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Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc.
Plant America -
Grow, Share and Connect to a Brighter Future!
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Lisa’s Letter
Happy Fall Y’all!
I am not yet ready for summer to be over but am excited for another beautiful Fall in Michigan.
What an active summer MGC has seen! Clubs and Members have hosted Flower Shows, Garden Walks, Plant Sales, garden dedications and Blue & Gold Star Memorial dedications. I was lucky enough to visit many of these events and have seen so many beautiful sites in Michigan and have enjoyed meeting many MGC members.
This Fall, I look forward to attending the 8 District Fall Meetings, starting with the district 4 Bus Trip on September 5. District 5 and 6 will be hosting a Flower Show along with their Fall Meeting, I hope that you will attend the meeting in your District.
Please consider joining me October 28-30, 2025, in Elkhart Lake, WI to attend the Central Region Convention. This event follows a Flower Show Judges Symposium, also in Elkhart Lake, from October 26-28. Attending the CR Convention is especially important this year, as we prepare to host the Central Region Convention in Fall 2026! I hope to see you in Wisconsin to get ideas and make plans for 2026.
I am quickly learning about the youth activities going on in our state, through our clubs. Some highlights of the summer to illustrate these activities have been the inspiring youth floral exhibit in the Tri-Cities Garden Club Flower Show, “A Gardener’s Library”, in Spring Lake, the creative and inclusive youth exhibit at the Marshall Area Garden Club Flower Show, “Palette of Blooms”, in Marshall, and the Dedication of the Children’s Sensory Garden at the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, in Traverse City. These are prime examples of incorporating the 2025-2027 MGC theme and focus. As this term progresses, I will be watching for the many creative and fun ways that our MGC clubs promote, educate, include and inspire youth. Please continue to invite me to your events and activities and let me know about your activities, especially those including youth. Read more
Lisa
Lisa Robinson, MGC President 2025-2027
lisarobinson@migardenclubs.org
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Every day is a great day to be a gardener in Michigan
and a member of Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc!
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The MGC, Inc. Mission
is to provide leadership, education, resources, and network opportunities for its members to promote the love of gardening, floral and landscape design, civic, and environmental responsibility.
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In this Issue:
Thru the Garden Gate
Lisa’s Letter
MGC Mission
Events Calendar
A Patch of the Wild
MGC Convention Save the Date
MGC District News
District Reports
MGC Club News
The Children’s Sensory Garden
Board Profiles
MGC Ongoing Projects
Loda Lake Entrance
Day of Sharing
MGC Schools
Awards News
Gardening with Purpose
Homegrown National Parks
Blue Star & Gold Star Memorial
Legislative Report
Super Monarchs
Central Region News
Convention Elkhart Lake, WI
NGC News
Convention St. Louis, Save the Date
Newsletter Submit Guidelines
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September
1 - Happy Labor Day!
5 - District 4 Fall Meeting/Bus Trip
12-13 - District 5 Fall Meeting and Flower Show - Manistee
12-13 - Gardening School Course #2- Sawyer
18 - NGC Fall Board Meeting - ZOOM
20 - Rockford GC Gold Star Memorial dedication
22 – First Day of Fall
22-23 - Landscape Design School Course #4
25 – District 3A Fall Meeting – Three Rivers
October
1 – District 3B Fall Meeting – Niles
7 – District 6 Fall Meeting & Flower Show – Midland
10 – District 2A Fall Meeting – Saline
15 – District 1 Fall Meeting - Farmington Hills
22 – District 2B Fall Meeting – Williamston
23 – Day of Sharing – East Lansing
26-28 – Flower Show Symposium – sponsored by Central Region
28-30 – Central Region Convention – Elkhart Lake, WI
31 – Happy Halloween!
November
1 - Thru The Garden Gate deadline
3-4 – Environmental School, Course 2 – Hickory Corners
5 – Awards Judging Day – East Lansing
13 – MGC Board of Directors Zoom
27 – Happy Thanksgiving!
