironite for the soil, and think the problem is solved. Wrong, un-less you take steps to start adjusting the pH, which is a slow and difficult process to do on a large scale. It is easier to accomplish in garden beds and containers. In this example, adding lots of iron won’t help unless you use a more expensive form that is chelated, which means it can be absorbed regardless of pH.

The bottom line: soil pH can greatly influ-ence soil fertility, since it controls how much and what nutrients are available to plants.

MicronutrientsThe seven micronutrients are iron (Fe),

manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), bo-ron (B), chlorine (Cl), and molybdenum (Mo). Plants only need trace amounts of these nu-trients but they are essential for vital plant functions, including photosynthesis and re-

Fertilizers and their effect on soil and plants

Steve Turner


arrowheadalpines.com • 517-223-3581 • Wed-Sun 11-5 Closed Mon & TueTake I-96 to the Fowlerville exit, go south 100 yards to Van Buren Rd, turn west on Van Buren and

go 1 mile to Gregory Rd. Turn left (south) on Gregory and travel 1.75 miles to #1310 (long driveway).

MICHIGAN’S LARGEST SELECTION OF…Perennials, Woodland Wildflowers, Unusual Ferns, Rare Alpines, Dwarf Conifers,

and Unusual Trees and Shrubs. We grow over 10,000 different varieties—many found nowhere else. Come out and see our fantastic collection!

Anemone nemorosa 'Bracteata Plenifl ora'

Glorious early spring ephemeral with intricate,

ever-changing green-and-white fl owers. Something

different for the shade garden!

Gentiana acaulis 'Frei Hybrid'One of the easiest—and most glorious—gentians. Only requires fun sun and happiest with a little lime in the soil. Even better, this gorgeous spring show is often repeated in the fall.

Trillium stamineumA trillium with a twist—

literally! A uniquely beautiful species, and a tough, yet easy-to-grow

plant for shade.

Primula x pubescensThe toughest primrose for the Midwest! Thrives in full sun to part shade, and can take dry soil.

Open forthe Season

April 15

Come, step intoour garden

33866 Woodward at Adams • Birmingham248.644.4411 • blossomsbirmingham.com

EXCEPTIONAL flowers, artistically arranged Weddings & Special EVENT FLOWERS

Scented CANDLES • Lifelike SILK flowersDecorative ACCESSORIES

F U L L S E R V I C E F L O R I S T

We grow our own plants for you!

8087 W. Grand River • BrightonSince 1955 • Family owned & operated • Open 8am everyday

www.MeierFlowerLand.comGreenhouse: 810-229-9430

Florist: 810-220-4848

AnnualsSun/Shade

A to Z48ct. Flats

Geraniums• Many varieties & colors

Accent Plants• Bacopa• Potato vines• Many more!

Vegetable & Herb Plants

• Heirloom Varieties• Seed Potatoes• Large Selection• 3 Greenhouses

to choose from

Hanging Baskets• Sun/Shade• 1000’s to

choose from

Perennials• Bud & Bloom• Groundcovers

• Shrubs & Bushes• Roses

NO RISK 1-yeaR tRIal•BuyanyMantistilleranduseitforupto1-year

•ifyouarenotcoMpletelysatisfied,returnittothefactoryforacoMplete,no-hasslerefund

Powerful commercial-grade 2-cycle engine spins the tines twice as fast as most tillers, won’t quit until the job is done!

Patented curved tine teeth till down to 10", chop through tough sod or hard clay soil as easily as sand or muck.

One-piece die-cast gear box is virtually indestructible.

Tines spin at up to 240 rpm – 2x the speed of other tillers!

Reverse the tines to shallow-cultivate the top 2-3" of soil.

Tines are mounted under the engine so you can guide the tiller easily through rows between vegetable rows, around trees, or among perennials.

Saxton’s Garden Center – Plymouth 734-453-6250Come see us to check out these professional quality and reliable tools:

production. Again, these are present in most soils in adequate amounts, but they are likely to be limited by the soil’s pH.

Diagnosing nutrient deficiencies varies in difficulty depending on the nutrients lacking and the types of plants affected. Some defi-ciencies show telltale patterns on the leaves, others like iron affect foliage color, and others affect twigs, buds and roots.

The presence of certain diseases can be at-tributed to specific nutrient deficiencies. In order to be certain, the combination of a soil test and a foliar test will tell the story bet-ter than just one test alone. The results will

not only indicate what is in the soil and how much, but what the plant is able to take up from it. Since you will know the pH of your soil, you can start to make informed decisions based on facts not guesses. This will save you time, money, and aggravation, as well as make your plants happier.

Fertilizers are only one tool in the toolbox. Use them correctly when needed, and they are an asset. Misuse or overuse them and they can become a problem.

Steve Turner, Certified Arborist, is from Arboricultural Services in Fenton, MI.


It’s happening. The increased sunlight, the song of the cardinals in our yards—we can’t help but think of spring. For

those of us who love birds, the return of spring migrants is a heady thought. What birds will visit your yard and what birds will decide it is a place to stay and raise their young? And what can we do to make our yards a welcome place for those birds?

It all comes back to the basics of food, wa-ter, shelter, and places to raise young. Food for returning migrants consists largely of the caterpillars that will be hatching from eggs. Native plants attract legions of insects, as opposed to non-native plants, which are less productive environments for the insects that these birds are seeking. Keeping your yard pesticide-free will be helpful to the birds that feed on caterpillars.

Supplement the food sources for our re-turning birds by offering a fresh supply of nyjer (thistle) for the goldfinches that mi-

grate from the southern states back to northern breeding grounds. Con-sider adding a feeder as a nectar source for ruby-throated hum-mingbirds returning from Central America. The eye-popping or-ange and black Balti-more orioles will drink nectar from feeders as well as eat orange

halves and grape jelly. I encourage you to put out feeders for these two birds on April 15—a timely reminder that Tax Day doesn’t have to be completely painful! Place the feeders for hummingbirds and orioles in places where they can be easily seen as those birds fly over your yard. Change the nectar every 2 to 3 days during the cooler spring, and more fre-quently in the hot summer months. Clean the feeders each time you fill them to prevent the build-up of molds and bacteria that are harm-ful to birds.

Water is essential for birds, especially the migrants that need to keep their feath-ers in good condition for flight. Consider of-fering fresh water in a birdbath, cleaning it with a stiff-bristled brush daily. When you add a mister or dripper or a combination of both, the sound of the dripping water will be a magnet for the migrant birds. Those birds find water by sound, listening for streams as they fly across North America. Advertising

your yard with the sound of water is an invi-tation to birds to refresh themselves as they travel through. Place birdbaths close to the cover of shrubs or evergreens where they can safely dry and preen their feathers back into place. Encourage neighbors to keep their cats indoors during this important season for mi-grants.

Shelter for birds comes in the form of ev-ergreens that provide a wind and rain break. Consider adding a row of evergreens if your yard does not have one. Resident birds will use the evergreens for nesting purposes as well. You can play an important role in the spring by offering a diversity of nesting mate-rial. Natural dried plant material that remains from last season is perfect. If you can’t resist cleaning the beds, keep some of the plant ma-terial and place it in a pile for the birds to gath-er from, along with small twigs that you may find while cleaning. Natural fibers, string and

for the birdsWelcoming spring birds to your garden

Rosann Kovalcik

Baltimore�Oriole

Rosann Kovalcik

Tufted�Titmouse

Rosann Kovalcik

20815 Farmington Rd. (1 blk N of 8 Mile)

Farmington Hills / 248-474-2925April hours: M-F 8-7 Sat 8-6 Sun 10-5

fi nd us on

1. Sun Valley Maple—Long-lasting brilliant red fall color.

10-yr size: 21’ tall, 10’ wide. Adaptable to a wide range of soil

conditions. Excellent lawn or shade tree.

2. American Spice Viburnum—This fabulous viburnum

was discovered right here in South Lyon, Michigan! Grows 4

feet tall and wide and has a spicy fragrance in spring. Very good

fall color: deep red and purple with some yellow and orange.

3. Snowball Bush Viburnum (Viburnum carlcephalum)—

We have these amazing plants on standards, which are hard-

to-fi nd. Incredible fragrance. Blue-green foliage. More elegant

than a typical standard. Perfect for a small space focal point.

4. Jack Frost Brunnera—2012 Perennial Plant of Year.

Silver leaves with green veins. A classic shade perennial & great

groundcover. Baby blue, forget-me-not blossoms in spring.

Proudly servingMetro Detroit

for over 80 years

4

3

2

1

From welcoming front entrances to relaxingbackyard spaces, we create beautiful custom gardens

and outdoor living areas that reflect the unique lifestyle and personality of each of our clients.

Call us and we will do the same for you.

248-388-8581

Are you craving color?If your garden needs more, call us.

Colorful and creative are what we are all about. Gardens and patios.Containers and baskets. Courtyards and more.

Give us a call to learn how we can help your garden look its best.


yarn can all be offered in a mesh bag or suet cage. Dryer lint should NOT be used as it will likely contain synthetic material that, once wet, will turn into a goo that will cool eggs and baby birds, potentially killing them.

Nesting boxes for the cavity-nesting birds are a great addition to your yard. Resident cavity nesters, including black-capped chick-adees and tufted titmice, will look for nest boxes in March and April, while house wrens will arrive in May to set up their territories. Make sure the openings on those boxes are small enough to exclude house sparrows.

Look over your yard to review the various heights that you have available for nesting birds. Different birds prefer low shrubs and trees while others choose higher locations. Plan to add shrubs and trees that will add to the diversity you have to offer.

Enjoy the returning avian delights that you welcome to your yard by offering what they need for a successful migration and nesting season!

Rosann Kovalcik is the owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI.

call “the little gardener that could”

15 Years Experience at Botanical Gardens

FREE Estimates

586-214-9852 PatWww.agardenspace.com

248-887-51011525 Bogie Lake Rd.White Lake, MI1-1/2 Miles S. of M-59, Across from Lakeland H.S.April Hours: Mon-Fri 8-6 Sat 9-5 Sun 10-5www.bogielakegreenhouses.com

Join us for our

Spring Open HouseApril 28, 9am-5pm & April 29, 10am-5pm

See NEW varieties for 2012! • Refreshments1pm: Growums – Learn about a great, new way to

grow a themed garden all summer long.

Spring Seminar SeriesDigging into Vegetable Gardening: April 14, 1pm

Hands-on Container Gardening Weekend:April 21 & 22, 1pm

Saturday will begin with the basics of container gardening, including container choice, plant

selection & general planting ideas. Sunday will emphasize unique ideas in container gardening.

Spring Open HouseApril 28, 9am-5pm & April 29, 10am-5pm

See NEW varieties for 2012! • Refreshments1pm: Growums – Learn about a great, new way to

grow a themed garden all summer long.

Spring Seminar SeriesDigging into Vegetable Gardening: April 14, 1pm

Spring Open House

Spring Seminar Series

Dream Gardens, LLCLandscape Design, Installation & Maintenance

Jennifer Blankenship [email protected]

Personalized designs with a focus on sust

aina

bilit

y an

d lo

w e

nvir

onm

enta

l im

pact

CompleteLine ofPond SuppliesFirestone EPDM LinersEnergy Effi cient Pumps • Filters Medicines • Lighting • UV’sFood • Kites & WindsocksBonsai Trees & Supplies

Wide variety of pond fi shincluding: Japanese Koi,Chinese Goldfi sh

Pond Critters: Turtles,Tadpoles, Snails & Clams

Pond Plants: Marginals,Lillies, Lotus & Oxygenators

Your OutdoorPleasures Await at

TropicalTreasures

34190 S. Gratiot (14-1/2 Mile) Clinton Township 586-791-6595 April hours: Mon-Fri 11a-8p Sat 9a-8p Sun 9a-5p

save $5 off a purchase of

$10 or more!save $5 off purchase of $10 or more*

*Valid only on new purchase regularly-priced items. One discount per purchase. Excludes optics, DSC membership, and gift cards. Valid until 4-30-12 at the stores listed below.

Locations Wild Birds Unlimited Nature shop

Canton: 41816 Ford Rd. • 734-983-9130Grosse Pointe Woods: 20485 Mack Ave. • 313-881-1410Novi: 47760 Grand River Ave. • 248-374-4000Royal Oak: 28558 Woodward Ave. • 248-548-2424


plant focus

For hundreds of years, gardeners have used lungwort (Pulmonaria) species to enhance perennial borders with beau-

tiful spring flowers and foliage. The genus name comes from the Latin word for lung: pulmo. This refers to the spotted appearance of the leaf which somewhat resembles a dis-eased lung.

In the last few decades, breeders have de-veloped dozens of cultivars displaying a broad range of wildly attractive leaves and flowers. The pointed, hairy leaves vary from being all green or all silver to green with silver spotting or green with silvery margins. The clustered flower buds are usually pink and open to fun-nel-shaped blossoms of blue, purple, pink, red, or white. Lungwort prefers shade or part shade but will grow in full sun if given ad-equate moisture. They are perfectly hardy, es-pecially when grown in well-drained soil.

