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Michigan Clubs Inc. 1 September, October, November

Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. Official publication A 501(c)(3) Organization Thru the

Thru the Garden Gate Bernadine Bennett, Graphic Designer/Layout Garden Gate Lesa Gorman, Publisher/Editor/ Business Manager [email protected]

Website www.michigangardenclubs.org Charley Bohland, Webmaster [email protected] MEMBER OF Calendar Events Use Submit Event button on website NATIONAL GARDEN CLUBS INC. calendar AND

Carol Sue Brodbeck CENTRAL REGION GARDEN CLUBS, INC. President “Grow and Share” 734-434-3795 [email protected] Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. mission is to provide

Janet Hickman education, resources, and network opportunities for its 1st Vice President members to promote the love of , floral and 989-631-8021 landscape design, and environmental responsibility. [email protected]

Jean Goetz, 2nd Vice President Rita Crawley, 3rd Vice President Sharma Zollinger, 4th Vice President Jane Morse, Recording Secretary Inside Jenny Bond, Corresponding Secretary From the President 3 Rosemary (Bunny) LaDuke, Treasurer Convention Report 3 Scholarships 4 Marilyn McIntosh Awards 5 Advisory Council/Nominating Committee Loda Lake News 6 [email protected] World Gardening 6 Historic Preservation 6 Database Website 8 , Butterflies and Bees 6 Mary Pulick, Michigan Consultants Council 7 Database Processing Manager District I News 7-11 [email protected] 11 Blue Star Honored 10 Nancy Hargrove Gardening for 10 President, NGC, Inc. Youth Gardening 10 Blue Star News 12 “ America” Burke View– 60th Anniversary 13 [email protected] Kids Fairy Garden Workshop 14 Caro Garden Club Fran Stueck Pollinator Activity 14 Director Central Region Bernice..100 years old 14 Landscape Design School Form 15 Garden Clubs, Inc. Calendar of Events 16 “Partners in Planting America” [email protected]

Michigan Garden Clubs Inc. 2 September, October, November FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

having some leaf holes in order to experience from laying eggs. Other the life cycle of the Black Swallowtail in our incorporate edible in and very own garden? among their landscape plants--blueberries are often used to provide glorious fall color. Sometimes, we hear that we’ve planted host and nectar plants, but still don’t have In the year ahead, each of you will have the butterflies. Is it because we spray them with opportunity to provide a welcoming a bug spray…or use a systemic insecticide? for not only butterflies, but for many other To use these is the equivalent of putting pollinators in your own or in the that poison in our own baby’s bottle and we surely your club maintains—creating a Michigan would not do that. If damaged plants really (MPG). It may be as bother us, why not put up a sign, “Nursery” simple as adding some dill or fennel—or which could provide us an excuse to be butterfly weed to your existing gardens, tolerant of the “youngins.” ensuring that you have a constant supply of flowers from early spring to late fall and Carol Brodbeck, MGC President As we get used to sharing our gardens with eliminate the use of (or use only in an butterflies, native bees will also visit. Before emergency) . If you don’t have Fall is in the air and the gardens and fields are getting worried about being over-run with flower beds and only have your deck/patio/ bringing forth their harvests. I’m sure that bugs, be mindful that “nature-friendly” balcony, your MPG may be containers of many of you have shared a bouquet of flowers garden practices will also bring on beneficial nectar and host plants. Fall is the great time to or some vegetables from you garden with and birds that will feast on protein- plan what we can do to enhance our habitat others…and probably with some critters, too. rich insects in our gardens rather than for pollinators for next year. I used to get upset when I saw my favorite someone else’s—thereby controlling the plants chewed up by worms, but my husband population. We may also wish to place Then encourage your neighbors, friends, and simply said, ”They need to eat, too.” Over stones in the gardens on which butterflies relatives to do the same…and gradually the years, I learned that he was indeed right could bask and under which beneficial insects encourage businesses, hospitals, schools, and developed a tolerance of having some could hide and provide water sources for all, libraries, churches/synagogues/temples, civic holes in my beloved plants. too. parks/buildings, streetscapes/roadways, senior centers, etc. to do the same. Our very food Many of us love having flower We can invite pollinators into our vegetable supply depends upon putting out the “red gardens….especially butterfly gardens, but or community gardens by planting some carpet” for pollinators from the Indiana-Ohio then we wonder why we don’t have any nectar (flowering) plants. Some gardeners border north to the awesome shores of Lake butterflies. Is it because we do not provide have remarked that their plants produced Superior and west to east across this great food for their babies---those dreaded more due to agricultural/floricultural state of Michigan. chomping caterpillars? Simply inter-planting increased pollination. The question is… how many Michigan some dill or fennel or a border of parsley However, to protect Pollinator Gardens will we have on our would provide the perfect host plant for non-flowering “List?” The future is in your hands. MGC’s Black Swallowtail butterfly to lay vegetables (broccoli, her eggs and where the caterpillar would find cabbages, etc.), we Carol Brodbeck a ready-food supply. They may defoliate may wish to use MGC President these plants for a while, but wouldn’t hurt the floating row covers Grow & Share plant permanently Wouldn’t it be worth to prevent insects

Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. Recommended Adult Books on Pollinators and Nature 86th Annual Meeting and Convention “Grow & Share”  100 Plants to Feed the Bees-Provide a Healthy District I and IIA Co-Chairs:  Habitat to Help Pollinators Thrive by the Xerces Society Ruth Moline and Carolyn Gardetto  Bringing Nature Home by Doublas W. Tallamy  Edible Landscaping by Rosalind Creasy It’s over. Just the memories remain. New friends? Yes. Great  Foodscape Revolution by Brie Arthur speakers, seminars and design program? Yes. Good food? Yes.  Mason Bee Revolution—How the Hardest Laughs? Yes. Uniquely gorgeous centerpieces? Yes. Some working Bee can Save the World one Back- interesting vendors, MGC project exhibits and 32 Silent Auction yard at a Time by Dave Hunter and Jill Light- baskets that grossed over $2500 for the MGC Scholarship Fund. ner Yes, yes, yes!  Pollinator Friendly Gardening by Rhonda Fleming Hayes Were you there for the Installation Banquet with the music  Pollinators of Native Plants by Heather Holm combo that provided background music?  The Bee-friendly Garden by Kate Frey and You told us through Seminar and Convention valuation Sheet Gretchen LeBuhn comments and personal remarks made to our District I and IIA  Wildlife-Friendly Vegetable -How to Grow Food in Har- member hosts that you had a good time “growing and sharing”. mony with Nature by Tammi Hartung We did, too. Michigan Garden Clubs Inc. 3 September, October, November MGC SCHOLARSHIPS Sue Wittick, Chair

