Macomb Master Gardener E-news

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1 Macomb Master Gardener E-news February 22, 2016 Table of Contents News and Notes..1 Macomb County Master Gardener Association..6 Educational Opportunities..9 MSU Extension: 9 Other Educational Opportunities...14 Meadow Brook Garden Club..16 MG Education Share 21 Volunteer Opportunities..21 Single Date Opportunities 21 Ongoing Opportunities.22 Photo Fun...23 News and Notes Consider attending the Enviro-weather class on Tuesday, March 1, from 6:00-7:30 PM at the MSUE office. This class will explain how the Enviro-weather website can be a useful garden tool in understanding when to expect particular insect pests and diseases to be out and about! Save the Date! Master Gardener Banquet Wednesday, May 11, 2016, New Location The Master Gardener Banquet will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at the Italian American Cultural Center, Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Twp., MI Gordon Lonie will be our guest speaker for the Banquet and will be doing his Frogs and Toads program. It will be a ribbitting good time! Don t forget that we will be honoring all those who have received their Basic and Advanced Master Gardener status in 2015, as well as recognizing Lifetime Achievement hours. The MCMGA will be awarding Project Grants at the Banquet as well! If you are 1

2 one of those lucky Master Gardeners we hope to see you at the Banquet PLEASE PLAN ON ATTENDING! More details and registration information will be out in a couple of months. Please remember there will be a registration deadline since we must give a final guest count at least two weeks prior to the event. Tickets must be paid for in advance money will not be taken at the door! 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, Dunham Rd, Verkuilen Bldg #12, Clinton Township, MI All contest entries must be received by May 6 th. 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. Bouquets / Boutonnieres to: Joann Roman, Donna Madonna and Cathy Dueweke for volunteering at the Spring Home Garden Show on February 20 and 21. 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! All About Food Conference: From Farm to Fork Registration is now live for the All About Food Conference: From Farm to Fork, hosted by the Macomb Food Collaborative. The conference will be hosted on Tuesday, March 15 th from 8-3:30pm. The event will be located at the Macomb Community College University Center, Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI A locally sourced and prepared lunch is included in the cost of registration ($25). Registration is available online at or by mail. Please check the Macomb Food Collaborative website for the best view of the brochure/list of classes. 2

3 Check out the Volunteer Opportunities section to help at the Conference! 3

4 Citizen Scientists Wanted to Help Monitor Frog Populations (Taken from the St. Clair Shores Patch) The Detroit Zoological Society is offering southeast Michigan residents the chance to join the local chapter of FrogWatch USA, a citizen science program that teaches volunteers how to identify frogs and toads by their breeding calls and to gather and record data that supports a national network. FrogWatch volunteers choose from locations throughout the tri-county area and monitor the sites for several weeks. Their observations provide valuable insight into whether amphibians in the region are declining or increasing or if new species are being found in areas where they have not been identified before. FrogWatch training classes for 2016 will be offered free of charge at the Detroit Zoo s Ford Education Center on the following dates: Wednesday, March 2, 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 8 a.m. to noon For more information or to register for FrogWatch, contact DZS Associate Curator of Amphibians Rebecca Johnson at rjohnson@dzs.org. FrogWatch USA is a collaborative effort among the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums throughout the country. The program allows individuals and families to learn about the wetlands in their communities and to contribute to the conservation of amphibians. Save the Date! Saturday, September 24, 2016 Our Very First Macomb County Smart Gardening Conference!!! Details coming soon. 4

5 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) 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 address and be able to pass required background check. Compensation: $9.25/hr. Locations: 2474 W Hill Rd, Grand Blanc, MI 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 Mound Rd, Warren MI 1301 W Eight Mile Rd, Detroit, MI Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI (Redford) Please reply via . 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 under the EMPLOYMENT tab. Information can also be faxed to (616) ATTN: LAURA. I will begin responding after February 18th. 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. 5

