Spring-Summer 2009

Matthaei Botanical gardens and

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Net Effects Digital technologies and the Internet—despite mixed receptions to their sociological value—offer rich learning opportunities that help kids connect to the real world Joseph Mooney

In This omputers once occupied entire rooms. Now Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Cworlds fit into a computer the size of a pizza director and founder of Animal Diversity Web, a U-M Issue... box—or smaller. educational online database of animal natural history, distribution, classification, and conservation biology, If that floppy disk of an observation is showing its believes that “learning is shifting strongly in the direction age like last season’s cell phone, it’s worth remembering 2 Nature Nurtures of the World Wide Web,” and that soon, probably Rachel Kaplan & just how far and how fast the virtual world has come within ten years, “everything will be available on the Stephen Kaplan in a few short years. Web.” This suggests there are plenty of ways for kids Director’s Message 3 So fast, indeed, that the digital invasion has many of to learn online and to connect with others sharing Peony Garden us wondering if the information age has moved similar interests. Updates us forward or back, away from important experiences 4 If we’re willing to accept that being online actually such as contact with nature and relationships with fellow Calendar promotes social interaction, we can also imagine that 5 humans and the larger “real-world” community. Parents the Internet and digital technologies might inspire in particular worry that children especially may suffer the 7 Education kids to get outside. effects of digital overload. The good news: for kids, being Curator’s Corner 11 online is a great place to learn about the natural world Despite the ever-increasing amount of information on- A Tangled Web and can inspire them to get “back to nature.” line, Myers notes, we really know very little about many 12 Development Matters animals. “There are a lot of blanks,” he says. “So I hope Go Online, Get Outside? New & Renewing to inspire people to go outdoors to discover for them- 13 Is there anything that won’t be online in the future? Members selves” and to help fill in some of those blanks. Dr. Philip Myers, a U-M Professor of Zoology in the 15 Get involved— New educational opportunities for technologies beyond Volunteer! just the Internet are out there, too, ones that take kids 16 Get Lost; outside to collect data from their own locales. Dr. Nancy Ask the Experts Butler Songer, a U-M Professor of Science Education and Learning Technologies and project director of BioKIDS, a curriculum and parallel site to Animal Diversity Web, wrote in an email that she created BioKIDS in part to “test the theory that if we systematically develop, and implement, technology-rich science units that promote Continued on p. 1 Spring-Summer ‘09: Chock Full of Events! The 29th Annual MBGNA Plant Sale If you’ve been to our spring plant sale, you know it’s one of the best places in the area to select from a huge offering of more than 1,000 varieties of perennials, woody plants, and unique annuals.

This year we’ve made it even better. Friday night, expect a gala preview party for members complete with wine from Sandhill Crane Vineyards of Jackson, (where you’ll be able to meet the winemaker), and food from Angel Food Catering, a time during which you’ll be able to get first dibs on your favorite plants. Also, Saturday and Sunday during the sale we’ll have fascinating and informative gardening demos on subjects such as gardening with perennials, rain barrels, raising butterflies, and more.

Nonmembers are welcome to join at the door Friday afternoon and evening during the members party. Oh, and don’t forget to bring mom on Sunday—Mother’s Day!

Our sponsors: Angel Food Catering, , Sandill Crane Vineyards, and Ten Thousand Villages.

Shakespeare in the Arb “Why, this is very midsummer’s madness” —Olivia, from Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night, Shakespeare’s story of love and identity, mistaken and otherwise, brims with some of the bard’s most well-loved speeches and songs. Kate Mendeloff nimbly directs U-M students and a host of community members to make this mobile production a success. Wear your walking shoes!

June 11-14, 18-21, 25-28. Box Office opens at 5pm to members of MBGNA; 5:30pm general admission at the entrance at 1610 Washington Heights. All performances start 6:30pm; please allow 10 minutes to walk to the first act. Mobility assistance can be provided; please call 734.647.7600. Tickets: $10 U-M students and children 12-18; $15 MBGNA members; $18 general admission.

Gaffield Children’s Garden Ribbon Cutting—September 13, 1-4pm Mark your calendars and be sure to join us for an afternoon of entertainment and exploration as we officially open the Gaffield Children’s Garden at Matthaei. Our goal: provide a place for kids of all ages to explore and experiment in a natural setting, a place that engages all their senses.

Last season we added a kid-sized bird nest, straw-bale maze, and fairy and troll area, along with a gourd tunnel, storage shed, digging pit, and more.

This season, construction continues with plans for a butterfly and hummingbird garden, a builders’ garden, a water play zone, a picnic plaza, plantings to indulge your senses, nature art gallery, and a habitats hiking trail, to name a few. Also featured Sunday afternoon: entertainment from musician Joe Reilly, plus hands-on activities, snacks, and beverages. Net Effects, continued

complex thinking in science with Detroit between the young and the natural world,” a children to the same sort of destructive 4-6th graders that we could help these kids divide brought about in part by the Internet behaviors they see in the games. raise their test scores in science.” and new technologies. We work too much on A survey conducted by the Pew Internet & “Internet Time,” as Louv calls it. In Songer’s program, kids use Cyber- American Life Project suggests the opposite. Tracker—handheld software originally It’s hard to escape the Internet clock. And the According to a summary of the Pew survey, developed by professional animal trackers breakneck pace of digital advances challenges “virtually all American teens play computer, in Africa—to collect data in the schoolyard. us to keep up with what’s new today, never console, or cell phone games and that the “The handhelds are used in the outdoor/real mind tomorrow. Even so, research has shown gaming experience is rich and varied, with a world setting,” Songer writes, “while the data that digital media may have a positive effect on significant amount of social interaction and analysis and explanation building . . . occur children and young adults. potential for civic engagement.” within the classroom.” A three-year digital media and learning study The survey’s goal, according to the Pew website, The ubiquitous digital camera has a role in by University of Southern California and was “to test concerns that gaming might be kids’ learning as well. Digital cameras are University of California-Berkeley released in prompting teens to withdraw from their now the norm, and kids can use them easily late 2008 explores the ways in which “digital communities.” There is clear evidence, the on their own or in a classroom setting to get media are changing how young people learn, survey goes on to say, “that gaming is not just outside and explore nature—without waiting play, socialize, and participate in civic life,” an entertaining diversion for many teens,” and for results or paying for film development. according to the website of the MacArthur that “youth have many experiences playing Foundation, which supported the study. games that mirror aspects of civic and political Lisa Matlock, an education specialist with life, such as thinking about moral and ethical the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife In a press release about the study, lead issues and making decisions about city and/or Refuge, incorporates digital cameras into researcher Mizuko Ito of UC-Irvine notes that community affairs.” her classroom curriculum. Digital nature “it might surprise parents to learn that it is photography, Matlock responds in an email, not a waste of time for their teens to hang out “has lessons integral to it as an activity, but online. There are myths about kids spending first and foremost it is a tool to get kids into time online—that it is dangerous or making Favorites nature on their own terms.” them lazy. But we found that spending time A by-no-means complete list of gardening, online is essential for young people to pick up learning, and educational websites for kids Matlock is sold on the experience of digital the social and technical skills they need to be (Adults, too!). cameras as a lead in getting kids outside competent citizens in the digital age.” Animal Diversity Web who wouldn’t normally venture out. “Several animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/index. of the campers in my sessions were at first The study uncovered several interesting and html tentative—talking about not wanting to get surprising results, among them: 1) there’s BioKIDS () muddy or out of sight of the camp. But they a generation gap in how young people and biokids.umich.edu/ very quickly left these issues behind once the adults view the value of online activity; 2) Science-related sites for kids cameras caught their attention. It is a beauti- youth “are navigating complex social and tech- goodsitesforkids.com fully effortless way to break through barriers nical skills that they need to fully participate Safe, Fun, Internet Explorations for Children to getting kids outside,” observes Matlock. in contemporary society;” 3) young people are littleclickers.com/ motivated to learn from their peers online; 4) The National Gardening Association Digital Values most young people aren’t taking full advantage “Kid’s Gardening” website Opinions as to the value of a life lived if even kidsgardening.com/family.asp of the learning opportunities of the Internet. partially online run from the strident to the National Geographic Kids nuanced. Some are convinced that the Web And if adults lament the warp speed of digital kids.nationalgeographic.com/ and new technologies, online social com- transformation, the study also found that Recycling and Beyond munities, and computer games isolate and young people, too, struggle to keep up with dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/earth/recycle/ index.htm separate us, especially children, from the real the rapid rate of change. world and from nature—to our detriment. What Tree Is That? Many adults and parents fret that online arborday.org/trees/wtit/ In Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our gaming has a corrosive effect on kids and teens. Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, author The typical stereotype of online games is that Richard Louv explores “the increasing divide they’re violent and by extension predispose friends Spring-Summer 2009 1 Nature Nurtures Counting the Blessings of the World Outdoors Rachel Kaplan & Stephen Kaplan

ost of us relish nature and delight Min its diverse beauty. Perhaps less appreciated are the profound psychological benefits of having nature close at hand. Even very small doses of nature can make a big difference in our lives.

