The MGC, Inc. Mission is to provide education, resources, and
network opportunities for its members to promote the love of
gardening, floral and landscape design, and environmental responsibility.
In this issue…
MGC President 1
Contacts 2
Val Dinvald Memorial 2 Morning Member Meetings 2 New Board/Exec. Comm. 3 District Meeting Dates 9 NGC Gardening School 10 NGC Reforestation Project 10 Consultant’s Council 11 Habitat for Humanity 12 2021 HS Essay Winner 13 Environmental Tips 14 Awards; Saving Monarchs 15 Scholarships; Horticulture 16 Life Membership 17
Official Publication of Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. a 501 © 3 non-profit organization and member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. and the Central Region National Garden Clubs, Inc.
familyvacationcritic.com
From the 2021-2023 President…
Think about the mission of Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc.
“to provide leadership in education, resources and network opportunities for its members to promote love of gardening, floral design, landscape design, civic and environmental responsibility.”
At our June State Virtual Conference, we had the pleasure to hear Doug Tallamy share his views on establishing an innovative approach to
conservation that starts in our own backyard. This is our opportunity to be part of the largest, most inclusive, cooperative, and voluntary conservation project ever attempted. This is our grassroots call-to-action to regenerate the biodiversity that creates our life support systems.
It is a time to activate our mission of civic and environmental
responsibility. I hope that you have been able to do something this summer to contribute to the Homegrown National Park Initiative, to create new habitats which will also create a collaborative relationship with nature.
Gardening with Nature is our project for the next two years.
Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc., has become a partner in the Homegrown National Park and is encouraging every Michigan gardener to register their garden (free) and Get on the MAP. Get started with planting native plantings that support life around us and remove invasive plants that do not. When you register your garden be sure to note that you were “lit” by Michigan.
Monica Taylor
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
CONTACTS
MGC, Inc. President Monica Taylor [email protected]
MGC, Inc. 1st Vice-President Nancy J Ryan [email protected]
NGC, Inc. President Mary Warshauer [email protected]
NGC Central Region Director Carol Yee
Newsletter Editor Carol Lauffer
Morning Member Meetings
There were many interesting and informative topics covered in Morning Member Meetings during 2020 and 2021. Download videos and handouts from the Member Area of the MGC Website.
Find the next topics at www.migardenclubs.org
Continued from page 1
Michigan Data April 6, 2021 Aug 12, 2021
Active Counties 39 48
Active Zip Codes 94 142
User Count 124 199 Plantings Count 167 289 Planted Acres 373.42 458.156
With your participation and support we can do this – one person at a time!
Until next time,
Monica Taylor
Data source: Homegrown National Park
« Memorial Note »
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Val Dinvald, the husband of our MGC Past President, Lynn Dinvald. Val had been under Hospice care after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Memorial services were held in Kalamazoo on August 13th. Certainly Lynn will miss her husband of 60 + years. MGC will donate to the Scholarship Fund in Val’s memory.
Cards and notes may be sent to Lynn at: 6802 Springbrook Ln, Kalamazoo, MI 49004-9665.
Judy Lindemulder, Second Vice President
Tri-Cities Garden Club (Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg)
Served as President, 1st VP, 2nd VP, Historian and Newsletter Editor.
MGC Blue Star Chairman for 4 years prior to this position
Advanced Master Gardener.
