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Hull park, photo by Barbara Backus
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Serve
Public Pollinator-Friendly Gardens
by Barbara Backus, EMG
How do Master Gardener Projects get started? It is a very good question. Master Gardeners see a need. They notice when public gardens are not receiving the attention they deserve. Barbara Backus began a small project that way, and then trainees joined in. It was such fun, they took on a bigger project! Read HERE to be inspired.
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A winter crane fly (Diptera: Trichoceridae) active at 38°F on a day in December (2014).
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Nourish
Coordinator’s Corner: Did It Get Cold Enough to Kill All the Bugs?
Nate Walton, MSU Extension Master Gardener Coordinator
It was SO exciting to hear that the emerald ash borer MIGHT be knocked back due to the polar vortex in January. Therefore, the question remains…Did it get cold enough to kill all the nasty bugs? If so, would that be a good thing? Check it out HERE.
Gardening Tip: Last Year’s Seeds
by Cheryl A. Gross, AEMG
On our house, we never use all of the seeds in a packet in one season. Will they germinate in year two? A way to test the “old” seeds is to use 2 sheets of paper towels, a plate, and 10-15 seeds. Moisten the paper towels and sprinkle the seeds between the sheets. Keep moist, but not wet, for up to two weeks. Check the seeds for signs of germination. Depending on the number of live seeds you can make your decision for planting. Should you see 50% germination, you can use the seed and seed heavier. Less than 50% you just might want to purchase fresh seed.
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Real Dirt: New Volunteer Opportunities!
by Cheryl A. Gross, AEMG
The Real Dirt has been a publication of the Master Gardener Association of Northwest Michigan for many years. It began as a paper document copied and mailed to all members. In January of 2013 it evolved into an on-line, web-based format and expanded content. It has been locally produced by an entire team of volunteers, many contributing writers, including Nancy Denison who has been writing since the beginning. At the core, I have been the editor coordinating with all contributors and assembling the content. Whitney Miller has been the “Techie Chick” logging countless hours on the design, format, redesign, and uploading of each issue. For the past several years, Bethany Thies has been our go-to for final grammatical editing.
As these jobs go, the volunteers give it their best shot and then are ready to move on. Changing hands is the best way to infuse new life into a project. Bethany and I are ready to move on. I began thinking about letting it go it last year, but as I have enjoyed it very much, have let time pass.
We are looking for VOLUNTEERS to carry-on the Real Dirt OR IT WILL CEASE PRODUCTION WITH THIS ISSUE.
As Editor, it is not a difficult job. I would be more than happy to help someone transition to the role. You would be able to design the job to suit you; I will explain all of the steps I have taken for each issue. As for the grammatical part, we really do need to find a new Bethany. Her eagle eye and corrections kept us looking professional and I relied on her. Master Gardeners can earn volunteer hours for all of the time spent researching, writing, and editing the Real Dirt. For those who find working on your knees too much, these are “easy” hours. You need to be able to work with computers, be a reasonably good writer, and want to share interesting gardening concepts with others.
Click HERE to read more details on the Editor/Chair duties. Contact me at grossrichardson@mac.com to find out more and to refresh the Real Dirt!
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News & Events
Make a Rain Garden with Native Plants
Tuesday, March 5, 2019, 6:30pm (Potluck at 6:00pm). Presented by Carolyn Thayer, Landscape designer and owner of Designs In Bloom
Growing Together Initiative
Tuesday, April 2, 2019, 6:30pm (Potluck at 6:00pm). Learn about local Extension Master Gardener projects, with a focus on food gardens
Meetings are held at The Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City, MI 49685. Educational meetings are open to the public, and a $5 donation from non-members is appreciated.
Board Meeting
Tuesday, April 9, 2019, 6:00pm. All Extension Master Gardeners are invited to attend. Board meetings are held in the lower level of Horizon Books in Traverse City.
Hands-on Pruning Demonstration
Saturday, March 23 @ 10:00am - 12:00pm. $5. With Fritz Girrbach of Brothers Tree Service. Before the trees leave dormancy, learn how to do corrective pruning on all types of trees and shrubs. Fee $5. Contact the Leelanau Conservation District with questions at 231-256-9783.
