Growing with Master Gardeners

Twentieth Annual Conference for New & Experienced Gardeners & Environmentalists

Presented by the Master Gardener Association of Wayne County, www.mgawc.org

Sponsored by the University of Michigan-Dearborn Environmental Interpretive Center

a   2008 Conference:  1:30 to 2:25 PM Workshops   b

Saturday, September 13, 2008, 8 AM to 5 PM, at U of M–Dearborn

Please choose a first, second and third choice for this time slot.

13.   Garden Thugs or True Invasive Plants

Rita Henehan

Author of The Michigan Gardener’s Companion:  An Insider’s Guide to Gardening in the Great Lakes State, freelance writer and photographer, Advanced Master Gardener

Regain control in your garden by understanding plant growth habits.  Distinguishing between true invasive species and aggressive growers that bully weaker perennials, Rita will cover concepts such as alien and noxious, their warning signs, plus planting and habitat considerations.

14.   Introduction to Bonsai

Bill Heston

President of the Ann Arbor Bonsai Society, Matthaei Botanical and Hidden Lake Gardens volunteer, hobbyist for nine years

Find out what is involved in the art and science of bonsai.  Bill will go over basic principles and demonstrate how to keep trees and plants alive and small.

15.   Practical Indoor Seed Starting

Pamela Morrison

Landscape Volunteer Coordinator at the Henry Ford Estate maintaining a Jens Jensen design, Master Horticulturist through Guelph University, lifelong gardener

Have success growing annuals and perennials in your home from seeds.  Pamela will offer practical tips on mixes, seed preparation, readily available supplies, heat and light that are suitable for the average homeowner with a life, even pets.

16.   What’s New in Plants for 2009

George Papadelis

Owner of Telly’s Greenhouse in Troy, featuring 6,000 perennial varieties, Michigan Gardener columnist, travels the world in search of outstanding plants

Discover the hottest trends in horticulture.  In an energetic show-and-tell format, George will provide a fast-paced preview of the latest and greatest annuals and perennials for sun and shade that will have everyone asking “What’s that?”

17.   Feeding the Birds by Planting for Bugs Walk

Rick Simek

President of the Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy, UM-D Environmental Interpretive Center Program Supervisor

Use native trees and shrubs to restore or sustain biodiversity for healthier local environments.  Inspired by ecologist Douglas Tallamy’s Bringing Nature Home, Rick will discuss ways to “grow” insect protein needed by 95% of Michigan’s songbird species.  Campus walk goes rain or shine.

18.   Benefits of Native Plants and Wildflowers

Ruth Vrbensky

Owner of Oakland Wildflower Farm, specializing in wildflowers and grasses with southeastern Michigan genotypes, Master Gardener Society of Oakland County officer, Advanced Master Gardener

Consider the advantages of using plants native to Michigan in your landscape.  Ruth will talk about native plant communities and their impact on the environment