Michigan Gardening
From One to Many: Dividing Perennials Rejuvenates Your Garden
Most of us have plants that are getting too big for their space. Dividing perennials decreases their space in the garden, giving other plants a chance. It also gives us new plants for friends and neighbors. But what should be divided in late summer or early fall? And what should only be divided in spring? … Read more
Still Time to Create a Beautiful Container Garden
Start with a hardy perennial with beautiful foliage. Transplant it into a large container. Add summer annuals (on sale everywhere in July) and Voila! Beauty for this season and the beginning of next spring. Adding hardy perennials gives a base to a container planting that you intend to have for many seasons. Pick one with … Read more
Earth’s underground fungal network could stretch across 10% of the Milky Way
On Thursday, June 11, 2026, researchers published a study in the journal Science revealing the first global map of underground arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal networks stretching 110 quadrillion kilometers through Earth’s topsoil. These symbiotic fungi are critical for planetary health, shuttling around 4 billion metric tons of carbon annually—equal to 11% of human emissions—while supporting trade … Read more
Books of the Month-February 2026
This month, we are going from a Japanese theme to a book about a local treasure!
Books of the Month-January 2026
This month we are featuring books about Landscaping with Nature, Landscaping that Saves Energy, and a pocket book about Landscaping Small Gardens. Check them out!
Rare rusty-patched bumblebee found in Kalamazoo County
A rare species of bumblebee thought to be extinct in Michigan was recently rediscovered in Kalamazoo.
2024 Spotted Lanternfly Tracking
The rapidly spreading spotted lanternfly prefers to feed on the invasive tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) but also feeds on a wide range of plants, including grapevines and trees such as black walnut, river birch, willow, sumac, and red maple.
Why Plant Native?
If you’ve heard about the movement to plant more native species but wonder why is it important, the following resources will answer your questions!
Dr Barkman’s DIY Deer Repellent
Dr Todd Barkman, professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Western Michigan University,shares his deer repellent recipe with us.
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.
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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
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 … Read more
Spiderwort Friend or Foe?
Tradescantia The Spiderwort, Tradescantia virginiana, a spring blooming plant is considered to be an easy to care for and grow wildflower plant. Its other common name is Widow’s Tears. A herbaceous perennial in the family Commelinaceae, is native to the New World from Southern Canada to Northern Argentina, including the West Indies. Its unusual name … Read more
Enbridge Settlement Funding Research on Control of Aquatic Invasive Species
A project begun this year in the Fort Custer Recreation Area (FCRA) is a three year research project into control of aquatic invasive species (AIS). It is a multi-pronged approach to control AIS in the FCRA, developed and implemented by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The Kalamazoo River Watershed Council is working with public … Read more
Those Pesky Deer
For years I have had a huge problem with deer in my yard. As you are aware, they eat whatever they darn please. Two years ago at Wedel’s Spring Expo there was a booth with two guys from Messina Wildlife Management. I spent quite a bit of time talking with them before I bought their … Read more
Invasive Plants – Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica, an invasive species is prevalent in Kalamazoo County. It spreads easily and seems to be incredibly indestructable. The City of Kalamazoo hired Hannah Hudson last summer as the tall grass and weeds inspector. She has a background in natural resources, but had never heard of Japanese knotweed. She quickly learned its … Read more
Michigan Native Plants – Milkweed
Milkweed The Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed) one variety of milkweed common to Michigan. For more information on this and other Milkweed plants, please go to Milk Weed Sources in Michigan as compiled by Murray Cooper, KGC Horticulture Chair.