Mallory Horton Waters Plants in the
GreenHouse at Harvesting Earth Urban
Garden by Michigan Municipal League (MML)
Click for slideshow from MML!

Last week we featured Urban Farming and the Gift of Detroit. Detroit is not the only Michigan city that is turning to urban farming as a means of economic development and simple subsistence.

The Kings of Flint is a documentary that features Jacky and Dora King, of King Karate. Jackie and Dora are also Master Gardeners who see farming as not only a means of self defense - Jackie points out that historically martial arts students have also been farmers - but also as a way to revitalize Flint. They use the discipline of farming and hard work to help their students prepare to meet the challenges that growing up in Flint present.

Jacky King and Dora King by MML

In six years, the Kings have grown their urban gardening program from nothing to a program that now encompasses 16 former vacant city lots in Mt. Morris Township and Genesee Township. Last year they involved more than 900 volunteers and paid workers. In this feature in Farm World, Michigan State University instructor Troy Hale who co-produced the documentary with fellow MSU Communication Arts and Sciences teacher Geri Alumit Zeldes explained:

“We found out that the Kings are a couple of interesting characters. We just started going up and started to capture what we could capture. The Kings are really passionate about it. The main thing for them is these kids, teaching them some life skills. I think it’s a sense of community, as well."

They use hoop houses to farm all year round, selling the fruits, vegetables and eggs they harvest at the Flint Farmers Market. You can learn more including how you can support their efforts at the Harvesting Earth Educational Farm web page.

An article from MSU about the project explains that Zeldes, a Flint native, was fascinated with the idea of sustainable agriculture and the city's initiatives in revitalizing its community.

Students sharpened their investigative reporting skills and learned how to shoot and edit their own video. They traveled to Flint about twice a month to gather footage and interview the Kings, residents and local government officials.

...The documentary also includes a full-length music video completely shot and edited by MSU and performed by Flint residents Willie White, Ian Reddington, Hakim Gillard and Desiree Brown.

"In Michigan, I think Flint is known as a terrible city with lots of crime and it's going nowhere, but there are actually people trying to change it," said journalism student Alyssa Firth, who is the webmaster and a producer of the film.

There's a whole bunch more videos and last summer the Great Lakes Echo ran some of the documentary footage exploring different facets of the story. Settle back and watch a 13 minute version of a Michigan success story:

The Kings of Flint 13min. Cut from Troy on Vimeo.

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by Sara Qamar

More than 100 Michigan communities have been honored under the Tree City USA program that promotes the economic, health and aesthetic benefits of trees on public property.

Main Street Rockford by Eridony

Some benefits of trees, such as energy conservation and savings on heating and cooling costs, are important economic factors, said Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urban forestry program coordinator Kevin Sayers.

“Properly planted trees in areas that might shade a building or shade an air conditioning unit are seen to help a lot in energy savings. They can block cold winter winds and minimize heating costs during winter,” he said.

Trees can also affect the price of homes, he said.

“Real estate studies show that properties which have well-maintained landscapes and mature trees are worth more,” he said.

Alpena received its 12th Tree City USA designation this year, city engineer Rich Sullenger said.

Toy Town by lefeber

It's among 119 communities in the program this year. Others include Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Allegan, Brighton, Charlevoix, Big Rapids, Ionia and Rockford.

“There's nothing prettier than looking down a tree-lined street in the summer. That's a huge benefit to the community. Anytime I personally I see a tree, it's a lot more pleasing than seeing a barren section of property,” Sullenger said.

Rockford, which was one of two new Michigan honorees this year, has had a longstanding comprehensive tree program which included planting 100 trees a year, city manager Michael Young said. The other is Clio.

Rockford is an older community that has expanded in recent years and has many mature trees, but citizens like greenery in newer developments as well, he said.

Click above for more about the program including how your community can enroll!

“It's really important to blend our newer parts with the old parts, and trees are that common thread,” he said.

One program the city will start this year is purchasing and planting a tree for each baby born in Rockford, he said.

The tree most planted is the maple, which residents appreciate because of the different colors its leaves turn, Young said.