6 MCMGA Information Pages Macomb County Master Gardener Association Check out the MCMGA website: All communication regarding MCMGA Educational programs or activities should be sent through to The MCMGA has a Facebook page! Check it out and like us at MacombCountyMGA Membership in the MCMGA Join or renew your membership in the MCMGA! Annual dues are just $10. Checks should be made payable to MCMGA. Memberships will be taken through March 15, The MCMGA will pay the cost of the MMGA membership for certified Master Gardeners. Go to the MCMGA website for the membership form (look under the News section) or take care of your membership at one of the MCMGA educational programs. NEW we will have membership cards for the MCMGA which should be shown when you enter to attend educational programs or activities. Membership is from January through December of All memberships need to be renewed/joined between January 1 and March 15, 2016 to be included on the MMGA membership costs. Do you know a former Master Gardener who might like to be part of the MCMGA? They can now join our local association as Alumni. Alumni can participate in all activities, but cannot vote in MCMGA elections. Dues are $10. Alumni are not certified Master Gardeners and cannot join the state MMGA, but are former Master Gardeners who still have an interest in the program. Next Board of Directors Meeting The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 16, at 3:00 PM. If you have any questions or concerns you would like discussed, please contact the MCMGA at our address: macombcountymga@gmail.com. 6

7 Grant Opportunity The MCMGA has 4 grants of up to $150 available for Master Gardener projects in Macomb County. Go to the MCMGA website ( ) and check under the News section for the Application and Requirements. Applications are due by March 31, 2016, and are awarded at the Master Gardener Banquet in May. To register for any of the following events, please macombcountymga@gmail.com Please remember to bring your membership card to all events. Education Programming January-July 2016 Monday, March 21, 2016 Spring Ephemerals Advanced Master Gardener, Cheryl English will present Native Wildflowers for the Woodland Garden. Tired of tulips? Find Daffodils dull? How about trying out some of our very own spring ephemerals! From Trout Lilies to Trillium, from the exotic to the familiar, explore some native alternatives for the spring garden. 6:30-7:30 P.M. at the Mt. Clemens Library Auditorium, 150 Cass Ave., Mt. Clemens, MI. Cheryl is also the owner of Black Cat Pottery, and will have a display of her wares for sale before and after the presentation. Light refreshments will be served. $5.00 to MCMGA Members +2 guests. $10.00 to all others. 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. 7

8 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. 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 hr. February 11, Children s Gardening 1.5 hrs. Fund Raisers!! Support Your Local Garden Association! Kroger Go to krogercommunityrewards.com Register with you Kroger card. MCMGA s number is (although usually our name shows up) If previously registered, must re-register each 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: 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 , Or on website: In both cases, mention MCMGA Fundraiser. 8

9 Flower Power Go to Click on Find a Group (top right of home page). Type in Organization: Macomb County Master Gardener Association, and state, MI (Leave City Blank) We get 50% of purchases. If you are interested in purchasing a magnetic backing for your badge (to replace a pin) contact the MSUE office at Cost is $3.00. Payable by cash or check made out to the MCMGA. MCMGA Thanks You for Your Participation! Educational Opportunities MSU Extension: Don t forget to check the VMS Event Calendar for more information on Educational Opportunities Enviro-weather: The Grower s Friend Gardeners, Landscapers, Farmers, garden center employees and the general public are invited to attend a free presentation on Enviro-weather on Tuesday, March 1 from 6:00 7:30 PM at the MSU Extension office, Dunham Rd., Clinton Twp., This class will explore the Enviro-weather website and the ways it can benefit residential gardeners, commercial growers and everyone in between. Enviro-weather allows farmers, landscapers and green thumbs to narrow down their pest treatment time lines so they are making the most efficient use of their time and money. Strategic application of pesticides, fungicides and herbicides can also reduce potential pollution by reducing the number and amount of applications that can affect natural resources. Enviro-weather is a weather-based pest, natural resources and production management tool. Beth Bishop of MSU Extension will be presenting information on understanding growing degree days and how to use the Enviro-weather website most effectively. Learn how to plan for spray dates, keep an eye on fungal issues and plan for emerging insects through this unique program. Please register in advance by calling the MSU Extension office at