A common theme in much of the research on nature’s role in human well-being is the notion of mental fatigue and how nature may counteract it. Almost everyone is familiar with mental fatigue; it’s the stuff of life for nearly every human at one time or another.

But what is experiencing fatigue? If it were Dr. Cimprich has shown that the difficulties the mind we’d find it difficult to perform from work and home demands recovering some things that are fairly easy to carry out cancer patients face are greatly reduced with even when mentally fatigued. To understand as little as twenty minutes of contact with mental fatigue better, we turned to the nature, three times a week. Two other U-M writings of the nineteenth-century psycholo- alumni, Drs. Frances Kuo and William gist and philosopher William James. In his Sullivan, have shown that residents of a grim research James distinguished between two public housing facility in Chicago were less kinds of attention. One of these is in constant likely to settle disputes with violence when demand as we tend to the many tasks that there are a few trees growing near their fill our days. Mental fatigue, we contend, building. And a recent U-M graduate, Dr. Even very small indicates a depleted capacity to use such Rodney Matsuoka, looked at high school directed attention. So it is our attentional campuses. Regardless of demographics, Dr. doses of nature capacity that is fatigued. Matsuoka found that when nature is nearby, can make a big even if only viewed from a cafeteria window, The other kind of attention operates very difference in students performed better academically differently. It doesn’t require effort, but is and significantly fewer disciplinary our lives instead activated by things or activities that problems occurred. are fascinating. That’s where a visit to a garden, arboretum, or other natural setting The lesson is clear: the simple beauty of comes in. These wild or natural places offer nature is beneficial. To make the most of its fascination in subtle ways and allow our restorative effects, however, we urge you to depleted attentional resources to replenish. get out into nature as often as you can. We call this framework Attention Restoration Theory (ART). Rachel Kaplan is a U-M Professor in the School of Natural Resources and Environment as well Research based on ART has been carried as Professor of Psychology. Stephen Kaplan is out for some time now. Among the land- a Professor of Psychology and a Professor in mark studies is the work of Dr. Bernadine Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Cimprich in the U-M School of Nursing. the University of Michigan. They are renowned for their research on nature’s salutary effect on human relationships and health. 2 friends Spring-Summer 2009 Director’s Message

e’ve long known our Peony Garden at the Arboretum is a Over the next several years, we’ll work to verify the identification of Wtreasure. Until recently, however, we didn’t fully recognize just each plant in the collection, to divide and back up plants in other how unique it is nationally or internationally. It’s certainly the largest locations, and to collaborate with nurseries interested in bringing collection of Chinese peonies (Paeonia lactiflora) in North America— heirloom varieties back to the market. We’re also developing a Web- and quite possibly the largest outside of China. It also includes many based clearinghouse for information on peonies and their culture and distinctive historical cultivars no longer generally available. Conserving history. Additionally, we continue to pursue funding for improve- this national treasure for future generations is one of our highest ments to the Peony Garden space to improve accessibility, to provide priorities. How to do it well has been one of our challenges. greater interpretation, and to diversify our collection to include more tree peonies (as intended by Aubrey Tealdi, the original designer of the Few models exist in North America for tending historic collections collection) as well as species peonies from China and newer cultivars. of garden-plant cultivars. The best strategy is to keep people actively Finally, we’ll be making enhancements to the Garden’s appearance growing them. For a specific collection like ours it’s important to grow during off-bloom pe- the peonies in multiple riods with additional locations so that if one plantings and other plant dies, others are improvements. available for division. The National Council We hope you’ll visit for the Conservation the Peony Garden of Plants and Gardens this June and enjoy in Great Britain its dazzling display. (nccpg.com) provides a As you walk among useful model for back- the thousands of ing up plants in other blooms, give some garden locales through thought to the a registry system. uniqueness of this treasure and our Efforts have been ongoing efforts to underway in recent protect its future! months to develop a long-term conservation strategy for the Peony Garden. With assistance from landscape architect Linda Cody, of We appreciate the generous support for the Peony Garden Linda Cody Design in New Jersey, we have created a helpful planning Initiative by Ian and Sally Bund, Barbara Joyce Kaye, the framework to guide our stewardship efforts over the next few years. Porter Family Foundation, and Philip and Kathleen Power. More giving opportunities exist. If you would like to become What have we done so far? We have applied to the National Plant involved, please let me know ([email protected]; 734.763.0645). Conservation Consortium of the American Public Garden Association to have our Peony Garden named as the national collection of nineteenth- and twentieth-century Chinese peony cultivars. We’ve also created a national advisory board for our initiative. This board is made up of knowledgeable peony experts from the U.S. and Canada: Bob Grese representatives from the American Peony Society, the Canadian Peony Director Society, the Midwest Peony Society, the Heartland Peony Society, well-respected growers of peonies, and leaders in the conservation of Matthaei Botanical Gardens historic plants. & Nichols Arboretum

friends Spring-Summer 2009 3 Deconstructing the Sunday, June 7. We’ll be offering informative Updates Deconstructed Landscape tours where you can learn about the history Karen Sikkenga of the garden and its magnificent collection Designed and installed by John Hollowell of antique and heirloom peonies. For more and Associates, Inc. as the 1999 Open for Business information on specific initiatives regarding Gardenscape for a New Millennium, (but Pardon Our Dust) the peony garden, read the Director’s message the Deconstructed Landscape has been in this issue (p. 3). Matthaei Roads to be a signature landmark along the Gardens’ Repaved This Summer main drive. Starting this season visitors Welcome and Farewell Over the years, many of you have requested will see this area, including the adjacent Abdi Gure joined our horticultural staff improvements to the roadway at Matthaei. old juniper collection, integrated into the in November 2008. He has a background in At last, this summer the entire driveway into oak woodlands and savanna plantings agricultural education and plant pathology. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, along with the planned for this area. In addition to the main and west parking lots, will be repaved, removal of the constructed elements of the Cathy Husted and Debi Vaught can be considerably enhancing the look—and Hollowell commission, all the non-native found at the front desk, stocking the gift feel—of the road. Before the roadwork trees, shrubs, and grasses planted in the shop, answering phones, and otherwise begins, however, portions of Willow and area since 1963 are being removed, making assisting our visitors. Parker ponds need to be dredged. This way for native trees, grasses, and flowering environmentally friendly project will create perennials. All the Gardenscapes were Joe Mooney joins us from the University of more area to capture sediment before it conceived as temporary installations Michigan Press as our new marketing and and have served us well. Our heart-felt development coordinator. He’ll be working thanks for the years we’ve enjoyed the on marketing education, events, website, Deconstructed Landscape. newsletter, and more. Peony Peaking Party Director of Development Ericka Bigelow left MBGNA late December 2008 to take a June 7, 1-4pm position with the U-M Theater Department. With their wide variety of shapes and We thank Ericka for her efforts here and their huge blooms in shades of pink, red, wish her all the best in her new job. and white, peonies are everyone’s favorite. The world-renowned Peony Garden at the Arboretum features dozens of beds of peonies arranged by season and color. flows out to Fleming Creek, thereby improv- It’s a sight to behold in late May/early ing the creek’s quality. This project is being June when the blooms are at their peak, done with support from the University’s and a great gathering place for friends Occupational Safety and Environmental and al fresco picnics. This spring, be sure Health unit. to visit during our Peony Peaking Party on

As with any projects of this scope, start and finish dates are hard to predict.Still, we’re aiming for an approximately June through August range for completion of both jobs. friends Spring-Summer 2009 Most important: during repaving and dredg- ing the Conservatory, gardens, and trails will Matthaei Botanical Gardens and be open for business. Nichols Arboretum Newsletter Dorothea Coleman, Editor [email protected] Look for more information on our website and in our e-newsletter as time goes on. Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum University of Michigan Robert E. Grese, Director Karen Sikkenga, Associate Director

