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Macomb Master Gardener

E-news

April 28, 2016

Table of Contents News and Notes…………………………………………………..1

Macomb County Master Gardener Association……………………..9

Educational Opportunities……………………………………..13

MSU Extension:………………………………………………13

Other Educational Opportunities…………………………...16

Meadow Brook Garden Club………………………………..17

MG Education Share…………………………………………19

Volunteer Opportunities………………………………………..22

Single Date Opportunities……………………………………22

Ongoing Opportunities……………………………………….22

Photo Fun………………………………………………………...28

News and Notes

Save the Date! Master Gardener Banquet

Wednesday, May 11, 2016, New Location PLEASE PLAN ON ATTENDING! Cost of tickets is $26.00. Come and be

recognized for earning your Basic and Advanced Badges, and Life

Time Achievement hours! We would love to get group photos! Special announcements

and upcoming event information will be shared. Bring a guest!

Don’t forget the deadline to

purchase tickets for the

Master Gardener Banquet is

extended to May 6 – that is

when the forms are due! We

need to give a final count to

the banquet center – NO

tickets will be sold at the

door!

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Macomb Master Gardener Recognition Banquet

Join us at the Italian American Cultural Center for a Ribbiting Good Time! The Master Gardeners’ Volunteer Recognition Banquet is an evening of appreciation honoring Macomb MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. The program includes a buffet-style dinner and Gordon Lonie’s video presentation on Michigan’s “Frogs and Toads”. It will be a ribbiting experience.

All Master Gardeners and their guests are invited to attend. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet with other Master Gardeners and recognize their achievements!

Wednesday, May 11, 2016 Buffet Dinner $26.00 per person

Doors open at 5:30 PM, Dinner at 6:30 PM Italian American Cultural Center, 43843 Romeo Plank Rd

Clinton Township

Garden-Related Raffle, Photo Contest, Project Displays, Grant Rewards, and Guest Speaker Naturalist Gordon Lonie

Make Checks payable to MCMGA Mail registration and Payment to: Form due no later than May 6, 2016 Macomb MSU Extension

Absolutely no tickets sold at the door! Attn: Master Gardener

21885 Dunham Rd., Suite 12

Name_________________________________________ Clinton Twp., MI 48036

Address_______________________________________________________________________________

Phone or Email__________________________________

Number in Party____________ Please list names__________________________________________

Payment Enclosed_$______________

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2016 Master Gardener Photo Contest –

Time to search for that special photo(s) to enter in this year’s contest. Two entries

permitted per person for the chance to win a $25, $15 or $10 garden center gift card.

Mail, or drop off, your un-framed/un-matted 8x10 photo(s), with a title and your name and

address on the back, to the attention of Mary Gerstenberger, MSU Extension Office, 21885

Dunham Rd, Verkuilen Bldg #12, Clinton Township, MI 48036. All contest entries must be received by May 6th.

The photos will be displayed at the banquet and each attendee will receive one ballot to vote for their favorite

photo. The three prizes will be awarded based on the number of votes received; contest winners will be announced

at the banquet. One prize per photographer, and in the case of a tie, high card draw will determine the winner.

There are a few simple rules to keep in mind: the contest is limited to amateur, master gardener photographers

only; there is a limit of two photos per person; photos must have a garden/horticultural theme (no people pictures

please); a $1 donation for each photo submission is requested. Once a photo has been a prize winner, it cannot be

entered into the contest again.

Prize winning photos are maintained in an album at the MSU Extension Office and will be included in the Master

Gardener E-news. The album will also be on display at the banquet. Please pick-up other photos at the conclusion

of the banquet to save on return mailing costs. You need not be present to win.

Green Thumb Award Nominations At the Macomb MSU Extension office we feel that all of the Master Gardener Volunteers are exceptional people. So we developed an award to allow you to show your appreciation for other Master Gardeners who should receive special recognition for their volunteerism. “Green Thumb” is a unique form of recognition for outstanding

volunteers who are nominated by their peers “in the field!” The “Green Thumb Recognition” is part of the annual volunteer recognition event. A Master Gardener can nominate anyone they choose by submitting an explanation of 100 words or less describing why their nominee should receive this peer recognition. A photo is also welcome. One nomination per person. Please send your nomination to mary.gerstenberger@macombgov.org by April 30, 2016 to be recognized at the Annual Master Gardener Volunteer Recognition Banquet on Wednesday, May 11, 2016.

DNR Urban Forestry News Living Near Greenspace May Help You Live Longer New research out of Harvard finds that higher levels of green vegetation are associated with decreased mortality. Details: http://actrees.org/news/trees-in-the-news/research/living-near-greenspace-may-help-you-live-longer/ Morton Arboretum releases Plant Health Care Scouting Report for spring 2016

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This report, while specific to northern Illinois, includes up-to-date disease and insect pest reports, growing degree days (GDD), precipitation, and plant phenology indicators which may also be helpful in parts of southern Michigan. Details: http://www.mortonarb.org/files/Plant-Health-Care-Report-2016-2.pdf New infographics on the benefits of urban trees The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has recently published a resource on the benefits of urban trees. Details: http://www.fao.org/resources/infographics/infographics-details/en/c/411348/ Greening Up: Another Tool To Fight Crime? A new body of on-the-ground evidence in three communities is demonstrating that adding greenery in vacant or gray settings reduces criminal activity nearby. Details: http://actrees.org/news/trees-in-the-news/research/greening-up-another-tool-to-fight-crime/ Webinars: Tree Diversity and Exotic Threats: The 5% Solution Date: May 5 (12:00 Eastern) Details: http://masstreewardens.org/event/webinar-tree-diversity-and-exotic-threats-the-5-solution/ An Approach to Pruning You Won’t Forget Date: May 11 (2:00 PM Eastern) Details: http://www.treefund.org/archives/11772

Macomb County Health Department to host

household hazardous waste collection The Macomb County Health Department will host a household hazardous waste collection from 9:30 a.m.

to 2 p.m. on Friday, April 29 at the Macomb County Health Department, 43525 Elizabeth Road (adjacent

to the Macomb County Jail).

