Library Blog

A patch of black-eyed Susans in the native flower garden at Cromaine Library.

The Magic of Working with Native Plants

Posted on: May 14, 2025

Gardeners are gearing up for another beautiful growing season in Michigan. There are landscapes to design, weeding to complete, and planting to be done!

Seedlings in a starting tray, in front of a window.

Spring Gardening Checklist and Upcoming Events

Posted on: April 2, 2025

Spring is coming fast, and we can't wait for another sunny growing season in Michigan!

Brian of Bees in the D with Debbie and Pat of the Hartland Home and Garden Club.

Bees in the D: An Un-BEE-leavable Program Presented by the Hartland Home & Garden Club!

Posted on: March 15, 2025

We're gearing up for spring with the Hartland Home & Garden Club!

Red and pink flowers in Cromaine's sensory garden

Explore Cromaine's Vegetable and Sensory Gardens, with Recipes!

Posted on: August 15, 2024

In this special blog post, our Community Relations Coordinator Shelby walks us through the sensory and vegetable garden beds near the South Lawn of the Library. Learn about the plants she and Librarian Loni are growing in the gardens, as

Get Inspired! Earth Day 2024

Posted on: April 17, 2024

In this special blog post, our Community Relations Coordinator, Shelby shares some simple yet impactful ideas for celebrating Earth Day and making a difference for the environment. Learn about ways to reduce plastic waste and food waste, how to pursue simple garden projects that support local wildlife, and more!

Oyster Mushrooms and the Cromaine Garden

Posted on: August 4, 2023

Have you seen the beautiful golden oyster mushrooms growing in the Cromaine vegetable garden?

Thinking Sustainably: Medicinal Plant Salves

Posted on: July 3, 2022

As we’re winding our way through midsummer, there are lots of ways to stay involved with our gardens while we anticipate the coming harvest.

Thinking Sustainably: Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants

Posted on: May 1, 2022

Here are some common weeds wild edible plants that you’re likely to encounter in your landscape this spring and summer, and why they might be worth keeping around depending on where you find them.

Thinking Sustainably: Growing Garlic

Posted on: October 3, 2021

Since garlic planted in Fall typically yields bigger, more flavorful garlic cloves, Fall is the perfect time to learn how to do it for a summertime harvest next year!

Thinking Sustainably: Growing Squash

Posted on: September 5, 2021

Pumpkin season is almost here, and with it comes gourds of every size, shape, and purpose.

Thinking Sustainably: The Function of Flowers

Posted on: July 30, 2021

This month, I want to spend some time appreciating the many benefits that flowers have to offer, both in our gardens and on our plates.

Thinking Sustainably: Save the Soil!

Posted on: July 4, 2021

If you’ve ever struggled with unhealthy plants, rampant pests, and other common gardening issues, you may want to take a look at what your plants are growing in. Soil is the foundation of a healthy garden!