Downsized from 3 acre lot to condo and challenged to not buy a tree, shrub or plant that says, “you really want me,” when visiting garden nurseries
Looking forward to working with Executive Board and Committee members during my 2021-2023 term
Introducing Your New Board and Executive Committee
Monica Taylor, President
Tri-Cities Garden Club (Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg)
West Michigan Flower Arrangers Guild
Flower Show Judge; Gardening Consultant; Environmental Consultant
Looking forward to working with Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc., to Grow, Share and Connect
Promoting an initiative to Garden with Nature
Nancy J. Ryan, First Vice President, District Affairs, and Membership Chair
Kent Garden Club (Grand Rapids)
Former President of Indian Hills Garden Club ( St. Joseph, Benton Harbor,
Stevensville)
Former consultant in management, organizational change, and performance improvement
MGC Strategic Planning Committee 2016
MGC Finance Chair 2017-2019
Looking forward to working with President Monica Taylor & District Directors
Anne Todd, Recording Secretary
Kent Garden Club (Grand Rapids)
Past President of Kent Garden Club
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
Doris Campbell, Third Vice President
Milan Garden Club
Served as Landscape Design School Chair 2019-2021
Hobbies include flower gardening; feeding/watching backyard birds especially
Goldfinches
Enjoys reading and loves a good mystery
Nancy Smith, Fourth Vice President
Taylor Garden Club
President of Taylor Garden Club for many years
Honored to serve as Fourth Vice President with MGC
Current garden interest is native plants
Hoping to reduce maintenance time in my yard and garden with natives
Introducing Your New Board and Executive Committee
Barbara Lobdell, Treasurer
Tri-Cities Garden Club in Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg
A transplant to Michigan from Alaska
Treasurer of the Tri-Cities Garden Club
Utilizes raised bed gardens; practices season extending and organic gardening
Grows mostly vegetables, and my idea of garden success is picking lettuce, chard, onions and herbs in my garden in January
Kathy Wolverton, Corresponding Secretary
Kent Garden Club (Grand Rapids)
California resident for 34 years
Held multiple Club Board positions and committee chairmanships
Kent Garden Club President 2019-2021
Chair of club’s Veteran’s Home Memorial Garden project which will be the home of Kent Garden Club’s Blue Star and Gold Star plaques
Gardening Interest: Anything with color!
Introducing Your New Board and Executive Committee
Rose Houk, Parliamentarian
Dewitt Millennium Garden Club
Chair of MGC Group Tax Exempt Program (GTEP) Committee
Lansing-area attorney for 50+ years
Michigan Assistant Attorney General for 30 of those years
Performing pro bono work with charitable organizations since 2009 helping with incorporation and achievement of official tax-exempt status through the IRS
Author of the Handbook used by MGC, Inc for clubs that wish to join the MGC, Inc GTEP and has been the Chair of the GTEP since its inception
Janet Hickman, Registrar
The Friendly Garden Club (Traverse City)
Former MGC President
Former member of Great Lakes’ Gardeners (Midland)
Retired in 2005 from Dow Chemical Company after 31 years in Research and Marketing
Current FGC co-chair of Children’s Sensory Garden Project in partnership with the Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park
Loves spending time with husband, Andy, 2 daughters and their spouses, two granddaughters and one grandson
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
Gail Taggart, Finance Chair and Share Grants Administrator
Muskegon County Garden Club
Working to turn a lakeside lot on a hill from grass to glam; aiming at 70% natives but will be thrilled to achieve 50%
Anne Ryan, District 1 Director
Junior League of Detroit Gardeners; President for 3 years
Experience in banking and finance
Retired from Raymond James
Detroit Institute of Arts and Friends of the Arts volunteer
Fifty year interest in floral design and gardening initially nurtured by her Mother’s gardening expertise
I am here to help you. I hope you use the many program ideas and resources that MGC provides for its members
Introducing Your New Board and Executive Committee
Carol Grainger, District 2B Director
Williamston Red Cedar Garden Club
Current Past President and 2nd Vice President of Williamston Red Cedar Garden Club
Owner and operator of Creatives Learning Links, LLC
Serves on the Board of Directors of Sowing Growth, Inc. in Ingham County
She and her husband, David, operate a mini-farm
Has a passion for gardening and “farm to table” programs
Mary Moore, District 2A Director
Over fifty years ago my husband and I moved to Reading, MI to his Grandmother's house
I have held several positions in the Hillsdale Garden Club including President
Presently learning the District IIA Directors position
It's a pleasure getting acquainted with club members in the District and State
Michele Armstrong, District 3 Director
Indian Hills Garden Club (St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Stevensville)
Became interested in gardening and plants growing up in upstate New York and began landscaping my home after moving to the Midwest
Love sharing my gardening experiences at my club, district meetings and Annual State Conference
Gardening has led to lasting friendships with other gardeners
Learned plenty at NGC Landscape School; attending NGC Gardening School
Looking forward to serving my District 3 clubs and promoting benefits of MGC
Introducing Your New Board and Executive Committee
Dorothy Sandoval, District 5 Director
Charlevoix Garden Club
Grew up in Gaylord, Michigan
Traveled around the country in a career as a Chaplain/Director of Pastoral services
Avid vegetable gardener since childhood.
