a view from the gardens

Published for the Friends of Hidden Lake Gardens Winter/Spring 2011

Spring Bulb Show March 12 – 27Spring bulbs in the conservatory usher in spring at Hidden Lake Gardens. This display of colorful bulbs is a highlight of the winter season at the Gardens. Come to see the many varieties of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other bulbs forced into bloom for this display. Remember, the conservatory is always warm!

Beautiful Weddings at the GardensHave you been dreaming of having a romantic outdoor wedding? Let Hidden Lake Gardens make your dreams come true! We offer several beautiful wedding sites at an affordable price. Call Cheryl Rittenhouse at 517-431-2060, or email at rittenho@msu.edu for more information.

A Message from the ManagerIn this issue you will find a listing of the classes and events for the spring and early summer of 2011. I hope you find something of interest that you would like to attend.

I would like to acknowledge Diane Faust and Phil Suchman for the work done in the Arid Dome this season. The interior of the dome received a fresh coat of paint and the plantings were rejuvenated. With the support, leadership and knowledge of John & Katherine Krajenka of The Root System the plantings were evaluated. Plants that did not fit the arid purpose of the dome were removed and others were planted in their place. There will be more plants added over time but the dome is looking refreshed. Thank you to all involved. The entire staff of these Gardens deserves acknowledgement. Almost daily I hear compliments from visitors. Cheryl, Randy, Gerry and Diane are the backbone of these Gardens and we are lucky to have such dedicated staff.

I hope you will plan a visit to the Gardens this spring to see the abundance of flowers these Gardens produce. If you want a sneak peek, visit during the Spring Bulb Show in the Conservatory.

2 A View from the Gardens

Hidden Lake Gardens

Botanical Gardens and Arboretum

6214 Monroe Rd.Tipton, Michigan 49287

(Located on M-50 eight miles west

of Tecumseh)

755 acres of Gardens and Natural Areas

Flower GardensPlant Conservatory

Hosta HillsideDwarf Conifers

Hiking TrailsBiking

Picnic AreaLake

Educational ClassesWeddingsGift Shop

Open Daily (except winter holidays)

October thru April 8:00 am – dusk

November thru March 8:00 am– 4:00 pm

Admission $3.00 per person

517-431-2060

www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu

Spring Classes at Hidden Lake Gardens

How to Design or Re-Design your Home LandscapeSaturday, February 26 & March 5 • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Give your yard a face-lift! Learn how to create a landscape plan from scratch or make improvements in your existing landscape. After evaluating your site and the existing plantings,

you will learn how to best utilize landscape space. We will focus on creating attractive front yards and welcoming entrances. Other landscape areas can be personalized to fit your needs and gardening preferences. Selection of plants and planting combinations will be discussed. Bring photos of your landscape to class. Everyone will finish the course with a new planting plan for their home landscape. Join Ellyn Meyers, horticulturist and instructor at Lansing Community College, for this two-part hands-on design class.

NOTE:Please take photographs of your home landscape and bring them to our first class meeting. Take a photo from the street looking at the house and yard. Other photos should show foundation plantings around the house and other plantings.

Cost: $50/$45 friends of HLG

Organic Gardening BasicsSaturday, February 26 • 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Learn how to garden with nature using environmentally-friendly methods. Gain a better understanding of soils and plant nutrition. Find out which fertilizers work best. Get easy directions for making compost. Learn how to manage insect pests, diseases and other problems without harsh chemicals. Grow Organic! Ellyn Meyers, horticulturist and instructor at Lansing Community College will be the instructor.

Cost $18/$16 friends of HLG

Conifer Propagation (Rooting Cuttings)Saturday, March 12 • 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Join Hidden Lake Gardens' propagator Jon Genereaux to learn about rooting conifer cuttings. Get hands-on experience with the techniques used. You will receive 40 cuttings to stick and have the opportunity to root. You will also receive a tour of the propagation area and explanations of the rooting techniques used at the Gardens first hand. Come dressed for the weather as some time will be spent outdoors.

Cost $25/$20 friends of HLG

Easter Egg AdventureSaturday, April 16 • 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Join us for a morning full of fun at Hidden Lake Gardens. There will be an egg hunt, Easter egg decorating, children’s crafts and a nature walk around the lake (weather permitting) to search for signs of spring. Children bring their own hard-boiled eggs to decorate, limit 6 per child. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help children color eggs but parents are encouraged to participate. This event is geared toward children 2-8 years old. Children under 5 years of age must have an adult with them. Don’t forget those eggs!

Cost $8/$6 friends of HLG

Winter/Spring 2011 3

Garden Writing WorkshopWednesday April 20 and 27 • 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The class presents the elements of good writing with a focus on gardens and gardening. Your thoughts, observations and writing samples will be the bases for in-class writings and discussions. No previous garden writing experience is required. We will write together and you will be invited to write for the Conifer Quarterly if you choose. Ronald J. Elardo, Ph.D., Editor of the Conifer Quarterly and member of the Garden Writers Association will be your instructor.

Cost $18/$16 friends of HLG

Plant Sale Preview for Friends of Hidden Lake GardensFriday, May 6 • 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Members of Hidden Lake Gardens can shop early and avoid the crowds at the spring plant sale. (This event is for Members only. Sorry, guests can not be included.)

