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Archive for the Profile department

Website Extra: An eclectic collector’s garden

June 28, 2013   •   1 Comment

To read the entire article, pick up a copy of Michigan Gardener or check out our digital edition.

In 1985, the Hodgsons contracted with an individual who wanted experience in building a koi pond, so they exchanged the experience for the construction. The soil removed from the pond hole was used to build the cactus berm. The pond water is green because of an algae bloom caused by warm, sunny weather and organic material in the water. If controlled properly it is not harmful to the fish.
In 1985, the Hodgsons contracted with an individual who wanted experience in building a koi pond, so they exchanged the experience for the construction. The soil removed from the pond hole was used to build the cactus berm. The pond water is green because of an algae bloom caused by warm, sunny weather and organic material in the water. If controlled properly it is not harmful to the fish.

 
Mick picking up fish is a demonstration activity. This koi is an early version of the butterfly koi, known for its long fins and tail. The Hodgsons hand feed the koi from the same location multiple times a day, so the fish anticipate the feeding and come to beg when Mick and Cathy are in the backyard. The older fish in the pond teach the young fish about this group activity.
Mick picking up fish is a demonstration activity. This koi is an early version of the butterfly koi, known for its long fins and tail. The Hodgsons hand feed the koi from the same location multiple times a day, so the fish anticipate the feeding and come to beg when Mick and Cathy are in the backyard. The older fish in the pond teach the young fish about this group activity.

 
Cathy feeds goldfish in the figure eight pond.
Cathy feeds goldfish in the figure eight pond.

 
The Hodgsons created this area to bring two paths together and provide a reflective, cool place to sit and rest. In the center is a suspended natural ledge rock with native moss. Water gently overflows from the rock’s center and trickles through the moss and over the edge back into the water. There are a few smaller goldfish to add movement and mosquito control. The Buddha sculpture meditates across from the stone bench and frogs come and go.
The Hodgsons created this area to bring two paths together and provide a reflective, cool place to sit and rest. In the center is a suspended natural ledge rock with native moss. Water gently overflows from the rock’s center and trickles through the moss and over the edge back into the water. There are a few smaller goldfish to add movement and mosquito control. The Buddha sculpture meditates across from the stone bench and frogs come and go.

Filed Under: Profile Tagged With: goldfish, hodgsons, koi, pond, reflecting pool

Website Extra: The artistic country garden

May 31, 2013   •   1 Comment

The garden of Judy and Larry Rowe reflects their love of art and creativity

To read the full profile on Judy and Larry Rowe, pick up a copy of the June, 2013 issue of Michigan Gardener in stores or find it in our digital edition.

Photos by Sandie Parrott

Purchased from a neighbor, this manure spreader is the center of attention in the front yard, along with a white dogwood (Cornus florida ‘Weaver’s White’) and a pink-purple rhododendron (‘Elsie Lee’).
Purchased from a neighbor, this manure spreader is the center of attention in the front yard, along with a white dogwood (Cornus florida ‘Weaver’s White’) and a pink-purple rhododendron (‘Elsie Lee’).

 
Larry made the arbor for this corner garden that sits next to their sunroom where they relax and listen to singing birds playing in the water. There are two ‘Jackmanii' clematis on the arbor, several hostas, and two Alberta spruces for seclusion.
Larry made the arbor for this corner garden that sits next to their sunroom where they relax and listen to singing birds playing in the water. There are two ‘Jackmanii’ clematis on the arbor, several hostas, and two Alberta spruces for seclusion.

 
Larry made the wishing well from an old barbeque grill. The arbor Larry also made is covered with clematis, while clay drain tiles serve as a border. Insulators line the paths to keep hoses out of the gardens and prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa), hardy in Michigan, surrounds a planted cactus dish garden.
Larry made the wishing well from an old barbeque grill. The arbor Larry also made is covered with clematis, while clay drain tiles serve as a border. Insulators line the paths to keep hoses out of the gardens and prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa), hardy in Michigan, surrounds a planted cactus dish garden.

 
Judy collects cacti, even though most are not hardy in Michigan and must be taken inside. The pot of succulents is made of five drain tiles turned upside down and wired together to form a flower shape. The display is crowned by a hypertufa pot made by a fellow Master Gardener.
Judy collects cacti, even though most are not hardy in Michigan and must be taken inside. The pot of succulents is made of five drain tiles turned upside down and wired together to form a flower shape. The display is crowned by a hypertufa pot made by a fellow Master Gardener.

