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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.

Dutch consortium solves the first tulip genome

February 2, 2018 • 1 Comment

Three leading Dutch organizations have been collaborating with the aim of making tulip breeding and production faster and more sustainable. Using the latest technologies, it is now possible to identify the DNA sequence of the common garden tulip genome (Tulipa gesneriana), one of the biggest genomes ever sequenced. Its size is estimated to be nearly 11 times larger than that of humans.

The tulip genome reveals how the DNA determines the characteristics of a tulip. DNA patterns that are linked to desirable characteristics will soon be used in advanced breeding so that these characteristics can be combined to give new, improved varieties. With this knowledge, new tulip varieties that are resistant to common diseases can be developed faster and in a more targeted way. This will also reduce the use of plant protection products.

Hans van den Heuvel, Director Research & Development at Dümmen Orange, says: “The tulip genome makes the human genome look tiny: the entire human genome fits into one tulip chromosome. With the technology that was available at the turn of the century, this job would have taken over 100 years—an impossible task. But now we can do it in a matter of days. Data analysis is in full swing and there is no doubt that it will produce information that will transform tulip breeding, making it faster, more predictive, and above all ‘greener’ because we will focus on varieties that can be grown sustainably.”

New LED Lighting Technology Installed in Michigan State Greenhouses

January 24, 2018 • Leave a Comment

Passengers flying into, or out of, the Lansing airport in the dark might notice a pink glow coming from the south side of the Michigan State University campus. The high pressure sodium (HPS) lights in the teaching greenhouses have been mostly replaced with LED lighting modules.

Why pink, and not bright white? It’s all about the usable light spectrum that plants need. Plants actually do best with the red and blue light, which appears pink when mixed. Plants reflect green light waves, which is why plants are green. MSU has purchased green-lensed glasses to counter the effects of the pinkish light on eyes. With the green “sunglasses,” things appear normal under the new lights. Reportedly, the electricity usage will be reduced by up to 50% compared to the old fixtures. The old fixtures also cast quite a large shadow over the plants during the day. The new LED’s are very narrow and barely noticeable above the benches.

Dr. Kristin Getter and Dr. Roberto Lopez were instrumental in pursuing this new technology
for the teaching greenhouses. In the two houses that Dr. Lopez will be using for his class, the HPS lights were kept in half of each house so he will be able to demonstrate the effects of light type on plant growth to his students.

So, the next time you’re flying over campus, just note that the pink glow is the newest in
lighting technology and impress your fellow passengers.

Plant Focus: Plumbago

January 6, 2018 • Leave a Comment

By George Papadelis

In the fall, most gardeners are amazed to find a multitude of blooming perennials that are available to brighten up their autumn garden. Besides mums, gardeners may choose from many underused late-blooming plants such as toad lily, butterfly bush, caryopteris, perennial lobelia, yellow wax bells, asters, hibiscus, and many more. Unfortunately, many gardeners shop for flowers in the spring and summer when the fall bloomers are difficult to appreciate and are often overlooked.

One of the most versatile and underused fall boomers is plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides). This perennial may be used as a groundcover in masses or as a clump-forming accent plant. It forms vibrant blue flowers that last from late summer well into the fall months. In the fall, the olive green foliage turns a bronze-red that provides a tasteful contrast to the bright blue blossoms.

Plumbago grows 8 to 12 inches tall and will grow in both sun or almost full shade. It prefers well-drained organic soil especially when winters are wet. To ensure overwintering, plant by late September so plants will become well established before winter sets in. Also provide a protective layer of mulch in late November or early December to eliminate soil temperature fluctuations. During the winter, plumbago dies completely to the ground and then emerges late in the spring. Gardeners need to be patient for this new growth to appear.

Plumbago’s small blue flowers are a great source of fall color in rock gardens and short border plantings. Also use it as a unique underplanting for trees and shrubs because of its beautiful color and texture. Whatever its use, plumbago’s brilliant flowers, excellent fall color, and short growth habit make this a versatile plant in any garden needing plants with late season interest.

George Papadelis is the owner of Telly’s Greenhouse in Troy and Shelby Township, MI.

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