Became a Master Gardener while living in the state of Arkansas
Hope my power of observation and keen listening skills can help move Garden Clubs into the future with less labor and more satisfaction
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
Introducing Your New Board and Executive Committee
Carol McGregor, District 4 Director
Lowell Showboat Garden Club (Lowell) since 2004
Moved to USA from Canada in 1983, then to Michigan in 1998 from Florida
Formerly served as Lowell Showboat GC Secretary, Treasurer and
President
Previously served MGC as the Historian and Recording Secretary
First time Director in 2019 and disappointed in how COVID curtailed my MGC activities
Hope to be able to visit all 12 clubs in District this time around
Looking forward to meeting new friends, connecting with current friends and seeing all the beautiful gardens and projects during the next two years
Kathy Sauber, District 6 Director
Caro Garden Club (in Michigan’s “Thumb”) for 41 years
Held many club positions including twice as President
Advanced Master Gardener for 27 years
MGC Youth Contests Co-chair for 3 years
Retired after 30 years as a Dental Hygienist
6 children and 11 grandchildren shared with husband
Excited to serve as a District Director and look forward to meeting the great gardening folks in my district
Grow, Share, Connect and Bring A Guest!!!!!!!
A
ren’t you ready to gather with fellow gardeners again??? I know the District Directors and the Host Clubs are very excited to be planning in person 2021 Fall District Meetings that bring us all back together!A
nd the District Directors are inviting us to bring a guest or two – gardeners who enjoy gathering with others to learn and discuss our favorite gardening topics while making new friends!I
t will also be a great opportunity to spread the word about MGC’s Homegrown National Parks initiative!District Meeting Dates
District 1 Anne Ryan October 21, 2021
District 2A Mary Moore October 22, 2021 Hillsdale District 2B Carol Grainger September 30, 2021 Marshall District 3 Michele Armstrong October 6, 2021 Plainwell District 4 Carol McGregor October 5, 2021
District 5 Dorothy Sandoval October 7, 2021 Traverse City District 6 Kathy Sauber October 2, 2021 Midland
M
ark the date on your calendar now! President Monica Taylor and I look forward to seeing you soon!Nancy Ryan, MGC First Vice President
Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association Announces the 2021 Plant Michigan Green Community Landscape Beautification Award Winners
The Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association’s (MNLA) Community Landscape Beautification Award Program recognizes communities for their excellence in improving the physical and aesthetic environment of their neighborhoods and in raising the awareness of the positive economic growth and environmental impacts that quality landscaping brings to Michigan’s communities. These projects are designed to enhance the visual image of the neighborhoods, improve livability, build civic pride and promote community spirit.
Congratulations to the following 2021 Community Landscape Beautification Award Winners:
Kent Garden Club Project: “Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Memorial Garden” [Details on page 19.]
Meridian Garden Club Project: “Okemos Post Office Garden”
SPRING 2021 VOLUME X, ISSUE VIII
FALL 2021
SPRING 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE IVOLUME XI, ISSUE III
Gardening School
National Garden Club’s educational program, Gardening School, is being presented in its entirety over Zoom in 2021 by Michigan Garden Clubs and Kalamazoo Garden Council, the local sponsor.
Course 1 and 2 were presented in March and April.
Course 3 and 4 are scheduled for September 15 and 16 and November 10 and 11 respectively.
Registration information is available on the home page at https://migardenclubs.org . Registration for Course 3 closes September 1. Registration for Course 4 will begin on September 10. and will close October 27. Attendance is limited to 50 attendees.
For more information about the course content go to the NGC website, Gardening School | National Garden Clubs, Inc. Course 3 includes the following topics: Factors that Influence Plant Growth, New Plant Development and Evaluation, Container Gar- dening – Outdoor, Houseplant Basics, Native Trees and Shrubs, and a Teaching Tour.
Course 4 includes the following topics: Plant Classification and Nomenclature, Outdoor
Identification of Plants, Specialized Garden Styles, Techniques of Growing Woody Ornamentals, and Pruning Techniques.
The committee has been using all sorts of creative ways to accomplish the educational goals of this program. Current attendees have been complimen- tary of the presentations. Presenting over Zoom allows for speakers and attendees from across the country.
NGC, Inc. Reforestation Project
Fires in the forest can be a good thing as the heat causes pinecones to open and release seeds, but fire suppression strategies over the
years have created a new dilemma for our vast pine forests.
The buildup of brush and dead debris fuels massive fires throughout our forests that decimate the forests and combined with our warming climate is hostile to the growth of new seedlings.
National Garden Club, Inc. has a perfect project to help contribute to the growth of new forest land on the burnt off and damaged acres: Penny Pines.