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A Patch for the Wild
By Edith Anderson
| For decades, lawns have been a symbol of neatness and control, | |
but they don’t have to stay that way. Imagine trading just a little of that unused green space for something wilder, richer, and full of life. Native flowers like coneflowers,milkweed, and goldenrod don’t just look beautiful—they feed pollinators who, in turn, sustain the world around us. A simple patch of
clover or a cluster of read all
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MGC 95TH
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
June 7- 8, Ann Arbor
More info soon!
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My mother always told me to make hay while the sun shines.
As a kid often wondered, what the heck does that mean? As an adult I know it means business first, and then fun. So, business first. I am District 1’s new district director. My job is to make sure the District hums along in perfect sync with MGC’s goals and activities and to help your club to be successful.
Please reach out to me if I can help you in any way. I thank you in advance for supporting not only MGC and me but also the activities of other clubs within District 1. Let’s all be one big happy family. Think Thanksgiving dinner with all your shirt-tail relations!
Now for the fun. As the pinks, whites, and sunny yellows of our summer gardens give way to the burgundies and rich golds of fall, my thoughts turn to—now where did I store my stash of hollow ceramic pumpkins?
Frequently in October, my home club, Livonia Garden Club, fills hollowed-out pie pumpkins with the last of our marigolds, zinnias, and mums to make delightful little fall centerpieces.
Read More
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What a busy summer it’s been, and fall is turning out to be just as busy.
I feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz when her home is caught up in the tornado as it’s my first time being a District Director. I’ve asked for help and am blessed to receive it.
District 2A will be having our Fall Meeting on Friday, October 10 with the theme of “Pumpkins and Posies.” The Saline Stone & Thistle Garden Club will be our host and boasts a good meeting will be had for all.
The Ann Arbor Good Thyme Garden Club hosted their first garden walk on Sunday, September 7. The Walking Garden Tour was at Arbor Hospice in Ann Arbor. It was a beautiful, fall day with 13 gardens to see, 3 ponds, plant sale, and “Ask the Master Gardener”, all within walking distance.
District 2A will host the 95th Annual Conference, “Together We Grow”, and State Flower Show, “Show What You Grow”, on June 7-8, 2026, in Ann Arbor.
So many wonderful things are being planned in District 2A, plan on being a part of it!
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The Meridian Garden Club will be busy in mid-November with workshops for floral design and pumpkin
arrangements.
The members will make swags and decorate the buildings in the Meridian Historical Village in late Nov. In Dec. They will have a holiday potluck with specially designed arrangements by the team at the table. In Jan. the speaker is Cheyenne Sloan, MSU Extension Specialist speaking on the Health of your Soil. In February Jill Morena will describe her adventures in the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show.
Garden Club of Greater Lansing will be actively making many designs, swags, wreaths and other fun arrangements for the Greens Market sale in Dec. This event is the major fundraiser for our philanthropy in the community. After all the hard work the club settles in for a Christmas Tea. The club is sponsoring a small flower show in 2026.
In Brighton you can hunt for 32 gnomes from May to Oct. This is a huge program that takes place throughout the community. What a great way to involve the whole community and be a fun family activity. In addition to the Gnome Hunt the Brighton GC will host a workshop in Dec for greens making activities.
Read More
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District 3 A will be hosting its fall district meeting in Three Rivers, Michigan September 25th.
This year’s topic is microplastics and their impact on our body and brains. We’re thrilled to have two speakers from Michigan State University: Professor Lisa Tiemann, who will discuss soil biology and the nano plastic that are now entering our plants via our water and fertilizer leading to plastic consumption. Tami Renkoski, a member of the Michigan Microplastics Coalition, will share her insights on microplastics’ history, current status, and their effects on us. After lunch, Nicholle Ritchie from MSU will delve into microplastics in our bodies and explore potential solutions.
Nancy Shirah Will be receiving an award for lifetime achievement Nancy is a member of the Burke View Garden club and has served every leadership position in the club except for VP.
The day will also feature a food bank drive organized by members who will bring in food contributions. This is in support of MGC goals Gardening with Purpose, where we can engage in gardening activities while raising awareness about environmental conservation. Read More
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District 3B has had a remarkable summer!
