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Here's a great video by Andrea Maio with naturalist Susan Fawcett about the work of SEEDS Youth Conservation Corps this summer on South Manitou Island. The Youth Conservation Corps is modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s New Deal and works to help them build "green collar" job skills.

You an also see a video of their work on barn preservation on the Island.

SEEDS Youth Corps/South Manitou Island from andrea claire maio on Vimeo.

Irises are in bloom all over Leelanau, so we thought it was a great time to dust of this feature on the Centennial Iris Farm on M-72!

Heading west toward Empire in mid-June, it is easy to see how the iris flower was named for the Greek goddesss of rainbows; and it would be no mystery to imagine what possessed Vincent van Gogh to lug his easel into the field, in his attempt to capture this exotic flower's beauty. Atop undulating hills busied by a bold palette of blooms, the Iris Farm on M-72 adds color and life to Leelanau's rich agrarian landscape.

In the midst of bloom, the sea of iris rarely goes unnoticed, but the land itself may be overlooked. This sandy, gravel soil upon which William Black's family settled has survived decades of growing. Seventeen years ago, this fifth generation Leelanau farmer decided to no longer fight against the elements, and instead choose to embrace the offerings of his land. The family noticed that the iris plants blooming around the farm thrived...and an idea began to grow.

The iris flower appeared well suited for Black's land. The family decided to convert their fruit land to flowers. Over the nearly two decades since, the farm has become home to over 700 different iris and 300 day lily varieties--plants that thrive in sandy soil conditions. Of course, the flowers attract more than bees, and a wide-range of visitors tromp the fields regularly. The farm caters to several distinct groups, including, gardeners searching for specialized blooms, painters and photographers; customers seeking cut flowers and even tour bus groups. Visitors are able to see a stunning array of showy flowers in a wide spectrum of colors; all can observe iris blooms to purchase and plant in their gardens at home.

While it is true that in peak season, the Iris Farm stands as a sort of feast for the eyes--a delicious rainbow of petals, meandering along the hillside--long after the colors fade ideas continue to blossom. To find such an abundance of plant varietals, the family spends some of the winter months traveling the country, attending conventions and seeking new hybrids for their unusual colors and qualities. The Farm acquires breeds from destinations as far off as Australia. One highlight of their farm this season is the 24 varieties of black irises, sought for both their elusive beauty, velvety touch and rich fragrance. The iris hybrid varieties extend into the thousands; Black said that determining a favorite is not an easy decision. "I feel like a kid in a candy store," he admitted.

When I asked Mr. Black what aspect of iris farming he enjoyed the most, he shared that part of the benefit to living in Leelanau County is the richness and beauty of the outdoors. Though growing flowers can be labor intensive, working in the fresh air, under an open sky, is one of the perks. And personally, I think "being outdoors" is a job benefit one cannot easily quantify.

The irises will be in bloom by mid-June and the lily season continues in mid-July. Do not miss the chance to explore the farm for yourself. The Iris Farm is located at 5385 E Traverse Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49684. The phone contact is 231-947-9040.

Photoa: "Iris Farm (check it out bigger!) and Mr. Sun by Andrew McFarlane

TV 9&10 News has a great video feature on Leelanau County's various fruit crops where they talk with strawberry farmer Steve Bardenhagen, MSU Hort Station Coordinator Nikki Rothwell and others about the state of the fruit crops.

While farmers (and honeybees) struggled through a cold wet spring, no hard frost was a plus. It sounds like we'll have strawberry shortcake for the 4th and everyone is pulling for the hot temps from recent days to continue!

Photo credit: A Bloomin' Good Time! by Trish P. - K1000 Gal

Taste the Local Difference has released their 2011 Northwest Michigan Food Guide. The pocket-sized guide is packed with information about more than 300 businesses that feature local food: local farms, wineries, breweries, distilleries, farmers markets and retail businesses and food artisans in our 10-county region stretching from Manistee to the Mackinac Bridge.

Leelanau is well represented and you can download the guide as a PDF or pick it up at farms, markets and other places that feature local food across the region. A highlight is their Spend 10 Local Dollars Campaign, which encourages people to make a pledge to spend $10 weekly on local food products. Taste the Local Difference project director Janice Benson says:

"The guide helps people find local food, and combining that with a commitment by families to spend at least $10 each week on local food will significantly boost our local economy. We have a lot of great produce throughout the summertime, but we also have meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, beverages, and much more that is available to us all year long."

You can get all the details and make the pledge, search farm markets & businesses for all kinds of products, view tasty recipes and more at localdifference.org.

Try some of these ways to make a difference in your community with $10 or more a week!

• Shop at one of the weekly Leelanau Farm Markets!
• Buying local meat, fish, eggs, and produce from your local grocer, restaurant, or farmer.
• Ordering a glass of local wine, cider, or other beverage that includes locally grown items at dinner.
• Ordering a menu item that includes locally grown items at a restaurant.
• Becoming a member of a CSA farm.
• Ordering food for office lunches and parties that includes locally grown items.
• Purchasing locally grown food products for holiday gifts and entertaining. (Jams, honeys, cheeses, dried cherry mix, salsas, etc.)
• Buying local cream for your daily coffees and local teas that include locally grown herbs and fruit.