10 Vegetable Gardening: From the Ground Up This program will cover everything from: garden soil to planning and planting the vegetable garden seed to transplant choices garden maintenance to garden tools the A to Z of vegetables At the MSU Extension Office, Dunham Rd., Clinton Twp., Use Entrance E. Date: Tuesday, March 22, 2016 Time: 6:30-8:00 PM At the Thompson Community Center, Hupp Ave., Warren, Date: Wednesday, March 23, 2016 Time: 1:00-2:30 PM Program is free but please register in advance by calling the MSUE office at Master Gardener Class The Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program will be held at the MSU Extension offices beginning March 3, Anyone interested in taking the class needs to go to the Master Gardener website, to get to the registration for Clinton Township. Cost is $300 and class will run on Thursdays for 14 weeks, ending June 2. Master Gardeners may audit any class for a $5 fee. Schedule will be posted when speakers are confirmed Smart Gardening Conference Grand Rapids Early registration pricing has been extended! Saturday, March 5, 2016 at DeVos Place and yes, we re back in the large ballrooms!! 2016 Smart Gardening Conference, Saturday March 5, Grand Rapids 8:30 am - 4:00 pm (Early-bird registration deadline extended through !) It s not too late to register!! This Year s Smart Gardening Conference in Grand Rapids is packed with great messages and presenters! Highlights include the latest news about the Monarch butterfly to choosing the right plants for pollinators. Learning more about using native woody plants in our garden designs will also help us be smart gardeners. Keynote presenters will teach about Smart Plants that are deer resistant and how to engage in Smart Gardening practices around our home from one of the Nation s finest Botanic Gardens. Click here to find out more!! 10

11 Highlights this year include two feature presenters: Jeff Epping, Director of Horticulture at Olbrich Botanic Gardens in Madison Wisconsin will be our keynote presenter in the morning. Jeff is a favorite here in West Michigan and relates well to our Michigan climate. His design influence at Olbrich Gardens is captured in his stellar photography that is sure to bring his Smart Gardening messages alive this year! Literally- I drool when I see his pictures!! Ruth Rogers Clausen, a horticulturist trained in England, has been living and working in the United States for many years. Over her long career she has taught and lectured widely. Former horticulture editor for Country Living Gardener, she has written several books, including Essential Perennials and 50 Beautiful Deer-Resistant Plants. Now what could be smarter than a deer-resistant plant? Clausen s delightful teaching style will make this presentation not only enjoyable but one to remember! Agriculture and Natural Resources Week Program/Schedule The 2016 ANR Week Program/Schedule is currently being developed. Programs are will added as the events are confirmed, bookmark this page and visit often for updates. For updates follow ANR Week on Twitter or by using hashtag #ANRWeek or like ANR Week on Facebook. 11

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13 Spring Bulb Show Hidden Lake Gardens Date: March 12, March 27, 2016 Location: Hidden Lake Gardens Conservatory 6214 Monroe Rd, Tipton, MI Step out of winter and right into spring, and experience the colors and fragrances of our spectacular spring flower bulb display in the Conservatory. Daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and amaryllis, plus pansies, stocks, orchids, and other flowers. Open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 per person / Free to Friends of HLG. 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! The Prince Conference Center on East Beltline will once again be home base for our two-day event, June 17-18, 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, 13

14 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 onboard so we can all connect at the conference to Dig It! Plant It! Grow It! Check Out the Events and Educational Opportunities at Tollgate: Other Educational Opportunities Don t forget to check the VMS Event Calendar for more information on Educational Opportunities Friendly Gardener Meetings Spring is right around the corner and time for the Friendly Gardeners meeting to resume Friendly Gardener meeting Thursday, March 10, 7:00 pm Location: Riverwood Community Church (Directions below) Topic: Getting Ready for Spring by professional gardener, Gail Morrell: A three month break down (March-May) of garden tasks that will help make the upcoming growing season a bit easier. Meeting Donation: To cover expenses a donation of $3 per meeting is appreciated. Members & Guests: Please make sure you sign in when you arrive. Refreshments will be served from 7:00-7:15 during social time. Guests are welcome. Please fill out a green information slip on your first visit. 14