Filed Under: Profile, Website Extras Tagged With: artistic, country, garden, profile

Profile Website Extra: More photos of Bob Grese’s garden

May 7, 2013   •   1 Comment

Continued from page 50 of the May 2013 issue.

Photos by Sandie Parrott

Bob Grese tends to a witch hazel tree (Hamamelis virginiana). Native Americans used the tree bark to treat sores, tumors, skin ulcers, sore muscles, coughs, and colds. Yellow blooms in early spring and yellow fall color make this a beautiful tree.
Bob Grese tends to a witch hazel tree (Hamamelis virginiana). Native Americans used the tree bark to treat sores, tumors, skin ulcers, sore muscles, coughs, and colds. Yellow blooms in early spring and yellow fall color make this a beautiful tree.

 
The striking plumes of bottlebrush grass (Elymus hystrix) in late summer are beautiful in any garden setting.
The striking plumes of bottlebrush grass (Elymus hystrix) in late summer are beautiful in any garden setting.

 
Grese grew Yukon Gold potatoes in what is typically called a grow bag. They are great reusable containers for vegetables and now come in many colors and sizes.
Grese grew Yukon Gold potatoes in what is typically called a grow bag. They are great reusable containers for vegetables and now come in many colors and sizes.

 
One of Grese’s favorites is prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum). “I love the broad leaves and tall stalks. The leaves orient on a north-south axis and are wonderful backlit against the sun. The coarse texture is an effective contrast with fine-leaved plants,” he described.
One of Grese’s favorites is prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum). “I love the broad leaves and tall stalks. The leaves orient on a north-south axis and are wonderful backlit against the sun. The coarse texture is an effective contrast with fine-leaved plants,” he described.

Filed Under: Profile, Website Extras Tagged With: bottlebrush grass, potatoes, prarie dock, profile, witch hazel

Website Extra: Asian Inspired Garden

March 28, 2013   •   Leave a Comment

Continued from page 36 of the April 2013 issue.

Photos by Sandie Parrott

Rita calls this her tiger lily walk. Many were donated by friends. As a girl, Rita loved to go and pick them in the fields and present them to her mother. She loves the mass effect and passes along extras to her friends.
Rita calls this her tiger lily walk. Many were donated by friends. As a girl, Rita loved to go and pick them in the fields and present them to her mother. She loves the mass effect and passes along extras to her friends.

Slag sand pathways allow the Cohens and visitors to stroll the garden. The red color of the bridge sets off the garden and adds the traditional feature of a Chinese garden, which some Japanese gardens have adopted. Japanese gardens typically have natural wood or stone bridges.
Slag sand pathways allow the Cohens and visitors to stroll the garden. The red color of the bridge sets off the garden and adds the traditional feature of a Chinese garden, which some Japanese gardens have adopted. Japanese gardens typically have natural wood or stone bridges.

This view is full of texture: a little wire animal perches on a stone bench while the stark driftwood piece draws the eye upward to the massive old sugar maple tree. Tiny-leaved creeping thyme groundcover anchors the scene.
This view is full of texture: a little wire animal perches on a stone bench while the stark driftwood piece draws the eye upward to the massive old sugar maple tree. Tiny-leaved creeping thyme groundcover anchors the scene.

Filed Under: Profile, Website Extras Tagged With: asian, garden

Sunny sunflowers bring happiness

October 14, 2010   •   17 Comments

Bob Koenders shares pointers on how to best grow this popular flower

 

Photos by Sandie Parrott
Bob Koenders demonstrates how to cut sunflowers: strip the lower leaves and cut diagonally with a sharp, clean boxcutter, and place immediately in water with preservative.
by Sandie Parrott

When picturing sunflowers, what do you see? Bob Koenders, owner of the Backyard Bouquet Farm, sees a field of amazing sunflowers, maybe not all yellow, with their heads held high following the path of the sun. “There is nothing better than a field of sunflowers at sunrise,” claims Koenders. He calls them the flower of the future. Statistics support this claim. According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture, in 1997 there were 32 farms growing sunflowers on 1,522 acres, and by 2002 there were 91 farms with 2,275 acres. Most of the fields of open sunflowers are oil seed type, grown for oil or seed (for birds or humans). Their heads were bred to hang down, making it more difficult for birds to eat the seeds and rain to ruin the harvest. On the other hand, Koenders grows his for cutting, so he wants them upright. Looking at Koenders’ field, you won’t see acres of blooming sunflowers, because he has to cut them before they open.

