MSU Extension Gardening in Michigan

Winter seems especially long to plant enthusiasts who revel in creating and enjoying their garden and landscape. To beat your gloomy doldrums and get energized for spring, join nationally renowned horticulturists and fellow “plant geeks” at the daylong Michigan State University Extension Plants of Distinction seminar at the Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel, 21111 Haggerty Rd, Novi, MI, 48375, on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019.

This year’s cast of speakers include David Culp, horticulturist and vice president for Sunny Border Nurseries in Kensington, Connecticut; Matthew Ross, director of continuing education for Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania; and Tim Wood, plant hunter, product development and marketing manager for Spring Meadow Nursery in Grand Haven, Michigan.

Culp will offer two energizing presentations, the first focusing on developing The Layered Garden. Culp will share basic lessons in layering—choosing the correct plants, understanding how they grow and change seasonally elements of good design and tips on maintenance. He will then lead us through a virtual tour through each part of his celebrated garden, Brandywine Cottage. This inspirational presentation culminates with Culp’s signature plants for all four seasons.

Culp will then present an exciting overview of perennial plants that have stood the test of time during his 50 Plants You Cannot Live Without! Culp’s long career in the nursery and horticulture industry has provided him with a unique prospective on plants past and present. His crystal ball will reveal some glimpses of plants that are sure to become our new garden favorites in the future. As any plant geek can attest, it’s a challenge to pick only 50. These are the perennials you simply must start with to become the basic bones of your garden.

Ross’ presentation, At the Water’s Edge: Marginal Plants, highlights tough plants that are not only ecologically important by preventing erosion, capturing sediment and providing habitat for wildlife, but can also are beautiful and unusual specimens for your garden, floral arrangements and culinary curiosities. Marginal plants are welcome additions to “problem areas” within your garden or landscape. After you fall in love with their blooms and bold texture, they might even replace many traditional plant selections. Ross will get our feet wet with a look at buttonbush, sweet flag, swamp hibiscus plus many other flowering and non-flowering plants that thrive at the water’s edge.

Ross’ second presentation, Plants the Ignite the Winter Landscape, is sure to captivate us. When the gray skies of winter engulf our Great Lakes State, it can be a bleak time for gardeners seeking the comfort of a bloom or the scent of a flower. Imagine unlocking a secret extension of interest during these mundane times. Intriguing colored stems, breathtaking bark and even winter blooms are featured on these winter beauties that crown his favorite plant list. Learn how to integrate many outstanding plants into your winter garden, whether it is book-ending your winter landscape with witch hazels, mass planting uncommon bulbs and corms, or selecting the best colored stems to edge your gardens. You will be amazed by the plethora of plants that can ignite the winter landscape. 

Plant hunter Wood will explore The Hunt for New and Better Hydrangeas for Michigan Gardens. One of America’s favorite plants, the hydrangea is one of the most exciting groups of shrubs sold and grown in the Midwest. Sometimes gardeners can be mystified by how to select and manage these outstanding beauties for maximum performance. Join Wood as he highlights hydrangea species that are best suited for our climate and the most reliable bloomers. Wood will share the newest varieties, future breeding trends and how to care for each type. If you love hydrangeas, this is the talk for you!

The Plants of Distinction registration fee is $85 per person and includes a light breakfast, lunch, refreshments and handouts. Registration deadline is Feb. 6, 2019, or until this popular event is filled. There is no registration at the door.

Visit 2019 Plants of Distinction to register and learn more about the program.