15 FACEBOOK: Search for Friendly Garden Club of Sterling Heights Calendar: APRIL 14: Drought Tolerant Plants by Sue Grubba MAY 12: Companion Planting by Mary Gerstenberger JUNE 9: Donna Madonna on butterflies and plant exchange SEPTEMBER 8: Garden tips & Plant Exchange OCTOBER 13: Lawn Care by Gary Eichen NOVEMBER 10: SOCIAL NEW TIME 6:15 PM Directions to Riverwood Community Church: Clinton River Road, Sterling Heights, MI Located on west side of Clinton River Road, south of 19 mile Next (north) to Farmstead Park For more info contact: 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 MONDAY MARCH 14-7pm HUMMINGBIRDS PRESENTATION BY ALLEN CHARTIER Allen is the research project director of Great Lakes HummerNet. He will describe research objectives of the project, including how you can participate. Allen will provide helpful hints on how to attract and feed hummingbirds along with hummingbird gardening tips. He has been banding hummingbirds and songbirds at Lake St. Clair Metro Park since MONDAY APRIL 11-7 pm IF YOU CAN GROW IT IN A PLOT YOU CAN GROW IT IN A POT PRESENTATION BY THE YARDENERS We are going to share the many aspects of container gardening. Everything from seeds and vegetables to perennials can be grown in containers, let s think outside of the Flower Box. We ll give you some tips on plant and soil choices. We will also demonstrate how to go about planting in pots. Join us for this up close hands on experience. 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 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. 15

16 YARDENERS 23 rd 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) 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 Meadow Brook Garden Club event calendar can be found at: Spring Beauties: Native Wildflowers for the Woodland Garden The Meadow Brook Garden Club will meet Friday, February 26, 2016 at Meadow Brook Hall, 480 South Adams Road, Rochester MI Coffee and refreshments will be served at 9:15 a.m.with program to follow at 10:00 a.m. featuring guest speaker Cheryl English, Professional Gardener, Designer, 16

17 Author, and Educator. Cheryl will discuss many Michigan native plants from Trout Lilies to Trillium, from the exotic to the familiar, and explore some native alternatives for the spring garden. Guests are welcome. There is a $5 non-member donation. Reservations are not required. For more information, contact , or MBHGCMembers@gmail.com, or visit Fine-Pruning the Landscape: Spring Cuts The Meadow Brook Garden Club will meet Friday, March 25, 2016, at Meadow Brook Hall, 480 South Adams Road, Rochester MI Coffee and refreshments will be served at 9:15 a.m. with program to follow at 10:00 a.m. featuring guest speaker Janet Macunovich who is a professional gardener, designer, author, dynamic speaker and respected educator. Pruning is the gardener's main priority in April so now is the perfect time to learn how to prune your trees and shrubs to ensure beautiful bloom, good shape, manageable size, and the best healthy plants. With pictures and also real plants, Janet will not only show you how but give you the courage to do what must be done! Guests are welcome. There is a $5 nonmember donation. Reservations are not required. For more information, contact , or MBHGCMembers@gmail.com, or visit APRIL 22 David Michener Heritage Peonies: Beautiful Then, Glorious Now MAY 19 Perennial Plant Sale MAY 20 Elly Maxwell Harnessing Mother Nature s Workforce Beneficial Insects JUNE 14 Open House Potential new members are invited to experience the joy of gardening at Meadow Brook. JUNE 23 Summer Member Event All garden club members are invited to relax and enjoy the gardens SEPTEMBER 23 Kristen Uthus History and Culture of Japanese Orchids OCTOBER 28 Keith Berven Fundamentals of Growing and Caring for Dahlias 17