© 2008 Regents of University Michigan 4 friends Spring-Summer 2009 For permission to use, contact Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum April 29 Wed. 13 Wed. 26 Tues. 10 Wed. 9am-noon: Wed. AM Spring Hiker § 8am-5pm Michigan Garden Club 6:30-8:30pm Junior 6-8pm Activity Evening in the Gaffield Environmental School Course IV 1 Master Gardener 1 Children’s Garden 3 7-9pm Yard Hens 2 § 3 9am-noon Wednesday AM Hiker § 27 Wed. • Free admission to the Conservatory, noon-8pm 6-8pm Big Bullies Youth Activity 3 9am-noon Wednesday AM Hiker § 11 Thurs. • Free admission to the Conservatory, 7-9pm Ann Arbor noon-8pm Bonsai Society Meeting 1 Noon-1pm Lunch & Learn: Arb Peony May Tour with David Michener § 14 Thurs. • Free admission to the Conservatory, noon-8pm Shakespeare in the Arb: 5pm member 1 Fri. 8-10am Audubon Society Spring ticket sale; 5:30pm general ticket 6-9pm Ann Arbor Garden Club Migration Walk in the Arb 28 Thurs. sale; 6:30pm performance begins Annual Potluck and Speaker 1 (meet at Riverview cul-de-sac) 1 8-10am Audubon Society Spring 12 Fri. 2 Sat. 12:30-3pm Ann Arbor Woman’s Migration Walk in the Arb National Farm & Garden Lunch 1 (meet at Riverview cul-de-sac) 1 Shakespeare in the Arb: 5pm member 9am-1pm Plant Sale ticket sale; 5:30pm general ticket Volunteer Orientation 2 Noon-1pm Lunch & Learn: Matthaei Noon-1pm Lunch & Learn: sale; 6:30pm performance begins Wetland Walk & Pond Dredging § Green Solutions for Your House § 10am-4pm Huron River Watershed 13 Sat. Council Rapid Field Assessment 1 2 15 Fri. 30 Sat. 9am-noon Volunteer Eco-Restoration 3 Sun. 4pm Wildflowers & Morels in 9-noon Garden Ambassadors Workday at the Arb 2 Training at the Gardens 2 11am-2pm Beekeeping, Mid-Michigan begins offsite § 10am-noon Activity Day in the Intro Session § 16 Sat. 1-4pm Eco-Restoration Workday Gaffield Children’s Garden 3 at the Arb’s Oak Openings 2 4 Mon. All day Wildflowers & Morels in Shakespeare in the Arb: 5pm member Mid-Michigan continues offsite § 31 Sun. ticket sale; 5:30pm general ticket Noon-1pm Yoga at the Gardens § sale; 6:30pm performance begins 9am-noon Matthaei Volunteer 11am-2pm Beekeeping, 6-8pm Plant Sale 14 Sun. Volunteer Orientation 2 Eco-Restoration Workday 2 Class 2: building hive boxes § 9am-noon Garden Ambassadors 11am-2pm Beekeeping: 7-9pm Evening Herb Study Class 3 offsite § Group Meeting 1 Training at the Arb 2 2-4pm Ann Arbor Orchid 5 Tues. 10am-noon Big Bullies June Youth Activity 3 Society Meeting 1 6:30-8:30pm Junior 1 Mon. Shakespeare in the Arb: 5pm member Master Gardener 1 10am-4:30pm American Orchid ticket sale; 5:30pm general ticket Society Great Lakes Judging Noon-1pm Yoga at the Gardens § sale; 6:30pm performance begins 6 Wed. Meeting 1 7-9pm Evening Herb Study 15 Mon. 9am-noon Wednesday AM Hiker § 1-4pm Eco-Restoration Workday: Group Meeting 1 Horner Woods 2 6:30-7:30pm Shakespeare Volunteer • Free admission to the Conservatory, 2 Tues. noon-8pm Training at the Arb 2 17 Sun. 6:30-8:30pm Junior 16 Tues. 7 Thurs. Until noon Wildflowers & Morels in Master Gardener 1 8-10am Audubon Society Spring Mid-Michigan continues offsite § 6:30-8:30pm Junior Master 3 Wed. Gardener Salad Party 1 Migration Walk in the Arb 8am-2pm American Orchid Society (meet at Riverview cul-de-sac) 1 • Free admission to the Conservatory, Great Lakes Judging Meeting 1 noon-8pm 7:30-9:30pm Sierra Club Meeting 1 Noon-1pm Lunch & Learn: 1-5pm Art, Nature & Function: 4 Thurs. 17 Wed. Stay Safe § Willow Furniture § Noon-1pm Lunch & Learn: 7:30-9:30pm Audubon 8 Fri. 2-4pm Ann Arbor Orchid Matthaei Walking Tour— Society Meeting 1 * 3-7pm Spring Plant Sale Society Meeting 1 History of Matteson Farmstead § • Free admission to the Conservatory, Member Presale Party 18 Mon. 6 Sat. noon-8pm 9 Sat. Noon-1pm Yoga at the Gardens § 10am-noon Rain Gardens and 18 Thurs. * 9am-4:30pm Xeric Gardens § Noon-1pm Lunch & Learn: Arb Spring Plant Sale 19 Tues. 10am-noon Gaffield Children’s Garden Walking Tour: Clean Water Trail § 9am-noon Volunteer Arb 6:30-8:30pm Junior Planting Activity for Kids 3 Shakespeare in the Arb: 5pm member Eco-Restoration Workday 2 Master Gardener 1 ticket sale; 5:30pm general ticket 7 Sun. 10 Sun. sale; 6:30pm performance begins 7:30-9:30pm Sierra Club Meeting 1 1-4pm Peony Peaking Party * Noon-4:30pm in the Arb Spring Plant Sale 20 Wed. 9am-noon Wednesday AM Hiker § 8 Mon. 11 Mon. Key 8am-5pm Michigan Garden 7:30-9:30pm Audubon Noon-1pm Yoga at the Gardens § Club Symposium 1 Society Meeting 1 6:30-7:30pm Shakespeare Volunteer Training at the Arb 2 § Adult activity: see listings in Noon-1pm Yoga at the Gardens § • Free admission to the Conservatory, Education Brochure noon-8pm 9 Tues. 12 Tues. 6:30-8:30pm Junior 3 Youth/family education: 8am-5pm Michigan Garden Club 21 Thurs. Master Gardener 1 see listings in Education Environmental School Course IV 1 8-10am Audubon Society Spring Brochure Migration Walk in the Arb 7:30-9:30pm Huron Valley Rose 6:30-8:30pm Junior (meet at Riverview cul-de-sac) 1 Society Meeting 1 1 Class by outside organization Master Gardener 1 Noon-1pm Lunch & Learn: 2 Volunteer opportunity 7:30-9:30pm Huron Valley Matthaei Walking Tour— Rose Society Meeting 1 Helen V. Smith Wildflower Garden & Sam Graham Trees § 24 Fri. June, continued July 9am-1pm Yoga and Nature Day August Camp for Girls 3 1 19 Fri. 6 Mon. 2 Sun. 25 Sat. Shakespeare in the Arb: 5pm member 7-9pm Evening Herb Study Noon-3pm Herb Fest 1 ticket sale; 5:30pm general ticket sale; Group Meeting 1 10am-noon Harvest activities 6:30pm performance begins 5 Wed. 8 Wed. in the Gaffield Children’s Garden3 20 Sat. • Free admission to the Conservatory, 5-8pm Eco-Restoration Workday 27 Mon. noon-8pm 9am-noon Volunteer Eco-Restoration at the Arb’s Oak Openings 2 9am-1pm Yoga and Nature Day 8 Sat. Workday at the Gardens 2 Camp for Girls 3 1 6-8pm Children’s Hike at the Arb 3 9am-noon Volunteer Eco-Restoration 10am-4pm Great Lakes 28 Tues. Judging Meeting 1 • Free admission to the Conservatory, Workday at the Arb 2 noon-8pm 9am-1pm Yoga and Nature Day Shakespeare in the Arb: 5pm member 11 Tues. Camp for Girls 3 1 ticket sale; 5:30pm general ticket sale; 9 Thurs. 7:30-9:30pm Huron Valley 6:30pm performance begins Noon-1pm Lunch & Learn: 29 Wed. Rose Society Meeting 1 The Global Garden: Best Practices from 9am-1pm Yoga and Nature Day 21 Sun. 12 Wed. Our Peer Gardens around the Country § Camp for Girls 3 1 1-4pm Huron Valley 6-8pm Butterflies and Moths for 11 Sat. • Rose Society Rose Show 1 Free admission to the Conservatory, Kids at the Gardens 3 Shakespeare in the Arb: 5pm member 9am-noon Volunteer Eco-Restoration noon-8pm • Free admission to the Conservatory, ticket sale; 5:30pm general ticket sale; Workday at the Arb 2 30 Thurs. 6:30pm performance begins noon-8pm 9am-noon Ann Arbor Bonsai Society 9am-1pm Yoga and Nature Day 15 Sat. 22 Mon. Photography Workshop 1 Camp for Girls 3 1 9am-noon Volunteer Eco-Restoration 6:30-7:30pm Shakespeare 10am-noon Children’s Hike Noon-1pm Lunch & Learn: Workday at the Gardens 2 Volunteer Training at the Arb 2 at the Gardens 3 Matthaei Walking Tour: 10am-noon Butterflies and Moths 24 Wed. The Food Gardens at Matthaei § 14 Tues. for kids at the Gardens 3 6-8pm Celebrate Pollinators 31 Fri. 7:30-9:30pm Huron Valley 10am-4pm Great Lakes Youth Activity 3 Rose Society Meeting 1 9am-1pm Yoga and Nature Day Judging Meeting 1 7-8:30pm Understanding Forest Camp for Girls 3 1 15 Wed. 10:30am-4pm Southeast Michigan Ecosystems Lecture § • Free admission to the Conservatory, Bromeliad Society Annual Show 7-9pm Ann Arbor Bonsai noon-8pm and Sale 1 Society Meeting 1 16 Thurs. 16 Sun. • Free admission to the Conservatory, noon-8pm Noon-1pm Lunch & Learn: 10:30am-4pm Southeast Michigan Arb Walking Tour: Historical Tour Bromeliad Society Annual Show 25 Thurs. of the Arboretum § Key and Sale 1 Noon-1pm Lunch & Learn: Matthaei 18 Sat. 18 Tues. Walking Tour: Fossil Discovery § 9am-noon Volunteer Eco-Restoration § Adult activity: see listings in 7:30-9:30pm Sierra Club Meeting 1 Shakespeare in the Arb: 5pm member Workday at the Gardens 2 Education Brochure ticket sale; 5:30pm general ticket sale; 19 Wed. 6:30pm performance begins 10am-4pm Great Lakes Judging 1 3 Youth/family education: • Free admission to the Conservatory, 26 Fri. 20 Mon. see listings in Education noon-8pm Brochure Shakespeare in the Arb: 5pm member 9am-1pm Yoga and Nature Day 26 Wed. ticket sale; 5:30pm general ticket sale; Camp for Girls 3 1 1 Class by outside organization 6:30pm performance begins 7-9pm Ann Arbor Bonsai 21 Tues. 2 Volunteer opportunity Society Meeting 1 27 Sat. 9am-1pm Yoga and Nature Day • Free admission to the Conservatory, 10am-1pm Approaching Forest Camp for Girls noon-8pm Ecosystems Field Trip § 3 1 6:30-9:30pm Sierra Club Potluck 27 Thurs. 10am-noon Celebrate Pollinators Youth Activity 3 and Meeting 1 Noon-1pm Lunch & Learn: Matthaei Walking Tour: 22 Wed. Shakespeare in the Arb: 5pm member Gaffield Children’s Garden§ ticket sale; 5:30pm general ticket sale; 9am-1pm Yoga and Nature Day 6:30pm performance begins Camp for Girls 3 1 29 Sat. 10am-4:30pm Ann Arbor Bonsai 28 Sun. 6-8pm Harvest activities in the Society Show and Sale 1 10am-1pm Approaching Forest Gaffield Children’s Garden3 Ecosystems Field Trip § 7-9pm Ann Arbor Bonsai 30 Sun. Shakespeare in the Arb: 5pm member Society Meeting 1 10am-4:30pm Ann Arbor Bonsai ticket sale; 5:30pm general ticket sale; Society Show and Sale 1 6:30pm performance begins • Free admission to the Conservatory, noon-8pm 23 Thurs. 9am-1pm Yoga and Nature Day Camp for Girls 3 1 Noon-1pm Lunch & Learn: Matthaei Walking Tour: Bug Walk § Spring-Summer 2009 Community Education Grow Your Mind at MBGNA!

