The Gardens of Mackinac Island


Book Description

Take a tour through Mackinac Island's private and public outdoor spaces for a rare peek at gardens both humble and grand. Each garden has a story, many have secrets, and most have a connection to the past. Come to the gardens and hear the voices of those who love them. With more than 600 color photographs featuring nearly 100 gardens and the Mackinac Island State Park, this book masterfully interweaves narratives, poetry, history and horticulture of this unique island, creating a time capsule of past and present. Mackinac's premier landscape architect Jack Barnwell along with his fellow island landscape designers and local gardeners show how they bring a unique sense of style in the outdoors. From naturalized rock gardens, tranquil ponds, fragrant lilacs and heirloom perennial gardens, to classical statues, elegant fountains, historic pergolas and showy border gardens, The Gardens of Mackinac Island provides a welcome variety of inspiration for creating an inviting, relaxing outdoor space.




Lilacs


Book Description

Horses, history and lilacs are interwoven in Mackinac Island's fabric. The iconic blossoms grow all over the island, from back alleys to the Grand Hotel's hillside to entire hedges at British Landing. The crown jewel is Marquette Park with nearly 115 plants and about 75 varieties. During lilac time in June, a fragrant canopy of color rises as high as 18 feet on the oldest lilacs. Strong winds off the lake have twisted and turned the gnarled branches of these old giants for more than 200 years. Nowhere else on the planet can you find such architecture as this in a lilac. LILACS: A Fortnight of Fragrance on Mackinac Island takes you on a photographic tour of lilacs unfolding in island gardens while sharing insight on when lilacs were first planted here, why they thrive in Mackinac Island's climate, how they inspire artists, and the efforts of Islanders to celebrate and sustain these beautiful plants.




The Proven Winners Garden Book


Book Description

Garden with the confidence of a winner! Proven Winners is America’s #1 plant brand. And now they are sharing their expert plant knowledge and creative design ideas in their first book, The Proven Winners Garden Book. This definitive guide starts with lessons on how to prepare a space, tips on choosing the right design, and a primer on buying the right plants. Twelve garden plans provide simple design ideas that will add curb appeal to your home garden. They include: A welcoming entryway A butterfly and pollinator garden A fragrant flower garden A shady summertime retreat A deer-resistant garden There are an additional twenty-five container recipes that add color and pizzazz to gardens of all sizes—even on balconies and patios. The creative combinations include holiday themes, solutions for shade and other concerns, poolside ideas, and much more.




Monet's Passion


Book Description

In this best-selling book Elizabeth Murray discusses the development and maintenance of Claude Monet's Giverny estate as well as Monet's color theories, design elements, and use of light and shade. Richly illustrated with Murray's lush photographs of the present-day Giverny gardens, Monet's Passion also offers full-color illustrations of the gardens drawn to scale and four Giverny-based garden plans that can be executed anywhere.




Rooms to Remember


Book Description

-This book is the perfect visual guide for anyone ready to explore the beauty and history the hotel has to offer, and a takeaway memento for those who've visited this special place Located in the Straits of Mackinac between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, Mackinac Island is a magical place, accessible only by ferry, private boat, or small plane. In 1887, Grand Hotel was built on the island to accommodate a new leisure class. Today, horse-drawn carriages (no motorized vehicles are allowed) still bring guests to the 660-foot-long porch to catch the breezes off the Great Lakes. When the Musser family - the owners of the hotel - brought in designer Carleton Varney, a 40-year relationship began, as did an ongoing mission to renovate, update, and create the guest rooms, public spaces, and outer buildings of Grand Hotel. That project continues today. ("The job of decorating is never done," says the designer.) Varney has developed a vision that brings visitors back year after year to their choice of the 397 rooms - no two of which are alike. In Rooms to Remember, Varney - in his usual colorful and anecdote-filled style - walks the reader through over 200 lavish photographs of the 43 Named Rooms and Suites, providing decorating details, history, and insights. This book is the perfect visual guide for anyone ready to explore the beauty and history the hotel has to offer, and a takeaway memento for those who've visited this special place. Come along and join this glorious tour of an iconic American hotel!




Devin Rhodes is Dead


Book Description

Told in alternating "Before" and "After" chapters, Kam's novel focuses on the events leading up to and just after Cass's best friend Devin's body is found at the bottom of a local ravine. Part realism, part ghost story, and part coming-of-age tale, this young adult novel will draw you in and keep you turning pages until the dramatic conclusion.




An Introduction to the Gardens of Mackinac Island


Book Description

Mackinac Island's unique location, quaint horse culture and crop of passionate gardeners has led to the creation of many spectacular gardens. Guided by one of Mackinac's premier landscape designers, explore the island through its most breathtaking garden vistas.




Mackinac Passage


Book Description

Fifteen-year-old Pete Jenkins and his three summer friends visit the nearby Round Island Lighthouse after crossing the turbulent water of Lake Huron in their tiny dingy. After exploring the island they return to find their picnic basket turned upside down and a warning message in their boat. The threat on their lives only heightens their curiosity and leads them on the trail of dangerous thieves. Along the way the four friends discover a side of Mackinac Island that goes beyond fudge and horses---and eventually leads them into life-threatening danger.




Henry Hastings Sibley


Book Description

The first full-scale biography of Henry Hastings Sibley, congressman, army general, and Minnesota's first governor.




Michigan Monsters


Book Description

Do you know Michigan? The Great Lakes State is such a great place to live that even little monsters have taken up residence there. Have fun spotting all the cleverly concealed little monsters as you explore some of Michigan's most iconic landmarks and sights!