fall 2021 volume xi, issue iii
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FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
The MGC, Inc. Mission is to
provide education, resources, and
network opportunities for its
members to promote the love of
gardening, floral and
landscape design, and
environmental responsibility.
In this issue…
MGC President 1
Contacts 2
Val Dinvald Memorial 2
Morning Member Meetings 2
New Board/Exec. Comm. 3
District Meeting Dates 9
NGC Gardening School 10
NGC Reforestation Project 10
Consultant’s Council 11
Habitat for Humanity 12
2021 HS Essay Winner 13
Environmental Tips 14
Awards; Saving Monarchs 15
Scholarships; Horticulture 16
Life Membership 17
Calendar 18
Official Publication of Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. a 501 © 3 non-profit organization and member of the
National Garden Clubs, Inc. and the Central Region National Garden Clubs, Inc. familyvacationcritic.com
From the 2021-2023 President…
Think about the mission of Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc.
“to provide leadership in education, resources and
network opportunities for its members to promote love
of gardening, floral design, landscape design, civic and
environmental responsibility.”
At our June State Virtual Conference, we had the pleasure to hear Doug
Tallamy share his views on establishing an innovative approach to
conservation that starts in our own backyard. This is our opportunity to be
part of the largest, most inclusive, cooperative, and voluntary conservation
project ever attempted. This is our grassroots call-to-action to regenerate
the biodiversity that creates our life support systems.
It is a time to activate our mission of civic and environmental
responsibility. I hope that you have been able to do something this summer
to contribute to the Homegrown National Park Initiative, to create new
habitats which will also create a collaborative relationship with nature.
Gardening with Nature is our project for the next two years.
Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc., has become a partner in the Homegrown
National Park and is encouraging every Michigan gardener to register their
garden (free) and Get on the MAP. Get started with planting native plantings
that support life around us and remove invasive plants that do not. When
you register your garden be sure to note that you were “lit” by Michigan.
Get on the Map: www.homegrownnationalpark.com
Monica Taylor
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FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
CONTACTS
MGC, Inc. President Monica Taylor
president@migardenclubs.org
MGC, Inc. 1st Vice-President
Nancy J Ryan 1stVP@migardenclubs.org
NGC, Inc. President Mary Warshauer
Mwarshauer@gardenclub.org
NGC Central Region Director Carol Yee
lmscyee@hotmail.com
Newsletter Editor Carol Lauffer
newsletter@migardenclubs.org
Morning Member Meetings
1st and 3rd Fridays, 10 –11 AM
There were many interesting and informative
topics covered in Morning Member Meetings
during 2020 and 2021. Download videos and
handouts from the Member Area of the MGC
Website.
Find the next topics at www.migardenclubs.org
located on the Member side.
Continued from page 1
Michigan Data April 6, 2021 Aug 12, 2021
Active Counties 39 48
Active Zip Codes 94 142
User Count 124 199
Plantings Count 167 289
Planted Acres 373.42 458.156
With your participation and support we can do this – one person at a time!
Until next time,
Monica Taylor
Data source: Homegrown National Park
« Memorial Note »
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Val Dinvald, the
husband of our MGC Past President, Lynn Dinvald. Val had been under
Hospice care after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Memorial services were held in Kalamazoo on August 13th. Certainly Lynn
will miss her husband of 60 + years. MGC will donate to the Scholarship
Fund in Val’s memory.
Cards and notes may be sent to Lynn at: 6802 Springbrook Ln, Kalamazoo,
MI 49004-9665.
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Judy Lindemulder, Second Vice President
Tri-Cities Garden Club (Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg)
Served as President, 1st VP, 2nd VP, Historian and Newsletter Editor.
MGC Blue Star Chairman for 4 years prior to this position
Advanced Master Gardener.