Household hazardous waste such as automotive products, lawn and garden chemicals, household cleaners

and non-narcotic medications will be accepted free of charge.

“Disposing hazardous wastes in the regular trash creates a very real threat to individuals and the

environment,” said Bill Ridella, director of the Macomb County Health Department. “In an effort to

assure proper disposal of these materials, we offer this service.”

Macomb County Health Department provides a safe, healthy resource for residents to dispose of their

unwanted chemicals. It does not accept batteries, narcotics and syringes, latex or building supplies.

For a complete list of accepted items, visit health.macombgov.org and use the search term “hazardous

waste.”

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2016 Meadow Brook Garden Club Perennial Plant Sale and Fund Raiser The 2016 Meadow Brook Garden Club Plant Sale and Fund Raiser which is open to the public will be held on Thursday, May 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Meadow Brook Hall located at 480 South Adams Road, Rochester, MI 48309. There will be a large variety of Michigan grown plants at low prices including some from the Meadow Brook gardens, plus a garden shop, bake sale, and silent auction. All proceeds will benefit the gardens. For further information, please call 248-364-6210, or email MBHGCMembers@gmail.com. For final program details, please visit www.meadowbrookhall.org or find us on Facebook.

An Invitation to Garden Clubs The Meadow Brook Garden Club (MBGC) is pleased to extend an

exclusive invitation to our neighboring garden clubs to schedule a

horticultural tour of the Meadow Brook Hall Gardens for garden club

members in the months of June, July or August 2016 when the gardens are

at their peak. The Meadow Brook Hall gardens include full sun and shade

gardens with some redesigned each year. There are broad vistas and small

nooks as well as sloping hillsides. Some gardens are landscaped and others are more natural. As a Proven

Winners Signature Garden, the tour guides highlight some of the newest annuals, perennials, and shrubs

in the Proven Winners line. Please send an email to MBHGCmembers@gmail.com to request a brochure

with details regarding the tours.

MSUE Demo Garden Plant Exchange The Annual Plant Exchange will be held on Saturday, June 4, from 9:00-Noon in the

parking lot of the MSU Extension office at 21885 Dunham Rd., Clinton Township,

48036. Please know something about the plants you may wish to exchange. No

invasive species please! Don’t have plants to exchange? Come anyway! There will be

Demo Garden plants available for a donation and an orphan table for plants that are free

for the taking. Master Gardeners and Master Composters will be available to answer

your gardening questions.

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Genesee County Garden Tour SAVE THE DATE!! - Sunday, June 26, 2016 - 10:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m.

Check out the website below for our upcoming 2016 Genesee County Master Gardener Garden Tour.

http://gcgardentour.weebly.com/

Bouquets / Boutonnieres to: Bill Mezuk for all his work repainting the arbor in the MSUE Demo Garden!

Do you know a Master Gardener who has been especially helpful or has jumped right

in to do the job? Let us know and we will recognize their efforts with a “Bouquet”

announcement!

Save the Date! Saturday,

September 24, 2016! Our

Very First Macomb County

Smart Gardening Conference!!!

“Growing for the Future” – Pollinators and Plants Cost: $60 Early Bird registration (until August 13)

$75 Late Registration (between August 14 and August 31)

Registration closes September 1.

Location: Macomb Intermediate School District, 44001 Garfield, Clinton

Township, MI 48038

Payment: by cash or check to MCMGA (Macomb County Master

Gardener Association)

Registration form, details and speaker information will be coming soon.

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Job Opportunity (The posting of job opportunities is informational only. It is not an endorsement for either the company or the Master Gardener that chooses to apply)

Yard Labor Needed Yard labor needed – patio, weeds, tending to flower beds. Armada area. $10.00 per hour. Call 586-469-

5226

Home Yard Help Help is needed for a one-time opportunity to clear twigs and debris from a senior citizens lawn before the

grass cutters come. Call 586-469-8938 for details. Location is in Clinton Township, north of Mylar and

Moravian.

City of St. Clair Shores Seasonal position for gardener with the City of St. Clair Shores, working at various locations around the

city. $8.50 per hour. Contact Natalie Turner at 586-447-3311.

Merchandising Company Merchandising company currently staffing for the 2016 spring/summer season. We are looking for merchandisers to work in the outside garden department of major retailers. If you enjoy working with plants, working outdoors, and want to join a dynamic company with great opportunity, then we hope you might join our team! The merchandising position is a seasonal position with varying hours, including weekends and holidays, throughout the year. Hours are flexible and available every day of the week. Our merchandisers work in major retailers to assist garden center personnel in the merchandising of live nursery products organized by category. Duties include the unloading, moving and consolidation of live goods, as well as helping to set displays, execute special projects and resets. This is outdoor work performed rain or shine, hot or cold. Please read our job description online at masterpieceflower.com under the employment tab for physical requirements. The ideal candidate will have merchandising experience and/or plant and gardening knowledge, but training is also available for enthusiastic & hard-working individuals with a desire to learn more about the garden industry. Merchandisers must also have a positive & professional attitude, reliable transportation, home/cellular phone contact, valid e-mail address and be able to pass required background check. Compensation: $9.25/hr. Locations: 2474 W Hill Rd, Grand Blanc, MI

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Morrish Rd, Swartz Creek, MI 2591 E M-21. Corunna, MI 6001 Highland Rd. White Lake, MI 9515 Birch Run Rd, Birch Run, MI 4200 Highland Rd, Waterford, MI 29505 Mound Rd, Warren MI 1301 W Eight Mile Rd, Detroit, MI 21431 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI (Redford)

Please reply via email. Include your name, number, and a resume. You should also indicate what area you are

interested in and send it to ldiehl@masterpieceflower.com. Serious applicants can also learn more and FILL OUT

AN APPLICATION to send with their resume by visiting our website at masterpieceflower.com under the

EMPLOYMENT tab. Information can also be faxed to (616) 878-3640 ATTN: LAURA.