This partnership between NGC and the USDA Forest Service allows clubs and members to contribute to the reforestation of indigenous trees in areas destroyed by fire or natural catastrophe.
A donation of $68 to the NGC Penny Pines Project will help to support this reforestation project.
There are ways that each club and their members can remember to collect funds for this project at the club meetings:
1. Place a Penny Pines collection container on the refreshment table at your meeting so members can donate spare change or spare cash to the project.
2. Designate a $68 contribution from the club treasury once or twice a year depending on the dynamics of your fund raising.
3. Ask for donations at your next fund raising
Pixabay
Bing
SOMETHINGS COMING… It Will Be Good!!!!
Did you know that when you successfully complete all four courses and exams of one of the Schools
—Environmental, Gardening or Landscape— you become a Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. Consultant?
Did you know that there are currently over 400 Consultants in our state?
So, it is time to re-group and revitalize this potential group of ADVOCATES for our environment, our gardens and our landscape!
The first step was to change the structure of MCC from a board with separate bylaws to a committee operating under the MGC bylaws and policies.
Second the decision was made to eliminate the bi-annual dues.
Third an MCC Planning Committee was formed with representatives from each district.
The Committee includes:
Ruth Moline District 1 Carol Brodbeck District 2A Deb Plichta District 2B Lynn Dinvald District 3 Nancy Ryan District 4 Kathy Johnson District 5 Nancy Stark District 6
At our first Zoom meeting we generated a long list of ideas and now will work on putting together with our recommendations for the September Board of Directors Meeting.
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
Helping Your local Habitat for Humanity
Most every house Habitat builds with the help of volunteers has a yard. That’s where your club can share their knowledge, gifts of time, tools, plants and house warming gifts to the first time
home owners.
There are Habitat Affiliates and ReStores all around our state. Some build a dozen houses a year and some struggle to build only one. When you think about remodeling, remember the ReStore. They resell windows, doors, woodwork, appliances and hardware. Your donations help finance new homes.
Donate and shop there when you can.
Find out how your club can help by calling the HFH local office and asking. That doesn’t mean using a power tool but may mean volunteering to landscape once the house is completed. It may mean the mentoring a new home owner in the care of the new plantings for the first two years. There is so much to learn about caring for a yard.
I have volunteered with Habitat of Kent County for 25 years and served on the board of Roscommon County Habitat. When Habitat first started, I lived in New Jersey and helped build a house in Trenton. I have had the joy of giving a hand up not a hand out to many first time home owners.
That is why I am glad to serve on our MGC State Board. I will continue to remind clubs to reach out and help their local Habitat for Humanity Affiliate this year. Please let us know how your club has or will reach out to your local Habitat for Humanity Affiliate.
Youth Contests
Youth Sculpture Contest and High School Essay Contest:
Kathy Sauber Youth Contests co-chair manages the High School Essay Contest and the Youth Sculpture Contest. She writes, “It has been great fun working with the clubs and youth! I hope many clubs across the state will sponsor a Youth Contest. It really is extraordinarily little work considering the rewards of working with and educating our youngsters about the environment!”
Contact Kathy for clarification on the High School Essay Contest (Grades 9-12) and the
Youth Sculpture Contest (Grades 4-8) guidelines.
Reach her at [email protected] Phone (h) 989-673-7691.; (c) 989-325-0034.
Woodsy Owl, Smokey Bear and Poetry Contests:
Martha Rohr Co-Chairs Youth Contests as well and manages the dynamics of the Woodsy Owl/Smokey Bear Poster Contest ( Grades 1-5) and the Poetry Contest (Grades K-9). Contact Martha about guide- lines for either contest at [email protected]
USFS/DOA USFS/DOA
Free Image HFH
Cooper Wasik
Ninth Grade Hannah Wasik Caro Garden Club
Theme: Adapting our Actions to Protect Natural Habitats
There are several simple ways that we can adapt our actions to protect our natural habitats. Although we may not realize it, there are many things we do daily that destroy or harm habitats. A few ways to preserve our natural environment is to promote wildlife habitat, use eco-friendly products, naturally generated energy, and grow your own garden. People should take into
consideration that every effort put forth will contribute to keeping our habitats growing strong for many years to come.