Spring Plant Sale Demos Yard Hens II Raising and Keeping Happy, Healthy Hens at Home Sa t ., Ma y 9 2:45-315p m : Bu i l d i a January - April Bu t t e r f l y “Zo n e ” a t Ho m e General topics Wed., April 29, 7-9pm Learn which plants provide food 9:30-10a m : TBD Part II of our wildly successful Yard Hens class takes an in-depth look at for caterpillars and butterflies and how to raise and care for happy, healthy birds at home. The class will cover 10:15-10:45a m : Ed i b l e g a r d e n s how to grow them at home. poultry health and maintenance with a special focus on heirloom breeds. w i t h Ka r l ee n Sh a f e r , La n ds c a p e Learn where to get chicks, receive valuable resources, and connect with a De s i g n & Ass o c i a t e s 3:30-4:00pm: Big Bullies! community of poultry fanciers. Instructor: Andy Sell. 11-11:30a m : Co n t a i n e r Go on a hunt for invasive plants, MBGNA members and U-M students: $16; nonmembers: $20. Ga r d e n s w i t h Ni c o l e Ll o y d , learn how they got here, and why Class code #09-AE-19 La n ds c a p e De s i g n & Ass o c i a t e s they are “big bullies” in natural areas. We’ll work together to 11:45a m -12:15p m : Pr u n i n g w i t h remove these plants and create Kr i s Ad l e r , l o c a l a r b o r i s t Beekeeping space for native species. 12:30- 1p m : TBD Sundays, May 3, 31 & June 14, 11am-2pm Su n ., Ma y 10 Three additional dates in July, Aug., and Sept. 12:30-1:30p m : NEW! Kid-Friendly Activities This hands-on, step-by-step series in beekeeping is for those interested Pe r e n n i a l Combinations w i t h during the Plant Sale in starting their own hives. Session 1 provides an introduction to bees Ja n e t Ma c u n o v i c h and beekeeping. Session 2 covers the function of the hive. In this session 1:15-1:45p m : Garden writer and designer Janet participants build their own hive boxes. In Session 3 bee packages will be Ki d s Gr o w ! De m o Macunovich offers her insights on installed in the class hives. In Sessions 4 & 5 participants visit hives and Create a bean teepee garden. terrific perennial combinations, experience a hands-on session on how to check a hive. Session 6 covers Plant the seeds and learn how to what makes them shine in the honey harvesting and a visit to area hives. Additional cost to start your own set up your teepee. garden, and how you can develop hive. Recommended reading: First Lessons in Beekeeping, by Keith Delaplane,

Grow Your Mind at MBGNA! Mind Your Grow your own variations. available in the MBGNA gift shop. Instructor: Rich Wieske of Green Toe 2-2:30p m : Fa i r y Ho m e s & Note: This is a ticketed event. Gardens, Royal Oak. Co n t a i n e r Ga r d e n s Pregistration is required. MBGNA members and U-M students: $96 for all six classes or $18 per session; nonmembers: $120 for all six classes or $20 per session. Create beautiful tiny structures Fe e : MBGNA m e mb e r s a n d U-M Class code: #09-AE-25 a through f from natural materials to be left s t u d e n t s : $3; n o n m e mb e r s : $5. in the Gaffield Children’s Garden. Cl a ss c o d e #09-AE-20 Build fairy container gardens p m Classes in Gardening and Gardens with natural materials and plants 2:45-3:15 to take home. Ra i n Ba r r e l s : Us e i t o r l o s e i t Willow Furniture: Art, Nature, Function

Sun., May 17, 1-5pm. Class code based on project selected. Willow furniture once graced front porches, gardens, and summer homes. Vinyasa Yoga at the Gardens Today, creating furniture from willow branches is a traditional American art form that combines function and form with natural materials. For our Mondays, April 27; May 4, 11, 18; June 1, 8, noon-1pm willow furniture classes, bring your hammer and a sense of fun; leave with a unique heirloom. Join Master Furniture Builder Bim Willow in this For those who enjoy a flowing sequence of sun salutations and postures hands-on workshop. Learn the basics of willow-working and create your coordinated with music. Moderately paced, with emphasis on the integra- own piece of willow art. All materials are provided; just bring a small tion of breath and movement to increase strength and flexibility, this is a hammer (8 oz.) and sharp pruning shears. Select from one of the projects class for students with an understanding of yoga fundamentals. Please enter listed below; sizes are estimated. Preregistration required two weeks in at the west entrance; bring a yoga mat and bath towel. Drop-ins welcome; advance so materials can be gathered prior to the class date. Example $10/class. Instructor: Janine Bennett photos of projects listed below are available on our website. MBGNA members and U-M students: $48; nonmembers: $60. Project 1: Trellis (Flat and Tripod). 84” x 24” (trellis); 36” (tripod). Class code: #09-AE-18 MBGNA members and U-M students: $70; nonmembers: $84. Class code: #09-AE-21a La Vida Local—New “Locavore” Series Project 2: Garden Bench. 48” x 40” x 14” MBGNA members and U-M students: $100; nonmembers: $120. When you buy local you know where your food comes from and how it’s Class code: #09-AE-21b grown, your support of local food businesses keeps money in the commu- Project 3: Bent Willow Chair. 46” x 32” 28” nity, and you help food production’s carbon footprint tread lightly by MBGNA members and U-M students:: $230; nonmembers: $276. reducing the energy needed to grow and ship food from one place to Class code: #09-AE-21c another. Beginning this year, MBGNA is offering a new series of classes Project 4: Bent Willow Loveseat. 46” x 50” x 28” designed to address the growing interest in and need for buying, MBGNA members and U-M students: $320; nonmembers: $384. growing, and raising food locally, sometimes even in your own backyard! Class code: #09-AE-21d Project 5: Garden Arbor (3 pieces/arch top). 84” x 40” x 40” MBGNA members and U-M students: $260; nonmembers: $312. Class code: #09-AE-21e

66 Green Note: When properly harvested willow continues to grow year after year. 7 Spring-Summer 2009 Community Education Rain Gardens and Xeric (Dry) Gardens Youth & Family Programs Sat., June 6, 10am-noon Big Bullies (both days at the Gardens) Rain gardens redirect rainwater away from impermeable surfaces such as driveways and into the ground, instead of flowing into storm drains and Wed., May 13, 6-8pm. Class code: #09-YE-16A surface waters. And rain gardens help improve the water table by “recharg- Sat., May 16, 10am-noon. Class code: #09-YE-16B ing” it. Xeric or dry gardens make the most efficient use of water and Invasive plants—ones that are not native to a particular region—are drought-tolerant plants. Both types of gardens are often more environ- considered the “bullies” of the plant world, crowding and pushing out mentally friendly, or “green,” than the typical garden. Join Patricia Pennell, native plants until, sometimes, the bullies take over. In this class you’ll learn founder and director of Rain Gardens of West Michigan (raingardens.org) about these big bullies. Explore secret spaces at Matthaei, search for, and for this informative pairing of green garden topics. help make room for native plants by removing garlic mustard. MBGNA members and U-M students: $16; nonmembers: $20. Class code: #09-AE-22 Free for children ages 7-12; preregistration required. Spring Wednesday Morning Hikes with Special Gaffield Children’s Garden Ellen Weatherbee Planting Day

Five Wednesdays: April 29; May 6, 13, 20, 27, 9am-noon Sat., June 6, 10am-noon Wetland and protected-plants expert and consultant Ellen Elliott Whether you started seeds in March or just want to participate in planting Weatherbee leads inquisitive plant seekers on weekly hikes to the more out- and watching things grow, it’s time to plant the seedlings in the Gaffield of-the-way woodland and wetland habitats. An emphasis on edible plants Children’s Garden. Also, learn how to prepare a garden bed and take home and mushrooms make these perennially popular hikes educational yet fun. seedlings to plant in your own garden. After, enjoy a snack and admire the newly planted garden.

