Tag: pollinators

All About Natives! NEW DATE!!

Need help deciding what native plants are best for your property? Then this presentation is for YOU!! Cheryl Gross, President of Plant It Wild, will give information about the benefits of ecological gardening with native plants and how best to incorporate them into your landscape based on your growing conditions. Also, a few ‘experts” will be on hand afterwards. 

Plant it Wild is a small, independent, non-profit centered in Benzie and Manistee Counties founded over 20 years ago. They offer educational Programs annually between May and September and host several field trips. Their mission is to promote the appreciation and protection of native plant communities in our region. Visit their Facebook Page PIW-Plant it Wild and website to learn more information about their organization.

   

To get registered, Email your contact information, including phone number, to makeadifference@affew.org.

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Welcome to U Dig It Community Garden!

The U Dig It Community Garden is a membership based organic garden that was established in 2010. We’re located behind the United Methodist Church of Ludington. Garden boxes are provided for personal use in a organic and sustainable environment. We depend on our members to volunteer by maintaining the garden boxes, grounds and equipment. Our journey with AFFEW began in January 2022 when our organizations merged!

In the fall of 2021 we began our expansion of the garden. By the spring of 2022 a dozen additional block beds were installed with the generous support of SRM Concrete  through their Giving Back program. We also received support from Lowe’s of Ludington and T & M Landscaping and Tree Removal as an in-kind sponsor who provided equipment and labor to complete the project. After a busy spring and with the help of our volunteers, UDICG now has 61 beds!

In addition to personal boxes, we work directly with our local food pantry Lakeshore Food Club. We provide healthy produce in support of food security for our community. In 2022 our members and Grow a Box Gardeners donated twenty-five percent of the produce to Lakeshore Food Club!

In 2022 with the help of Michigan State University Extension, we introduced the U Dig It! Gardening Series. This educational series is for our members and the community. In Photo by Ron Sullivanaddition we’ll host the Dig It! Youth Summer Series for 7-11 year olds. This is an interactive program run by AFFEW and MSU that grows, tastes and donates produce to our community. They also learn and experience a variety of aspects about nature, birds and our environment.

Garden Bed Availability
Existing members are given the opportunity to retain their beds before it is opened up to the public. We are currently full, but if you’re interested in being placed on the list for next years consideration, contact Sara Bolan, UDICG Director.

Our Mission
To educate its members and the general public in healthy eating by promoting sustainable practices through organic farming, composting and environmental education for children and adults. Through volunteerism and donations from our gardeners, twenty-five percent of the produce is provided to support food security for our community.

When should I start my seeds?
It’s always a challenge to decide when it’s the right time to start seeds. Here’s a handy seed starting calculator that helps take the mystery out of when to plant! Download the Spring Seed Starting Calendar for Ludington.

Help support AFFEW and UDICG by becoming a member or making a tax deductible donation!

Join AFFEW!
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Native Plant Sale 2021

Saturday, June 11 | Time 930am-1230pm

Rotary Park, Ludington

Help protect our species by gardening with native plants! AFFEW will again offer a variety of native plants for sale. These important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for insects, birds and animals. Native plants also require minimal maintenance and their deep root system absorb more water than a traditional lawn. With the continuous decline of the Monarch butterfly population you can make a difference by creating a habitat for these beautiful and important butterflies!

Last year our sale introduced nearly 1600 new native plants to our community! AFFEW will again partner with Birdsfoot Native Nursery to bring these amazing plants to YOU!

There will be a LARGE selection of individual quarts and gallon plants available the day of the sale and a representative from Birdsfoot Native Nursery will be there to answer any questions. Preview a list of plants that may be available the day of the sale. This list is neither complete nor guaranteed, but is a great way to see approximately what we will have to offer.

Having problems with deer eating your plants? View the list of deer resistant native plants from the Lansing chapter of Wild Ones. We’ll have several of these plants available the day of the sale.

Preorders for garden and single species flats of grasses and sedges are going on now as supplies last! Sample designs are below. AFFEW MEMBERS who preorder Garden or Single Species Flats of Grasses and Sedges will receive a 15% Discount on their preorder and purchases made before 10am the day of the sale!

Each Garden Flat comes with 38 organic plugs and a design plan with a mixture of plants. They include instructions and layout for a 4’x10’ garden. These one year plants are grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. They typically do not bloom or reach full maturity until the second year.

Deadline for preorders is May 23!

 Garden Flats | $70

Butterfly GardenPollinator GardenRain Garden
Wildflower GardenLow Growing GardenShoreline Flat Garden
NEW * Semi-Shade Garden
PLEASE NOTE: Plant substitution may take place due to availability for Garden Flats.

Single Species Flats | Grasses: $56 | Sedges: $70

Single species flats of grasses and sledges are also available and comes with 38 plugs.

SSPL Revised 5/1/2021

Join AFFEW
Preorder Flats

The deadline for preorders is May 23!

Native Plant Sale

Help protect our species by gardening with native plants! These important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for insects, birds and animals. They also require minimal maintenance and water. AFFEW will partner with Birdsfoot Native Nursery to bring these amazing plants to YOU!

 

Native Plant Garden & Single Species Flat Preorders

Help protect our species by gardening with native plants! AFFEW is taking Preorders through May 23 for Garden & Single Species Flats. All preorders can be picked up at our Native Plant Sale sale on June 12. These important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for insects, birds and animals. They also require minimal maintenance and water. AFFEW will partner with Birdsfoot Native Nursery to bring these amazing plants to YOU!

Learn more about this event on our Native Plant Sale page!

 

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Native Plant Sale

AFFEW’s Native Plant Sale accepts orders starting in late January through April!

Help protect our species by gardening with native plants! These important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds and are hosts for for many insects, birds and animals. Native plants also require minimal maintenance and their deep root system absorb more water than a traditional lawn. With the continuous decline of the Monarch butterfly population you can make a difference by creating a habitat for these beautiful and important butterflies!

Since its inception, AFFEW’s Native Plant Sale has helped introduced thousands of native plants to our community! Orders are accepted January-April and picked up on the second Saturday in June. Our online sale has a LARGE selection of garden/single species flats plus individual quart wildflowers/grasses  and gallon shrubs available for you to make a habitat for these beneficial insects.

Having problems with deer eating your plants? View the list of Deer resistant native plants from the Lansing chapter of Wild Ones. We’ll have several of these plants available the day of the sale.

Interested in getting notifications about the sale? Email Sara Bolan or call 815-592-9032.

 

 

Join AFFEW

Native Plant Sale

Help protect our species by gardening with native plants! AFFEW will offer a variety of native plants for sale in June. These important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for insects, birds and animals. They also require minimal maintenance and water. AFFEW will partner with Birdsfoot Native Nursery to bring these amazing plants to YOU!

 

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