SINCE WE ARE GETTING AN ABUNDANCE OF APPLICANTS EVERYONE MAY NOT RECEIVE A CALL BUT, WE WILL

KEEP YOU IN OUR DATABASE FOR FUTURE OPENINGS.

Estate Gardener

Seeking a full time, year round, head gardener for a private residence in West Bloomfield. Exceptional opportunity

available for an extremely creative and talented Gardener who is passionate about their work and has a true love

of vegetable gardening. Will involve vegetable gardens, flowerbed garden maintenance and design, planting,

trimming, etc. Other responsibilities will include tending to household plants, conservatory plant maintenance,

and holiday decorations, etc. Heavy landscaping work (i.e. lawn cutting, large tree trimming, etc.) will be handled

by service contractors. The ideal candidate is a dedicated gardener who is not afraid to get their hands dirty and is

willing to collaborate with other members of the team.

Please email resumes to Baumgarten.crystal@gmail.com

Two Women and a Hoe

Master Gardeners Needed Two Women and a Hoe® (www.twowomenandahoe.com), a full-service indoor/outdoor sustainable garden design, installation and maintenance company in Royal Oak, is seeking a part-time Master Gardener (or currently enrolled in the program) to join our team in spring, 15-20 hours per week. This position involves a variety of gardening tasks.

Gardening: 1. Ability and willingness to provide comprehensive plant care, including weeding, trimming, pruning, hedging and bed edging. 2. Willingness to be trained in and practice standardized gardening and plant care techniques to ensure quality and customer service.

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Basic requirements for this position include: 1. Must be dependable 2. Willingness to adhere to our non-smoking policy 3. Adherence to dress code: must wear TW&H provided shirt; jeans or khakis (no holes or stains) required. Interested Gardeners please call or email:

Jan Bills, Owner Two Women and a Hoe® The Fine Art of Soul to Soil Phone: 248-891-0548 www.twowomenandahoe.com

A Woman Touch Landscape Maintenance A Woman Touch Landscape is looking for seasoned gardeners for all aspects of horticultural care.

Opportunity is for 3-4 days a week in the Hamtramck area (I-75 and Holbrook). A current applicator

license (6, 3B) is a plus, but not a must. Wage dependent on qualifications. Contact Jolene at 248-379-

4440 or email woto2010@att.net

Bayer Weekend Warrior Program Hiring for the Bayer Weekend Warrior Program. We are looking for master gardeners who are willing to

work a five hour shift for ten Saturdays in big box retailers. Knowledge of pesticides and gardening

procedures helpful. Pay is $18.00 an hour plus incentives. For consideration please send resume

to julierisch.bayer@gmail.com.

Macomb County Master Gardener

Association

Check out the MCMGA website: http://www.macombcountymga.com/

MCMGA Information Pages

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Please note change in Email address!

All communication regarding MCMGA Educational programs or activities should be

sent through E-mail to macombcountymga@yahoo.com

The MCMGA has a Facebook page! Check it out and like us at MacombCountyMGA

Next Board of Directors Meeting The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 19, at 3:00 PM. If you have any

questions or concerns you would like discussed, please contact the MCMGA at our email address:

macombcountymga@yahoo.com .

Minutes from March 16 Board of Directors Meeting:

Meeting opened at 3:15 PM

Attendance: Sarah Jane Hanson, Anne Crotser, Marcia Schwarz, Bob Ternes, Mary Gerstenberger, Karen

Burke, Pam Wilson (guest)

President – Sarah Jane reported on the updated schedule of classes. Bob and Karen will connect on the

needs for the October Sauerkraut Making class.

Vice-President – Anne reported on fundraisers. Give-away items for raffles will be needed. There will be

a 50/50 Raffle planned for the March education class. Ideas for other fundraisers were suggested. A

reminder to Master Gardeners needs to go out about the renewing with Kroger in April.

Director-at-Large – Bob has received several grant applications. A date will be set to for a committee to

review and award grants.

Treasurer – Marcia presented the Treasurer’s Report. Balance as of February 29 was $3,435.16. All

renewal documents and membership forms and payments are due by April 1.

Secretary – Mary reported on updated membership rolls. We have 107 members. Discussion on the

MCMGA donating gift certificates to the Master Gardener Banquet. The MCMGA will donate 3 $25 gift

certificates from different garden centers to be raffled to the Master Gardeners at the end of the banquet.

Deneweth, Telly’s and Hessels will be purchased.

MSUE – Karen reported on upcoming classes. Pam Wilson brought to the attention of the Board the

problem with non-computer using Master Gardeners needing information on classes and events. A list of

Master Gardeners with mail addresses will be compiled and information will be sent on a regular basis.

The MCMGA was approached regarding co-sponsoring the Smart Gardening Conference. The Board

agreed to partner for the September Conference. Theme of the conference is “Growing for the Future”

Topics will be on Native plants, Honey bees and other pollinators.

New Business – Pam Wilson addressed the concern that there is not a phone number available for

questions and information for the MCMGA. For now, the MCMGA will use Mary Gerstenberger’s desk

phone number for contact.

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Cost of printing on personal computers was discussed. Board members using their personal printer for the

MCMGA should keep a record of the number of pages printed and for what purpose. Print records can be

turned in with a request for reimbursement.

Next Board meeting is April 19, 2016 at 3:00 PM at the MSUE office.

Meeting adjourned at 4:35 PM

To register for any of the following events, please Email:

macombcountymga@yahoo.com Please remember to bring your

membership card to all events.

Education Programming April - July 2016

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

“Companion Planting” Join MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture coordinator, Mary

Gerstenberger, as we take a look at the friend and enemy plants of the garden. The

Companion Planting presentation will cover what companion plants are, or are not; talk

about what makes good companions; and what services they provide to one another, as well

as the gardener. 6:30-7:30 P.M. MSUE Extension Assembly Room.

Free to MCMGA Members +1 guest. $5.00 to all others.

