Michigan Gardening – Page 2 – Kalamazoo Garden Council

Invasive Plant – Swallow-wort

September 1, 2026May 4, 2017 by

Black and Pale Swallow-worts Cynanchum louiseae ( Vincetoxicum nigrum) and Cynanchum rossicum ( Vincetoxicum rossicum) Plant Threatens Michigan Monarchs Swallow-wort can be confused with Milkweed by Monarch butterflies because their seed pods are similar. This Michigan decorative garden plant, brought to the United States during the 19th century, has affected how Monarchs develop. For more … Read more

Pollinators – Mason Bee

September 1, 2026October 24, 2016 by

Mason Bee The tiny mason bee is environmentally healthy, simple and fun. Mason bees are extraordinary pollinators. These bees are very efficient, 200-300 females can pollinate an entire acre. They are native to most of North America. There are approximately 150 types of mason bees. According to Judy Beaudette writing on the website, ecolandscaping.org, “They are tunnel-nesting, … Read more

Beneficial Insects – Braconid Wasp

September 1, 2026September 16, 2016 by

Braconid Wasp Tomato hornworm covered with white cocoons of Braconid Wasp Photo Taken by Amy Nelson at Crispe House, Plainwell, MI. While gardening at Crispe House this week we came across a Tomato Hornworm in the vegetable garden near the back of the house next to the drive way. I found the Tomato Hornworm pictured to … Read more