18 Wildflower Association of Michigan 29th Annual Conference: Zooming and Zooming Out The 29th Annual Michigan Wildflower Conference will be held March 6 and 7, 2016, at the Kellogg Center, Michigan State University. We are happy to announce that Larry Weaner has been secured as a keynote speaker. Larry is a nationally recognized, award-winning Landscape Architect with over 30 years of landscape and installation experience, combining expertise in horticulture, environmental science and the traditions of garden design. Our other sessions feature, among other topics, wildlife management strategies and tactics for updating municipal noxious weed statutes to reflect ongoing concerns with our native insects. The conference runs for two days and registration options include either or both days. Amenities include lunch both days of the conference as well as shopping opportunities. For more information and a printable registration form, visit the Wildflower Association of Michigan website at GROW WITH THE PROS 18 th Annual Conference Association of Professional Gardeners Educational Opportunity DATE: Saturday, March 12, 2016 TIME: 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. LOCATION: Waldenwoods Banquet & Conference Center, 2975 Old US-23, Hartland MI The mission of the Association of Professional Gardeners is to promote and develop the business of professional gardening, establish practices that increase the integrity of the business, and coordinate resources for professionally employed gardeners. The conference is open to everyone with an interest in gardening. Our educational sessions feature two nationally known speakers with roots in Michigan. The topics are: A New Spin on Old Favorites by Susan 18

19 Martin, Hosta Virus X by Chris Wilson, and Plant Science to Help you Grow by Joseph Tychonievich. Master Gardeners can submit 3.75 education hours for the day. Cost is $85.00 for members and $95.00 for non-members, and includes continental breakfast, lunch, and program handouts. To register visit: Registration deadline is Tuesday, March 1, No refunds after March 1, For more information please visit: Growing Great Gardens Saturday, March 12, :00am 4:00pm Join us a great day of learning, fun, networking and garden shopping. You'll learn from four inspirational speakers: Scott Beuerlein, Joseph Tychonievitch, Ed Blondin and Susan Martin, enjoy a brown bag lunch, have the chance to win door prizes and raffles and shop for great garden goods in our vendor marketplace. Cost is $45 if you register by January 31, cost is $55 after January 31. There is an optional bonus learning track for an additional $10. Education Credits: 5 or 6 with the optional bonus learning track. For more information and to register visit our website: Location: Wayne County Community College-Downriver Campus Northline Taylor, MI Call Pattie Kehr for registration questions In partnership with Taylor Conservatory, Taylor Garden Club and Wayne County Community College District-Downriver campus pk48180@yahoo.com St. Clair County Symposium The Master Gardeners of St. Clair County present Spring is nature s way of saying Let s party! (Robin Williams) Saturday, March 19, 2016 at Cornerstone Church, 4025 North Road, Clyde, MI Doors open at 8:00 am. Seminar: 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Registrar: Sandy Billings Phone sanderan51@yahoo.com Early Bird Registration fee: $80.00 After February 19, 2016: $

20 Symposium Speakers: Marta McDowell (Chatham, NJ) Beatrix Potter: her botanical art, flora in her Little books, and her garden Tovah Martin (Roxbury, CT) The Unexpected Houseplant Matt & Tim Nichols (Nichols Nursery) The Ornamental Obsession Susan Martin (Holland, MI) A New Spin on Old Favorites New Perennials for 2016 Registration fee covers: all speakers, continental breakfast, lunch and snack break. Make check payable to MGSCC (Master Gardeners of St. Clair County). Checks of money orders only, to be cashed upon arrival in the mail no refunds can be made after February 19. Mail registration to Sandy Billings, 99 Richman Rd., St. Clair, MI 48079, call Sandy at ; or Lisa Sharrow at akland County Master Gardeners: 20