Grow Your Mind at MBGNA! Mind Your Grow Potluck lunch the last day. Don’t delay—this class fills early. MBGNA members and U-M students: $124; nonmembers: $155. For children ages 6-12. Class size limited to 12. Dress for the weather, we’ll Class code: #09-AE-17 plant even in light rain (plants love it!). Fee: $3 per participant. Class code: #09-YE-17 Wildflowers and Morels in Mid-Michigan: Weekend Trip Gaffield Children’s Garden Activity Days with Ellen Weatherbee Wed., June 10, 6-8pm Sat., June 13, 10am-noon Fri., May 15 after 4pm through Sun., May 17 after lunch On Wednesdays and Saturdays during the summer, we’re hosting activity During this weekend trip you’ll take an in-depth look at spring in the “tran- days and special programs for children at Gaffield Children’s Garden. Check sition zone,” the area between the southern and the northern plant habitats out backpacks and discovery kits with your family, create a work of art in of the Lower Peninsula. Spring wildflowers are peaking, morel hunting is the Art Gallery garden, explore the Growers Garden’s bounty or go on a usually excellent, and birds such as loons and pileated woodpeckers are guided adventure hike. There will be lots of fun activities and things to do, frequently sighted. These trips are a combination of fun and serious plant and places to explore all summer long at Gaffield Children’s Garden. Free. and mushroom identification. Camping will be near the leader’s cottage, located on Chippewa Lake in Mecosta County, 35 miles southwest of Clare. Celebrate Pollinators Week, The cottage is about a 3 1/2 hour drive from Ann Arbor. There will be a potluck supper on Saturday night. Share rides, if you wish. An equipment June 22-28 list will be sent upon registration. Learn all about native pollinating animals vital to our North American MBGNA members and U-M Students: $256; nonmembers: $320. Class ecosystems and agriculture. code: #09-AE-24 Visit www.pollinator.org A minimum of 8 participants are needed to hold this course. Discover What Makes Fruits and Understanding Forest Ecosystems Vegetables Possible! Lecture: Wed., June 24, 7-8:30pm Wed., June 24, 6-8pm at the Arb. Class code: #09-YE-18A Field trips: Sat. & Sun., June 27 & 28, 10am-1pm Sat., June 27, 10am-noon at Matthaei. Class code: #09-YE-18B Why is there a beech-maple forest here, an oak-hickory forest there? This and many other are questions are covered in this class where you’ll learn to If you love fresh strawberries in June, raspberries in July, and tomatoes in recognize, describe, and predict forest ecosystems. The role of humans and August—thank a pollinator! Discover why pollinators are so important to fire will form a significant part of the discussion. Instructor Robert Ayotte us and search for different kinds of insects that make fruits, vegetables, and holds an M.S. in Forest Resources (Forest Ecology) and is the author of seeds happen. We’ll take insect nets, bug boxes, and sketch pads on our A Template for the Description of Forest Ecosystems within the Southeast search for the different creatures that pollinate the flowers and other plants Michigan Land Conservancy. at Nichols Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens. MBGNA members and U-M Students: $48; nonmembers: $60. Fee: $2 per participant Class code: #09-AE-23

8 Spring-Summer 2009 Community Education Grow Your Mind at MBGNA!

Treasure Hunt and Hike at the Arb Girls’ Yoga & Nature Summer Wed., July 8, 6-8pm at Nichols Arboretum Day Program at Matthaei Take a guided hike through the hills and valleys at the Arb. Discover how the changing evening light creates special shadows and colors, Botanical Gardens and listen for summer evening sounds. Come explore the hills, woods, Amid the stunning setting of Matthaei Botanical Gardens, experience and wetlands. Go on a treasure hunt for flowers, or make a paper flower a holistic program especially for girls that combines yoga, hiking, or leaf garland to take home. outdoor exploration, and developing spiritual and emotional skills. Fee: $2 per participant. Class code: #09-YE-19A Activities will include keeping a journal, drawing, and having lunch outdoors in the gardens. This interactive educational program expands Treasure Hunt and Hike at Matthaei appreciation of nature, encourages a lifelong habit of exercise (yoga and tai chi), and empowers girls to live life fully while balancing mind, Gardens body, and spirit. For registration call 734.268.6008 or visit radiantnow.org. Sat., July 11, 10am-noon at Matthaei Take a guided hike at the Gardens along the Sam Graham Trees Session I for ages 11-14: July 20-July 24, 9am-1 pm Fee: $210 Trail. Look for the nooks and crannies where plants and animals Additional activities for this age group include learning how to take take refuge from the summer heat. Explore the constructed wetland care of your skin and hair, making natural face masks and moisturizers and the creek trail. (take sample home), and making bread from scratch. Fee: $2 per participant. Class code: #09-YE-19 Session II for ages 6-10: July 27-July 31, 9am-1 pm Fee: $220 Harvest in Gaffield Children’s Garden Additional activities for this group include drawing outdoors, pressing and drying flowers and using in art projects, origami, and making Wed., July 22, 6-8pm herbal butter. Sat., July 25, 10am-noon Come see what’s in bloom and what’s ready to harvest in the Grower’s Garden at Gaffield Children’s Garden. We’ll check on the progress of our spring plantings and sample some of the tasty treats right off the plant. Free. Outdoor gardens and trails are open and free every day sunrise to sunset. For more information on Conservatory Winged Beauties: Butterflies and Moths and Reader Center hours, please visit our website, mbgna at Gaffield Children’s Garden umich.edu or call 734.647.7600.

Wed., Aug.12, 6-8pm. Class code: #09-YE-20A Sat., Aug. 15, 10am-noon. Class code: #09-YE-20B Gather at Gaffield Children’s Garden and hike along the butterfly trail. Explore plants that adult butterflies and moths and their caterpillars use for food. Make your own butterfly stamp book to take home. Fee: $2 per participant

Here’s How to Register: (form on opposite side)

Phone: 734 - 647-7600 (During Conservatory hours: Tues & Thurs.-Sun., 10am-4:30pm; Wed., 10am-8pm.) Note: Adult Education classes are open to those at least 16 years of age. Fax: 734 - 998 - 6205. Send completed registration form Classes meet as designated at Matthaei Botanical Gardens or Nichols with credit card information. Arboretum. Classes may meet off-site (call for location and directions if you miss a class). Field trips may be physically challenging – call if Mail: MBGNA - University of Michigan you have questions about the difficulty of any class or trip. Classes are 1800 N. Dixboro Road popular and fill quickly – early registration is suggested. Ann Arbor MI 48105 Are You a Member? On-line: www.mbgna.umich.edu To become a member of Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols In Person: Stop by the Information Desk at Matthaei during Arboretum, send a separate check made out to “MBGNA.” Fees are Conservatory hours: Tues & Thurs.-Sun., 10am-4:30pm; Wed., 10am-8pm. $55 for a family membership, $45 for a single membership, and $20 Make checks payable to “MBGNA.” for University students. (See form page 12.) 9 Spring-Summer 2009 Community Education

Lunch & Learn

Thursday Noon Programs at Matthaei and the Arb Join MBGNA staff at our informal noon-hour Thursday sessions and discover something new about a variety of topics. These ongoing sessions—a mix of lecture and onsite tours—offer valuable information about gardens, gardening, sustainability, land management, history, and more. Bring a bag lunch. Registration requested—pay when you come. Fee for inside lectures only; outdoor tours free. Lectures: free to members; $3 nonmembers. For more information call 734.647.7600.