I’m pleased to report that donations from District V Saline Seed and Thistle June 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017 totaled Mason County Garden Club Garden Club $14,164. So far this new fiscal year (June 1, Spirit of the Woods Garden Club Sherry Sanelli 2017 to July 10, 2017) we have received District VI Seed and Sod Garden $3,266.98, which includes an amazing Chemical City Garden Club (2 donations) Club $2,541.98 from the convention gift baskets. Great Lakes Gardeners Sunshine Arrangers THANKS for these most recent Touch the Earth Garden Club (in memory of Guild contributions: Judy Schroeder, Alice Ward, and Susie Swan Creek Garden Club Balog, and Peggy Griggs) Purchasers of Convention Gift Baskets District I Touch the Earth Garden Club (in memory of, Rochelle Balkam Greater Detroit Flower Arrangers’ Guild (in Marylou Damm, Barbara Watson and Susan Liz Bohland memory of Jan Dolan) Summerset) Kat Considine Greater Detroit Flower Arrangers’ Guild (in Rita Crawley memory of Jane Covington) Individuals Melody Crossett Dearborn Garden Club (honoring Suzanne Anonymous members of District III (from Joanie DeMarco Singleton and Jennie Somers) district meeting) Ronnie Dush Royal Oak Garden Club (honoring Midland Flower Show School participants Susan Fritz Marge Smith) (honoring Kathy Clary and Alice Mesaros) Diane Hague Marilyn Hartley-Kik District IIB Donors of Convention Gift Baskets Rose Houk Across the Fence Post Adrian Garden Club Edie Ho Brighton Garden Club Carol Brodbeck (3 baskets) Judy Lindemulder DeWitt Millennium Garden Club (honoring Dearborn Heights Garden Club Marilyn McIntosh Joan McComb) Eden Garden Club Mary Moore Grand Ledge Garden Club Farmington Garden Club Sue Rantz Williamston Red Cedar Garden Club Ferndale Garden Club Sharon Schappacher Garden Club of Dearborn District III Garden Club of Michigan The Scholarship Chair for 2017-2018 will River Valley Garden Club (honoring Elsie Good Thymes Garden Club (2 baskets) be Alyce Doss, beginning at the end of July. Priest and Gert Gridley) Grosse Ile Garden Club Please contact her with your questions or Shoreline Garden Club Grosse Pointe Garden Club suggestions. A donation form is available on South Haven Garden Club (in memory of Hillsdale Garden Club the MGC website. Since this is my last Olga Lewis) Junior League Gardeners scholarship report for the Gate, I want to Livonia Garden Club publicly thank all the scholarship agents, all District IV (honoring Marilyn McIntosh and Loch Club the districts, clubs, and individuals who have Carol Brodbeck) Milan Garden Club sent donations, the MGC Board of Directors, Muskegon County Garden Club (in memory Military Hills Garden Club (2 baskets) and the MGC Finance Committee for their of Sherry Yonkers) Morenci Garden Club wonderful support. It has been a great West Michigan Flower Arranger’s Guild (in Neighborhood Garden Club experience working with all of you! memory of Robert Knott) North Farmington Garden Club North Oakland Arrangers Guild Sue Wittick, [email protected], The Pointe Garden Club (2 baskets) 517-242-8259.

Based on 2014 Michigan Department of & Rural Development figures: Michigan grows a wide variety of each year, and our farmers take pride in growing high quality, diverse products. The state leads the nation in the production of several crops, including dry beans, red tart cherries, blueberries, squash, nine products (including hanging baskets, Easter lilies, geraniums, petunias, and impatiens), and cucumbers for pickles. Michigan also ranks in the top 10 for 63 other commodities. Michigan agriculture contributes $96 billion annually to the state’s economy, second in diversity only to California. Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. is helping the farmers by providing pollinator gardens across Michigan. Contributed by Carol Brodbeck, MGC Inc. President

Bumble Bee (Bombus spp.), An Important Pollinator Thru the Garden Gate dates for

Bumblebees are important pollinators of crops and wildflowers submission of articles: and native to the northern hemisphere. Michigan has 19 different Submit articles and information to [email protected] species. Bumblebees tend to visit the same patches of flowers every day as long as the flowers continue being sources of nectar Due October 10, Winter…December/January/February Issue and pollen. When foraging for food, they can fly at speeds up to Due January 10, Spring...March/April/May Issue 27mph. After arriving at a flower, they extract nectar using their Due April 10, Summer...June/July/August Issue long tongue (glossa) and store it in their . Pollen is removed Due July 10, Fall...September/October/November Issue from flowers deliberately or incidentally. Michigan Garden Clubs Inc. 4 September, October, November 2017 Award of Excellence Winner – Dr. Garden Club – First Place Rainbow Lakes Alan Steinman – Annis Water Resource #29-2b–Blue Star Byway Marker - Chula Garden Club – Institute – Grand Valley State University Vista Garden Club – Overall Winner Alayna Smolinski– 2017 Osa Mae Barton Scholarship Award #29-3 Aii Blue Star Memorial Marker-- 5th Grade Youth Sculpture - Jill Marie Syrotchen Caro Garden Club--Overall Winner Green Thumb Garden Club Mackenzie #41-A-iii Conservation Education-The Hale – 6th Grade Youth Sculpture 2015-2017 NGC PRESIDENT’S Hazel Johnson Award - Portage Lake Green Thumb Garden Club Dustin PROJECT Service in Action Garden Club –First Place - $300.00 Heckman – 8th Grade Youth Sculpture “Conservation in Action” Roadside #62-A-iii- Landscape Design - Garden Club Development Award - Garden Club of of Dearborn – First Place AWARD WINNERS JUDGED AT Dearborn, Inc. First Place (Check for #63-1-B Website - Kalamazoo Garden CENTRAL REGION undisclosed amount) Council, Inc. – First Place CR Award 1 – Cultivating Connections Monarch Watch/Waystations, Large Club - #63-2-A (iv) Website - Kent Garden Club, Garden Club of Dearborn, Inc. - Second Inc. – First Place YEARBOOKS Place (Check for undisclosed amount) #68-B Video/Flash Drive - “Origins of the #16A Yearbook Size 3 Club– Meek’s Mill Kalamazoo Garden Council” - KGC, Inc. - Garden Club - First Place GENERAL AWARDS #16E Guild Yearbook Size 1– Mid- #1 Aiii The Kellogg Civic Achievement First Place Michigan Flower Arrangers Guild - First Award - Elk Rapids Garden Club – First MICHIGAN GARDEN CLUBS, INC., Place Place Large State #12-2-Ai Newsletter Publication, Small #12-3 Diii Newsletter Publication, - Thru AWARDS: Club - Hill and Dale GC - Certificate of the Garden Gate –Bernadine Bennett & Thank you to all who sent in applications for Appreciation Catherine Ward-Certificate of Appreciation awards in the Fall of 2016. If your club has #12-2-Aii, Newsletter Publication, Medium #13-1 Diii Handbook Publication - never applied for awards, please do so. It's a Saline Stone & Thistle GC - Certificate of “Incorporating as a Nonprofit Corporation” way of sharing what you do and getting Appreciation Rose Houk - First Place acknowledgement for your accomplishments. #12-2-Aiii Newsletter Publication, Large - #63 Website – I Diii First Place – Charley Meridian Garden Club, Inc. – Certificate of Bohland $50.00 - Overall Winner All NGC or MGC awards that placed first Appreciation #68-6d (V) Video –NGC Ongoing Projects - received a monetary award. Those that scored #13-5-Aii, Membership Publication, Garden Therapy - Cyndy Nemon - First Place 95 or above were sent on for further judging Medium - Hillsdale Garden Club - Certificate at Central Region or NGC. Complete of Appreciation FLOWER SHOW AWARDS results of all who applied are on the MGC #13-5-Aiii – Membership Publication, #5 Club Standard Flower Show website. Medium - Livonia Garden Club – Certificate Achievement Award - “Wild Things” - Tri- of Appreciation #13-5-B Membership Cities Garden Club, Inc. - “Purple Rosette” The 2017-2019 list of awards is there, too. Publication, Group of Clubs - Kalamazoo #18 Council Standard Flower Show Award With each new NGC administration, there are Garden Council, Inc. – First Place “Kalamazoo Blooms for You!” – Kalamazoo some changes so please use this new #13-8 - Aiii Other Publication - “Artful document. Michigan’s new president will Garden Council - “Rose Rosette” Garden Tour” - Lakeshore GC of Lexington - also have her own special awards.

