Plant the Michigan Garden of Your Dreams

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- Summer will be here before you know it, and you know what that means! Time to start planning your garden. While Michigan's temperamental weather can be difficult to deal with in terms of gardening, there are a number of plants that do very well in our climate. Even if you're not a green thumb per se, give these little guys a try, you may be surprised at your results. Let's dive in!  

MICHIGAN ROSE 

This native plant is extremely hardy and requires very little maintenance, making it a great addition to any garden. They grow on a shrub that usually reaches 4-6', and they bloom all summer in shades of pink, red, and white. They are incredibly fragrant, prefer full sun, and work with all soil types. 

CARROTS 

Carrots do extremely well all over Michigan as they prefer cool soil and temperatures - so for best results make them a spring or fall crop. They also do better in well-draining, non-compacted soil, so make sure to rake your garden bed well. They do take some time to germinate, but you can speed up the process by planting a row of radishes in between each line of carrots as radishes germinate rather quickly. 

THYME 

This hearty herb is undeterred by all of Michigan's climate mood swings, it can even survive during our harsh winters! Make sure you plant it in well-drained soil and in an area where it can receive full sun. Most varieties are drought resistant - so you don't have to worry about forgetting to water it. It does grow at a rather vigorous pace, so make sure you give it space accordingly. 

TRILLIUM 

This pure, spring beauty is a rare find in states other than Michigan, and it is protected here due to its endangered status. If you plan to plant trilliums, make sure you only buy them from a reputable nursery - do not gather them from the roadside! They bloom in early spring and then disappear for the rest of the year, so don't panic when they stop blooming. They prefer shady, moist woodland settings, so be sure to plant them in a secluded area. 

LETTUCE 

Another cool weather crop, lettuce does well in the chillier climate that is typical for Michigan. Greens in general, require very nutrient-rich soil, but they are frost-hardy, so plan to plant them outside in April. They also need plenty of room to stretch out, so make sure to put them in the ground about six inches apart. 

LAVENDER 

This bushy, strong-scented perennial does best when planted in the spring, and it's foliage tends to stay green or grey through all seasons in most regions. They do well in most types of soil, regardless of the quality, however, they do not take kindly to heavy or clay soil, and should be kept away from wet, moist areas. Make sure to plant them 2 to 3 feet apart to give them room to spread out as well. 

BEE BALM 

This Michigan native is very aptly named, if you're looking to bring all the honeybees to your yard, these bright red flowers will certainly do the trick. They bloom in late summer and also come in purple or pink varieties. Plant them in full sun or part shade for best results, and make sure to keep the soil fairly moist. 

SWEET WOODRUFF 

This often-forgotten herb has numerous edible (it tastes slightly like vanilla) and medicinal uses and gives off a clean scent that lends it to be used in air fresheners. It should be planted in a shady area in moist but well-draining soil that is rich in organic material from things like decomposing leaves and branches. Once the plants are established they require very little care - they will not require fertilizer, and should only be watered during a drought. 

TOMATOES 

Ah, the quintessential summer vegetable...or should we say...fruit? Tomatoes do extremely well in Michigan, however, they are not frost-hardy, so you have to make sure to plant them after the threat of frost passes - middle of May is probably your safest bet. Make sure to plant them in an area that receives full sun, and has well-drained soil. Make sure each plant is at least 2 feet away from their nearest tomato neighbor, and as they grow to make sure to stake them to prevent damage to the plant or the fruit. 

EVENING PRIMROSE 

This Michigan native is a staple in numerous gardens, and for good reason. It's bright, clear, yellow blooms are tolerant of poor soil and drought. Plus, they spread quickly. They bloom in early summer and they do prefer full sun, although some have had luck with them in part shade. 

