Archive for the Uncategorized department

Mountain pine beetle quarantine enacted in Michigan

January 11, 2021 • Leave a Comment

**Damage caused by the Mountain Pine Beetle in British Columbia, Canada. (Photo: Jonhall / Wikipedia)**

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is working to protect Michigan’s pine trees from a potentially devastating pest: the mountain pine beetle. One of the most destructive forest pests in North America, it is known for outbreaks that have killed millions of pine trees in the western United States and Canada.

According to MDARD Director Gary McDowell, “Mountain pine beetle hasn’t been detected in Michigan yet, but we’re taking the necessary, proactive steps to ensure our pine resources are here for generations to come,” said McDowell. The state’s new “Mountain Pine Beetle Exterior State Quarantine” regulates the movement of pine forest products with bark including logs, stumps, branches, lumber and firewood originating from a number of impacted western states.

The beetles affect pine trees by laying eggs under the bark and introducing a blue stain fungus. The joint action of larval feeding and fungal colonization kills the host tree within a few weeks of successful attack. As beetle populations increase, or as more trees become stressed because of drought or other causes, the beetle population may quickly increase and spread.

Mountain pine beetle has expanded its range, moving northward and eastward. The expansion is attributed to warmer winters, which allow more beetles to survive. Michigan’s pine resources are at risk of attack, including white pine, jack pine, red pine, Austrian pine, and Scots pine. Learn more about the quarantine here.

Propagating star magnolias

January 13, 2020 • Leave a Comment

My star magnolia has some strange-looking pods where the buds for next year’s flowers appear. Out of curiosity, I cut one open to find orange seeds. Is this normal? Can I plant them and when?

The strange-looking pods are just your star magnolia’s (Magnolia stellata) fruit. They are completely normal and if left to open naturally, the orange seeds would have scattered on the ground. They could possibly germinate or be eaten by birds and other wildlife. Because the habit of a star magnolia is that of a rounded shrub, they are often grouped in a bank or hedge. They also can be limbed up and shaped to a small tree. The smooth gray bark is exemplary on mature plants. Although star magnolias are hardy to zone 4, their early spring flowering is at the mercy of weather. Late freezes and damaging spring winds take a toll on the delicate, white, and fragrant multi-petal blossoms. If your star magnolia is not a named cultivar, such as ‘Centennial’ or ‘Rosea,’ but the species, then the orange seeds could be viable and produce the same plant from which they came. However, the method most often used to propagate star magnolias is rooted stem cuttings. This ensures that the same plant characteristics will be generated. That is not to say collected seed will not germinate. For production propagation, stem cuttings and occasionally grafting are used to maintain and ensure consistency in genetics. The fact you cut the pod open could mean the seeds are not yet fully matured, and if planted before the ground freezes, may not germinate. If you want to experiment, plant the seeds in a protected area, in full sun and preferably in a peaty, organic, well-amended soil and see what happens.

Why does my columbine droop in my garden?

July 31, 2019 • Leave a Comment

One of the most frequently used words to describe a columbine is “nodding.” The flowers are described as either nodding or upright, with a short, broad tube in front and backward projecting spurs. All columbines flower in spring or early summer and prefer rich soil in light to moderate shade with plenty of moisture. Many of the species are short-lived, especially if the drainage is poor. Aquilegia canadensis, a popular variety in garden centers, is native to eastern North America and found in moist, shady areas. The 1-1/2 inch flowers are nodding, appear in early spring, and continue blooming for about 6 weeks.

Why does your columbine droop and nod over in your garden? That is probably its nature. Planting a sturdier plant which blooms later, in front of the columbine, may help it stand up.

Getting rid of aggressive lily of the valley

December 1, 2017 • 2 Comments

One side of my backyard is overgrown with lily of the valley that came from my neighbor’s yard under the fence. I try digging them out in the spring when the ground is somewhat workable but I always seem to lose the battle. The soil is mostly clay and very hard to work with. I would like to get rid of them; any advice? B.P., Taylor

The creeping rhizomes of lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) allow for rapid spread even in mediocre conditions. The clay may be hard for you to work in, but it hardly deters their persistent rootstock. Even a small piece of lingering rhizome can erupt in basal leaves. Lily of the valley spawns a love-hate relationship from gardeners in spring. They are one of the earliest fragrant white flowers, but once bloomed, the foliage browns out and dies back. In the meantime, the rhizomes grow and further invade areas of established lawns and gardens.

