Books of the Month-September 2026
This month, we are highlighting books about butterflies, hummingbirds, and frogs.
Notices
Chihuly at Meijer Gardens
Chihuly at Meijer Gardens The Kalamazoo Garden Council members will spend the day at Meijer Gardens on a guided tram tour of the Chihuly Glass Exterior Exhibit. This is a guided tour with frequent stops for photo shoots and moments of amazement. This is a members-only event. Learn how you could become a member and … Read more
Gardeners Who Influenced American Culture
Gardening has always been more than soil and seeds. It’s a way of shaping how people see their surroundings, how they care for their neighborhoods, and how they imagine the future. Long before environmental policy had a name, women across the country were already doing the work — planting wildflowers, organizing clubs, distributing seeds, and … Read more
Another Successful Flower Show!
Congratulations to our blue ribbon and rosette winners. If you see any errors in this list, please contact Sue Conat with the information. I think everyone was a winner- you all made it a beautiful show!” Sue
Books to help you with your flower show design
In anticipation of the Council’s Sizzlin’ Summer Flower Show July 17-18, Kathy Kienle is recommending 4 books from our Council’s library …
2026 KGC Annual Meeting
Registration is now open for the Kalamazoo Garden Council Annual Meeting, taking place on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at the beautiful and historic Henderson Castle, 100 Monroe St. at W. Main, Kalamazoo.
Resources
Gardening Tips Better Homes & Gardens-Garden DesignFarmer’s Almanac-Three Season Garden DesignThe Helpful GardenerBlog by The Empress of Dirt Beneficial Insects and Pollinators Pollinator Plants-Great Lakes Region Native Plants Michigan Native Plants DatabaseDeer Resistant Plants DatabaseUSDA Plants DatabaseUSDA Forest ServiceMSU Native Plants and Ecosystem ServicesMichigan DNR Learn about Birds, Plants, Trees, Insects, Mammals, etc. Regional and … Read more
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!
Books of the Month (September, 2025)
Grow a garden for cutting, install a water garden or read about why gardeners garden in this month’s selected books.
Rare rusty-patched bumblebee found in Kalamazoo County
A rare species of bumblebee thought to be extinct in Michigan was recently rediscovered in Kalamazoo.
Books of the Month (August, 2025)
Did you know that our Blanche Babcok library has a wonderful selection of books about Native Plants and Composting? We want to highlight three of these books today.
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.
71st Annual Holiday Greens Sale
The Kalamazoo Garden Council proudly held its 71st fundraiser, the Annual Holiday Greens Sale, on December 6 and 7, 2024 at the Portage Zhang Senior Center. Despite Mother Nature throwing us a curveball with a snowstorm right before our setup day, the determined spirit of our members enabled us to set up the venue on … Read more
2024 Flower Show Results
Here are the results from the 2024 NGC Standard Flower Show that was presented by the Kalamazoo Garden Council in September.
Endangered and Threatened Species in Michigan
Dr. Todd Barkman shares a list from the MSU Extension of Endangered and Threatened Species in Michigan.
The Importance of Pollinators by Dr. Jeanette Meyer
Did you know that 1/3 of our food is dependent on pollinators which are threatened by climate change?
Memory Lane Dedication
The Memorial Garden honors and remembers those who have contributed so much to this organization and to this property.
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.
COVID 19 Update
KGC Members, please follow all MDHHS COVID-19 Guidelines that are pertinent to you as you meet this summer. For more information, please visit www.michigan.gov/coronavirus.
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