Downsized from 3 acre lot to condo and challenged to not buy a tree, shrub or
plant that says, “you really want me,” when visiting garden nurseries
Looking forward to working with Executive Board and Committee members
during my 2021-2023 term
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
Introducing Your New Board and Executive Committee
Monica Taylor, President
Tri-Cities Garden Club (Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg)
West Michigan Flower Arrangers Guild
Flower Show Judge; Gardening Consultant; Environmental Consultant
Looking forward to working with Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc., to
Grow, Share and Connect
Promoting an initiative to Garden with Nature
Nancy J. Ryan, First Vice President, District Affairs, and Membership Chair
Kent Garden Club (Grand Rapids)
Former President of Indian Hills Garden Club ( St. Joseph, Benton Harbor,
Stevensville)
Former consultant in management, organizational change, and performance
improvement
MGC Strategic Planning Committee 2016
MGC Finance Chair 2017-2019
Looking forward to working with President Monica Taylor & District Directors
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Anne Todd, Recording Secretary
Kent Garden Club (Grand Rapids)
Past President of Kent Garden Club
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
Doris Campbell, Third Vice President
Milan Garden Club
Served as Landscape Design School Chair 2019-2021
Hobbies include flower gardening; feeding/watching backyard birds especially
Goldfinches
Enjoys reading and loves a good mystery
Nancy Smith, Fourth Vice President
Taylor Garden Club
President of Taylor Garden Club for many years
Honored to serve as Fourth Vice President with MGC
Current garden interest is native plants
Hoping to reduce maintenance time in my yard and garden with natives
Introducing Your New Board and Executive Committee
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Barbara Lobdell, Treasurer
Tri-Cities Garden Club in Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg
A transplant to Michigan from Alaska
Treasurer of the Tri-Cities Garden Club
Utilizes raised bed gardens; practices season extending and organic gardening
Grows mostly vegetables, and my idea of garden success is picking lettuce, chard,
onions and herbs in my garden in January
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
Kathy Wolverton, Corresponding Secretary
Kent Garden Club (Grand Rapids)
California resident for 34 years
Held multiple Club Board positions and committee chairmanships
Kent Garden Club President 2019-2021
Chair of club’s Veteran’s Home Memorial Garden project which will be the
home of Kent Garden Club’s Blue Star and Gold Star plaques
Gardening Interest: Anything with color!
Introducing Your New Board and Executive Committee
Rose Houk, Parliamentarian
Dewitt Millennium Garden Club
Chair of MGC Group Tax Exempt Program (GTEP) Committee
Lansing-area attorney for 50+ years
Michigan Assistant Attorney General for 30 of those years
Performing pro bono work with charitable organizations since 2009 helping with
incorporation and achievement of official tax-exempt status through the IRS
Author of the Handbook used by MGC, Inc for clubs that wish to join the
MGC, Inc GTEP and has been the Chair of the GTEP since its inception
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Janet Hickman, Registrar
The Friendly Garden Club (Traverse City)
Former MGC President
Former member of Great Lakes’ Gardeners (Midland)
Retired in 2005 from Dow Chemical Company after 31 years in
Research and Marketing
Current FGC co-chair of Children’s Sensory Garden Project in partnership
with the Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park
Loves spending time with husband, Andy, 2 daughters and their spouses, two granddaughters and one
grandson
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
Gail Taggart, Finance Chair and Share Grants Administrator
Muskegon County Garden Club
Working to turn a lakeside lot on a hill from grass to glam; aiming at 70% natives
but will be thrilled to achieve 50%
Anne Ryan, District 1 Director
Junior League of Detroit Gardeners; President for 3 years
Experience in banking and finance
Retired from Raymond James
Detroit Institute of Arts and Friends of the Arts volunteer
Fifty year interest in floral design and gardening initially nurtured by her
Mother’s gardening expertise
I am here to help you. I hope you use the many program ideas and resources
that MGC provides for its members
Introducing Your New Board and Executive Committee
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Carol Grainger, District 2B Director
Williamston Red Cedar Garden Club
Current Past President and 2nd Vice President of Williamston
Red Cedar Garden Club
Owner and operator of Creatives Learning Links, LLC
Serves on the Board of Directors of Sowing Growth, Inc. in
Ingham County
She and her husband, David, operate a mini-farm
Has a passion for gardening and “farm to table” programs
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
Mary Moore, District 2A Director
Over fifty years ago my husband and I moved to Reading, MI to his
Grandmother's house
I have held several positions in the Hillsdale Garden Club including
President
Presently learning the District IIA Directors position
It's a pleasure getting acquainted with club members in the District and
State
Michele Armstrong, District 3 Director
Indian Hills Garden Club (St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Stevensville)
Became interested in gardening and plants growing up in upstate New York
and began landscaping my home after moving to the Midwest
Love sharing my gardening experiences at my club, district meetings and
Annual State Conference
Gardening has led to lasting friendships with other gardeners
Learned plenty at NGC Landscape School; attending NGC Gardening School
Looking forward to serving my District 3 clubs and promoting benefits of
MGC
Introducing Your New Board and Executive Committee
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Dorothy Sandoval, District 5 Director
Charlevoix Garden Club
Grew up in Gaylord, Michigan
Traveled around the country in a career as a Chaplain/Director of Pastoral services
Avid vegetable gardener since childhood.
