Please consider volunteering to work this event if you’re in need of hours.

Interested members and/or inquiries can be sent to mgwwc@gmail.com.

Hope to see you there!

Agenda:

Membership check-in at 6:30 p.m. followed by presentation at 7:00 p.m.

Presentation is open to the public.

Randy will share with us the joys and the challenges of beekeeping. he will explain to us the difficulty of over-wintering the bees. He will talk about the threat of declining space for bees to seek food, and effects of the unpredictable Michigan weather. Randy will also talk to us about ways gardeners can help to encourage the health and number of honeybees. We will learn the importance of planting for pollinators.

Randy List has been a member of the Southeastern Michigan BeeKepers Asscoiation since 2019. His interest was piqued quite by accident. Randy was helping at his son’s apple orchard. Naturally honey bees were attracted to the fruit, which led to Randy becoming interested in studying the boney bee behavior. He and his son continue to work together raising honey bees and producing honey. Randy also enjoys teaching others about honey bees at Tollgate Farm and Education Center in Novi.

Learn more at www.canr.msu.edu/tollgate

John Blair will you along on his journey to both restore his land to original native prairie and also the creation of magnificent pollinator gardens on his rural property in Brooklyn. He will also cover the restoration of his wooded savanna and how is bringing three natural ponds back to life after being buried by farmers decades ago. Through John’s beautiful photos, you will get to see this wonderful transformation taking place, from hayfields back to lush native prairie habitat, much like what was originally there two hundred years ago!

Bio:
When John Blair retired from his automotive engineering job, he knew he would need something interesting to do with his time. He found it when he attended a presentation in the winter of 2012 by butterfly expert Brenda Sattler on making a butterfly garden with native plants as the focal point. John got busy that spring creating his own butterfly garden at his Westland home that over the next seven summers grew to over 5000 square feet in size with 130 species of native plants and 38 different species of butterfly visitors. In 2019, having filled all his available gardening space, John and his wife Sheri moved to a new home in rural Brooklyn, Michigan with about 9 acres of land that he is using to make even more butterfly and pollinator habitat through restoring large tracts of land to original prairie with native plants, creating a gigantic butterfly and pollinator habitat! John enjoys giving his inspirational talks to help others get started with their own pollinator habitats using native plants, which is something that means very much to him!

John’s garden has appeared in Fine Gardening magazine, Michigan Gardener, the Detroit Free Press and the Garden Answer YouTube channel. Over the last eight years, John has given his “How to Make a Butterly Garde” and Prairie Restoration talks to county Master Gardener organizations, Michigan State University, Greenfield village, numerous Michigan garden clubs, church groups and Nature clubs through southeast and mid-Michigan.

*Not a member of MGWWC? Join here:
MGWWC.org

Interested in listening to John Blair speak on this topic but don’t want to be a member? You can attend the event via Zoom for $5 . Please click here to pay for the event via Paypal.

This meeting will be hybrid (In Person at the library and via Zoom. The link will be sent via email.

Via Zoom

You’ve heard of starting seeds indoors to get a jump on Spring, but it’s also possible to start seeds outdoors in winter! Mother Nature does it all the time, and so can you. Find out how to mimic nature to sow outside—you don’t need grow lights, you’re not limited by indoor space restrictions, and your seedlings will be hardened-off and ready to plant
once they sprout in spring. Learn what plants to sow, what containers to use, how to care for the seeds, and how and when to transplant the seedlings.

Bio:
Monica Milla is a Master Gardener, master composter, and master rain gardener. She serves as Vice President of the Washtenaw Master Gardener Association and is on theGarden Committee at Washtenaw Community College, where she also teaches personal enrichment gardening classes.
She has served on the City of Ann Arbor. Elizabeth Dean Fund Committee and co-chaired the Garden Committee at her workplace, which grows produce for donation to
Food Gatherers.
Monica’s garden adventures started 30 years ago with a single container tomato. She can’t narrow down a favorite plant, but buckthorn is her sworn garden enemy!

*Not a member of MGWWC? Join here:
MGWWC.org

Meeting via Zoom. The link will be sent via email.

Meeting via Zoom and in person at the Westland Public Library

This month’s meeting is via Zoom. Please refer to your email from Master Gardeners of Western Wayne County for Zoom details

Educational Presentation: Join Us in Welcoming Carol Brodbeck as she teaches us about House Plants

Houseplants are totally dependent upon us to prosper.  Choose plants that match our growing conditions, buy healthy plants from reputable sources, and maintain them to their satisfaction--not ours.  In return, they will reward us with many benefits.

