by Jeanette Meyer Garden Council members I learned some fun and helpful hints from one of the speakers, William Santos, who is owner of Monarch Garden & Floral Design in Petoskey, while attending the MGC state meeting. I would like to share these with you. I know you are an experienced and knowledgeable group, but …
Invasive Garlic Mustard
Garlic mustard is an exotic invasive plant from Europe that invades woodland habitats in North America and impacts forest biodiversity. In some woodlands, dense stands of garlic mustard in the spring threaten showy spring blooming ephemerals like spring beauty, trilliums and trout lilies. Other research points toward potentially negative impacts on timber species and forest health. …
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 …
Consequences of Seemingly Harmless Activity
Are you planning a vacation this year? Going to do some hiking? Have you seen the signs for leave no trace. “Please take nothing but photos leave nothing but footprints,” they say. Or, “pack it in pack it out.” You get the idea. According to information in an m-live article rock stacking is causing environmental …
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 https://apple.news/Aa1Z3g8Y4SQW33KAhsvQI9Q
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 …
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 …
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 …
Great Black Wasp: Beneficial Insect
Great Black Wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus) The iridescent Great Black Wasp is a beneficial insect in spite of its scary appearance being 1-1.5” long. They are nectar and pollen eaters. They gather prey (Katydids, Grasshoppers and Crickets) to feed their immature offspring located in underground nests. Since Great Black Wasps do not have a colony to defend they …
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 …