One of the chronic problems DNR deals with about the program is convincing communities to diversify their tree selections from maple.

Sayers said uniformity can cause diseases to spread more easily.

“I don't promote planting any particular one. I encourage diversifying and planting the tree that's right for the location,” he said.

Competition among neighboring communities and citizens' grassroots efforts have helped the program grow in Michigan in the last 10 years, he said.

“There's a growing sense of responsibility to do something in terms of environmental initiatives. Local citizens are working with the city to get this designation,” he said.

Tree City USA operated by the Arbor Day Foundation, a nonprofit group in Nebraska.

The program requires no application fee. The only condition is that communities spend $2 per resident on anything related to trees. That could include planting, annual leaf pickup, purchasing equipment and other care and management, he said.

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Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for kids (under 5 free) and Saturday is Kids Day - 14 & under get in FREE before noon. Discount coupons and more information are available online!

As you start thinking about home improvement & gardening this spring, don't forget to check Absolute Michigan for great businesses specializing in furniture & appliances, home decor & interior design, home improvement & repair and landscaping & gardens from all over the state who can help you take your home to the next level!

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Approaching Spring by mayerdavid1978

(sorry this update is a little late!) Our Michigan event calendar for the month of March features all kinds of signs that spring is just around the corner with some cautious reminders that objects around the corner may be further off than they appear.

Quotes

"March is a tomboy with tousled hair, a mischievous smile, mud on her shoes
and a laugh in her voice." - Hal Borland

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." - Charles Dickens

"Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn." - Lewis Grizzard

"Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush." - Doug Larson

"Spring is nature's way of saying, Let's party!" - Robin Williams

Fast Facts
March's birthstone is Aquamarine and Bloodstone. They symbolize courage.

Its birth flower is the Narcissus.

March in the Southern Hemisphere is the seasonal equivalent of September in the Northern Hemisphere.

Daylight-Savings time occurs on March 13, 2010, at 2:00 AM - time to spring ahead!

Think spring! The vernal equinox occurs on March 20, 2011, at 11:21  PM EDT.

Things to Do, Places to Go

March 1 - April 30
Foremost's Butterflies Are Blooming - Grand Rapids
Foremost's Butterflies Are Blooming is Meijer Gardens most popular annual exhibition and the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibit in the nation. March 1–April 30, visitors can escape the Michigan winter and mingle with more than 6,000 tropical butterflies flying free in the 15,000-square-foot Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.

March 3 - 4
Kalkaska Winterfest - Kalkaska
Date changed for 2012! One of the largest races in the Midwest. Longest continuous running race in Michigan -- Since 1965. Largest purse in Michigan -- $6,000. The only race in the state with an Unlimited/Open Class.

March 11 - 12
Uptown Film Festival - Birmingham
The inaugural UFF is a two- night celebration of the Michigan film industry, and in particular, productions created entirely, or in part, within the state. It was established by leaders in the Michigan film industry and will be held annually to recognize the industry and individuals' accomplishments within the state. (visit on Facebook)

March 12
Annual Great Bear Chase Ski Marathon - Calumet
A laid-back, skier-oriented weekend in Calumet on the beautiful Keewanau Peninsula. You can choose between 26-km and 50km distances including a separate category for 26-km classic skiers. The Junior Bear Chase is a youth Nordic ski race for skiiers up to 16-years-old.

March 12
Brew-Ski Festival - Harbor Springs
Suds and snow. Is there a better combination? Our first annual Brew-Ski Festival features 100+ craft brews, entertainment and an evening of parties. We'll be pitching a big ole' tent at the base of the slopes where you and friends can purchase tickets and sample a variety of brews. The frothy samples are served up by brewery representatives while you enjoy music, brats and spring conditions.

March 11 - 13
Flushing Walleye Festival - Flushing
The event features:

• Outdoor Show Exhibits
• Fish Fry
• Trout Pond
• Outdoor Show
• Firefighter's Pancake Breakfast
• Guest Speakers
• Texas Hold'em Tournament/Poker Night
• Youth Group
• Chili Cook-off

March 17 - 20
Lansing Home & Garden Show - East Lansing
The strongest Home & Garden show in the Mid-Michigan area fills the MSU Pavilion on the campus of Michigan State University. Incredible gardens, extensive landscaping projects, a Standard Flower Show and three free seminar stages surround hundreds of exhibits featuring construction, remodeling, kitchens & baths, retail garden centers, pools and spas and home services.

