Beat the winter doldrums and attend the 2019 Plants of Distinction Seminar!
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel
21111 Haggerty Rd, Novi, MI, 48375
Time: 8:30 a.m. (registration)
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (program)
Cost: $85 per participant
(Includes light breakfast, lunch, handouts)
Winter can seem especially long and cold to plant enthusiasts who revel in spending time creating and enjoying their garden and landscape. To beat the winter 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.
PROGRAM
The Layered Garden
David Culp, Horticulturist, Vice President for Sunny Border Nurseries, Kensington, CT
Join noted horticulturist, David Culp, as he shows us how to create outstanding landscapes based on his majestic, two-acre Pennsylvania garden, Brandywine Cottage. David will share the basic lesson in layering—choosing the correct plants by understanding how they grow and change throughout the seasons, design elements of a layered garden, and tips on maintenance. David will take us on a virtual tour through each part of his celebrated garden to illustrate the layered garden design. This inspirational presentation culminates with David’s signature plants for all four seasons
At the Water’s Edge: Marginal Plants
Matthew Ross, Director of Continuing Education, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
The interface between land and water is an area with diverse plant material that can handle even the most extreme conditions. These tough plants are not only ecologically important by preventing erosion, capturing sediment, and providing habitat for wildlife; they can also become beautiful and unusual specimens in your garden, floral arrangements, and even culinary curiosities. Marginal plants are welcome additions to “problem areas” within your garden or landscape and after you fall in love with their blooms and bold texture, they might even replace many traditional plant selections. We 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.
The Hunt for New and Better Hydrangeas for Michigan Gardens
Tim Wood, Plant Hunter, Product Development and Marketing Manager, Spring Meadow Nursery, Grand Haven, MI
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 nationally noted horticulturist Tim Wood, The Plant Hunter, as he highlights hydrangea species that are best suited for our climate and the most reliable bloomers. Tim 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!
50 Plants You Cannot Live Without David Culp, Horticulturist, Vice President for Sunny Border Nurseries, Kensington, CT
From old classics to current trends, David will present an overview of perennial plants that have stood the test of time. From his unique perspective from a long career in the nursery and horticulture industry, David will also reveal future glimpses of plants that are sure to become our new garden favorites. As creator of his celebrated Pennsylvania garden, Brandywine Cottage, 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.
Plants that Ignite the Winter Landscape
Matthew Ross, Director, Continuing Education, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
After the vibrant colors of fall fade and 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 to extending garden interest during these mundane times. From intriguing colored stems, breathtaking bark, and even winter blooms, Matthew will highlight winter beauties that have made his favorite plant list. Learn how to integrate many outstanding plants 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.
