Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Portage County
Master Gardener
Volunteers
January 2016
At our January 25 meeting, we will look back at PCMGV 2015. We had a GREAT year and it is time to celebrate all our hard work.
The membership com-mittee will be handing out awards for highest hours earned, most ed-ucational hours and cu-mulative hour mile-stones. Secondly, they will recognize our in-terns that have become certified with bags, shirts and badges.
Lastly, they will recog-
nize some of our longest serving mem-bers, and the founda-tion of PCMGV.
Next, we will go through a PowerPoint of all the committees, programs and accom-plishments of 2015. Many times we don’t know all the won-derful things our other members are doing. This program can give us a few ideas for fu-ture involvement. Also, some of our volunteer hours are in the shad-ows so it is a good idea to shine some light on
ALL the great work be-ing done.
Then on the agenda will be the Garden Parade DVD. On a cold winter night it will be wonderful to look back at all the beautiful gardens.
Lastly, we are having a pizza party! What would be a celebration without food? I hope to see many of you at the meeting. To our MGV who have flown south, remember to celebrate wherever you are. PCMGV 2015 was a huge success.
Board of Directors: (Portage County Annex Small Con-ference room)
Jan. 11 July 11
Feb. 8 Aug. 8
Mar. 4 Sept. 12
Apr. 11 Oct. 10
No May mtg. Nov. 14
June 13
General Membership:
(Portage County Annex Conference Rooms 1 & 2)
Jan. 25 July 25 (outdoors)
Feb. 22 Aug. 22 (outdoors)
Mar. 28 Sept 26
Apr. 25 Oct. 24
May 9 Nov. 28
June 27
2016 Portage County Master Gardener Volunteers’ Meeting Dates
Celebration 2015
Meeting Minutes November 2015
2
Membership
Report
3
Calendar of
Events
4-7
Garden Dreams
Report
8
2016 Presenter
Schedule
9
January Gar-
dening Guide
10
Inside this issue:
Portage County Master Gardener Volunteers Meeting
Minutes ----- November 23, 2015
Preceding the meeting, PCMGVs (and guests) enjoyed a delicious meal complete with member-donated appetizers and desserts. Having time to visit and enjoy each others’ company was most appreciated by all. It was a great way to begin the Holiday season!
The November 23, 2015 meeting of the Portage County Master Gardener Volunteers was called
to order by Lynn Caine at 6:35 P.M. at the Portage County Annex.
Those present were: Sue Baldschwiler, Tom Baldschwiler, Margaret Bau, Shelley Binder, Cindy Bredow, Don Caine, Lynn Caine, Jean Danielson, Diane Dieterich, Dan Goulet, Kathleen Goulet, Rose Grych, Jen Haas, Carole Jansing, Jane Kellerman, Charlene Kolinski, John Kolinski, Kathleen Kruthoff, Debbie Kunst, Marily Malcolm, Sylvia Masters, Pat Mrozinski, Sandra Newby, Sandy O’Brien, Terri Offerman, Sharon Omernick, Chrismary Pacyna, Rose Marie Pie-karski, Jan Pierson, Sally Prideaux, Walt Rasmussen, Alicia Razvi, Chere Schmit, Don Schmit, Dorothy Steuerwald, Jill Trochlell-Ziehr, and Jennifer Young.
The Minutes from October were approved.
The Treasurer’s report was given by Chere Schmit.
Annual Business Meeting:
Board member nominations / elections: The following were nominated to be members of the PCMGV Board for 2016: Chrismary Pacyna (first year of second term); Sylvia Masters (first year of first term), and Todd Teuchert (first year of first term). They were elected on a unanimous voice vote. Chere Schmit will continue as a Board member for one year as a past chairperson. One additional Board position is still vacant. If interested in volunteering for this, please contact any of the current Board members. Thanks were extended to Shelley Binder and Rick Jansing, out-going Board members.
2016 Budget: The proposed budget as distributed was presented. Discussion was held. The 2016 budget was then unanimously approved.
Old Business:
Shirt Orders: A sign-up sheet was passed around. If any PCMGV is interested in ordering a shirt, please let any Board member know by December 15th.
Badges: These have been ordered for certified interns and for those who placed an order for a badge with the new Wisconsin Master Gardener logo at a cost of $9.00.
PCMGV Event Calendar: This was published in the November Newsletter to help PCMGVs plan ahead for sched-uled events.