March 17 - 20
Ultimate Sport and RV Show - Grand Rapids
Michigan's finest tradition for the avid fisherman, hunter or outdoor loving family! Over 350 exhibitors will be at the show with the latest outdoor gear, travel information and fishing boats. The features are famous: World Class Taxidermy, Antique Lures, Trout Pond, Woodcarvers, Pellet Range, Fishing Simulator, Rock Wall and Fly Casting Instruction. Nearly 100 fishing and hunting semainrs will be held on 4 stages, including "Lake Ultimate," the 110,000 gallon indoor lake. Michigan sportsmen never miss it!

March 18 - 20
Carnival Weekend at Boyne - Boyne Falls
It's party time once again. Boyne Mountain pulls out all the stops as Mardi Gras moves north for the weekend. How can I get some of those beads you ask, come to Boyne Mountain and find out. Bands, costume competitions, the slush cup and parties all over the resort make this a weekend to remember. You might want to plan on using a sick day for Monday.

March 19 - 20
Kalamazoo Living History Show - Kalamazoo
The largest, nationally recognized, juried show in the Midwest devoted to pre-1890 original or reproduction living history supplies, accouterments and related crafts. More than 10,000 historical re-enactors from pre-Revolutionary through the Civil War, history buffs, collectors, and the general public from 18 states and Canada come together for a festive weekend to buy, sell and trade. The event attracts over 270 of the finest craftsman and dealers of living history supplies and related crafts from throughout the United States.

March 22 - 27
Ann Arbor Film Festival - Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor Film Festival is internationally recognized as a premiere showcase for creative, inspiring, and influential films of all types: avant-garde and experimental, story-based narratives, documentaries, and animation. As the longest-running film festival of its kind in North America, the AAFF is steeped in a rich tradition of ground-breaking cinema.

March 25 - 27
Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival - Kalamazoo
Come to the Kalamazoo Museum for a celebration of Kazoo's legacy of stringed-instrument design and manufacture. This free event invites visitors to meet instrument designers and learn about their trade, to hear live performances from area musicians, and to attend a variety of workshops for guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele and more!

March 25 – April 2
Royal Oak Restaurant Week - Royal Oak
A nine-day event celebrating the delicious diversity of the City's dining establishments. Held from Friday, March 25 through Saturday April 2, this annual event features special fixed price three-course dinner menus for either $15 or $25 from  almost two-dozen restaurants.

Did we get them all? Not likely!! Add ones we missed (with links) in the comments below!

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Emerald Ash Borer by USDAgov

All week long we're profiling invasive species on Michigan in Pictures and Absolute Michigan. Today we move to dry land with this little fellow, the emerald ash borer, an exotic pest that has killed tens of millions of ash trees in southeastern Michigan alone. The central web site is emeraldashborer.info and they explain:

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is an exotic beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in the summer of 2002. The adult beetles nibble on ash foliage but cause little damage. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. Emerald ash borer probably arrived in the United States on solid wood packing material carried in cargo ships or airplanes originating in its native Asia.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture has information on the ash borer including on what to do if you think you have a tree infested by the emerald ash borer and please don't move firewood!! We'll close with a video about the emerald ash borer...

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It's that time of year when anyone with a patch of green space starts thinking about how to enhance it. How better to do that than by cruising on down to Lennon, the Lawn Ornament Capital of America.

Lennon claims that title based on Jean Krupp's Novelty Store, a retail moniker that barely hints at what you will find there. Rows of naked concrete Davids, gnarly gargoyles, Christ figures and Labrador retrievers stand higgledy-piggledy around the vast outdoor shopping space, while shelves of gewgaws and bathtubs with pre-installed icons fill the indoor area. There is even a life-sized King Neptune ready to grace your cee-ment pond. And gnomes? Gnumerous.