First Place NGC YOUTH SCULPTURE AWARDS #13- 8 Diii Other Publication –“2016 NGC Michigan's President's special Certificates of Commendation Convention Booklet – “Blooming’ on the awards may be found on the Rainbow Lakes Garden Club - MGC website." Grand” Sue Wittick, Editor –First Place Kendra Pheil – 4th Grade— Youth #19A-iii Therapy--Holland Sculpture Your local garden projects and programs provide inspiring opportunities that bring neighbors, cultures and generations together to share the experience and joy of gardening.

As recognition of the valuable resource that your club contributes to your community, 20 local garden clubs across America will be Organic Plant Foods & Potting Soils.

Be inspired America! Join our effort to Plant America Together. Register your garden club today!

Michigan Garden Clubs Inc. 5 September, October, November Loda Lake News WORLD GARDENING Cindy Kozakewich Karen Motawi, Chair Chairman, NGC World Gardening/ International Disasters It’s summer again and the Lanceleaf Coreopsis is blooming madly at the Congratulations to Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. on collecting entrance to the sanctuary. Some plants $2,365.00 for World Gardening! This is a wonderful achievement, for you’re not likely to see in your own which Kit Gunn and the 35 generous clubs deserve great credit. garden are the carnivorous roundleaf Michigan's donation will help bring safe, running water to families in sundew and the parasitic squawroot. On rural villages in Central America through National Garden Club's one of our excursions this summer, we partnership with Global Partners Running Waters, a non-profit also came across a tiny baby snapping organization, currently working in Los Llanos, Quiche, Guatemala. turtle. We bravely picked him up and moved him closer to the nearby stream.

Reviewing the numbered posts and the Baby snapping turtle associated plants, we are planning HISTORICAL PRESERVATION Pat McLamore , Chair several revisions for the updated trail map/brochure that will be printed over the winter in time for next year’s hiking As Historic Preservation Chairman reporting to the 4th Vice season. President, Sharma Zollinger. My responsibilities include writing articles about historic preservation gardens, provid- The following clubs have donated to ing information to the district directors for distribution to the MGC Loda Lake Fund since last their clubs and report any historic preservation act and Gar- April: District IV to honor Big Rapids, dens Club and the Southfield Historical Society. activities Evening Blossoms Garden Club, of clubs in the districts. I am a member of the Southfield Fremont and White Cloud Garden Clubs Parks and Historical Society. for hosting leadership training, Grand coreopsis Ledge Garden Club, Great Lakes I have had conversations with community members who give great in- Gardeners, Hill and Dale Garden Club, sight about existing gardens and what it takes to not only maintain but to Kent Garden Club, Kirtland Garden establish a historic garden. Michigan has many, many beautiful historic Club, Mason County Garden Club, gardens. They hold lessons to learn about our environment and, quite Standale Garden Club, and Williamston possibly, the key to saving our pollinators. When it comes to historic Red Cedar Garden Club. preservation my goal is to "grow" our awareness, encourage potential restorations, and "share" best ideas. The following donations to the Loda Lake Sanctuary Endowment Fund have been matched by the Fremont Area Community Foundation: Gil and Betty Eagle in memory of Evelyn Humitz and Parasitic squawroot the Fremont Garden Club in memory of Ray and Arlene Frodey.

Several clubs have scheduled docent led hikes that are always available for groups of 6 or more. If you are interested in scheduling a tour or would like a club program on Loda, contact me at Visit this resource for promoting the love of gardening across [email protected]. Michigan. We intend for it to support the informational enrichment of our garden club members and to invite you and Your continuing donations are so others to join a garden club in your local community and important to our efforts to maintain and experience the pure satisfaction of nature. improve this wonderful natural resource Carnivorous especially in view of federal government www.michigangardenclubs.org spending challenges. Forms are available roundleaf sundew for download on the MGC website, www.michigangardenclub.org. Remember that if you designate your contribution as a memorial, it will be matched at the 100% level and set aside BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES & BEES Nancy Smith, Chair for future. improvements. A former president of Taylor Garden Club in District 1, I am now serving on the MGC Board of Directors as chair of the Birds, Bees & Butterflies Committee. The new president’s theme, Grow & Share, will tie in perfectly with this opportunity to encourage the creation of pollinator gardens all over our beautiful state. I plan to create a brochure all clubs will be able to download and distribute in your area. I am new to this committee but believe I can do an effective job as soon as I collect more information and do a little research on this subject. I welcome your input. Please feel free to contact me with ideas on ways I can be helpful to your club. [email protected]

Michigan Garden Clubs Inc. 6 September, October, November MICHIGAN CONSULTANTS COUNCIL (MCC) Submitted by Rita Crawley

The MCC held the 2017 summer conference Don’t forget to submit your original artwork at Hidden Lake Gardens in Tipton, Michigan. for the MGC Presidents Pollinator Award. Thirty consultants and Guests were happily Details may be found on the MGC website. educated and enlightened by Director Paul Deadline for submittal is September 1, 2017. Pfeiffer and his staff. The conference includ- ed tours of the Bonsai Courtyard, Conserva- Dispose of your unwanted pesticides through tory, the world renowned Hosta Hillside, the Department of Agriculture and Rural De- Propagation garden, and the nationally velopment. E-mail Abbey Eaton at ranked Rare and Dwarf Conifer collection. [email protected] or call 517-264-5612. We also enjoyed knowledgeable presenta- tions about the formation of the Irish Hills, Michigan’s Managed Pollinator Protection history and the significance of Hidden Lake Plan Initiative – sign up for updates at https:// gardens, lunch, and the MCC summer meet- pollinator.msu.edu/protection-plan/ ing. I am accepting suggestions for next the 2017 Garden Walk award may be year’s summer conference. Please email me found on the MGC website (http:// Pollinator Garden Registry – with your ideas. michigangardenclubs.org/). Click on Edu- at millionpollinatorgardencchallenge.org cation, then on MCC. Please submit any 2016 Garden Walk awards were presented application to me by November 1, 2017. MGC consultants or provisional consultants at the MGC Convention in June. Here are the Future education courses to be held: may submit $10 dues to Treasurer, Lynn Din- deserving award winners. Congratulation to  Oct 16-17, 2017 Holland – Environmental vald. the following clubs. Study, Course III 6802 Springbrook Lane, Kalamazoo, MI st  1 place (tie) – large club – Elk Rapids GC  Oct 23-24, 2017, Kalamazoo – Landscape 49004-9665. & Lakeshore GC of Lexington Design Study, st  1 place – medium club – tri-Cities GC  Course III For more information or MCC ideas please nd  2 place – Friendly GC of Traverse City  Spring 2018 District IIA – Garden Study, email me. nd  2 place – Mason County GC Course I Respectfully Written and Submitted by,  Honorable Mention – Evening Bloomers  June 7, 2018 Kalamazoo, Tri-refresher, the Rita P. Crawley GC day after the MGC State Convention MCC President, MGC 3rd Vice President  Information about, and an application for, [email protected]