The spring flowers can begin as early as late March or as late as mid-May depending on the cultivar and the weather. The spent flower stems are unattractive and should be removed to enhance the development of the fresh spring leaves. The foliage emerges most profusely as the flowering wanes. Lungwort will grow into wide mounds that are up to 3 feet across and vary in height from 8 to 14 inches.

Assuming you have well-drained soil with

Lungwort

George Papadelis

Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener

Lungwort�flowers�can�display�rich�blue�and�violet�tones.

Terra Nova Nurseries

The�blooms�of�‘Dark�Vader’�range�from�pinkish-red�to�purple.

www.perennialresource.com

‘Raspberry�Splash’�has�raspberry�rose�flowers�that�fade�to�purple�tones.

Botanical name: Pulmonaria (puhl-mon-AIR-ee-uh)

Plant type: PerennialPlant size: 8-14 inches tall, up to 36

inches wideHabit: Clump-formingHardiness: Zone 3 or 4 depending on

the cultivarFlower color: Blue, purple, pink, rose, or

whiteFlower size: Up to 1/2 inch acrossBloom period: SpringLeaf color: Green, silver, green with

silver spotting, or green with silvery margins

Leaf size: 10-18 inches long, 2-3 inches wide

Light: Part shade to shadeSoil: Rich, well-drainedUses: Front of the shady perennial

border, woodland settingsCompanion Spring-blooming bulbs,plants: hardy ferns, hellebores,

ajuga, coral bells, primroses, European ginger, black-leafed mondo grass.

Remarks: Grown for their foliage as much as their spring flowers. Well-drained soil is important.

Lungwort

Continued on page 21

LET US MAKE YOUR OUTDOORS BE AUTIFUL !

3500 Wadsworth Rd • Saginaw989-752-5625

At the corner of I-75 & I-675www.abelegreenhouse.com

Open 7 days a week

Washington Rd.

EXIT

EXIT

Out

er D

r.

I-75

Wadsworth Rd.

Janes Rd.

Holland Ave.

I-675

GREENHOUSE & GARDEN CENTERGREENHOUSE & GARDEN CENTER

Selection!Selection! Selection!

2000+ varieties of Annuals,Perennials, Vegetables, Trees & Shrubs!

Excellent quality at low, northern prices!Come relax and enjoy spring by our waterfall with a free bag of popcorn!

Spruce Needle Castis rampant in our area…DO YOU KNOW HOW TO SPOT IT?

Spruce Needle Castis rampant in our area…Spruce Needle Castis rampant in our area…

Needle Cast is usually fi rst noticed on lower branches and then works upward slowly. Second-year needles turn a purple or brown color and eventually fall from the tree. After several years of needle loss branches may die. In general, trees appear to die from the bottom upward. In some cases, however, infections start higher on the tree, giving the appearance of scattered dead areas. Another characteristic of needle cast is the micro-scopic rows of small black dots that displace the normally white spots (stomata) along the length of the underside of needles. If you suspect your tree is infected, call Contender’sas soon as possible. We are experts in diagnosing and treating Needle Cast.

Call us for all your lawn fertilizing, mole control,tree & shrub fertilizing and pest control needs

248-698-4470 www.Contenders-mi.comS E R V I C I N G O A K L A N D C O U N T Y

HEALTHY SPRUCE INFECTED SPRUCE

Will

iam

Jac

obi,

Col

orad

o S

tate

Uni

vers

ity, B

ugw

ood.

org

Would you trust your health to a non-certified doctor?

Visit www.plantmichigangreen.com to find a Certified Green Industry Professional in your area!

Why would you trust your landscape to a non-Certified Green Industry Professional?

The CGIP program certifies individuals in the following specialties:Nurseryman Garden Retailer Landscape Contractor Landscape Designer Landscape Manager

2260 Auburn Rd. • Auburn Hills • 248-332-6210www.statecrushing.com • Hours: Monday-Friday 7-5 Saturday 7-1

SOIL • SAND • MULCH • STONE • GRAVEL

State CrushingL A N D S C A P E S U P P LY

Full line of organic products • Same day delivery serviceWe specialize in natural wood mulches

Hello gardeners! Our “wood fi nes” and “red pine bark” productsare a gardener’s dream. Very fi nely shredded, you can mix them in with

your existing soil to create an excellent amended soil for planting.You’ll also love our premium compost and cedar bark mulch.

Yard Waste RecyclingBig yard clean-up? Got lots of garden debris? Bring it in!

We accept many types of yard waste.


Terra Nova Nurseries

‘Excalibur’�has�striking�silver�leaves�with�green�edges.www.PerennialResource.com

‘Roy�Davidson’�has�powder�blue�flowers.

www.PerennialResource.com

‘Majeste’�brightens�shady�spots�with�its�luminous�silver�foliage.


The�blue�flowers�of�‘Bertram�Anderson’�hover�above�its�narrow�dark�green�leaves�spotted�in�silver.


Eric Hofley / Michigan Gardener

Lungworts�are�clumping�perennials�for�shade.�After�their�flowers�fade,�beautiful�foliage�remains.

adequate organic matter, only two things can go wrong with a lungwort. In very dry sum-mers, under-watered plants will experience some browning of the leaves. As with any damaged leaves, simply remove them and new ones will emerge to restore your plant’s beauty. Lungwort is also vulnerable to slug damage. Like hostas, measures should be tak-en early in the season before slug populations can escalate. A slug control product called Sluggo (iron phosphate) is organic, effective, and readily available.

Lungwort makes an excellent companion to other shade-loving plants. As they are usu-ally under a foot tall, they are best suited for the front of the flower bed. Plants like hostas produce leaves that are similar in shape—ide-ally, one should position lungwort next to plants of contrasting texture and color. Good lungwort companions include the black-leafed mondo grass (Ophiopogon p. ‘Nigres-cens’), European ginger (Asarum europaeum), primroses, coral bells (Heuchera), ajuga, hel-lebores, hardy ferns, and spring-blooming bulbs.

My first lungwort was called ‘Mrs. Moon.’ It is rarely available now, but it sports silver-spotted, green leaves that form clumps 36 inches wide and 10 inches tall. Its pink flow-ers become blue as they mature. A similar

cultivar, ‘Bertram Anderson’ (aka ‘E. B. An-derson’), has similar spotted foliage that is longer and narrower. It only grows 8 inches tall and 24 inches wide.

One of the more popular lungworts today is ‘Diana Clare.’ Its showy flowers are an elec-tric violet-blue when they emerge and transi-tion to purple and finally pink. The foliage is speckled with silver in spring and becomes completely silver from summer to fall. The height is 8 to 12 inches and the width is a mere 12 to 18 inches.

‘Raspberry Ice’ has green leaves with some white splashes and a consistent white edge on every leaf. The raspberry pink flow-ers remain the same color from the moment they emerge to the end of its blooming period. Plant height is 10 to 12 inches and the spread is 24 inches when mature.

‘Raspberry Splash’ also has raspberry rose flowers but these senesce to violet tones. The leaves are narrow green with relatively small silver spots. The plant height is 10 to 12 inches with a spread of 16 to 24 inches.

No matter which cultivar you select, you’ll find that lungworts are valuable in the gar-den. They are long-lived, low maintenance, and shade-tolerant perennials that are one of the first to bloom each spring.

George Papadelis is the owner of Telly’s Greenhouse in Troy, MI.

Continued from page 18

Plantskydd® Granular

#1 Most Effective#1 Longest Lasting#1 Most Tested

ORGANICListed for

Production1 lb • 3 lb • 7 lb • 20 lb

Sprinkle Plantskydd throughout your garden.It couldn’t be easier!

CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-252-6051 www.plantskydd.com

Plantskydd® Deer Repellent repels deer, elk, and rabbits. Available as Ready-to-Use Spray (1 qt.) or Jug (1.32 gal) and Soluble Powder Concentrate (1 lb., 2.2 lb. and 22 lb. Bulk).

For our DEALER LOCATOR, FAQs, testimonials and *independent research results, visit our website:

Protect your GARDEN

from deer, rabbits and small critters.

100%

Or

ganic

#1 Choice of Professional Growers, Landscapers & Foresters

Repels rabbits, voles and small critters

M-59 (Highland Rd.)

Golf Club Rd.

Grand River Ave.

Hughes R

d.

Pinckney Rd.

Laston Rd.

SpecialtyGrowers

96

4330 Golf Club Rd. ~ Howell517-546-7742

Also visit us at the Brighton Farmer's MarketMay 5 - July 28, Saturdays, 8am-1pmOn the Millpond, at First and Cedar Streets

Look for the white van with the yellow daylily!

Quality Plants for Dedicated GardenersPerennials, herbs & wildflowers...our outdoor-grown plants are

acclimated to Michigan’s weather for better performance in your garden

NURSERY OPENING DAY - APRIL 13Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm • Sat 9am-5pm • Sun 10am-4pm

10% OFF your entire plant purchaseExcludes non-plant items • Valid April 13-30, 2012

Our complete catalog is now online! www.specialtygrowers.net

A collection of stores and gardens to shop and visit. Please call ahead for hours, as they may vary from season to season.

PortHuron

Detroit

Flint

Lapeer

Pontiac

AnnArbor

Gladwin,Midland,Roscommon, Saginaw

Columbiaville,Davison

North Branch Emmett

Imlay CityLakeport

Dryden

Hadley

MetamoraGrand Blanc

Fenton

Highland

Hartland

Holly

Waterford

Ortonville Oxford

Orion

Oakland Washington

Macomb

Clinton Twp.

Sterling Hts.

St. ClairShores

GrossePointes

Grosse Ile

Rockwood,Monroe

Flushing

Lennon

New Boston

Romulus

DearbornDearbornHeightsWayne

Westland

Livonia

Farmington

Southfield

Royal Oak

Berkley

Birmingham

Troy

Auburn HillsSylvan Lake

WestBloomfield

CommerceMilford

WixomWalled Lake

Oak ParkFerndale

Eastpointe

Warren

FarmingtonHills

Redford

Southgate

Trenton

Taylor

BrownstownTwp.

Tecumseh

Manchester

Dexter

Brighton

South Lyon

New Hudson

WhitmoreLake

Novi

Plymouth

Ypsilanti

Canton

Northville

Howell

East Lansing,Fowlerville,

Grand Rapids,Haslett, Lansing,

Mason, Williamston

Cement City,Chelsea, Jackson,

Stockbridge

Tipton

NewBaltimore

Rochester

RochesterHills Shelby Twp.

Utica

Addison Twp.

Clarkston

Bancroft,Owosso Almont

White Lake

Ray

Roseville

BloomfieldHills

MadisonHeights

White Lake

SalineBelleville

CantonCanton Floral GardensClink NursCrimboli Landscp/NursKeller & Stein GreenhseH Wild Birds UnltdCement CityH Hallson GardensChelseaH Garden MillClarkstonH Bordine’sCountry Oaks Landscp ILowrie’s LandscpThe Pond SourceClinton Twp

H English Gardens 44850 Garfield Rd, MI 48038 586-286-6100 www.EnglishGardens.com

H Tropical TreasuresColumbiavilleHilltop BarnCommerce TwpBackyard BirdsZoner’s GreenhseDavisonH Wojo’s Gard Splendors

H DEnoTEs MG ADvErTisEr

Addison TwpH Yule Love It Lavender FarmAlmontH American TreeAnn ArborH Abbott’s NursAce Barnes HardwareDowntown Home/Gard

H English Gardens 155 N. Maple Rd, MI 48103 734-332-7900 www.EnglishGardens.com

HillTop Greenhse/FarmsLodi Farms, 734-665-5651H The Produce StationTurner GreenhseWild Birds UnltdAuburn HillsDrake’s Landscp & NursH Haley StoneH State CrushingBancroftGrand Oak Herb FarmBellevilleBanotai GreenhseGardeners Choice

Pinter FlowerlandZywicki GreenhseBerkleyGarden CentralWestborn Flower MktBloomfield HillsBackyard BirdsBirminghamH Blossoms 33866 Woodward Ave, MI 48009 248-644-4411 www.blossomsbirmingham.com

H Plant StationTiffany FloristBrightonH Beauchamp Landscp SuppH Bordine’sH Brighton Farmer’s MktCowbell Lawn/Gard

H English Gardens 7345 Grand River, MI 48114 810-534-5059 www.EnglishGardens.com

H Grasshopper GardensH Meier FlowerlandBrownstown TwpElegant Environ Pond ShopRuhlig Farms & Gard

DearbornFairlane GardensWestborn Flower MktDearborn Heights

H English Gardens 22650 Ford Rd, MI 48127 313-278-4433 www.EnglishGardens.com

DetroitAllemon’s Landscp CtrDexterH Alexander’s Farm MktDexter GardensH Fraleigh’s LandscpEastpointeAriel’s Enchanted Gard

H English Gardens 22501 Kelly Rd, MI 48021 586-771-4200 www.EnglishGardens.com

Semrau Gard CtrFarmingtonBackyard BirdsFarmington HillsAngelo’s Landscp SuppFarmer John’s GreenhseLoeffler Stone CtrH Steinkopf NursFentonGerych’s Flowers/GiftH Heavenly Scent Herb FarmFerndaleCasual Modes Home/GardGreen Thumb Gard CtrFlushingFlushing Lawn/GardFowlervilleH Arrowhead AlpinesGladwinH Stone Cottage GardGrand BlancH Bordine’s

