Squirrel feeding in the early season.
By Jack Payne
Was I hearing the sound of bark scratching? Straining my ears, the sound intensified, and then I heard the rustling of leaves on the ground.
Sure enough, a bushytail squirrel appeared.
I love all aspects of squirrel hunting. Some benefits are: it’s pure fun, a great way to scout deer, and an excellent introduction for new hunters.
Squirrels are plentiful. A hunter can stalk and stop, sit and drink coffee, float a stream of, if lucky, walk the edge of a corn field. Make one mistake when deer hunting, and your hunt might be over. Make a mistake with a squirrel, and the chances are a second squirrel will appear shortly.
Eighty thousand acres of public land are within the range of most of the readers. Muskegon and Allegan County lead the way in public land, followed by Barry County. Ottawa County is a bit more limited on quality public land.
Public land can be a bit on the crowded side when targeting deer, but nearly void of hunters during the early portion of the squirrel season.
Squirrel season can be broken down into three periods. In the early season, starting in September, the tree and ground foliage are at their peak. Mid-
October, the foliage starts thinning out, and the visibility greatly improves. After the two-week gun season and lasting until the end of the season, towards winter’s end, visibility is at its greatest.
I use the September portion of the season to scout deer and turkey. Speaking of turkey, this year you can buy a fall turkey tag over the counter in many areas.
I like to sit from dark until a good hour after sunrise. Then I will often walk 20 yards, maybe stop and lean against a tree for five minutes, and walk another 20 or 30 yards. If I see or hear a squirrel, most likely I will park my butt on the ground for a few minutes.
My October squirrel hunting consists of a drift trip down a favorite stream. There is nothing like a slow float trip on a nice October day. Starting your hunt with a cool morning breeze and enjoying the day as the temperatures rise is relaxing and very rewarding.
We hunt out of my Radisson Canoe. The canoe has padded seats, and you sit below the water line. When we hunt from a canoe, only the person in the front will shoot. The person in the back paddles, steers, and enjoys the ride. We often switch over after an hour. This is a special hunt that I really cherish.
Starting in January, I will hit the woods with my dog. My Brittney will tree a squirrel, and that its itself is a hoot. Once he spots a squirrel, he is off to the races, barking like crazy. Once the squirrel is treed, he will jump and scratch at the tree. Sometimes the squirrel will sit on a limb and bark at my dog.
Hunting without my dog is more productive, but I enjoy taking my dog. Hunting without my dog required carrying a thermos of coffee and a seat cushion.
Finding the acorns is the battle. Once you find a feeding area, the fun begins. Just sit down, relax, and once the sun is peaking over the horizon, start listening for the squirrels. A squirrel makes plenty of noise on both the frozen bark of a tree and the frozen ground and pile of frozen leaves.
A winter squirrel has food on its mind. This is where I love the .22 rifle. Take your time, allowing the squirrel to get close. If you shoot it, leave it. Wait a few minutes, and most likely another squirrel will show itself.
I carry two squirrel calls with me. The Mr. Squirrel call looks like a quarter with a small hole drilled through the center. This call makes a distress sound, and often the squirrel will respond with a barking sound. The other call looks like a duck or deer call that I thump against my hand. Give them both a try and stop in and visit Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop.
Was I hearing the sound of bark scratching? Straining my ears, the sound intensified, and then I heard the rustling of leaves on the ground.
Sure enough, a bushytail squirrel appeared.
I love all aspects of squirrel hunting. Some benefits are: it’s pure fun, a great way to scout deer, and an excellent introduction for new hunters.
Squirrels are plentiful. A hunter can stalk and stop, sit and drink coffee, float a stream of, if lucky, walk the edge of a corn field. Make one mistake when deer hunting, and your hunt might be over. Make a mistake with a squirrel, and the chances are a second squirrel will appear shortly.
Eighty thousand acres of public land are within the range of most of the readers. Muskegon and Allegan County lead the way in public land, followed by Barry County. Ottawa County is a bit more limited on quality public land.