For example, South Haven Garden Club completed another brilliant garden walk on July 15th. They offered tours of 7 gardens, a treasure barn, a large plant sale and gift shop and many more educational activities.
Their dedicated members, supported by local vendors, made this lovely day of events possible. And they have done this for over 25 years! My hat goes off to Carol Kaim, South Haven President and her many talented and dedicated members for making this day of beauty and education possible! I look forward to the next one. Job well done South Haven, job well done!
Lawrence Garden Club hosted its 79th Flower Show. This event had over 200 exhibits, with a club of only 32 members. However, this club partnered with the Lawrence Library and the Farmers market promoting education to the public to help youth and adults in design and horticulture classes. It was a joy to watch many of the newest members obtain awards for the first time!
Read More
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District 4 had a very busy summer!
Beautiful garden walks were hosted by Tri-Cities Garden Club, Belding Gardeneers, Saugatuck Douglas Garden Club and Holland Garden Club for the public to enjoy and be inspired. The fruits of members’ labors were shared with plant sales by Garden Club of Pentwater, Belding Gardeneers, Saugatuck Douglas Garden Club and Tri-Cities Garden Club.
Dirt Dauber Garden Club held a plant auction which sounds like a fun event. Standard flower shows were hosted by Holland Garden Club Gallery of Gardens, Tri-Cities Garden Club A Gardener’s Library, and Belding Gardeneers Our Own Backyard. It was Belding’s first show since 1990.
Dirt Dauber Garden Club held a monarch butterfly and native plant educational activity as part of the White River Light Station 150th Anniversary celebration. Saugatuck Douglas Garden Club and Dirt Dauber Garden Club continue their tradition of monthly garden awards. All these activities showcase our garden clubs to the public and help us recruit new members. Read More
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Thank you, members who were able to attend, the 2025 MGC Conference!
We had 36 attending from District 5. District 5 hosts it's Fall meeting on September 12 with a standard flower show. Please bring 2 horticulture specimens with you, your name tag, a cup for beverages, and something for the food drive.
The Friendly Garden Club of Traverse City is hosting a white glove luncheon on September 18 to honor their members and the community. Their theme this year is Senior Prom.
Charlevoix Evening Garden Club is co-sponsoring Kim Cameron from Plastics and Beyond at the Charlevoix Public Library on September 16 at 6p-8p. "Recent studies have found small fragments of plastics known as microplastics in the human brain and heart arteries. These studies have also shown a link between the presence of microplastics and adverse health outcomes. How do these tiny bits of plastic enter our bodies and make their way into our brains and our hearts? And what happens when they lodge there? Come join us and listen to Kim Cameron teach us about Plastics and Beyond. Read More
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District 6 has enjoyed the summer with wonderful community projects and three incredible garden walks.
Shout out to Gladwin County Master Gardeners & Friends (Gladwin), Lakeshore Garden Club (Lexington), and Open Garden Gate Garden Club (Fenton) for the beautifully planned and expertly executed garden walks. I encourage you to complete the MGC Garden Walk Award application. Deadline October 1. Just excellent garden walks!!
Have you visited our District 6 Facebook page? Did you see the beautiful sculpture Touch the Earth Garden Club received for their community garden? It’s called ‘Butterfly Dreams.” Thank you to Ashley Clements for posting for us! Please send photos and news from your club’s events to Ashley ashleyclements9@gmail.com or text 989-325-2345. We can’t wait to see what your club is doing!
Looking ahead, our District 6 Fall Meeting, Chemical City Garden Club and Midland Garden Club are teaming up to bring us an event to remember. Nurture Nature 4 A Better Tomorrow will be October 7, 8:30am-3:30pm in Midland.
