1

Macomb Master

Gardener E-news

News, Notes & Other Information

Notes from the State VMS Coordinator

This is just a reminder that Dec. 31, 2015 is the deadline for entering your 2015 volunteer and education hours (and any prior year lapsed hours). Please don't wait until year end to enter your hours. Entering them now will save you the stress at year end. And, for those of you in areas where there are upcoming recognition events,

you will for sure want to enter your completed hours before the event so that you may be recognized for any milestone accomplishments.

For 2016 re-certification, we will be following a process similar to last year in that as of Jan. 1, 2016, you will not have access to view or enter hours so if you need this information for year-end tax purposes, please make sure to review your hours before Dec. 31st. Remember, you do have the option to filter your hours report using 2015 dates and then download the report in an Excel format. You will have access and be able to resume entering your hours starting on Feb. 13th.

December 7, 2015

Table of Contents

News, Notes & Other Information…...p. 1

MCMGA Information Page………….p. 5

Educational Opportunities:

From the MSUE ……………….…....p. 8

Other educational programs….…..….p. 9

MG Education Share………………...p. 10

Volunteer Opportunities………………p. 11

Photo Fun……………………..……… p. 11

Winter at the Tomlinson Arboretum

From Dan Lepo

2

Below is a 2016 Re-certification Timeline which will give you an overview of the process. This document is also posted in the VMS under State Links. Please take a moment to review this timeline

and let your VMS Ambassador know if you have any questions or will be needing assistance with the re-certification process.You will see that 2016 re-certification opens on Jan. 11th and closes on Jan. 29th. For those who miss re-certifying during that time frame, late re-certification will open on Jan. 30th and close on Feb. 12th.

If you are one of the fortunate ones heading to warmer climates for the winter, we would ask that you take a few minutes betweenJanuary 11 - Jan. 29th to find a computer (library, friend, neighbor?) and complete the online 3-step re-certification process through the VMS. We don't want you to miss being re-certified simply because you are not in Michigan!

Thanks for all you do representing the program and giving back to your communities as Master Gardeners!

3

Holiday Luncheon Education Hours Please list 1 hour for continuing education for the Jan

Bills presentation at the Holiday Luncheon!

Bouquets / Boutonnieres to: Pat Cencek and the crew who put on the Macomb Bloomin’ Sunflowers Holiday

Luncheon! Job well done!!

Do you know a Master Gardener who has been especially helpful or has jumped right

in to do the job? Let us know and we will recognize their efforts with a “Bouquet”

announcement!

Crocker House Museum

Sunday, December 6, 1 - 4 p.m.: Create a Christmas Memory: Art, Trains and History in Mt. Clemens

Enjoy a day in Mt. Clemens with a visit to the Anton Art Center, Crocker House Museum, and the Michigan Transit Museum. Also enjoy free bus transportation between sites. Between the hours of 1-4 p.m. you will find Christmas activities for the whole family. Santa will be here at the Crocker House for “take your own” photographs in the nursery. There will be carols played on the old pump organ. The kids can make their own scrap-art cookie and then enjoy coloring while eating cookies and watching old silent Christmas films from the turn of the century. You will then find trolleys of the season in the historic Mount Clemens Depot and “make & take” crafts at the Anton Art Center. Entrance fee at each location.

Sunday, December 13, Noon - 6 p.m.: Victorian Christmas Wassail & Bazaar We are excited to bring back our traditional Victorian Christmas Wassail, but are adding a Bazaar to this event to help provide you with the opportunity to purchase unique Christmas gifts, décor and goodies. If you want true replica Victorian tree decorations we will have them here. We will also have many unique hand crafted gift items and home-made goodies to purchase throughout the house. This event will truly put you in the spirit of Christmas as the house will be dressed in Christmas décor and carols will be sung at the pump organ. Local singer, Paul Ritchie, will be performing Christmas carols while you dine. Brunswick stew was a common dish for a Victorian home on Christmas eve. Although it was commonly made with squirrel or rabbit, ours will be made with chicken. And plum pudding was a special treat made for this wonderful time of year. Chestnuts will be roasting outside and hot wassail will also be served. You are welcome to dine and shop or just come to shop. Your support of this fundraiser will greatly help the Crocker House stay warm this coming winter and will surely give you a unique Christmas event to enter you into this magical season. If you wish to attend the Wassail tickets cost $25 for members and $30 for non-members. There will be two seating times; 12:15 and 3:15 p.m. Reservations are required, limited and non-refundable.