H The Weed Lady 9225 Fenton Rd, MI 48439 810-655-2723 www.theweedlady.com

Grosse ileH Westcroft GardensGrosse PointeAllemon’s Landscp CtrMeldrum & Smith NursGrosse Pointe WoodsH Wild Birds UnltdHadleyH Le Fleur Décor

ortonvilleCountry Oaks Landscp IIH Wojo’s GreenhseowossoH Everlastings in WildwoodoxfordCandy Cane Xmas TreesOxford Farm/GardPlymouthBackyard BirdsGraye’s GreenhseLucas NursH Plymouth NursPlymouth RockH Rock ShoppeH Saxton’s Gard CtrSparr’s GreenhsePontiacH Goldner Walsh Gard/HomerayVan’s Valley GreenhseredfordSeven Mi Gard CtrrochesterH Fogler’s GreenhseH Haley StoneSherwood Forest Gard Ctrrochester HillsH Auburn Oaks Nurs 3820 West Auburn Rd, MI 48309 248-852-2310 www.auburnoaksnursery.com

H Bordine’sShades of Green NursWild Birds Unltdrockwood

H Marsh Greenhouses Too 31820 W. Jefferson, MI 48173 734-379-9641 www.marshgreenhouses.com

romulusBlock’s Stand/GreenhseKurtzhals’ FarmsSchoedel’s NursH Schwartz’s GreenhseroscommonH The GreenhouserosevilleDale’s Landscp SuppWorld Gardenlandroyal oakH Billings Lawn Equip

H English Gardens 4901 Coolidge Hwy, MI 48073 248-280-9500 www.EnglishGardens.com

H Wild Birds UnltdsaginawH Abele GreenhsesalineEden Gard CtrNature’s Gard CtrSaline Flowerlandshelby TwpDiegel GreenhsesH Hessell’s GreenhseMaeder Plant FarmPotteryland

H Telly’s Greenhouse 4343 24 Mile, MI 48316 248-659-8555 www.tellys.com

south LyonHollow Oak Farm NursH Raney’s Gardenssouthfield3 DDD’s StandH Eagle Landscp/SuppFlower Barn NursH Lavin’s Flower LandMain’s Landscp SuppsouthgateH Ray Hunter Gard Ctrst Clair shoresHall’s NursH Soulliere Gard Ctrsterling HeightsDecor StatuetteH Eckert’s GreenhouseFlower Barn NursPrime Landscp SuppVidosh Landscp CtrstockbridgeGee Farmssylvan LakeH AguaFina Gardens IntrntlH Detroit Garden Works

TaylorD&L Garden CtrH Massab AcresPanetta’s Landscp SuppTecumsehMitchell’s Lawn/LandscpTrentonCarefree Lawn CtrTroy

H Telly’s Greenhouse 3301 John R Rd, MI 48083 248-689-8735 www .tellys.com

Tom’s Landscp NursH Uncle Luke’s Feed StoreWilkop Gard CtrUticaDale’s Landscp SuppStone CityWalled LakeH Suburban Landscp SuppWarrenBeste’s Lawn/Patio SuppGarden Ctr NursYoung’s Garden MartWashingtonLandscp DirectRocks ‘n’ RootsWaterfordHoffman NursH MerrittscapeWayneArtman’s NursWest Bloomfield

H English Gardens 6370 Orchard Lake Rd, MI 48322 248-851-7506 www.EnglishGardens.com

Planterra ConservatoryWestlandArtman’s Westland NursH Barson’s GreenhseBushel StopPanetta’s LandscpJoe Randazzo’s NursWhite LakeH Bogie Lake GreenhseMulligan’s GardSunshine PlantsWhitmore LakeH Alexander’s GreenhsesWilliamstonH Christian’s GreenhseWixomH Brainer’s GreenhseAngelo’s Landscp SuppMilford Tree FarmYpsilantiColeman’s Farm MktLucas NursMargolis NursH Materials Unlimited

Gardens to VisitAnn ArborH Matthaei Bot Gard/Nichols ArbBloomfield HillsH Cranbrook GardensDearbornArjay Miller Arboretum at Ford World HQHenry Ford EstateDetroitAnna S Whitcomb ConservtryDrydenSeven Ponds Nature CtrEast LansingH MSU Horticultural GardensW.J. Beal Botanical GardEmmettH Sunny Fields Botanical PkGrand rapidsFrederik Meijer GardensGrosse Pointe shoresH Edsel & Eleanor Ford HseLansingCooley GardensMidlandH Dow GardensnoviTollgate Education Ctrroyal oakDetroit ZooTiptonH Hidden Lake Gardens

HartlandH Deneweth’s Garden CtrHaslettH Christian’s GreenhseH Van Atta’s GreenhseHiggins LakeH The GreenhouseHighlandColasanti’s Produce/PlantH FragmentsH Highland Garden CtrOne Stop Landscp SuppHollyH Rice’s Garden OrnamentsHowellH Howell Farmer’s MktPenrose NursHowell

H specialty Growers 4330 Golf Club Rd, MI 48843 517-546-7742 www.specialtygrowers.net

imlay CityH Earthly Arts GreenhseJacksonThe Hobbit PlaceSchmid Nurs/GardLake orionLake Orion Lawn OrnH Orion Stone DepotH Wojo’s of Lake OrionLakeportH Earthly Arts GreenhseLapeerH Iron Barn Gard CtrLennonH Krupps Novelty ShopLivoniaBushel MartSuperior Growers SuppWestborn Flower MktMacombAltermatt GreenhsesBoyka’s GreenhseH Deneweth’s Garden CtrH Elya’s Village GardensLandscape SourceJoe Randazzo’s NursWade NursH Wiegand’s NursMadison HeightsGreen Carpet SodManchesterMcLennan NursMasonWildtype NursMetamoraGilling’s NursMilfordH One Stop Landscp SuppMilford GardensH The Pond PlaceMonroeH The Flower Marketnew BaltimoreMeldrum Bros Nursnew BostonGorham & Sons NursH Grass Roots Nursnew HudsonH Milarch Nursnorth BranchH Campbell’s GreenhseOldani Landscp NursnorthvilleH GardenviewsnoviH Dinser’s GreenhseGlenda’s Gard CtrStone CityH Wild Birds Unltdoak ParkFour Seasons Gard CtroaklandGoodison Farms Daylilies



books for the michigan gardener

Armitage’s Garden Perennialsby Allan M. Armitage

This is the second edition of Armitage’s Garden Perennials (Timber Press, 347 pages, $49.95), a comprehensive photo-graphic resource on perennials. In it, renowned horticulturist Allan Armitage describes and illustrates choice perennials in 136 genera, from Acanthus to Zephyranthes.

This volume offers more than 1,300 photographs and an au-thoritative presentation of the most interesting, important, or overlooked perennial plants. The author combines objective information with his own personal experiences, frank opin-ions, and preferences for plants.

This new edition includes 300 more plants and 400 additional color photos than the origi-nal. Some of the added plants include arisaemas, echinaceas, heucheras, and podophyllums. The author also expanded the coverage of perennials grown primarily for their foliage, including ornamental grasses and ferns. This reference guide is rounded out by lists of plants suitable for particular situations or uses, including plants for wet places, drought tolerance, and fragrance, just to name a few.

The Fruit Gardener’s Bible: A Complete Guide to Growing Fruits and Nuts in the Home Gardenby Lewis Hill and Leonard Perry

The Fruit Gardener’s Bible (Storey, 320 pages, $24.95) pro-vides how-to guidance on growing strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, a wide range of nuts, and more. Readers learn how to choose the best varieties and methods for growing these plants at home. With a focus on organic techniques, this book provides informa-tion on propagating, pruning, harvesting, and protection from wildlife.

Step-by-step illustrations and photographs add to the thor-ough descriptions of how to choose the best fruit varieties for

specific regions, prune fruit trees, shrubs and vines, create edible landscapes, select spray-free fruits for organic gardens, and pick nutritious fruit from your own backyard.

The last section of the book focuses on more general tips such as soil preparation, how to get plants off to a good start, pest control, pruning, and wildlife friends and foes. Any gardener who wants to have access to fresh fruits and nuts will find this resource useful.

Ultimate Guide: Walks, Patios & Wallsby the Editors of Creative Homeowner

Walks, Patios & Walls (Creative Homeowner, 240 pages, $16.95) provides the homeowner with all the information needed to integrate popular hardscape designs into the over-all home landscape. Included are ideas for brick, mortar, and concrete walks and patios; flagstone and tile patios; and brick and mortared stone walls. Color photographs provide design inspiration, while the extensive how-to section provides easy-to-follow information.

There are more than 500 color, step-by-step photographs and illustrations to help spark design ideas and transform your ideas into reality. Whether you are starting fresh or adapting

a project to a particular landscape, this resource offers instructions for many projects. The book starts with tips on safety, design basics, and how to plan your project, then proceeds to advice on the proper tools and materials for different jobs. A comprehensive glossary and index complete this book and make it a valuable guide for do-it-yourselfers.

2629 Orchard Lake Rd.Sylvan Lake, MI 48320

248-738-0500www.agua�na.com

Starting March 31 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 9am-5pm

Landscape Design Build Services

To get your garden, pond, & waterfeatures ready for 2012.Full maintenance and start-ups.

To get your garden, pond,

IT’S TIME...

asian décor fountains sculpture found artifacts garden décor

Cass Lake R

d.

Telegraph Rd.

M-59

Mid

dleb

elt R

d.

Square Lake Rd.

Orchard Lake Rd.

Woodw

ard Ave.

WATERFORD PONTIAC

BLOOMFIELD HILLSWESTBLOOMFIELD

9225 Fenton Road • Grand Blanc25 min. from Great Lakes Crossing

www.TheWeedLady.com810.655.2723

Time for a visit to The Weed Lady for

inspiration & rejuvenation!

Spring Fever?• Garden Center & Nursery• Full Service Landscape Design & Installation• Gift & Home Accent Boutique• Full Service Event Planning• Original Art for your Home & Garden• Original Art for your Home & Garden

Explore The Weed Lady . . . where every visit is an adveture.


calendar

H Denotes Michigan Gardener advertiser

H Annual Garden Party Weekend Sat, & Sun, Mar 31 & Apr 1, Metro Detroit area. At 7 English Gardens locations. Packed with informative gardening & decorating seminars. www.EnglishGardens.com.

Local Food Summit Mon, Apr 2, 8am-4pm, Washtenaw County. At Washtenaw Community College, Morris J. Lawrence Building. www.localfoodsummit.org.

H Spring Planning Tue, Apr 3, 7pm. By Association of Professional Landscape Designers at Northville Library. Brick patios, my favorite 5 plants, sustainable landscaping, Q & A. 248-867-2164, [email protected].

The Discriminating Flower Gardener Tue, Apr 3, 4-8pm, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. 4pm: Annuals for Connnoisseurs, 5:15pm: Best New Flowering Shrubs, 7pm: Stunning Plant Combinations for Sunny Gardens. $15/class, register: www.MeijerGardens.org/Education.

Early French Medieval Gardens Wed, Apr 4, 10am, Davisburg. By Springfield Garden Club at Springfield Township Community Center. $1. [email protected].

H Miniature Stained Glass Tree Sat, Apr 7, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-629-9208.

Attract Butterflies to Your Garden Mon, Apr 9, 7pm, St. Clair Shores. By Yardeners of St. Clair Shores at St. Clair Shores Public Library. www.ButterfliesInTheGarden.com.

Plants That Make You Itch & Twitch Mon, Apr 9, Royal Oak. By Royal Oak Garden Club at Royal Oak Public Library. Dangers of plants, with humor. [email protected]

The Magic of Mystical Fairy Gardens Mon, Apr 9, noon, Mt. Clemens. By Mt. Clemens Garden Club at Mt. Clemens Library Community Room. Fairy expert teaches how to create a fairy garden. $5, 586-263-4891.

Bees & Beekeeping-the Basics Tue, Apr 10, 6:30-9pm, Clinton Twp. By MSU Extension at VerKuilen Building. $10, register: 586-469-6440.

Square Foot Gardening 101 Tue, Apr 10, 7pm, Dearborn. At Dearborn Heights Public Library. For beginners. 734-377-8720, [email protected].

From Garden to Table Tue, Apr 10, 4-8pm, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. 4pm: Digging In: the Spring Vegetable Garden, 5:15pm: Designing the Kitchen Garden, 7pm: Using Culinary Herbs & Edible Flowers. $15/class, www.MeijerGardens.org/Education.

H Nursery Opening Day Fri, Apr 13, Howell. At Specialty Growers. 517-546-7742, www.specialtygrowers.net.

Growing Your Own Medicinal Herb Garden Sat, Apr 14, 10am, Highland. By Garden Angel Art Works/A Gardener’s Friend at Colasanti’s Market & Greenhouse. Starting herb seeds indoors, growing, harvesting, drying & storage, seeds & supplies included.

810-653-0104, [email protected].

Square Foot Gardening 101 Sat, Apr 14, 1pm, Wayne. At Wayne Public Library. For beginners. 734-377-8720, [email protected].

Tomatoes & Peppers Sat, Apr 14, 10am-noon, Ann Arbor. By Project Grow Gardens at Leslie Science & Nature Center. [email protected].