Owner Jean Krupp started the business with handmade birdhouses in the 1950s and built it into the mega-landmark it has become. Last time I visited, the busy octagenarian was still hand-painting statues.

Krupp's is easy to find at the intersection of M-12 and M-13. Look closely as you drive up and you might just catch King Neptune waving at you.

Acres and acres more Weird Wednesday from Absolute Michigan

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Salad by by jpwbee

Taste the Local Difference says that leafy greens are ready to pick! Greens are an excellent source of iron, calcium, Vitamins A and C, and folic acid and also very high in dietary fiber and low in calories and sodium. What's not to love?? Here's a few fun facts about greens:

• Swiss chard is also known as white beet, strawberry spinach, seakale beet, leaf beet, Sicilian beet, spinach beet, Chilean beet, Roman kale, perpetual spinach, silverbeet and mangold!
• Arugula is known as “rocket” in some parts of Europe.
• Lettuce is a member of the sunflower family.

Untitled by Ken Scott

Herbed Baked Greens

2 egg whites
1 Tbsp. canola oil
1//2 tsp. Worchestershire sauce
1/3 cup lemon juice
¼ tsp. crushed rosemary
salt to taste
3 cups cooked, chopped greens
2 Tbsp. minced onions
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 ½ cups grated low-fat cheese

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Oil an 8-inch square glass baking pan. In large mixing bowl, beat egg whites with oil, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, rosemary, and salt. Gently stir greens, onions, rice, and cheese into egg white mixture, then turn into prepared pan. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake until lightly browned, 10-15 minutes. 4-6 servings.

While we're on the topic, here's Seth Bernard & May Erlewine singing about greens!

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cae3/ Anita says that she's a mom, wife, registered nurse and photographer.

Check this photo out larger in her Explored slideshow and see more of her lovely flower shots.

Here's her Flickriver.

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cseeman (Corey) is the Library Director at the Kresge Business Administration Library at the University of Michigan (Corey's homepage)

You'll definitely want to check this photo out background bigalicious or in his cool Tulip slideshow. His sets include Birds of Saline, Fiddlers Restrung (not to be confused with the Saline Fiddlers) and Lighthouses of Michigan (slideshow) that is helpfully broken down into Lighthouse of Lake Michigan, Lighthouses of Lake Huron, Lighthouses of Lake Erie and Lighthouses of Lake St. Clair.

You can also check out his Flickriver.

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Click this photo from Brooke Pennington for the Spring slideshow from our Absolute Michigan pool on Flickr!

Here's the link to Brooke's photo (which you can see bigger in his Spring photo gallery) and here is some Spring wallpaper from Michigan in Pictures.

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Here's a video feature that we last showed so long ago, it should feel new to just about everyone! Thanks Jim for the reminder...

Wally Wallington of Flint has demonstrated that he can lift a Stonehenge-sized pillar weighing 22,000 lbs and moved a barn over 300 ft in this great video feature. What makes this so special is that he does it using only himself, gravity, and his incredible ingenuity. Check this out and then check out theforgottentechnology.com.

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caterpillars (Laura) has a degree in anthropology and studio arts, many cameras (mostly film) and a yard full of lionhead rabbits. She will also totally shoot your wedding, event, or portrait, so contact her.

Check out her Michigan slideshow. Her photo sets include metro-detroit, MCS and SuperSampler you may just want to dive into her Flickriver.

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On her Sunny Days set (slideshow), Jules says that if you keep your face to the sunshine, you cannot see the shadows.

Some of her other sets include Eastern Market, In Bloom, People, Places and Things.

Hope your face gets plenty of sunshine this weekend!

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the gardener by jenny murray

The Absolute Michigan pool on Flickr chronicles the storms that rolled through southern Michigan once again last week, downing trees and cutting power to hundreds of thousands of homes. On a less destructive note, there are plenty of photos of fireworks and parades. Click over and add your best photo from the Fourth of July weekend.

