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To our Michigan Gardener print magazine readers,

Since May, 1996 our readers have enjoyed 176 issues of Michigan Gardener totaling over 4.5 million copies distributed throughout southeastern Michigan. We are proud to have continuously published for nearly 25 years despite the challenging times surrounding September 11, 2001 and the Great Recession. This streak will be temporarily disrupted due to the Coronavirus and the Governor’s March 23, 2020 Executive Order. As a result, we are unable to publish our April issue.

We know this comes as a disappointment for gardeners that eagerly await our April issue and the start of the gardening season. Like so many businesses, we pause as the world waits and watches. However, we are optimistic this too will pass and we will soon get back to publishing. We look forward to a gardening season that will surely be one of the most rewarding in recent memory.

We WILL be publishing our April E-Newsletter in addition to posting content to our website and social media. If you haven’t signed up for our E-Newsletter yet, just go to MichiganGardener.com and enter your email.

Thank you for your understanding,

Eric Hofley and Jonathon Hofley

Archive for the Website Extras department

Website Extra: Finding their garden theme

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After experimenting with various styles, Mark and Carolyn Resch settled on a gorgeous Asian garden

Editor’s Note: The following are bonus photos from a profile of Mark and Carolyn Resch’s garden featured in the May 2019 issue of Michigan Gardener. To read the full story, pick up a copy of Michigan Gardener in stores or see it in our Digital Edition, which you can read for free at MichiganGardener.com.

Japanese lanterns nestled among the ivy groundcover bring added interest to an otherwise all green area.
Japanese lanterns nestled among the ivy groundcover bring added interest to an otherwise all green area.

The koi pond is nestled between the deck and the pavilion. The koi fish add color to the garden while the bubbler adds soothing sound.
The koi pond is nestled between the deck and the pavilion. The koi fish add color to the garden while the bubbler adds soothing sound.

Against a green shrub backdrop, the red torii gate is a striking focal point in the Resch’s Asian-themed garden.
Against a green shrub backdrop, the red torii gate is a striking focal point in the Resch’s Asian-themed garden.

Website Extra: The Rubinstein garden

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Editor’s Note: The following are bonus photos from a profile of Beth and Richard Rubinstein’s garden featured in the September/October 2018 issue of Michigan Gardener. To read the full story, pick up a copy of Michigan Gardener in stores or see it in our Digital Edition, which you can read for free at MichiganGardener.com.

The lawn is framed by a mixed border of perennials, grasses, and shrubs, designed by Beth Rubinstein.
The lawn is framed by a mixed border of perennials, grasses, and shrubs, designed by Beth Rubinstein.

A weeping Norway spruce accents the landscape at the beginning of the stream. Beth collects frog statuary and this frog couple at stream’s edge is enjoying the soothing sounds as they relax on a bench.
A weeping Norway spruce accents the landscape at the beginning of the stream. Beth collects frog statuary and this frog couple at stream’s edge is enjoying the soothing sounds as they relax on a bench.

The stream is still running in late fall.
The stream is still running in late fall.

A new 10,000-gallon pond is being built for some new fish, which will be arriving from Hawaii.
A new 10,000-gallon pond is being built for some new fish, which will be arriving from Hawaii.

Website Extra: Bob Labadie’s Garden

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Editor’s Note: The following are bonus photos from a profile of Bob Labadie’s garden featured in the April 2018 issue of Michigan Gardener. To read the full story, pick up a copy of Michigan Gardener in stores or read it in our digital edition, which can be accessed for free on our website home page.

Bob Labadie had this windmill made to place near the barn. It takes viewers back to another era when windmills had the job of pumping water for his historic 1886 home.
Bob Labadie had this windmill made to place near the barn. It takes viewers back to another era when windmills had the job of pumping water for his historic 1886 home.

The “Cracker Barrel” porch is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the garden.
The “Cracker Barrel” porch is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the garden.

Bob’s vintage, orange Bricklin car is parked near the barn where a horse and carriage once resided.
Bob’s vintage, orange Bricklin car is parked near the barn where a horse and carriage once resided.

A garden of rooms

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Editor’s Note: The following are bonus photos from a profile of Elaine and Roy Smith’s garden featured in the June 2017 issue of Michigan Gardener. To read the full story, pick up a copy of Michigan Gardener in stores or read it in our digital edition, which can be accessed for free on our home page.