H Digging into Vegetable Gardening Sat, Apr 14, 1pm, White Lake. At Bogie Lake Greenhouses. Speaker. [email protected], 248-887-5101.

H Garden Design 1-2-3 Sat, Apr 14, through May 12, Waterford. At MSU Extenstion Oakland. Register: [email protected], 248-858-0887.

H Miniature Gardening with Gigantic Possibilities Sat, Apr 14, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-629-9208.

H New Introductions Day Sat, Apr 14, Troy. At Telly’s. 10am-annuals, 11:30am-Perennials, $5 each. www.tellys.com, 248-689-8735.

H New Twist on an Old Herb Garden Sat, Apr 14, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $5. www.tellys.com, 248-689-8735.

H Outdoor Living Extravaganza Sat, Apr 14, 8:30am-4pm, Grand Rapids. By Proven Winners at The Pinnacle Center. A retreat & seminar. www.provenwinners.com, 877-865-5818.

H Small Giants Sat, Apr 14, 10:30am-noon, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. Miniature gardening with giant possibilities, FREE. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-629-9208.

H Spring Fair Sat, Apr 14, 9am-5pm, Sun, Apr 15, 12-4pm, Sylvan Lake. At Detroit Garden Works. Antiques, ornaments, plants. 248-335-8090. www.detroitgardenworks.com.

New Gardener Shindig Sun, Apr 15, 11:30am-2:30pm, Ann Arbor. All welcome, focus on new gardeners, community gardens, organic practices, volunteering. www.projectgrowgardens.org.

H New Introductions Day Sun, Apr 15, Shelby Twp. At Telly’s. 1pm-Annuals, 2pm-Perennials, $5 each. www.tellys.com, 248-689-8735.

Secchia Garden Lecture Tue, Apr 17, 7pm, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. Change: The Passage of Time in the Garden. FREE w/admission. www.MeijerGardens.org.

Butterfly Garden Enhancements Wed, Apr 18, 7pm, Westland. By SEMBA at Nankin Mills Nature Center. $3. 734-326-0578, www.sembabutterfly.com.

Guest fee: $5. Please contact us for more information about our substantive lectures and programs, as well as membership.

Web: www.associationofprofessionalgardeners.orgEmail: [email protected] Phone: Gail Morrell at 248-828-2978

We help gardeners become professionals. Join us and we will show you how to make a living doing what you are passionate about!

Upcoming Meetings – Please join us!Wednesday, April 18, 7-9pm: “Eckert’s: A Hidden Treasure”

See how a greenhouse prepares for the busy spring season, and learn about new annuals, perennials, and roses for 2012.

At Eckert’s Greenhouse and Perennials, a fabulous garden center in Sterling Heights (34075 Ryan Rd., halfway between 14 and 15 Mile).

Looking for a new career?Take yours to new heights! Skilled tree climbers are in high demand, and the positions are well-paid!

General Tree WorkThis NEW class is offered by Oakland Community College. LST1800 (4 credits) is aimed at climbers looking to further their career, people interested in a tree climbing career or simply recreational climbing.

•Studentswilllearnstate-of-the-artclimbingtechniques.Beforestartinganyoutdoorclimbingactivity,youwilllearnallnecessarysafetyprecautions,basictechniques,knots,andequipmentfunctions.Allclimbingequipmentwillbeprovided:rope,saddles,etc.

•Groundworkinstructionisincludedforstudentsnotwantingtoclimb.

•7.5weekcourse/6-9pm/Classroom&fieldwork

• Instructors: Jeff and Dawn Thierbach JeffisaBoardCertifiedMasterArboristDawnischairpersonoftheMichiganTreeClimbingChampionships

•ArboristISA40CEUcredits.

FormoreinformationemailMarshallBaeckerootat

[email protected]

April / May / June

Promote your events! Send us your information!

Website: Go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Garden Event Calendar”

E-Mail: [email protected]

Upcoming Issues & Deadlines: Issue� Deadline

May 2012 April 15, 2012

June 2012 May 15, 2012

For inFormation about Public Gardens, please visit MichiganGardener.com. Click on "Resources" then "Public Gardens."


Garden Art Wed, Apr 18, 6:30-7:45pm, Hamburg. At Hamburg Twp. Library. $5, fundraiser for library gardens. www.hamburglibrary.org, 810-231-1771.

H Garden Writing Workshop Wed, Apr 18, 7-9pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. No previous writing experience required, invitation to write for Conifer Quarterly, $20. Register: 517-431-2060.

H Eckert’s: A Hidden Treasure Wed, Apr 18, 7-9pm, Sterling Heights. By Association of Professional Gardeners at Eckert’s Greenhouse & Perennials. See how a greenhouse prepares for it’s spring season, learn about new 2012 plants. $5. www.associationofprofessionalgardeners.org, 248-828-2978.

Community Gardens Thu, Apr 19, 7pm, Sylvan Lake. By Sylvan Lake Garden Club at Sylvan Lake Community Center. Speaker. 248-420-1869, [email protected].

H Tea Lover’s Herb Garden Thu, Apr 19, 6:30pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $5. www.tellys.com, 248-689-8735.

H Plant with Us Seminar Fri, Apr 20, Shelby Twp. At Hessell’s Greenhouse. www.hessellsgreenhouse.com, 586-247-4675.

H Spring Open House Fri, Apr 20 to Sun, Apr 22, Fri & Sat, 8am-6pm, & Sun, 10am-5pm, Rochester Hills. At Auburn Oaks Garden Center. New products, more. www.auburnoaksnursery.com, 248-852-2310.

H Organic Gardening Basics Sat, Apr 21, 2-4pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. Compost, plant nutrition, fertilizers, $20. Register: 517-431-2060.

H Pruning Fundamentals Sat, Apr 21, 9am-noon, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens.Indoor and outdoor class, $20. Register: 517-431-2060.

Southeastern Michigan Dahlia Society Meeting Sat, Apr 21, 2pm, Troy. By SEMDS at Telly’s Greenhouse. Speaker, Q&A, 4pm: preparing tubers & dividing. [email protected].

Spring into Gardening Conference Sat, Apr 21, 9am-4pm, Mt. Pleasant. By Master Gardeners Association of Isabella County at Mt. Pleasant High School. $60, 4 speakers, register: 989-772-0911, [email protected].

Square Foot Gardening 102 Sat, Apr 21, 10am, Belleville. At Belleville Public Library. 734-377-8720, [email protected]

Victory Garden Program Sat, Apr 21, 10am-2pm, Oakland Twp. By Oakland Twp. Historic District Commission at Cranberry Lake Farm. Come anytime. www.sixriversrlc.org.

H Children’s Day Sat, Apr 21, Troy. At Telly’s Greenhouse. Workshops at 10am(Face Planter-$20), 11:30am(Seed Planting-$5) & 1pm(Terrarium-$20). www.tellys.com.

H Getting to Know & Grow Dahlias Sat, Apr 21, 2pm, Troy. At Telly’s. FREE. www.tellys.com, 248-689-8735.

H Hands-on Container Gardening Sat, Apr 21, 1pm, White Lake. At Bogie Lake Greenhouses. FREE, 20% off supplies. [email protected], 248-887-5101.

H Open House Sat, Apr 21, 10am, Westland. At Barsons. Seminars at 10am & 1pm. www.barsons.com, 734-421-5959.

H Painted Daisies on a Vintage Window Sat, Apr 21, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-629-9208.

H Planting & Pruning Sat, Apr 21, Leonard. At Yule Love it Lavender. www.yuleloveitlavender.com, 248-628-7814.

H Spring Garden Expo Sat, Apr 21, 9am-5pm, Rochester & Grand Blanc. At Bordine’s. FREE seminars(11am, 1pm, 3pm), booth, fun for kids, displays. www.bordines.com.

H Spring Garden Show Sat, Apr 21, Macomb. At Wiegand’s Nursery. Seminars/workshops throughout the weekend on soil, herbs, bulbs, conifers, lawns, containers, more. Visit www.wiegandsnursery.com for times/details. 586-286-3655.

H Spring Open House Sat, Apr 21, 10am-4pm, Plymouth. At Plymouth Nursery. vendors, speakers, demos. Sun, 2pm: Janet Macunovich. 734-453-5500, www.plymouthnursery.net.

Earth Day Festival Sun, Apr 22, noon-4pm, Milford. At Carls Family YMCA. www.hrwc.org.

Earth Day Festival Sun, Apr 22, noon-4pm, Ann Arbor. At Leslie Science & Nature Center. FREE. www.hrwc.org.

Faerie Garden Seminar & Workshop Sun, Apr 22, 11:30am, Troy. By Master Gardener Society of Oakland County at Telly’s Greenhouse. Seminar: $5, workshop: $10+materials. 248-673-8092, [email protected].

H Children’s Day Sun, Apr 22, Shelby Twp.. At Telly’s Greenhouse. Workshops at 1pm(Face Planter-$20), 2pm(Seed Planting-$5) & 1pm(Terrarium-$20). www.tellys.com.

The Wild Gardener/Naturally Native Tue, Apr 24, 4-8pm, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. 4pm: Woodland Wildflowers for Shady Gardens, 5:15pm: Native Plants for Tough Places, 7pm: Invasive Plants in Your Backyard. $15/class, register: www.MeijerGardens.org.Education.

Garden Writing Workshop Wed, Apr 25, 7-9pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. No previous writing experience required, invitation to write for Conifer Quarterly, $20. Register: 517-431-2060.

H Spring Into Roses Thu, Apr 26, 6:30pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $5. www.tellys.com, 248-689-8735.

H Bonsai Workshop Sat, Apr 28, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s Greenhouse. $35. www.tellys.com, 248-689-8735.

H Container Gardening Classes & Workshops Sat, Apr 28, Troy. At Telly’s Greenhouse. Classes & Workshops, $5 each. www.tellys.com.

H Herbs in Containers Sat, Apr 28, 2:30pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $5. www.tellys.com, 248-689-8735.

H Spring Open House Sat, Apr 28, 9am-5pm & Sun, Apr 29, 10am-5pm, White Lake. At Bogie Lake Greenhouses. Seminar at 1pm both days on Growums. Self-guided tours, all ages welcome. www.bogielakegreenhouses.com, 248-887-5101.

H Spring Spectacular Sat, Apr 28, Shelby Twp. At Hessell’s Greenhouse. Seminars, refreshments, kids: make “Mother’s Day Porch Pots.” www.hessellsgreenhouse.com, 586-247-4675.

H Succulent Garden Workshop II Sat, Apr 28, 1pm, Troy. At Telly’s. $5. www.tellys.com, 248-689-9735.

H Trough Making Workshop Sat, Apr 28, 3:30pm, Shelby Twp. $35. www.tellys.com, 248-659-8555.

Foot Gardening 201 Sat, Apr 28, 9am, Belleville. At Garden Fantasy Florist. Hands-on workshop. 734-377-8720, [email protected].

Advanced Bonsai Techniques Sun, Apr 29, 2pm, Troy. By Four Seasons Bonsai Club at Telly’s Greenhouse. 3 demonstrators. 586-646-3888, [email protected].

Tuber Sale Sun, Apr 29, 1-3:30pm, Ann Arbor. By Michigan Dahlia Association at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Rm. 125 & 139. Hundreds of flower tubers, DVDs and handouts, 734-429-5796.

Docent Training: Docent training begins at historic Cranbrook House on April 3, at 6:30pm Membership Drive: “Blooming Anticipation” April 14, 10am (reservations required)

Gardens Open May 1 through October: Come see what’s in bloom!Our 40th Annual Plant Sale: May 15 (10am-7pm) & May 16 (10am-2pm)

The very best in native Michigan plants and wildfl owers, perennials,greenhouse plants, orchids, herbs, vegetables, annuals and much more!

Cranbrook House guided tours: (Thurs., Fri. & Sun.) beginning June 21.Reservations required for Thursday lunch or tea. Enjoy craftsmanship and art under one roof.Music in the Gardens: July 12. Benefi tting Cranbrook House & Gardens Endowment fund.

Join us for an evening under the stars.

380 Lone Pine Rd, Bloomfi eld Hills • 248-645-3149 • housegardens.cranbrook.eduParking for all events at Christ Church Cranbrook • Shuttle service for plant sale

House & Gardens AuxiliaryCranbrook House & Gardens invites you to visit us this spring

and summer. Come and discover what we have to offer!

Pruning • Removals • Cabling • Lightning ProtectionFertilization • Root Care & Soil Management • PlantingInsect & Disease Management • Tree Risk Assessment

734-786-1688www.GuardianTreeExperts.com

All tree care companies arenot alike. In fact, there is atremendous range in the skillsand services they offer.

• Client care—Our clients are family.We stop by our clients’ properties and check back with them to make sure we’re taking care of their tree care concerns.

We off er what few other companies can:• We use a scientifi c approach to diagnosis and

recommendations: site analysis, soil sampling,decay evaluation, prescription fertilization, pruningand plant health care work based on current research, etc.

• Low impact work. We have mastered climbing and riggingtechniques that enable us to tread lightly on your property(no lawn ruts from trucks, no grass divots from wood, no brokenor damaged plants, etc.).