Public land can be a bit on the crowded side when targeting deer, but nearly void of hunters during the early portion of the squirrel season.
Squirrel season can be broken down into three periods. In the early season, starting in September, the tree and ground foliage are at their peak. Mid-
October, the foliage starts thinning out, and the visibility greatly improves. After the two-week gun season and lasting until the end of the season, towards winter’s end, visibility is at its greatest.
I use the September portion of the season to scout deer and turkey. Speaking of turkey, this year you can buy a fall turkey tag over the counter in many areas.
I like to sit from dark until a good hour after sunrise. Then I will often walk 20 yards, maybe stop and lean against a tree for five minutes, and walk another 20 or 30 yards. If I see or hear a squirrel, most likely I will park my butt on the ground for a few minutes.
My October squirrel hunting consists of a drift trip down a favorite stream. There is nothing like a slow float trip on a nice October day. Starting your hunt with a cool morning breeze and enjoying the day as the temperatures rise is relaxing and very rewarding.
We hunt out of my Radisson Canoe. The canoe has padded seats, and you sit below the water line. When we hunt from a canoe, only the person in the front will shoot. The person in the back paddles, steers, and enjoys the ride. We often switch over after an hour. This is a special hunt that I really cherish.
Starting in January, I will hit the woods with my dog. My Brittney will tree a squirrel, and that its itself is a hoot. Once he spots a squirrel, he is off to the races, barking like crazy. Once the squirrel is treed, he will jump and scratch at the tree. Sometimes the squirrel will sit on a limb and bark at my dog.
Hunting without my dog is more productive, but I enjoy taking my dog. Hunting without my dog required carrying a thermos of coffee and a seat cushion.
Finding the acorns is the battle. Once you find a feeding area, the fun begins. Just sit down, relax, and once the sun is peaking over the horizon, start listening for the squirrels. A squirrel makes plenty of noise on both the frozen bark of a tree and the frozen ground and pile of frozen leaves.
A winter squirrel has food on its mind. This is where I love the .22 rifle. Take your time, allowing the squirrel to get close. If you shoot it, leave it. Wait a few minutes, and most likely another squirrel will show itself.
I carry two squirrel calls with me. The Mr. Squirrel call looks like a quarter with a small hole drilled through the center. This call makes a distress sound, and often the squirrel will respond with a barking sound. The other call looks like a duck or deer call that I thump against my hand. Give them both a try and stop in and visit Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop.
Invasive Purple Jewelweed Detected in Kalamazoo Park
Invasive purple jewelweed (Impatiens glandulifera), also known as Himalayan balsam, isn’t common across Michigan, but it has been detected and is being managed in some areas of the Upper Peninsula.
Due to a citizen’s online report, the plant recently was detected in the City of Kalamazoo’s Frays Park. The plant has been identified and removed in other locations in the Lower Peninsula, making this the only known active population downstate.
Hannah Whiteman, landscape coordinator at Kalamazoo Parks, encountered the plant last year, independent of the citizen report.
“I knew right away this was an unusual plant, so I took some photos,” Whiteman said. “It wasn’t until winter that I took a tutorial on the [Midwest Invasive Species Information Network’s] MISIN Learn platform and used my photos to determine the plant was invasive purple jewelweed.”
She started looking for the patch of plants again this summer, but the site had been mowed, so the plants didn’t appear in any identifiable form until July. This was right about the time she was contacted by Barry, Calhoun and Kalamazoo Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area coordinator Sara Huetteman, who wanted to verify the online report.
Once the patch of plants was located and positively identified, BCK CISMA and some new invasive species program staff with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources met onsite to pull all visible plants and dispose of them.
“This was a good example of how Michigan’s CISMAs work collaboratively to manage invasive species,” Huetteman said. “Hannah at Kzoo Parks was able to keep an eye on the site until the plants re-emerged. I reached out to the Michigan Invasive Species Program to let them know the report was confirmed, and their new staff was able to get some hands-on training in identifying and removing purple jewelweed.”