Read More
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An Innovative Sensory Garden Debuts
in Northern Michigan
Vision by: Members of The Friendly Garden Club of Traverse City
The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park
By: Matthew Ross, Executive Director
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The dream of developing a new sensory garden for children of all ages and abilities has turned into an interactive new feature garden at The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City, MI. Over a hundred painted lady butterflies flew over a newly planted living terrace, alongside an enthusiastic ballon artist from NYC who entertained kids of all ages. The sounds of members of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians dancing to traditional Anishinabek drumbeats were all part of the joyous opening of the garden’s grand opening that included many hands-on activities for the children that day, such as designing their own Ikebana floral arrangements and bookmarks. Read More
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OUR MGC BOARD MEMBERS
2025-2027
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Gail Taggar - 2nd Vice President
After far too long in Southern California, I returned to Michigan in 2015 and am loving life on the other West Coast. I didn’t have much of a yard there on my postage stamp sized lot, and now I’ve moved up to about ¾ of an acre on a lake and am LEARNING about gardens and gardening.
Seasons – YAY. And sometimes all 4 on the same day. Right plant, right place – if it’s not happy move it! Dirt under my fingernails. So much fun!!
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Emilie Stawiarski - Recording Secretary
Retiring after 25 years in Human Resources, I continue volunteering as President of Seedums Garden Club, Inc., Huron Beach Civic Association, and Trustee for Bearinger Township.
Now add in Recording Secretary for Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc.
Giving back to the community – life is great!
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Kathy Sauber - 4th Vice President
I have served on the MGC Board for the last 8 years. I served on the first Black Swallowtail legislation committee and worked as Youth Contests Chair. The last 4 years, I served as District 6 Director.
I have belonged to the Caro Garden Club for the past 45 years. I have served in many capacities along with being president twice. I chair two lovely community gardens in Caro. I have been an advanced master gardener for 31 years.
My husband and I have 6 kids and 13 grandkids so there’s always a lot going on in our busy family. I look forward to having the opportunity to serve as 4th VP on the MGC Board!
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Mary Jo McElroy - MI Association of Accredited Judges, Chair
Mary Jo hails from Columbus, OH, having worked almost five decades in nursing, healthcare administration, and information services.
She was “drafted” into Portage Lake Garden Club when they needed someone who knew how to use Microsoft Word! She became Club Secretary and writer for their flower show in 2017 which led her to attend Flower Show School. She became an Accredited Judge in 2021 and participates in flower shows at many levels (judge, exhibitor, and chair).
Mary Jo lives in Onekama, MI with her hubby Jeff McClune and their two rescued Dobermans, Charlotte and Fancy Pants. Other hobbies include gardening, quilting, watercolor painting, and reading.
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Ron Osgood - Finance Chair
Until moving to Grand Rapids in the early 1990’s my wife, Sue, and I did only a minimal amount of gardening - that changed, especially after building a new house in 1997 and having a “blank canvas” to work with.
We became Master Gardeners in 2000 and 2001 respectively, then joined Rockford Garden Club about 20 years ago. I’ve served that club as Membership Chair, Treasurer, and now Club President.
I retired from a career in information technology and project management about six years ago. I’m a "preachers kid" and have remained faithful, serving my local church in a variety of leadership roles over the past 30 years. I’ve been married for over 50 years, have one daughter and one grand cat. Sue and I are avid walkers, lifetime learners (and readers) and enjoy traveling in the United States - our favorite destination outside of Michigan is Maine.
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Kathy Wolverton - Awards Chair
We retired to Ada, Michigan in 2008 after 34 years living in Southern California. I joined Kent Garden Club, Grand Rapids in 2013. After having various positions on the Club’s Board I served as club president from 2018-2020 and currently Program co-chair for Kent.
I was asked to join the MGC Board as Corresponding Secretary in 2021 and served for 2 years. After that I served my District 4 as Director from 2023-2025. I now look forward to wearing the hat of State Awards Chair 2025-2027.
In addition to garden club activities, I enjoy reading, jigsaw puzzles, cheering at my husband’s pickleball games,and finding yet another way to spoil our 16 year old cat on a daily basis.
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Jean Horrocks - 3rd Vice President
Hi! I’m new to this position and have lots to learn so I ask that you be patient with me. I grew up in Presque Isle County on the family dairy farm and working in the family restaurant. I have a BS in Human Ecology/Communication Arts from MSU and an MSA from CMU. After 44 years working in administration at NE Michigan Community Service Agency in both the Aging and Head Start Divisions, I retired in 2020. This just meant that it was easier to schedule all the life adventures/journeys I wanted to do.