Our Michigan July Event Calendar says that we can look forward to a slew of festivals and events including the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, Lansing's Common Ground, Michigan Elvisfest in Ypsilanti, Blissfest in Cross Village and the Idlewild Music Fest.

Hope you have a great week - be sure to post any news stories or other items of weekly interest here!

< The Week for June 30 - July 6, 2008 | The Week for July 14-20, 2008 >

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Locally grown salad! by jpwbee

Taste the Local Difference says that baby salad greens are ready to pick! Mixed greens are high in Vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and (hopefully) crunchiness. Fresh picked greens have the highest nutritional content, but you can keep them fresh by wrapping them gently in slightly damp paper towels and then placing in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Another name for mixed baby greens is mesclun. The name originated in Provencal, France and it describes a salad that includes a combination of textures, tastes and colors. Edible flowers like nasturtiums, marigolds, violas, and chive blossoms are often added to mesclun mixes.

Mixed Greens with Baked Goat Cheese Toasts

For the Vinaigrette
1 Tbsp. Champagne vinegar
1 shallot, finely minced (about 2 Tbsp.)
Fine sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

For the Toasts
12 thin slices baguette, diagonally cut
1 1/2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 lb. fresh goat cheese without a rind, at room temperature
1 tsp. coarsely chopped fresh thyme

Mix olive oil, goat cheese & thyme, spread on lightly toasted baguette and bake until cheese is just brown.

For the Greens
6 oz. mixed baby salad greens
About 1/2 cup loosely packed unsprayed edible flowers, such as nasturtiums, marigolds or chive blossoms (optional)

jpwbee says she got the greens in the photo above in February from the hoop house at Brines Farm. You can buy their products on Saturdays at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market!

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Sharptail I believe by wxman1952

This year consider planting plants native to your area when landscaping or gardening. Native plants are defined as plants that existed in an area prior to European settlement. The use of native plants has numerous benefits due to having evolved over thousands of years and, as such, are adapted to local conditions. The benefits include:

• They flourish without fertilizers or synthetic pesticides and rarely need watering.

• They provide food and habitat for wildlife which continues to disappear due to development
• They contribute to biodiversity
• They keep our regions unique and help us to maintain plant species
• Their root systems rebuild the soil and work as filtering systems.
• Last but not least they are beautiful!

The Michigan Native Plant Producers Association can point you to nurseries, has a great plant source guide and also provides an invasive species list.

The Michigan Native Plant Producers Association comprises 10 independently owned nurseries located throughout southern Michigan. Together we grow and sell almost 400 species of Michigan native plants, including, trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses, and ferns.

As an organization, our mission is to benefit member businesses by creating an ethical, profitable, and ecologically sound business environment. As responsible propagators of Michigan native plants, we are committed to enhancing the diversity and health of Michigan's unique natural heritage.

More resources:
The Department of Natural Resources
Enhancing Beneficial Insects with Native Plants - Michigan State University
Gateway to Michigan's Native Plants
The Native Plant Nursery
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council - Northern Michigan's Native Plants

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YUCK/YUM - Pick a Side by Rudy Malmquist

Taste the Local Difference says that asparagus is ready to pick!

It's a member of the lily family and can grow as quickly as 10 inches in one day! Michigan ranks third in the nation for asparagus production (behind California and Washington) and the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board says that well cared for asparagus planting will generally produce for about 15 years without being replanted. Asparagus has no fat, cholesterol and is low in sodium. It's a nutrient-dense food which in high in folic acid and is a good source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C, and thiamin.

It's probably little wonder that the vegetable is the subject of a documentary film, Asparagus! Stalking the American Life. The film is set in Michigan and Filmmaker Magazine writes:

Anne de Mare and Kirsten Kelly's feature-length film Asparagus! "takes viewers to the small town of Oceana, Michigan, the self-proclaimed asparagus capital of the world. After 30 years, Oceana is facing the destruction of its farming base because of a little known provision in a trade bill resulting from the 'war on drugs' [which has inadvertently created a a strong Peruvian asparagus competitor]. Faced with economic ruin and the loss of their beloved vegetable, the community decides to fight back."

