Winter Newsletter February 2022 | |
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Happy 2022!
My way of saying good-bye to 2021 is “Good Riddance!” I thought 2020 was an ugly year and 2021 wasn’t much better with the COVID restrictions, arguments, challenges, and everything else that goes with a pandemic situation and 2020 election. I am totally believing that things will improve in 2022. Eventually, the virus will run its course and the medical experts will figure out a way to reduce morbidity and fatalities from COVID.
I hope the winter is short and that we can spend more time outside soon. I have some really cool things up my sleave this year for our District members. My plan to get the Special Interest Groups to share and do more together will offer some get-up-and-go to members who wish to connect with others. There have been some tour ideas that we could offer as a District and they will be quite different. Hopefully, these tours will provide an unfamiliar perspective on agricultural activities in Michigan.
Honestly, we have a lot to do and can do as a District. We can participate in a Leadership Spring District Meeting. District VI has invited us to attend their event on Saturday April 23rd in Mt. Pleasant. Our District has two flower shows of interest: the Orchid Society Plant Show and Sale at MSU on February 25th – 27th and District IIB Flower Show March 17-20th at the Greater Lansing Home and Garden Show, MSU. There is the Michigan Garden Club conference June 8-9th. Then, Howell Garden Club will host a Fall District Meeting on October 11th, 2022. The theme for the Fall District Meeting will be decided this month. If we throw two tours into our calendar, we have quite a bit of fun to offer our members.
Our District members should be immensely proud of themselves. Our District had an exceptionally good attendance and financial outcome for our 2021 Fall District Meeting. Our member participation was among the highest in the Monday Morning Meetings, the Friday Member Meetings, and the MGC Annual Conference. We can also take pride in having a high number of members attending the MGC schools. Our clubs learned to use ZOOM conferencing tools to conduct club business. I am extremely proud that we stood tall and strong in the face of threatening pandemic!
There is so much we have accomplished and yet so much to do. Everyone can help…everyone matters! Thank you all for helping us make lemonade out of the lemons given us in 2021. This year let’s spike it up a little.
Carol Grainger
2B District Director
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We hope you enjoy this newsletter!
We also hope you get some educational value from it and appreciate the links we have included. We welcome comments, suggestions and any ideas for content on going.
What did you like?
What would you like to see?
Would you like to contribute?
Please let us know your thoughts here
Sincerely – Carol Grainger
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ENTER-TO-WIN
A winter pick-me-up dream basket for the gardener!
Thinking of spring? Making your gardening plans?
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Enter to win this basket with lots of wonderful gardening stuff as well as feel-good stuff after a day in the garden or a day of planning the upcoming garden. This dream basket contains:
A Smiley Face vase with candy bouquet
Grainger Strawberry & Rhubarb jam
Note cards
Orange garden gloves
Box of bonbons
Serenity Candle
4 native flower seed packets
Whipped Zen Soothing Skin Stick and Lip balm
Plant markers
Gretta’s Goat Milk Soap
Estimated Value $69
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Brighton MI Garden Club
The Brighton Garden Club started in 1974 with Sue Smith being the founder. We now have 72 members. We are so grateful for all of the leaders and members who have brought us to this point. We are excited to let you know that we have several Public Gardens that we have designed, purchased plants and maintain during the late spring, summer and early fall.
We serve our community in seven public gardens. First is the Brighton Community Center. The Brighton Garden Club holds its monthly meetings here. We plant and maintain the garden in the parking area as well as the two planters at the entrance of the building to welcome visitors. We pay not rental fees for our meeting as the city accepts our service as payment.
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Mill Pond Garden
The brick planter boxes, the centerpiece of downtown Brighton, were donated by the club in 1989 and are now maintained by club members. Perennials and annuals are purchased and planted in the spring by the chair and her committee. In the fall, mums may be planted, as well as bulbs for spring bloom. In winter, greenery is placed to add to the winter scenery.
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The Victory Garden
The leaders of this garden have done a complete makeover the last two summers. In order to create a welcoming and inviting space for visitors and the volunteers who maintain the vegetable part of the VG for the County food bank. They have held several “campfire” style team meetings at the garden, and are excited to try to resurrect a new VG filled with drought tolerant, full sun, low maintenance plants, that create a peaceful, shady, restful place for visitors and volunteers. Home Depot donated the supplies for the pergola.
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The Veterans Memorial
It was built in 2013 is located in downtown Brighton at the Mill Pond. It was officially completed and presented to the public Veterans weekend November 2014, honoring area veterans and their families. The memorial includes flags from all branches of the military as well as the American flag. In 2019 two Rosie the Riveter rosebushes were planted in honor of Rosie the Riveter of WW II. Our roses honor two Brighton residents, Brick pavers with the names of those who served their country have been installed on the surrounding dais and sidewalks. This garden was awarded first place in 2015 by the Michigan Garden Club. Brighton Garden Club is honored to design, plan and maintain this outstanding memorial garden.