MCMGA QUARTERLY MEETING WILL FOLLOW THE CLASS

Monday, May 23, 2016

Pam Goros, from Wild Birds Unlimited, Macomb Township, will present:

“Who’s In My Backyard?” Ever wonder why a Robin cocks his head? Can’t tell the

difference between a Downy and Hairy Woodpecker? And, what does a Red Winged

Blackbird have in common with the TV show Sister Wives? Learn the answer to these

questions, and more fun facts about birds. 6:30-7:30 P.M. at the MSU Extension

Assembly Room. Free to MCMGA Members +1 guest. $5.00 to all others.

Thursday, June 30, 2016

“The Iris Lady”, Advanced Master Gardener Betty Slominski will show us how to divide

all of those overgrown Iris in our gardens. This will be a “hands on” class, so dig up a clump

or two of Iris from your garden and bring them to class. You will be taking home your

divided, healthy Iris, and maybe even make a few trades with other classmates. If you have

“buggy” Iris, please bring them to class. 6:30-8:30 P.M. MSUE Assembly Room.

CLASS SIZE LIMITED. MUST REGISTER.

Free to MCMGA Members +1 guest. $5.00 to all others.

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Thursday, July 14, 2016

“Viburnums” Join Advanced Master Gardener Cheryl English as she educates us on

one of the most diverse geneses of garden-worthy shrubs. Viburnums are also less

utilized than they should, due to that very diversity. Get beyond “garden” variety and

explore some other options with this charismatic group of plants and become

acquainted with some superb native species in the process. 6:30-7:30 P.M. MSUE

Assembly Room. $5.00 to MCMGA Members +2 guests. $10.00 to all others.

MCMGA QUARTERLY MEETING TO FOLLOW CLASS

Education Credits for MCMGA classes 2016 January 11, Growing Plants Successfully from Seed ------ 1 hr.

February 11, Children’s Gardening……………………… 1.5 hrs.

March 21, Spring Ephemerals…………………………….1 hr.

April 19 , Companion Plants……………………………...1 hr.

Fund Raisers!!

Support Your Local Garden Association!

Deneweth’s 20% of all your purchase will go to help us!! When: May 21 -22 at Deneweth’s

Garden Center, 16125 22 Mile Rd., Macomb, MI 48044 www.deneweths.com

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Kroger – Go to krogercommunityrewards.com Register with you Kroger

card. MCMGA’s number is 76389 (although usually our name shows up) If previously

registered, must re-register in April.

English Gardens – We get a donation for every Flower of the

Month card purchased. Cannot just place order in the store. Recommend purchase by phone: 313-

308-0500 ext. 116 (although usually the person who answers the phone without going to the

extension is the correct contact). OR THROUGH BRENDA, STERLING HTS. NATURE

CENTER NATURALIST AT 586-202-4584, Or on website: www.adxlonline.com In both cases,

mention MCMGA Fundraiser.

If you are interested in purchasing a magnetic backing for

your badge (to replace a pin) contact the MSUE office at 586-

469-6440. Cost is $3.00. Payable by cash or check made out

to the MCMGA.

Educational Opportunities

MSU Extension: Don’t forget to check the VMS Event Calendar for more information on Educational

Opportunities

Master Gardener Class Master Gardeners may audit any class for a $5 fee. Class schedule:

5/5 Small Fruit

5/12 Indoor Plants

5/19 Household and Nuisance Pests

5/26 Diagnostics for MGs

6/2 Volunteering / Water Quality

MCMGA Thanks You for Your Participation!

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Composting with Red Worms MSU Extension is presenting “Composting with Red Worms” on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at the MSU

Extension Office, 21885 Dunham Rd., Clinton Twp., 48036. Join us from 7:00-8:30 PM

for a free presentation on worm composting. Learn how to use worms to compost your

food scraps. Master Composter volunteer Sarah DeDonatis will cover everything from the

type of worms to use to the construction, care and maintenance of the worm bins. Please

register in advance by calling 586-469-6440.

Wildflowers Join us at the Tomlinson Arboretum on Friday, June 24, at 10:00am for a Wildflower

presentation with Michelle Serreyn. Michelle will take us for a walking tour of the

wildflower gardens planted at the Tomlinson in partnership with ITC Holdings Corp. A

strip of native grasses and wildflowers was installed in 2012 within the ITC transmission

line right-of-way which traverses the park. Learn about the wildflowers as you actually

see them in bloom or growing in this native mix. Michelle is a member of Wild Ones, served as a

Naturalist at Lake St. Clair Metropark, and is presently employed at Wayne State University. She is a

wealth of native plant and wildflower information! A light lunch at the Arboretum will follow. Cost is

$5.00 in advance by cash or check (payable to cash) and brought in or mailed to:

Macomb MSU Extension

21885 Dunham Rd., Suite 12

Clinton Twp., MI 48036

Please register your attendance to the MSUE office at 586-469-6440 no later than June 20.

Master Gardener College – June 17-18, 2016

MASTER GARDENER COLLEGE 2016 ON THE ROAD AGAIN!

Ready? Set? Mark your calendars for 2016 Master Gardener College On the Road to

Grand Rapids!

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The Prince Conference Center on East Beltline will once again be home base for our two-day event, June

17-18, 2016. The theme for the event is “Dig It! Plant It! Grow It!”

What is on the agenda, you ask? Oh my, it’s just like the garden shop or bookstore — so many great

choices!

June 17 offers a selection of all-day bus tours, each with a different focus. Those not taking a bus tour

can choose from afternoon workshops at the Prince Center. Everyone comes back together for a stop at

the MSU Extension Grand Ideas Garden (the GIG) to cruise the annual plant sale and visit the incredible,

plant-packed gardens. The party will then move back to the Prince Center, where folks can relax,

socialize, have dinner and attend the Annual Michigan Master Gardener Association’s membership

meeting.

