From the Director's Desk
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The December Alternatives for Girls program followed the Christmas Open House
so closely, the girls were able to recycle the freshly made Christmas arrangements and
roping from the Open House, into fresh greens Christmas arrangements of their own design.
James Farquhar, of Grosse Pointe Florists, kindly provided the trays and oasis, and
with some bows and holiday decorations, the girls put together some beautiful arrangements.
They will study seeds and the how-tos of gardening next. January 28 they will start
flowers and vegetables for a garden in southwest Detroit, where they have a plot.
Building wood duck houses will be another project, which will be part of a naturalizing
landscape for a Detroit park off of Alter Road. If you like working with girls between
the ages of 8 and 12, and are available on Tuesday nights between 4:30 and 7 p.m., this
is a great volunteer opportunity (and Master Gardeners may use the hours for volunteer time).
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Check out our new spring class offering -
a hands-on bonsai workshop
taught by Connie Bailie, U of M Matthaei Garden's instructor. Students will work with
Ki-Ki ficus, which is well suited to a beginning bonsai class. This workshop will
require four hours to learn the techniques and carry them out.
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We owe the Garden Club of Michigan and Herb Society of America, Grosse Pointe Unit a
debt of gratitude for donating their decorating skills to make the Christmas Open House a
special event. These ladies braved the snowiest day (so far) this winter to decorate
Moross House. The Garden Club of Michigan transformed the parlor, stairway, and hall into
an old-fashioned Christmas display with fresh greens and unique arrangements. They then
donated many of the decorations to the Detroit Garden Center for use in coming years.
The Herb Society of America, Grosse Pointe Unit decorated the library, and the fragrance
of herbs and narcissus enhanced their arrangements and displays.
- Our gratitude to Sue Auch who decorated and donated a beautiful wreath
to the Festival of Trees at Cobo Hall in the name of the Detroit Garden Center.
- Thanks to you, our members, who responded to our questionnaire. Your comments
will help us make meaningful changes.
- lastly, a very special thanks to retiring Bulletin Editor Sandra Jackson.
Her knowledgeable articles and wonderful graphics have made the Detroit Garden Center
Bulletin a delight to read
This year's frigid winter makes the Atlanta Spring Gardens' Trip all the more inviting,
along with the southern hospitality we will surely encounter.
Barbara Hayes,
Director