Public Plant SaleSaturday, May 710:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Whether you are a new gardener or a plant con-noisseur, you will enjoy this fantastic event. Master Gardeners will be available to help you choose from a wide variety of perennials, ferns, wildflowers, hosta, ornamental grasses and a unique selection of trees and shrubs.

Spring Color in the Harper Collection of Dwarf & Rare ConifersSaturday May 21 • 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Hidden Lake Gardens has one of the finest conifer collections in the country with over 500 specimens. Take advantage of this premier collection and the expertise of Hidden Lake Gardens' staff and volunteers as your guides. This tour will focus on the diversity of conifers and their spring color to add interest in the home landscape. Identification characteristics, growth rates, performance and landscape uses will also be discussed.

Cost: $18/$16 friends of HLG

Frogs & SalamandersSaturday, June 4 • 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

This hands-on experience with native Michigan frogs and salamanders is great for the family of all ages. Learn to identify frogs from their unique spring breeding calls. Hidden Lake Gardens volunteer, John Skinner, will teach this class on aquatic ecology and lead us on a tour of wetlands at Hidden Lake Gardens. Here we will listen for frog calls and catch and release frogs, tadpoles and aquatic insects with nets from a shallow pond. Old shoes or water proof boots are encouraged. Register early to ensure a spot in the class.

$12 adults/$10 children$10 adults/$8 children- friends of HLG

Succulent TopiaryJune 8, 2011 • 6:00 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Enjoy year round beauty by making a succulent topiary. We will create a conical topiary that looks like a Christmas tree. The essentials of topiary making will be taught. The result will be an interesting microclimate that can grace your porch, deck, patio or stoop. Then, when the fall comes, your topiary can winter indoors until spring. Students should bring gardening gloves, a needle nosed wire cutter and their flare for color combinations. All supplies and plants will be provided. Class limit 20. Instructor: Ronald J. Elardo, Ph.D., Advanced Master Gardener, Editor of the Conifer Quarterly, Member of the Garden Writers Association.

Fees $40/$35 for friends of HLG

Junior Master Gardener Programat Hidden Lake GardensThursday, June 16 – July 14 Five Classes10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Hidden Lake Gardens, in Lenawee County, will be offering the Junior Master Gardener Program. The program is open to youngsters in grade school and the maximum class size is 20 students. Classes start on Thursday, June 16 and run for five consecutive weeks. Classes will cover the following topics: Soil & Soil Critters, Plant Science, Water, Garden Insects and Fruit & Veggies. The program is taught by Michigan State University staff, Master Gardener Volunteers and local elementary teachers. Children put their training to work as volunteers in our “Plant a Row for the Hungry” garden. The produce harvested from our garden will be offered to soup kitchens and food pantries in our county.

The Junior Master Gardener Program at HLG is to provide youth with an opportunity to learn about healthy nutrition, tending a garden, the importance of community service and to become a steward of the environment.

Cost: $25.00 fee per student covers the cost of the Junior Master Gardener Notebook and class supplies. A permanent name badge and certificate will be awarded upon completion of class and volunteer hours.

Children’s Garden DaySaturday, July 9 • 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This annual event is full of fun-filled activities that teach children about nature and gardening. Children learn from hands on activities and demonstrations about wildlife, nature and plants. Cost $3 entry fee/free to members

Frogs & SalamandersSaturday, July 16 • 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.This hands-on experience with native Michigan frogs and salamanders is great for the family of all ages. Learn to identify frogs from their unique spring breeding calls. Hidden Lake Gardens volunteer, John Skinner, will teach this class on aquatic ecology and lead us on a tour of wetlands at Hidden Lake Gardens. Here we will listen for frog calls and catch and release frogs, tadpoles and aquatic insects with nets from a shallow pond. Old shoes or water proof boots are encouraged. Register early to ensure a spot in the class.

$12 adults/$10 children$10 adults/$8 children- friends of HLG

Hidden Lake GardensBotanical Gardens and Arboretum

6214 Monroe Rd. (M-50)Tipton, Michigan 49287

517-431-2060

www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDONSTED, MI

PERMIT NO 16

Calendar of Events

❁ How to Design or Re-Design Your Home Landscape* ......................................Saturday, February 26 & March 5❁ Organic Gardening Basics* ....................................................Saturday, February 26❁ Conifer Propagation (Rooting Cuttings)* ....................................Saturday, March 12❁ Easter Egg Adventure*..................................................................Saturday, April 16❁ Garden Writing Workshop* .............................................Wednesday, April 20 & 27❁ Plant Sale Preview & Public Sale ....Friday, May 6 & Saturday, May 7❁ Spring Color in the Harper Collection* ..........................................Saturday, May 21❁ Frogs & Salamanders* ................................................................... Saturday, June 4❁ Succulent Topiary* ..................................................................... Wednesday, June 8❁ Junior Master Gardening Program* ............................ Thursday, June 16 – July 14❁ Children’s Garden Day .........................................................Saturday, July 9❁ Frogs & Salamanders* .................................................................. Saturday, July 16

*Pre-registration is required. Please call us at 517-431-2060 to reserve your spot!

See Page 2-3 for our

Class Schedule!