BCK CISMA will regularly monitor the site and remove any purple jewelweed plants that emerge in the coming years.
—————
Why is this plant a concern?
With showy, purple to white, orchid-like blooms and high nectar volume, purple jewelweed is attractive to both humans and wildlife, but it has highly invasive qualities. It spreads quickly due to high seed production, and it can grow in most conditions, often outcompeting native species.
Purple jewelweed thrives in forests and wetlands and along riverbanks, where it can increase erosion due to its shallow roots. Because of its plentiful nectar, it may reduce pollinators’ interest in native plants and crops.
—————
You can help
• Don’t plant it – Purple jewelweed is on Michigan’s invasive species watch list because of its invasive qualities, but it is not currently regulated in the state. The Michigan Invasive Species Program discourages cultivating this plant because of its ability to spread beyond garden areas.
• Identify it – Purple jewelweed is an annual plant that grows 3-6 feet tall and has green, purple or red stems that are smooth and hollow. Flowers, which appear between June and September, are orchid-shaped and can be purple, pink or white. Leaves are long and narrow with serrated edges. Ripe fruit capsules explode when touched.
• Report it – Report any suspected sightings of invasive purple jewelweed by using the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network’s online reporting tool or the MISIN smartphone app. Be sure to note the location and submit photos of the plant’s stem, leaves and flowers, if available.
There are many ways to learn more about invasive species. If you prefer a hands-on approach, find volunteer opportunities through your local CISMA or the Michigan state park stewardship program.
Within the City of Kalamazoo, check out the Spot & Stop Invasive Species Removal program, which offers monthly identification and removal events at local parks.
Those who prefer self-study can find dozens of online invasive species identification tutorials on MISIN Learn, at Learn.MISIN .MSU.edu.
For more information on Michigan’s Invasive Species Program, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.
Due to a citizen’s online report, the plant recently was detected in the City of Kalamazoo’s Frays Park. The plant has been identified and removed in other locations in the Lower Peninsula, making this the only known active population downstate.
Hannah Whiteman, landscape coordinator at Kalamazoo Parks, encountered the plant last year, independent of the citizen report.
“I knew right away this was an unusual plant, so I took some photos,” Whiteman said. “It wasn’t until winter that I took a tutorial on the [Midwest Invasive Species Information Network’s] MISIN Learn platform and used my photos to determine the plant was invasive purple jewelweed.”
She started looking for the patch of plants again this summer, but the site had been mowed, so the plants didn’t appear in any identifiable form until July. This was right about the time she was contacted by Barry, Calhoun and Kalamazoo Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area coordinator Sara Huetteman, who wanted to verify the online report.
Once the patch of plants was located and positively identified, BCK CISMA and some new invasive species program staff with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources met onsite to pull all visible plants and dispose of them.
“This was a good example of how Michigan’s CISMAs work collaboratively to manage invasive species,” Huetteman said. “Hannah at Kzoo Parks was able to keep an eye on the site until the plants re-emerged. I reached out to the Michigan Invasive Species Program to let them know the report was confirmed, and their new staff was able to get some hands-on training in identifying and removing purple jewelweed.”
BCK CISMA will regularly monitor the site and remove any purple jewelweed plants that emerge in the coming years.
—————
Why is this plant a concern?
With showy, purple to white, orchid-like blooms and high nectar volume, purple jewelweed is attractive to both humans and wildlife, but it has highly invasive qualities. It spreads quickly due to high seed production, and it can grow in most conditions, often outcompeting native species.
Purple jewelweed thrives in forests and wetlands and along riverbanks, where it can increase erosion due to its shallow roots. Because of its plentiful nectar, it may reduce pollinators’ interest in native plants and crops.
