Dean Krauskopf Ph.D of 760 WJR Shares Gardening Wisdom

In his annual spring talk to MGAWC members on April 9th, 2015, Dean Krauskopf, Ph.D., host of The Gardening Show on News/Talk 760 WJR, put weather conditions into a broader context, discussed the lowest temperatures the last two winters, shared the latest information about the top problems he expects gardeners to deal with this year, and provided links to accurate information that members might use or pass on to others. He also answered gardening questions from the audience. 

Dean retired from MSU as the Integrated Crop Management Agent for Southeastern Michigan. He taught many Master Gardener training classes, often speaks atGrowing with Master Gardeners, and is the inspiration for MGAWC's annual Dean Krauskopf Award for volunteer contributions to community education. His doctorate in horticulture is from North Carolina State University. 

Here are some resources that Dean provided:

• Enviroweather http://enviroweather.msu.edu 
• Insecticide Resistance Action Committee http://www.irac-online.org
• Michigan Natural Features Inventory http://mnfi.anr.msu.edu
• Midwest Invasive Species Information Network http://www.misin.msu.edu 
• Native Plants and Ecosystem Services http://nativeplants.msu.edu 
• Neonicotinoid Insecticides and Bees:  

http://agbioresearch.msu.edu/uploads/396/52694/MSU_ProtectingPollinators_YardandGarden2.pdf 

http://MSUE.anr.msu.edu/news/planting_garden_center_flowers_is_good_for_bees_and_other_beneficial_insect 

• Snow mold: http://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-101-w.pdf 
• Turf Information http://turf.msu.edu 
• USDA Plant Hardiness Zones http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/ 

Attracting and Supporting Bluebirds in Michigan

Kurt Hagemeister, President, Michigan Bluebird Society presented 'Attracting Bluebirds in Michigan' at the MGAWC February membership meeting.

Because of habitat loss, environmental pollution, and competition of non-native bird species such as House Sparrows and European Starlings, bluebirds have suffered large declines compared to their original numbers, but bluebirds have been shown to thrive in areas where there is human-provided housing that is actively monitored. (source: michiganbluebirds.org)

Visit the Michigan Bluebird Society's website to learn how to support the Michigan bluebird population, http://michiganbluebirds.org/

Henry Ford Estate Garden Restoration

Karen Marzonie, Director of Landscapes, Henry Ford Estate-Fair Lane spoke to us about some of the history of the Henry Form Estate (HFE).  Outdoor projects include the Tea House plantings, a Garden Market Sale in May, a Garden Symposium in June and the Dearborn Symphony on the Lawn in September. Our donation made possible the restoration of the Garden Gate Door, which had to be completely reconstructed and painted back to its original color.