Photo credits: Plumb Perfect and 9 Bean Rows CSA by Ken Scott

Looking to spruce up your garden or your yard? Two area communities have plant sales this weekend!

Cedar's Perennial Plant Sale is Saturday, May 28 from 9 AM - 4 PM. Over 500 perennial and wildflower plants, inspected by Michigan Dept. of Agriculture are ready for planting in your garden. Beautify your home with plants that attract butterflies and birds. Prices start at $2.00 with over 500 plants and 50 varieties. This is their major fundraiser of the year to support 265 days per year of free, educational, healthy and intergenerational fun.

The Annual Plant Sale on the Village Green in Leland is on tap for Memorial Day Weekend! Now is your chance to purchase native ferns, blood root, and trillium and more along with a huge selection of other nursery perennials, trees and shrubs provided by locally owned Four Season Nursery, who will be on hand to answer questions about going native. When: Memorial Day weekend. Sale begins Friday, May 27th and runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

All proceeds help maintain the Village Green and assist with other Conservancy projects. The Wildflower Rescue Committee continually seeks new sites on which to dig. If you are building a home, driveway, addition, or know of someone who is, please contact the WRC so they may have a chance to remove these precious wildflowers before the excavators arrive! Contact Patty Shea: 256-9249 or Joanie Woods: 256-7154.

Photo credit: 20090429_0107_copy(Blood Root) by jsorbieus

This Saturday & Sunday (May 21 & 22), the Grand Traverse Conservation District will hold their annual Native Plant Sale at the Boardman River Nature Center. Hours are 8 AM - 3 PM on Saturday and from 10 AM - 3 PM on Sunday.

It's a chance to restore native plants and enhance the beauty of your backyard. Over 40 species of beautiful native flowers, ferns and grasses will be available including rescued, endangered and threatened species including Trumpet Vine, Ostrich Fern, Butterfly Weed, rescued Trillium, Jack-in-the-Pulpit and more!. Experts will be on hand to help and all ages are welcome. Quantities are limited, so come early for best selection.

The Leelanau Conservation District is holding a native plant sale as well. You can get the order form (pdf) right here and the order deadline is June 17, 2011!

Photo credit: Red Trillium by Ken Scott

While we aren't going anywhere for Spring Break (unless someone wants to send a few tickets our way!), we are going to take the week off - we'll be back when everyone else gets back!

Photo credit: Spring Snowdrop by Trish P. - K1000 Gal

The Master Gardener Association of Northwest Michigan welcomes MSU Professor of Horticulture Dr. Art Cameron, who will take you on a virtual walk through the garden this Saturday (March 5) at 9 AM at the Leelanau County Government Center.

Dr. Cameron will highlight various gardens, mostly from Michigan, pointing out interesting and noteworthy annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses, vegetables and more. He will also show how tough and tender plants, combined with a bit of artistry, can create interesting displays that teach, inspire, and amuse. Along the way, he will discuss plant performance in Michigan, plant and garden maintenance and present new trends in gardening.

Register at www.mganm.org!

Photo credit: Leland poppy by newsgirl23

On Wednesday, May 12th from 6:30 AM-8:30 PM, MSUE-Leelanau and Grand Traverse offices will co-host a workshop titled Growing Grapes in the Home Garden, at the MSU Northwest Horticultural Research Station, located at 6686 S. Center Highway (approx. 7 Mi. S. of Suttons Bay).

Dr. Duke Elsner, Agricultural Agent (specializing in viticulture & wine education) from the MSUE-Grand Traverse Office will provide classroom and field-based instruction on the following topics related to table and wine grapes: variety selection; site requirements; basic vine structure and growth; planting and early care; basic trellising; vine training and pruning; and pest management.

The cost of the workshop is $5 per person. Informational bulletins related to growing grapes will be available for an additional fee. Advanced registration is recommended. To register, call 256-8323, or download a registration form from www.msue.msu.edu/leelanau. ‘

The event is part of the 2010 "Green Garden" program, a series of spring programs focusing on environmentally sustainable gardening practices. For more information about other programs offered in the Green Garden series, visit the above website, or contact Pam Schmidt, Leelanau County Home Horticulturalist at 231/256-8323.

Photo credit: Vineyard Grapes by troyryans/2155928176/

Miller Hill Springtime View 2009, photo by John Clement Howe

News from the Week

In addition to our feature on How to Make the Most of Your One Day Visit to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, we also had great articles on Leelanau's Centennial Iris Farm and the Leelanau Farmers Markets in Glen Arbor, Empire, Leland, Northport and Suttons Bay and a nice Fishtown photo.

The Week's Weather

We had a fair bit of rain and cooler than normal temps as May headed out. So far june has been sunny but cool.

May 28, 2009: Rain & 50s (57/47)
May 29, 2009: Sunny & upper 50s (60/40)
May 30, 2009: Light rain, some sun & upper 60s (69/38)
May 31, 2009: Rain & 50s (53/33)
June 1, 2009: Mostly cloudy & 60s (67/42)
June 2, 2009: Mostly sunny & mid 60s (68/38)
June 3, 2009: Mostly sunny & mid 50s (57/39)

Here the Leelanau Almanac for the Week of May 21-27, 2009 and the Leelanau Almanac for the Week of June 4-10, 2009.