• Safe work practices. All our work conforms to theindustry’s standard for safety (ANSI Z 133.1).

• We tailor plant health care and monitoring programs to each tree and each client, as opposed to a one-size-fi ts-all, vague spray program.

• We utilize our experience in root invigoration and soil amending:air spading, organic matter additions, improvements in the chemical, biological, and physical properties of soil, and more.

The trees around your home might be 25, 50, oreven over 100 years old. Give them the care they deserve.

continued on next page


H Container Gardening Classes & Workshops Sun, Apr 29, Shelby Twp. At Telly’s Greenhouse. Classes & Workshops, $5 each. www.tellys.com.

H Cranbrook Gardens Tue, May 1, through October, Bloomfield Hills. At Cranbrook Gardens. 248-645-3149, www.housegardens.cranbrook.edu.

H Fruitful Blossoms Wed, May 2, 10:30am, Detroit. By Friends of Art & Flowers at DIA. Floral designer will create arrangements, lecture, demo, book signing-$25 and optional lunch-$25. 313-833-4005.

Plant Exchange Sat, May 5, 9-11am, South Lyon. By Four Seasons Garden Club at Witch’s Hat Depot Museum parking lot. 248-437-0154

Tuber Sale Sat, May 5, 9am-2pm, Troy. By Southeastern MI Dahlia Society at Telly’s Greenhouse Barn. [email protected].

H Faerie Festival Sat, May 5, Sat, 10am-5pm & Sun, 11am-5pm, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. Workshops & activities for all ages, $1. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-629-9208.

Herb Fest Sat, May 5, Waterford. At MSU Extension. Register: 248-858-0887, [email protected].

Leaf Bowl & Fountain Garden Art Class Sun, May 6, 11am, Highland. By Garden Angel Art Works at Colasanti’s Market & Greenhouse. 810-653-0104, [email protected].

H Weed & Tea Tue, May 8, & 15th, Leonard. At Yule Love it Lavender. FREE. www.yuleloveitlavender.com, 248-628-7814.

Attract Butterflies to Your Garden Thu, May 10, 7pm, Ypsilanti. By Ypsilanti Garden Club at Ypsilanti Senior/Community Center. www.ButterfliesInTheGarden.com.

Square Foot Gardening 201 Sat, May 12, 9am, Belleville. By Van Buren Parks & Rec at Park Building. 734-377-8720, [email protected].

H All-State Bonsai Show Sat, May 12, Sat, 9am-5pm & Sun, 11am-5pm, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. Vendors, displays, classes, lectures, workshops. www.MeijerGardens.org.

H Plant Sale Sat, May 12, 10am-2pm, Tipton. At Hidden Lake Gardens. 517-431-2060, www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu.

H Sedum Trree Sat, May 12, 10am-noon, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. Create a 15 inch Sedum Tree, $72.75. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-629-9208.

H Plant Sale Tue, May 15, Sat, 10am-7pm & Sun, 10am-2pm, Bloomfield Hills. At Cranbrook Gardens. 248-645-3149, www.housegardens.cranbrook.edu.

Spring Plant Sale & Garden Market Fri, May 18, Fri, 10am-3pm & Sat, 9am-1pm, Dearborn. At Henry Ford Estate. 313-701-2240, www.henryfordestate.org.

Perennial Plant Sale Sat, May 19, 8am-noon, Saline. By Saline Stone & Thistle Garden Club at UAW Hall. 734-646-9408.

Perennial Plant Sale Sat, May 19, 10am-2pm, Owosso. By Shiawassee County Master Gardeners at 1535 N. Hickory Rd. [email protected].

Plant Exchange Sat, May 19, 9am-noon, Westland. By Westland Garden Club at Westland Historic Village Park. 734-522-3918.

Plant Sale Sat, May 19, 10am-2pm, Dexter. By Michigan Dahlia Association at Dexter Mill. 734-429-5796.

Plant Sale Sat, May 19, 10am-3pm, Owosso. By Shiawassee County Master Gardeners at 1535 Hickory Rd., Owosso. [email protected].

H Lilac Festival Sat, May 19, 10am-5pm, Emmett. At Sunny Fields Botanical Park. Music, food, crafters, FREE admission, donations appreciated. www.visitsunnyfields.org, 810-387-2765.

H Stain Glass Tree Sat, May 19, 10am-noon, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. Construct a 4 ft. copper tree for your garden, $89.75. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-629-9208.

Bonsai Mentor Workshop Sun, May 20, 2pm, Troy. By Four Seasons Bonsai Club at Telly’s Greenhouse. Bring your own tree, beginners paired up with experienced members. 586-646-3888, [email protected].

Attract Butterflies to Your Garden Wed, May 23, 7:30pm, Grosse Pointe Farms. By Master Gardeners of Greater Detroit at United Methodist Church.www.ButterfliesInTheGarden.com.

Iris Show Sat, May 26, Sat, 1-5pm & Sun, 11am-5pm, Grand Rapids. At Frederik Meijer Gardens. FREE. www.MeijerGardens.org.

Volunteer to Plant Native Gardens Sat, Jun 2, Southfield, Birmingham, Beverly Hills. Help plant native buffers and pull galic mustard on Rouge Rescue Day. 248-601-2816.

Attract Butterflies to Your Garden Tue, Jun 5, 6:30pm, Bloomfield Hills. By Master Gardeners Society of Oakland County at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.www.ButterfliesInTheGarden.com.

H Palettes of the Garden Sun, Jun 10, 11am-4pm, Fenton. At Heavenly Scent Herb Farm. Painters & photographers in the gardens, FREE. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com, 810-629-9208.

Garden Walk Wed, Jun 13, 10am-4pm & 6-9pm(walk) 9am-6pm(market), Franklin. By Franklin Garden Club. Self-guided walk. $12. Lunch available. www.franklingardenclub.org.

Garden Journey Bus Tour Sat, Jun 16, 8am-6pm, Bloomfield. By Master Gardener Society of Oakland County at Bowers Farm. Visit 6 gardens, lunch, shop. [email protected].

Garden Walk & Market Sale Sat, Jun 16, 10am-6pm, Milford. By Milford Garden Club at 6 gardens in Milford area. $12, www.themilfordgardenclub.org.

H Cranbrook House Guided Tours Thu, Jun 21, (begins-Thu, Fri & Sat), Bloomfield Hills. At Cranbrook Gardens. 248-645-3149, www.housegardens.cranbrook.edu.

continued from previous page

Advertiser IndexAbbott’s Landscape Nursery ..................................12Abele Greenhouse & Garden Ctr ..........................19Aguafina Gardens International ...........................23Arrowhead Alpines ......................................................15Arboricultural Services................................................11Assoc. of Prof. Gardeners ........................................24Auburn Oaks Gard Ctr .................................................11Barson’s Greenhouse ..................................................13Beauchamp Lawn & Landscape ..............................5Blossoms............................................................................15Bogie Lake Greenhouses ...........................................17Bonide ...............................................Inside Back CoverBordine’s ..................................................................Page 3Christian’s Greenhouse ...............................................8Contender’s Tree & Lawn Specialists .................19Cranbrook House & Gardens.................................25Detroit Garden Works ..................................................5

DIA Friends of Art & Flowers ...................................11Dream Gardens ..............................................................17English Gardens ..........................Inside Front CoverThe Flower Market ........................................................9The Garden Company ................................................16Garden Mill .......................................................................12Garden Rhythms...........................................................10A Garden Space .............................................................17Guardian Tree Experts ...............................................25Heavenly Scent Herb Farm ..................................... 14Hessell’s Greenhouses ................................................9Hidden Lake Gardens ..................................................13Meier Flowerland ..........................................................15Michigan Nursery & Landscape Assoc. ....................................................19Milarch Nursery ..............................................................9Oakland Community College ................................24Organimax .........................................................................6Orion Stone Depot .........................................................6

Plantskydd ........................................................................21Plymouth Nursery ........................................................ 14The Pond Place .................................................................5Proven Winners Color Choice ..................................7Rice’s Garden Ornaments ........................................12Saxton’s Garden Center .............................................15Schuman Landscape Lighting .................................13Specialty Growers .........................................................21Staddle Stone ..................................................................10State Crushing .................................................................19Steinkopf Nursery .........................................................16Telly’s Greenhouse ........................................................4Tropical Treasures ........................................................17Two Women and a Hoe .............................................12The Weed Lady .............................................................23Uncle Luke’s Feed Store ............................................10Wiegand’s Nursery .......................................................6Wild Birds Unlimited ...................................................17Yule Love It Lavender Farm .....................................10

H Denotes MG Advertiser

Allen ParkACO Hardware

AlmontH American Tree

Ann ArborH Abbott’s Landscp NursAce Barnes HardwareDowntown Home & GardH English GardensHillTop Greenhse & FarmsLarry’s Mower ShopLodi FarmsH Matthaei Botanical GardNicola’s BooksH The Produce StationTurner GreenhsesWhole FoodsWild Bird CtrWild Birds Unltd

Auburn HillsACO HardwareDrake’s NursH Haley StoneH Oakland Community CollegeH State Crushing

BellevilleBanotai GreenhseGardeners ChoicePinter FlowerlandZywicki Greenhse

BerkleyGarden Central

BirminghamACO HardwareH BlossomsMT HunterNeighborhood HardwareH Plant StationTiffany FloristWatch Hill Antiques

Bloomfield HillsACE HardwareBackyard Birds

BrightonH Beauchamp Landscp SuppH Bordine’sH English GardensH Grasshopper GardensMain’s Landscp SuppH Meier Flowerland

Brownstown TwpRuhlig Farms & Gard

CantonCanton Floral GardensClink Landscp & NursCrimboli NursKeller & Stein GreenhseH Wild Birds Unltd

ChelseaH Garden MillThe Potting Shed

ClarkstonACE HardwareACO HardwareH Bordine’sCountry Oaks Landscp Supp ILowrie’s LandscpThe BirdfeederThe Pond SourceWeingartz

ClawsonACO Hardware

Clinton TwpACO HardwareH English GardensMichigan KoiMSU Extension-Macomb CtyH Tropical Treasures

Commerce TwpBackyard Birds @ ACE HardwareZoner’s Greenhse

DavisonH Wojo’s Garden Splendors

DearbornACO HardwareFairlane Gard

Dearborn HtsACO HardwareH English Gardens

DetroitDetroit Gard Ctr

DexterDexter GardH Fraleigh’s Nurs

EastpointeH English Gardens

FarmingtonACO Hardware

Farmington HillsACO HardwareAngelo’s Landscp SuppFarmer John’s GreenhseH Steinkopf NursWeingartz

FentonGerych’sH Heavenly Scent Herb Farm

FerndaleCasual Modes Home & GardGreen Thumb Gard Ctr

FostoriaH Iron Barn Iron Work

FowlervilleH Arrowhead Alpines

GladwinH Stone Cottage Gdns

Grand BlancH Bordine’sH The Weed Lady

Grand RapidsMeijer Gardens

Grosse IleH Westcroft Gardens

Grosse PointeACE HardwareAllemon’s Landscp CtrMeldrum & Smith Nurs

Grosse Pointe ShoresH Edsel/Eleanor Ford House

Grosse Pointe WoodsH Wild Birds Unltd

HadleyH Le Fleur Décor

HartlandH Deneweth’s Gard Ctr

HaslettH Van Atta’s Greenhse

HighlandACO HardwareColasanti’s Produce & PlantsH Fragments

HollyH Rice’s Garden Ornaments

HowellH Howell Farmer’s MktPenrose NursH Specialty Growers

Imlay CityH Earthly Arts

Lake OrionLake Orion Lawn OrnamentsH Orion Stone DepotH Wojo’s of Lake Orion

LivoniaACO Hardware (5 Mi/Middlebelt)ACO Hardware (6 Mi/Newburgh)Bushel MartSuperior Growers Supp

MacombACO HardwareAltermatt’s GreenhseBoyka’s GreenhseH Deneweth’s Gard CtrH Elya’s Village GardLandscape SourceOlejnik FarmsH Wiegand’s Nurs

Madison HtsGreen Carpet Sod

MidlandH Dow Gardens

MilfordACO HardwareMilford GardensOne Stop Landscp SuppH The Pond Place

MonroeH The Flower Market

New BaltimoreMeldrum Bros NursVan Thomme’s Greenhses

New BostonGorham & Sons NursH Grass Roots NursMums the Word

New HudsonH Milarch Nurs

North BranchH Campbell’s GreenhsesOldani Landscp Nurs

NorthvilleBegonia BrosH Gardenviews

NoviACO HardwareH Dinser’sGlenda’s Gard CtrTollgate Education CtrH Wild Birds Unltd

Oak ParkFour Seasons Gard Ctr

OrtonvilleCountry Oaks Landscp Supp IIH Wojo’s Greenhse

OwossoH Everlastings in the Wildwood

PinckneyEd Bock Feeds & Stuff PlymouthBackyard BirdsLucas NursH Plymouth NursPlymouth Rock & SuppH Rock ShoppeH Saxton’s Gard CtrSidewaysSparr’s Greenhse