Bright and early, June 18 will begin with our keynote speaker, who will get our juices going in

preparation for an education-filled day. You will have an opportunity to select your preferred breakout

sessions from a wide variety of topics ranging from bees to water and lots in between. Beginning at 7:30

a.m., the Green Marketplace will be open for shopping—the next best thing to digging, planting and

growing! Everyone can always use another great book, gloves, pruners/nippers, shirts, lotion, soap,

garden art, plants (of course) and lots, lots more.

So, mark your calendar now, then watch for updates and begin to make those tough decisions—-which

bus tour, what breakout sessions, how many plants can I cram in the car for the trip home? And don’t

forget, contact your MSU Extension Master Gardener friends from throughout the state to get them on-

board so we can all connect at the conference to Dig It! Plant It! Grow It!

http://msue.anr.msu.edu/program/master_gardener_volunteer_program/master_gardener_college

Other Educational Opportunities Don’t forget to check the VMS Event Calendar for more information on Educational

Opportunities

Yardeners of St. Clair Shores

THE YARDENERS OF ST. CLAIR SHORES…WHAT’S GROWING IN 2016

All Presentations are free and will be held at the St. Clair Shores Library located at the corner of 11 mile &

Jefferson

YARDENERS NATIVE PLANT SALE – SATURDAY- MAY 21- 9:00 am to noon

Advanced orders encouraged, April 20 is the deadline to place your order for pick up on the day of the sale at the

Selinsky- Green Farmhouse Museum behind the St. Clair Shores Library parking lot, located at the corner of 11

Mile and Jefferson. This is your opportunity to introduce or add native plants to your gardens. When we grow

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native plants in our own yards, we create vital Michigan habitat areas to help ensure the continued existence of both

plants and wildlife. Native plants are beautiful and they attract birds, butterflies and bees, all important pollinators.

YARDENERS 23rd ANNUAL GARDEN TOUR – SATURDAY AUGUST 6 – 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Registration starts at 9:00 am at the Selinsky-Green Farmhouse Museum located behind the St. Clair Shores

Library at the corner of 11 Mile and Jefferson.The cost is $5.00 for adults, children under 12 are free. You

will view some of the lovliest yards in St. Clair Shores and get gardening ideas for your gardens from the

homeowners. Yardeners and Master Gardeners will also be available to answer questions. Take a few moments to

tour the Museum and gardens, also take a peek at the vendors wares after you register.

YARDENERS FALL PLANT EXCHANGE – SATURDAY – SEPTEMBER – 24 - 9:00 am to 11:00 am

The plant exchange will be held in the in the parking lot of the St. Clair Shores Library located at the corner of 11

Mile and Jefferson. Load up your vehicles with your extra plants and divisions. Bag, tag and drag your offerings to

trade or give away to other gardeners. No $$ is involved, come tailgate with your plants. Bring a mug of coffee !!

Please label all of your plants.

MONDAY OCTOBER 17 -7pm “REPURPOSING FOR YARD ART” PRESENTATION BY THE

YARDENERS

We have seen many gardeners on our tours that have created joy with items they have “repurposed” and placed in

their gardens. Get some inspiration, ideas and hints on making “Yard Art” from these creative people that have

shared with us over the years. Learn about dolls made from pieces of ceramic, fairy garden furniture and other

“repurposed items “ for yard art.

The Yardeners of St. Clair Shores is a non-profit group dedicated to achieving beneficial environmental results by

teaching and practicing earth friendly gardening. Including the use of Native Plants, wildlife habitat

landscaping,composting and Integrated Pest Management minimizing the use of harmful chemicals. The funds we

raise go back into the community through donations, educational programs and planting projects. For more

information please contact Laurel Fowler at (586) 415-7110.

Everyone is welcome to attend Yardener meetings. There are no fees or dues to pay nor is membership required.

The scheduled meeting dates are February 8, May 16, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, and

November 14, at 7:00 pm. All meetings are held at the St.Clair Shores Library at the corner of 11 Mile and

Jefferson. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK …Yardeners of St. Clair Shores

Meadow Brook Garden Club

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Meadow Brook Garden Club event calendar can be found at:

http://meadowbrookhall.org/programs/meadow-brook-garden-club-programs/

MAY 19

2016 Meadow Brook Garden Club Perennial Plant Sale and Fund Raiser The 2016 Meadow Brook Garden Club Plant Sale and Fund Raiser which is open to the public will be

held on Thursday, May 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Meadow Brook Hall located at 480 South

Adams Road, Rochester, MI 48309. There will be a large variety of Michigan grown plants at low

prices including some from the Meadow Brook gardens, plus a garden shop, bake sale, and silent

auction. All proceeds will benefit the gardens. For further information, please call 248-364-6210, or

email MBHGCMembers@gmail.com. For final program details, please

visit www.meadowbrookhall.org or find us on Facebook.

MAY 20

Harnessing Mother Nature’s Workforce—Beneficial Insects

The Meadow Brook Garden Club will meet Friday, May 20, 2016 at Meadow Brook Hall, 480

South Adams Road, Rochester MI 48309-1904. Coffee and refreshments will be served at

9:15 a.m. with program to follow at 10:00 a.m. featuring guest speaker, Elly Maxwell, the

entomologist at the Dow Gardens in Midland. Insects are the most abundant wildlife visitor to

backyards in Michigan. Although a number of them are pests, an even greater number are

beneficial. Learn to recognize and maximize Mother Nature’s natural pest control by harnessing

the power of beneficial insects. From predators to parasitoids to pollinators, insects can be

relied upon for necessary garden chores. Guests are welcome. There is a $5 non-member

donation. Reservations are not required. For more information, contact 248-364-6210,

or MBHGCMembers@gmail.com, or visit www.meadowbrookhall.org

JUNE 14

Open House

Potential new members are invited to experience the joy of gardening at Meadow Brook.