Became a Master Gardener while living in the state of Arkansas
Hope my power of observation and keen listening skills can help move Garden Clubs
into the future with less labor and more satisfaction
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
Introducing Your New Board and Executive Committee
Carol McGregor, District 4 Director
Lowell Showboat Garden Club (Lowell) since 2004
Moved to USA from Canada in 1983, then to Michigan in 1998 from Florida
Formerly served as Lowell Showboat GC Secretary, Treasurer and
President
Previously served MGC as the Historian and Recording Secretary
First time Director in 2019 and disappointed in how COVID curtailed my MGC
activities
Hope to be able to visit all 12 clubs in District this time around
Looking forward to meeting new friends, connecting with current friends and
seeing all the beautiful gardens and projects during the next two years
Kathy Sauber, District 6 Director
Caro Garden Club (in Michigan’s “Thumb”) for 41 years
Held many club positions including twice as President
Advanced Master Gardener for 27 years
MGC Youth Contests Co-chair for 3 years
Retired after 30 years as a Dental Hygienist
6 children and 11 grandchildren shared with husband
Excited to serve as a District Director and look forward to meeting the
great gardening folks in my district
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FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
Grow, Share, Connect and Bring A Guest!!!!!!!
Aren’t you ready to gather with fellow gardeners again??? I know the District Directors and the Host
Clubs are very excited to be planning in person 2021 Fall District Meetings that bring us all back
together!
And the District Directors are inviting us to bring a guest or two – gardeners who enjoy gathering
with others to learn and discuss our favorite gardening topics while making new friends!
It will also be a great opportunity to spread the word about MGC’s Homegrown National Parks
initiative!
District Meeting Dates
District 1 Anne Ryan October 21, 2021
District 2A Mary Moore October 22, 2021 Hillsdale
District 2B Carol Grainger September 30, 2021 Marshall
District 3 Michele Armstrong October 6, 2021 Plainwell
District 4 Carol McGregor October 5, 2021
District 5 Dorothy Sandoval October 7, 2021 Traverse City
District 6 Kathy Sauber October 2, 2021 Midland
Mark the date on your calendar now! President Monica Taylor and I look forward to seeing you soon!
Nancy Ryan, MGC First Vice President
Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association Announces the 2021
Plant Michigan Green Community Landscape Beautification Award Winners The Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association’s (MNLA) Community Landscape Beautification Award
Program recognizes communities for their excellence in improving the physical and aesthetic environment
of their neighborhoods and in raising the awareness of the positive economic growth and environmental
impacts that quality landscaping brings to Michigan’s communities. These projects are designed to
enhance the visual image of the neighborhoods, improve livability, build civic pride and promote
community spirit.
Congratulations to the following 2021 Community Landscape Beautification Award Winners:
Kent Garden Club Project: “Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Memorial Garden” [Details on page 19.]
Meridian Garden Club Project: “Okemos Post Office Garden”
Garden Club of Greater Lansing Project: “Scott Sunken Garden”
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SPRING 2021 VOLUME X, ISSUE VIII SPRING 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE I FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
Gardening School
National Garden Club’s educational program,
Gardening School, is being presented in its entirety
over Zoom in 2021 by Michigan Garden Clubs and
Kalamazoo Garden Council, the local sponsor.
Course 1 and 2 were presented in March and April.
Course 3 and 4 are scheduled for September 15 and
16 and November 10 and 11 respectively.
Registration information is available on the home
page at https://migardenclubs.org . Registration for
Course 3 closes September 1. Registration for
Course 4 will begin on September 10. and will close
October 27. Attendance is limited to 50 attendees.
For more information about the course content go
to the NGC website, Gardening School | National
Garden Clubs, Inc. Course 3 includes the following
topics: Factors that Influence Plant Growth, New
Plant Development and Evaluation, Container Gar-
dening – Outdoor, Houseplant Basics, Native Trees
and Shrubs, and a Teaching Tour.
Course 4 includes the following topics: Plant
Classification and Nomenclature, Outdoor
Identification of Plants, Specialized Garden Styles,
Techniques of Growing Woody Ornamentals, and
Pruning Techniques.
The committee has been using all sorts of creative
ways to accomplish the educational goals of this
program. Current attendees have been complimen-
tary of the presentations. Presenting over Zoom
allows for speakers and attendees from across the
country.
For questions: Denise Clegg, Local Chair, at
gardenschool2021@migardenclubs.org
NGC, Inc. Reforestation Project
Fires in the forest
can be a good thing
as the heat causes
pinecones to open
and release seeds,
but fire suppression
strategies over the
years have created a new dilemma for our vast pine
forests.
The buildup of brush and dead debris fuels massive
fires throughout our forests that decimate the
forests and combined with our warming climate is
hostile to the growth of new seedlings.
National Garden Club, Inc. has a perfect project to
help contribute to the growth of new forest land on
the burnt off and damaged acres: Penny Pines.
This partnership between NGC and the USDA
Forest Service allows clubs and members to
contribute to the reforestation of indigenous trees
in areas destroyed by fire or natural catastrophe.
A donation of $68 to the NGC Penny Pines Project
will help to support this reforestation project.