—————
You can help
• Don’t plant it – Purple jewelweed is on Michigan’s invasive species watch list because of its invasive qualities, but it is not currently regulated in the state. The Michigan Invasive Species Program discourages cultivating this plant because of its ability to spread beyond garden areas.
• Identify it – Purple jewelweed is an annual plant that grows 3-6 feet tall and has green, purple or red stems that are smooth and hollow. Flowers, which appear between June and September, are orchid-shaped and can be purple, pink or white. Leaves are long and narrow with serrated edges. Ripe fruit capsules explode when touched.
• Report it – Report any suspected sightings of invasive purple jewelweed by using the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network’s online reporting tool or the MISIN smartphone app. Be sure to note the location and submit photos of the plant’s stem, leaves and flowers, if available.
There are many ways to learn more about invasive species. If you prefer a hands-on approach, find volunteer opportunities through your local CISMA or the Michigan state park stewardship program.
Within the City of Kalamazoo, check out the Spot & Stop Invasive Species Removal program, which offers monthly identification and removal events at local parks.
Those who prefer self-study can find dozens of online invasive species identification tutorials on MISIN Learn, at Learn.MISIN .MSU.edu.
For more information on Michigan’s Invasive Species Program, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.
Outdoor Truths
By Gary Miller
We are quickly coming to everyone’s favorite time of year. The signs of summer’s close are the start of school, Labor Day, and another hunting season.
Autumn in most states brings cool mornings and warm evenings. It’s the days that country folks enjoy the screen door and open windows. The air seems cleaner and fresher, and the once hazy skies are now as clear as a mountain stream.
The most prominent signs of fall are the leaves that are changing from hues of green into colors as different as the trees themselves. My part of the country is known for the beautiful fall colors that cover the mountains like Joseph’s coat of many colors.
During the summer months, from a distance, every tree looks the same. The hills seem covered with one big blob of green. And while the evergreens may stand out from their needles, the rest of the landscape is uniform. Each tree has thrived under the good conditions of spring and summer.
When the pressure of fall comes each tree begins to show its own unique colors. Fall is not the time of plenty; it is the time of lack. This lack is what causes the leaves to turn. We might say that when each tree is under the pressure of a lack of sustenance, it begins to show its true colors. The same can be said about us.
Many times in our life, we are forced under some pressure. One of the most common pressures is the one that comes from a perceived lack of what we need. As with any pressure, we are squeezed to the point that what is inside comes out. We show our true colors.
Now this doesn’t mean that one bad moment is the determining factor of who we really are. But pressure that is put on us over time will reveal what we are made of.
What we need to understand is that many times it is God who is applying the pressure to us. He is not doing it so He can find out what we will do – He already knows; but He is doing it so we can know and so that we can see what is truly in our heart and if we really trust in God who has promised to provide everything we need.
Thankfully, these difficult times are only seasons. Although they seem permanent at times, one day they will give way to another time of growth and prosperity. And I pray that while autumn is in the air, your summer of blessings is just arriving.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 22 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@ outdoortruths.org.
We are quickly coming to everyone’s favorite time of year. The signs of summer’s close are the start of school, Labor Day, and another hunting season.
Autumn in most states brings cool mornings and warm evenings. It’s the days that country folks enjoy the screen door and open windows. The air seems cleaner and fresher, and the once hazy skies are now as clear as a mountain stream.
The most prominent signs of fall are the leaves that are changing from hues of green into colors as different as the trees themselves. My part of the country is known for the beautiful fall colors that cover the mountains like Joseph’s coat of many colors.
During the summer months, from a distance, every tree looks the same. The hills seem covered with one big blob of green. And while the evergreens may stand out from their needles, the rest of the landscape is uniform. Each tree has thrived under the good conditions of spring and summer.
When the pressure of fall comes each tree begins to show its own unique colors. Fall is not the time of plenty; it is the time of lack. This lack is what causes the leaves to turn. We might say that when each tree is under the pressure of a lack of sustenance, it begins to show its true colors. The same can be said about us.
