Jeanine Matlow
| Special to The Detroit News
First weekly winner of Homestyle Garden Photo Contest
We had many beautiful and creative entries for our first week of the Homestyle Garden Photo Contest this year. After deliberation, “Spring Peony Season” from Si Chen of Ann Arbor takes the spot as the first weekly winner. Chen says the garden is “somewhat new” being only 5 years old and was inspired by English perennial borders. Chen will receive a home or garden book and will compete for the grand prize — a $200 gift certificate to English Gardens — through online voting by Homestyle readers in early September. The grand-prize winner will be announced in Sept. 12. For entry instructions and rules, go to detroitnews.com/gardenphotos25. Don’t forget to tell us a bit about what makes them special to you, what flowers you used, or what inspires you. We want to hear your gardening story!
Go Greek at Hellenic Museum
The Hellenic Museum of Michigan recently announced the return of its annual celebration of contemporary Greek and Greek-American creativity with the “2025 Hellenic Art Exhibition: Odyssey of Colors” that runs through Oct. 12 in Detroit. This exhibition highlights bold, evocative works that reflect the enduring spirit and evolution of Hellenic identity in the visual arts. It also offers a platform for artists of Greek heritage to explore their cultural roots while engaging audiences in meaningful conversations about history, identity and expression. Suggested donation. All ages are welcome. The location is 67 E. Kirby St. Go to hellenicmi.org.
English Gardens features summer learning fun
Head to English Gardens this month for seasonal events that start with a free Roses 101 Seminar at 10 a.m. June 14 at all stores. There will also be a Ladybug Giveaway that day where shoppers can get a free bag of 150 ladybugs with any purchase. Other upcoming events include Pollinator Palooza from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at all locations June 21-22. Highlights include a Live Butterfly Tent at select stores along with workshops, such as Kids Caterpillar Habitat and Pollinator Porch Pot, free educational seminars and a scavenger hunt. For more information and to RSVP for workshops and seminars, go to englishgardens.com.
Turning Point auction to benefit survivors
With its mission to empower survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking through comprehensive services and resources, Turning Point will partner with Richard Demato, philanthropist and owner of RJD Gallery in Romeo through a combined art auction and in-person event from 6 – 9 p.m. June 12. Three pieces by his wife, nationally acclaimed fine artist Andrea Kowch, who is a College for Creative Studies grad and former adjunct faculty member, are currently featured in an online art auction. The hand-signed, limited-edition framed prints can be found at https://cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/turningpoint/auction. All proceeds from the auctioned art will go to the nonprofit along with 10% of the proceeds from the art sold at the gallery on June 12. The event will include live music, wine and a survivor speaking about her healing journey. The location is 227 N. Main St. Tickets are complimentary, but online registration is required by June 10 at https://cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/turningpoint/tickets.
Birmingham Next focuses on 50 and over
Learn more about birds and other subjects through Birmingham Next, a nonprofit center that provides a wide range of activities, enrichment and support services for the growing 50-plus population, including a Thursday Evening Speaker Series. Held weekly at 6 p.m., these sessions are designed to inform, inspire and connect community members. Each event in the series is open to the public with free admission for Next members and $5 for guests. On June 19, “Summer is for the Birds” will feature Cass Arsenault, lead naturalist and program coordinator at Johnson Nature Center. This presentation will focus on local species, offering tips for identification and a guided outdoor birdwatching session (weather permitting). The location is 2121 Midvale St. in Birmingham. Go to birminghamnext.org.