Dear Crabby, How do you Keep Critters out of your Garden?

Dear Crabby, I have a Pesky Rabbit eating my Vegetables, How do you Keep Critters out of your Garden? Sincerely, Hopping Mad   Dear Hopping Mad, Ah, yes, the pesky rabbit of the garden. We all have them. They are the cute sidekick of the troublesome deer. Together, they try to rid the world of fruits and vegetables. Normally, I would get on board with this plan, but without the green stuff around it may cause the price of meat to go up ... and steaks cost enough already. But … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, When Can I Plant My Garden?

Dear Crabby, With all this Crazy Weather, I was Wondering When I Should Plant My Garden? Sincerely, Iris Shallot Dear Ms. Shallot, Lots of people have been asking that question. While winter was gracious to stick around a bit to keep the snow-lovers going for a few extra weeks, spring is here. It was too hot too soon, but we're finally back to normal. You're right, it was a little crazy. April is usually a good month to get the yard ready, but it was too cold. Then BANG, all that heat, … [Read more...]

Outdoor Fun and Fitness in the Rochester Area

The Great Outdoors  Summer is officially here so grab your gear and head outdoors for a great workout. Exercising outside can increase your motivation and make your workouts more interesting. Research shows spending time outdoors reduces stress and the fresh air releases serotonin in the brain which can put you in a fantastic mood. The scenery can help exercisers from getting bored and outdoor workouts offer more of a full-body workout that can burn more calories. The Rochester area has lots … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Do you like spring cleaning?

Dear Crabby, My husband and I really like spring cleaning. It seems to bring us together and give us a common interest. I just wondered if you enjoyed it and if you and Mrs. Crabby had any other activities that you enjoyed doing together? Sincerely, Sandy Sappy Dear Ms. Sappy, Yes, I love spring cleaning and getting outside to work in the cold wet yard, just about as much as I like having a root canal or a colonoscopy. I am not sure if you have been paying attention for the last … [Read more...]

Spend an Evening in the Garden at Rochester Hills Museum

Though the children’s garden at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm was built to delight the younger set, adults will find it magical as well. Especially now, at the height of the season. Opened in 2004, the garden was designed by master gardener Janet Macunovich and influenced by a garden at Michigan State University. It was expanded with a second phase in 2007. “I’m amazed constantly by the number of people that are out there in the garden,” said Pat Hambleton, who co-chairs … [Read more...]

Janet Macunovich will Help You Get Your Garden Ready for Spring at the Rochester Hills Public Library

The Rochester Hills Public Library is pleased to present two programs that will give you ideas and techniques on how to get your garden in shape for the spring.  Landscape designer, author, and Detroit News garden writer Janet Macunovich will present these programs on Tuesday, March 15 and Wednesday, March 16. Both programs will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held in the Multipurpose Room. On Tuesday, March 15, Macunovich will give you ideas on what you can do in early spring to make the whole … [Read more...]

Adventures In Rochester?

Every once in a while I get glimpses of the energy that is instilled into you when you explore. I can only imagine what life was like for Lewis and Clark when they left the east and ventured out westward. Now granted, the things that they found were unseen by most Europeans and would have been completely astonishing. I can’t begin to imagine their thoughts as they came up to the Mississippi River or saw the view of the Rockies as they approached from afar. Our adventure to Van Hoosen wasn’t … [Read more...]