Many times in our life, we are forced under some pressure. One of the most common pressures is the one that comes from a perceived lack of what we need. As with any pressure, we are squeezed to the point that what is inside comes out. We show our true colors.
Now this doesn’t mean that one bad moment is the determining factor of who we really are. But pressure that is put on us over time will reveal what we are made of.
What we need to understand is that many times it is God who is applying the pressure to us. He is not doing it so He can find out what we will do – He already knows; but He is doing it so we can know and so that we can see what is truly in our heart and if we really trust in God who has promised to provide everything we need.
Thankfully, these difficult times are only seasons. Although they seem permanent at times, one day they will give way to another time of growth and prosperity. And I pray that while autumn is in the air, your summer of blessings is just arriving.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 22 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@ outdoortruths.org.
Public Invited to Review State Wildlife Action Plan
The Kirtland’s warbler is one of those vulnerable species that the Michigan State Wildlife Action Plan seeks to protect. The plan is available for public review and comment through Sept. 12.
Photo courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Michigan is one of the only strongholds for some of North America’s most unique and vulnerable wildlife.
Whether it’s the Kirtland’s warbler nesting in young jack pine forests, piping plovers scurrying across sandy Great Lakes beaches or the Karner blue butterfly flitting among wild lupine in oak savannas, these species rely on rare habitats that exist almost exclusively here. Their survival depends on conservation actions, and Michigan’s State Wildlife Action Plan, or SWAP, is the roadmap that helps make that possible.
The SWAP is a guiding conservation strategy to protect the state’s rare and declining species and the habitats they depend on. Now, Michiganders have an opportunity to weigh in on that strategy.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has released the updated draft of the State Wildlife Action Plan for public review and comment, open through Sept. 12.
“This plan is about protecting the unique fish and wildlife that call Michigan home. Not just because they’re rare, but because they’re a reflection of the health of our forests, waters and communities,” said Tony Henehan, Michigan’s State Wildlife Action Plan coordinator. “Whether you care about native pollinators, rare birds, or just want future generations to enjoy clean water and great outdoor recreation, this plan matters.”
The SWAP is developed in close partnership with tribal governments, conservation organizations, researchers and other stakeholders. It identifies Species of Greatest Conservation Need and outlines specific actions to restore, monitor and protect them.
From a wide range of species such as the northern leopard frog to Blanding’s turtle to osprey and walleye, the plan targets threats and prioritizes habitat improvements that benefit a range of wildlife and ecosystem services.
Henehan said that while it’s grounded in science, the plan also connects directly to quality of life: “Habitat conservation supports bird watching, hunting, fishing, hiking and other outdoor recreation that is so much a part of Michigan’s identity and economy.”
How to review and comment
Access the draft 2025 chapter revisions on the State Wildlife Action Plan webpage, which is available via Michigan.gov/Wildlife. Use the dropdown menu to make a chapter selection. The plan is divided into chapters so you can focus on the sections that matter most to you. They include:
• Warmwater streams and their headwaters.
• St. Clair and Detroit River System.
• Littoral zones.
• Great Lakes ciscoes.
• Forested wetlands
• Coldwater streams.
• Coldwater lakes.
• Big rivers.
• Wildlife health.
• Peatlands.
• Mines and caves.
• Islands.
• Great Lakes coastal systems.
• Grasslands.
• Dynamic forests.
• Dry forests, savannas and barrens.
• Boreal forests.
• Bedrock communities.
Each chapter includes a short poll where you can rate your satisfaction and leave feedback. Polls are quick, just a minute or two each, and your comments will help inform the final version of the plan, which will be published in 2026.
“Your voice matters,” Henrehan said. “This is a simple, yet impactful way you can help shape Michigan’s wildlife future today.”