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Millie’s Library Garden
It was established in 2000 in memory of Mildred D Lintner, a longtime supporter of the library. There are seven gardens, three of which are Butterfly, Hummingbird, and Tiger. They create a learning environment and enjoyable setting for programs and quiet contemplation. The gardens have received certification as a Wildlife Habitat and Monarch Waystation. Special features have been donated and include: The Reading House, “Art” the Tiger, Peace Pole Bird House and Commemorative Pathway. This garden was also on the LACASA Garden Tour.
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The Post Office Garden
It was planted in 1995 and is the home of the club’s Blue and Gold Star Memorial, which honors all active and past soldiers. The constantly evolving garden has been planted with native perennials, shrubs and annuals including herbs that assist local and migrating insects and birds. In 2019 the garden received first place Pollinator and Civic Beautification awards. A Peace pole, butterfly house and bee box were donated.
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The Sculpture Garden
The City of Brighton dedicated this pocket park in the fall of 2013. It is located on Main Street and highlighted by several large, contemporary metal sculptures. The garden represents a collaboration between DDA, City of Brighton, the Art Council and the Brighton Garden Club. A general plan including raised flower beds, walkways, trees, shrubs and grasses was designed and implemented by Lindhout Associates Archi-tects and Karleen Schaefer from Landscape Design Associates. Local businesses contributed money towards the purchase of benches.
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Club and Social Media News | |
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Brighton Michigan Garden Club - February member meeting “Meet the Mason Bee Our Powerful Pollinator” Naturalist/Educator, Laurel Zoet, has over 15 years of experience connecting people of all ages with the diversity and wonder of nature right in their own backyards. Her naturalist resume includes time with the Michigan DNR, Huron-Clinton Metroparks, West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation, and the Leslie Science and Nature Center. In 2015, Laurel began her own nature education outreach business, Nature on the GO! LLC where she traveled throughout the state of Michigan teaching nature programs at schools, libraries, senior living facilities and other assorted organizations. In 2017, Laurel and her husband Mitch opened Wild Birds Unlimited of Brighton, MI located in the Green Oak Village Place mall. Their vision to bring nature and people together through the hobby of backyard bird feeding & it has afforded them the perfect avenue to continue educating the public about the natural cycles right here in southeast Michigan.
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DeWitt Millennium Garden Club
Friendships
On a warm and sunny afternoon in early November ten ladies from the Dewitt Garden Club met to plant daffodils at the new Community Building at DeWitt City Hall.
We met in the parking lot and just seeing each other in the real-life version and for the first time in so many months was heartwarming.
Kathy Seidowski thrust her shovel into the ground, and I plopped in several bulbs. But really, I was there to take pictures. To me that was the important item for the day. To record the lovely day when old friends got together and smiled.
Barbara Best
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“When all at once I saw a crowd, a host, of golden daffodils”
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From poem, “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” by William Wordsworth
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The Garden Club of Greater Lansing
shares this upcoming event
Spring Leadership Meeting
District 6 has invited District 2B to their
This is in place of our District having its own D2B Spring Meeting.
It will be held in Mt. Pleasant on April 23rd at The Commission on Aging 2200 S Lincoln Rd, from 9:30-3:00. Monica and Nancy will be speaking and we will have 4 roundtable breakout sessions which address the topics your presidents and mine listed most important at our Fall District Meetings last year. I think it promises to be a really good meeting! It looks like the cost will be right around $25 for treats/drinks/lunch, believe me we've struggled to keep the cost down!
Look for registration form after March 7th.
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Grand Ledge Garden Club shares
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Hartland Home & Garden Club shares - Livingston County Master Gardener Association
Oak Wilt Prevention starts now - Ruth Dorando Marcy, Michigan State University Extension - December 14, 2021 - Pruning oak trees during the wintertime helps avoid oak wilt infections during the growing season. Learn more.
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Howell Garden Club
Our February Program
Growing Organic Veggies
Speaker: Christian Flickinger, Renegade Acres co-owner and returning HGC speaker, will share his organic vegetable prowess with us just in time for spring planning. Renegade Acres is a Certified Organic Small Farm in Howell specializing in heirloom produce, Hemp & Hand-Harvested heirloom seeds. They bring their organic produce to many area farmers markets. Christian and his partner, Katie, also market seeds and plant starts thru their website gardenhoard.com
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Just your friendly neighborhood farmers venturing out into the night to make sure the Howell Farmers' Market is stocked up!
As posted on Facebook.