There are ways that each club and their members
can remember to collect funds for this project at
the club meetings:
1. Place a Penny Pines collection container on the
refreshment table at your meeting so members
can donate spare change or spare cash to the
project.
2. Designate a $68 contribution from the club
treasury once or twice a year depending on the
dynamics of your fund raising.
3. Ask for donations at your next fund raising
event.
See Penny Pines
Pixabay
Bing
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SPRING 2021 VOLUME X, ISSUE VIII
M i c h i g a n C o n s u l t a n t s C o u n c i l
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
SOMETHINGS COMING… It Will Be Good!!!!
Did you know that when you successfully complete all four courses and exams of one of the Schools
—Environmental, Gardening or Landscape— you become a Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. Consultant?
Did you know that there are currently over 400 Consultants in our state?
So, it is time to re-group and revitalize this potential group of ADVOCATES for our environment, our
gardens and our landscape!
The first step was to change the structure of MCC from a board with separate bylaws to a committee
operating under the MGC bylaws and policies.
Second the decision was made to eliminate the bi-annual dues.
Third an MCC Planning Committee was formed with representatives from each district.
The Committee includes:
Ruth Moline District 1
Carol Brodbeck District 2A
Deb Plichta District 2B
Lynn Dinvald District 3
Nancy Ryan District 4
Kathy Johnson District 5
Nancy Stark District 6
At our first Zoom meeting we generated a long list of ideas and now will work on putting together with our
recommendations for the September Board of Directors Meeting.
Somethings Coming………. IT WILL BE GOOD!!!!!!
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FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
Helping Your local Habitat for Humanity Most every house Habitat builds with the help of volunteers has a yard. That’s where your club can share their knowledge, gifts of time, tools, plants and house warming gifts to the first time home owners.
There are Habitat Affiliates and ReStores all around our state. Some build a dozen houses a year and some struggle to build only one. When you think about remodeling, remember the ReStore. They resell windows, doors, woodwork, appliances and hardware. Your donations help finance new homes. Donate and shop there when you can.
Find out how your club can help by calling the HFH local office and asking. That doesn’t mean using a power tool but may mean volunteering to landscape once the house is completed. It may mean the mentoring a new home owner in the care of the new plantings for the first two years. There is so much to learn about caring for a yard.
I have volunteered with Habitat of Kent County for 25 years and served on the board of Roscommon County Habitat. When Habitat first started, I lived in New Jersey and helped build a house in Trenton. I have had the joy of giving a hand up not a hand out to many first time home owners.
That is why I am glad to serve on our MGC State Board. I will continue to remind clubs to reach out and help their local Habitat for Humanity Affiliate this year. Please let us know how your club has or will reach out to your local Habitat for Humanity Affiliate. Babs Sharp, Kent Garden Club member MGC Habitat for Humanity Landscaping Advisor
Youth Contests
Youth Sculpture Contest and High School Essay
Contest:
Kathy Sauber Youth Contests co-chair manages the
High School Essay Contest and the Youth Sculpture
Contest. She writes, “It has been great fun working
with the clubs and youth! I hope many clubs across
the state will sponsor a Youth Contest. It really is
extraordinarily little work considering the rewards
of working with and educating our youngsters
about the environment!”
Contact Kathy for clarification on the High School
Essay Contest (Grades 9-12) and the
Youth Sculpture Contest (Grades 4-8) guidelines.
Reach her at ksauber@migardenclubs.org
Phone (h) 989-673-7691.; (c) 989-325-0034.
Woodsy Owl, Smokey Bear and Poetry Contests:
Martha Rohr Co-Chairs Youth Contests as well and
manages the dynamics of the Woodsy Owl/Smokey
Bear Poster Contest ( Grades 1-5) and the Poetry
Contest (Grades K-9). Contact Martha about guide-
lines for either contest at matharohr75@gmail.com
Phone: (h) 231-536-7172; (c) 317-442-5297.
USFS/DOA USFS/DOA
Free Image HFH
Cooper Wasik
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2021 MGC Essay Contest Winner
Ninth Grade Hannah Wasik Caro Garden Club
Theme: Adapting our Actions to Protect Natural Habitats
SPRING 2021 VOLUME X, ISSUE VIII SUMMER 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE I FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
There are several simple ways that we can adapt our
actions to protect our natural habitats. Although we may
not realize it, there are many things we do daily that
destroy or harm habitats. A few ways to preserve our
natural environment is to promote wildlife habitat, use
eco-friendly products, naturally generated energy, and
grow your own garden. People should take into
consideration that every effort put forth will contribute
to keeping our habitats growing strong for many years to
come.
The first action to take in preserving our
Natural environment is protecting and
promoting wildlife habitats. Rivers, forests, fields, and
oceans are very important
resources to all living things. Without, it would be diffi-
cult for animals to survive. That is why it’s so important
to protect natural habitats as much as possible. Just like
humans, animals need food and some sort of shelter.