Carol Brodbeck is a degreed biologist and started her career in pharmaceutical research—helping to develop the influenza vaccine among many others at Parke-Davis in Detroit.  Transferred to P-D’s labs in Ann Arbor where she worked with a charter group responsible for introducing the use of computers into R&D.  Responsibilities grew to include designing from scratch and implementing many unique computer apps in R&D and later, in the worldwide Clinical Research. 

After taking early retirement, she earned her Advanced Master Gardener accreditation,  which led to her giving many presentations and workshops to varied audiences of diverse ages and backgrounds throughout Michigan and nationally. 

In 2007, she joined a garden club that is affiliated with the Internationally known National Garden Clubs, Inc.  Over the years, she achieved Five-Star status after earning Master status in its four nationally-acclaimed schools (Gardening, Environmental, Landscape Design, and Flower Show).  She served as co-chair of the 2016 NGC National Convention held in Grand Rapids and as State President (2017-19) of Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc.  During COVID, she provided monthly presentations via Zoom nationally.  Currently, she is serving as State Chair of the Flower Show School that is held in Ann Arbor. She also serves on many other MGC Committees. In addition, she gives monthly presentations at the Ypsilanti library, serves as part-time faculty at Washtenaw Community College, and writes monthly gardening/nature articles for her church’s newsletter. 

As a child, Carol always asked “Why?”  And she still does and updates her presentations with the newest research-based information.  Her greatest joy is seeing the eyes of a person light up when they learn something new or when she learns something new from one of her students.

She is “mom” to 2 daughters, “Nanna” to 2 plus their husband/partner, and “Granna” to an 18-month old lovely little boy. 

EMG’s: This Presentation qualifies as 1 hour of Education in Volunteer Central

**Membership Dues are now being accepted via Paypal or by mail.

 Visit MGWWC.org for further information

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

See you in the new year!

Via Zoom

Membership Check In at 6:30 p.m.

Presentation to follow at: 7:00 p.m.

Why fight against natiure and work harder than we need to, in our gardens? Permaculture enable you to work with nature rather than against it, utilizing the energy and resources on hand. Explore how to apply permaculture to your existing gardens and learn the tenchiquest of food forest gardening - aka perennial food systems - to understand the benefits of including perennial food in your garden and dinner plate!

Dr. Charlie Brennan and Bridget O’Brien are Directors of the international consultancy Garden Juju Collective; Directors of Gateway Farm Hub in Michigan, along with being the co-creators of Adapt Design Game. They teach and consult in US, UK, Portugal, and Australia. Recent projects include Al-Hadiqa Heritage Garden in Detroit, Michigan, and the redesign of Gateway Farm Hub in Plymouth, Michigan. Fully aware of the predicaments we are in, they work collectively towards sustainability, regeneration and healing with emphasis upon professional, and successful outcomes, and of course, the joy inherent in this vocation and craft.

Learn more at www.gartewayfarmplymouth.com.

6:30 p.m. - Membership Check-in

7:00 p.m. Presentation - Learning About Lavender

Online via Zoom: Visit www.mgwwc.org for link and instructions

Regina Hamlett, her husband Marty, their 3 children, and Regina’ s parent s live on their farm in Pinckney. Regina spent over 30 year s in the education and child development field, first as a teacher , later in administration. In 2020, she was laid of f and decided that her mom’ s dream of growing lavender with the family should be fulfilled. Since then, the lavender farm has grown to be a place of education and relaxation, including the cute lavender shed where Regina makes the bath and body product s and crafts to be sold at the farm. The farm al so has 55 healthy and happy hens that lay eggs, one happy rooster, and a duck with a crooked leg that loves to swim in her kiddie pool. In this lecture, learn which lavender types grow in your area, what type of soil is best for growing lavender , and more tips and tricks for growing healthy plant s . Additionally, learn how lavender can help us phys ically and mentally in our daily li fe. Find more information about Regina’ s family lavender farm at www.hamlettlavender farm.com

6:30 p.m. - Check-in

7:00 p.m. - Presentation: The Late Show by Cheryl English

Fall is often a difficult time in the midwestern garden - unless you look to native plants. From Asters to Goldenrods, learn how you can extend your gardening season through the judicious selection of Michigan species at their best for the best exciting Late Show of all.

Cheryl M. English is an Advanced Master Gardener living in Detroit. Formally educated as an Art Historian, Cheryl has parlayed her varied training and experience into a career as a profressional gardener, artist, writer and garden and art educator. She has volunteered with The Greening of Detroit, Master of Gardeners of Greater Detroit, the Detroit Garden Center and the Wildflower Association of Michigan, Cheryl penned the fist article on native plants to appear in Michigan Gardener in May 2012

Northville Garden Walk. Country Garden Club of Northville. Six Private Gardens & Vendors. Wednesday July 12th 2023. 9am-4pm. Advance $12. Tickets available June 13th-Gardenviews 117 E. Main and EventBrite.com. On day of event $15. Tickets sold in the Green Space ONLY (Corner of Wing & Cady St.) behind Northville Library. Proceeds support Northville High Scholarships local & national horticultural organizations. www.cgcnv.org 734-788-9935 cgcnorthville@gmail.com  

Via Zoom. Please check your email for zoom link.