Go Beyond Beauty Spring Meeting
Wednesday, April 3, 6:00pm – 7:30pm with the Invasive Species Network
Forest Mushrooms
Wednesday, April 3, 6:30pm - 8:30pm, presented by Linda Schribner, a certified forager who can commercially harvest and sell wild mushrooms in Michigan. Fee: $10. Contact the Benzie Conservation District at 231-882-4391 for any questions. Location: Mills Community House, 891 Michigan Ave., Benzonia
”Ferntastic!"
Sunday, March 10th, 3:00pm – 4:30pm, with Angie Lucas of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. An overview of native fern species found in our region, identification tips to use while exploring the woods or wetland trails, and other fun fern facts.
Landscaping for the Birds, Bees & Butterflies
Wednesday, March 13th, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, local experts Brian Zimmerman and Tom Ford will discuss how to create a garden landscape to attract bees, butterflies, and birds, beginning with native plants. Guidance on plant selection, nesting boxes, mason bee houses, and providing water for wildlife will be shared.
Square Foot Gardening
Thursday, March 21st, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, with MSU Advanced Master Gardener, who will discuss the history of square foot gardening and share her wisdom on building, utilizing and reaping the benefits of a square foot garden.The fee for this class is $30 and participants will take home Sandi’s presentation and a copy of Mel Bartholomew’s “Square Foot Gardening” (third edition) book.
Right Plant, Right Place
Sunday, April 7, 3:00pm – 4:30pm, with Dr. Robert Schutzki of MSU’s Department of Horticulture, who will discuss key concepts for smart gardening and how plant choice and maintenance are critical to preserving the natural ecosystem dynamics of Michigan.
Any required fee is listed in the event. Otherwise, donations are requested to support The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park. Classes are open to the public and advance registration is requested. Check out their website or follow them on Facebook for more details and to register.
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Garlic Mustard. Photo provided by Dreamstime, all rights reserved.
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Steward
MGANM February Meeting Notes: Chestnut Hypo virulence
by Nancy Denison, AEMG
Many of our beloved trees are under attack… and losing. Alien insects and diseases have hit our elms, chestnuts, ashes, and more. Behind the scenes, researchers are working hard to save our trees. Read HERE about the latest work being done to bring back the American chestnut.
The Battle Against Invasive Plants… and the Rewards
by Ruth Steele Walker, AEMG
We in northwest lower Michigan are fortunate to have the Invasive Species Network (ISN) working on our behalf. They are the boots-on-the-ground organization identifying, categorizing, battling, and educating the public about invasive terrestrial plants. Get to know them HERE and join the effort to preserve and protect our native habitats.
What's In a Name?
by Cheryl Gross, AEMG
Selecting a plant in a nursery is not as easy as one might think. Say you want a Ninebark. Easy-peasey. Not so fast. Ninebark is a common name. You need to know the Latin name as well. But wait, the plant has an additional name… “Golden Dart.” Is that the Ninebark you want? Read HERE to decipher plant names.
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben: A Review
by Kathryn Frerichs, AEMG
There is much about nature that we do not understand. Recently scientists have made fascinating discoveries about soil organisms as well as how plants communicate. The Hidden Life of Trees will open your eyes to the wonders in a forest. Go ahead, hug a tree!
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Photo by Nancy Denison
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Beautify
AFRICAN VIOLETS: Little gems that will make you smile and bring beautiful color to your home.
by Lillian Mahaney, AEMG
Cut flowers only last so long in a vase. Why not grow your flowers indoors in winter? African Violets are easy to grow and reward us with lovely blooms throughout the year. In winter, the blossoms are especially welcome. Read HERE for handy tips and how to’s.
The Orchid Thief, A Book review
by Nancy Denison, AEMG
March is STILL winter in northwest northern Michigan. Nancy Denison has offered a book for us to enjoy before our gardens call to us. Enjoy the pull of the exotic Orchid…
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