The next adaptation would be using eco-friendly
products that are beneficial to wildlife and the
environment. Take the extra time to research
ingredients in products, such as; fertilizers, pesticides,
and household cleaners. Several of the main
ingredients are harmful chemicals which could be killing
animals and are toxic to humans. There are many
eco-friendly products available for use instead of
harmful chemicals. Littering is also dangerous for
animals and pollutes the environment. You may not
think that throwing your plastic water bottle in the ditch
will hurt anything but, you’re not the only one that does
this kind of behavior. It is estimated that over 300,000
tons of plastic is littered evert year. Much of that goes in
the oceans, which harms fish and sea creatures.
Another way to protect the environment is using
naturally generated energy. Wind turbines and solar
energy are becoming more and more popular in our
modern society. Wind and solar energy are both clean
fuel sources, cost effective, environmentally safe and
have several other benefits. The best places to
construct wind turbines are in coastal areas, on top of
hills, open plains, or any place the wind is reliable. If
Using solar power, installing the solar panels correctly
is necessary. To become most efficient, panels will face
different directions depending on where sunlight hits
most directly. Solar and wind power are both very
efficient and a clean power source which helps protect
the environment.
The final way is by growing and harvesting your own
garden. It is easy and supplies food for you and your
family. You can properly dispose of table scraps by
composting most anything except fish and meat scraps.
Once this breaks down it becomes a very nutrient rich
soil. You can then use it in your garden and your plants
will be thriving. Billions of trees are cut down each year
and are a highly valued material so they need to be
replenished. Trees are a necessary resource for
building, furniture, paper, tools, weapons and much
more.
There are many ways that we can contribute to
protecting our natural environment. Protecting and
promoting wildlife habitats, using eco-friendly
products, naturally generated energy, and growing your
own garden are just a few. We want to protect our
natural habitats as much as possible. They are very
important to all living things and are not going to care
for themselves. If we don’t adapt our actions and try
our best to protect our natural habitats, everything will
die out over time. That is why it is our job to take
responsibility in caring for the land God gave us,
showing good stewardship.
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Regarding the subject of trees, I have the following
information for your interest and support.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) responsibly manages 3.9 million acres of
state forest land using such techniques as timber
harvests, planting and prescribed burns to keep
forests thriving and healthy. To make the work
more efficient and easier to oversee, the DNR
divides those millions of acres into 15 forest
management units, which are further divided into
compartments.
Management activity in each forest management
unit is finalized two years in advance, and each
compartment is formally reviewed once every 10
years. This fall, recommendations for 2023 are
being presented. Open houses are being held
virtually, with input invited by email, phone or mail.
This gives you, the concerned public, the
opportunity to offer feedback to foresters, wildlife
biologists and other DNR professionals regarding
forest plans. The DNR reviews 10% of the state
forest annually. For more information, including a
link to the interactive forest map showing details of
all forest management activities, visit Michigan.gov/
Forest Input.
The DNR is raising funds to purchase 16 new track
chairs to expand access to state parks, trails and
water for everyone. These off-road, electronic
chairs can easily handle trails, snow, sand and even
up to 8 inches of water, allowing users to explore
areas of the parks where traditional wheelchairs
might not. Chairs are available at no cost through
advance reservations or on a first-come, first-served
basis.
E n v i r o n m e n t a l T i p s
This is an opportunity for your garden club or you to
make a donation for the challenged individual to get
out and enjoy the natural environment. For more
information go to michigan.gov/DNR Accessibility or
call 1-800-439-1420.
Regarding Native Plants, I recommend adding a
Cup Plant to your native garden. The Cup Plant is a
tall flower that is beneficial to insects and many oth-
er animals. The Cup Plant can stand up to 6 feet tall.
The yellow flowers attract butterflies and the seeds
of the plant are a food source for birds. The leaves
clasp the stem and form a sort of cup. These cups
collect rain water. Insects and other small animals
looking for a drink will visit these small pools of wa-
ter. Think about adding a Cup plant to your garden
this coming Spring.
For Youth, I recommend helping them build their
own insect hotel using a recycled container or box.
Fill the container with Insect friendly nesting
materials such as pine cones, sticks, leaves, and
rocks and place one at ground level and one higher
up in a tree branch, etc. Observe your hotel to see
who visits.
If you want to learn more about your environment,
I recommend attending the NGC Environmental
School. For more information on subjects related to
the environment watch for my postings on our MGC
Facebook page.
Respectfully submitted by
Rita Crawley
Environmental Chair, 4 Star
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
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SPRING 2021 VOLUME X, ISSUE VIII SPRING 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE I FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
As Clubs have begun meeting in person, planning
and holding events, community education and
beautification projects, I expect to see an increase
in the number of award submissions this year.