Ephemeral wildflowers are the “harbingers of spring” in Southeast Michigan. Not only beautiful hints of the year to come, ephemeral flowers feature several interesting adaptations that allow them to take advantage of the earliest part of the season. We’ll look at some of the common native species, a few non-natives, and a serious invasive. Their adaptations will be explored in depth, as well as their ecological importance in Michigan woodlands and where to find them locally.

Dale Brown is a natulaist and horticulturist with degrees in Landsape Technology and Environmental Studies, She is a naturalist at the University of Migican-Dearborn Environmental Interpretive Center, a Michigan Master Naturalist, and a Certificed Interpretive Guide. Find out more about the EIC at https://umdearborn.edu/environmental-interpretive-center

Membership Checkin at 6:30 p.m.

Presentation at 7:00 p.m.

Please note: We will be meeting at the old Marshall School in Westland., 35100 Bayview Street, Westland, 48186 (south of Ford Road and east of Wayne)

Parking and entrance is in the rear of the building.

6:30-7:00 pm membership check in & conversation , followed by presentation.

Educational Presentation: Increasing the Pollinator Habitat by Carly and David Cirilli of Plymouth Pollinators.

Explore the steady decline in the pollinator population and habitat, why pollinators are so important to our ecosystem, and why they need our help. Discuss the benefits of incorporating native plants into garden spaces and learn how eager gardeners can prepare their gardens for spring. Thursday, March 2 Membership meetings are open to the public. MGWWC is a volunteer organization dedicated to educating our local communities about gardening and horticulture using research-based information. Visit the website for more information: http://www.mgwwc.org

Via Zoom

This month’s meeting is via Zoom. Please refer to your email from Master Gardeners of Western Wayne County for Zoom details

Agenda:

6:30 link opens for gardening conversation

• 6:55-7:05 PM Elizabeth Danko presenting a brief overview of board vacancies, 2023 budget deficit and future in person meetings. Questions may be submitted and answered via group chat.

• 7:05 PM Educational Presentation: The Herbal Connection-Speaker Susan Betz

Topic: People, Plants and Pollinators: The Herbal Connection

Guest Speaker: Susan Betz has been actively involved in growing and using herbs to educate the public about gardening and the natural world for more than 35 years. She’s hard-pressed to name a favorite herb, however -- she loves them all and considers herbs a way of life! She is an Honorary Master Gardener, a member of the International Herb Association, Garden Communicators, the Ecological Landscape Alliance, and the National Garden Bureau. Susan is a life member of the Herb Society of America (HSA) and received The Society’s Helen D. Conway, Little Medal of Honor, in 2018. She is a charter member of HSA’s Native Herb Conservation committee and the Society’s sustainable garden initiative. Susan currently serves on HSA’s Notable Native Herb program and is a contributing author to HSA’s native herb fact sheets published annually. She is the author of Magical Moons & Seasonal Circles, Stepping into the Circle of the Seasons and Neighboring with Nature/Native Herbs for Pleasure and Purpose. Susan lives and gardens in Jonesville, Michigan.

Description: As gardeners, we are often reminded of the vital role that pollinators and beneficial insects play in our landscapes and food supply. There is much information about pollinator-friendly flowers, but what about herbs? Herbs are multi-tasking plants in and out of the garden. Their flowers and fragrant foliage have something of value to offer both people and pollinators. Blending herbs into your yard and garden will increase biodiversity and ecological function. In this presentation, Susan discusses herbs to grow that will support and nourish people and wildlife in your backyard and beyond.

Via Zoom

This month’s meeting is via Zoom. Please refer to your email from Master Gardeners of Western Wayne County for Zoom details

Agenda:

• Brief Membership Discussion of Open Board Position/President,

• Membership Dues, February Zoom Access.

Educational Presentation: Join Us in Welcoming Advanced Master Gardener and  Landscape Designer, Jean Persely.

 Rain, Rain, Don’t Go Away!

Rainwater is typically managed via storm drains or ditches that transfers the unfiltered water directly to our creeks, rivers, and lakes. Along the way, the rain picks up various pollutants, trash, excess fertilizer from lawns, sidewalks and streets. This causes watershed issues for aquatic species as well as communities who utilize this water for drinking water. Learn how to create a rain garden in your yard to protect the watershed. Why should I have a rain garden? What is one?

