My mailbox is full of gardening catalogs and the excitement of spring and summer is almost here. So many new ideas every year are contained in these great publications. Yes, there is something to actually having a printed catalog in hand, when searching for my lettuce seeds for my summer kitchen garden. Most often, I…
Tag: gardens
Applewood Estate 100 years
We visited Applewood Estates in September for their 100 year celebration. It is the former home of Charles S. Mott and his wife Ruth Mott in Flint Michigan. The home is lovely with gardens and several buildings to tour and experience. I wanted to share some of the photos of the lovely estate which was…
Summer garden flowers
So as the Summer is ending, my garden is winding down as well. Many of my favorite flowers are faded or have ceased blooming. I still enjoy photos of them and just had to post some of my new favorites for this season. Every year is a different experience and a chance to try a…
Japanese Tea Ceremony
Just a few miles away from Midland, we were able to experience an authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony. The tea house was constructed in 1985 and is used for a variety of functions. We were served green tea and Japanese sweets in the traditional manner. The tea house has 8 reed mats and was constructed from…
drying summer flowers
Not only do I enjoy my summer garden while it is in bloom, but I usually try to save some of the flowers of the season. I simply use my garage greenhouse and old sheet pans. I put out flowers from summer floral arrangements and also from my garden throughout the season. I allow them…
Garden trip: Japanese garden
Last month we visited the Frederik Meijer gardens in Grand Rapids Michigan. A new Japanese garden installation was completed last year and covers eight acres of the space, which also includes a variety of other gardens, a conservatory, greenhouse and other educational gardening spaces. We were most interested in seeing the Japanese garden this year,…
A new botanical garden
This past week we visited a new and developing botanical garden located in Traverse City Michigan. On the grounds of the old Traverse City State Hospital farmland, the garden areas are coming together after century old buildings are being re-purposed and refurbished. On the site are plans for a variety of healing gardens, educational gardens,…
Fall garden clean up time
Today feels like Fall in Michigan. The cooler temperatures have been here for a few days now in Midland, and I am going to be spending the next few days cleaning up my garden beds. I have Hosta to divide and perennials to prune back. I have begun to harvest my herbs and feel like…
A garden walk on Old Mission Penninsula
Last week we had a wonderful day touring gardens along the Old Mission Peninsula in northern Michigan. The annual garden walk was organized by the Friendly Garden Club of Traverse City, which is a member of Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. The garden club has many community service projects which…
a visit to cranbrook gardens
Summer is a time for spontaneous day trips. Last week Monday we decided to take a drive to Cranbrook Gardens in Bloomfield Hills Michigan, for a tour of the property and gardens. Cranbrook House and gardens was established in the 1900’s for the daughter of the founder of The Detroit News, Ellen Scripps. By the…
summer garden fun
Living in Midland Michigan gives me the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful gardens in the State on a weekly basis. Summer in these gardens is filled with concerts and other activities for people of all ages. The beautiful flowers and green background of old trees and landscape designs is such a treat…
Hypertufa pots for the garden
Over the years, I have been a member of three different garden clubs and two different Master Gardener Associations. And, within these groups, I have met many wonderful people with so many interests and knowledge. At each of these groups, I have attended lectures, seminars, workshops, presentations, and hands-on activities. Some of the most interesting…