As they are in your neighbor’s yard, you will have to put a seamless metal (sheet roll aluminum) or stiff plastic barrier at least 18 inches down into the soil along the fence on your side where the plants grow. Stake it against the fence to prevent the rhizomes from pushing and bending the barrier. Diligently spade fork the rhizomes out and reduce the amount of shade and moisture in that area, which they prefer. Be aggressive in your approach by target spraying with an herbicide, such as glyphosate, any leaves that break the soil’s surface. Do not plant other plants in this area for a season while you do battle. Any compost or granular fertilizers you would use for your plants will only feed leftover rootlets. Perhaps you can negotiate with your neighbor to move the lily of the valley to another part of their yard where it won’t invade your yard. If not, practice patience and persistence to get rid of this invasive perennial.

Under the unsightly exterior, bruised fruit might contain better nutrition

May 4, 2016 • Leave a Comment

An imprefect exterior of some fruits might be a sign of increased nutrition.

NPR’s The Salt:

When orchardist Eliza Greenman walks through a field of apple trees and gazes upon a pocked array of blemished and buckled fruits — scarred from fighting fungus, heat and pests — she feels a little thrill of joy. “I’m absolutely infatuated with the idea of stress in an orchard,” says Greenman, who custom grafts and grows pesticide-free hard cider apples in Hamilton, Va. These forlorn, scabbed apples, says Greenman, may actually be sweeter.

In an unofficial experiment, Greenman tested scabbed and unscabbed Parma apples, a high-sugar variety native to southwestern Virginia, and found the scarred apples had a 2 to 5 percent higher sugar content than unmarred apples from the same tree. More sugar means a higher alcohol content once fermented, producing a tastier hard cider.

But she loves these ugly apples for another reason: They may be more nutritious and have a higher antioxidant content. Says Greenman: “I believe stress can help create a super fruit.”

Read the rest of the article…

Japanese garden expert to present lecture at Cranbrook Institute of Science

April 16, 2016 • Leave a Comment

George and Ellen Booth transformed a humble rock garden on their country estate in Bloomfield Hills into a serene Japanese garden.

On Sunday, April 24, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Dr. Kendall H. Brown presents “Cranbrook’s Japanese Garden in Context: Japanese-style Landscapes in America, Then and Now.” Co-sponsored by the Japan America Society of Michigan and Southwestern Ontario and hosted in partnership with Cranbrook Institute of Science (map), the lecture admission is free. Seating is limited; doors open at 2:30 p.m.

In 1915, Cranbrook founders George and Ellen Booth attended the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. Inspired by the exposition’s Japanese pavilion, they returned to Cranbrook and transformed a humble rock garden on their country estate in Bloomfield Hills into a serene Japanese garden. This lecture explores the fashion for Japanese gardens in America in the first decades of the 20th century, tracing their presence at worlds’ fairs, commercial sites, and great country homes. The presentation concludes by sketching how Japanese gardens are playing new, dynamic roles as sites of wellness and transformation today.

Dr. Brown is Professor of Asian Art History in the School of Art at California State University, Long Beach. He received BA and MA degrees in history and art history from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University. Professor Brown is a leading figure in the study of Japanese gardens in North America. His book, Quiet Beauty: The Japanese Gardens of North America, is considered the definitive study in this field. This is his first lecture in Michigan.

Invasive-plant removal efforts to start this summer on Belle Isle

July 18, 2014 • Leave a Comment

Efforts to remove invasive plant species on Belle Isle in the Detroit River begin this summer, thanks in large part to a $470,000 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Friends of the Detroit River (FDR), a nonprofit based in southeast Michigan.

The two-year project, which is currently in the planning phase, aims to control invasive plant species already present on Belle Isle—Michigan’s 102nd state park—and prevent additional invasive species through an outreach and education program that builds public awareness about invasive species and ways to minimize their introduction and spread on the island park.

“The Detroit River is a designated area of concern,” said FDR project manager Sam Lovall. “One of this project’s objectives is to remove the river’s top two impairments: loss of fish and wildlife habitat and degradation of fish and wildlife populations. We can assist in doing this through invasive plant species removal on the island.”