Whether it’s the Kirtland’s warbler nesting in young jack pine forests, piping plovers scurrying across sandy Great Lakes beaches or the Karner blue butterfly flitting among wild lupine in oak savannas, these species rely on rare habitats that exist almost exclusively here. Their survival depends on conservation actions, and Michigan’s State Wildlife Action Plan, or SWAP, is the roadmap that helps make that possible.
The SWAP is a guiding conservation strategy to protect the state’s rare and declining species and the habitats they depend on. Now, Michiganders have an opportunity to weigh in on that strategy.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has released the updated draft of the State Wildlife Action Plan for public review and comment, open through Sept. 12.
“This plan is about protecting the unique fish and wildlife that call Michigan home. Not just because they’re rare, but because they’re a reflection of the health of our forests, waters and communities,” said Tony Henehan, Michigan’s State Wildlife Action Plan coordinator. “Whether you care about native pollinators, rare birds, or just want future generations to enjoy clean water and great outdoor recreation, this plan matters.”
The SWAP is developed in close partnership with tribal governments, conservation organizations, researchers and other stakeholders. It identifies Species of Greatest Conservation Need and outlines specific actions to restore, monitor and protect them.
From a wide range of species such as the northern leopard frog to Blanding’s turtle to osprey and walleye, the plan targets threats and prioritizes habitat improvements that benefit a range of wildlife and ecosystem services.
Henehan said that while it’s grounded in science, the plan also connects directly to quality of life: “Habitat conservation supports bird watching, hunting, fishing, hiking and other outdoor recreation that is so much a part of Michigan’s identity and economy.”
How to review and comment
Access the draft 2025 chapter revisions on the State Wildlife Action Plan webpage, which is available via Michigan.gov/Wildlife. Use the dropdown menu to make a chapter selection. The plan is divided into chapters so you can focus on the sections that matter most to you. They include:
• Warmwater streams and their headwaters.
• St. Clair and Detroit River System.
• Littoral zones.
• Great Lakes ciscoes.
• Forested wetlands
• Coldwater streams.
• Coldwater lakes.
• Big rivers.
• Wildlife health.
• Peatlands.
• Mines and caves.
• Islands.
• Great Lakes coastal systems.
• Grasslands.
• Dynamic forests.
• Dry forests, savannas and barrens.
• Boreal forests.
• Bedrock communities.
Each chapter includes a short poll where you can rate your satisfaction and leave feedback. Polls are quick, just a minute or two each, and your comments will help inform the final version of the plan, which will be published in 2026.
“Your voice matters,” Henrehan said. “This is a simple, yet impactful way you can help shape Michigan’s wildlife future today.”
Three Ways to Preserve the Beauty of Your Summer Garden
Lay flat-faced flowers, like these Shasta daisies, face down on a flat surface to dry.
Photo courtesy MelindaMyers.com
By Melinda Myers
Fall is quickly approaching and as you prepare for the change of seasons, consider preserving some of your summer garden’s beauty. Photograph, dry, or press a few of your favorite flowers to enjoy and share with others.
Cell phone cameras have greatly improved and allow even novice photographers the opportunity to capture the beauty of their gardens and favorite plants. Visit your garden in the early morning or evening when the light tends to be perfect for taking pictures. Try focusing on a favorite flower, bouquet or garden that you love. Watch how plant shapes, colors and textures contrast and combine to create pockets of beauty in the garden.
Harvest and dry some of your favorite flowers for dried arrangements and crafts. Pick the flowers when they are at peak bloom and dry them. Cut the flowers midday when they contain less moisture, reducing the dry time.
Use a bypass pruner or garden scissors to cut the stems above a set of healthy leaves. Remove the foliage and gather them into small bundles. Secure the stems with rubber bands. They will contract when the stems shrink and continue to hold the stems tightly. Use a spring-loaded clothespin to hang the bundles from a hanger, clothesline or nail. Allow the flowers to dry in a warm, dark, dust-free location.