What are you planning on planting this spring? Comment and let us know! We love hearing from you! 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

6 Indoor Plants that Anyone Can Grow

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- If you're in possession of a black thumb, but have always wanted to spruce up your home with some indoor plants, all is not lost. While you could opt for greenery of the plastic variety, don't give up on the idea of bringing some real-life plant babies home. There's plenty of great flora options that anyone can grow, and are *almost* impossible to kill. We hope these adorable little guys inspire you to give gardening a second shot, or if you're an avid plant parent, to bring some new ones home! 

1. JADE PLANT

This precious little succulent, once called the money plant is thought to bring good luck to their owners, which made them a popular housewarming gift. To keep your jade plant alive and well, make sure that it gets at least four or more hours of sunlight per day, the best way to achieve this is to place it in a room with a south-facing window. During the spring and summer, water it often to ensure the soil is always moist, but not wet. Reduce watering to monthly in the water. Ensure it's potted in succulent or a cacti mix soil, and kept in a temperature ranging from 50-70 degrees. Jade plants are known for their ease of propogation, so if you're looking for a cheap way to always have cute gifts on hand, this is the plant for you. 

2. LUCKY BAMBOO 

If you're a beginning houseplant gardener, the fascinating and beautiful lucky bamboo plant is the perfect guinea pig. Oddly enough, the plant actually isn't bamboo at all, it's a member of the Dracaena family, and is only labeled bamboo because of the woody quality of it's stems. To keep your lucky bamboo pulling in good fortune, ensure that it's in an area full of bright light. It does not do well in direct, hot sunlight, but most plant experts say a north-facing window is a good home for this little guy. Make sure the plant's roots are fully covered in distilled or purified water, and switch it out every 2 months or so. Some plant experts say it's unnessescary to use fertilizer, but if you feel the need to, there's one called Super Green formulated specifically for Lucky Bamboo growing in water. Make sure you brush the leaves off every so often with a soft brush as well, this will keep dust from collecting and clogging up the plant's pores. 

3. ALOE VERA 

Aloe Vera is the perfect kitchen companion, as the gel that collects within the stalks is excellent for treating burns. They require very little care, and you can feel good knowing that this plant will not only improve the aesthetics of your home, it serves a purpose as well. Keep it in a bright window, so it can soak up maximum sunshine, water it only when the leaves feel dry or brittle, and make sure that the water drains out. It should be planted in a succulent or cacti mix soil, and like the majority of succulents, fertilizer is not necessary. 

4. PEACE LILY  

Peace lilies are extremely popular houseplants, due to their beauty and easy care routine. These plants are tropical and evergreen, so they need dappled sunlight and consistent moisture. Pot them with a well-draining, all-purpose potting soil, and repot annually in the spring. Do not overwater, but keep the soil consistently moist. Peace lilies are also extremely sensitive to chemicals, so make sure you use distilled or filtered water. They plants thrive in high humidity, so give the leaves regular misting, or place them on top of a tray of wet gravel. Due to their tropical origins, they do best when kept in a temperature of 70 degrees or above, do not keep in direct sunlight, but ensure their home is in a well-lit area. Peace lilies are extremely poisonous, so make sure to keep them away from pets and children.

5. ZZ PLANT

You couldn't kill this plant if you tried! It's a slow grower, but their care is easy as can be. They do well in low light or bright light, and only need water when their soil is very dry. They look so green and sturdy, that they are often taken for artificial plants, so even if you give them a fair amount of neglect, they'll still look on point. The ZZ plant is poisonous, so if you have children, dogs or cats, make sure that you keep it well out of reach.

6. JUNIPER BONSAI PLANT 

If you're someone in possession of a black thumb, the word bonsai, probably spikes a tiny bit of fear in your heart. But don't worry, juniper bonsai trees are actually extremely hardy and durable. They need only moderate to direct light and require very little water, as their roots don't like wetness, but you can mist the leaves to give them a little rejuvenation. They will need a slight amount of pruning throughout the growth season, and should be repotted once every two years. 

We hope this blog inspires you to bring some new greenery into your life! Plants are great for helping to beat those winter blues. Was there a plant we mentioned that you're interested in? Or were there any easy-care plants we missed? Comment and let us know!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.