May 14: Matthaei Wetland Walk & Pond Dredging Project Overview. June 25: Matthaei Walking Tour: Fossil Discovery on the Sue Join MBGNA grounds coordinator Mike Hommel and project manager Reichert Discovery Trail. MBGNA education coordinator Catriona Sarah Weiss on a walking tour of wetland areas at Matthaei. Also, Mortell takes participants on a walk through the Sue Reichert Trail to learn about the pond dredging project slated for this spring and uncover fossil remnants from ages past. Free. summer. Free. July 9: The Global Garden: Best Practices from Our Peer gardens May 21: Matthaei Walking Tour: Helen V. Smith Woodland around the Country. Talk by MBGNA curator David Michener. Wildflower Garden & Sam Graham Trees Trail. Visit these areas MBGNA members and U-M students: free; $3: nonmembers. at Matthaei with MBGNA horticulturist and collections specialist Connie Crancer. Free. July 16: Arb Walking Tour: Historical Tour of Nichols Arboretum. Led by MBGNA Director Bob Grese. Free. May 28: Green Solutions for Your House. Hear MBGNA information technology manager T.J. Smith discuss practical ways to improve July 23: Matthaei Walking Tour: Bug Walk. It’s not all about plants in the energy efficiency and water management practices in your own the garden. Join MBGNA horticulturalist Adrienne O’Brien for a “bug house. MBGNA members and U-M students: free; $3 nonmembers. discovery” lunch hour. Free.

June 4: Matthaei Walking Tour. History of Matteson Farm Barns July 30: Matthaei Walking Tour: The Food Gardens at Matthaei. Led and Farmstead. Get a glimpse into the past as MBGNA grounds by MBGNA horticulturist Judy Dluzen. Free. coordinator Mike Hommel discusses the history of the old Matteson farmstead. Free. Aug. 27: Matthaei Walking Tour: Gaffield Children’s Garden. Take an informative tour of Gaffield Children’s Garden (grand opening, Sept. June 11: Arb Walking Tour: Peony Garden. Join MBGNA curator 13, 2009) with MBGNA project manager Sarah Weiss. Free. David Michener for a tour of this national treasure. Free.

June 18: Arb Walking Tour: Clean Water Trail. Join MBGNA Director Bob Grese as he discusses the Clean Water Trail and erosion control projects in School Girls’ Glen and throughout Nichols Arboretum. Free.

Name: Phone: email: Parent’s name (if student is under 18): Address: City: State: Zip: Member of Friends of MBGNA (Member Exp. Date ) Non-member Name: U-M student: (Student ID Number ) Is this your first class? Y N email: Student’s Name Class Code Also attending (if family class) Member Fee Non-member Fee Parent’s name (if student is under 18): Address: List additional classes on a separate sheet and include with original form. Total Payment: Check made payable to: MBGNA Card # Exp. Date Visa Mastercard Discover Cardholder Signature 10 American Express Curator’s Corner A Tangled Web Gleaning an overgrown Internet for accurate plant information David C. Michener

eaders often ask how to use the Web take long to find it indexed as a houseplant, Rfor reliable information about plant too. Mystery solved and money saved here Begin with an characteristics as hardiness, invasiveness and in Zone 5. advanced search other qualities. It’s a jungle out there, and restricted to web- Lists of invasive plants are relatively easy the Web is full of (mis)information on plants to find on the Web, but are of necessity sites ending in and just about everything else. Ferreting fairly local. For Ann Arbor, go to a2gov.org .org, .edu, or .gov. out authentic data is simplified with a few and do a search using the words “invasive straightforward protocols. species Ann Arbor.” This brings up a profu- Poisonous plants present a special case. If First, begin with an advanced search restricted sion of helpful links, including a PDF of you’re simply trying to find out which to websites ending in .org, .edu, or .gov. These invasive plants for Ann Arbor. For broader plants are toxic, then you need to under- organization, education, and government sites geographic regions one can often search stand what you’re really asking. Do you are generally more reliable than the random— .gov links for the DNR of a state and many mean skin irritants? Upset stomach if and often inaccurate—commercial and federal agencies with superb lists and links. chewed? Fatal if eaten in abundance? These personal websites, which are best taken Don’t overlook .org for such reputable are radically different issues. To learn about with skeptical respect. institutions as the Nature Conservancy. plant toxicity, use the .org restriction and Just be certain to include the geographic The org sites have their limits, however. Many play with key words such as “poisonous range in your advanced search. users falsely assume wikipedia.org is a font of plants” or “plant rashes.” Note you’re truth, which it is, mostly. Since anyone can searching for the plant’s effects on humans, edit a Wikipedia page, thereby introducing otherwise you may get, for example, plant errors, it’s essential to verify the information on diseases. Also try including geographic loca- an educational or governmental website, using tion like city or state. Links to photographs Wikipedia to confirm the correct key words, from the field (not herbarium specimens or concepts, or even common names of plants. historic images) are best. One example of a useful site is: poison.org/prevent/plants.asp; Now to specific topics. The USDA maintains another for pets is: the plant hardiness zone map usna.usda.gov/ aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/ Hardzone/ushzmap.html, where you can plants/. And one useful link for evaluating click on the map to go to a region. But once websites is: guides.lib.umich.edu/content. there, the map only shows each hardiness zone php?pid=30524. location, with nothing about individual species or cultivar hardiness. Nurseries sometimes give Your comments and questions are always incorrect hardiness information. For example, welcome. Feel free to email me at recently a visitor asked about an intriguing list- [email protected]. ing of “Zone 5” perennials but couldn’t find a local source. Indeed not. The requested plant is thriving in our Tropical House—and is almost certainly not hardy in Zone 5! A quick .edu Web search found it on some deep-South plant lists with the hardiness rating, and it didn’t

friends Spring-Summer 2009 11 Development Matters Joan Wolf Become a Member Today! As a member of MBGNA you’ll become part of our family he Michigan Difference fundrais- play gardens and making it possible to of friends eager to enjoy all that MBGNA has to offer. ing campaign final count has plan a Great Lakes Garden and Bonsai T Plus, you’ll receive exclusive members-only benefits: been calculated. More than 365,000 Garden. We installed the new Steiner • Free Conservatory admission all year round donors made gifts totaling over $3,2 Fountain in the Gateway Garden of New • Subscription to our newsletter, Friends billion—128% of the original $2.5 World Plants, and named benches and • Free entrance to over 200 reciprocal gardens and billion goal. As part of that campaign, trees along the new Commons. We also Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols installed a new Conservatory roof with arboreta all over North America Arboretum raised nearly $5.1 mil- mechanical improvements. During this • 20% off all Matthaei educational classes lion—137% of our original $3.7 million period we began the Gaffield Children’s • Invitations to members-only events goal! We are very grateful to our donors Garden which will be dedicated in • Special discounts on ticketed events and bulbs and members of our Friends Boards and September 2009. • 10% discount at the Spring Plant Sale and Gift Shop Advisory Council for your important In addition, extensive trail and sign im- Your contribution will help us continue to care for gardens contributions to this stunning success. provements have been completed at both and plant collections, restore ecosystems, create public More important than the astound- locations. Other important accomplish- access and interpretation of natural areas, and offer more ing total is what donors have already ments were the creation of new student exciting arts and educational program opportunities. accomplished and will accomplish with intern endowments and the enhance- these gifts. Projects that were funded ment of established endowments. This Memberships and completed at Nichols Arboretum combined with generous planned gifts • Student (please include photocopy of ID) $20— Basic Benefits during the campaign include the and bequest intentions totaling Gateway Garden, Centennial Shrub $1,112,500 will help ensure our • Individual $45—Basic Benefits Collection, the River Landing Project, successful future. • Family (2 adults, plus children under 18, living in the same household) $55—Basic Benefits an Amphitheatre, and Boardwalk. In Matthaei Botanical Gardens and addition, a new Peony Garden initiative • Sustaining $100—Basic benefits + invitation to Nichols Arboretum began the cam- Curator’s Tour is underway for the long-term care of paign as two distinct entities, then • Sponsor $250—All benefits above plus perennial plant this unique garden. reorganized and completed it as one from Spring Plant Sale At Matthaei Botanical Gardens we University unit. We’re very proud of all • Benefactor $500—All benefits above plus 2 free tickets to a ticketed event have implemented the Sue Reichert we’ve been able to accomplish with your Discovery Trail and major portions of important help. Thank you to everyone • Director’s Circle $1000—All benefits above plus invitation to Director’s Evening the Sam Graham Trees Trail. A generous who made a true Michigan Difference anonymous donor provided the funding at the Gardens and Arb! If your company matches gifts, please include their form. Memberships are tax-deductible as allowed by law. for a deer exclosure protecting our dis-

Mail to: MBGNA Fax credit card orders to: Or join us online at: 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., 734.998.6205 mbgna.umich.edu Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Order by phone: 734.647.7600

New Renewing Address: Name: Phone: City: 2nd Adult’s name (Family or higher levels): State: Zip: Email:

