Our horticulture experts on staff at the Leila Arboretum Society are committed to helping you get the most out of your gardening, forestry, and landscaping experiences. You have the opportunity to ask questions and get answers from staff and our cadre of capable Calhoun County Master Gardeners. (Not all questions can be answered online and we may not be able to respond to all questions.) And, speaking of Master Gardeners, be sure to check out articles written by Calhoun County Master Gardeners. New articles will be posted from time to time.

Plant Sale Plant Highlights 2008

Coreopsis 'Tequila Sunrise' is a wonderful cultivar of a sun loving native plant.

Barrenwort, Epimedium rubrum, is a wonderful groundcover for dry shade.

Grapes just waking up in the greenhouse for spring growth. Choose from 'Concord' or 'Niagra' to grow on an arbor or pergola.

Foamy bells, Heucherella, 'Sunspot' is a carefree shade perennial that is perfectly suited to our gardens here in southwest Michigan.

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Bugbane, Cimicifuga racemosa, 'Brunette' has wonderful bronze foliage with white flowers in the summer. This plant gets tall and needs shade to grow well. It also likes its roots to stay moist or it wilts dramatically, especially in direct sunlight. But it is a stately and unique plant!

Click here to view a preliminary list of plants that will be available at the 2008 LAS Plant Sale!

Saying Goodbye to Peggy

Battle Creek lost a great person February 13th when Peggy passed away. She will be especially missed at the Leila Arboretum where we were looking forward to another fun year in the gardens. Peggy was known for her cheerful disposition and her bright smile made many tough days a whole lot easier for all of us. Kids, parents, teachers and volunteers loved Peggy, too. She made visits to the garden seem far more fun than educational for students and was sure to point out plants that she was learning along the way.

Peggy's family has established the "Peggy Sofia Mrozinski Memorial Fund" at the Battle Creek Community Foundation to support the community projects, including our Children's Garden, that Peggy was passionate about during her life. It was an honor and a whole lot of fun to work along side Peggy. Her smile, her compassion will be missed greatly, especially here.