PontiacH Goldner Walsh Gard/HomeMSU Extension-Oakland Cty

RayVan’s Valley Grenhse

RedfordSeven Mi Gard Ctr

RochesterCasual ConceptsH Fogler’s GreenhseH Haley StoneSherwood Forest Gard Ctr

Rochester HillsACE HardwareACO HardwareH Auburn Oaks Gard CtrH Bordine’sShades of Green NursWild Birds Unltd

RockwoodH Marsh Greenhses Too

RomulusBlock’s GreenhseKurtzhal’s FarmsSchoedel’s NursH Schwartz’s Greenhse

RoscommonH The Greenhouse

RosevilleDale’s Landscp SuppWorld Gardenland

Royal OakACO HardwareH Billings Lawn EquipH English GardensFrentz & Sons HardwareLa RocheManus Power MowersH Wild Birds Unltd

SaginawH Abele Greenhse & Gard Ctr

SalineJunga’s ACE HardwareNature’s Gard CtrSaline Flowerland

Shelby TwpDiegel GreenhsesEden Gard CtrH Hessell’s GreenhsesMaeder Plant FarmPotterylandH Telly’s GreenhseThird Coast Garden Supp

South LyonACO HardwareHollow Oak Farm NursH Raney’s Gardens

Southfield3 DDD’s StandACO HardwareH Eagle Landscp & SupplyFlower Barn NurseryH Lavin’s Flower LandMain’s Landscp Supp

SouthgateH Ray Hunter Gard Ctr

St Clair ShoresACE HardwareACO Hardware (Harper/13 Mi)Greenhouse GrowersHall’s NursH Soulliere Gard Ctr

Sterling HtsACO HardwareDecor StatuetteH Eckert’s GreenhseH Flower Barn NursPrime Landscp Supply

StockbridgeGee Farms

Sylvan LakeH AguaFina Gardens InterntlH Detroit Garden Works

TaylorBeautiful Ponds & GardD&L Garden CtrH Massab AcresPanetta’s Landscp Supp

TiptonH Hidden Lake Gardens

TrentonCarefree Lawn CtrKeck Hardware

TroyACO HardwareThe Home & Gard ShopH Telly’s GreenhseTom’s Landscp NursH Uncle Luke’s Feed StoreWilkop Gard Ctr

UticaDale’s Landscp SuppStone CityWeingartz

WarrenBeste’s Lawn & PatioYoung’s Garden Mart

WashingtonLandscape DirectMiller’s Big Red GreenhseRocks ‘n’ Roots

WaterfordACO HardwareBreen’s Landscp SuppJacobsen’s Flowers

Waterford H Merrittscape

WayneArtman’s Nurs

West BloomfieldH English GardensPlanterraWhole Foods

WestlandACO HardwareArtman’s Westland NursH Barsons GreenhsesBushel StopJoe Randazzo’s NursPanetta’s Landscp Supp

White LakeH Bogie Lake GreenhseMulligan’s Gard CtrSunshine Plants

Whitmore LakeH Alexander’s Greenhses

WilliamstonH Christian’s Greenhse

WixomAngelo’s Landscp SuppH Brainer’s Greenhse

WoodhavenBruce’s Pond Shop

YpsilantiColeman’s Farm MktLucas NursMargolis NursH Materials UnlimitedSchmidt’s Antiques

Look for at these fine locations:


Temperature

Data courtesy National Weather Service

Normal aCTUal DeviaTioN avg.High avg.High fromNormalDetroit 34.4 39.3 +4.9Flint 32.3 38.1 +5.8Lansing 32.6 37.7 +5.1

Normal aCTUal DeviaTioN avg.low avg.low fromNormalDetroit 20.0 25.9 +5.9Flint 15.3 23.9 +8.6Lansing 15.4 23.4 +8.0

February2012 Normal aCTUal DeviaTioNavg.High avg.High fromNormal 34.4 32.1 -2.3 32.3 32.0 -0.3 32.6 31.9 -0.7

Normal aCTUal DeviaTioNavg.low avg.low fromNormal 20.0 17.4 -2.6 15.3 15.0 -0.3 15.4 16.9 +1.5

February2011

Precipitation

Normal aCTUal DeviaTioN monthly monthly fromNormal

Detroit 2.02 1.91 -0.11Flint 1.48 1.84 +0.36Lansing 1.47 1.59 +0.12

February2012

Normal aCTUal DeviaTioN Yr.toDate Yr.toDate fromNormal

Detroit 3.98 4.91 +0.93Flint 3.11 3.78 +0.67Lansing 3.12 3.61 +0.49

2012YeartoDate:Jan1-Feb28

Normal aCTUal DeviaTioNmonthly monthly fromNormal

1.88 3.60 +1.72 1.35 2.36 +1.01 1.45 2.36 +0.91

February2011

Normal aCTUal DeviaTioNYr.toDate Yr.toDate fromNormal

32.89 47.70 +14.81 31.61 40.95 +9.34 31.53 38.89 +7.36

2011YearTotal:Jan1-Dec31

Classified�AdsSeeKiNGProFeSSioNalGarDeNerS - Garden Design/Maintenance Co. seeks full or part-time gardeners. Competitive wages. Contact Alison Mackinder, In The Garden. [email protected].

viNTaGeTerraCoTTaTileS - 16”x6”x.15”, 3500 of them in great condition. Perfect for patios, walkways and indoor flooring. 734-260-4505.

liGHTSCaPeDeSiGN - Landscape Lighting 15 + years. Repair, Maintenance, Free Design Consultation. Call Mike 810-629-4466.

GorGeoUSFloWerSoNDiSPlaY! Come see the largest collection of African Violets in North America at the 2012 African Violet Convention. In downtown Detroit at the GM Renaissance Center. Don’t miss this rare opportunity! Plants for sale too! Friday, June 8, 9am to 5pm. Saturday, June 9, 9am to 4pm. More info at: www.avsa.org. $5 admission. Mention this ad for $1 off your admission.

“eaSYeDiBleS” - The Guide to Growing Vegetables in the Lower Great Lakes Region - www.alicegreene.com.

WemaKeHoUSeCallS – No need to struggle bringing your pets into the vet’s office. Dr. Andrea Smirnes, DVM at Woodward Veterinary Home Care comes to you! Serving south Oakland Cty over 20 yrs. Evening appts avail. 248-288-1554, www.woodwardvet.com.

WalKerFarmS&GreeNHoUSe - Specializing for over 50 years in “Quality” Seeds, Flowers, Plants and Produce. 810-743-0260. www.walkersfarm.com.

eNGliSHSTaDDleSToNeForSale. Very choice. 30” tall, cap 24”. $1100. Call 248-334-9190.

SUNNYFielDSBoTaNiCalParK - Come see the spectacle! Apr: 120 daffodil varieties. May: 146 crabapple varieties. May 19-20: Lilac Festival. 810-387-2765. www.visitsunnyfields.org.

NeeDaHaND? Call “The little gardener that could.” 15 yrs experience at Botanical Gardens. FREE Estimates. Pat: 586-214-9852, agardenspace.com.

PoiSoNivY – We get rid of it! That’s all we do. Call us—we are experts at identifying and removing poison ivy from your property, from single homes to large parks. Licensed and Insured. Poison Ivy Control of Michigan. 248-842-8095. www.poisonivycontrolofmichigan.com.

Michigan Gardener Classified Advertising is a cost-effective way to promote your products and services. Go to MichiganGardener.com and click on “Classified Advertising” to learn more and give it a try. Deadline for the May 2012 issue is April 20.

name

address

city state zip

Wouldyouliketoreceiveourfreee-newsletter?Pleaseindicateyoure-mailaddress:

wheredidyoupickupmg?

please enclose your check (payable to michigan gardener) & mail to: Michigan Gardener 16291 W. 14 Mile Rd., Suite 5 Beverly Hills, MI 48025-3327

michigan gardener is published in april, may, june, july, august, sept/oct & nov/dec

Canadiansubscriptions:1 year, 7 issues for $22.00 USD / 2 years, 14 issues for $42.00 USD

BEST VALUE

7issues (1 year) – $15 14issues (2 years) – $28 21issues (3 years) – $37

Find a garden in your mailbox.Subscribe�for�convenient�home�delivery�of�Michigan Gardener

askforit at your local garden center.

Updated and Redesigned!

The print edition of Michigan Gardener is still your exclusive source for gardener profiles, features, how-to articles, Plant Focus and much more.

www. .com

• See current garden events in our Event Calendar

• Sign up for our FREE E-Newsletter

• Check out Website Extras, bonus material to our print magazine features

• Submit your garden event listings

• Subscribe to Michigan Gardener

• Find your county MSU Extension contact info in “Garden Help”

• Submit a classified ad to promote your product or service

• Learn where you can pick up Michigan Gardener

• And much more!

28 Michigan Gardener | April 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com

A sign by the side of Margot McCormack’s driveway and the entrance to her eclectic gar-den proudly proclaims, “Margot’s Horticul-tural Zoo.” Picture rare and beautiful trees, vegetables, flowers, and maybe a few strange specimens—all packed into a small residen-tial yard. McCormack related, “That is what Betty Frankel (the late garden writer for the Detroit Free Press) called a garden without any real design, or one that has one or two of everything, like a zoo.” She also refers to it as

a collector’s garden. She collects unique peren-nials that catch her eye and bloom a long time, along with herbs to “touch, squeeze, sniff, and use in the kitchen.”

As a child, Mc-Cormack unwittingly learned about garden-ing from her parents, Otto and Gisela Oest-

reich, and their community garden in Augs-burg, Germany. “As a child I hated my parent’s community garden (about 45 by 75 feet). I had to spend my free time there, including sum-mer vacations. They went by bike and I had to walk about 25 minutes from home. We had the garden for about 16 years,” McCormack recalled. German community gardens called “garden colonies” or “allotment gardens” were popular in the 1940s and still are today.

McCormack calls herself a garden junkie. You may have seen her at a garden club meet-ing, garden tour, talk, or anything to do with

gardens. The first club she joined was the Livonia Garden Club in the 1970s when she visited for a talk by Betty Frankel. Later, after visiting several societies to promote a trip she lead to the Hampton Court Flower Show in England, she joined the Hardy Plant Society, Hosta Society, two rose societies and more re-cently the North American Rock Garden Soci-ety and Lily Society. If that isn’t enough, she is contemplating joining the daylily, dahlia, and chrysanthemum societies. “The plant societ-ies all sound interesting, but there are only so many days in a week and many meetings are too far from my home,” she lamented.

All these societies and her garden book collection lead the fearless McCormack to attempt many difficult plant experiments, as

By gathering one or two plants of everything she likes, Margot McCormack has transformed her small yard into a “horticultural zoo”

A Magnificent Collection of Plants

Sandie Parrott

V Website ExtraGo to MichiganGardener.com and click the “Website Extras” department for:• More photos of Margot McCormack’s

garden, including tropicals, a beautiful tree peony, and the annual flood in her backyard.

Sandie Parrott

A local garden writer once called a collector’s garden a “zoo.” McCormack embraced the nick-name for her own garden.

Right: These look like concrete or hypertufa troughs, but they are spray-painted

styrofoam meat-packing containers.

Sandie Parrott

McCormack’s husband found this Bird Girl statue in Savannah in 2007 and gave it to her as a surprise birthday gift.

Sandie Parrott


she calls them. Her step-over apple tree is a mere 18 inches tall and forms a border on her property. She has espaliered a pear tree on the front of her house, tinkers with a bonsai plant, and has germinated and grown (for a short while) a Serbian spruce (Picea omorika) from a cone (see the sidebar “Margot’s Ser-bian spruce tale”).

McCormack lived as an au pair in Eng-land for a time and that is what she thinks re-ally started her love of gardening. “The lady of the house would always have fresh flowers in the apartment. I liked that and that must have started it,” remembered McCormack. Although the community garden in Germany likely helped influence her passion for plants as well.

In 1969, McCormack came to live in Michi-gan after she met her husband, Jim, working in a hospital in Germany. They both worked in administration and were married in Ger-many. She stayed there while Jim completed his last year of service in Korea for the Army. They reunited in Virginia, where Jim was from originally, until he received a job offer in Michigan in 1970. After briefly living in an apartment, they purchased their house in Westland in 1971 because it was less expen-sive than the apartment. She also calls herself

“Margot the Frugal.”Her home garden efforts started with a veg-

etable garden in the backyard. “I wanted to grow plants that wouldn’t make it in Bavaria, where it was not warm enough or the season was too short. Things like eggplant, zucchini, and celery. After trying all types of veggies and perennials in the backyard and having a drainage problem every spring, I took garden-ing to the front yard. The backyard became too small for the plants I wanted to grow. In De-cember 1994, there was also an article in the newspaper under the title, ‘Let’s Bury Back-yard Notions About Front Yard Landscaping.’ That was right up my alley. War to the lawn!” exclaimed McCormack. Besides, the lawn is Jim’s interest, not Margot’s.

Another gardening influence was the late Geoff Hamilton and his BBC TV series, The Ornamental Kitchen Garden. “I got inspired by Geoff Hamilton’s TV series around the mid-1990s. He grew veggies, fruit trees, ber-ries, and flowers together. His demonstration garden in England was about the size of my backyard and it brought tears to my eyes ev-ery time I viewed one of the episodes. I just loved that man and how the program was

Margot’s Serbian spruce taleby Sandie Parrott

In the mid-1970s, Margot McCormack contacted the Michigan State University Extension to see if she could grow a Ser-bian spruce (Picea omorika) from a cone.

