Jack of All Trades, Master of... Something...To Be Determined...

I'm behind, like WAY behind. In case you didn't know, MBA school, gardening and blogging don't mix. The good news is (other than Mother Nature being behind as well--my coneflower still hasn't bloomed), there is a light at the end of the tunnel, as I'll officially be done with grad school in December. The even better news is, I've taken the summer off to devote to my gardens AND my blog. And the EVEN WAY better news is, I hope to start the MSU Master Gardening Program in January. The application is in, I'm just waiting for my acceptance.

In the meantime, keep reading, I hope to post as much as possible. Also, look forward to some positive changes in terms of look, feel, content...maybe even a name change, who knows? (Got any ideas?)

Here are some highlights from the 2011 Master Gardener Tour (Wanna see last year's recap?). You can expect to see my house on the roster in a few years.

Enjoy!

Japanese lilac, I think!

Backyard envy...

Loved the ripples and ridges of this hosta.

I can't remember if these little twisted clematis balls are pre or post flowers, but interesting, eh?

Winding wisteria.

Last iris of the season?

Amazingly, perfectly manicured beds, although I wondered, why no mulch?

Interesting use of old/dead tree branch for a clematis to climb.

There's something very whimsical about poppies.

 Ginko!

Potting shed (and organization) envy...

Oranges! One of my master gardening classes will be about fruit trees.

Black petunias were uber trendy this year, love them paired with that coleus.

Also love the multi-hostas look, paired with astilbe. Sharp shady combo!

 Urban oasis...

Master Gardener Tour Wrap Up

I'm a little behind, but didn't want to forget about my stint 2 Saturdays ago, touring the yards of Master Gardeners, thanks to the Michigan State University/Kent County Extension.

This year's tour featured about 7 different homes, mostly on the north side, near Rockford, Belmont and Cedar Springs--large homes with even larger yards, and an abundance of space to prep, grow and maintain. My two favorites both featured garden sheds and benches, providing perfect little places for potting, storage, organization and reprieve from the sun.

I find that the pictures I take each year, really don't do the gardens much justice. Some are so vast and filled to the brim with blooming perennials and annuals, it's definitely best to experience the juxtaposition of plants for yourself. I saw several brilliant combinations that I would have never thought to place together.

I'd like to say that I learned a lot, but the tour was really just about witnessing what others have built over 5, 10, 15+ years. If anything, it validated that garden maintenance is a constant job. If you want your gardens
to continue to look fresh, unspoiled and tidy, your work is never really done. This includes weeding, pest control and dividing perennials. It was also refreshing to know that even masters continue to face the same issues as us amateurs.

Need Garden Inspiration?

As an aspiring master gardener, I look forward to the Michigan State University/Kent County Extension Master Gardener Tour every summer.

If you are so inclined, join me Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27, as I tour and explore private gardens of certified master gardeners within Kent County. I've done this tour for about 3 or 4 years now, and it never disappoints. Beginners and well-versed gardeners will be inspired by the variety of garden designs including shade, full sun, containers, rose, perennials and the list goes on. Master gardener, as well as MSU extension staff are also on site at every tour stop to answer questions and provide advice.

Tickets are $10 and are available at any of the garden tour stops. Visit the Stuck on Gardening page for tour stops descriptions and maps, or call 616.336.3265 for more information.