Student Sustaining Director’s Circle For University Use Only Individual Sponsor Total $ Family Benefactor Check Cash Credit Card 310447 AG BGA Payment: Check made payable to: MBGNA Amount: $ Visa Mastercard Discover American Express Premium Value: $ Card # Exp. Date Gift Amount: $ EID Cardholder Signature Date Thank you to all our donors who gave to our annual appeal or other fundraising priorities. Please note that the following Become a Member Today! list reflects membership gifts only from Oct. 1, 2008–Jan. 31, 2009.All donations will appear in our annual report. Director’s Circle $1,000 Tom and Kay Huntzicker Martha Claus and Bruce Artz Marianne and Bill Udow-Phillips Linda Irvin and James Goebel Neal and Rita Clinthorne Benefactor $500 Marc Johnson and Amy Weaver Robert and Carolyn Collins Joyce Kaferle John Copley and Janice Berry Jim and Anne Duderstadt Daniel and Lisa Klionsky Edward and Marilyn Couture Hal and Donna Estry Patsy Knoop Gregory Czarnecki and Sue Dempsey Budge and Anne Gere Christopher and Katarzyna Kojiro David Dai and Qing Li Warran Lineton and Ellyce Sobczak Bob Kuehne and Kim Bayer Merial Das Larry and Rowena Matthews Barbara Lauzon Rick and Dawn Davenport Stanley and Robin Mendenhall Dean and Gwen Louis Daniel and Jennifer Davis Bertram and Elaine Pitt Richard and Kathie Mahn Monte and Kris Del Monte Bill and Sheila Sikkenga Donald and Lila McMechan Jonathan Demb and Mary Best Jack and Jerry Weidenbach Katherine McSparran Nancy and Dave Deromedi Sponsor $250 Glenn and Anne Morrison Chris Dolson and Erin West Prasanta Datta Randall and Janet Peacock Frank and Mary Donahue Linda Dintenfass and Ken Wisinski Joe and Zoe Pearson D.K. and Eileen Donegan Keturah T. Haab Rudolph Petrmichl and Silvana Graf Laura Drane and Robin Wood Bob and Betsy Herbst Richard and Diane Pierce George and Eunice Elkington Richard and Myra Klarman Jocelyne Rinker Stephen and Pamela Ernst Joe Lum Elizabeth Robinson Delano Esselman Tim and Nancy Schafer Richard Rohrer and Mary Loeffler Kathy Evaldson and Douglas Mullkoff Cynthia Smith Margie Rudd Jerome Feldstein and Linda L. Rodgers Phillip and Susan Smith Richard and Norma Sarns Sean Fidler and Tiffany Miller Fidler David and Karen Ufer Judy Scanlon Gerald and Lynn Fouchey Thomas and Wendy Vacek William and Katie Stebbins Harry Fried and Allison Stupka Paul and Karen Wingert Jeffrey Takacs and Helen Chang Marilyn Friedman and Sustaining $100 Sara Thomas and Richard Goble Seymour Koenigsberg Julie Gales and Laurence Kirchmeier Mary and Pat Ardner Don Tinson and Annette Shaffer Mike Garfield and Catherine Marquardt Burt and Lenora Barnes Zee Weisfeld Stephen and Kathleen Gebarski Ernest and Janet Bell Robert and Darragh Weisman Karl and Helen Gierman Doug and Vicki Blayney John and Teri Williams Larry Gilbert and Lana Jerome Dorothy Bloom Ann Woodward Thomas and Ann Gladwin Philip and Mary Borkowski Family $55 Louis Glazer Dave and Sharon Brooks Jim and Mary Allor William C. Godwin and Cara Voss Richard and Joyce Chesbrough Tom and Linda Annesley Alan and Sara Gosman Steven Chrypinski and Molly Bell Eric and Patricia Appleberry Elizabeth Needham Graham Nancy Connell and David Foster Stephen and Tracy Aris William L. Grams Peggy Dankert Don and Shirley Axon John and Helen Griffith Julia D. Darlow Catherine Bach and Brian Hazlett Bob and Pam Guenzel Teresa D’Arms Milton and Ruthanne Baker Joe and Shane Guo Kathleen B. Diggs John and Beth Ballbach Tom and Gwen Guthrie Richard and JoAnn Dionne John and Jill Barker David and Mina Hale Sandy and Betsy Dugan Tim Barnes and Jody Obryan Brian and Kirsten Hallstrom Don and Kathy Duquette Mike and Carol Barnhart Olive and Susan Hansen Richard and Diana Dyer Max and Borah Bender Gordon and Marge Hansen Morgan and Sally Edwards Kathryn E. Benford Marcia Harrison and Robert Nissly John and Margaret Faulkner Bryce Billings and Emily Progar Glenda Haskell anc Rick Reichman Tom and Janet Fisher Paul and Pauline Blunt Andreas Hayden and Emily Thompson Stephen and Rosamund Forrest Ryan Bowles and Lori Skibbe Thomas and Jennifer Hazelton Paul and Judy Freedman Thomas and Sally Brush Steve and Mary Hewlett David and Cheryl Garrett Lois Burk Thomas and Helen Higby Christopher and Elaine Graham Marc and Kariss Burkett Friedhelm and Sabine Hildebrandt Daniel and Norma Green Tony and Bernadine Byk Peter Hinman and Elizabeth A. Young Samuel R. Gross and Phoebe Ellsworth Kathleen M. Campbell and Peter and Nan Holmes Murray Hanna Robert Summers Daryl Honor Cynthia Harrison Robert and Jeannette Carr Dale and Helaine Hunscher Awori Hayanga and Diana Hyne Bill and June Carter Patrick and Bonnie Ion Stephen Hiyama and Sarah Zearfoss John and Barbara Chamberlain Dick Jacoby Raburn Howland and Katherine Kurtz Peter and Linda Cherry Kent and Mary Johnson 13 Rosemary Hughes Reginald and Beverly Ciokajlo New and renewing members, continued

Scott Johnston and Michelle Carter Stephen Nose and Aura Glaser Marilyn Swanson and Leslie Healy Richard and Kathleen Johnston Paul and Brandy Novak Savvas Giannakopoulos Peggy Heffner Ann Jones Carolyn O’Neill Jeremy and Liza Taylor Sandy Hewitt Laurie Jones and Matthew Osborne and Melissa Huey Robert Teicher and Sharon Gambin Millicent Higgins Stanley Szymanski Gordon and Colette Peckham James and Mary Thomson Elaine Hovey Charles and Judith Judge Elizabeth Petty and Karen Millner Cecilia Tomori and Kerry Boeye Patricia Hriczak David and Jennifer Kangas Patricia Peyser and Kent Joscelyn John and Margaret Torrance Kim Jacobson Fred and Norah Karsch Vicki Pierzynski Valerie Traub and Brenda Marshall Belle Janiszewski Keith and Leslie Kellman Joe Piotrowski and Anna Yaffee David and Leah Tremonti Joseph Jaworski Sam and Elaine Kennedy Alisse Portnoy and Mark Rothstein George and Nancy Trudell Martha Johnson William and Diane Kennedy Wayne Potter and Mariella Mecozzi Joe and Suzanne Upton Shirley Jones Joe and Linda Kern Sandra Vallie Waddy and Robin Potthoff Rosalie Karunas Don and Kathleen Kersten Lucy Waskell and George Kenyon Bill and Diana Pratt Luke Kremer Barbara Kessler and Dick Soble John and Carol Weigel Stanley and Laurie Raden Drew Lathin Chris and Carolyn King Donald and Christine Wilcox Russ and Nancy Raney Leslie Lazzerin Valerie Kivelson and Timothy Hofer Pete and Patricia Wilcox Maxwell and Marjorie Reade Robin Little Amy Klettner and Joe Arozarena Steve and Nancy Wiley Steve and Robin Reisig Marjory Luther Ken and Kathie Knight George and Patricia Williams John and Mary Remmers Natalie Matovinovic Tim and Kate Knott Lawrence and Rosemary Wooden Jason Revoir and Whitney Lupo Doris Melvin Andrew and Mary Ann Koran Henry and Dorothy Zelisse Chris and Gwen Reynolds Catherine Morgan Alan and Sandra Kortesoja Nancy Reynolds Individual $45 Glenn Muhr Kate Korte-Turnbull and Mike Turnbull Terry and Jill Rheinheimer Sharon Balius Zigi Niki Jim and Meghan Kovalak Marlin and Dorothy Ristenbatt Patricia Belluci Kate Noll-Greene Admir Kreso and Andrea Scampa-Kreso Mark Roberts and Mary Ramirez Sharon Benton Janet Nord Carole and Christine Kuzara Milton and Chris Rochman Ralph Beuhler Lynn Ogilvie Jennifer and Mark Lafata Robert and Vicki Rodriguez Nancy W. Bielak Bert Ortiz Tom and Mia Laporte Keith and Janith Rolston Cathie Bloem Dariusz Pis Roger Lauer and Ellen Stone Jonathan Rothman and Diane Brady Barbara Powell Dan Lawrence and Monica Blair Jacquelyn Grisdale Elizabeth S. Brater Leslie Quint Katherine Lawrence Glen and Marge Rutila Edith Burney Beverly Rathcke Edward LeBaron and Nancy Moncrieff Irv and Trudy Salmeen James Campbell Brian Rice James and Barbara Leonard Joshua and Michal Samuel Felicia Cathey Jeri Rosenberg Glenn and Melissa Levine Lynn Sandmann and Roxanne Chang Mary Sallee Donald and Carolyn Lewis Sandy Maconochie Doreen Crane Ina Sandalow Richard L’Heureux and Lisa Kaberna Ken and Diane Saulter Jean Dale Cundiff Tina Schneider Thomas Longworth and Carol Cramer Justin Saylor and Kate MacDougall Mary Ann Daane Debra MacGregor and Benedikt Schell and Susanne Nehren Phyllis Schroeder Barbara Davies Richard Posthuma Charles and Judy Scheltema Anna Schroeder Swati Dutta Ryan and Danielle Mahoney James Scheys and Eleanor Shaw Ted and Marilyn Marek Donna Ellinghausen Scheys Fay Edsall Lucy Shinozaki Andrew and Kathy Marsh Curt and Polly Schneider Karen Eisenbrey Susan Silagi Norma Marshall Mark Schneyer and Deborah Field Nancy Elliot Lynn Sipher Dennis Martz and Deborah Deitch Mark and Leslie Schoof Ann S. Epstein Sharon Smith George and June McCarthy James and Linda Selwa Nanette Esker Pringle Smith John McCauley and Virginia Weingate Caroline Serfass and Paul Vandevert Linda Eye Christine Sommer Charles and Janice McDavid Letitia Shapiro and Richard Conto Sheila Feld Mary Stevens Catherine McGavran and Cliff and Ingrid Sheldon Dawn Foerg Brad Swain Andrew Horning Dan and Karen Sheridan Janet Frank Amy Thomas Laurence and Susan McGee Michael and Patricia Sluder Lois Gamble Penny Tully Winston and Ainsley McLaughlin Fred and Priscilla Smith Penny Garthwaite Annette van der Schalie Robert and Nancy Meader Mary Smith Ann Garvin Dawn Van Hoek Kathleen Megginson and Deborah Gibson Donald Schroeder Philip and Katharine Soper Edward Voss Anne F. Ginn Richard and Karen Meints Ted and Elizabeth St. Antoine Florence Wagner Tom Glaser Sara Memmott and Donavin Bennes Thomas and Patricia Stein Bev Walters Dunrie A. Greiling Don and Lee Meyer Jackie and Phyllis Stengel Mary Ellen Weakley Iris Gruhl Sue and Cliff Miller Thomas and Kathleen Stephens Mary Wishiewski Elise Hagy Robert and Denise Milton Addison Stone and Joanne Carlisle Jacquelyn Wright Marcia Hallstrom John and Olga Moir William and Janet Stover Student $20 Sarah Hanifi Bruce and Cathy Moorman Kathy and Anna Stroud Edward Cable Louise S. Hauenstein Nardi and Margaret Nance Daniel and Rita Stuart Brittany Keene Gail E. Haynes Peter and Martha Northrup Dion Sullivan and Melissa Peet Yen-Chu Weng Get Involved – Volunteer!

