Michigan Gardener

SIGN UP to stay in touch!
We will send you occasional e-mails with gardening tips and information!


Digital Editions

Click on the cover to read now!

PLEASE NOTE: In the autumn of 1995, we hatched the idea for a free, local gardening publication. The following spring, we published the first issue of Michigan Gardener magazine. Advertisers, readers, and distribution sites embraced our vision. Thus began an exciting journey of helping our local gardening community grow and prosper.
After 27 years, nearly 200 issues published, and millions of copies printed, we have decided it is time to end the publication of our Print Magazine and E-Newsletter.

Archive for the Website Extras department

Website Extra: Bob Labadie’s Garden

  •   Leave a Comment

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

  •   Leave a Comment

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

  •   Leave a Comment

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

  •   Leave a Comment

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

  •   Leave a Comment

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

  •   Leave a Comment

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

  •   Leave a Comment

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

  •   4 Comments

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.

Web Extra: Pruning to make great evergreens

  •   Leave a Comment

To read the full article by Janet Macunovich on pruning evergreens, pick up a copy of the Nov/Dec, 2013 issue of Michigan Gardener in stores or find it in our digital edition.

Captions by Janet Macunovich / Photos by Steven Nikkila

Even a tiny branch (circled) has great potential. Once clipping changes its position from shaded interior to sunny outer edge, this wimpy twig can become a husky, densely feathered leader.
Even a tiny branch (circled) has great potential. Once clipping changes its position from shaded interior to sunny outer edge, this wimpy twig can become a husky, densely feathered leader.

 

Evergreen pruning can be done at any time. I can even thin at one time, and cut back overall at a different time. I take advantage of that in winter when we need long branches for decorations. Look at all the great cuttings I've gathered just from thinning this boxwood (left) and these hollies (right).
Evergreen pruning can be done at any time. I can even thin at one time, and cut back overall at a different time. I take advantage of that in winter when we need long branches for decorations. Look at all the great cuttings I’ve gathered just from thinning this boxwood (left) and these hollies (right).

 

Work with the natural shape of the plant and you can do all the cutting at once, using pruners. Most stems are clipped by one year's growth. The thickest are cut by two years'. These shrubs were a matched set five minutes ago. They will be again in five more minutes once I've clipped the one on the left.
Work with the natural shape of the plant and you can do all the cutting at once, using pruners. Most stems are clipped by one year’s growth. The thickest are cut by two years’. These shrubs were a matched set five minutes ago. They will be again in five more minutes once I’ve clipped the one on the left.

 

If a shrub has become too big (photo 1), I wait until early spring to cut and thin. For instance, I cut and thinned these boxwoods shortly after budbreak (photo 2). At other times all this previously sheltered wood and foliage would have been suddenly exposed to summer heat or wintry cold. Such quick changes can kill leaves and make wood die back even further than it was cut. Recovery was well underway in August of that same year (photo 3).
If a shrub has become too big (photo 1), I wait until early spring to cut and thin. For instance, I cut and thinned these boxwoods shortly after budbreak (photo 2). At other times all this previously sheltered wood and foliage would have been suddenly exposed to summer heat or wintry cold. Such quick changes can kill leaves and make wood die back even further than it was cut. Recovery was well underway in August of that same year (photo 3).

Website Extra: The artistic country garden

  •   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.

Copyright 1996-2025 Michigan Gardener. All rights reserved.