4

Sunday, December 20, 1 p.m.: Christmas Carols on the Dulcimer Afternoon Tea

Join us with Ranka Mulkurn as she delights us with carols on the dulcimer while we enjoy a full afternoon tea to include Three Wives Tea, scones with mock Devonshire cream and jam, a variety of tea-sandwiches, and desserts. Tickets are limited, non-refundable and cost $35 for members of the Macomb County Historical Society & $40 for non-members. Please call for your reservation at 586-465-2488.

November 13 – December 23, 2015 Members & Sponsors Preview Thursday, November 12, 5:30-8pm Dowtown Mount Clemens Open House Friday, November 20, open until 9pm Meet the Artists Reception Sunday, November 15, 1-3pm – Refreshments provided CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC Wednesday & Thursday, November 25 & 26 Create a Christmas Memory Sunday, December 6, 1-4pm, Free family friendly craft Late Night Shopping Thursdays, December 5, 12 & 19, open until 8pm LAST SHOPPING DAY Wednesday, December 23, 5pm

5

We will be putting all the Macomb County Master Gardener

Association News and Programs in this area (Look for the Logo)!

Check out the MCMGA website: http://www.macombcountymga.com/

Fund Raisers!!

Support Your Local Garden Association!

Kroger – Go to krogercommunityrewards.com Register with you Kroger card. MCMGA’s

number is 76389 (although usually our name shows up) If previously registered, must re-register

each April.

Christmas Gift Ideas!

English Gardens – We get a donation for every Flower of the

Month card purchased. Cannot just place order in the store. Recommend purchase

by phone: 313-308-0500 ext. 116 (although usually the person who answers the

phone without going to the extension is the correct contact). Or on website:

www.adxlonline.com In both cases, mention MCMGA Fundraiser.

Flower Power – Go to http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com Click on

Find a Group (top right of home page). Type in Organization: Macomb County

Master Gardener Association, and state, MI (Leave City Blank) We get 50% of

purchases.

Next MCMGA Board of Directors Meeting:

January 6, 2016, 3:30 PM at the MSUE office.

6

These are the abbreviated minutes from November 30. For a full copy please

contact the MCMGA at macombcountymga@gmail.com.

Meeting of November 30, 2015

2016 Education Calendar was reviewed and classes were added for August,

September and October.

Fundraisers were discussed. A book donation program was reviewed for possible

start date in January.

Grant application suggestions were reviewed and will be made for the 2016 Grant

Application Process.

Treasurer’s report was reviewed. October balance $3,078

Membership cards for MCMGA members will be used in 2016. To keep in-line with MMGA

deadlines and VMS registration, MCMGA will take membership registrations from January

through March 15, 2016. Association membership will be $10. The Association will pay the $5

MMGA fee for Certified Master Gardeners.

If you are interested in purchasing a magnetic backing for your badge (to

replace a pin) contact the MSUE office at 586-469-6440. Cost is $3.00.

Payable by cash or check made out to the MCMGA.

MCMGA Educational Opportunities:

December, 2015

No Classes

Merry Christmas!!

To Register for any of the following events, please Email:

macombcountymga@gmail.com

Education Programming January-July 2016

Monday, January 11, 2016

“Growing Plants Successfully From Seed” with Advanced Master Gardener Karen

Burke. Learn the do’s and don’ts of starting your garden indoors. When to start seeds,

and how to tell when; how and when to water, when to fertilize, and what to look out

for. Know what supplies you need, and how to care for your seed starting equipment.

6:30-7:30 P.M. MSUE Assembly Room.

Free to MCMGA Members +1 guest. $5.00 to all others.