DISTRICT I NEWS Ruth Moline Director

We have many The St. Clair Garden Club has many projects. One that attracts unique gardens in visitors summer and fall is the Memorial our district. One is Garden they maintain for deceased in a residential garden club members. The tri-level neighborhood that garden is located along the river and has is a favorite spot beautiful plantings from late spring of walkers, through early September. Then the club runners, dog does a Fall Clean Up. But the garden is walkers, bikers, not bare! It is not just covered with “nosy” neighbors, leaves! Visit the Memorial Garden traffic watchers, between the end of September and the and little girls middle of November and you will be walking their baby dolls. The Ferndale Garden Club maintains this greeted by 15 to 20 straw people. Club garden on a lot the city declared “non-buildable.” There is a water members purchase bales of straw, hunt fountain for all who stop to rest with a spigot at the bottom for up old clothes, stuff the clothes to make people and seat them on the animals; benches and donated perennials from club members’ 3 garden tiers. Pumpkins are added for a little additional gardens. You wouldn’t want to miss the spring carpet of bluebells or pizzazz. the summer display of a variety of colorful flowers. Something is always changing in this Community . GARDENS ARE ALL ABOUT PEOPLE.

NGC PROVIDING FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO CLUB PROJECTS

National Garden Clubs, Inc. has communities all across the United States. This direct expenses of projects. The deadline for established a new grant program fund will be a permanent fund with grants applications is November 1, 2017. Recipients for clubs entitled PLANT AMERICA Com- being given for each two-year administration. of grants will be notified, and all money will munity Project Grants with a simple applica- The first grants will be given during the 2017- be awarded by January 31, 2018. Projects tion process. The purpose of the grant pro- 2019 administration. Individual garden clubs must be completed by June 2019. Final re- gram is to provide financial support for new that are members of National Garden Clubs, ports are due within two months after the or existing club projects in their respective Inc. may apply for funds up to $1,000 for the completion of the project or by July 1, 2019.

Michigan Garden Clubs Inc. 7 September, October, November District IIA Christine Kosal, Director DISTRICT IIB I’d like to take us to the Lotus Gardens the Public House. The date GARDEN CLUB OF GREATER thank of Western Lake Erie (July), has not been set, so be sure to LANSING GREENS MARKET Carolyn August tours of member check our MGC website for Gardetto, gardens, the Leslie Science more information. outgoing Center's monarch release in Saturday, December 2 Director, for September, and the Saline Stone & Thistle her help and Grandmother tree walk in Garden Club has a new The Garden Club of Greater Lansing support in the transition October. youth gardening project. One Greens Market between our directorships. of their members, Jenny Now, let’s get to the exciting Eden’s Garden Club in Wheaton-Sloan, a teacher at Time: 9 a.m. - noon news of activities in our Monroe is involved in two Model Elementary School, Location: Grace United Methodist Clubs. community projects this has a 4th grade garden club. Church, 1900 Boston Blvd., Lansing summer and fall. First is the In addition to giving her Ann Arbor's Good Thyme development of a pollinator club a $100 Wreaths, Swags, Boxwood Table Trees, Garden Club members garden in front of the Dorsch donation, they have a Kissing Balls, Fresh Arrangements, currently maintain three Memorial Library in committee of six members Western Greens gardens, monarch, pollinator, downtown Monroe. On July who are going to meet with and herb, at the Ann Arbor 20, children attended a Jenny to see how they can Items may be preordered by November Hospice offices on Oak program at the library to learn help with the club's activities 15, 2017 but no appointment is necessary. Valley Drive. Members weed, about pollinators and create and monthly meetings. These For information: 517-676-2676 water, prune, thin, deadhead, painted rocks to decorate the clubs are “Growing into the plant, and on a rotating gardens. The club is also Future” by developing basis. In addition to its labors, growing heirloom tomatoes in community awareness club members have many front of a local restaurant, the through visible garden outings. In June, for example, Public House, and will have a projects and supporting we had the Detroit Zoological tomato themed dinner in opportunities for young garden. Upcoming events will August or early September at gardeners.

DISTRICT III NEWS EVELYN FLYNN, DIRECTOR

Submitted by Angela Birdsall, Meek’s Mill provided ideas for At the District III meeting on Earth Day (April the gardener for a 22, 2017) after an update from Susan Leahy, Meek’s Mill Garden Club (MMGC) healthier, happier Legislative Affairs Chair, the district representatives hosted the Michigan Garden Clubs life. Hoag said approved a motion brought by Indian Hills Garden (MGC) Inc., District III Spring meeting Lillie House has Club urging passage of the Black Swallowtail as the on Saturday, April 22 at Constantine High less than one acre state butterfly. As a co-sponsor from District III School. To celebrate Earth Day, the of forest gardens with over 250 species of Senator John Proos received a round of applause and theme was “Celebrate Earth — Renew, established perennial edible and medicinal over 100 participants signed the letter that has been Reuse, Reduce, Reclaim. MMGC had a plants, edible water gardens, hedgerows since emailed to Senator Arlan Meekhof, chair of gardening book/magazine exchange, and and other items. the committee where the bill is currently sitting. distributed over 1,500 packages of Each club was provided with information on the seeds. Over 150 people attended the A wonderful day in Constantine!! Black Swallowtail butterfly including the contact event. information for their respective state senator and samples of draft letters. All were urged to return to  UP AND COMING: Evelyn Flynn, director of District III, District III Fall Meeting - sponsored their clubs and urge their members to send emails in conducted the business meeting, Patties- support of naming the Black Swallowtail as the state by Colon Garden Club - Titled “A MMGC member led the Pledge of Day in the Country. Focusing on butterfly. Allegiance, and reports were given by Effective Stewardship by employing Marilyn McIntosh, President MGC; Carol sustainable practices. We hope that other Districts will consider taking Brodbeck, 1st Vice President of MGC; the same action! Programs: Jean Goetz, Blue Star Memorial chair; Water Fowl - their role in the water eco- Sue Kropschot, MGC Scholarships; system, Water Features - yard, patio, Nancy Jack Ryan and Sue Leahy, black porch, swallowtail butterfly projects. Carol Nature Walk/wagon ride (handicap Beckius, awards chair distributed District accessible) III awards. Outdoor fire ring - relax around a campfire, Three guests did PowerPoint presentations Enjoy the outdoors, with kettle popped at the spring meeting. Michael Ochsner corn, cider, and great vistas! spoke on “Monsanto & GMO’s-Discover October 19, 2017 - At AMIGO Monsanto in Constantine”. Isle Gebhard, CENTRE, a Mennonite Retreat Center, conservation specialist with Monarch which focuses on the environment. Watch spoke on “Establishing Native Plant Gardens to Attract Butterflies” and Mark your calendars now! Michael Hoag from Lillie House, a home in Kalamazoo,

Michigan Garden Clubs Inc. 8 September, October, November GOOD THYME GARDEN CLUB District IV News Monica Taylor, Director DISTRICT IIA Rochelle Balkam-Historian District IV Garden Clubs fill their Spring and Summer with garden walks and flower shows to the delight of their members and the community. The season starts at tulip time in Holland with Holland Garden Club’s Standard Flower Show this year entitled, “Stories from the Garden”. In June,

Tri-Cities Garden Club held their 23rd annual Garden Walk, By the Bayou, featuring 7 gardens in the Grand Haven are. Members made and sold mason bee houses. An educational display on mason bees was included.

