Dan: Believe me if I could trade hot, hazy and humid DC for beautiful cool TC, I would in a heartbeat! I'll send my buddy gardeners (AKA my two girls) over to see you in August when they're up that way! LOL Eat some raspberries and some cherries for me! YUMMY Cheers, Ann

I know that Linwood is along the west shore of Saginaw Bay near the famed cheeze towns of Piconning and such. It is at the northmost part of the Saginaw Valley and is more continental than most of Michigan. Since that would be a safe zone 5, I'd recommend only a few plants; any flowering plum, or cherry (especially dwarf trees) would be good along with a pussy willow or forsythia. If it was about mid April, the options would multiply significantly. You may want to check with Dow Gardens (in nearby Midland) they seem to have a phenominal selection of plants and would have an expert who could suggest something other than what I just did. A google search for Dow Gardens in Midland, MI would be a good start.

Hey Dan, you should visit the Great Lakes Gardening Forum. Seems to be overflowing with folks from Michigan.

Hi all - just a quick trip report. We had such a good time in my beautiful home state of Michigan. In Detroit we went to a Tigers game and the Detroit Institute of Art among other things. Stayed near the DIA at the Inn on Ferry Street which was great for us. Mackinac Island was perfection - loved our hotel (Iroquois) and would highly recommend. Attention to every detail, luxury linens, great location. We biked the 8.2 mile perimeter along the water and we were lucky to have ideal weather. Went to Headlands Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City and that was a crazy but fun experience! Met another mother/daughter duo and we had great fun. Drove to Traverse City via M-119 through the Tunnel of Trees. We did have dinner at Stella in TC and it was delicious! Went on to climb Sleeping Bear Dune and taking the park's scenic drive along Lake Michigan. Beautiful state and great trip! Did not make it to UP or Pictured Rocks. Next trip :) http://www.iroquoishotel.com/mackinac-island-photo-gallery Arch Rock on MI Thanks for all the tips and suggestions!!