The first action to take in preserving our Natural environment is protecting and
promoting wildlife habitats. Rivers, forests, fields, and oceans are very important
resources to all living things. Without, it would be diffi- cult for animals to survive. That is why it’s so important to protect natural habitats as much as possible. Just like humans, animals need food and some sort of shelter.
The next adaptation would be using eco-friendly products that are beneficial to wildlife and the environment. Take the extra time to research
ingredients in products, such as; fertilizers, pesticides, and household cleaners. Several of the main
ingredients are harmful chemicals which could be killing animals and are toxic to humans. There are many eco-friendly products available for use instead of harmful chemicals. Littering is also dangerous for animals and pollutes the environment. You may not think that throwing your plastic water bottle in the ditch will hurt anything but, you’re not the only one that does this kind of behavior. It is estimated that over 300,000 tons of plastic is littered evert year. Much of that goes in the oceans, which harms fish and sea creatures.
Another way to protect the environment is using naturally generated energy. Wind turbines and solar
modern society. Wind and solar energy are both clean fuel sources, cost effective, environmentally safe and have several other benefits. The best places to construct wind turbines are in coastal areas, on top of hills, open plains, or any place the wind is reliable. If Using solar power, installing the solar panels correctly is necessary. To become most efficient, panels will face different directions depending on where sunlight hits most directly. Solar and wind power are both very efficient and a clean power source which helps protect the environment.
The final way is by growing and harvesting your own garden. It is easy and supplies food for you and your family. You can properly dispose of table scraps by composting most anything except fish and meat scraps.
Once this breaks down it becomes a very nutrient rich soil. You can then use it in your garden and your plants will be thriving. Billions of trees are cut down each year and are a highly valued material so they need to be replenished. Trees are a necessary resource for building, furniture, paper, tools, weapons and much more.
There are many ways that we can contribute to protecting our natural environment. Protecting and promoting wildlife habitats, using eco-friendly
products, naturally generated energy, and growing your own garden are just a few. We want to protect our natural habitats as much as possible. They are very important to all living things and are not going to care for themselves. If we don’t adapt our actions and try our best to protect our natural habitats, everything will die out over time. That is why it is our job to take responsibility in caring for the land God gave us, showing good stewardship.
Regarding the subject of trees, I have the following information for your interest and support.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) responsibly manages 3.9 million acres of state forest land using such techniques as timber harvests, planting and prescribed burns to keep forests thriving and healthy. To make the work more efficient and easier to oversee, the DNR divides those millions of acres into 15 forest management units, which are further divided into compartments.
Management activity in each forest management unit is finalized two years in advance, and each compartment is formally reviewed once every 10 years. This fall, recommendations for 2023 are being presented. Open houses are being held virtually, with input invited by email, phone or mail.
This gives you, the concerned public, the
opportunity to offer feedback to foresters, wildlife biologists and other DNR professionals regarding forest plans. The DNR reviews 10% of the state forest annually. For more information, including a link to the interactive forest map showing details of all forest management activities, visit Michigan.gov/
Forest Input.
The DNR is raising funds to purchase 16 new track chairs to expand access to state parks, trails and water for everyone. These off-road, electronic chairs can easily handle trails, snow, sand and even up to 8 inches of water, allowing users to explore areas of the parks where traditional wheelchairs might not. Chairs are available at no cost through
E n v i r o n m e n t a l T i p s
This is an opportunity for your garden club or you to make a donation for the challenged individual to get out and enjoy the natural environment. For more information go to michigan.gov/DNR Accessibility or call 1-800-439-1420.
Regarding Native Plants, I recommend adding a Cup Plant to your native garden. The Cup Plant is a tall flower that is beneficial to insects and many oth- er animals. The Cup Plant can stand up to 6 feet tall.
The yellow flowers attract butterflies and the seeds of the plant are a food source for birds. The leaves clasp the stem and form a sort of cup. These cups collect rain water. Insects and other small animals looking for a drink will visit these small pools of wa- ter. Think about adding a Cup plant to your garden this coming Spring.
For Youth, I recommend helping them build their own insect hotel using a recycled container or box.
Fill the container with Insect friendly nesting materials such as pine cones, sticks, leaves, and rocks and place one at ground level and one higher up in a tree branch, etc. Observe your hotel to see who visits.
If you want to learn more about your environment, I recommend attending the NGC Environmental School. For more information on subjects related to the environment watch for my postings on our MGC Facebook page.