We welcome new volunteers throughout the year. Please contact Tara Griffith, Volunteer Coordinator, at 734.647.8528 for a phone interview. During the interview you’ll be asked to register for one of our upcoming volunteer orientations.

Spring Plant Sale Welcome spring’s arrival and join us for this annual volunteer-supported event! Lend a hand and pick up some new plants, too. There are opportunities for everyone—before, during and after!

Important: All new and returning volunteers must submit a volunteer interest form and register for one orientation session (forms available online or at Matthaei): Sat., May 2, 9-11am or Mon., May 4, 6-8pm

Garden Ambassador Eco-Restoration Workdays Ambassadors welcome visitors on weekends during the peak Join one of our public workdays and take part in the bloom season and at special events. As an ambassador, you’ll natural-areas restoration efforts at MBGNA. Groups enjoy the beauty of the many MBGNA display gardens and welcome with advance notice. invite visitors to take a closer look! Ambassador training Second Saturday of every month at the Arb, 9am-noon sessions provide an overview of basic ambassador duties and Third Saturday of every month at the Gardens, 9am-noon you’ll also learn about our most popular spring/summer destinations. Session 1 will introduce you to the Peony Additional workdays led by our Collection at the Arb—just in time for early-June peak Natural Areas Stewards: bloom. Session 2 covers the early blooming gardens at Matthaei. Additional garden tours will be led by our Workday at Horner Woods, horticulturists as the season unfolds—TBA. led by the Michigan Botanical Club Two basic training sessions (both required): Meet in the west lobby at Matthaei for orientation and Sat., May 16, 9am-noon Nichols Arboretum-Reader Center directions to this site. Sat., May 30, 9am-noon Matthaei Botanical Gardens Sat., May 16, 1-4pm

Shakespeare in the Arb Workday at the Arb’s Oak Openings Garden, Become part of a unique tradition in the Ann Arbor led by the Wild Ones community! It takes many volunteers to support this Meet at the Reader Center, located at moving theater production of the LSA Residential College 1610 Washington Heights. held during three weekends in June. Volunteers enjoy the Sat., May 30, 1-4pm play while assisting with ticket sales and ushering the Wed., July 8, 5-8pm audience through the Arb as the scenes unfold. Orientation to the script and venue provided along with a cool Shakespeare T-shirt for an extra perk!

Orientation required (chose one): Mon., June 8, 15, or 22, 6:30-7:30pm friends Spring-Summer 2009 15 Get Lost! the Arb a in nd Gardens!

On the Trails April Pickrel

Sometimes nature can seem awfully big. It can be hard to spot that bird with the beautiful song, or hear the frog with its extra-loud call, or the whizzing of a dragonfly. We’ve got just the place for the budding naturalist to start, complete with viewing stand. At Matthaei, start at the trailhead by the visitor parking lot, and just over the bridge make your way right, around the constructed wetland to the observation deck. A fine view can be had just by sitting on the benches, but we recommend a full-out stretch, right on the deck itself! You’ll be more or less at water level, the perfect vantage for spotting all kinds of great wildlife. Throughout spring and summer expect a miniature menagerie of insects, plants, and birds. All it takes is a little patience and a comfortable seat. Take a camera, or draw some pictures! Drink in the great diversity that this tiny little circle of the world can show you.

Can you Get Lost?

Ask the Experts What are heirloom plants? How are they different from other plants? Dorothea Coleman Q Heirlooms are older varieties (introduced before 1951) that are not in commercial production today. They are open-pollinated. This means that they breed “true,” so you can collect the seeds from an heirloom plant, replant them next year, and the flower or fruit will be the same as what you planted this year. This is not true of hybrids. Save hybrid seeds to replant and the resulting plants can be vastly different than the original.

Modern hybrids have been selected for their ability to withstand shipping, long periods of storage, large-scale agricultural practices, long-blooming periods, etc. Quite often traits such as flavor and aroma have been lost— think tasteless winter tomatoes or scentless roses. Heirlooms are more likely to be flavorful in a wide variety of ways and to have glorious scents, but they are also more fragile and can’t withstand long trips from the field to your home. And heirlooms vary in their resistance to disease while hybrids are selected for increased disease resistance.

If you’d like to give heirloom tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants a try, Project Grow and Growing Hope, our gardening partners, sell several varieties at the Spring Plant Sale.

16 friends Spring-Summer 2009 The Last Word....

Annual Garden Walk the Arb a in nd Gardens! The Ann Arbor branch of the Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association will hold its annual Garden Walk on June 13 from 10am-4pm. Five private gardens will be featured as well as Growing Hope’s gardens and the Agrarian Adventure at Tappan Middle School. Proceeds from the walk will support the Agrarian Adventure, an organization that partners with K-12 schools to enrich students’ connections between the foods they eat, their personal health, and the health of their communities and the environment. Tickets are $12 and available after May 15 at Downtown Home & Garden, Dixboro General Store, Nicola’s Books, and Matthaei Botanical Gardens. (Cash or checks only accepted at Matthaei.)

All about Bromeliads The Southeast Michigan Bromeliad Society Annual Show and Sale will be held on Aug. 15 and 16 from 10:30am-4 pm at Matthaei What are heirloom plants? How are they Botanical Gardens auditorium. Be sure and different from other plants? attend a lecture and demonstration about bro- meliads and their care from 12:30-1:30 pm. Vendors will offer a wide range of tillandsias (airplants) and other bromeliads in all sizes; a selection of cacti and succulents; books, note cards, and prints; and cultural supplies. Free.

Bonsai Show and Sale MBGNA members and the general public are invited to the Ann Arbor Bonsai Society Annual Bonsai Show and Sale, Aug. 29 and 30, 10am-4:30pm. Over 100 beautiful trees from Bonsai Society members’ collections will be on display. Learn more about the ancient Japanese art of bonsai at workshops and demonstrations. Vendors will be on hand to sell plants and equipment. $3 adults; kids 17 and under free! For more information please visit the Ann Arbor Bonsai Society’s website: annarborbonsaisociety.org. Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage PAID Ann Arbor, MI Caring for nature, enriching life Permit No. 144

Date Sensitive Material For information 734.647.7600 mbgna.umich.edu

Matthaei Botanical Gardens 1800 N. Dixboro Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Nichols Arboretum 1610 Washington Heights Ann Arbor, MI 48104

U-M Regents Julia Donovan Darlow, Ann Arbor Laurence B. Deitch, Bingham Farms Denise Ilitch, Bingham Farms Olivia P. Maynard, Goodrich Andrea Fischer Newman, Ann Arbor Andrew C. Richner, Grosse Pointe Park S. Martin Taylor, Grosse Pointe Farms Katherine E. White, Ann Arbor Mary Sue Coleman, ex officio

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