I am involved in both the Stepping Stones GC in Onaway and Presque Isle Co. GC as well as the Onaway Area Historical Museum, Friends of Onaway Library, Medicare/Medicaid Counseling, Awakon Credit Union Supervisory Committee, church trustee, and organist for a number of churches. I also took the Gardening and Landscape Design courses. There always seems to be lots of interesting things to do in my life. One of the fun things I have done is to teach cooking classes and my spare time loves are gardening, music, cooking, and reading. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Ron, for 49 years.
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Ron Dush - Parlimentairan
I am the oldest of 7 siblings (5 brothers, 2 sisters) raised on a dairy farm by Eureka, MI. I graduated from St Johns High School 1966, then hired into Oldsmobile. I completed an apprenticeship in Machine repair skilled trades. Then was a skilled trades supervisor, then promoted to General Supervisor skilled trades. I retired from GM with 39+ years in 2006. After retirement I worked at a consultant group teaching Computerized Maintenance program. I joined the Rainbow Garden Club in 2008. Served as Vice President and then President. When Rainbow GC left MGC I joined the DeWitt Millennium Garden Club. Serving as VP then President for 3 sessions. While a member of Rainbow I served on past MGC boards in several positions. The best was a District 6 Director for two terms. I have achieved Master status in Landscape Design, Garden Schools. I enjoy putting in my vegetable and flower gardens. Currently I’m divorced and have stage 4 colon cancer. Been under treatment for the last 4+ years and classified as in remission. I’m still getting monthly immune treatments that has kept things under control. I’m looking forward to serving on MGC Board of Directors and finding new friends of gardening.
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Bunny LaDuke - Treasurer
- - Currently serving as Vice-President of Chula Vista Garden Club and on the City of Plainwell Parks & Trees Commission. I retired after 31 years as Director of Global Marketing Communications for top pharmaceutical company.
-Served as president of Chula Vista Garden Club, president of Kalamazoo
Garden Council, Inc., and Treasurer of Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc.
-NGC Landscape Design Consultant and pollinator garden enthusiast.
-Served as Board President and later as Executive Director for Susan G. Komen Southwest Michigan Affiliate for about 12 years. Awarded Susan G. Komen National Volunteer of the Year and
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Loda Lake Entrance!
Two New Native Plant Gardens
by Nancy Ryan
Since 1949, the Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. and the Huron-Manistee National Forests have been cooperatively managing the Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary, the only wildflower sanctuary in the National Forest system. The partnership has been very constructive, deeply rooted in the love of wildflowers.
Recently, the partnership took up trowels and signed on the Youth Work Conservation Corps and Idlewild Healthy Kidz to turn an area burdened with weeds into a garden of native plants. YouthWork is a unique program designed to strengthen young people and their communities by engaging teens in conservation and skilled trade projects for local agencies and organizations. YouthWork members worked alongside Forest Service employees and Michigan Garden Club members to remove sod, plant wildflowers, and water them. They also placed mulch around the plants to help them retain moisture in a hot, dry, sandy site.
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Together Michigan Garden Club members, YouthWork participants, Idlewild Healthy Kidz and Forest Service employees planted over 900 plugs of 41 species. They created two gardens near the parking lot to welcome visitors to Loda Lake, one 3’ x 18’ enclosure at the crossroads of a couple trails, and the 4,300 sq ft existing enclosure. The emphasis this year is to increase the floral diversity of prairie and savanna species. Next year the group will focus on increasing the diversity of forest wildflowers. Read More
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Thursday, October 23, 2025
9:30 AM to 4:15 PM
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Farm Lane Branch of MSUFCU
4825 Mt. Hope Road, East Lansing
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MGC Schools
Environmental School, Course 2, Series #9
The Living Earth
Land and Related Issues
November 3 & 4, 2025
In-person
Monday 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Click here for Brochure & Registration
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News from your Awards Chair
Submitted by Kathy Wolverton
As the incoming Awards chair I would like to thank the retiring chair Sue Soderberg for her 6 years of volunteer service in this position on the MGC Board. I will attempt to meet the high standards and attention to detail set by Sue
Soderbery.