In June, Belding Gardeneers hosted their Garden Walk, highlighting six area gardens. Several vendors were available at the gardens with unique garden items.

The May meeting of Good Thyme Garden Muskegon County Garden Club offered Summer Splendor a Garden Walk, featuring 8 Club was a walking tour of members’ love- Gardens with a plant sale and refreshments at several gardens. The Garden Club of ly spring gardens. The stops included more Pentwater finished the Garden Walk tours on formal gardens, plantings of herbs and spring flowers, luxurious beds of tulips, and July 15- great gardens, great ideas! July brought us three flower shows--Tri-Cities Garden a wildflower pathway. At each stop, the Club highlighted their 60th Flower Show with Flower Power-the 60’s; Kent Garden Club gardeners hosted the members, pointing out treated us to The Music of the Flowers at Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park and the variety of plants and calling attention to Muskegon County Garden Club wrapped up July with their Books in Bloom…” unique specimens. The club plans a summer Cookbook Collection”. member’s garden walk which will highlight gardens at their peak in the summer. These Garden Clubs of District IV have really shared their love of gardening, floral design, walks relate to the club theme for 2016- and horticulture with their communities! 2017: Thyme to Make Connections.

District V News Sue Soderberg, Director

District V now has its own Facebook page. It is “There were a number of reasons that made this the perfect spot for another place where all Clubs in District V can the new garden,” explains PLGC Parks and Conservation Chair, Mary publicize their activities, fundraisers and Reed. “First and foremost, a requires a steady source of events. As many clubs in the District have their rain water. The trenches and stonework installed by rain garden own website or Facebook page this gives them volunteers guarantee this from an opportunity to get their information out to the public. All clubs can the roof drain of the adjacent post pictures and articles to this Facebook page. Farr Community Center. In addition, having it in a spot that The Village of is near the busy Onekama Onekama, in Branch of the Manistee Public Manistee County, Library, makes it a perfect gained an place to do the kind of important new educating for young and old resource in 2016, alike around the purpose, thanks to the planting, and caring of rain Four-year-old Lukas Frailing collaboration of gardens.” two community places the first plant. organizations — The highly successful project The Portage Lake brought together many additional community groups and individual Garden Club residents as the garden excavation and planting of over forty native PLGC and community members come (PLGC) and plants took place in the spring of 2016. In addition to Reed, other together to plant over forty native plants. Portage Lake PLGC members who provided leadership included Bee Capper, Faye Watershed Forever. Backie, and Susan Halloran. The intergenerational nature of the The two community groups’ shared purposes of protecting the project was quickly apparent as four-year-old Lukas Frailing placed environment and educating the public aligned after Watershed the very first plant in the garden. Forever was awarded a grant from the Manistee Community Foundation and the Oleson Foundation Environmental fund to build a May 28, 2016 marked the day the Onekama Community Rain Garden Community Rain Garden. Celebration was held with the public unveiling of the garden, educational speeches on how they can be replicated in other locations, This led the way for additional partnerships with the Manistee and display boards walking people through the process. One year Conservation District and Manistee County Planning Department, later, the garden is thriving and the PLGC is the happy recipient of whose staff member, Rob Carson, completed a formal design. three First Place Michigan and National Garden Clubs awards in the Approval was sought from the Onekama Village Council to build the areas of Civic Projects/Native Plants, Environmental, and garden adjacent to the existing Portage Lake Garden Club’s Butterfly Conservation Education as well as the First Place Award for the and Native Plant Gardens near the Farr Center in Onekama. prestigious National Garden Clubs Hazel Johnson Award.

Michigan Garden Clubs Inc. 9 September, October, November BLUE STAR MEMORIAL HONORED BY THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT The Caro Garden Club dedicated our Blue Star Memorial, in our , on 9-10-16. We placed a 'Plaza of Honor' surrounding it, with engraved bricks dedicated to those who have served our country in the various branches of the military. We have bricks from the War of 1812 to present. We were recently contacted by our local American Legion; Post #7, regarding our Blue Star Memorial. They said that the Defense Department, via their organiza- tion, would like to give us a tree of our choice to be planted near the Memorial, as a tribute to our Blue Star. A plaque is being created that will be placed near the tree signifying this. Little did they know that The Caro Garden Club received a National First Place Award for our Blue Star Memorial at the State Convention in Ann Arbor last month? State President, Carol Brodbeck, informed us that there were 252 Blue Star memorials placed in the United States in 2016-2017. To re- ceive, first place this year is truly humbling!

We, along with the American Legion, are planning to have a dedication ceremo- ny for this tree on Veterans Day, November 11th, 2017. At that time we will also dedicate the new wave of bricks that will have been in- stalled. We chose the 2017 new introduction tree: Firespire Hornbeam, a native tree recommended in the last Garden Gate. Our plans, with The American Legion Post #7 include: a dedication of the tree with plaque placement, dedication of the newly placed bricks, a Civil Air Color Guard, a Gun Salute, and Taps. Honorary speakers include; MGC President, Carol Brodbeck ; recent MGC Blue Star Memorial Chairperson, Jean Goetz , District VI Director, MariAnn Saenen, and other dignitaries.

We are overwhelmed that our project has turned out so well. People are now visiting our garden all the time, enjoying its beauty and what our memorial represents. Our Blue Star Memorial was a whole club effort, but a special hat's off, to the two dynamic members of our club whose vision and dedication made our Memorial a reality, Peter Diller and MariAnn Saenen.

Kathy Sauber, Caro Garden Club President

GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE Sharma Zollinger, Chair RONNIE DUSH We gardeners are interested in improving our environment by incorporating food, water, cover, and places for wildlife to raise Youth Gardening Chair their young. Things to consider, when assessing your space, are the amount of sun, location, and how can the garden make a difference for wildlife. Get kids involved, what a fun way to introduce them to the wonders of the natural world, how to make As we start the new term with our new MGC Presi- a difference for wildlife and the environment. Reestablishing native plant dent Carol Brodbeck, I have been given the honor to communities while protecting the local watershed with serve as Youth Gardening Chairperson. Ann Camp- practices is the desired end-result. Ready to get started? bell has passed the pleasure of serving in this office on to me and I thank her for sharing her past experi- Decide on the type of habitat garden you want. A habitat garden can be designed for ences. I have always said, ‘The Youth are our future; birds, bees, butterflies, a rain garden to catch water run-off, a meadow or prairie not only for our country and family, but also MGC.” garden. What about squirrels, chipmunks, birds, insects, bees, moths, and other My wife Carol and I have five children and thirteen pollinators. Look at what you have in your landscape and make note of existing grandchildren. I am a retired GM maintenance gen- trees, shrubs, and various plantings which will help dictate what native plants will eral supervisor. I grew up on a farm with my mother do well in your wildlife garden. raising a very large garden which has taught me a lot.