SEPTEMBER 23

Kristen Uthus

History and Culture of Japanese Orchids

OCTOBER 28

Keith Berven

Fundamentals of Growing and Caring for Dahlias

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Tomlinson Arboretum The Tomlinson Arboretum welcomes any interested Master Gardeners wishing to participate in the annual

survey of the wildflower species in the Wildflower Prairie, to join with Martha Holzheuer of ECT, Inc.

to help identify wildflower species planted in the Prairie. We will meet on Saturday, April 30th, at 10

a.m. at the West Entrance, on 18 mile rd. east of Garfield Rd. at the 18 Mile Rd. cul-de-sac.

Master Gardeners can earn continuing education credits for their participation in this annual event, as the

Tomlinson Arboretum has been approved as a Master Gardener certification site.

Cordially,

Dan Lepo

Coordinator

Friends of the Arboretum

Livonia Garden Club - Bringing Natives Home - Rescheduled May 10, 2016, 7:00pm

Civic Park Senior Center, 15218 Farmington Rd., Livonia, MI 48154

Home gardeners are becoming more interested in gardening with native plants. Explore some combinations -

some planned, others fortuitous - of native species and traditional garden plants to inspire your own

gardening adventures.

Black Cat Pottery Clematis Pruning Workshop

Saturday, May 7, 10:00am-12:00noon

3903 Grayton St., Detroit, MI 48224

(313) 885-3385/(313) 690-3385

Refreshments and comprehensive handout provided

Qualifies for Master Gardener educational hours

Cost: $15; pre-registration required; limited enrollment

Register at http://blackcatpottery.blogspot.com/ (scroll down on the left to below the calendar and look for

the Clematis Pruning Workshop link)

Long erroneously perceived as “difficult” or “temperamental”, Clematis are actually proven performers that can

give decades of gardening delight. Join us for a hands-on workshop to learn about the care and culture of

these garden gems and specific pruning techniques and concerns. Bring your favorite (by-pass) pruners and

chair - and dress for the weather!

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8th Annual Black Cat Pottery Spring Garden Tour

Saturday, June 4, 10:00am-2:00pm

Black Cat Pottery, 3903 Grayton St., Detroit, MI 48224; Grayton St. is two streets southwest of Cadieux Rd.; we

are one-and-a-half blocks northwest of Mack Ave. - look for the house that has no turf in the front yard, all

garden. Cost: free, no reservations required

Sited on a typical urban lot on the east side of Detroit, my life-long love of Clematis and more recent

obsession with native plants are both immediately apparent as you arrive at the property.

Designed as a teaching and learning space, the garden includes numerous Clematis (some native not only to

North America but to Michigan!) as well as large-flowering hybrids, and over 200 species of native plants,

ranging from Spring ephemerals to large trees. Take advantage of an opportunity to become acquainted with

lesser-known small-flowering species Clematis and the beauties of our native flora and, with the help of our

Garden Docents, experience the highlights of the garden in Spring.

The garden was featured in the July 2009 issue of Michigan Gardener, a publication for which I also write

about Clematis and native plants. (The April 2016 issue featured my most recent article, on Clematis

viticella varieties; look for additional articles throughout 2016.)

The tour also features locally-made garden art as well as a limited selection of seasonally-appropriate,

Michigan-genotype plants. Qualifies for Master Gardener Educational Hours.

Detroit Garden Center Detroit Garden Center

Spring Belle Isle Wildflower Walk

Sunday, May 1, 10:00am-12:00noon

Meet at the parking lot near the racquet ball courts located on Vista Way, near the athletic fields.

Dress for the weather - boots are highly recommended; as the trail is less than clear in some areas, please be

advised if you have any mobility issues.

Limited to 30 participants; reservations are required.

Qualifies for Master Gardener educational hours.

You will need a Michigan State Park Pass to access the island.

Donation of $5 (cash or check); call to register or find a registration form on-line

at http://detroitgardencenter.org/regform.html.

Since the sequestering of the herd of exotic European Fallow Deer that had been roaming Belle Isle for

decades, the native flora has rebounded exceptionally well. Join us for a two-hour walk through one of the

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less-developed areas of the island to see common - native violets and Jack-in-the-Pulpit - as well as

exceptionally rare - White Trout Lily - wildflowers right in the midst of Michigan's largest city. Along with the

beautiful floral species, we often see rafts of native turtles, numerous native bird species as well as the

occasional beaver!

Detroit Garden Center

Elmwood Cemetery History and Tree Tour

Sunday, May 15, 1:00-3:00pm

Elmwood Cemetery, 1200 Elmwood St., Detroit, MI 48207; Elmwood St. is an extension of McDougall Ave. just

north of E. Lafayette and two blocks north of E. Jefferson Ave. The orange-roofed church located at the

northeast corner of E. Lafayette and Elmwood (across the street from Detroit's Martin Luther King Jr. High

School) is a distinctive landmark. The driveway north of the church leads into the cemetery.

Cost: $15 for members; $20 for non-members; call to register or find a registration form on-

line at http://detroitgardencenter.org/regform.html.

The Detroit Garden Center is delighted to, once again, host the ever-popular guided history and tree tour of

Elmwood Cemetery. This popular event - a perennial highlight of the DGC's annual programming cycle,

reunites Chancy Miller - former cemetery General Manager and Historian Par Excellence - and Cheryl

M. English - Advanced Master Gardener and Woody Plant Aficionado - to share the history of Michigan's

leading citizens interred in the cemetery and appreciate some of the dozens of wood plant species that thrive

there as well. The second oldest of Detroit's cemeteries - this still-active property retains the city's original

rolling terrain and waterways, including the Bloody Run Creek.

MG Education Share:

Here's an interesting article: In Iowa corn fields, Chinese national's seed theft exposes vulnerability

Shared by Bill Mezuk

Master Gardeners, if you watched a video, webinar or other online class that you feel other

Master Gardeners might enjoy, please send us a link and a short description and we will

share it here.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Single Date Opportunities

Armada Fair Judge Needed Seeking a Master Gardener willing to judge 4-H & FFA youth

entries in the Armada Fair for the following departments: Agriculture, Floriculture, & Horticulture.