Committee Reports:
Bus Trips: Sally Prideau explained the possibility of a Saturday day trip to the Chicago Horticulture Show (March 12-20). Let Sally know if interested so planning can begin.
Educational Programs: Hopefully the program in January will include information on new varieties/ trends availa-ble in 2016. Other monthly programs are being finalized.
Grants / Funds: Cindy Bredow reported meeting with the new coordinator of the Boston School Forest. This may be a future meeting site to see how our grant funds have been put to use.
Garden Dreams: Char Kolinski reported on preparations for the Saturday, January 9, 2016 event. Brochures were available listing the scheduled speakers and revised format for the day. Posters are also available to put up throughout Portage County advertising this event. If interested in volunteering at this event, please contact Char Kolinski. Dan Goulet will compile the volunteer schedule. The brochure and registration information compiled by Melissa Rice.
Page 2 Portage County Master Gardener Volunteers
HOURS for 2015 REPORTED TO
STATE:
Youth Involvement 423.5
Community Education 1,412
Support Services 1,518
Total Volunteer Hours
3,353.5 hours
Great work, PCMGVs!
Submitted by: Chrismary Pacyna, Membership Chairperson
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES:
53 Certified Master Gardeners / PCMGV members
1 Certified Master Gardener / non-PCMGV member
7 Newly certified Interns / PCMGV members (Michelle Daniels, Debbie Kunst, Sylvia Masters, Alicia Razvi (transfer - Wood County), Dorothy Steuerwald, Jeanette Wilson, Judy Yenter) – WELCOME!
2 Inactive Master Gardeners / PCMGV members
1 Intern / PCMGV member
11 Interns non-PCMGV members
1 Associate(waiting to take training) / PCMGV member – Jennifer McComb
Certified Master Gardeners = 61 PCMGV Members = 64
Golden Sands Home Show: This will be held on February 19-21 at Sentry World. The committee will work on a display and develop a volunteer list for this event.
Membership: Chrismary Pacyna reported that we currently have 60 certified Master Gardeners for 2016 and 65 PCMGV members. A complete list of PCMGVs will be made available for all members in early December. A special welcome was extended to the 6 newly certified interns (Michelle Daniels, Debbie Kunst, Sylvia Masters, Dorothy Steurerwald, Jeanette Wilson, and Judy Yenter) and to Alicia Razvi who transferred from Wood County.
Newsletter: Thanks were extended to Gail Zalewski for the excellent job she did each month in publishing the PCMGV newsletter. A new Chairperson will take over in January. Contact Lynn Caine if you are willing to help with this committee.
Plant Sale: Chere Schmit reported that this is set for Saturday, May 14 and that plant orders will be submitted soon.
YMCA Gardens: Lynn Caine reported that they are joining the Giving Gardens Program here in Portage County. They hope to be able to use some Americore volunteers in the education role for 2016.
New Business:
The next meeting will be on January 25, 2016 at 6:00 at the Portage County Annex.
Membership stickers and volunteer hour awards will be presented.
The business meeting was adjourned at 7:10 P.M.
Following the business meeting, our two 2015 PCMGV scholarship recipients shared information about their back-ground, current involvement with horticulture at UW-SP, and future plans. Leah Chybowski and Taylor Remington dis-played their enthusiasm, genuine interest in multiple areas of horticulture, and positive attitudes. Congratulations!
Continuing Education: 2015 Scholarship Recipients = 60 minutes Submitted by, Chrismary Pacyna, PCMGV Secretary
“no winter lasts forever, no
spring skips its turn.”
Hal Borland
November Minutes Continued...
Portage County Master Gardener
Volunteers Membership Report for 2015
Page 3
Jan 28, Sensational Shrubbery, Rotary Botanical Gardens, Janesville, WI
Shrubs offer flowers, form and foliage in our gardens but all too often we are guided to a limited
number of selections. Explore the diverse range of available shrubs for a wide range of garden
situations and learn how they can be used for maximum impact. We will discuss proper selection
and care of these important garden components as well in this class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. $5 ($3
members). For more information see the Rotary Gardens website.
Jan 30, All About Figs, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
If you are familiar with Ficus carica, then you know that the taste of a fresh fig is an unforgettable
experience. Did you know that you can grow these tasty fruits here in the upper Midwest? With a
little care and determination you can harvest these special Mediterranean treats. Join fig-lover John
Holzwart for this presentation from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. learn how to grow, maintain, winterize, and
propagate your own fig trees from cuttings for fabulousfigs, year after year. $18 ($15 member). For
more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704; phone
(608) 246-4550.
