Welcome Mat: Learn all about historic irises

Iconic irises in Grosse Pointe

Explore the charm and delight of historic irises at 7 p.m. March 12 when the Grosse Pointe Garden Center presents “Historic Irises: Preserving Beauty from the Past.” Cathy Egerer, past president and current outreach coordinator for the Historic Iris Preservation Society (HIPS), will trace the history of bearded irises from early species to modern cultivars. She will also share the group’s preservation efforts and how gardeners can join in the effort. Learn about best care practices, new breakthroughs and tips and tricks to make growing these beauties easier. Egerer lives in the U.P. where she raises endangered historic irises in her garden; HIPS' mission is to educate the public and help gardeners who want to grow them. The event will be held at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. Tickets are free for GPGC members; $10 for others. Visit https://www.gpgardencenter.org/.

What’s new in the garden in Rochester

What’s new and what’s best in the garden for the coming season? Find out at Meadow Brook Hall at 10 a.m. March 22. Sue Grubba, landscape designer since 1985 and founder of Creative Scapes, specializing in garden lighting, maintenance and design, will present “The Hits Keep on Coming” and review the performance of the “newer and better” plant varieties, cutting through the hype to let you know which plants are really worth the investment and which ones you should avoid. Meadow Brook Hall is at 350 Estate Drive in Rochester; coffee and refreshments will be served at 9:15 a.m. with program to follow. Meetings are held in person and virtually through Zoom.  Non-members wishing to attend through Zoom, please send an email, including your phone number to MBGCmembers@gmail.com by March 21 to request a link that includes a link to make a $5 guest donation.  Reservations are not required. Visit  meadowbrookhall.org/.

'Art Walk at MDC' to feature artists

Looking for some new art to liven up your home for spring? The Michigan Design Center has you covered. The Troy center will host an “Art Walk at MDC” on March 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. That day the MDC will transform into a haven for art enthusiasts, featuring more than two dozen professional artists whose work will be shown add — including Anita Sneideraitis, seen here — in showrooms and studios throughout the building. There will also be two art-focused presentations in the Mid-America Room, including “Artful Spaces — Harnessing Color, Texture and Personality” exploring how to use original art to bring unique color, texture and personality to any space at 11 a.m. and “Detroit Arts Mash-Up” — a panel discussion with six Metro-Detroit based artists making waves in the city's art scene at 1 p.m. Visit michigandesign.com.

Celebrate first book from Throwbacks Home team

Bo Shepherd and Kyle Dubay, the creative team behind Woodward Throwbacks in Hamtramck and Throwbacks Home in downtown Detroit, can add a new credential to their impressive list: authors. The pair recently penned their first book, “Throwbacks Home Interiors: One of a Kind Home Design From Reclaimed & Salvaged Sources,” with Clarkson Potter. Help them celebrate the accomplishment with their many fans and the many Detroit homeowners featured in the book at a launch party to be held at the Hamtramck store (11500 Jos. Campau) on March 16 from 1 to 5 p.m. Grab a copy of the book (watch for an upcoming Homestyle feature), mingle with fellow enthusiasts and learn more about their signature style and wares.  Visit woodwardthrowbacks.com.

Discount marks Sleep Awareness Week March 10-16

Sleep Awareness Week begins Sunday. Starting that day, Sobel Westex will offer a 25% discount off all pillows through the end of March in recognition of the importance of healthy slumber. Sobel Westex’s textiles are featured on more than 3 million hotel beds and the company’s products include award-winning sleep pillows, luxuriously soft sheets, designer bedding collections, cozy throws, and sumptuous bath towels and robes. Their extensive line of pillows is designed to cater to the diverse sleep needs of every individual; no code is needed to take advantage of the sale. Visit sobelathome.com.