Elaine wanted on outhouse shed, so Roy built one. In the winter, it is a storehouse for the garden’s statuary.
Elaine wanted on outhouse shed, so Roy built one. In the winter, it is a storehouse for the garden’s statuary.

A door opens into the insulator garden and is framed by ‘Limelight’ hydrangeas.
A door opens into the insulator garden and is framed by ‘Limelight’ hydrangeas.

Three teapots have found new lives as birdhouses.
Three teapots have found new lives as birdhouses.

A trellis is a great place to showcase Elaine’s collection of enamel ware pans. The flower on the back wall is made from whisk brooms.
A trellis is a great place to showcase Elaine’s collection of enamel ware pans. The flower on the back wall is made from whisk brooms.

Elaine and Roy Smith ran an electrical line out into the wooded area of their garden so the sound of this bubbling fountain greets you on the trail.
Elaine and Roy Smith ran an electrical line out into the wooded area of their garden so the sound of this bubbling fountain greets you on the trail.

Website Extra: The Giving Trees

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Out of tree death has arisen an enchanting garden

Editor’s Note: The following are bonus photos from a profile of Janice Cooley and Paul Stedman’s garden featured in the May 2017 issue of Michigan Gardener. To read the full story, pick up a copy of Michigan Gardener in stores or read it in our digital edition, which can be accessed for free on our home page.

One of many garden beds in Janice and Paul’s landscape, with the huge, 200-year-old oak tree as a backdrop.
One of many garden beds in Janice and Paul’s landscape, with the huge, 200-year-old oak tree as a backdrop.

Many gnome homes line the woodland path.
Many gnome homes line the woodland path.

This yellow chanterelle mushroom will be used to make gravy for meatballs.
This yellow chanterelle mushroom will be used to make gravy for meatballs.

Garden art and gnomes make this garden fun and interesting.
Garden art and gnomes make this garden fun and interesting.

A large mowed labyrinth ends at this wine bottle tree.
A large mowed labyrinth ends at this wine bottle tree.

A gnome home complete with a pool and a place to lounge.
A gnome home complete with a pool and a place to lounge.

Janice adds a lot of fun and humor to her garden.
Janice adds a lot of fun and humor to her garden.

The view of the majestic oak tree from under the canopy.
The view of the majestic oak tree from under the canopy.

Website Extra: A family garden

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Editors Note: The following are bonus photos from the garden profile featured in the April 2017 issue of Michigan Gardener. To read the full story, pickup a copy of Michigan Gardener in stores now or read it in our digital edition.

All photos by Lisa Steinkopf

This hydrangea (H. macrophylla ‘Shugert’) is just one of the many gorgeous hydrangeas in this garden.
This hydrangea (H. macrophylla ‘Shugert’) is just one of the many gorgeous hydrangeas in this garden.

This purple clematis is growing on a trellis built by Steve’s brother.
This purple clematis is growing on a trellis built by Steve’s brother.

The garden that borders the side yard (and their dog's grassy playground) is only two years old. Some of the plants are from Nancy’s father.
The garden that borders the side yard (and their dog’s grassy playground) is only two years old. Some of the plants are from Nancy’s father.

Website Extra: On the Road to the Missouri Botanical Garden

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Editors Note: The following are bonus photos from a story on the Missouri Botanical Garden featured in the May, 2016 issue of Michigan Gardener. To read the full story, pickup a copy of Michigan Gardener in stores May 1 or read it in our digital edition.

An American treasure

A visit to the magnificent Missouri Botanical Garden should be on Michigan gardeners’ wish lists

Photos courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden

The meticulous plantings in the boxwood garden are breathtaking.
The meticulous plantings in the boxwood garden are breathtaking.

Many activities abound in the children's garden, including a tree house.
Many activities abound in the children’s garden, including a tree house.

The Chinese garden pavillion rests peacefully in the fall.
The Chinese garden pavillion rests peacefully in the fall.

The Ottoman garden is a unique walled garden that enlightens visitors about gardening traditions during the Ottoman Empire.
The Ottoman garden is a unique walled garden that enlightens visitors about gardening traditions during the Ottoman Empire.

The hedges and borders in the Victorian district are dusted with a gentle winter snow, which highlights the garden's "bones."
The hedges and borders in the Victorian district are dusted with a gentle winter snow, which highlights the garden’s “bones.”

Website Extra: Plants, nature, learning at Matthaei Botanical Gardens

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Editors Note: The following are bonus photos from a story on Matthaei Botanical Gardens featured in the June issue of Michigan Gardener. To read the full story, pickup a copy of Michigan Gardener in stores now or read it in our digital edition.