Jan 30, 20th Annual Toward Harmony with Nature Conference, Oshkosh, WI
A day-long seminar on native landscaping presented by Wild Ones Fox Valley featuringDr. Darrell
Morrison, one of the country’s most distinguished native landscape designers and educators. His keynote
address “Rivers and Drifts: Natural Process in Designed Places” will provide a wealth of information and inspi-
ration for home gardeners.The conference features nine other speakers on the whole spectrum of native
plants and natural landscaping topics will be present, as well as vendors,exhibitors and a silent auction. At
the Oshkosh Convention Center, 2 N Main St, Oshkosh. For more information email
[email protected] or go to the Wild Ones conference website.
Jan 30-31, Orchid Quest 2015, Madison, WI
This annual mid-winter show and sale of the Madison Orchid Growers Guild will be from 10:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at Marriott West Conference Center,
1313 John Q. Hammons Dr., Middleton, WI. Educational seminars each day and many vendors. $9
one day entry/$14 two day pass. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.
Prearranged tour groups of 10 or more will receive discounts. For more information see the orchid
guild website or call (608) 592-7906.
Feb 3-5, iLandscape: the illinois + wisconsin Landscape Show, Shaumburg, IL
Visit over 390 booths to see the latest trends in plants, green industry products, hardscapes and equipment,
or attend over 20 unique education sessions. At The Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and Hotel.
For more information visit the iLanscape website.
January And February Calendar of Events:
Page 4
Feb 4, Ten Things You Can Do To Make Your Home Look Professionally Landscaped, Olbrich Botanical Gar-
dens, Madison, WI
Paul Ganshert, registered landscape architect from Ganshert Nursery & Landscapes, will highlight some sim-
ple and easy do-it-yourself (DIY) ideas to spruce up your landscape, giving your yard that clean, neat, pro-
fessionally landscaped look. He will also help you determine the projects you want to tackle yourself and
when it may be in your best interest to hire a professional in this class from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. $15 ($12
member). For more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704;
phone (608) 246-4550.
Feb 6, Ready, Set, Grow...2016 Winter Garden Seminar, Eau Claire, WI
Offered by the Eau Claire Area MGA from 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., this seminar will have a keynote speaker
and 3 sets of breakouts (3 choices of speakers in each section). At Chippewa Valley Technical College, 620 W.
Clairemont, Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701. For more information contact Erin LaFaive, Eau Claire Co. UW-
Extension Office, at (715) 8394712 or see www.eauclairemastergardeners.weebly.com.
Feb 6, Winter Escapes ~ Summer Dreams, Oshkosh, WI
Sponsored by the Winnebago Co. MGA at LaSure's in Oshkosh, WI from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $40 by Jan 26
($45 after). For more information contact Linda Baeten at (920) 379-8377 or download the brochure.
Feb 9, Inspirations from English Gardens, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
England is a mecca for the most incredible gardens in the world and a never-ending source of inspiration for
gardeners lucky enough to visit. Join Director of Horticulture Jeff Epping from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. for an in-
depth look at some of the most famous English gardens, as well as some hidden gems. Great gardens like
Kew, Sissinghurst, Wisley, and Great Dixter are full of innovative design ideas that you can incorporate into
your own landscape. See what some of England’s renowned gardeners including Beth Chatto, Fergus Garrett,
and Vita Sackville-West created in their gardenmasterpieces through Epping’s camera lens. $15 ($12 mem-
ber). For more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704; phone
(608) 246-4550.
Feb 12-14, WPT's Garden Expo, Madison, WI
Sponsored by Wisconsin Public Television, Friends of WHA-TV, and the UW-Extension Horticulture Team, this
event draws nearly 16,000 people to view 400 booths, provided by numerous exhibitors over 100,000
square-feet. Certfied MGVs will assist UW-Extension Specialists and Agents in answering questions in the
UW-Extension booth. Numerous educational seminars, demonstrations, and workshops are offered on a vari-
ety of horticultural topics. Hours are Fri 3:00-9:00, Sat 9:00-6:00, and Sun 10:00-4:00. In the Exhibition
Hall, Alliant Energy Center. An admission fee is charged to this fundraiser to support WI Public TV program-
ming. For more information visit WPT's Garden Expo website.