Respectfully submitted by Rita Crawley
Environmental Chair, 4 Star
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
As Clubs have begun meeting in person, planning and holding events, community education and beautification projects, I expect to see an increase in the number of award submissions this year.
Award applications were down for 2020 as
expected but at the same time we had an increase in applications for photography, websites,
Facebook, and newsletters.
National Garden Club has made some changes to their Award categories for 2021. All Clubs should take a closer look at these before they decide what awards to apply for this year. MGC has not changed Award categories for 2021.
All general MGC and NGC awards will have to be sent electronically again this year. The exception for this is publications such as brochures, manuals, handbooks, etc. Please be sure that you use the new Award Application Forms. You will receive instructions as to how your award applications should be named and formatted and how pictures should be attached before you send them on to me.
The Awards Committee is anxiously awaiting your Award Applications for 2021.
Awards
State Representatives Padma Kuppa (D-Troy) and Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills) have introduced Bills 4895 and 4896 to support the wellbeing of Michigan’s essential pollinating insects.HB 4895 would prohibit the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on public land and require the Michigan Dept of Agriculture and Rural Development to produce a report on the costs and benefits of the use of neonicotinoid pesticides.
They are a new class of insecticides related to nicotine and are toxic and often fatal to bees,
monarch butterflies, and other beneficial insects and pollinators. The EU has banned three main
neonicotinoids for all outdoor use. The United States currently does not have such restrictions.
HB 4896 would exempt milkweed from the definition of noxious plants for the purpose of controlling and eradicating those weeds.
Milkweed as we know is a key food source for bees and the only food source for monarch caterpillars.
Doug Tallamy states in Nature’s Best Hope that mon- arch populations have declined by more than 96 per- cent in ten short years because of the loss of milk- weeds and forage plants in both agricultural and residential landscapes.
The bills have been referred to the House
Committee on Agriculture. The committee has yet to consider them.
Free Clipart
with Sue Soderberg,
MGC Awards Chair
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
MGC Scholarship Corner
with Karin Maupin
Flaticon.com
Horticulture with Pam Cater
The Mighty Oak
I have been thinking about the importance of oak trees in our forests and landscapes after hearing Doug Tallamy’s presentation about Homegrown National Parks and Reading his book The Nature of Oaks. Doug states that oak trees host and provide food for more species of insects than any other tree in North America. Michigan oak species are:
· Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) is most used in urban areas and landscapes. It has a pyramidal habit, grows 40-60 feet tall and has sharply lobed leaves. Pin Oaks require acid soil and can be chlorotic in heavy, basic soils.
· Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) is very long lived and can grow 90 feet tall. It has lobed leaves, and is widely grown in Michigan and is used as a landscape or shade tree. It is also called the Champion Oak.
· Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) is found growing along stream beds, swamps and bottomlands. Swamp White Oak can grow 50-80 feet tall.
· White Oak (Quercus alba) grows in well drained soil to 50-80 feet tall. The leaves are oblong and wider near the ends.
· Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa), a slow growing species, can be up to 100 feet tall. Bur Oaks have large acorns and are favored by black bears. Bur Oaks grow in poorly drained soils.
The mighty oak is an important forest and landscape tree in Michigan. In recent years concerns about the health of our oak trees has emerged. Most notably, this summer gypsy moth populations exploded. Other than the larval nuisance and defoliated trees, most healthy trees recover and re-leaf with no treatment necessary.
Oak Wilt, a fungal disease, spread by sap beetles and through root grafts of trees growing in close proximity is of more concern. The sudden wilting and defoliation of trees in June indicates Oak Wilt. Not pruning oaks from April 1st until November can prevent it. If you suspect As the 2021-2022 Michigan Garden Clubs (MGC)/
National Garden Club (NGC) Scholarship Program began in September, scholarship enthusiasm was high.
Relationships between established agents and university staff are strong. Last season in the midst of the Covid-19 outbreak, sixteen students received MGC scholarships of
$1,000-$2,000, a total of $18,000. We hope to do even better during the 2021-2022 season.
Last year for the first time the MGC and the MGC/NGC scholarship programs were combined. An excellent candidate, Martha Rocker, a junior at Northern Michigan University and an Environmental and Sustainability Major, represented MGC and won the
$4,000 NGC award. Congratulations to a very remarkable student!
Donations were down last year. MGC Scholarship lost two large individual gifts as well as some club monies.