If you have 6 plus hours of sun a day, you can grow sun-loving plants. Areas that I would like to encourage all MGC clubs to look at collect water or stay moist would be suitable for more wetland plants, shade plants ways to involve the youth in their garden club activi- will work well here too. Once you have cleared your site of weeds, grass and ties. Be it one child (or grandchild) or many. Please invasive plants, decide on a focal point for your garden(s) or section of your yard. look at making at least one of your club’s meetings This can be achieved using natural objects, shrubs, trees, or human touches i.e., focus on “Gardening with Youths”. I would also like birdbath, fountain, bench, , bee or butterfly houses, sculptures add interest and to hear from all clubs on ways that they think MGC draw people into your landscape. Balance the natural look with some definition, i.e. can involve both our club members and children with borders, paths, edges, plant islands, and fencing that frame the features of the gardening that will enrich both. I will be looking for garden while providing a neat appearance. ways to do this and pass them on to all clubs as they are developed. Your plants need to provide year-round diversity, i.e. food, water, cover, places for young. Don’t forget to provide a backdrop of texture and structure with plants like Carol’s theme for 2017-2019 is “GROW and evergreens, native grasses or taller plants that help frame smaller ones. Sustain your SHARE”. Let’s work to find and develop ways that garden and with Sustainable Practices while practicing neighbor friendly both members and our youth can achieve this. gardening. Don’t forget to get your garden wildlife certified. Michigan Garden Clubs Inc. 10 September, October, November DISTRICT VI MariAnn Saenen, Director

Being a brand new District VI director would have been very difficult without the wonderful guid- ance of outgoing director Ronnie Dush. Trellis

Summer of 2017 is off with two garden walks scheduled in District VI. Port Sanilac Garden Club is hosting theirs on Saturday, July 8, and Evening Bloomers Garden Club on Sunday, July 9th. I look forward to meeting officers and club members on these great occasions.

Caro Garden Club sponsored a “Pollinator Garden Make and Take” for youth in cooperation with the Caro Area District Library (article Bucket elsewhere in this Gate edition).

Lexington Garden Club has been very busy planning our District VI Fall Meeting scheduled for September 21, 2017. Programs and invita- tions will go out very soon and by the time members read this article hopefully many members will be making their plans to attend the Fall Meeting. The program looks to be outstanding! These gatherings are important to maintain our connections, strengthen our bonds and focus our activities with Michigan and National Garden Club goals. We wel- come Michigan Garden Club new president, Carol Brodbeck and 4th Vice President, Sharma Zollinger to our meeting. DISTRICT IV, KENT GARDEN CLUB ARBORICULTURE Sharma Zollinger, Chair It is with a sad heart that we lost our longest standing member of 67 Arboriculture is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, years Inez Wagemaker. Inez passed shrubs, vines and other perennial woody plants. The science of away Saturday, June 24, only arboriculture studies how these plants grow and respond to culture practices weeks after her 99th birthday. Gar- and to their environment. The practice of arboriculture includes cultural den club was extremely important techniques such as selection, planting, training, fertilization, pest and to her; she served as president pathogen control, , shaping and removal. A person who practices or studies arboriculture twice, she was District IV Director, can be termed an arborist or an arbor culturist. Arboriculture is primarily focused on individual and chaired the 1977 MGC Con- woody plants and trees maintained for permanent landscape and amenity purposes, for the vention. enjoyment, protection, and benefit of human beings. It falls under the general umbrella of She also implemented many pro- horticulture. jects, served on numerous commit- tees, and mentored new members. Proper tree and shrub care is an absolute must for She was a flower show judge and any property owner. Well-cared for trees, shrubs chairman. A memorial service was and vines not only add beauty, but they can also held on July 6 at the Mayflower raise the value of property. Good landscaping can Church on Robinson Road in Grand increase a property’s value by up to 20 percent. Rapids. On the other hand, mistreated or decaying landscape material are a liability and can Submitted by Vicki Leale decrease property values because they are considered an impending expense for homebuyers.

As gardeners, we must be diligent and check our trees and shrubs for diseases. It is good to know the signs of a dying tree so we can give the care it needs before it is too late. Know the signs by looking at the tree trunk, vertical cracks, missing Register your garden bark, cankers (areas of dead bark); if you scratched the trunk and you see the inner layer of bark is brown, your tree is dead. Your local garden projects and programs provide inspiring opportunities that Are the tree branches talking to you? Look for these signs, losing leaves before the correct season, bring neighbors, cultures and genera- holding onto dead leaves on the branches, are there weak joints connecting tree to branches, and tions together to share the experience are there brown and brittle leaves during the growing season. Are roots damaged? Look for a and joy of gardening. As recognition of sudden and noticeable lean, small branch sprouting from the base of the tree, or are the roots the valuable resource that your club con- turning slimy. Fungus on a tree indicates the tree is rotting from the inside. If bark beetles, tributes to your community, 20 local carpenter ants, or other insects are taking up residence at the base of the tree these are signs of a garden clubs across America will be dying tree. awarded grants. Recipients will earn up to $250 of Espoma Organic Plant Foods Prevention is key, avoid bumping the tree or shrub with tools when doing yard work, be gentle & Potting Soils. So be inspired Ameri- around exposed roots, leave room around trees/shrubs so they can breathe and absorb light, water ca! Join our effort to Plant America To- when there is a drought, prune at the right time of year when needed. Plant in areas where they gether. club today! Sign up have plenty of room to grow fully. Trees and shrubs are a vital part of our environment they are at: www.espoma.com/garden-clubs. able to clean our air of toxins. Michigan Garden Clubs Inc. 11 September, October, November by Judy Layfield

Rededication of the Blue Star Memorial by the Mt. Pleasant Garden Club

We relocated our Blue Star Memorial from the west side of the Veterans Memorial Library to the south side. We are here today for a rededication. The Blue Star Memorial program honors all the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Services: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