Feb 16, How to Grow Orchids Successfully, Green Bay Botanical Garden, Green Bay, WI
Have you tried growing orchids? No success? Don’t give up! In this class from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., learn cor-
rect cultural requirements, and how you CAN grow orchids successfully at home. Thirty plus years of growing
has taught Mary Stewart the right and wrong way. Mary will also have orchids, plants and growing supplies
available for purchase. $18 ($9 member). For more information, contact the Green Bay Botanical Garden,
2600 Larsen Road, P.O. Box 12644, Green Bay, WI 54307-2644 at (920) 491-3691 ext 103
Page 5
Feb 18, Building Healthy Soil for Healthy Plants,Green Bay Botanical Garden, Green Bay, WI
Healthy soil is the foundation for a successful vegetable garden. Learn from Vijai Pandian, UW Horticulture
Extension agent, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on how to build good soil tilth, understanding organic soil condi-
tioners, sampling soil for testing and plant nutrient needs.. $18 ($9 member). For more information, contact
the Green Bay Botanical Garden, 2600 Larsen Road, P.O. Box 12644, Green Bay, WI 54307-2644 at (920)
491-3691 ext 103.
Feb 18, Healthy Houseplants, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
How do you keep houseplants healthy with fluctuating interior light and other variable conditions? With a lit-
tle preparation and some care, you can keep your houseplants looking beautiful. Dane County UWEX Horti-
culture Educator Lisa Johnson will discuss some general techniques for growing healthy houseplants and di-
agnosing houseplant problems. You will also learn more about some of the most popular and easy-to-grow
houseplant species. Bring digital or paper photographs of houseplants that need help to add to our discus-
sion and to get answers to your questions in this class from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. $15 ($12 member). For more
information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704; phone (608) 246-
4550.
Feb 18, Sustainable Landscaping, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
In our desire to create more comfortable outdoor living spaces, humans have altered the shape and ecology
of our landscape, often permanently. But, is it even possible to support a satisfying outdoor lifestyle while
improving the environment and reducing our impact? Join John J. Gishnock III, landscape architect and owner
of Formecology, LLC, to learn how you can create a personal outdoor environment tailored to your individual
aesthetic style that is also environmentally beneficial.You’ll discover many innovative and sustainable land-
scape techniques that can be applied to any site. We’ll explore a variety of design, installation, and care tech-
niques to maximize beauty, erosion control, cleaner air and water, human well-being, and wildlife habitats in
this class from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. $15 ($12 member). For more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gar-
dens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704; phone (608) 246-4550.
Feb 23, How Do I Prune My Grapevine?, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
Still unsure how to tackle that rampant grapevine overtaking your fence? Are you thinking of planting some
new grapevine but are unsure of how to get started? Join Olbrich Horticulturist Tony Gomez-Phillips from
6:30 to 8:00 p.m. as he discusses the basic principles of grapevine pruning and management. He will also
share information about grape growing trends in Wisconsin’s budding wine industry. $15 ($12 member). For
more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison,WI 53704; phone (608)
246-4550.
Feb 23 - March 8, Landscape Design for Homeowners Workshop, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
Do you have some great ideas for your yard but not sure how to put them all together? Do you have abso-
lutely no idea of what to do with your landscaping? Both scenarios will be addressed in this 3-session land-
scape design workshop. Paul Ganshert, registered landscape architect, will go through the design process to
help you with your own property. He will cover design principals, site analysis, material selection, and instal-
lation processes. Come with your challenges and dreams, and leave with plans, ideas, and confidence to
transform your home landscape for your enjoyment and pride. Some homework required with each session,
such as measuring, taking photographs, and recording your site conditions. $175 ($140 member). For more
January And February Calendar of Events Continued...
Page 6
Feb 25, New Plants for the Garden, Rotary Botanical Gardens, Janesville, WI
With so many new plants out on the market each year, it’s tough to sift through these introductions and de-
cide what might work in our gardens. The diversity of selections, while enticing, includes plants that are not
all created equal. We will explore many of the newest trees, shrubs, perennial and annuals that have proven
to be worth their expense and the “real estate” that you’ll be dedicating to them in this class from 6:30 to
8:30 p.m. $5 ($3 members). For more information see the Rotary Gardens website.
Feb 25, Plants, Emotions, and Your Nose, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
Do you long for the smell of tomato plants or lilacs during the winter months? Have you ever wondered why
there is such a strong connection between your nose and plants? Join Amy Freidig, MG Program Assistant
and a recent UW-Madison graduate with a master’s degree in plant sciences, and learn why all those great
garden scents are tied so closely to vivid memories. She will discuss some fascinating science behind scent
in the garden and share some tips for gardening with scent in mind. Sample bottled plant aromas available
toexperiment with during the class from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. $15 ($12 member). For more information contact
Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704; phone (608) 246-4550.