The tree was very popular in Bavaria because of its narrow growth habit, which is perfect for small residential lots. “In Bavaria they ‘throw’ them at you, they are that cheap,” chuckled McCormack. Her property in Westland was about the same size as typical lots in Bavaria and she wanted the tree badly, but couldn’t locate one back then.

McCormack obtained a cone and dutifully followed the instructions given by the extension service and the seed germinated. It grew into a small seedling, but alas, didn’t make it.

In the mid-1990s, McCormack discovered some very small trees at a local garden center. “I could have hugged the buyer, I was so happy finally finding my favorite conifer, and I bought it,” she recalled. In 2011 it developed some prob-lems on the tip and she had the top four feet trimmed. Luckily, “it just happened that a new leader was there.”

The experience of contacting the Michigan State University Extension was so rewarding and the people were so helpful that she studied and became a Master Gardener in the class of 1980.

Sandie Parrott

A�small�but�jam-packed�backyard�includes�‘Heritage’�raspberries,�boxwood�raised�from�a�Christmas�arrangement�20-plus�years�ago,�New�England�aster,�phlox,�Joe�Pye�weed,�variegated�dogwood,�native�cup�plant�behind�the�statue�(tall�yellow�flowers;�birds�and�insects�drink�from�the�cupped�leaves),�and�a�variegated�porcelain�vine�on�the�fence.

Sandie Parrott

This�collection�includes�gaura�under�a�serviceberry�(from�the�Greening�of�Detroit�20-plus�years�ago),�an�espaliered�pear�tree�on�the�house,�bluestar�(Amsonia tabernaemontana),�miniature�rose,�white�potentilla,�‘Arnold�Promise’�witch�hazel,�bearded�iris,�white�obedient�plant,�brown-eyed�Susan,�white�butterfly�bush,�lavender,�and�winter�savory. Continued on next page


presented,” McCormack recalled fondly.A white garden with plants that bloom all

through the season brightens the side of Mc-Cormack’s garage. In this theme garden, she grows white crocuses, hyacinths, and daffo-dils in early spring along with rock cress, lily of the valley, Siberian iris, Shasta daisy, peony and clematis ‘Duchess of Edinburgh’ bloom-ing in late spring. This is followed by Culver’s root (Veronicastrum), phlox, turtlehead (Che-lone), delphinium, liatris, and creeping white thyme. Summer brings Asiatic lilies, garlic chives, hostas, white toad lilies (Tricyrtis),

feverfew, and a mini rose ‘Popcorn.’ McCor-mack explained, “Where I find space, I plant some annuals like pansies, geraniums, pen-tas, alyssum, or whatever I find in white. The white garden idea started when I went with a small group to Sissinghurst in England. I liked the famous white garden and that start-ed me to do this in my own garden. I am not a designer, but a copier, and white shows up well against our redwood garage.”

Sandie Parrott is a freelance writer, blogger, photographer and Advanced Master Gardener living and working in Oakland County, MI.

Margot McCormack

McCormack�visited�the�famous�Sissinghurst�Garden�in�England�and�upon�her�return�wanted�a�white�garden.�She�likes�that�it�contrasts�nicely�with�the�redwood�on�the�garage.�Some�of�the�plants�include:�Shasta�daisy,�peony,�Culver’s�root�(Veronicastrum),�phlox,�turtlehead�(Chelone),�delphinium,�creeping�thyme,�Asiatic�lilies,�toad�lilies�(Tricyrtis),�and�a�miniature�rose�‘Popcorn.’

Sandie Parrott

Above:�McCormack’s�“step-over”�apple�tree�forms�a�border�in�the�front�yard�with�her�neighbor.�She�started�it�as�a�tiny�whip,�chose�two�side�branches�and�supported�those�branches�as�they�grew.�Below:�It�is�about�15�to�20�feet�long�and�only�stands�about�18�inches�tall.

Sandie Parrott

An�espaliered�pear�tree�transforms�the�front�of�the�house.�McCormack�calls�this�her�experiment�and�labor�of�love.�She�started�it�with�a�tiny�whip,�chose�horizontal�branches�as�it�grew�and�wired�them�to�the�house.�She�prunes�it�frequently�to�keep�its�shape.�

Continued from previous page

Margot McCormack

www.MichiganGardener.com | April 2012 | Michigan Gardener 31

plant patrol

Cytospora canker of spruce (SIGH-toh-spor-ah) is the most damaging disease of spruce trees in our area. The disease is caused by a fungus (Cytospora kunzei var. piceae, sometimes listed as Leucostoma kunzei). It most often attacks Colorado blue spruce (Pi-cea pungens f. glauca) and Norway spruce (Picea abies). It is also known to infect other spruces, Douglas fir, hemlocks, larches, East-ern white pine and balsam fir. Trees infected

by this canker become unsightly, lose their or-namental value, and die earlier than they other-wise would.

Usually the first symptom is needle browning and lower branches dying. The disease progresses to affect higher branches and may even get into the trunk. Once the

fungus infects the trunk there is no control; the tree will eventually die.

Looking closer at a suspect tree, you may see white patches of dried resin on limbs, branches, and maybe the trunk. Resin flow can have a number of causes, but is often as-sociated with cytospora canker. So examine the area on the resin-stained limbs and the branches just above, which may be dripping. If the branch underside is soft and slightly sunken and shows signs of oozing resin, the tree is probably infected with cytospora can-ker. Consult a certified arborist to confirm it if necessary.

Trees most likely to contract this disease are over 15 years old or stressed. Stress can come from mechanical injury (tips, twigs, or trunk hit by mowers and weed trimmers), in-sect damage, drought, low fertility, competi-tion from lawn, insufficient light, inadequate root space, compacted soil, salt accumulation, etc. There is no effective chemical treatment for cytospora canker at this time. Affected branches should be removed and destroyed. Do not prune when wet and always disin-fect your cutting tools between cuts to avoid spreading the fungus.

Young, vigorously growing trees have some resistance to cytospora. So keeping the tree healthy and growing vigorously is the most effective preventive measure. Estab-lish an area of mulch around the tree well beyond the branch tips to avoid mechani-cal injuries and allow root growth without competition from lawn. Keep the soil moist throughout the root zone, especially during

times of drought. Fertilize regularly. Watch for and control insects and mites if they ap-pear. Prune only when it’s dry, and with clean tools, being sure to re-cut any damaged limbs to eliminate ragged breaks and tears where

fungal spores are most likely to gain entry.

Text and photos by Steven Nikkila, who is from Perennial Favorites in Waterford, MI (E-mail: [email protected]).

Cytospora canker of spruce

Browning needles and dead branches are symptoms of cytospora canker.

Cytospora canker is well-established and has done severe damage to this spruce. After dead limbs are removed, the tree will be unsightly, practically useless as a screen, and have little ornamental value.

Resin drips on the trunk and limbs are a sign of cytospora canker.

Resin oozes from breaks in the bark caused by fungus, often on the underside of a branch. At some times of the year this canker is soft to the touch. Cankers expand, eventually girdle the limb, and kill it. Shortly afterward, the needles brown and fall. This limb needs to be pruned back to the trunk and destroyed. Do not prune in the rain or when the tree is wet. Sterilize tools between cuts, make straight, clean cuts, and do not cover cuts with paint or tar.

Steve Nikkila

This canker has girdled the branch and killed it.

32 Michigan Gardener | April 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com

Misrepresentation, misunderstanding, or overload?

Vague or misleading catalog or label de-scriptions abound in the plant business. The situation’s compounded by misunderstanding of terms, inability to visualize, truly variable plants, and overwhelming inventory.

Marketing plays a big role in develop-ing catalog and plant tag data. For instance, imagine a marketer who’s selling Hicks yews. That plant’s mature height of 20 feet doesn’t fit comfortably with the rest of the data the marketer’s given, such as the popularity of these evergreens as foundation plants and decorative hedging. So, the marketer rum-

mages around in the fact bin and finds three other items. First, that people in the U.S., on average, change homes every 5 to 7 years. Second, that reliable sources say Hicks yew might grow to about four feet in 7 years. Third, that most people trim their foundation plants and hedges every year. The marketer now views the buyer as one who won’t ever see the plant after its first decade in place, and who would simply prune it if it got too tall. So why not list the ten-year size and show that in the catalog photo?

A catalog with a reputation as effectively written and illustrated may be copied or its generic pieces sold to nurseries that can’t af-ford to develop a fully customized catalog. Thus misleading descriptions are perpetrated and spread.

Misleading information can also be simple error or an expression of true but limited ex-perience. For instance, how would a proof-reader know to challenge a “4” where a “14” should be, as the height of a new item? What if the nursery manager who brought the new plant into inventory has seen it in only two locations, both in climates more favorable to that species?

Plain old error also occurs because of plain old overload. Nurseries carry a dizzying ar-ray of species and varieties. Any individual can only observe a portion of those firsthand, over enough time to predict their local size and growth rate. Stats for the others must come from secondhand reports. Every one of those is a potential typo or regional deviation.

In addition, growers add new varieties every year—types so new that there may be few, if any, mature specimens in existence. Catalog writers must work from promotional reports regarding size, bloom, disease resis-tance, etc.

You call that a shrub?!Other instances are actually reflections

of the gardener’s own misunderstanding of terminology. For instance, a shrub is a plant with woody stems, usually with a maximum

height under 20 feet, and which tends to have multiple trunks that may die out and be replaced by new shoots. “Tree” is reserved for taller plants that keep the same trunk or trunks for life. People who equate “shrub” with “hip-high” and “tree” with “anything taller” may be discombobulated by shrub vi-burnums large enough to shade a picnic.

Technical terms which can be confused with ordinary English are no help. To many people, “dwarf” conjures images of Snow White’s little buddies. Yet horticulturists use it to describe a plant that can be expected to max out below its species norm. An example is false cypress, a species that can top 100 feet, which has dwarf varieties ranging from 12 inches to 30 feet or more. “Slow” and “fast” are also ordinary words with specific, and un-fortunately variable, horticultural application. One expert classifies as “slow” any woody plant that adds less than eight inches of new wood per year, while another applies “slow” to growth up to a foot per year. Some horti-culturists consider an herbaceous perennial fast-growing if the stem count doubles each year, while others think a 150 percent increase is fast. Most catalogs and reference books in-clude an explanation of these terms (see the sidebar “My dwarf plant can beat your dwarf plant”), but they can be hard to find or go unused by the casual reader who reads the words as ordinary and self-explanatory.

The realm of herbaceous perennials has its

Sleep, creep, leapPerennial plants—including hardy

trees and shrubs—push out new growth in spring and then store energy through-out summer toward the next year’s push. Some of the energy the leaves make in that first year goes into roots too. Since we often buy our new plants in full leaf, and root growth goes unseen, we don’t notice any significant increase in size the first year.

However, if all went well the first year, the plant does become larger in year two. Every leaf from year one made enough energy to replace itself, plus some. So what was planted with 100 leaves may unfurl 150 leaves the next spring.

In that second year, energy is stored at the same rate as before, but with 150 leaves contributing, the plant can burst onto the scene in year three with 225 leaves—more than twice its leaf count at planting time.

The leaping continues in a geometric progression:

• Year 1: 100 leaves• Year 2: 15 0 leaves• Year 3: 225 leaves• Year 4: 338 leaves• Year 4: 507 leaves• Year 5: 761 leaves• Year 6: 1,142 leaves• Year 7: 1,713 leaves (over 17 times

its size when planted)The expansion stops only when the

plant’s genes or the environment cap the action. That leaf replacement ratio, by the way, is just an average. Some species grow faster, some more slowly. Some put extra energy into roots for a while, then bulk up their canopy. Many plants grow very quickly until they reach the size or condition that allows flowering, then slow in leaf production as energy goes into producing fruit or seeds. Along the way, any plant can have a bad year, or produce a bumper crop.

Drive a truck under a Japanese maple?! Sure. Acer palmatum can top 30 feet, especially when growing conditions are good. If you recognize this setting as part shade—under bigger trees—and the source you checked when you bought the tree urged you to plant it in part shade, the tree can way outgrow its twin in sun.

My dwarf plant can beat your dwarf plant

There is no governing body and no referee in the game of plant variety description. Most are honest attempts to usefully organize an astounding number and variety of plants. So check your catalog or reference for a glos-sary or key that explains terms and symbols used in plant listings.

As examples, the great and well-respect-ed book Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael Dirr begins with an introductory chapter titled “Introduction to the use of the manual.” In it, the author explains each category of information given for plants in the manual, including “Rate”:

“RATE of growth refers to the vertical increase in growth unless specified differ-ently. Rate, as is true for size, is influenced by numerous variables... The designation slow means the plant grows 12 inches or less per year; medium refers to 13 to 24 inches of growth per year; and fast to 25 inches or greater.”

And in Dirr’s glossary:“Tree: a woody plant with one main stem

at least 12 to 15 feet tall, and having a distinct head in most cases.”

“Shrub: a woody plant that is never tree-like in habit and produces branches or shoots from or near the base.”