Over 80 Awards applications were submitted for the year 2024-2025. MGC awarded 70 Awards, District 1-6. Central Region awards numbered 6 to Michigan clubs. Virginia Froehlich reports 50 MGC Life Achievement Awards bestowed for the period of 2023-2025 along with 7 National Garden Club Life Achievement Awards. Several clubs have reported top winners from their sponsorship of an NGC Youth Contest.
Congratulations to those involved with Gardening with Purpose Project. Past President, Nancy Ryan was thrilled to be presented with the NGC Award of Excellence at the 93rd Annual NGC Convention in May for the amount of produce collected and shared within our state.
Please keep in mind that MGC and NGC Awards applications are due by October 1, via electronic submission if possible. Send to: kwolverton@migardenclubs.org. Central Region Award applications are due by September 10, to Kerry Krokos@krokos.L4030@sbcglobal.net (414-628-4545) All Award categories with details, applications, instructions and rubrics can be found on our MGC Website under AWARDS.
Save the date for Award judging which will take place on November 5, 9:30-3 in Lansing. Each District should recruit 3-4 to help with this. Lunch is provided . It is a great learning experience to familiarize yourself with award info to take back to your clubs for future applications. All first-place winners in club size(General awards) are awarded $50 and second place awards $25. Check it out on the MGC Website. Many clubs are so deserving, why not be part of the Awards program?
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| | | MGC Blue and Gold Star Memorial Program | | |
Kathy Messner - MI Blue and Gold Star Chairman
I have been a member of Meeks Mill Garden Club in Constantine MI since 1996. I have thoroughly enjoyed my years participating in garden club events and at the District 3A and State levels. We are very fortunate to belong to a top notch organization that provides so many opportunities.
It is an honor to serve MGC this term as your MI Blue and Gold Star Chairman. I am here to assist you and your clubs in any way that is needed so that you can provide a Blue or Gold Star Memorial in your community.
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LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Neonicotinoids have come to the forefront of environmental concern. I would encourage you to view the recorded Members Monday of April 14, 2025, “Neonics the Toxic Truth the Pesticides Threatening our Bees, Birds, and our Health” which was presented by the Natural Resources Defense Council. You can find this on the MGC website member area.
Bloom boldly,
Jeanette Meyer
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A super monarch butterfly is the special, "super generation" of monarch butterflies born in late summer and early fall that undertakes the incredible migration to Mexico. Unlike other monarchs that live for only a few weeks, these super monarchs can live up to nine months, allowing them to survive the thousands-of-miles-long journey south. They achieve this by entering a reproductive diapause, which conserves energy for the long migration and enables them to fly much farther than their predecessors. Read more at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service The phenomenal monarch migration.
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Help Support and Protect Michigan Butterflies
It's easy, fun and rewarding too!
Experience Metamorphosis Firsthand! Watch real live caterpillars transform into beautiful butterflies. Very little expense and time is needed to do a favor for these wonderful creatures. It's rewarding to know you are supporting efforts to get their numbers up from alarming declines. If you are interested here are some kits available on Amazon. Be ready for next years group of butterflies including the Black Swallowtail, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Spicebush Swallowtail, Giant Swallowtail, Canadian Tiger Swallowtail, Zebra Swallowtail, and Pipevine Swallowtail, and many other varieties. See Michigan butterflies here.
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Central Region Convention 2025
~ Perspectively Connected ~
10/28/25 -10/30/25
Elkhart Lake, WI
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Article Submission Guidelines
We look forward to receiving your submissions and can't wait to hear from many of you again!
Please View our suggestions here
Keep your news “short and snappy” for our readers enjoyment. Try to limit the word count to no more than 400. Hey, we know it may be difficult; however your efforts will cut down on our editing out something you feel is important.
Thank you! Newsletter Editorial Team - Nola Hogge, Terry Such, and Lisa Robinson
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