Blooming This Week on the Island

Dr. Ed Leuck, professor of biology at Centenary College of Louisiana is back and again sharing his wonderful photos of wild plants that are blooming on the island as they come into flower.  Dr. Leuck and his wife, Dr. Beth Leuck, have spent many summers on the island connected with the Central Michigan Biological Station at Sand Bay.  I've made all photos thumbnails, so click on the picture and it will take you to a larger size.  Please use your browsers "back" button to return to this page.  PLEASE remember that these plants are for viewing or photography only, do not pick them where you see them growing.  The following photos were taken June 16th.  Thanks so much, Dr. Leuck, for sharing these great pictures.

Bunchberry, also known as Cornus canadensis

Bastard toadflax, or Commandra umbellata

Castileja coccinea commonly known as Indian Paintbrush

Labrador tea, or Ledum groenlandica

Syinga vulgaris but better known as Lilac

Puccoon, or Lthospermum caroliniense

Starflower, or Trientalis borealis

Aralia nudicaulis, better known as wild sarsparilla

Yellow ladyslipper, also known as Cypripedium calceolus

Seven Sisters

A new business is opening on the King’s Highway this summer.  

Sheila Evans and Cindy Ricksgers, sisters, are opening a shop that reflects their interests and concerns, as well as filling a need for island visitors and residents.  “Seven Sisters” –on the west side of King’s Highway, near the four corners - will offer earth-friendly products for kitchen, garden and bath.  

It has been a long time in the planning.  Sheila and her husband, Bob, bought the home and property from Ailene Maudrie several years ago.  The old building was unused, which caused lots of speculation over what could be done with it.  Both sisters are experienced in retail business. Cindy owned and operated an art gallery/frame shop in Lapeer, Michigan before moving to Beaver Island. She has worked in customer service in one form or another for twenty-five years.  Sheila managed a Hallmark Store in Waterford, Michigan for many years.  Her products and displays brought customers from as far away as Dearborn, Grosse Pointe, and St. Claire Shores.  When her store earned the status of “Gold Crown Hallmark”, the company dictated exactly what products were carried, and much of the creative possibility was lost.  It was then that Sheila moved into her present job as a title examiner for the city of Pontiac.  The women tossed ideas around whenever they were on the island together.  Sheila wanted useful items for the home as well as gift items; Cindy wanted products for gardeners.  After much discussion and helpful input from others, the women decided on the format.  When they found that Bob had taken several steps toward turning the building into a garage, they decided they had to act quickly.  Deadlines were set and a flurry of research, construction and ordering followed.  

Products range from towels, table linens, soaps and candles to bird houses and wind chimes.  There are items for children, too, and books on a variety of topics. “Our product line is diverse,” says Cindy, “because they reflect our interests.  Also, this year, we’ll be learning what is wanted, or needed here.  I’d like to think we have something for everyone!”  

Early Swimmers

It wasn't all that long ago that there was ice out there, but these little guys seem to be oblivious to that fact as they follow their mother.  It's that season when there are lots of baby critters around and they are fun to come across however, please don't touch them even if you don't see mama, she's there somewhere watching you.

The Big Blue Guy

Nope, it's not Papa Smurf on steroids, it's a Great Blue Heron who was using Gull Harbor as his/her watery deli at lunch time.  This fellow was into snake sushi and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the entree before heading off too see what was being served elsewhere.

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Phyllis Moore