Another widely used reference book,

Landscape Plants for Eastern North America by Harrison L. Flint, explains in its preface that it uses classifications from a system devel-oped at Cornell University, in which plants up to about 18 inches tall are groundcovers, a dwarf shrub is between 1.5 and 3 feet, a small shrub may reach 6.5 feet, medium shrubs can be 13 feet tall, and a large shrub is equivalent to a small tree at up to 26 feet.

Both people and landscape structures, such as paths, benches and buildings, provide scale in photographs. We imagine a person on the path, to gauge the size of this Cripps dwarf Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Crippsii’).

Janet’s Journal continued from back cover

www.MichiganGardener.com | April 2012 | Michigan Gardener 33

own lexicon, to describe plants that increase in size horizontally rather than vertically. The cautions just described apply equally to deciphering descriptors such as “aggressive” and “invasive,” and dealing with nuance in “colonizes readily” and “fast to spread.”

If only we could picture it, we wouldn’t be blindsided

Another reason we end up with missized plants stems from a common human short-coming—inability to visualize from a writ-ten description. It explains why people can say, “No way, not in my yard!” in reference to a tree that dwarfs a house, then buy a tree clearly described as “small tree, to 35 feet,” and plant it next to their ranch home that is barely 18 feet at the roof peak.

Those with visualiza-tion issues must lay out a tape measure to perceive a patio as 15 feet wide. They will measure again while standing in front of a full-sized ninebark shrub, to verify that it is 13 feet wide and 9 high.

This isn’t a mental deficiency, simply a dif-ference in perception. Some people can, oth-ers can’t imagine a plant in place in the way that people can or can’t grasp math, or do or don’t have an ear for foreign language.

At the heart of the matter, living things defy description

Remember that we’re dealing with living things. In any group of 100 plants of the same species, there will be several genetically in-clined to be smaller, several bluer or greener, a few have potential to be giants, and a couple may develop odd branching or different bloom.

Beyond those genetic differences, there are the variations in size and appearance attrib-utable to the individual site. In some climates, a species may grow so vigorously as to be a bully. In another, we may give a plant the best conditions we can provide, but it may still grow slowly, and disappoint us.

Start this year with better choicesIn conferences all over the country, market

analysts are telling green industry profes-sionals that they must make things simpler for shoppers. Standardization of pot sizes and plant names is discussed. Reorganization of garden center sales areas are recommended,

to group plants by best site or best use, rather than plant name.

Individuals like you who take time to read gar-dening articles shouldn’t wait for these changes, but improve your own screening techniques. Simply scan more pos-sibilities, check multiple references to identify

discrepancies, and thereby develop a more realistic prediction of plant performance. (Visit MichiganGardener.com and select the “Website Extras” department for photos and the sidebar, “Dig for the straight scoop before you plant.”)

We can also make this easier for the buy-ers who come behind us. That is, we can rec-ognize that each of us is an expert on plants grown in our unique conditions, and report what we see to others. We can also share our observations with those who sold us the plants. Even though they can’t make our par-ticular plant change its ways, the best of them will use the information to expand their local

experience and modify their plant descrip-tions if necessary.

We gardeners can also share this informa-tion with each other. The whole gardening world has grown exponentially smarter. It’s partly a result of an increase in gardening in the U.S., and also because we have comput-ers and the Internet. If you have plant growth observations, post something about them on an Internet forum. Give a report to your gar-den club or just your neighbors. Every bit of information contributes to a mighty flow that more and more people can access.

Learn to prune, and to make the hard cuts as well

Finally, learn to prune, because some

plants are worth keeping even if they want to be too big. Almost everything can be kept un-der control and still be beautiful with smart pruning.

Get out the big plant dolly and start mak-ing some moves as well. Pick new locations by reviewing your original basis for placement. Move some of those plants to the compost pile. Wth so many plants waiting to be grown, no gardener can try them all in a lifetime. Be smart and let go of the most misplaced ones.

Janet Macunovich is a professional gardener and author of the books “Designing Your Gardens and Landscape” and “Caring for Perennials.” Read more from Janet on her website www.gardenatoz.com.

Most plant encyclopedias and catalogs feature close-ups of plant flowers or leaves, or show the whole plant in isolation. Without reference points such as people or buildings in a photo, even a visualization artist may have trouble imagining a plant in a given setting.

One way around that problem is to use an Internet search engine; select the “Images” op-tion, and type in the plant name. Use the whole scientific name plus any variety name, such as Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Mops.’ Then, scan the resulting montage, looking for plant plus people or structures.

Another aid for visualization comes from books such as Landscape Plants for Eastern North America by Harrison L. Flint and The Plant Growth Planner by Caroline Boisset. Both depict plants graphically, against a scale that includes elapsed time. The Plant Growth Planner is unique in my experience, in predicting herbaceous perennial plants as well as woody species.

That’s just one shrub, a ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius). It’s about 15 feet wide. A person who has trouble visualizing size would not know without taking a tape measure to both, and maybe checking twice, that this shrub is as wide as a 15-foot patio.

We might wish that all of our catalogs and books showed plant size and shape so clearly. However, it is a time-consuming, expensive process to obtain the photos or equip the artist to produce such illustrations.

Here’s a kousa dog-wood with a person in the photo so you can be sure it’s about 30 feet tall. That’s at the top end of the 20 to 30 feet experts tell us to expect from this species.

Help for those who can’t picture plants from measurements

V Website ExtraGo to MichiganGardener.com and click the “Website Extras” department for:• Additional sidebar and

photos about checking the size and growth rate of plants BEFORE you plant


perennial perspectives Something old, something new – a comparison of new cultivars with the tried-and-true

Most gardeners who have shade will eventually discover hel-lebores (the genus Helleborus). With a reputation for being beau-tiful, easy-to-grow, hardy, evergreen, pest- and deer-resistant, early- and long-blooming, it’s no wonder that this genus is so popular. The cultural requirements are easy to meet: a site in full to partial shade, with well-drained, humusy soil. Even less-than-ideal soils can easily be amended to provide a hospitable site for hellebores.

The most popular species, Helleborus orientalis, generally goes by the name of Lenten rose. Hybrids of this type are numerous, and the variety name (which is often the breeder’s trademark name) is sometimes followed by the term “strain.” A strain is a group of plants that is grown from seed that has been carefully selected to produce plants that are similar in color or other traits, such as double flow-ers. Some, such as the old ‘Royal Heritage’ strain, provide a wide variety of colors.

The plants in a strain are comparable to siblings in a fami-ly—similar but different. Even plants with a cultivar name may vary from one individual to the next if they have been grown from seed. For example, ‘Golden Sunrise,’ bred by Marietta O’Byrne of Oregon and part of the Winter Jewels series, will produce yellow-flowered plants, but some may have a red pico-

tee edge, speckles or red streaks, while others may be solid yel-low. This lack of uniformity has sometimes led to disappoint-ment, particularly in strains that bear the word “red” in the variety name. Many of these turned out to be pink, or a muddy red at best. Usually, the best way to buy the hellebore of your dreams is to choose it while in bloom. Unfortunately, blooming

hellebores sell out very quickly from garden centers in the spring.

The genus Helleborus is a large one, and includes many species besides H. orientalis. The whole group interbreeds readily, and hybridizers have taken ad-vantage of this promiscuity to create many new inter-specific hybrids (breeding a species with another spe-cies). The vast majority of hellebore species hail from the northern parts of Europe and Asia, with the high-est concentration around the Baltic Ocean and Black Sea. The climatic conditions in this region, from hot to cold, facilitated the evolution of hellebore species to

include some unique traits, including the ability to delay growth and flowering times, and the ability to reduce cell pressure dur-ing cold weather. Although the plants appear to collapse with a hard freeze, they rebound quickly when temperatures rise. When used in hybridization, some of these species, particularly H. niger, bring very early bloom time to their hybrids.

New breeding efforts capitalize on this early-blooming ten-dency. The new Helleborus Gold Collection (HGC) includes about a dozen true, vegetatively propagated cultivars (those reproduced from tissue culture as opposed to seed). The HGC also ushers in a new use for hellebores as an indoor flowering plant. These plants, which utilize the early-blooming H. niger, along with H. argutifolius, H. corsicus, H. lividus, and various hybrids, bloom so early and heavily that they can be produced and sold for the Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter holi-days. Because they are hardy perennials, they can be enjoyed indoors and then planted outdoors for many more years of en-joyment in the garden.

Being propagated by tissue culture, each individual is an exact duplicate of others that share the cultivar name, unlike varieties sold as “strains.” HGC cultivars of H. niger are typi-cally white. They greatly improve upon the original species with greater flower production, and larger and more refined flowers, which are borne attractively upright in the center of the plant. Cultivars that utilize some of the other species have flowers with pink or pastel blended colors. Gardeners and plant aficionados can look forward to many new developments in the world of hellebores!

Karen Bovio is the owner of Specialty Growers in Howell, MI.

KarenBovio


‘HGC�Pink�Frost’www.PerennialResource.com

‘HGC�Spring�Party’www.PerennialResource.com

‘HGC�Jacob’

Hellebores

We’ll help you select the right grass seed

for your lawn

premium grass seed

Premium grass seed blends for superior performance

droughtresistant

insectresistant

neglecttolerant

grows in poor soil

heavy traffictolerant

diseaseresistant

selfrepairing

Premiu

Satisfaction guarantee

To download your FREE APP that can answer thousandsof gardening questions and to learn more about

Bonide products, visit www.Bonide.com

janet's journal

| April 2012 | www.MichiganGardener.com

Each year in gardens all over the land, an age-old tale plays out. Gardeners and plants they’ve recently added engage in a perfor-mance reviews:

Gardener: So, let’s talk about how you fit into the garden last year.

Plant: What about it? Seems like a fine fit, to me.

Gardener: Exactly. You filled up all the available space, already. Even though you got here late and only had two months to grow.

Plant: Think nothing of it. Wait’ll you see what I can do this year.

Gardener: That’s just what we’re concerned about...

Or the review may revolve around a short-coming:

Gardener: Can we talk? I’m a little con-cerned about your failure to meet objectives.

Plant: Objectives?Gardener: Right. See here, in the catalog

where it says you’re “a stellar addition to any shade garden.”

Plant: You’re joking, right?Gardener: No, really. See, it’s here on page

47.Plant: Let me see that! Well, I’ll be...It’s frustrating to discover that a plant

failed to read its catalog description. Even if the situation becomes apparent during the first growing season, the cost is a year’s de-lay in filling the space. However, it may take much longer to recognize a misfit. Evaluating a tree or shrub may take many years, during

which we think, “It probably just takes time for it to settle in. Next year, it’ll (choose one) slow down/start growing/bloom better/devel-op that nifty form.” When realiza-tion comes, it may be a decade later and devastating to start over.

So let’s understand the sources of these misunderstandings, and make better matches the first time ‘round.

You weren’t supposed to be so big...The catalog detail that plants most often ig-

nore is size. Sometimes they refuse to measure up. More often, they grow far beyond expecta-tion: The Japanese maple overwhelms a whole courtyard; a cute little tricolor beech reaches up to become a massive shade tree; a dwarf false cypress and dwarf mugo pine swallow the pathway then begin to duke it out for a space as wide as the driveway; a dwarf butterfly bush rests its elbows on the top of a 6-foot pri-

vacy fence; a single sweet potato vine engulfs everything in its pot and blankets half the patio; and in the background, a garage groans under the weight of a 50-foot wisteria that launched itself from a trellis, scrab-bled to the peak of the roof and then got a leg up into a neighbor’s maple.

Although none of this happens overnight, it can seem that way. Many of a garden’s long-term play-ers seem to increase only gradually,

but they grow exponentially so that one year they balloon in size. (See the sidebar “Sleep, creep, leap.”) If the plant is one that was in-tended to fill a large space, the gardener may be pleased that it’s noticeably larger, and cheer it on. It may be only when it exceeds the desired size that its caretaker begins to won-der when it will stop growing.

So what kind of light do you like?!Another miss that occurs between the

printed description of a plant and the real thing growing in our garden is in the amount of light the plant needs. Light is the energy a plant uses for growing. Given too little—or in some cases, too much—the plant may grow very slowly, fail to develop promised leaf colors or flowers, have weak, sprawling stems, and be so weak that it can’t fend off its natural enemies.

If the light needed versus what’s avail-able amounts to only a small deficit or minor overload, the plant’s shortcomings may be too small to attract attention. The gardener may be less than thrilled with the plant’s perfor-mance, but makes allowances for it as “just settling in” or “not yet old enough.” No cor-rection is made in the light because the need isn’t apparent, or the poor showing is expect-ed to work itself out.

Plant size surpriseTaking a little extra time to research plant size and growth rates can prevent potential problems later

This dwarf burning bush (Euonymus alata ‘Compactus’) is not breaking any rules. Its variety is generally as you see here, about 10 feet tall. That is dwarf compared to the species, which may be 12 to 15 feet tall. Plant names and labels and even text books can be misleading regarding size or just about any other vital statistic. This fact, however, is certain: The plants will keep growing as they please, despite experts’ differing opinions. So we should be double- and triple-checking references before we plant.

Continued on page 32

Janet Macunovich

P h oTo G r a P h S by S T e v e n n I k k I l a

Documents

April 2012