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Looking Glass Garden Club
Our February Program
Hydroponic Gardening
Our February meeting was a field trip to Horizen Hydroponics in Lansing. Miranda Branum, indoor gardening specialist, gave a nice slideshow presentation on hydroponic gardening. "In hydroponic gardening, the water does the work—the work of delivering nutrients to the plant roots. In order to grow, plants need water, sunlight, carbon dioxide (usually from air circulation), and nutrients." We enjoyed learning new ways to start seeds, grow seedlings and plants in water. We toured the store and took a step close to welcoming Spring with thoughts of our gardens & plants.
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Mason Sycamore Creek Garden Club Our March Program
Attracting Bluebirds
Come and join us for this wonderful program! What a great way to satisfy those springtime dreams! Learn more
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Youth Garden Club
We teach 2nd to 6th grade youth and their families. We will be learning about Winter Sowing. We will be meeting inside the Pink School House until weather allows outdoor activities. We look forward to this year of great growing and learning with all of you. Learn more
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Marshall Area Garden Club shares | |
Meridian Garden Club shares - MSU Horticulture Gardens- Programs
If you missed your chance to sign up, we hope to bring this workshop back again sometime in the future. See all photos here.
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Sherwood Garden Club
Webberville Garden Club
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Williamston Red Cedar Garden Club
We had great fun during our club’s meeting/terrarium presentation and workshop. We have really talented people in our club who made beautiful open (desert) terrariums.
Click to see all Facebook Photos
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Our club's February program -
What You Need to Know About Flower Shows
February and March are the months that garden clubs members start their participation in flower shows. Jolanta Piecuch will tell you everything you need to know about your participation in a flower show - either in the Horticulture part or the Design part. We'll learn how to fill out an Entry Tag and how to find and write your plants' botanical names.
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“Orchids on Parade” is a part of the Greater Lansing Orchid Society Show and Sale
Design Classes
Design Rules
Top Awards
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A Standard Flower Show
Destination: National Parks
District 2B of Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc.
Member of Central Region
Member of National Garden Clubs, Inc.
Open to the Public
See full brochure here
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February
18 Member Meeting - MGC Grow and Share Grants
23 IIB Designers - "Orchids"
26-27 Greater Lansing Orchid Society Orchid Show (schedule)
March
Jan-Mar Pressed Flower Exhibit - , "Quiet Room" Okemos Library
8 Mason Sycamore Creek Garden Club Meeting - Attracting Songbirds to Your
Backyard - Earl Wolf
10 DeWitt Millenium Garden Club Meeting - "Greening the Garden" by Isabel Branstrom
15 IIB Photographers - Okemos Library
16 Youth Garden Club, 5:30 pm, "Growing Your Vegetables"
17-20 "Destination: National Parks" - IIB Flower Show (photography schedule; flower show schedule)
21 Meridian Garden Club Member Meeting - "Planning An Herb Garden"
April
5 Mason Sycamore Creek Garden Club Meeting - "Spring Garden Tour Presentation" - Mike Hill
14 Brighton Garden Club Meeting - "Growing Herbs and Mints to Produce Natural Products" (guests may join via Zoom for the noon program)
14 DeWitt Millennium Garden Club Meeting - "Growing Plants in Michigan" by Brian Gayheart
16 Youth Garden Club, 5:30 pm - Planning the gardens, hoop house"
18 Meridian Garden Club Member Meeting - Jack A. Drew Landscape Architect
19 IIB Photographers - Okemos Library
20 Youth Garden Club, 5:30 pm - Open the garden, plant potatoes, peas and root vegetables
May
4 Youth Garden Club, 5:30 pm - Planting seeds
5 Mason Sycamore Creek Garden Club Meeting - Plant exchange
12 DeWitt Millennium Garden Club Meeting - Officer Installation and Plant Swap
16 Meridian Garden Club Member Meeting - Meridian Historical Village Spring Clean-up
17 IIB Photographers - Okemos Library
18 Youth Garden Club, 5:30 pm - Watershed class
21 Meridian Garden Club Plant Sale - 9 am - 2 pm, Central Park Pavilion, 5151
Marsh Road, Okemos
June
1 Youth Garden Club, 5:30 pm - Finish planting all gardens
8-9 Michigan Garden Clubs State Conference - Crown Plaza Hotel, Lansing
15 Youth Garden Club, 5:30 pm - Pollinator week 6/20-6/26
29 Youth Garden Club, 5:30 pm - Bees, honey and pollination
July
10 IIB Designers - Plan 2023 IIB Flower Show Schedule
13 Youth Garden Club, 5:30 pm - Stepping stones garden art
27 Youth Garden Club, 5:30 pm - Garden learning, harvest and maintenance
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Join a D2B Special Interest Group
Belonging to District IIB offers opportunities to participate in many activities. These groups include Quilting, Photography, Crafting and Design.
Each interest will be able to plan their own schedules, activities and interactions. There are no requirements for participation and no cost (except perhaps for materials for a specific project). You can participate as much or little as you desire— but without signing up, you won’t know what’s happening! See the contact information below.