This person(s) would need to be available on Sunday, August 14 from 8:30 am until no later

than 2:00 pm. Judging takes place on the Armada fairgrounds under a tent. Lunch is provided,

as well as department entry & judging guidelines. The youth in 4-H & FFA are ages 5-8 (Clover

Sprouts) and 9-19 (Youth Members). This is a fun opportunity to interact with the youth in our

county while earning volunteer hours for your Master Gardener (re)certification! If interested,

please contact Michelle Porter, Advanced Master Gardener & 4-H Superintendent for

Agriculture, Floriculture, & Horticulture at 248-425-3174 or mporter240@gmail.com.

St. Mary School Garden Help is needed on June 1 for:

Instruct and supervise planting, watering, mulching, and labeling plants on

Growing Green Day, June 1

Educate and answer questions about native plants on Growing Green Day, June 1

To help, please contact Jeanie Newlin at radnewlin@gmail.com/586-321-5492.

Tomlinson Arboretum Flower Planting Day Flower planting day at the Arboretum is at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 4. We will be planting both

perennial wildflowers and annuals in the 15 gardens, pods, and groves on that day. Please contact

Dan Lepo at 586-242-0793 or email danelepo@gmail.com for details.

Ongoing Opportunities Please check the VMS Project listing for the ongoing Master Gardener Projects that need

volunteers.

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Hotline Help – we need you! We will be needing help in the office to answer the Hotline beginning in April.

Volunteers for the Local hotline are needed on Monday and Wednesday from 8:45 – 12:30

and 12:15 – 4:15 and on Friday from 8:45 – Noon. Volunteers for the Sate Hotline are

needed on Thursday and Friday afternoons from 12:45 – 4:15 PM

Meadow Brook Garden Club Invites Gardeners

Meadow Brook Garden Club maintains the gardens on the estate grounds of the Meadow Brook Hall at 480 South Adams Road in Rochester MI on Tuesday mornings. All who are interested in gardening are invited to join in helping to maintain these beautiful gardens designated as a Proven Winners Signature Garden. Master Gardeners and Candidates will earn Volunteer Hours toward your Master Gardener required hours. Experience is not required since each garden has a captain who will assist the volunteers. 2016 Gardening Days are every Tuesday morning through October 18, from 8:30 am to Noon. Gardeners meet in the garden tent for coffee and assignments before going to work in the gardens. Bring hand tools (pruners, trowel, cultivator) and any other gardening items that you normally use. Come and join us and meet fellow gardening enthusiasts. For further information, call 248-364-6210.

MSUE Demo Garden The MSUE Demonstration Garden Project invites you to help with winter debris clean-up, weeding and mulching, deadheading and pruning, dividing and potting, and

planting throughout the season

Contact: Diane Reynolds

Demo Garden Coordinator

dmr131@hotmail.com

or by using the

MG Volunteer Management System

with your contact information

Clean-up dates and times to be scheduled as weather permits.

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Mt. Calvary Community Garden Mt. Calvary Community Garden is located at 8129 Packard Ave., Warren, 48089. We are planning crops

for about 20 raised beds, with Square Foot Gardening techniques preferred. The produce grown helps

feed the local community. This is more of a Master Gardener consultation – one Master Gardener is

needed one time per month. Volunteers will do the planting. If you are interested in helping, please

contact Fr. Michael John at 586-757-0319 or email: michaeljohn@urbanbenedictines.org

SHADBUSH TEACHING GARDENS Gardening is in full swing now that Spring is finally here! We look forward to seeing many new (and the “old”) faces as we try to fit in all the gardening chores before the plants get too large to work around easily. Last Saturday the CleanUp Day crew did a wonderful job of transforming the bedraggled-looking gardens into the neat and tidy garden we all remember from last year. Now we need more help for the following special days coming up:

1. DIVIDING & POTTING DAY – Saturday, April 30 (9:30-1:30) In preparation for our Plant Sale (see following note), we always get together and focus on dividing and potting many of the plants that have become overgrown in the Shadbush gardens. It’s a good learning lesson and also a chance to acquire some “freebies” for yourself. Anyone with plants from their gardens that they wish to share, let us know. Already potted is appreciated, but not mandatory.

2. PLANT SALE PREP WORKDAY – Saturday, May 14 (9:30-12:30) Last-minute preparation for upcoming sale and some general garden maintenance if time permits.

3. ANNUAL PLANT SALE – May 19, 20, 21 Held every year in the Lincoln Meadows Subdivision Annual Garage Sale (Shelby Rd. South of 21 Mile). Many workers are needed in a variety of jobs. Big sale – good prices – a lot of work – lots of fun!

4. PLANTING DAY – Saturday, June 4 (9:30-2:30) Come to help us beautify the gardens with annuals!. Bring a lunch.

GARDEN WATERERS are needed to help keep our gardens watered during the

summer. This is a good opportunity for someone not able to volunteer on the days and times we schedule work. If this is something that would work for you, please let me know ASAP.

WEEKLY WORKDAYS are Tuesdays (12:30-3:30) every week – unless there is bad weather. Regular gardening chores, depending on what needs to be done. Weeding, deadheading, cutting back, moving plants, etc.

SATURDAY WORKDAYS are, on average, once or twice a month. Please sign up for the Shadbush Garden Schedule for dates, or to be on the Shadbush email list.

The Shadbush Teaching Gardens are looking forward to another successful gardening

season and would like to invite you to join us as we work, or just come over to take a stroll through the gardens or hike the trails behind the nature center. Either choice – we’re anxious to have you visit!

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April Millsap Memorial Garden and Info

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

April 30

9 – til we are done

April Millsap Memorial Garden, Armada

Spring Clean-up is scheduled. We will be doing a final clean up as well as spreading 12 yards of mulch. Bring your marked tools, gloves, wheelbarrows, etc. For more information on April’s Garden, visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AprilMillsapMemorialGarden/ or website: http://aprilmillsapmemorialgarden.weebly.com/ Contact Jean Persely at Jean.Persely@Outlook.com with questions.