MCMGA QUARTERLY MEETING WILL FOLLOW THE CLASS

7

Thursday, February 11, 2016

“Gardening with Kids” Join us while Advanced Master Gardener, Anne Crotser

teaches us, how to teach gardening to the kids in our lives. Topics will include

plant parts and functions, plant needs, bugs, worms, and other “icky” things kids

love. Also, other things plants are used for, games and crafts. Get tips on garden

design and how to adapt lessons for readers and pre-readers. 6:30-7:30 P.M. at the

MSUE Extension Assembly Room.

Free to MCMGA Members +1 guest. $5.00 to all others.

Register by February 8 to receive a packet of handouts.

Participants wishing to remain after class and make a kid-friendly watering can, should

bring a clean, empty laundry detergent container and a pair of scissors.

Monday, March 21, 2016

“Spring Ephemerals” Advanced Master Gardener, Cheryl English will

present Native Wildflowers for the Woodland Garden. Tired of tulips?

Find Daffodils dull? How about trying out some of our very own spring

ephemerals! From Trout Lilies to Trillium, from the exotic to the familiar,

explore some native alternatives for the spring garden. 6:30-7:30 P.M. at the

Mt. Clemens Library Auditorium, 150 Cass Ave., Mt. Clemens, MI. Cheryl is also the owner of Black Cat Pottery, and will have a display of her wares for sale before and

after the presentation. Light refreshments will be served.

$5.00 to MCMGA Members +2 guests. $10.00 to all others.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

“Companion Planting” Join MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture coordinator, Mary

Gerstenberger, as we take a look at the friend and enemy plants of the garden. The

Companion Planting presentation will cover what companion plants are, or are not; talk

about what makes good companions; and what services they provide to one another, as well

as the gardener. 6:30-7:30 P.M. MSUE Extension Assembly Room.

Free to MCMGA Members +1 guest. $5.00 to all others.

MCMGA QUARTERLY MEETING WILL FOLLOW THE CLASS

Monday, May 23, 2016

Pam Goros, from Wild Birds Unlimited, Macomb Township, will present:

“Who’s In My Backyard?” Ever wonder why a Robin cocks his head? Can’t tell the

difference between a Downy and Hairy Woodpecker? And, what does a Red Winged

Blackbird have in common with the TV show Sister Wives? Learn the answer to these

questions, and more fun facts about birds. 6:30-7:30 P.M. at the MSU Extension

Assembly Room.

Free to MCMGA Members +1 guest. $5.00 to all others.

8

Thursday, June 30, 2016

“The Iris Lady”, Advanced Master Gardener Betty Slominski will show us how to divide

all of those overgrown Iris in our gardens. This will be a “hands on” class, so dig up a clump

or two of Iris from your garden and bring them to class. You will be taking home your

divided, healthy Iris, and maybe even make a few trades with other classmates. If you have

“buggy” Iris, please bring them to class. 6:30-8:30 P.M. MSUE Assembly Room.

CLASS SIZE LIMITED. MUST REGISTER.

Free to MCMGA Members +1 guest. $5.00 to all others.

Thursday, July 14, 2016

“Viburnums” Join Advanced Master Gardener Cheryl English as she educates us on

one of the most diverse geneses of garden-worthy shrubs. Viburnums are also less

utilized than they should, due to that very diversity. Get beyond “garden” variety and

explore some other options with this charismatic group of plants and become

acquainted with some superb native species in the process. 6:30-7:30 P.M. MSUE

Assembly Room. $5.00 to MCMGA Members +2 guests. $10.00 to all others.

MCMGA QUARTERLY MEETING TO FOLLOW CLASS

Education Hours from MCMGA 2015 classes: **see corrections

Date Class Hours

January 13 – Hummingbirds------------------ 1

February 23 – Bringing Natives Home-------1

March 20 – Getting Ready for Spring--------1

April 23 – Proven Winners-------------------- 1.5**

May 20 – Tool Care Class----------------------2

June 9 – Butterfly Class------------------------1

July 9 – the Iris Lady---------------------------2**

July 15 – Grasses--------------------------------1.5

August 18 – Janet Macunovich--------------- 2.5

September 17 – Birds in Winter---------------1

October 14 – Pruning---------------------------2

Educational Opportunities:

From MSU Extension: Community Gardening – The Basics MSU Extension is offering the program, “Community Gardening – The

Basics” on Thursday, January 14, 2016 from 6:30-8:30 PM at the Macomb

9

MSU Extension Office, 21885 Dunham Rd., Clinton Twp., MI 48036. This program will cover what you

need to know to set up and/or participate in a community garden, and the types as well as the benefits of

community gardens and basic vegetable gardening information. For those interested in forming a garden

in their neighborhood or community, now is the time to get started. This is a free program but seating is

limited. Please register in advance by calling 586-469-6440. Deadline to register is Monday, January 11,

2016

Seed Swap and Seed Storage Tips Thursday, January 28, 2016 from 1:00-3:00 pm, MSU Extension is offering Master Gardeners the

opportunity to share extra seeds with each other. We will be providing tips and techniques for safe seed

storage as well as starting seeds indoors. There is no cost, but please register in advance by calling the

MSUE office at 586-469-6440.

Other Educational Programs & Events:

Oakland County Master Gardeners:

10

MG Education Share: Master Gardeners, if you watched a video, webinar or other online class that you feel other

Master Gardeners might enjoy, please send us a link and a short description and we will

share it here.

Bob Bricault, MSUE Educator, provided this list of resources for the Master Gardener Turf class. Here it

is for all Master Gardeners:

Diagnostic References

1. A Pocket IPM Scouting Guide for Woody landscape Plants MSU E-2839

2. Christmas Tree Pest Manual MSU E-2676

3. Disease & Pests of Ornamental Plants 6th Edition Pirone ISBN 019-

504370-7

4. Diseases of Woody Ornamentals & Trees in nurseries ISBN 0-89054-

264-3

5. Diseases of Trees & Shrubs, Sinclair, Lyon, and Johnson ISBN 0-8014-

1517-9

6. Insects that fee on trees & shrubs, Johnson and Lyon ISBN 0-8014-

2602-2

7. Insect & Mite Control on Woody Ornamentals & Herbaceous Perennials OSU Ext

Bulletin 504

8. Manual of Woody landscape Plants, Dirr ISBN 0-87563-

800-7

9. Field Guide to Insects and Spiders, National Audubon Society ISBN 0-394-

50763-0

10. Pests and Diseases, American Horticultural Society ISBN 0-7894-5074-7

WEB Diagnostic References

1. Emerald Ash Borer http://emeraldashborer.info/

2. Galls http://www.hainaultforest.co.uk/3Oak%20galls.htm

3. ID Nature Guides http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q

4. Tree ID MSU http://uptreeid.com/

5. Weed ID GuideUniversity of Illinois http://weeds.cropsci.illinois.edu/weedid.htm

6. Integrated Pest Management Michigan State University http://www.ipm.msu.edu/

University of Illinois http://www.ipm.uiuc.edu/

Ohio State University http://bygl.osu.edu/

7. Lawn & Garden Web Site Univ. of Delaware http://extension.udel.edu/lawngarden

11

8. Plant & Pest Diagnostic Lab Purdue University https://www.ppdl.purdue.edu/PPDL/index.html

9. CornellExtension Publications

http://hort.cals.cornell.edu/cals/hort/extension/publications.cfm

10. MSU Extension Publications http://shop.msu.edu/category_s/345.htm

11. Washtenaw County Environmental Portal

http://www.ewashtenaw.org/living/environmental_health_and_services/healthy_home_portal

Yard & Garden Apps

1. Leafsnap: identifies tree from photo of leaves (free)

2. Dirr’s Tree and Shrub Finder ($14.99)

3. Purdue Perennial Doctor ($0.99)

4. Purdue Annual Doctor ($0.99)

Volunteer Opportunities:

Nothing at the moment. Check the VMS for project areas that you may be interested

in joining.

Photo Fun:

Have any pictures of your project that you would like to share? Email them to me at:

mary.gerstenberger@macombgov.org

Congratulations to Jan McGlone on achieving

Certified Master Gardener status!

12

Photos from the Holiday Luncheon.