Improving habitat diversity
Four invasive plant species—including phragmites, which encompass 50 acres of the island, reed canary grass, purple loosestrife and Japanese knotweed—will be targeted for removal. “Invasive plant species can monopolize the landscape, growing in large groves, patches and stands that destroy the diversity of the habitat,” Lovall said. “The more plant species that live in an area, the healthier that area tends to be.”

Partnership makes it possible
The Belle Isle Conservancy—in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources—will oversee volunteer efforts, enlisting organizations such as the Greening of Detroit and Student Conservation Association to assist in removal of invasive species and evaluation of progress.

For more information on Belle Isle Park, visit www.belleislepark.org and www.belleisleconservancy.org. Information on Friends of the Detroit River can be found at www.detroitriver.org.

Nationally-acclaimed gardener P. Allen Smith to speak in Metro Detroit

April 26, 2014 • Leave a Comment

English Gardens is hosting presentations by P. Allen Smith, who will be demonstrating tips on planting annuals, perennials and shrubs as follows:

Friday, May 2, 7:00 to 9:00pm at English Gardens in Clinton Township.
Saturday, May 3, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon at English Gardens in Royal Oak.

Long respected for his intelligent integration of architecture and garden, P. Allen Smith lectures all over the country and is often featured in a wide variety of national publications. Smith has been designing since he returned from his studies in England nearly 30 years ago. His home, Moss Mountain Farm, serves as the inspiration for his culinary pursuits, design work, art, books and nationally-syndicated television shows. Smith’s garden design book P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home is first in his series of six gardening books

The event is free, but space is limited. Register online at www.englishgardens.com to reserve your seat

Conifers provide low-maintenance, year-round beauty

April 8, 2014 • 1 Comment

Great Lakes area gardeners might glance past this book due to the southern reference in the title (Landscaping with Conifers and Ginkgo for the Southeast). However, many of the plants described in it are applicable to the north as well. Consider this guide if you are interested in conifers, which are among the most beautiful and versatile of all landscape plants. They are low-maintenance and offer a variety of color, form, and texture year-round.

The authors have an authoritative command of their topic. Tom Cox, past president of the American Conifer Society, is the founder and owner of Cox Arboretum and Gardens in Georgia. John Ruter, Allan M. Armitage Endowed Professor of Horticulture at The University of Georgia, is a teacher, ornamental plant breeder, and author.

The result of years of research and horticulture experience, this compilation will help both novices and professionals build their conifer knowledge. Cox and Ruter present a wide variety of conifers and tips on growing, pruning, and preventing disease and pest problems. The Great Lakes reader can skim over specific southern growing advice. There is plenty else here to learn: the authors will teach you about conifers, no matter where you call home.

Plant experts present the 2014 Plants of Distinction seminar

January 20, 2014 • Leave a Comment

Gardeners love to include new plants in their gardens. Plant research and global exploration influence the number and types of plants available. However, “new” is not always “best” for our landscapes. With more and more gardeners turning their attention to sustainability and green practices, the question of maintenance arises. On Monday, February 3, 2014 (Grand Rapids) and Tuesday, February 4 (Novi), the MSU Extension gathers renowned plant experts to enrich your knowledge of widely sought-after plant material while remembering the message of “right plant, right place.”

Irvin Etienne, Horticulture Display Coordinator from the Indianapolis Museum of Art, will present “Carmen Miranda in the Midwest,” which will help you bring eye-popping color and texture to your garden. He will also explore some of the best tough plants for Midwest gardens in “When Pretty Ain’t Enough!”

Joseph Tychonievich, Author and Manager at Arrowhead Alpines Nursery in Fowlerville, Michigan, will present “Great, Non-Wimpy Plants You Haven’t Heard Of.” This talk will inspire you with beautiful, tough, and reliable plants that, for one reason or another, you probably have not seen before.

Dr. Tom Fernandez, Michigan State University Professor of Horticulture, will present “Something Old, Something New: Trees and Shrubs for Michigan.” More and more new trees and shrubs are being released every year with improved garden performance. Learn which ones are right for you.

Please note the registration deadline is January 27, 2014, and registration at the door is not available. For more info, click here.

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