November 2023
LTPL Grows Newsletter

 
November
 
Summer was made for the wandering heart,
The changing beauty and wonderment
In the long, gray stretches of open road
With only the sky for a wayside tent.
Meadowlarks singing beyond the hedge,
Grass with the shimmer of dew still wet;
A noon day rest by the water's edge
Summer was marvelous sweet; and yet:
November days and a bright wood fire;
A hearth and a home and the Heart's Desire.
                
Excerpt from the poem “November”
by: Esther M. Clark (1876-1932)
                  
 

Why does LTPL have a Seed Library? 
We are often asked how our LTPL Seed Library works and why a public library has a seed library. Seed libraries play a vital role in promoting biodiversity, food security, and sustainable agriculture. LTPL is proud to house a seed library that embraces and encourages the following principles:
  1. Preservation of Plant Diversity: Seed libraries help preserve a wide range of plant varieties, including heirloom and indigenous varieties that are often not commercially available. This diversity is critical for maintaining genetic resources and adapting to changing environmental conditions.
  2. Food Security: A diverse pool of seeds ensures that a wide variety of crops can be grown, which is important for food security. If a single crop variety becomes susceptible to disease or environmental changes, having alternative seeds can help mitigate the risks to food production.
  3. Local Adaptation: Seeds saved and shared through seed libraries often come from local sources and have adapted to regional conditions. These seeds are well-suited for local climates, soil types, and pests, making them more resilient and productive.
  4. Community Engagement: Seed libraries foster community involvement and education. They often serve as educational hubs where people can learn about gardening, seed saving, and sustainable agriculture practices. This sense of community and shared knowledge can help build stronger and more resilient communities.
  5. Cost Savings: Access to a seed library can save gardeners and farmers money. They don't need to purchase new seeds every season, reducing the financial barrier to starting a garden and growing their own food.
  6. Resilience to Climate Change: As the climate changes, certain crops may become less viable, and new ones may become more suitable. Seed libraries can facilitate the exchange of seeds that are better adapted to changing climate conditions.
  7. Conservation of Heirloom Varieties: Seed libraries are often champions of heirloom and heritage varieties, which may not be in commercial production. These varieties often have unique flavors and traits, contributing to culinary diversity and cultural heritage.
  8. Legislation and Intellectual Property Issues: The availability of seeds in seed libraries can help counteract restrictive intellectual property laws and corporate control over seed access. Seed libraries promote seed sovereignty and open access to genetic resources.
  9. Pollinator Habitat: Some seed libraries also offer pollinator-friendly seeds. Promoting pollinator habitat is essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting crop production.
  10. Sustainability: By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and seed saving, seed libraries encourage environmentally friendly growing methods that reduce the need for synthetic chemicals and support healthy ecosystems.
In every issue of this newsletter we have a section called "Seed Library News." Look there for instructions for using the seed library and updates on the latest additions and guidance for the appropriate time and method to plant. You will also find useful links to information on the LTPL Grows pages on the library's website. Watch for upcoming programs that support the seed library, such as seed starting and seed saving. Learn to save your own seeds and donate some seed back to the seed library. We welcome you to become an LTPL Grows Seed Library Power User!
 
Upcoming LTPL Grows Programs 


 
 
 
Growing and Using Scented Geraniums
Monday, November 20, 2023 at 6:30 pm
 
Join us to learn about the wonderful world of scented geraniums and the wide variety of scents, leaf shapes, and flowers that are available. Find out how to grow, propagate, and use these versatile plants in cooking and and crafts. You will get a chance to "scratch and sniff" several varieties of scented geraniums. You will leave with your own scented geranium starter plant with instructions and recipes to take home
and enjoy!
 
 
Winter Sowing
Monday, December 4, 2023 at 6:30 pm

Learn how to use the rhythms of the winter season to sow and grow seeds of perennials, hardy annuals, trees, shrubs, and native plants that require a cold period in order to germinate. This method uses natural light and cold and items already found in your home or recycle bin. No need to purchase special equipment. It is the perfect way to get a head start on your garden during the long winter months!
Make & Take
Mason Jar Paperwhites
Monday, December 18, 2023
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Stop by the library and create a lovely holiday gift for yourself or a nature-loving friend or relative. Paperwhites are a fragrant winter treat and are surprisingly easy to grow! All materials and instructions for care will be provided. This program is for grown-ups only. Please limit one per person.
 
 
Herb of the Month: Scented Geranium 
The November Herb of the Month is the Scented Geranium. 
*Please note that the November Herb of the Month program involves live plants and a program on Scented Geraniums on Monday, November 20 at 6:30 pm (see Upcoming Programs above). This necessitates a change from our normal Herb of the Month routine. During the program, you will receive a kit with the growing instructions, recipes, and properties of scented geraniums and a scented geranium starter plant. 
For those who cannot attend the program, the kits (including a live plant) will be available for pick-up on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 21 & 22, or November 28 & 29. You will receive an email reminder to pick up your kit and instructions on where the kits will be (depending on the temperature in the curbside pick-up area.) The live plants will have to be removed from the library for the Thanksgiving closure, so if you sign up for the first week please pick them up by Wednesday.  To receive your kit (if you are NOT attending the program), sign up here:  
 
The Herb of the Month will be announced every month in the LTPL Grows newsletter. There will not be a Herb of the Month selection in December. To subscribe to the newsletter, click here. 
 