Why sunflowers

Koenders started experimenting with sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) about 20 years ago. He chose sunflowers as his number one summer crop (the spring is alliums and fall is pumpkins) for several reasons. “Sunflowers make people happy—they epitomize happiness and have a universal appeal to all ages,” states Koenders. He also started seeing more sunflower patterns in linens and clothing, and believed this was more than just a trend. Finally, when pollenless sunflowers came along, “I knew sunflowers were here to stay,” says Koenders. “Traditional sunflowers with pollen make a mess and ruin your clothes. Some people have problems with allergies to the pollen. The new pollenless sunflowers are clean—no allergies and they last much longer.”

When Koenders married the love of his life, Judy, they used lots of happy sunflowers for their wedding. In fact, sunflowers and even sunflower bouquets for the bride are becoming more popular for weddings according to Koenders. Florists in the area didn’t even know they wanted sunflowers when Koenders started experimenting with varieties. “I grew about 50 different varieties until I found about 5 that I grow every year.” They are all the pollenless varieties. “Now the demand is so high, the florists are calling me!” he exclaims.

At dusk, a field of sunflowers begin to turn their heads toward the setting sun. Notice the hilled rows of soil that help support the heavy plants.A little bit of history

According to the National Sunflower Association, the wild sunflower is native to North America, but commercialization of the plant was done by Russia. It was only somewhat recently that the sunflower plant “returned” to America. Native Americans first developed the wild sunflower into a single-headed plant with a variety of seed colors including black, red, white, and striped black and white. Some archeologists suggest that sunflowers may have been domesticated before corn. The Native Americans used the sunflower seed for grinding into flour, trail snacks, purple dyes, body painting, ceremonial, and medicinal uses. Sunflower oil was used for making bread, as well as on skin and hair. The dried stalks were even used for building materials. 

The large Russian varieties are still available today. Names like ‘Mammoth Russian,’ ‘Russian Giant,’ ‘Tall Russian,’ and ‘Mammoth’ are all typical varieties sold as giant sunflowers, along with all the new American, European and Asian hybrids. Koenders says identifying sunflowers can be a problem—there are always several names for essentially the same plant. He advises purchasing seed from reputable sources if you want a plant that grows true to the variety.

This unopened bud of ‘Sunrich Gold’ is still too early to cut but still beautiful and pollenless like most of Koenders’ sunflowers.Cutting sunflowers

Giant sunflowers wouldn’t work well as cut flowers, according to Koenders. They would be difficult to sell, handle (you practically need a chain saw to cut them) and use in a vase (the stalks are too thick and long). Koenders’ goals for the ideal cut sunflower: no pollen, 1/2-inch thick stem of about 3 feet in length, straight with a perfect flower head (held high) about 3 to 5 inches across. A “perfect” flower means no disfiguration, consistent color, and no diseases or pests.

During cutting, most of the leaves are stripped in one quick motion, leaving only the large ones by the head, and then a sharp box cutter is used to swiftly and cleanly cut the stem at an angle by the plant’s base. Cut flowers go directly into a solution of preservative and bleach until he delivers them, usually within 24 hours. Koenders and his hardy workers cut 7 days a week, 1,000 to 1,500 stems a day, which is just under 100,000 flowers annually.

This ‘Sunrich Gold’ sunflower is open too far to be cut for the floral industry. It will be sold directly at a farmers’ market or roadside stand.Growing sunflowers for cutting

The process begins with purchasing F1 (first generation) pollenless seed of proven varieties from quality sources. “It is more costly, but the plants are far superior. Saving seed means genetic variance, which can be good or bad,” Koenders comments. “Reusing seed means colors and sizes vary from plant to plant and stems can be weak, since it is open-pollinated (uncontrolled pollination by wind, insects, or birds). For homeowners, give it a try—it is fun to see what you get, but I can’t afford the risk.”

The other big component is good soil, and his farm has wonderful lake bed loam. Koenders monitors his soil, testing it every one to three years, depending on diseases or pests during that time, not just because he is an agronomist, but to check the levels of nitrogen and other nutrients. “Nitrogen is important for sunflowers. Nitrogen leaches out, but too much makes them leggy with large leaves.”

