Leelanau.com Blog
leelanau county news • traverse city news • michigan news

This week's photo is Flying Crane by GLASman1. He captured it this May in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore . See it background big, on his map or check out more shots in his Sandhill Cranes slideshow. You learn more about these majestic birds and see another shot from Mark on Michigan Birds: Sandhill Crane from Michigan in Pictures!

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

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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

via Michigan in Pictures...

Cherry Blossoms, photo by leelanau2010.

Every May I'm asked "When will the cherry blossoms be out?"

It's been a slow, cold spring but I'm happy to report that the answer is "Right now!"

Sweet cherry blossoms are out all over and the tart cherry blossoms will be along in a few days. That means this weekend will be the best one for photos.

David took this shot near Northport. Check it out background big, on his map or in his Cherry Blossoms slideshow.

Enjoy more blossoms and more Spring Wallpaper on Michigan in Pictures!

News, weather, events and TONS of photos from the week!!

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Cherry blossoms are starting to show around the county and I thought this cool photo from the 50s would help get you in the mood.

You can see more old cherry blossom pics in Don's slideshow and a whole bunch more shots in the Leelanau.com group's cherry blossom slideshow.

Leelanau.com has a ton of articles and photos of cherry blossoms - don't miss this great feature on cherry blossoms by Cherie Spaulding and a bit about the history of cherry blossoms in Leelanau.

Read on for the news, weather, events and photos from this week in Leelanau.
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