Visit asparagusthemovie.com to learn more about the movie and view a trailer, and if you happen to be up in Empire this weekend, catch a screening at the Empire Asparagus Festival.

Beauty, courtesy Michigan Asparagus Board

Featured Recipe: Asparagus Frittata

1 small bunch asparagus, about 3/4 pound
1 large or 2 small leeks
2 Tbsp. butter
4-5 hen's eggs from family farm chickens
1/2 cup cream, half and half or whole milk, from a family dairy, if possible
Sea salt, to taste
Pepper, freshly ground
Nutmeg, a little grated fresh, or 1/8 tsp. ground
1/4 cup grated cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, or crumbed feta

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
2. Break off the tough ends of asparagus. Cut the spears into 1-inch pieces on the diagonal.
3. Slice leeks into thick rounds. Put them into a bowl of cold water and mix to get the dirt out.
4. Melt the butter in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel). When it's hot, lift the leeks out of the water in handfuls, shaking off any excess water, and put into the pan. Saute over medium heat until just tender.
5. Add asparagus pieces to the pan along with about a Tbsp. of water. Cover the pan and allow the asparagus to steam for 1 to 3 minutes, until just tender.
6. Meanwhile, mix together the eggs with cream, milk or combination.
7. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
8. Add asparagus to the pan and pour the egg mixture over, then add the cheese, pressing it gently into the eggs. Let this cook on the stovetop over low heat for a minute or two, and then transfer to the oven and bake until the eggs are just set-this may be as little as 5 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven, cool for a few minutes, and slice. Serve with salad, good bread, and maybe a few steamed new potatoes.

Submitted by: Full Moon Feast, Jessica Prentice, March 2006

More asparagus recipes over at Taste the Local Difference.

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Mayapple by curlyson

The mayapple is a perennial plant in the barberry family which can be found in the woodlands here in Michigan. The plants grow up to 18 inches in height and grow in patches. Each plant has a single stalk that is topped with one to two broad, deeply divided leaves that resemble umbrellas.

In May (hence the name) a single, small white flower blooms from the fork in the stem. The flower then develops into a pulpy, lemon-yellow berry which ripens in late summer and is the only part of the plant that is not poisonous, and it is recommended that if you should eat the berries that it be done only in extreme moderation.

You can get a ton more information and photos about Podophyllum peltatum L. (mayapple) from USDA Plants, which shows that it grows from Florida all the way up into Canada.

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Brian Gudas took several photos at the Veldeer's Tulip Farm in Holland the other day.

He has some cool photos sets including this beautiful collection of spring flowers (slideshow), the Coast Guard Fest and the Grand Haven Coast Guard's 50th Anniversary fireworks show. In addition to the sets, he has photos of everything from this amazing shot of the car ferry in Manistee to extremely detailed photos of ketchup.

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Larry (1ManWithACamera) doesn't have to leave his backyard to find plenty of cool photos.

When he does head out to the country, Mackinac Island or a Tigers game, you can count on him to bring back some great pics ... often with a humorous twist.

(and for the record, lilacs are most definitely NOT blooming here in Michigan's north!)

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Orange Tulip by markmarko

This weekend is the kickoff of Holland's Tulip Time celebration. The annual festival starts this Saturday (May 3, 2008) and continues through May 10.

The Tulip Time Festival's history page says that Tulip Time was introduced in 1927 at a Woman's Literary Club meeting by Holland biology teacher Miss Lida Rogers. It's grown to be one of the largest flower festivals in the country and features plenty of tulips, music, parades and celebrations and explorations of Holland's Dutch heritage including Klompen dancing (video of Klompen dancers).

In honor of this event (and to check out a bunch of tulip photos) we're featuring a Tulip & Tulip Time slideshow courtesy the Absolute Michigan group on Flickr. One of the members of the group (artist Yolanda Gonzales of Grand Rapids) designed the 2008 Tulip Time poster.

You can read more about the history & background of the event from the Archives of Michigan and Tulip Time 2007 and 2006 from Michigan in Pictures.