Feb 27, A Day in the Garden, Fond du Lac, WI
Sponsored by the Fond du Lac County MGA at UW Fond du Lac. Speakers include Jeff Epping, Rob Zimmer
and a panel of MGVs. $35 before Jan. 29 ($40 after). For more information contact: Patty Percy at (920) 929-
3172.
Feb 27, Green Up Your Winter Blues, Port Washington, WI
The Port Washington Garden Club presents its annual gardening seminar at the historic Ozaukee County
Courthouse, 121 West Main St, Port Washington, WI. Both presentation and hands-on workshops will be of-
fered. For more information www.portgardenclub.org.
Feb 29, Early Season Vegetable Gardening, Green Bay Botanical Garden, Green Bay, WI
Early spring is a great time to begin planning and planting your favorite cool season crops. This class will
explore the plethora of cool season plants that you can both start growing and harvest during the early
spring weeks. Join MGV Lynn Clark from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. for an evening of edible exploration. $18 ($9
member). For more information, contact the Green Bay Botanical Garden, 2600 Larsen Road, P.O. Box 12644,
Green Bay, WI 54307-2644 at (920) 491-3691 ext 103.
Page 7
Co-Chairpersons
Lynn Caine
715-344-1564
At-Large Board Members
Sylvia Masters
715-544-4158
Margaret Parsons
715-457-2470
Todd Teuchert
715-677-4838
Out Going Chair Chere Schmit
715-258-0153
Secretary
Chrismary Pacyna
715-341-3343
UW Extension Ag Agent
Ken Schroeder
715-346-1316
Treasurer
Lori Teuchert
715-677-4838
WIMGA Representative
Lynn Caine
715-344-1564
PCMGV Board Members
Bylaws
Cindy Bredow
Open
Golden Sands Home Show
Sharon Omernick
Lynn Ligman
Garden Dreams
Charlotte Kolinski
Sally Prideaux
Chicago Bus Trip
Bob Rausch
Sally Prideaux
Membership
Chrismary Pacyna
Sandy O’Brien
YMCA Giving
Gardens
Lynn Caine Open
Display
Rita Kozlowski
Open
Newsletter
Alicia Razvi Open
Garden Parade
Carole Jansing
Katie Rettler
Educational Programs
Lynn Caine
Dianne Somers
Plant Sale
Chere Schmit
Walt Rasmussen
Funds/Grants
Cindy Bredow
Open
Farmers Market
Lori Teuchert
Sandy O’Brien
Publicity (Facebook)
Shelley Binder
Jen Young
Flower Beds
Margaret Parsons
Deb Kunst
Rosholt Fair
Todd Teuchert
Lori Teuchert
Committee Co-Chairpersons
WANTED
Articles and Photos you would like to share in the MGV monthly newsletter! Please send items to Alicia Razvi ([email protected]) by the 10th of the month to be included in the next newsletter. I would love to include sea-sonal pictures and area specific tips!
Submission deadline:
February 10, 2016
Please send any address or e-mail changes to:
Denise Rocha:
or 715-346-1316
Thank you to all the people who attended and volun-teered for the Garden Dreams 2016 Seminar!
This year was another success with 142 people in at-tendance plus speakers.
Special Thanks to the following:
Patti Soik for the DVD that was far beyond our expectations for her magnificent photos and music
Ambrosia for donating the server’s labor for the event
Lettie Jensen Center for providing the facility at a non-profit rate
Chris Pehoski for working with us on the A/V set-up
Big Apple Bagel for donation of all the bagels
The Garden Dreams Committee
The many volunteers who made for a smooth and enjoyable day for all!
Education Hours : Morning session - 3 hours Afternoon session - 2 hours
Volunteer Hours : Put under Community Education
Garden Dreams Thanks and
Report
2016 Presenter Schedule
January
Awards Banquet, Garden parade video, Review of 2015
February Solarus Farms
March PJ Leisch, bugs for 2015
April Pollinators & bees, Christelle Guedot
May Plant Sale Prep, Bob Koca, Asparagus
June Diane Somers Garden
July Nick Schultz Garden
August Margaret Bau Garden?