Lay flat-faced flowers, like daisies, face down on a flat surface to dry since they tend to close a bit when hung upside down. Simply cut off the stem and place the flowers face down on newspaper or craft paper in a warm, dry location. Once dried, you can glue them in place or use florist wire to create stems for arranging.
Be sure to pick a few seedpods and seedheads from perennials and ornamental grasses. Allow them to dry on the plants, harvest and use them to add interesting texture and form to your dried flower arrangements and projects.
Try pressing a few flowers to use for making cards, gifts, and works of art. Just place the leaves and flowers between pieces of craft or similar paper in a flower press or heavy book. You can purchase or make your own flower press with wood, bolts, wing nuts, cardboard, and paper. Be sure to sandwich the flowers between sufficient layers of paper to protect the pages of your book.
Use freshly picked flowers at their peak of beauty for best results. Arrange the leaves and petals as desired before pressing, since they will dry the way you place them.
Once your flowers are placed in between the paper and pages of the book, close it, and stack a few books on top for added weight. Or evenly tighten the flower press to apply needed pressure. Your dried flowers will be ready in about a month.
Store pressed flowers in paper envelopes or between sheets of paper. Place them in cardboard boxes in a dry location until you are ready to create your pressed flower project.
As your gardens transition into fall, look for other flowers, foliage and seed pods to add to your dried flower collection. Continue to photograph your garden and enjoy the beauty every change of season provides.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is MelindaMyers.com.
Fall is quickly approaching and as you prepare for the change of seasons, consider preserving some of your summer garden’s beauty. Photograph, dry, or press a few of your favorite flowers to enjoy and share with others.
Cell phone cameras have greatly improved and allow even novice photographers the opportunity to capture the beauty of their gardens and favorite plants. Visit your garden in the early morning or evening when the light tends to be perfect for taking pictures. Try focusing on a favorite flower, bouquet or garden that you love. Watch how plant shapes, colors and textures contrast and combine to create pockets of beauty in the garden.
Harvest and dry some of your favorite flowers for dried arrangements and crafts. Pick the flowers when they are at peak bloom and dry them. Cut the flowers midday when they contain less moisture, reducing the dry time.
Use a bypass pruner or garden scissors to cut the stems above a set of healthy leaves. Remove the foliage and gather them into small bundles. Secure the stems with rubber bands. They will contract when the stems shrink and continue to hold the stems tightly. Use a spring-loaded clothespin to hang the bundles from a hanger, clothesline or nail. Allow the flowers to dry in a warm, dark, dust-free location.
Lay flat-faced flowers, like daisies, face down on a flat surface to dry since they tend to close a bit when hung upside down. Simply cut off the stem and place the flowers face down on newspaper or craft paper in a warm, dry location. Once dried, you can glue them in place or use florist wire to create stems for arranging.
Be sure to pick a few seedpods and seedheads from perennials and ornamental grasses. Allow them to dry on the plants, harvest and use them to add interesting texture and form to your dried flower arrangements and projects.
Try pressing a few flowers to use for making cards, gifts, and works of art. Just place the leaves and flowers between pieces of craft or similar paper in a flower press or heavy book. You can purchase or make your own flower press with wood, bolts, wing nuts, cardboard, and paper. Be sure to sandwich the flowers between sufficient layers of paper to protect the pages of your book.
Use freshly picked flowers at their peak of beauty for best results. Arrange the leaves and petals as desired before pressing, since they will dry the way you place them.
Once your flowers are placed in between the paper and pages of the book, close it, and stack a few books on top for added weight. Or evenly tighten the flower press to apply needed pressure. Your dried flowers will be ready in about a month.
Store pressed flowers in paper envelopes or between sheets of paper. Place them in cardboard boxes in a dry location until you are ready to create your pressed flower project.
As your gardens transition into fall, look for other flowers, foliage and seed pods to add to your dried flower collection. Continue to photograph your garden and enjoy the beauty every change of season provides.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is MelindaMyers.com.