Award applications were down for 2020 as
expected but at the same time we had an increase
in applications for photography, websites,
Facebook, and newsletters.
National Garden Club has made some changes to
their Award categories for 2021. All Clubs should
take a closer look at these before they decide what
awards to apply for this year. MGC has not changed
Award categories for 2021.
All general MGC and NGC awards will have to be
sent electronically again this year. The exception for
this is publications such as brochures, manuals,
handbooks, etc. Please be sure that you use the
new Award Application Forms. You will receive
instructions as to how your award applications
should be named and formatted and how pictures
should be attached before you send them on to me.
The Awards Committee is anxiously awaiting your
Award Applications for 2021.
Awards
SAVING MICHIGAN MONARCHS?
State Representatives Padma Kuppa (D-Troy) and
Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills) have
introduced Bills 4895 and 4896 to support the
wellbeing of Michigan’s essential pollinating insects.
HB 4895 would prohibit the use of neonicotinoid
pesticides on public land and require the Michigan
Dept of Agriculture and Rural Development to
produce a report on the costs and benefits of the use
of neonicotinoid pesticides.
They are a new class of insecticides related to
nicotine and are toxic and often fatal to bees,
monarch butterflies, and other beneficial insects and
pollinators. The EU has banned three main
neonicotinoids for all outdoor use. The United States
currently does not have such restrictions.
HB 4896 would exempt milkweed from the definition
of noxious plants for the purpose of controlling and
eradicating those weeds.
Milkweed as we know is a key food source for bees
and the only food source for monarch caterpillars.
Doug Tallamy states in Nature’s Best Hope that mon-
arch populations have declined by more than 96 per-
cent in ten short years because of the loss of milk-
weeds and forage plants in both agricultural and
residential landscapes.
The bills have been referred to the House
Committee on Agriculture. The committee has yet to
consider them.
www.nps.gov
Free Clipart
with Sue Soderberg,
MGC Awards Chair
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FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
MGC Scholarship Corner
with Karin Maupin Flaticon.com
Horticulture with Pam Cater
The Mighty Oak
I have been thinking about the importance of oak trees in
our forests and landscapes after hearing Doug Tallamy’s
presentation about Homegrown National Parks and
Reading his book The Nature of Oaks. Doug states that
oak trees host and provide food for more species of
insects than any other tree in North America. Michigan
oak species are:
· Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) is most used in urban areas
and landscapes. It has a pyramidal habit, grows 40-60 feet
tall and has sharply lobed leaves. Pin Oaks require acid
soil and can be chlorotic in heavy, basic soils.
· Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) is very long lived
and can grow 90 feet tall. It has lobed leaves, and is
widely grown in Michigan and is used as a landscape or
shade tree. It is also called the Champion Oak.
· Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) is found growing
along stream beds, swamps and bottomlands. Swamp
White Oak can grow 50-80 feet tall.
· White Oak (Quercus alba) grows in well drained soil to
50-80 feet tall. The leaves are oblong and wider near the
ends.
· Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa), a slow growing species,
can be up to 100 feet tall. Bur Oaks have large acorns and
are favored by black bears. Bur Oaks grow in poorly
drained soils.
The mighty oak is an important forest and landscape tree
in Michigan. In recent years concerns about the health of
our oak trees has emerged. Most notably, this summer
gypsy moth populations exploded. Other than the larval
nuisance and defoliated trees, most healthy trees
recover and re-leaf with no treatment necessary.
Oak Wilt, a fungal disease, spread by sap beetles and
through root grafts of trees growing in close proximity is
of more concern. The sudden wilting and defoliation of
trees in June indicates Oak Wilt. Not pruning oaks from
April 1st until November can prevent it. If you suspect
Oak Wilt, consult MSU Cooperative Extension Service or a
certified arborist for treatment options.
As the 2021-2022 Michigan Garden Clubs (MGC)/
National Garden Club (NGC) Scholarship Program began
in September, scholarship enthusiasm was high.
Relationships between established agents and university
staff are strong. Last season in the midst of the Covid-19
outbreak, sixteen students received MGC scholarships of
$1,000-$2,000, a total of $18,000. We hope to do even
better during the 2021-2022 season.
Last year for the first time the MGC and the MGC/NGC
scholarship programs were combined. An excellent
candidate, Martha Rocker, a junior at Northern
Michigan University and an Environmental and
Sustainability Major, represented MGC and won the
$4,000 NGC award. Congratulations to a very remarkable
student!
Donations were down last year. MGC Scholarship lost
two large individual gifts as well as some club monies.
