The winter in the Upper Peninsula is a wonderful and magical place. The snow gently covers a vast majority of the outside vegetation, creating a peaceful yet bleak landscape. For those of us who love the vibrant greens and yellows that come with the spring and summer, this can be a blah so to speak period. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to keep your green thumb entertained and learn a little more about our landscapes as well!
So, here are five things you can do this winter to keep your love of greenery alive!
Start growing native plants from seed.
Growing plants from seed can be quite the tricky experience, but when done correctly, can be incredibly rewarding. If you have been planning a rain garden, adding to your current flower garden, or even just wanting a new pop of color around your home, there are PLENTY of native seeds available online. One of our favorite native plant nurseries that source seeds is the Prairie Moon Nursery located out of Winona, Minnesota. There you can find hundreds of options and they even tell you what benefits you receive from each plant. You can start your own native plant "nursery" by using a large plastic container with a cover. You will also need seed starting soil and your seeds of choice. Once you've planted your seeds in the container, give it a thorough watering and place your container, covered, in an area that gets plenty of indirect sunlight. Indirect sunlight is important especially for seeds as it allows the plant to photosynthesis without burning from too much light. Transplant individual plants as they get larger and then by next spring, you will have your own plugs to start whatever kind of garden you desire!
Read up!
There are thousands of books out there about native and invasive plants alike. If you find yourself curious about plants in your area, we recommend these five books to check out:
Landscaping with Native Plants of Michigan. Lynn M. Steiner
Garden Revolution: How Our Landscapes Can Be a Source of Environmental Change. Larry Weaner
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants. Robin Wall Kimmerer
A Field Guide to the Natural Communities of Michigan. Joshua G. Cohen, Michael A. Kost, Bradford S. Slaughter, Dennis A. Albert
Tinkering with Eden: A Natural History of Exotics in North America. Kim Todd and Claire Emery
Go on a Snowshoe Hike
Going on a snowshoe hike during the winter doesn't mean just seeing dormant trees! There are lots of opportunities available when going on a winter snowshoe. If you enjoy foraging, winter is just as good a time as spring and summer! During the winter months, one can forage berries, tree needles and sap, and woody mushrooms. Winter is actually the best time to harvest off of trees. This is because when we harvest in spring or summer, we are creating a wound that pests and diseases can potentially get into.
Check in with your CISMA!
Oftentimes, CISMA's throughout Michigan will have outreach events and opportunities all year long! If you are in Chippewa, Mackinac or Luce counties, you can follow Three Shores CISMA on social media and keep an eye out for their next event! During winter months you can expect to help us survey for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid in Hemlock stands or partnering with the local university to spread awareness. If you are not in Chippewa, Mackinac or Luce counties then you can find out who your CISMA is using this map:
Stock up!
Lastly, you can stock up on gardening materials for next spring. Winter is a great time to check out sales and discounts as a lot of stores are trying to clear them out to make room for winter gear and Christmas. Getting your gardening supplies now can greatly help your pocketbook as well as get you well prepared for the spring, so you don't have to scramble when May hits.
Comentários