A visit to Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor
will leave you inspired and enriched

All photos by Sandie Parrott

An 80-year-old agave bloomed in the summer of 2014 for the first, and last, time: agaves die after flowering. It grew to over 28 feet before sending out hundreds of flower buds. The plant will produce hundreds of seeds and enough genetically identical “pups” for other agave plants to begin growing.
An 80-year-old agave bloomed in the summer of 2014 for the first, and last, time: agaves die after flowering. It grew to over 28 feet before sending out hundreds of flower buds. The plant will produce hundreds of seeds and enough genetically identical “pups” for other agave plants to begin growing.

When the agave stalk reached the conservatory ceiling, workers removed a pane of roof glass to allow the flower stalk to continue growing.
When the agave stalk reached the conservatory ceiling, workers removed a pane of roof glass to allow the flower stalk to continue growing.

“Penjing is a more inclusive form of creating miniature landscapes developed in China. It can include rocks, water, representative landscapes or individual plants. Penjing compositions often include small figures—humans or animals—to give a sense of scale,” said Matthaei Director Bob Grese.
“Penjing is a more inclusive form of creating miniature landscapes developed in China. It can include rocks, water, representative landscapes or individual plants. Penjing compositions often include small figures—humans or animals—to give a sense of scale,” said Matthaei Director Bob Grese.

 

Web Extra: Made in the shade

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To read the full article by Sandie Parrott on Michael Maitner’s garden, pick up a copy of the May, 2014 issue of Michigan Gardener in stores or find it in our digital edition.

Captions and photos by Sandie Parrott

Kay and Michael Maitner stand in the woodland garden next to a metal sculpture titled “Kinetic Mandala" by Steven Spiegel.
Kay and Michael Maitner stand in the woodland garden next to a metal sculpture titled “Kinetic Mandala” by Steven Spiegel.

 

Maitner built this bridge many years ago to add an Asian look, not to actually get anywhere. It bridges a dry stream bed.
Maitner built this bridge many years ago to add an Asian look, not to actually get anywhere. It bridges a dry stream bed.

 

The color "green" actually comprises many different color variations. By using lots of them, as well as different leaf textures, shapes, and sizes, Michael Maitner has painted a lush, compelling landscape.
The color “green” actually comprises many different color variations. By using lots of them, as well as different leaf textures, shapes, and sizes, Michael Maitner has painted a lush, compelling landscape.

 

 

Web Extra: Hop on board the garden railroad

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To read the full article by Sandie Parrott on Sean Rosenkrans’ garden railroad, pick up a copy of the April, 2014 issue of Michigan Gardener in stores or find it in our digital edition.

Captions and photos by Sandie Parrott

Rosenkrans controls all the trains from his transformer platform. Moisture or anything else on the rails means he has to regularly clean them and adjust speeds to keep the trains moving.
Rosenkrans controls all the trains from his transformer platform. Moisture or anything else on the rails means he has to regularly clean them and adjust speeds to keep the trains moving.

 

A “steam” locomotive pulls flat cars with logs through a forested lumber camp (evergreens and seedlings), with the village in the background. The scene includes a sawmill with a handmade sawdust burner, campsite with tent, campers and hungry bears, and a covered bridge.
A “steam” locomotive pulls flat cars with logs through a forested lumber camp (evergreens and seedlings), with the village in the background. The scene includes a sawmill with a handmade sawdust burner, campsite with tent, campers and hungry bears, and a covered bridge.

 

The hippodrome is the main circus building along with fortune teller and ticket booths, a merry-go-round, and gnome village. Animals, performers, and visitors complete the scene.
The hippodrome is the main circus building along with fortune teller and ticket booths, a merry-go-round, and gnome village. Animals, performers, and visitors complete the scene.

 

The bathroom garden began when a neighbor was throwing away an old sink. Rosenkrans hung it on an old door with a mirror and added a pump for washing hands. The tub came from another neighbor’s remodeling project. Now it has a pump and helps to water plants. The commode was found by the side of the road. Hostas are planted in the bowl and pansies in the tank.
The bathroom garden began when a neighbor was throwing away an old sink. Rosenkrans hung it on an old door with a mirror and added a pump for washing hands. The tub came from another neighbor’s remodeling project. Now it has a pump and helps to water plants. The commode was found by the side of the road. Hostas are planted in the bowl and pansies in the tank.

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