21 MG Education Share: 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. My cousin in Vancouver, BC. sent me this link. It is great. Pam Wilson Subject: English Country Garden Wide screen and sound on for this one Click here: English Country Garden No 2.Jimmie Rodgers. - YouTube Volunteer Opportunities Single Date Opportunities Macomb Food Collaborative, All About Food Conference Macomb Food Collaborative seeks volunteers for 5 th Annual All About Food: From Farm to Fork Conference on March 15 th, 2016; 8:00 3:30 at the Macomb Community College University Center (note location change) Volunteers needed: 7 8:45 Early morning help: (3) People: You will be doing the arrival, display and other misc tasks that may pop up prior to the conference starting. Some vendors, presenters would like help with carrying items in. Room monitor: (6) People: Introduce speaker, manage time, distribute/collect session evals. Arrive by 8:00 to get familiar with your room, receive monitor package, etc. Volunteer Room monitors attend the conference at no charge. You will be assigned the same room for the duration of the conference. Food/lunch: Table coverings on tables in AM. Signs will be done for each food table. Signs need to be put out on tables (will have a map done for you) before foods arrive. Water need to be set out. Due to timing, you will miss the second session. Milk needs to come from kitchen, start to pour keep varieties separated. Assist food vendors as needed. Cleanup: Need to remove papers from rooms, pack up conference supplies, load vehicles, etc. MISC odds and ends throughout the day/as needed: Thank you!! I may grab you as I need you. Contact Jean Persely at Jean@Macombfood.org to volunteer. 21

22 Ongoing Opportunities Please check the VMS Project listing for the ongoing Master Gardener Projects that need volunteers. Need a great way to be involved? Think about becoming a Project Coordinator. We have several projects in need of coordinators! If you think you might be interested, join us at the Project Coordinator meeting on February 16, from 9:00-10:30. We will cover everything you need to know! Gleaners Community Food Bank Spring is on its way, and the gardens of Gleaners Community Food Bank are about to open! Last year we grew over 1,400 pounds of fresh fruits and veggies at our Washington Twp garden, 100% of which was donated to local food pantries. We re excited to grow even more in 2016, but we need volunteers to help make it happen! Below are the gardening days scheduled for April. Please consider joining us in growing food for our hungry neighbors. Please note that garden days are cancelled in the event of rain, temperatures over 85 degrees, and other unforeseen circumstances. We contact volunteers via in the event of a cancellation, so please send us your address if you plan to volunteer. If you tell your friends and family about the garden days (and we hope you will!), please ask them to also send their contact info. We can be reached at gardens@gcfb.org. Monday, April 4 th 9am-12pm Monday, April 9 th 9am-12pm Thursday, April 14 th, 9am-12pm LOCATION: The Washington Twp garden is located at Thirty Mile Rd, on the Southeast corner of Thirty Mile Rd. and M-53. Volunteers can park along the side of 30 Mile Rd, in front of the garden. Please do not go up the driveway to the DTE station. Greening of Detroit Citizen Forester Program Looking for Volunteer Hours? In an effort to grow our environmental impact, The Greening of Detroit is seeking leaders to join our volunteer Citizen Forester program to lead groups of volunteers during our upcoming tree planting season. This is a great opportunity to develop your leadership skills, gain experience managing volunteers, become familiar with different Detroit neighborhoods and meet others while working to make Detroit a greener place. Responsibilities: 22

23 Guide and oversee up to 20 volunteers working in small groups of 2-3 people Lead tree planting demonstrations and reinforce quality planting techniques Keep groups on task by recognizing what needs to be done and delegating responsibilities to others Promote proper tool usage and safety throughout the planting Required Time Commitment: Attend one full-day Citizen Forester Training (8 hours including lunch break) - This spring the training date is April 2nd Attend at least three tree plantings between April and June 2016 (6 hrs./planting) The training can be used as educational hours and when you volunteer for a tree planting those hours can be used to meet your 15 hour yearly volunteer requirements For more information please contact citizenforesters@greeningofdetroit.com Click on the link for the application g_2016.pdf 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 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 or b.kay@clintontownship.com as soon as possible. Photo Fun Have any pictures of your project that you would like to share? them to me at: mary.gerstenberger@macombgov.org See next page! 23

24 Waiting for Spring and Red Breasted Nuthatch Submitted by Mary Ellen VanSlembrouk 24