This decrease was probably Covid-19 related; clubs were not meeting regularly. Disbanding Hill and Dale Garden Club and one of their generous members donated
$1,000 for a one time named scholarship. Kent Garden Club has decided to begin a scholarship of their own at Grand Valley State University and our MGC Committee will manage it for them. This is a wonderful way for a club to increase its presence in the community, as well as helping to ensure and support the future of
horticulture and related topics.
To continue to grow this wonderful program, two co- chairs have been added. Suzanne Budrow has taken over Donations and Laura Foess-Wood will be helping with the MGC Scholarship Program. Bunny LaDuke will continue as Financial Adviser.
A tremendous thank you goes out to our wonderful contact committee. Their work with the universities and students is an important reason why this program has
Life Membership with Virginia Froehlich, Chair
As we begin to move toward in-person meetings and gatherings, interest in Life Member
Achievement Awards (LMAAs) has increased.
LMAAs are presented by clubs to honor members for outstanding service to their club, district or state organization. They may also be purchased by individual club members for themselves or by friends and family for a club member.
The LMAA program provides a wonderful opportunity to support projects important to MGC’s mission. To streamline the accounting process, the cost of a LMAA is now $105, which includes a pin. The money is used as needed to supplement the Scholarships investment fund.
MGC currently budgets annually to offer scholarships to all 15 public universities for studies in gardening, horticulture, landscaping and environment-related fields.
To purchase a LMAA, go to migardenclubs.org/
awards/life-member-achievement-award/ and download the request form. Please use the CURRENT form available, as the questions are designed to ensure your recipient is recognized for a variety of contributions and
accomplishments. And please allow 4-6 weeks for processing . . . not because I write slowly, but in case I’m on vacation!
Please join me in congratulating these most
• Judy Atkinson, Caro Garden Club
• Marge Clarke, Garden Club of Greater Lansing
• Denise Clegg, Western Hills Garden Club
• Betty Fast, Hillsdale Garden Club
• Joyce Gelaude, Big Rapids Garden Club
• Carol Lynn Grainger, Williamston Red Cedar GC
• Joanne Hawkins, Charlevoix Area Garden Club
• Marykay Hes, Saline Stone and Thistle Garden Club
• Barbara Hoogeboom, Kent Garden Club
• Sue Kesti, The Garden Club of Greater Lansing
• Eva Mae Lake, Belding Gardeneers
• Judy Lindemulder, Tri-Cities Garden Club
• Elaine McIntyre, Brighton Garden Club
• Wendy Montague, Big Rapids Garden Club
• Patti Oakland, Grow and Show Garden Club
• Arlene Rebeschini, Grosse Ile Garden Club
• Dorothy Sandoval, Charlevoix Area Garden Club
• Joan Serr, Holland Garden Club
• Margaret Stephenson, Williamston Red Cedar GC
• Catherine Ware, Williamston Red Cedar GC
• Delores Wentzel, Western Hills Garden Club
• Becky Yaple, Kalamazoo Garden Club
• Cheryl Yelen, Brighton Garden Club
Congratulations also to recent National Life Membership recipients Liz Troman, Chula Vista Garden Club (given by Pauline Northrop and Ron Beattie), and Kathy Kienle and Phyllis Straw, Kalamazoo Garden Council.
Virginia Froehlich can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at
734-675-2944 for further information regarding this award.
The Application form can be found at
https://migardenclubs.org/awards/life-member-
SPRING 2021 VOLUME X, ISSUE VIII
Upcoming Events Calendar
September 2021
4 Charlevoix Evening GC Plant Sale 9 AM—12 PM Charlevoix 8-9 Environmental School, Course 3 8:30 AM—4 PM Midland
11-12 District IV Flower Show Frederick Meijer Gardens
15-16 Gardening School, Course 3 8 AM—5 PM Zoom
18 Gold Star Dedication 10—12 PM Saline
28-29 Flower Show School, Course 1* 8 AM—5 PM Petoskey
30 District 2B Fall Meeting 8 AM—5 PM Marshall
October 2021
2 District 6 Fall Meeting 9 AM—3PM Midland
5 District 4 Fall Meeting 8 AM—5 PM
6 District 3 Fall Meeting 8:30 AM—3:30 PM Plainwell 7 District 5 Fall Meeting 8 AM—5 PM Traverse City 13-14 Environmental School, Course 4 8:30 AM—4 PM Midland 18-19 Landscape Design School, Course 3 8:30 AM—3:30 PM Grand Haven 21 District I Fall Meeting 8 AM—5 PM Detroit 22 District 2A Fall Meeting 8 AM—5 PM Hillsdale
November 2021
10-11 Gardening School, Course 4 8 AM—5 PM Zoom
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
* Flower Show School, Petoskey
Don't miss course 1 of 4 of Flower Show School in Petoskey, Michigan, September 28 and 29, 2021. Looking forward to horticulturist Judy Newman working with Forever Conifers and Merry Marigolds and designer Claudia Chopp teaching us some traditional floral designs. We will supply breakfast and lunch both days. Come visit us in Petoskey and have a great time learning about Flower Shows. We would like to see at least two members from each district at Flower Show School.
