plants

Secrets of the Late-Blooming Jeweled Beauty

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

Wilder Side of Oakland County

Spotted Jewelweed in bloom.

Some of the most amazing wildland plants of Oakland County go unnoticed along trails and pathways as we hurry about in the frenzy of late summer activity. One of these plants is a late-blooming beauty, a three to four foot tall delicate native wildflower of moist soils, sun-dappled stream banks, and wetland edges. This one holds an explosive secret! This is the story of the Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens Capensis), a wildflower with a much loved, yet misleading,  nickname “Touch-me-not.”

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POISON IVY: Fight the Itch with Wildwoods Wisdom

Oakland County, MI Government 5 Comments

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

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Poison Ivy in full sunlight takes on a bushy form

A walk through shady woods or a sun-soaked meadow is the perfect way to embrace the wonders of summer. It’s healthful, relaxing and has endless rewards, some for the eyes and some for the taste buds. Juicy black raspberries are ripe, blackberries are almost ready and in hidden pockets of more northern landscapes, blueberries please the palate. Yet, hidden in plain sight for those that are not in the know is Toxicodendron radicans, better known as poison ivy. The summer of 2015 has produced a bumper crop of this plant of itching woe, a plant that triggers a painful itching, blistering and sometimes oozing reaction. This extreme reaction happens when Urushiol, the sap of the plant, makes even the slightest contact with the skin. Continue reading →

Fall! A perfect time to garden!

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

Did you know that the fall season is a time for revitalization and growth for your lawn and plants? That means it’s the perfect time to get your yard cleaned up and primed for the upcoming spring and summer seasons here in Oakland County!

Here is a list of 15 tips to help you add color now and prepare for the seasons ahead.

1. Plant mums, sedum, aster, ornamental grasses, cool-weather pansies, and kale in the ground or in pots now. These plants will brighten your fall landscape and do well in the cooler weather.

2. Be sure to fertilize. Many spring and summer blooming plants, like Rhododendron and Hydrangea will need a boost now to ensure the reward of lovely, full blooms later.

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Hydrangea

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