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Dutchman's Britches by cyoas55

The Dutchman's Breeches has delicate, fernlike foilage with unique blooms that resemble white pantaloons hanging upside down upon their arched stems. This dainty plant is wonderful in woodland or shade gardens and can often be found in the wild growing tucked into root flares of large trees. The blooms first appear in mid to late April and last for about two weeks before going dormant.

Native Americans and early white practitioners considered this plant useful for syphilis, skin conditions and as a blood purifier. Dutchman's breeches contains several alkaloids that may have effects on the brain and heart.

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Trillium by farlane

In Michigan, the number of native plants being buried under bulldozers is decreasing, thanks to the efforts of the Cranbrook Wildflower Rescue Committee in southern Michigan and the Leland Wildflower Rescue in northern Michigan. The Cranbrook committee has been in operation for over 25 years, the Leland committee for over 15. Both of these groups are formed of dedicated volunteers who have saved thousands of Michigan woodland plants each year, digging up native species before their habitats are razed for development. These folks have learned a lot and offer these tips for people wishing to start similar rescue programs in their areas.

A couple things to do if you're interested in starting a program, remember that you have to get signed permission from the developers or the property owner to take plants from the property. You should also have a plan for where to plant the rescued plants. They could be transplanted to a community garden, and some end up in private gardens as well. For example, every Memorial Weekend the Leland Wildflower hosts a sale of all of their plants with the proceeds going to the Leelanau Conservancy.

Here's an interesting article about wildflower rescue in Michigan and elsewhere from USA Weekend.

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Large-flowered Trillium by ER Post

The most common species of trillium in Michigan is Trillium Grandiflorum or the Large-flowered Trillium. This plant has a large, often white three-petaled flower above three broad bracts that look like leaves.

Picking the flowers of Trillium can seriously injure the plant. The three leaves below the flower are the plant's only food source and a picked trillium may die or take many years to recover. For this reason in many areas, e.g. British Columbia, Michigan, New York, Oregon and Washington, it is illegal to pick trilliums.

For more on this beautiful and protected Spring flower read Flower Power by Jim Rink from the archives of the Northern Michigan Journal.

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This is one of her Favs.

Crocuses are one of mine.

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Lady Slipper Flower by cyoas55

The Pink Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium acaule) or Moccasin Flower is a large, showy wildflower belonging the the orchid family. The heavily veined, deeply cleft pouch of this wild orchid is a distinctive characteristic of this species. Because this plant has an extremely long life cycle, taking many years to go from seed to a mature seed-bearing plant, and because it will grow only in very specific circumstances, the harvest of wild lady's slipper is often not sustainable and in some states such as Michigan it is not only illegal to pick but also to move.

Pink Lady's Slipper grows in a variety of different habitats, including moist and dry soils. It is usually found in pine forests, where it can be seen in large colonies, but it grows in deciduous woods, as well. It is nearly always found in soil with high acid content. Because of a fungus association needed for growth, and the high acid this plant needs, C. acaule is very difficult to grow in the average garden and is unlikely to survive any attempts at transplantation.

Check out this slideshow of Wild Michigan Orchids on Flickr.

Orchid Societies in Michigan
Michigan Orchid Society
Northwestern Michigan Orchid Society
Greater Lansing Orchid Society

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The Gardens Of Cranbrook by suesue2

Cranbrook House and Gardens stands as a centerpiece of Cranbrook's 319-acre National Historic Landmark campus. From May through October, visitors can experience the grandeur of both the House and the Gardens with guided and self-guided tours.

The house was designed by the famous Detroit architect Albert Kahn for the founders of Cranbrook George Booth and his wife Ellen Scripps Booth and is now the oldest surviving manor home in the metro Detroit area. It is crafted in the English Arts and Crafts style and the Booths had the finest artists and craftsman of the time do the tiles, handcrafted furniture and other works of fine and decorative art.

Guided and self-guided tours are a wonderful way to get to know Cranbrook House and the 40 acres of breathtaking gardens that surround it. There is a Sunken Garden along with herabaceous gardens, perennial flower beds to the casual beauty of the bog garden. Tended by hundred by hundreds of volunteers through out the year, the gardens are filled with colorful blooms, spacious lawns side by side with exquisite fountains and sculpture.