This decrease was probably Covid-19 related; clubs were
not meeting regularly. Disbanding Hill and Dale Garden
Club and one of their generous members donated
$1,000 for a one time named scholarship. Kent Garden
Club has decided to begin a scholarship of their own at
Grand Valley State University and our MGC Committee
will manage it for them. This is a wonderful way for a
club to increase its presence in the community, as well
as helping to ensure and support the future of
horticulture and related topics.
To continue to grow this wonderful program, two co-
chairs have been added. Suzanne Budrow has taken over
Donations and Laura Foess-Wood will be helping with
the MGC Scholarship Program. Bunny LaDuke will
continue as Financial Adviser.
A tremendous thank you goes out to our wonderful
contact committee. Their work with the universities and
students is an important reason why this program has
been so successful and has grown throughout the years.
Thank you to everyone for supporting this important
program!
17
SPRING 2021 VOLUME X, ISSUE VIII
Life Membership with Virginia Froehlich, Chair
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
As we begin to move toward in-person meetings
and gatherings, interest in Life Member
Achievement Awards (LMAAs) has increased.
LMAAs are presented by clubs to honor members
for outstanding service to their club, district or
state organization. They may also be purchased
by individual club members for themselves or by
friends and family for a club member.
The LMAA program provides a wonderful
opportunity to support projects important to
MGC’s mission. To streamline the accounting
process, the cost of a LMAA is now $105, which
includes a pin. The money is used as needed to
supplement the Scholarships investment fund.
MGC currently budgets annually to offer
scholarships to all 15 public universities for
studies in gardening, horticulture, landscaping
and environment-related fields.
To purchase a LMAA, go to migardenclubs.org/
awards/life-member-achievement-award/ and
download the request form. Please use the
CURRENT form available, as the questions are
designed to ensure your recipient is recognized
for a variety of contributions and
accomplishments. And please allow 4-6 weeks
for processing . . . not because I write slowly, but
in case I’m on vacation!
Please join me in congratulating these most
recent LMAA recipients:
• Judy Atkinson, Caro Garden Club
• Marge Clarke, Garden Club of Greater Lansing
• Denise Clegg, Western Hills Garden Club
• Betty Fast, Hillsdale Garden Club
• Joyce Gelaude, Big Rapids Garden Club
• Carol Lynn Grainger, Williamston Red Cedar GC
• Joanne Hawkins, Charlevoix Area Garden Club
• Marykay Hes, Saline Stone and Thistle Garden Club
• Barbara Hoogeboom, Kent Garden Club
• Sue Kesti, The Garden Club of Greater Lansing
• Eva Mae Lake, Belding Gardeneers
• Judy Lindemulder, Tri-Cities Garden Club
• Elaine McIntyre, Brighton Garden Club
• Wendy Montague, Big Rapids Garden Club
• Patti Oakland, Grow and Show Garden Club
• Arlene Rebeschini, Grosse Ile Garden Club
• Dorothy Sandoval, Charlevoix Area Garden Club
• Joan Serr, Holland Garden Club
• Margaret Stephenson, Williamston Red Cedar GC
• Catherine Ware, Williamston Red Cedar GC
• Delores Wentzel, Western Hills Garden Club
• Becky Yaple, Kalamazoo Garden Club
• Cheryl Yelen, Brighton Garden Club
Congratulations also to recent National Life
Membership recipients Liz Troman, Chula Vista
Garden Club (given by Pauline Northrop and Ron
Beattie), and Kathy Kienle and Phyllis Straw,
Kalamazoo Garden Council.
Virginia Froehlich can be reached by email at
vafroehlich@comcast.net or by phone at
734-675-2944 for further information regarding this
award.
The Application form can be found at
https://migardenclubs.org/awards/life-member-
achievement-award/
18
SPRING 2021 VOLUME X, ISSUE VIII
Upcoming Events Calendar
September 2021
4 Charlevoix Evening GC Plant Sale 9 AM—12 PM Charlevoix
8-9 Environmental School, Course 3 8:30 AM—4 PM Midland
11-12 District IV Flower Show Frederick Meijer Gardens
15-16 Gardening School, Course 3 8 AM—5 PM Zoom
18 Gold Star Dedication 10—12 PM Saline
28-29 Flower Show School, Course 1* 8 AM—5 PM Petoskey
30 District 2B Fall Meeting 8 AM—5 PM Marshall
October 2021
2 District 6 Fall Meeting 9 AM—3PM Midland
5 District 4 Fall Meeting 8 AM—5 PM
6 District 3 Fall Meeting 8:30 AM—3:30 PM Plainwell
7 District 5 Fall Meeting 8 AM—5 PM Traverse City
13-14 Environmental School, Course 4 8:30 AM—4 PM Midland
18-19 Landscape Design School, Course 3 8:30 AM—3:30 PM Grand Haven
21 District I Fall Meeting 8 AM—5 PM Detroit
22 District 2A Fall Meeting 8 AM—5 PM Hillsdale
November 2021
10-11 Gardening School, Course 4 8 AM—5 PM Zoom
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
* Flower Show School, Petoskey
Don't miss course 1 of 4 of Flower Show School in Petoskey, Michigan, September 28 and 29,
2021. Looking forward to horticulturist Judy Newman working with Forever Conifers and
Merry Marigolds and designer Claudia Chopp teaching us some traditional floral designs. We
will supply breakfast and lunch both days. Come visit us in Petoskey and have a great time
learning about Flower Shows. We would like to see at least two members from each district at Flower Show
School.
