Page 20 - Senior Times South Central Michigan April 2023 - 30-04

Page 20
Senior Times - April 2023
FIVE GARDEN TRENDS – DO YOU AGREE?
By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher
According to Megan Hughes from Better Homes and Gardens, gardening will be all about exuberant color, going big in small spaces, and native plants this year. More than that, the important part about any gar- den trend is time-management. Most want to find ways to garden smarter, not harder, and some have earth-friendly staying power that is becoming increasingly important to our ecosystem. Better Homes and Gardens sur- veyed the landscape and pulled out the top trends they see taking root in 2023. From vibrant flowers to updated garden tech, planting ideas, and new products, we're all ready to get growing this year! I know I am!
1. Fewer but Better Plants
If you’re hoping to work with a perennial instead try the garden phlox. Phlox are a perennial favorite! They range in form from a ground cover that blooms in early spring to a towering flower that blooms in mid- to late summer. Because there are so many variet- ies and types (many of which are native to North America), you can find a phlox for almost any garden. Truly, their versatility can’t be overstated.
More productive plants can definitely fill in spaces in ways that a whole lot of annuals would typically do. Look for an ever-bloom- ing plant such as a begonia that does great in the sun or shade. Keep in mind, it does need regular pruning to make sure it continues to flower. A bit of fertilizer regularly applied can really help.
sizes, colors, and forms. For long-lasting color in the garden, it’s hard to beat the durability and toughness of this hardy perennial.
• Low-growing or creeping phlox work great as ground cover.
Another option that really fills in over time is hosta, and for a large variety of options there will forever be sedum. The perennial hosta comes in many varieties, and is a shade garden favorite because of its beautiful foliage and elegant flowers. The good news is that a bit of sun doesn’t hurt either.
2. Magenta Blooms – Brave, Fearless, and Abounding in Joy
Every year, Pantone (a color expert com- pany) identifies a color of the year. Viva Magenta reigns supreme in 2023. This ber- ry-red tone is a balance between warm and cool, magenta and it will bring joyful energy to your garden. This beautiful color can be found in annuals, such as impatiens, and perennials, such as phlox. Many of you have likely seen the color abound in impatiens. As long as they are watered regularly and fertil- ized often, they will continue to bloom from
• Tall phlox are excellent as a colorful backdrop.
Fun Fact: Hostas are one of the lon- gest-living perennials. There are many cases of plants living more than a century and outliving their owners.
Find out what is native to your area, and your soil. As mentioned above hosta, sedum, phlox, impatiens, and begonia all grow well in our climate. But what about something a bit more exotic?
Sedum, on the other hand, is an easy- to-grow succulent that comes in a range of
Trying to grow cacti in Michigan that is native to Texas may leave you disappointed with your efforts. If instead, you look for
the moment you plant them in the spring, right through summer into fall. They prefer filtered shade in a location that will give you two or three hours of sun in the morning then shaded in the afternoon when the sun is strongest. The good news is they are a very responsive annual. Even if they start to get leggy and need to be pruned back, just pinch off about five inches of growth, and they'll repay you with even more blooms – and without delay.
• Medium-height varieties can fill in any gaps!
Plus, phlox are low maintenance and have a lovely fragrance.
3. Embrace Native Plants
ORGANIZATION
Alamo Transportation
Alpha Medical Transport
Battle Buddy Mobility Transport
BC Go
Branch Area Transit Authority
Community Action Senior Transportation
Marshall Dial-A-Ride
Ready Ride Transportation
Senior Transportation, DC Services LLC
AREA
Calhoun & Jackson Counties
Battle Creek Area
Southern Michigan
Battle Creek Area
Branch County
Calhoun County- Albion
Marshall
Michigan
Michigan, Northern IN
SERVICE CONDITIONS
Door-through- Door Service
Ride Sharing
Curb-To-Curb
Origination To Destination
PHONE
(517) 494-0029
(844) 895-4809
(269) 719-2501
(269) 966-3474
(517) 278-5889 (269) 565-4144
(269) 781-3975
(616) 261-2400 (517) 677-9262
HOURS
M-F, 7am-5pm
By Appointment
Daily by appointment
M-F 6am-9pm,Sat 9am-5pm
Daily
M,T,W,F, 9am-2:30pm
M-F, 7am-6pm
By Appointment
By Appointment
COST
Bills Medicare/Medicaid
Arranged through individual health insurance plans; direct pay not accepted
Bills Medicaid
Cost ranges from $3 to $15, depending on miles traveled
Half Fare for Handicapped & Senior Citizens Over 60
$1 suggested cost share per ride, funded by Senior Millage
$1.50 one-way for seniors, 60+, disabled, children 5-12, $3.00 adults/children 13+
Contact for Rates $0.50/mile
NOTES
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
Will transport within the State when available. Veteran discount.
Additional passenger $3, call for additional restrictions
Weekly Subscriptions Available
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
Free on Wed for seniors, age 60 and over
10% Discount for Veterans Starting from Tekonsha
SENIOR TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES
Albion Marshall Connector
Marshall, Ablion
Curb-To-Curb
(269) 781-3975 or (517) 654-3000
M-F, 7:30am-5:30pm
$1 one way for seniors, 60+; disabled & children 6-12,
$2 adults/children 13+
Must have exact change, can receive tokens for future trips if you overpay
Area Wide Transportation
Southern Michigan
(269) 679-6999
Available 24 hours/ day
Bills Medicare/Medicaid
Rider responsible for any costs not covered
Battle Creek Tele-Transit
Battle Creek Area
Door-to-Door Service
(269) 966-3474
M-F, 5:15am-mid- night, Sat, 9:15am-5pm
$2 one-way for senior/disabled, Personal attendants ride free, $7 adults ($5 after 6:45pm)
Reservation Needed, 10 punch pass for $20, 20 punches for $40
Battle Creek Transit - Fixed Route
Battle Creek Area
Fixed Routes
(269) 966-3474
M-F, 5:15am-mid- night, Some Routes Sat, 9:15am-5pm
$0.60 seniors
Must have exact change, 12 punch pass for $6, 48 punches for $24
Community Action Senior Transportation
Calhoun County- Battle Creek
Origination To Destination
(269) 565-4144
M-F, 8am-4:30pm
$1 suggested cost share per ride, funded by Senior Millage
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
JTC Transportation Service LLC
Calhoun County Area
Within 150 miles
(269) 339-6928
Daily 6am-8pm
Wheelchair $45+$1.25/mile, Ambulatory $35+$1.25/mile after 20miles
Mobility 1 Transportation
Southern Michigan
Will Travel Out Of Michigan
(269) 430-5055
By Appointment
Can bill some Medicaid plans
10-15% Disc for ambulatory frequency
JNZ Transportation
Michigan
(517) 879-0978
7-days, 6am-6pm
Wheelchair $45+$2/mile, Ambulatory $30+$2/mile
Details subject to change.To have your senior transportation added or changes to your listing, Call Sherii at (269) 979-1479 ext. 2 or ssherban@scenepub.com.