Many people believe that the Blue Star Memorial started after World War II. It started with World War I. The banner was designed in 1917 by United States Army Captain Robert I. Queisser, of the Fifth Ohio Infantry, in honor of his two sons who were serving on the front line in World War I. It was quickly adopted by the public and by our government officials. On September 24, 1927, an Ohio Congressman read it into the Michigan by the Adrian Garden Club. Only a In Isabella County, we have five memorials Congressional Record. few memorials were dedicated between the on record honoring our fallen heroes. A time of the first marker and the Blue Star memorial can be found at the Gilmore During World War II there was a resurgence Memorial in our city of Mt. Pleasant. The Township Cemetery and at the Coe of the Blue Star service banners to be hung in Blue Star Memorial was dedicated in Mt. Township Cemetery honoring the men who the windows of the homes that had a family Pleasant, Michigan by the Mt. Pleasant died during the Civil War. The memorial at member serving overseas. Most of these Federated Garden Club (currently called the Riverside Cemetery is dedicated to the fallen banners were homemade. If a service Mt. Pleasant Garden Club) on April 11, 2003. veterans of all wars but the tablet cannot be member died, a smaller gold star was placed The memorial was located at the southwest found. A memorial for the men who served in corner of the Veterans Memorial Library. We the Korean War can be found at the corner of over the blue star. A blue star service flag or th service banner is a banner that family were only the 8 city in Michigan to have a Broadway and Main Street. The first members of those serving in the United memorial at that time. Currently the Garden memorial in the State of Michigan for the States Armed Forces can display. These flags Clubs of Michigan have over 80 memorials veterans of the Vietnam War is in Island or banners have been authorized by the dedicated to the men and women serving in Park. It is dedicated to the men who were lost Department of Defense. The flag or banner is our military forces. during the Vietnam War either KIA, MIA, or officially defined as a white field with a red POW. border, with a blue star for each family The Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. member serving in the Armed Forces of the was founded in Flint, Michigan by retired In Isabella County, families lost sons during United States during any period of war or Captain George Maines who was employed the following wars: World War I – 11, World hostilities in which the Armed Forces of the by the Flint News, The Advertiser, on War II – 52, Korean War – 3, Vietnam War – United States are engaged. There can be up to January 21, 1942. The formation of the Blue 9, Desert Storm – none, Afghanistan – l, and five stars on one banner. Star Mothers of America was in response to Iraq – 1. These brave men died while serving the attack on Pearl Harbor. On January 22, their country so we can have the freedoms we The National Garden Club, Inc. introduced 1942, a coupon was placed in the paper now enjoy. So many times, once the veterans the highway memorials with the planting of asking for interested mothers of the Flint’s arrive home, they feel that the people they 8,000 dogwood trees along a 5 ½ mile stretch military fighting men and women to fill out protected have forgotten the sacrifices they of US 22 by the New Jersey Council of the coupon and return it to the paper. The made. Garden Clubs in 1944, as a living memorial response was overwhelming. They had 1,000 to the veterans of World War II. In 1945, the mothers responding. Three hundred Flint If you know or see a person wearing a hat National Council of State Garden Clubs mothers came together for the first meeting, with the words or symbols of the war they adopted this program and began a Blue Star which was held at the Durant Hotel on were in, go up to them and thank them for highway system that covers thousands of February 1, 1942, and was chaired by their service. A thank you and a smile are so miles across the continental United States, Captain George Maines. This was eight simple, but it will show the veterans we have Alaska and Hawaii. A large metal Blue Star weeks after the worst attack on our soil. The not forgotten what they have done for us. memorial highway marker was placed at first chapter formed was named for Flint son, appropriate locations along the highways. In Jack Pitcher, who was killed at Pearl Harbor, Because of these brave men and women, we Michigan, we have US 31 designated as a aboard the USS West Virginia. By the end of have the freedoms available to us today. My memorial highway. Niles, Michigan had the World War II there were Blue Star Mothers’ heart felt thank you goes out to our military first memorial in 1947. The memorial chapters in every state and over a half million currently serving our country and to the highway goes up to Sault Ste. Marie, along members. Today the organization is still veterans who have defended our county. the west side of the state. Most of the active and the mission is to support our markers have either been lost or relocated Troops and Veterans, to come alongside the because of the highways being changed. families of the fallen and to support each God Bless You. other. Currently we are starting a chapter of The first Blue Star Memorial in Michigan the Blue Star Mothers in Isabella County. was dedicated on August 19, 1948, in Adrian,

Michigan Garden Clubs Inc. 12 September, October, November

Sponsored by Morenci Garden Club KIDS FAIRY GARDEN WORKSHOP Submitted by President, Becky Schermerhorn

For National Gardening Week the Morenci Garden Club sponsored a nd th • Station #4 was adding colorful beads to wire to become a fairy “Fairy Garden Workshop” for kids 2 -6 grade. This was a free stick – breaking up a plastic forks to form a picket fence. make and take for the kids! We started the morning making and building things to put in our fairy After a lite lunch, they got to pick out their container, add soil, and gardens. We had 4 stations at which they made the items. choose an assortment of plants donated by garden club members. Planting and designing started and they became some of the most • Station #1 was stacking and gluing rocks for a lady bug crossing beautiful fairy gardens and dinosaur ! A fairy was given to sign - painting and bending a piece of wire mesh to use as a garden each fairy garden along with some “fairy dust” and dinosaurs added arch. to their new playground! The day was filled with fun and excitement • Station #2 was cutting, painting, and gluing a water bottle into a for the kids and club members as we all worked together to fairy house, painting small pieces of wood for stepping stones, accomplish a project for National Gardening Week! painting some small stones to form a caterpillar.

• Station #3 was gluing a marble to a golf tee for a gazing ball, making a flower into a fairy umbrella.

The boys could make a Dinosaur Garden, using lots of wood, bark, and stones

DISTRICT VI, CARO GARDEN CLUB POLLINATOR ACTIVITY

With the importance of pollinators and reaching out to our youth in mind, Caro Garden Club (CGC) President, Kathy Sauber, led her club to another cooperative effort with Caro Area District Library, in a wonderful and successful activity “Kids’ Pollinator Garden”. The library handled all the advertising as part of the 2017 Summer Reading called “Build a Better World”, and Caro Garden Club shared the cost of containers, soil, plants and decorative supplies.

Garden Club members assisted with reading the book “What Lily Gets from Bee: And Other Pollination Facts”, by Ellen Lawrence, which was donated to the library. The hands on activity by the children who planted pollinator friendly plants in their very own to take home was supervised and assisted by CGC members.

Bernice Langton celebrated her 100th birthday in June with a large party that included all her relatives and garden club friends. She even was featured in the Monroe News to celebrate her milestone! Bernice is one of the charter members of Swan Creek Garden Club that started March 23, 1950. She is loved dearly by all her garden club friends who hope all her birthday wishes come true!

The happy faces of children in these pictures tell the rest of the story! There was a morning and an afternoon session. 37 children took home a container garden and 28 parents and grandparents were thrilled to witness this wonderful educational event.