 
Seed Library News
It's November!   
Gardening handouts are available at the Seed Library and also on the LTPL Grows Webpage, along with informative videos!The LTPL Seed Library is open for business all year long with seasonally appropriate seeds added on an ongoing basis. As we enter the colder months of winter we turn our attention to native plants, perennials, wildflowers, trees and shrubs that need a cold period before they will germinate. Look for new additions to the seed library just ahead of the upcoming program on "Winter Sowing" that will be held on Monday, November 4, at 6:30 pm.
The mission of the seed library is to promote gardening and encourage sustainability through seed saving. The seeds are available at no cost to you. Although it is not required, we hope that you will attempt to save seeds from your crops and return them to the seed library to help keep it self-sustaining. First time users of the Seed Library need to register. You may do so with this form or in-person at the seed library. Once you have registered, you log your initials and number of packets taken on the clipboard. The clipboard and instructions are on top of the Seed Library cabinet.  
 
 
November Garden Calendar
In November:
  • Continue garden chores for as long as weather allows: pulling weeds, adding compost and mulch, watering newly planted perennials, shrubs, and trees.
  • Plant garlic, sunchokes, and spring-flowering bulbs before the ground freezes.
  • Finish harvesting hardy roots (potatoes, beets, turnips, radishes, and parsnips) and greens (kale, mustard, collards, spinach, lettuce) before a hard frost hits.
  • Add fallen leaves to your garden or compost. Shredding leaves with a shredder or lawn mower prevents matting and allows them to break down faster. 
  • Rake out and remove dropped fruit from under fruit trees to prevent insects from overwintering.
  • Winterize your sprinklers and drip irrigation systems. Drain and store garden hoses.
  • Clean, sharpen, and oil garden tools so they are ready to use in the spring.
  • Move your cured onions and garlic to cold, dark storage to prevent them from premature sprouting.
  • Sow seeds outdoors that require a cold treatment. Attend the LTPL program on Winter Sowing! (see info above)
  • Take notes about your garden while it is still fresh in your mind. What did well, what didn't, and plans for next year. 
  • Information and online resources for starting and saving seed can be found on the LTPL website. 
    Find additional resources for seed saving here:
New Gardening Books at LTPL
The Ark of Taste: Delicious and Distinctive Foods That Define the United States by David S. Shields and Giselle Kennedy Lord
Created by Slow Food USA, the Ark shines light on the history, identity and taste of the foods that are unique to our country, featuring recipes and stories of how they reach our tables.
 
The Farm Girl's Guide to Preserving the Harvest: How to Can, Freeze, Dehydrate, and Ferment Your Garden's Goodness by Ann Accetta-Scott
Accetta-Scott is author of the blog "A Farmgirl in the Making" and covers all the beginning basics of preserving up to more advanced methods. Illustrated with color photographs.
The Complete Guide to Edible Wild Plants, Mushrooms, and Nuts: Finding, Identifying, Cooking by Katie Letcher Lyle  
An illustrated Guide to the most common wild plants, complete with recipes and folklore. With this book, nature lovers will never take another hike without casting their eyes about with dinner in mind.
Michigan Gardener Magazine
 Michigan Gardener Magazine
Michigan Gardener Magazine will only be published once in May 2023. While all copies for this year have been distributed, you can visit the Michigan Gardener website for all of their newsletters and blog posts, and browse through digital back issues of the print magazine.
 

 
Four Seasons Garden Club News
Coming Events
November Meeting: The November meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 7, at 7 pm. Pam Quackenbush will give a presentation on heirloom plants and the National Heirloom Expo.
The Four Seasons Garden Club of South Lyon meets at the Center for Active Adults at the South Lyon High School on the 1st Tuesday of each month throughout the school year. Meetings and tours are held at member's homes during the summer months. Click Here for membership information.
 
Seeds and Weeds Podcast
Seeds & Weeds Podcast with Michigan's own Bevin Cohen 
Many of you will recognize Bevin Cohen from his many visits to LTPL as a presenter. Bevin (Ben) is an award winning author, herbalist, owner of Small House Farm and host of the popular Seeds & Weeds podcast.  He lives and works with his wife, Heather, and two sons, Elijah and Anakin, on their family homestead in Sanford, Michigan.
Bevin offers workshops and lectures across the country on the benefits of living closer to the land through seeds, herbs, and locally grown food. He is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in numerous publications including Mother Earth News, Hobby Farms Magazine, and The Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company Catalog. He is the author of four books, including Saving Our Seeds and The Artisan Herbalist. 
 
Additional Links & .
..Resources (and they're free!)
True Leaf Market
Preparing Your Garden For Winter: The Fall Cleanup Checklist
  
Mother Earth News
Is Leaf Compost Good for Vegetable Gardens?
Cold Hardy Plants: Grow Edible Fresh Greens Year-Round
 
Michigan State University
 
Ask MSU Extension: one to one questions answered by MSU Extension experts and MSU Master Gardener Volunteers
 
 
 DNR Logo 24 bit PNGDept of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy logoMDARD Logo
Get ready to run, walk, roll or hike your way across the starting line! Inspired by Bob Ross' love of the outdoors, the DNR's Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K is back for 2024 and has even expanded to states beyond Michigan. Proceeds from the event are used to support tree planting and forest protection efforts in state parks. Learn more and register by March 1.
 
A Fungi Foray Helps Uncover Mushroom Mysteries
 
 
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