What are Keystone Native Plants and Why are They so Important?
14% of native plants (the keystones) support 90% of butterfly and moth lepidoptera species.
Eco-friendly Tableware
The Council Shop is now stocked with eco-friendly tableware for purchase.
About the Hazel Wirick Scholarship
An annual scholarship is underwritten by Kalamazoo Garden Council, Inc., in memory of founder and past president, Hazel Wirick, and awarded by Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc., to Western Michigan University to support a student selected by the university in the field of botany, biology, environmental studies or other related subjects. Michigan Garden Clubs awards scholarships …
Thank you from Hazel Wirick Scholarship Recipient
A thank you from Alex Kolstoe, recipient of the Hazel Wirick Scholarship.
Asian Jumping Worms
Jan Keys, our Horticulture Chairman, warned us to be aware of Asian Jumping Worms that could be in our gardens. They are lighter in color than familiar earthworms, have a band that goes around their body and they are very, almost hyperactive compared to regular earthworms. Unfortunately, they are incredibly invasive and destructive. They will …
Honey’s Babies: Because Everything Good Has a Beginning
Petal Pusher’s member Linda Ricca chronicles the nest life of two baby hummingbirds in this charming slideshow and the graphic talents of fellow garden club member Andy Stork enhance the enjoyment!
Plants Bees Like Best
A new resource for finding out what to plant to attract pollinators. What Plants Bees Like Best
Spring Blooming Shrubs
Excerpt from GardenGate.com by Garden Gate Staff
Tri-Refresher, June 5, Lansing
I would like to encourage all club members to consider attending this Tri-Refresher associated with the MGC state meeting in June. The price is right and the opportunity for education fantastic. Jeanette Meyer, President KGC
Giant Swallowtail
Scientific name: Papillo cresphontes
Higher classification: Swallowtail
Three Surprising Solutions to Climate Change
August Environment Report by Denise Clegg
What can we do to preserve pollinators?
According to the website http://metroparent.com there are some rather easy actions that we can take to preserve pollinators in our gardens. Stop buying plants pretreated with neonicotinoids. Treated pants are primarily sold at big box stores. These insecticides are sprayed onto seeds and are effective for up to 10 weeks. They were seen as less …
Invasive Garlic Mustard
Garlic mustard is an exotic invasive plant from Europe...
Top Five Environmental Concerns for 2019
The top 5 environmental concerns for 2019 are: Biodiversity Water Deforestation Pollution Climate Change Biodiversity is the complex system of the environment having an impact directly and indirectly on every other thing. In the March report I reported on the stone fly, a seemingly insignificant insect. I reported on that to demonstrate how a small …
Having a Healthy Lawn While Being Environmentally Sound
April Environmental Report written by Denise Clegg My husband has often said he didn’t go to college to be a grass farmer. However, much of his leisure time is spent taking care of the lawn. The perfect lawn is not a priority in retirement. So, I’m hoping that I can impart some wisdom from the …
Michigan Master Naturalist Program
This program is open to anyone who has an interest in the great out of doors!
Just added to the Council Shop! March 2019
Crowning Glory floral spray is the spray used at our Greens Sale to preserve the fresh greens arrangements.
Consequences of Seemingly Harmless Activity
Are you planning a vacation this year? Going to do some hiking?
We’re Losing Monarch Butterflies Fast- Here’s Why
It’s not too late to save them, but it’s a question of whether we make the effort, scientists say. 6 MINUTE READBY CARRIE ARNOLD PUBLISHED DECEMBER 21, 2018
Please Welcome our New Members
Evey Prentice joined Western Hills in October 2018 Kathy Larson joined Chula Vista in November 2018 Michelle Farris joined Chula Vista in November 2018 Rose Neumann joined Chula Vista in November 2018 Nancy Hannah joined Garden Pals in December 2018 Margaret McAllister joined Grow & Show in Jan 2019
Council Shop- Your One Stop for All Your Fresh Arrangement Needs!
The Council House Shop has many supplies available at great savings for your fresh arrangement creations. We carry both green and black oasis, various gauges of floral wire, floral tapes and picks as well as bases to hold half, full or two blocks of oasis! Floral Fresh water additive in packets and single stem vials …
The Nature Conservancy’s Ross Coastal Plain Marsh
GET OUT THERE AND ENJOY OUR ENVIRONMENT “Just north of South Haven, MI, you will find one of the state’s unique natural treasures. The Nature Conservancy’s Ross Coastal Plain Marsh is 1,449 acres of beauty and is home to a stunning variety of habitats, plants, and wildlife. The diversity of life found at Ross can …