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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 …
Container Gardens are extremely popular for their instant beauty, ease of growing and versatility. Planting in the ground can sometimes feel like work. But planting container gardens is just plain fun. Container gardens are relatively easy – just a few basic things to remember. 1. Selecting a container – A good rule is that larger is better. A larger container will hold more soil so it won’t dry out as fast. A heavy container may be necessary to keep it …
Sunpatiens are potentially the perfect plant. They’re amazing in the landscape, versatile and easy to grow. If you plant them around your mailbox, be prepared for your neighbors to be asking you to help them with their landscaping too. SunPatiens have only been available a couple of years but they have quickly become one of the most popular plants with landscapers. They’re one of my favorites too! Recently, the Gazette did an article about the problem with downy mildew on …
I was reminded again recently about how many people enjoy having hummingbirds in their garden. A friend was talking about how she wanted a specific plant to put by the feeder just so that she could attract these beautiful birds and enjoy watching them. Attracting hummingbirds is relatively easy to do with certain plants and a few garden basics. Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored blooms and are especially fond of tubular shapes which allow them to stick their beaks inside. Red is a …
Your plants will thank you if you give them some fertilizer this summer! Keep your plants looking their best and growing strong by adding fertilizer every 2-4 weeks this summer. Free liquid fertilizer is always available at Wenke Greenhouses. Bring in your own milk jugs or cat litter jugs or something with a top and fill up with our ready-to-use fertilizer. It’s the same kind we use in the greenhouse and your plants will love it! Plants, flowers and vegetables …
Heuchera helps you connect with nature by bringing our fluttering friends, the hummingbirds, to your back yard. Not only do hummingbirds help pollinate flowers but they are also are remarkable to watch. Heuchera – also known as Coral Bells – is a notable perennial in Michigan because of its versatility, ability to attract nature, color options and so much more. Once you’ve had time to enjoy watching the hummingbirds that come to the heuchera in your garden, you may also …
Orchids have a magical beauty and allure, with incredible colors, shapes and scents. With over 30,000 species of orchids available, it is important to know what kind of orchid you have. This holiday season, Wenke will be offering the Phalaenopsis Orchid. These plants are commonly referred to as “Moth Orchids” and are considered among the easiest of the orchid family to care for. Here are a few basic tips help your Phalaenopsis orchid grow, thrive, and bloom. Temperature Phalaenopsis enjoy a fairly warm …
Enjoy this recipe for Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins that Sue made for us! They are a perfect treat to bring to all your holiday gatherings and a great way to show off your homemade pumpkin purée! Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins 1 15oz can or homemade pumpkin 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 large eggs 1 cup sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1/2 …