May 7

11 – 5

Downtown Armada

The April Millsap Memorial Garden will be hosting a free activity booth during Art-mada (see below). Kids will be able to plant a flower to take home (perfect for Mother's Day!) as well as craft a custom bug hat. A variety of flower seeds will be available to pick up. If you would like to volunteer for a 1 hour shift (or more), check out the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1717479271854892/ or email Jean Persely at Jean.Persely@Outlook.com. Join us Saturday, May 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Art-Mada! We pair local artists with local businesses to showcase what Armada is all about. We're throwing open our doors to highlight the best of Armada: our downtown merchants, established artists, and our talented students. We're having a raffle for prizes! Win gift certificates from local businesses. Grab a map at the Armada Township Hall, E Main St, Armada, and check out the artwork Armada has to offer! There will be artists and refreshments at the Armada Congregational United Church of Christ. Nick Proctor will be our strolling musician. Check out his song styling!

Volunteer Hours – Charity Garden St. Peter, St. Hubert, St. Thecla Charity Garden has volunteer hours available. We are located behind

Kingsborough Castle at 43785 Gratiot, Clinton Twp., MI. You can drive through the arch and go to the

rear of the parking lot and you will see us. Please drive very slow in the parking lot as the owners have

asked us to do that. Our garden supplies fresh vegetables to 5 churches and the Nutrition Center at the

MSU Extension. If you are interested, please email Vicki Jastrzebski, Garden Manager, at

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stpetercharitygarden@gmail.com and I will add you to our list. We email people when we will be at the

garden as a group and once you are familiar with our jobs there, you can come out on your own and sign

in and out. If you do not have email please call Vicki at 586-468-5181 and leave a message and I will get

back to you. No matter what your interest is, whether it is vegetables of flowers we have work for both.

Our first priority is of course getting the gardens prepped and the vegetables in, then we wish to do some

additional beautification and flowers to help with vegetable pollination.

Evangelical Home of Sterling Heights

The Master Gardener volunteers at the Evangelical Home of Sterling Heights will have their first

group workday on Saturday, May 14th, beginning at 9 a.m. If you are interested in this

opportunity to achieve volunteer hours, please join us. The Evangelical Home is located at

14900 Shoreline Drive, just off the access road to Lakeside Mall and west of Penna’s

Restaurant. For more information, contact: Sharon Patrick, 586-268-3626

St. Mary School Gardens Growing Green in 2016

with WAM Needs your help!

Want to help students promote biodiversity, provide habitat for wildlife, observe and

learn about ecosystems and secure the future of native plants and animals? Want to

beautify the community and inspire citizens and businesses to consider planting native

plants in their landscapes? Then this project is for you!

St. Mary School has been awarded a garden grant from the Wildflower Association of

Michigan, in support of the school’s Growing Green Project, and seeks the help of

Macomb County Master Gardeners to help with this project. With joint funding from the

WAM and St. Mary School E-trash Recycling Event, native plants and annuals that attract

butterflies and hummingbirds will be purchased and planted, watered, mulched and

labeled by students and staff on June 1, Growing Green Day, with the help of

volunteers. On June 25 the school will showcase the project while participating in the Mt.

Clemens Crocker House Garden Walk.

HOW YOU CAN Help

Prepare garden spaces for planting on Growing Green Day, June 1

Construct wooden cedar plant signs

Educate the community as a docent at the school gardens, during the Mt. Clemens

Crocker House Garden Walk on June 25

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Help with watering and maintaining the gardens through the summer and/or fall

months as the plants get established

To help, please contact Jeanie Newlin at radnewlin@gmail.com/586-321-5492.

St. Mary School gratefully thanks WAM, the Wildflower Association of Michigan, for

their support of this exciting project!

Friends of the Fraser Library Master Gardener Volunteers will be working with women that have gardened for years, but who are open

to suggestions. Each volunteer will be able to use their creativity. Friends will grow by leaps and bounds

with expert help from Master Gardeners. Master Gardeners may be able to learn some great things from

the Friends. First choice for day to work is Tuesdays, a couple times a month for 2-3 hours. The Fraser

Library is located at 16330 14 Mile Rd., Fraser, 48026, just west of Utica Rd.Contact Karen Warson at

586-747-5702 or email karencw@comcast.net

Volunteer with CRWC

Road-stream crossings can adversely affect water quality and biological

communities. These intersections can contribute to large amounts of road run-off and sediment entering the stream.

Perched culverts or culverts with diameters less than the width of the stream can act as a barrier to the migration of fish and other organisms. Poorly

designed and/or failing culverts alter essential stream processes such as flow and sediment transport; and ultimately impact the river, fish and other

biological communities.

CRWC is looking for volunteers that may be interested in participating in a comprehensive inventory of Road Stream Crossings within the Stony Creek and

Upper Clinton Subwatersheds this summer. Volunteers will assist in surveying and documenting culverts and road stream crossings throughout

these areas to inventory sites that may have current resource concerns and be ideal for future restoration efforts.

If you are interested please contact Matt Einheuser; Watershed Ecologist at matt@crwc.org or contact our office at

248-601-0606.

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Clinton Township Japanese Garden Clinton Township has a Japanese Garden outside of their Senior Center. Representatives

from their Sister City in Japan will be coming to visit the garden in July of 2016. If you

are familiar with Japanese Gardens and would be interested in helping to spruce up the

garden at the Senior Center, please contact Brian Kay, Assistant Director of Parks and

Recreation, at 586-723-8077 or email b.kay@clintontownship.com as soon as possible.

Photo Fun Have any pictures of your project that you would like to share? Email them to me at:

mary.gerstenberger@macombgov.org

MCMGA Companion Planting Class – submitted by Jean Persely

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I took this picture of flowering

crabapple trees while on my

Meals On Wheels route on

Thursday.

Submitted by Bill Mezuk

Photo of the newly painted arbor in the MSUE Demo

Garden done by Bill Mezuk. Thanks Bill!