19
Evening Bloomers Garden Club in Mount Pleasant,
seventeen members strong, celebrated their 30
year anniversary on April 1, 2021.
Members stayed active and eager participating in
projects including working bi-monthly in their 25
year old Welcome Patch garden at the US127 exit
and Pickard Street, attending regular meetings at
the Patch, a local park, or the MP County Club and
hosting their Annual Garden Walk this year. After
receiving a grant from members were able to
finish their Blue Star Memorial in Shepherd.
East Jordan Garden Club, District 5, celebrated
their 60th year as a club with a celebration on July
24, 2021 that included an informal flower show as
a backdrop.
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Memorial Garden
When news of a new Grand Rapids Home for
Veterans was proposed, I contacted the home’s
Administrator to discuss the possibility of a garden
space on the property of the new home that could be
reserved for planting by Kent Garden Club (KGC) with a
focus of placing Blue Star/Gold Star memorial markers
within the garden.
A small committee of KGC ladies met with
representatives from the Veteran’s Home, the
construction company, the landscape design company,
along with several officials from the VA administration
to discuss KGC’s intent and purpose for the garden
along with placement options. It was then decided
that a space adjacent the new chapel would be
appropriate.
Eighteen months later, construction of the home was
underway. The KGC committee of four met with the
landscape nursery that was contracted to do all the work
on the grounds of the new home. We presented our very
simple but affordable garden sketch with planting on both
sides of a mulch path and two stones to mount the
markers. The beautiful new plan agreed upon between
the landscaper and KGC was “over budget” by far. It was
obvious that we needed to raise funds so we decided to
sell walkway pavers in memory of or in honor of a veteran.
We also received two small grants toward the project.
In late April it was discovered that we had sold more
pavers than we had room for. Rather than disappoint the
donors we decided to enlarge the walkway doubling the
width. At this point the cost exceeded those pavers sold so
we made the announcement we were again selling pavers.
This solicitation was limited to 40 American Legion and 15
VFW posts, the Veteran’s home, and our club members.
The project was completed with plantings by June 15th.
All costs were covered as was the cost of the two
memorial markers. Two benches are yet to be installed
and are paid for by donations to the home. There was a
dedication ceremony on August 18, 2021. KGC will tend
the garden, change out the plantings as seasons dictate,
plant bulbs and perennials, and lay a living wreath on
Veteran’s Day. Of planting concern was the addition of
trees for future shade to the benches.
A native Sugar Maple was planted. Drought resistant
grasses (Autumn Moor) were planted, one existing tree
was relocated, and in the center of the flower garden is a
prunus “accolade” cherry tree. KGC has planted 50
Kwanzan cherry trees, both at the Grand Rapids Public
Museum and along the east bank parks area of the
downtown Grand River. Thus, a cherry tree was our choice
here.
This project has been an inspiration to all who have
contributed, to those who have and will visit the
garden, and to the residents and staff at the home. It is a
place to reflect, find peace, and gather after chapel to
honor and remember those who served our country.
Kathy Wolverton, Project Chair
20
THRU THE GARDEN GATE MICHIGAN GARDEN CLUBS, INC.
7888 E BROOMFIELD RD
MOUNT PLEASANT MI 48858-9152
Newsletter Submission Requirements
1. Size 12 Calibri font; 1.19 line spacing
2. Submit in MS Word; NO PDFs
3. Seasonal themes:
• Spring — Horticulture/Landscaping
• Summer — Wildlife/Pollinators
• Fall — Trees/Shrubs/Youth Activities
• Winter — Spring Gardening/Seeds
4. Submission deadlines:
• Spring issue — January 10
• Summer issue — April 10
• Fall issue — July 10
• Winter — October 10
5. Send to: Newsletter@migardenclubs.org
Note to Contributors: The editor retains the
right to edit articles due to space constraints.
Please feel free to send timely information
for each issue focusing on seasonal theme and
local district news.
Regular MGC columnists should continue to
send articles honoring the current deadlines.
Contact newsletter@migardenclubs.org with
questions. Thank you!
FALL 2021 VOLUME XI, ISSUE III
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