A seed is not just a seed. Was I ever amazed after taking a tour of the Ball Seed Technology Lab in West Chicago, IL. The hours of work that it takes and the science behind what’s needed is far beyond what I knew about. I recently attended the Ball Customer Appreciation Day in West Chicago, IL. Ball Seed is a one of our largest sources for the seed that purchase to produce our plants. For most items, we sow …
Echinacea – also known as coneflower – is a terrific perennial for Michigan flower beds. Beautiful, butterfly attracting, deer resistant flowers bloom most of the summer in sunny locations. New colors and new varieties make this plant one of the best choices. Echinacea sounds more like a disease than a plant you would want in your garden. And if you read the Wikipedia description, it still seems like something to stay away from. Maybe that’s why people commonly refer to it …
This plant is terrific for adding color to shade gardens plus it’s deer resistant and easy to grow. When you think of shade gardens, most people think of hostas. I’m a believer in hostas also but I must say that I have found a new best friend in Brunnera Jack Frost. This variety has beautiful silver like leaves that almost shimmer. I might go so far as to say they glow in a shade garden. In the early spring, Jack Frost …
Raised bed gardening is a great gardening option for many reasons. Anything from vegetables, to flowers and trees can be grown in raised beds. Advantages Better Drainage – The raised bed allows compost and other organic matter to easily be added to improve the soil structure, drainage and nutrient retention. Foot traffic is eliminated so there is less compaction of the soil. Bigger Crops – Better root growth promotes greater yields of vegetables and stronger, more lush ornamentals. Longer …
Giving a free tray of flowers to children has been a tradition at Wenke Greenhouses for many years. My grandmother, Nancy Wenke’s mother, Effie Boven, started this tradition years ago. Many people have told me how they remember coming in and getting their free flowers and how much they remember it now that they are selecting flowers for their own homes as adults. On Mother’s Day, it seems fitting to remember and celebrate this fond memory of Effie Boven. Do you …
Deer are beautiful when they are in the woods, far away from your flowers. But when they start eating all the blooms off your impatiens – something has got to change. Don’t give up. We have a few ideas. Many gardeners have problems with Deer and other four legged vegetarian wildlife. There aren’t any plants that are truly Deer proof. Fortunately there are varieties that are less favorable or what we refer to as resistant. There also are products on …
We were fortunate enough to have Linda Whitlock join us the other day to lead a Quick Class. She is a wealth of knowledge about plants and how to best take care of them in this area. Linda works with the MSU Extension Service in Consumer Horticulture. I took a lot of notes about everything from the lack of water and how it will effect the trees to why fall is a great time for planting and her suggestions. It’s …
To overwinter or not to overwinter, THAT is the question. While plant enthusiasts are blessed with many things here in southwest Michigan, we can never take for granted that the plants we have so carefully chosen are sometimes just not suited to remain outdoors for our winter season. Three big factors to consider before you bring in those pots: Light: Can you accommodate the light requirements for each particular plant? Space: Do you have the room to bring your plants …
Basil is one of the most popular herbs. It’s easy to grow and tastes great in many different recipes. Several different varieties of fresh basil available now – just in time to get you through the winter! Sweet Basil – the staple of Italian cuisine that tangos with tomatoes and perks up pesto – is the most common type of this regal herb, highly prized for thousands of years for its aroma and flavor. In fact, the word basil is …
Wenke Greenhouses has been around for well over 50 years. Both sets of my grandparents were in the business. And now, I’m the third generation! It’s with humility and excitement that I get to talk about the transition from my father and uncle to my brother and I. Some of my earliest memories are of being around the flowers that were growing at Wenke Greenhouses. Back when I was young, we lived in a house that was in the same spot that our retail …