Evening Bloomers Garden Club in Mount Pleasant, seventeen members strong, celebrated their 30 year anniversary on April 1, 2021.
Members stayed active and eager participating in projects including working bi-monthly in their 25 year old Welcome Patch garden at the US127 exit and Pickard Street, attending regular meetings at the Patch, a local park, or the MP County Club and hosting their Annual Garden Walk this year. After receiving a grant from members were able to finish their Blue Star Memorial in Shepherd.
East Jordan Garden Club, District 5, celebrated their 60th year as a club with a celebration on July 24, 2021 that included an informal flower show as a backdrop.
Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Memorial Garden
When news of a new Grand Rapids Home for Veterans was proposed, I contacted the home’s Administrator to discuss the possibility of a garden space on the property of the new home that could be reserved for planting by Kent Garden Club (KGC) with a focus of placing Blue Star/Gold Star memorial markers within the garden.
A small committee of KGC ladies met with representatives from the Veteran’s Home, the
construction company, the landscape design company, along with several officials from the VA administration to discuss KGC’s intent and purpose for the garden along with placement options. It was then decided that a space adjacent the new chapel would be appropriate.
on the grounds of the new home. We presented our very simple but affordable garden sketch with planting on both sides of a mulch path and two stones to mount the markers. The beautiful new plan agreed upon between the landscaper and KGC was “over budget” by far. It was obvious that we needed to raise funds so we decided to sell walkway pavers in memory of or in honor of a veteran.
We also received two small grants toward the project.
In late April it was discovered that we had sold more pavers than we had room for. Rather than disappoint the donors we decided to enlarge the walkway doubling the width. At this point the cost exceeded those pavers sold so we made the announcement we were again selling pavers.
This solicitation was limited to 40 American Legion and 15 VFW posts, the Veteran’s home, and our club members.
The project was completed with plantings by June 15th.
All costs were covered as was the cost of the two memorial markers. Two benches are yet to be installed and are paid for by donations to the home. There was a dedication ceremony on August 18, 2021. KGC will tend the garden, change out the plantings as seasons dictate, plant bulbs and perennials, and lay a living wreath on Veteran’s Day. Of planting concern was the addition of trees for future shade to the benches.
A native Sugar Maple was planted. Drought resistant grasses (Autumn Moor) were planted, one existing tree was relocated, and in the center of the flower garden is a prunus “accolade” cherry tree. KGC has planted 50 Kwanzan cherry trees, both at the Grand Rapids Public Museum and along the east bank parks area of the
downtown Grand River. Thus, a cherry tree was our choice here.
This project has been an inspiration to all who have contributed, to those who have and will visit the
garden, and to the residents and staff at the home. It is a place to reflect, find peace, and gather after chapel to honor and remember those who served our country.
THRU THE GARDEN GATE MICHIGAN GARDEN CLUBS, INC.
7888 E BROOMFIELD RD
MOUNT PLEASANT MI 48858-9152
Newsletter Submission Requirements
1. Size 12 Calibri font; 1.19 line spacing 2. Submit in MS Word; NO PDFs
3. Seasonal themes:
• Spring — Horticulture/Landscaping
• Summer — Wildlife/Pollinators
• Fall — Trees/Shrubs/Youth Activities
• Winter — Spring Gardening/Seeds 4. Submission deadlines:
• Spring issue — January 10
• Summer issue — April 10
• Fall issue — July 10
• Winter — October 10
5. Send to: [email protected]
Note to Contributors: The editor retains the right to edit articles due to space constraints.
Please feel free to send timely information for each issue focusing on seasonal theme and local district news.
Regular MGC columnists should continue to send articles honoring the current deadlines.
Contact [email protected] with questions. Thank you!