What are the benefits? How does it function? How large should it be?

Join us to be inspired by Jean to create a rain garden in your yard! 

EMG’s: This Presentation qualifies as 1 hour of Education in Volunteer Central

**Membership Dues are now being accepted via Paypal or by mail.

 Visit MGWWC.org for further information

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION, for December only.

6:30-7:00Pm membership check in, snacks & conversation

7:00-7:10 PM Welcome, Introduction of Board and New Business

Guest Speaker: Ray Zeno has been a passionate Bonsai Artist for 9 years. He is a member of Four Seasons Bonsai Club (5 years), and  member  Ann Arbor Bonsai Society (4 years). He works as a Bonsai Artist at Tellys Greenhouse, in Troy, teaching, creating, styling and maintaining Bonsai there.  Rays’ collection includes over 30 tropical bonsai (indoors), and 70 hardy bonsai (outdoors).  He displayed trees in the 2021 Ann Arbor Bonsai Society show at Hidden Lakes Gardens. 

 Topic: History of Bonsai Trees

 Ann Arbor Bonsai Society: https://www.annarborbonsaisociety.org

 Telly’s Greenhouse: https://www.tellys.com

This presentation qualifies as 1 hour of education in Volunteer Central. All December hours will be entered using the date 1/1/2023, when VC “reopens”.

IN PERSON MEMBERSHIP DUES FOR 2022 will be Accepted at this meeting. Cash or Check only please.

 Pay your dues at this meeting and receive a free pair of gardening gloves!!

This will be your last opportunity to pay in person, as January & February educational presentations will be via zoom. Only current members will receive zoom links beginning in February of 2023.

Membership dues are also accepted via mail, or by PayPal. Visit mgwwc.org for more info.

Agenda

6:30-7:00 pm/ Check in, door prize tickets, board nominations, refreshments, gardening conversation

7:00-7:10/ Membership announcements, new business, December meeting plan

7:10/ Educational Chairperson Carmen Stemple, speaker introduction

Presentation: Organic Farming & Growing food

Please join us as we welcome Alex Ball, from Old City Acres Farm. Alex will present on what it takes to vegetable farm year-round, as well as growing tactics that focus on increasing local food access to folks throughout South East Michigan. He will highlight their flexible CSA (community supported agriculture) program, the no-till techniques used to grow food, and much more.

This presentation qualifies as 1 hour of Education in Volunteer Central

* Membership dues for the 2023 year are now being accepted. Pay your $15 dues in person at our November meeting and receive a free pair of gardening gloves!     Cash or Check only please.

**Please note that MGWWC is once again providing a sign up sheet at meetings for snacks to share. We encourage members to support the environment by bringing their own beverage in reusable containers.

6:30-7:00Pm membership check in, snacks & conversation

7:00-7:10 PM Welcome, Introduction of Board and New Business

Guest Speaker: Alex Ball is the owner and manager at Old City Acres in Sumpter, Michigan, a year round vegetable farm providing the folks of Ypsilanti, Belleville, Romulus, and A2 with fresh local food 12 months out of the year. A first generation farmer, he started ten years ago at the age of 19 with a shovel in a backyard and grew the farm business into what it is today. Beyond growing food, Alex also works with multiple non- profits and local food groups to increase food access, support farmers, and grow the local food community.

Topic: Organic Farming

Alex Ball from Old city Acres will present on what it takes to grow food and run a profitable year round vegetable farming business that focuses on increasing local food access to folks throughout South East Michigan. He will highlight their flexibled CSA (community supported Ag.) program, the no till techniques used to grow food, and much more.

Website: oldcityacres.com

Via Zoom

“Beautiful Bromeliads”

Please join us for an educational presentation by the President of the Southeast Michigan Bromeliads Society, Paul Wingert. Paul will share successful growing tips about watering, air, lighting, soil, and containers. He will also give us a history of where Bromeliads come from, the diverse habitats they live in, and adaptive strategies for unusual environmental conditions.

This presentation qualifies as 1 hour of education for Extension Master Gardeners and may be entered in MSU Volunteer Central.

6;30~ membership table will be open for check in, 2023 registration, door prize tickets, light refreshment and conversation.

7:00~ Welcome & A brief general business introduction by Vice President Jane Murphy

7:10~Presentation Introduction by Education Co-Chairperson Carmen Stemple

Following the Presentation there will be a drawing for door prizes. Several Bromeliads purchased by MGWWC will go home with some fortunate gardeners! You must be present to win.

Registration for our 2023 Membership is opening in October with a special incentive for in person payment. Please check your emails for more details.