September Plant Exchange, Show and Tell
October Boston School Forest (Field Trip)
November Christmas Party, Scholarship Recipients
Have you ever wondered where your renewal dues go? Do you have a friend or neighbor who would like to become a Master Gardener? Or a lapsed friend wishing to rejoin? The following information has been com-piled to help with just those ques-tions. All MGV are required to pay $15 dues. $5 goes to WIMGA (Wisconsin Master Gardener Association) to re-ceive their newsletter and infor-mation. $10 is to support Portage Co Master Gardeners. MGV who have not had recent training will need to pass a background check and watch a child protection video. If you wish to receive the newsletters, join our meetings and start volunteer-ing in the community, please con-tact Lynn Caine. She's happy to help.
Intern MGVs – You will need to rec-ord volunteer hours for initial certifi-cation. Additional Continuing Educa-tion hours are NOT required the first year (but you can record them any-way). A minimum of 24 hours of vol-unteer service are required. If you took the class in spring of 2015 you have until Oct of 2016 to complete your 24 hours. MGVs recertifying – You will need to record both volunteer and continu-ing education hours. A minimum of 24 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of continuing education are required annually. (If you took the class in 2012 or in another county after 2012, you can start recording your volunteer and education hours now and certify in Oct of 2016)
MGVs inactive for 5 or more years – You will need to record vol-unteer and continuing education hours. A minimum of 24 hours of vol-unteer service and 20 hours CE are required. Recertification for the next year returns to 10 hours CE. (If you have ever taken the class and would like become a MGV you can start re-cording your hours now. An additional 10 hours of education will be required to certify in Oct of 2016 Out-of-State MG seeking WI certifi-cation – contact your local Extension agent or the MG Program Office Also note, if you have never taken the class but will in the future, you can become an associate member of MGV. Just pay the $15 dues and start collecting your hours alongside a cer-tified MGV.
Becoming and Remaining a Portage County Master Gardener Volunteer
Wisconsin Public Television’s Garden Expo is a mid-
winter oasis for people ready to venture out and dig
their hands in the dirt. Now in its 23rd year, this
three-day event celebrates the latest trends in gar-
dening, landscaping and edibles, and attracts more
than 20,000 people from across the Midwest.
Join other gardening enthusiasts to share ideas,
gain inspiration and create something new. All pro-
ceeds support Wisconsin Public Television.
February 12-14 2016
Exhibition Hall of the Alliant Energy Center
Friday 2-8
Saturday 9-6
Sunday 10-4
Garden Expo is presented by Wisconsin Public Television and UW-Extension–
Horticulture as a fundraiser for Wisconsin Public Television.
GARDEN EXPO
Spread wood ash from your wood burning stove or fireplace in the garden beds. Remove chunks first, then spread at the rate of 15-20 pounds (about a 5 gallon pail) per 1000 square feet. This raises the pH of your soil, so test the pH if you do this regularly so you do not exceed 7.0.
Start seeds you can start the slow to germinate plants such as parsley, thyme, tarragon, geraniums and sage. Also start the early cool season vegeta-bles such as chives, onion and leeks.
Check for heaving If there is not a lot of snow, check plants in case anything has heaved up from freeze thaw cycles. Make sure mulch has stayed secure. Heavy
Relax with a stack of gar-den catalogs and plan for the next season. Plot your garden or property .
Read that gardening book you have been meaning to get to.
Order seeds early, some sell out quickly.
Make mulch from your Christ-mas tree and use evergreen boughs from Holiday decor and lay them around the base of roses and perennials.
Force bulbs, Paperwhites have a heavenly fragrance.
Save mesh bags from oranges to air dry bulbs gourds and herbs.
snow cover is a perfect “mulch.” Gently step down any plants that have heaved and replace the mulch.
Feed the birds
Sort tubers, roots and bulbs for dahlias, cannas, and begonias. Dis-pose of anything that has shriveled or decayed.
Garden Journal Work on, or start, your garden journal. Keep track of plants you want to try, rec-ord garden results, keep track of what you plant where and how many for a shopping list next spring.
Attend seminars Find semi-nars, clinics and meetings hosted by master gardeners and university extension services.
Cooperative Extension University of Wisconsin—Extension Portage County UW-Extension 1462 Strongs Avenue Stevens Point WI 54481-2947 Phone: 715-346-1316 Fax: 715-346-1323 Return Service Requested
January Gardening Guide
Tips found at: www.midwestgardening.com
Midwest Gardening