Annual Spring Plant Sale
Tuesday, May 13th 10am-7pm
Wednesday, May 14th 10am-2pm

You won't want to miss this exciting event that draws avid gardeners from throughout the area. Volunteers have put together a wide variety of plants for your garden along with gardening items including pots and tools. Click here for more information.

View a slideshow of the Cranbrook House and Gardens over at Flickr.

If you want even more information check out the Wikipedia entry for the Cranbrook Educational Community which consists of the Cranbrook Kingswood School, Cranbrook Academy of Art, Cranbrook Art Museum, Cranbrook Institute of Science, Cranbrook House and Gardens, and Christ Church Cranbrook.

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jack in the pulpit by bernardwilliamson

The Jack-in-the pulpit is a stemless plant that grows throughout Michigan in both open and dense woods, and occasionally in fields and pastures bordering woods (toxic to animals). Arisaema triphyllum (Wikipedia) is also known as Bog onion, Brown dragon, Indian turnip, Wake robin or Wild turnip.

The height ranges from 8 inches to 2 feet tall, and rather than stems, it has one or two stalks, with 3-parted leaves, at the tip of its flowerstalk. Its unique flowering structure is tinted different shades of green, greenish-white and purple. It flowers in the spring and the flower persists through summertime. In the fall, it is often covered in dense clusters of red berries.

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From the Garden by paulhitz

The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is a greenhouse and botanical garden covering 13 acres located on Belle Isle, just three miles east of downtown Detroit. Designed by noted Detroit architect Albert Kahn, it opened in 1904 and is the nation's oldest conservatory. It's available to the public free of charge from 10 AM - 5 PM, every day of the year with a "walk-through time" of 30 minutes.

The conservatory site contains formal perennial gardens, annual flower beds, a rose garden, and lily pond garden and permanent displays of rare flora, including one of the largest municipally owned collections of orchids in the nation (including 600 that were donated by Anna Scripps Whitcomb). The conservatory itself covers more than an acre and features an imposing 85' high central dome with a total volume of 100,600 cubic feet. The south wing contains tropical plants of economic importance such as bananas, oranges, coffee sugar cane and orchids. The north wing hosts the extensive collections of ferns, cacti and succulents. The show house, remodeled in 1980, features a continuous display of blooming plants.

Their website has a lot more information and photos including this shot of the original structure. You can see the location of the Conservatory on the Absolute Michigan map of Michigan, check out the Belle Isle entry on Wikipedia and view a slideshow of Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservancy photos in the Absolute Michigan pool on Flickr.

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Plumeria by IShutterToThink

Named after former Michigan regent Frederick C. Matthaei, Sr. and his wife Mildred, who donated 200 acres of land, the Matthaei Botanical Gardens are operated by the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Spring is a great time to visit and watch the Gardens come to life. Here is a downloadable Visitor Guide to help you enjoy your time there.

Exploration of the Gardens begins at the Visitor Center where you will find trails which all start and eventually loop back to the building. A visit to the unique Alden B. Dow commissioned Conservatory includes the Tropical House, Warm Temperate House, Bonsai & Penjing Collection and the Arid House.

Besides the beautiful plant life, onsite artwork, both visual and performance is important to the overall experience. The integration of the art with plant life is a interesting way to view the works and take in their messages.

The library and resource center, with over 3,200 cataloged books provides visitors a chance to learn all about plants and the issues surrounding them.

Here is a list of all of the trails, display gardens, natural areas and other exhibits throughout Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum.

You may be interested in their 28th Annual Spring Plant Sale being held May 2-4 or in checking out the calendar of events.

Enjoy an August, 2007 video sldeshow by videoexchange over at YouTube.

Check out a collection of 360 ° virtual tours of some of the gardens and natural areas.

The Huron Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects has created podcasts to accompany a walking tour of Ann Arbor. Included is a Matthaei Botanical Gardens podcast. There is also a downloadable 'Ann Arbor Guide to Architecture' which includes a map and description of each entry.

Here are a ton of pics from Flickr to entice you to visit the Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

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