Hardy Plant Society ~ Great Lakes Chapter meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and are held at the Congregational Church of Birmingham, 1000 Cranbrook Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

HPS Annual Membership 2016: $15 per person, $20 per household (Non-member guests: $5 per meeting) All are welcome!

Chuck Martin, Senior Horticulturist at Dow Gardens in Midland will present “Phenology and Garden Rhythms”

Phenology: all plant and nature lovers realize that the calendar and its dates are not always reliable. We can trust that each year biological events occur at different dates. Weather patterns change and can’t be predicted for the long term. We have tools that aid us in the timing to scout for biological events. One of the best tools is nature’s calendar based on the principal of phenology. Come and learn about phenology and how it can help you better observe and appreciate the natural world and the rhythms of your garden.

Chuck Martin, Senior Horticulturist-The Dow Gardens, Midland, Michigan since 1984, and garden journalist for the Midland Daily News, has expertise in the areas of woody plants, perennials, rose care and culture, native plants of Michigan, vines, invasive plants, ground maintenance and pruning. 

Chuck received his Bachelors Degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Michigan State University. After a few years as a caretaker of an estate garden, he went to the University of Wisconsin in Madison and obtained a Master Degree in Ornamental Horticulture. During his time in Wisconsin, Chuck was selected to do an internship at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston, Massachusetts. Later he added an MBA from Northwood University. A weekly article on plant varieties and culture for the Midland Daily New is penned by Chuck and edited by his wife Beth, who also has a Bachelors Degree in Horticulture. Working with the public and volunteers brightens up the days for Chuck.