Michigan Garden Clubs Inc. 13 September, October, November Burke View Garden Club celebrated its 60th Club Anniversary on had very new yards and very little knowledge about plants, gardens, May 17, 2017 at the lake home of Barb Etuis in Delton. Along with and landscaping. Amy very patiently taught us all of these things. It the club's 60th Anniversary we also celebrated one of our founding wasn't long before we were busy taking flower arranging classes and member’s (Mary Jane Kreider) 60th Anniversary, and Lloyd Haw wanting named varieties of plants for our gardens. Soon those bare who celebrated 50 years with our club. The membership was pleased yards became colorful and attractive. We first met in the afternoons, to welcome Evelyn Flynn to present the awards. but because many of us had young children, we decided to begin meeting in the evenings. It was easier to get dad to baby-sit! Burke View Garden Club Projects 2017 ~ 2018 During those first few years we had our own flower shows every year Holiday Green Sale - Each Year / Location - Kalamazoo County and at the same time many of our members were entering Council Fairgrounds flower show, the Kalamazoo County Fair shows, The Iris Society All Burke View members donate time and the cost of club projects, as shows and were proudly bringing home ribbons. well as time devoted to the club booth, which sells fresh wreaths and roping. The sale is attended community wide, attendees are able to We became affiliated with the Kalamazoo Garden Council in January, purchase beautiful arrangements, wreaths, roping, and other gift items, 1959 and became a member of the Federated Garden Clubs in May, at prices much less than they would at floral shops. Each participating 1962. Members of Burke View have been very active in Council garden club has one representative who attends all the Green Sale activities. We have had many members on the Council's Board preparation meetings. The Kalamazoo Garden Council benefits from including: 3 Council Presidents, 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents, this sale, as the proceeds cover a large portion of their operating Recording Secretaries, Membership, Nominating Committee Chair, expenses; the community benefits, and each participating club Historian, and Council House Chair to name a few. receives a percentage of the profit as well. We have always participated in the Green Sale. We Annually, as many members as possible, meet at the have had three Green Sale Chairs and one year were council grounds, and work for several hours to responsible for the weekly workshops. For the last maintain the garden and grounds. This helps beautify several years, we have been in charge of ordering and the Council grounds - and as the Council house is manning the fresh green's table at the sale. We have a used frequently for meetings of not only the Council, continued interest in sharing our interests with the but most of the member clubs, everyone in the Community. In the past we have done the usual Kalamazoo Garden Council benefits. projects: Horticulture therapy at nursing homes and hospitals, working with Girl Scout troops in the area, Kairos Dwelling Bird Feeders - Year-round. and volunteering in schools. We have done many beautification Location - Kairo's Dwelling, 2945 Gull Road., Kalamazoo projects including the Mosel bridge overpass (which no longer exists) Several members of Burke View have purchased bird feeders and and planning and planting the area around the Parchment High School placed them at eye height of the hospice patients, and the club sign. We helped care for the flower beds at Milham Parkside Care provides them with bird seed. This provides the hospice patients and Facility. Also, we planted Knock Out Roses or ever blooming roses in staff with peaceful and tranquil views year-round. This expense is front of the U.S. Post Office on Drake Rd. covered by the club. We have received awards from the Federated Garden Clubs of National Boy's USTA Tournaments - Summer 2017 / 2018 Michigan and the National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc for the Location - Kalamazoo College Tennis Courts, Kalamazoo Garden Therapy Program at the Borges Psychiatric Unit under the Several Burke View members get soil, and actually grow plants which supervision of Linda Garza. Our most far reaching project was when are ultimately planted into beautiful planters and then they are placed we responded to a plea by the first lady of the Philippines for flower in the allowed areas on the tennis courts and grounds. This benefits seeds to beautify her country. With the help of State Representative the entire community and beyond, as people from around the entire Robert Welborn and the Asgrow Seed Co., we were able to navigate country come to attend this high profile event. the sea of customs and get them to the Philippines.

AMTRAK Station - Spring 2017 / 2018 Burke View has remained an active, enthusiastic garden club always Location - Transportation Center, Downtown Kalamazoo ready to welcome new members. Our members now come from For this club project, several members create beautiful planters that Delton, Kalamazoo, Oshtemo, and Parchment. We are privileged to are placed "track side" and near the bus terminals, where traveler's have a member who is a Master Flower Show Judge and two who are coming to and traveling through Kalamazoo can see them at our Master Gardeners. beautiful old restored train station. What a wonderful way to say "Welcome to Kalamazoo" - the entire city benefits from this friendly We have one Charter Member and seven Life Members. Our welcome! backgrounds, interests, hobbies and skills vary broadly. This is what makes Burke View a special club. Burke View Garden Club History Burke View Garden Club was organized in February, 1957. We had We currently have 12 members. nineteen members, our advisor was Amy VandeGiessen. Most of us

Michigan Garden Clubs Inc. 14 September, October, November Michigan Garden Clubs Inc. 15 September, October, November Michigan Garden Club Inc. 6410 Crane Road Ypsilanti, Mi. 48197-8850

Calendar September - December 2017 To post events directly on the calendar, visit the MGC website at michigangardenclubs.org *Click on Calendar at the top of the page and click on Submit Event. *Events marked with an * have more details on the website calendar at www.michigangardenclubs.org.

Wed. & Thurs., October 4 & 5 - Wisconsin Tuesday, October 24 – Big Rapids - Saturday, September 9 – North Dells, WI – Central Region Convention What’s New? Farmington - Blue Star Memorial (Byway Time each day: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Location: Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm. Location: Big Marker) Dedication Chula Vista, 2501 River Rd, Wisconsin Rapids Public Library, Community Room, Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Location: TBA Dells, WI 426 S. Michigan Avenue, Big Rapids, MI. Barb Balgoyen, customer service and Monday, September 11 – Monroe - Tuesday, October 10 – TBA - District I technical advisor at Walters Gardens, has Tomato Tasting Fall Conference over 35 years as a buyer, sales manager, Hosted by Eden's Garden Club. Time: 6:00 Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Location: TBA and center owner in the West pm - 8:00 pm. Location: Public House, 138 Michigan Green Industry. She will give a N. Monroe St., Monroe, MI 48162. Wednesday, October 11 – Bath - District Power Point presentation on what is new and IIB Fall Meeting coming in the perennial plant world. Tuesday, September 12 - Traverse City - Theme: Autumn Treasures. Hosted by District V Fall Meeting and Leadership Meridian Garden Club. Time: 8:00 am. Wednesday, November 1 – Lansing - Conference Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Location: Eagle Eye Conference Center, MGC Finance Committee Meeting Location: Cathedral Barns, 1500 Red Drive, 15500 Chandler Road, Bath, MI Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Location: TBA Traverse City, MI 49684 Held at Historic Two engaging speakers, great vendors and Barns Park (Botanic Gardens). the camaraderie of fellow gardeners will Wednesday, November 1 – Lansing - make for a wonderful fall day. Join us! MGC Executive Committee Meeting Saturday, September 16 – Port Huron - Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Location: TBA Blue Star Dedication Thursday, October 12 - TBA - District IV Hosted by Blue Club (District Meeting Thursday, November 2 – Lansing - MGC I) Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Location: TBA Board Meeting Location: Pine Grove Park, 1204 Pine Grove Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Location: TBA Avenue, Port Huron. Mon. & Tues., October 16 & 17 – Holland Contact person: Pat Schattler 810-841-7485 - Environmental School Course III Saturday, December 2 – Lansing - Greens Time: TBA. Location: Holland MI For more Market Thursday, September 21 – Lexington - information, contact local Chair, Deannie Hosted by The Garden Club of Greater District VI Fall Meeting Picciotti Cell 616-283-7744 Lansing. Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Theme: "Your Garden - Not Just Another [email protected] or Location: Grace United Methodist Church, Pretty Face". Hosted by Lakeshore Garden Registrar, Lynn Miller 616-676-2274, 1900 Boston Boulevard, Lansing. For Sale: Club of Lexington and Port Sanilac Garden [email protected] Wreaths, Swags, Boxwood Table, Trees, Club. Time: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. Kissing Balls, Fresh Arrangements. Location: St. Dennis (Ave Maria Parish) Mon. & Tues., October 23 & 24 - For information call: (517)-676-2676 Hall, 7200 Denissen St, Lexington, MI. Landscape Design School III Morning speaker Cheryl English - Hosted by District III. Location: Kalamazoo, Save the Date "Native Trees, Shrubs & Vines for the MI. Contact Carol Beckius at Michigan Garden". [email protected] for more 87th Annual Meeting and Comvention, Afternoon speaker Don Newlin - "Invasive information including schedule and Wednesday, June 6, 2018 in Kalamazoo Plant Species in Southern Michigan". registration. (Big Rapids Garden Club) Tri Refresher, Thursday, June 7, 2018 in Kalamazoo Michigan Garden Clubs Inc. 16 September, October, November