Seeds are started April 1 in the greenhouse. Sunflowers germinate in cool temperatures (45 to 50 degrees), and starting in early May seedlings are planted in the field. Seeds are started and plants are moved to the field every 7 to 10 days for about 10 successive plantings. “We can’t have them all in bloom at once, since we can’t harvest and sell all at once,” says Koenders. A tip he shares is to mound up the soil around the base of the plant to help support the stem. He continues to mound the soil while they are growing to help support the plant and to bury weeds. The mounded earth can get as high as a foot by the time the flowers are cut. He cautions, however, to not cover any leaves. 

Plants are set close together (6 to 12 inches) for support and to keep the plant size manageable, but he recommends up to two feet in a backyard situation for larger flowers. Rows are about 3 feet apart for cultivation. Pruning is important for florist quality blooms. Koenders prunes excessively to produce the type of perfect flower you expect to see at the florist.

“Sunflowers have a bad reputation with some people. Although they are pretty, many people think they don’t last, heads droop, and the stems are too thick,” Koenders laments. “This is because some sunflowers are dry-shipped from long distances like South America with their foliage stripped off.” According to Koenders, local pollenless sunflowers should have thinner stems and heads held high, and last 7 to 10 days in a vase (out of direct sunlight).

So the next time you want to brighten one of your late summer or fall days, pick up some cut sunflowers. You now know what qualities to be looking for.

Sandie Parrott is a garden writer and photographer who lives and gardens in Oakland County, MI.

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Fun facts about sunflowers

  • Sunflower’s scientific name is Helianthus; Helios meaning “sun” and anthos meaning “flower.”
  • Sunflower heads track the sun’s movement; this phenomenon is called heliotropism.
  • Sunflowers can grow up to 12 inches a day during the peak of the growing season. They are more photosynthetic than many other plants and better utilize the sun for growth.
  • Sunflowers (certain varieties) yield up to 40 percent of their weight in oil.
  • Sunflower stems were used as filling for life jackets.
  • Sunflowers are considered a popular art form because of their “human-like” characteristics, such as the “head” and the similar height to humans. 
  • Sunflower leaves are cupped to channel the water down the stem.
  • Sunflowers were worshipped by the Aztecs.
  • Sunflower heads consist of 1,000 to 2,000 individual flowers joined by a receptacle base. The large petals around the edge of the sunflower head are individual ray flowers which do not develop into seed.
  • The world record tallest sunflower (25 feet, 5-1/2 inches) was grown in the Netherlands in 1986.
  • The world record sunflower with the largest head (32-1/4 inches in diameter) was grown in Canada in 1983.
  • The world record sunflower with the most heads (837) was grown in Michigan in 2001.

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How to grow sunflowers – Tips from Bob Koenders


Light – All day sun.

Soil type – Not particular about type, but must have good drainage. Ideal pH range is 6.5 to 7.5.

Moisture – Water to start seeds and seedlings; water older plants during dry spells; they are drought tolerant, but will wilt when they need water.

Seed depth – Approximately 1/4 to 1 inch deep; very easy to germinate and grow.

Soil temperature for germination – 45 to 50 degrees.

Sowing – Sow seeds in successive plantings for cut flowers throughout the summer and fall.

Spacing – 6-12 inches for smaller varieties and up to 24 inches for larger varieties; allow at least 3 feet between rows for cultivation and air circulation.

Staking – May be required, unless grown closer together or up against a fence. Mound soil around base to support plant.

Fertilizing – Watch the salts. Sunflowers are very salt sensitive.

Pinching – Useful for forcing side shoots or pushing all the energy into one head.

Cutting – Plants should be cut when the bud is just beginning to open and is showing a little of the petal color. Strip off most of the lower leaves but leave larger ones by the head. Cut at an angle with a sharp and clean tool. Put in water with preservative immediately.

Height – Ranges from dwarf plants of 1-2 feet to giants of 15 feet or more.

Colors – Available colors range from white and cream, to all shades of yellow through to orange, red and burgundy. Centers can be yellow, green, brown, black, and black and white.

Recommended varieties – Gold-orange: ‘Soraya,’ ‘Sunrich,’ ‘Pro-Cut’ and ‘Sonja.’ Burgundy: ‘Moulin Rouge’ and ‘Prado Red.’

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Filed Under: Profile

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