IIB Crafters - Contact – Deb Plichpa, debplichpa@gmail.com , 517-242-6076
IIB Designers - Contact Kathi Dominguez, dominguezk@comcast.net, 517-927-4665
IIB Photographers - Contact Melinda Pope, melindapope56@me.com
IIB Quilters - Contact Linda Mogyoros, turtlehatch@att.net, 517-712-2622
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Michigan Native Plant Feature
by Lynn O'Shaughnessy
Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)
When I first saw this plant in a native plant catalog, I was so taken by the flowers that seemed to look like smoke that I had to get a few and try them. I planted them in the fall and was all excited to see them the following year. The plants began to push up flowers in the spring, then nodded over without any 'smoke'. I thought I had gotten the wrong plants at first, but as the flowers were done blooming, they turned back upright and the 'smoke' appeared.
The plants alone only get to be about 8 inches tall with very lacy, intricate leaves. The flowers come up about another 10 to 12 inches above the leaves. They prefer sun to part sun, medium wet to dry soils and bloom from April to June. The main pollinator of this native species is the queen bumble bees. Why the queen bees? I found out at a workshop on bumble bees last week that the queens are the first to emerge in the spring and they set out looking for pollen and nectar to help build their hives. They will hang upside down on the nodding flowers and 'buzz pollinate' them. A delight!
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Tap Your Own Maple Trees!
by Kim Ray - Presentation made to the Brighton Garden Club
Did you know that you can make your very own maple syrup from the maple tree in your yard? Join Kim Ray as she will lead us through the process of tapping our own trees and some fun facts on the nutritional benefits and overall enjoyment of this annual event!
Did you know? You can make maple syrup from any tree in the maple family that is 10 inches in diameter at chest height. So, grab a tape measure and some marking tape, and take a moment in the trees. You’ll be glad you did. See details
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Steering Committee 2022 - 2023
We look forward to working together and helping you make the most of your Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. membership.
Carol Grainger, District Director, mailto:district2b@migardenclubs.org
Ronnie Polad, District Treasurer, mailto:rpolad@gmail.com, 517-896-4442
Jolanta Piecuch, Awards/Grants/Scholarships, mailto:jolantapiecuch@yahoo.com, 517-655-9869
Ann Schoals, Events/Member Services, mailto:bathien@frontier.com, 517-281-1101
Nita Campbell, Website, mailto:nitacprn@comcast.net
Lynn O'Shaughnessy, Facebook, mailto:freespirit@pleurothallids.com
Terry Such, Newsletter, mailto:terry.such@gmail.com
Debbie Richards, Newsletter, mailto:richdebbie@gmail.com
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Michigan Garden Clubs
Grow and Share Programs
All members of garden clubs in District IIB are welcome to the Friday Morning Member Meetings. These meetings cover a broad range of topics and are held on Zoom the First and Third Fridays of every month. The meetings start at 10:00.
Go to the Michigan Garden Club website Member Area to attend.
Upcoming topics include:
March 4, 2022 - Raised Bed Gardening Design & Construction -Sue Newman, Advanced Master Gardener from Traverse City, MI
March 18, 2022 - Growing & Propagating Herbs in the Vegetable Garden - Sandi Clark
See more upcoming
Friday Morning Member Meetings
Library of Recorded Content
- Go to MGC website -www.michigangardenclubs.org
- Sign in username: “member” and password “mgcgrow”
- It is under Morning Member Meetings -drop down menu
- Select Monday/Friday Morning Meeting Folder
- Select and open 2022 Meetings Folder
- Select and open 1-21-2022 Fill In The Blanks Folder
- Open: Recording: GMT20220121-150213_Recording
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Learn the basics about growing your own vegetables Learn More
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Wildflower Association of Michigan
Our mission is to encourage the preservation and restoration of Michigan's native plants and native plant communities . You can become a member here.
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Get on the map! THE MAP is an interactive community-based visual that will show each person’s contribution to planting native by State, County and Zip Code. Click here to get on the map to add your garden. | |
NGC Our Schools
Environmental
Flower Show
Gardening
Landscape Design
Refreshers
Symposiums
International NGC Schools
Helping members become accomplished environmental consultants. Helping others engage in environmental education.
CLICK TO FIND A SPECIFIC COURSE
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The official publication of the National Garden Clubs, The National Gardener appears quarterly. We highlight articles of interest to environmentalists, gardeners, landscapers, floral designers, educators as well as nature photographers. Feature columns provide our readers with leadership advice, seasonal recipes and garden club lore. Enjoy this and more by viewing and downloading the current issue. VIEW THE LATEST & ARCHIVED ISSUES HERE.
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Please note the website address change for Central Region
The new CR website address is: ngccentralregion.com
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