2016 · pcmgv march 2016 march 2016 patrick (pj) liesch is the director of the uw-madison insect...
TRANSCRIPT
PCMGV March
2016
March 2016
Patrick (PJ) Liesch is the director of the UW-Madison Insect Diagnostic Lab. He holds degrees in biological sciences (B.S., UW-Parkside) and entomology (M.S., UW-Madison). PJ is also involved with the Wisconsin Master Garden-er Program and the First Detector Net-work. In addition, he is an instructor in the Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator Train-ing and UW Farm and Industry Short Course programs. PJ is also a regular guest on Wisconsin Public Radio’s Show.
He regularly speaks at a number of work-shops, field days, expos and other events. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Insect Diagnostic Lab was es-tablished in 1978 to provide timely and accurate identification of insects and in-sect-damaged plant material from around Wisconsin. Part of the mission of the IDL is to provide support to the county exten-sion offices throughout the state. In addi-tion, the IDL provides diagnostic services for the general public, private companies, agricultural producers, pest control
professionals, the green industry, medical professionals, and other groups.
The lab processes between 2,000-2,400 samples each year. Homeowners are en-couraged to check with their local extension office for help first because many sam-ples can be handled in a more efficient man-ner locally. Mail in samples, e-mails (with pictures if possible) and walk in samples are all accepted. At the present time there are no charges for Wisconsin residents.
The IDL also provides outreach services for the UW-Madison Department of Entomology.
Board of Directors: (Portage County Annex Small Con-ference room)
Aug. 8
Apr. 11 Sept. 12
No May mtg. Oct. 10
June 13 Nov, 14
Jul. 11
General Membership:
(Portage County Annex Conference Rooms 1 & 2)
Mar. 28 Sept 26
Apr. 25 Oct. 24 (outdoors)
May 9 Nov. 28
June 27(outdoors)
July 25 (outdoors)
Aug. 22 (outdoors)
2016 Portage County Master Gardener Volunteers’ Meeting Dates
Birdhouses and
Creative Yard Art
Honorary Master
Gardeners Program
2
2016 Presenter
Schedule
3
February Minutes 4
Area Events 5-8
March Gardening
Guide
9
Inside this issue:
Welcome Patrick (PJ) Liesch
Director of UW-Madison Insect Diagnostic Lab
One of the classifications of Portage County Master Gardener Volunteers is that of an Hon-orary. The Honorary Master Gardener desig-nation may be granted by a majority vote of the PCMGV Board of Directors to an individual who fulfills the following requirements:
1. PCMGV who has previously been certi-
fied for 10 or more years.
2. PCMGV who has acquired 1000 cumula-
tive hours of volunteer service.
3. PCMGV who is no longer physically (due to disability or aging) able to meet the vol-unteer requirements for annual certifica-
tion.
The Honorary Master Gardener is still respon-sible for paying the yearly PCMGV member-ship dues and for attaining 10 hours of continu-ing education, but is excused from attaining the annual volunteer 24 hours requirement.
If you feel that you qualify for becoming an Honorary Master Gardener, please contact any
Birdhouses and/or Creative Yard Art
The 2016 Garden Parade is in need of a “birdhouse” vendor for our Parade this year. Perhaps you are cre-ative and would like to show off your skills or know of someone who would like to market at one of our gar-dens. Birdhouses and creative yard art has become a stable at our Garden Parades and we would love to get some new “fun” stuff for our viewing guests. If you would like to participate or know of someone we should contact please call or email: Carole Jansing 715.344.2118, Carole.jansing@att,net
of the PCMGV Board of Directors, and they will work out the arrangements and re-quired paperwork. Also, please convey this information about the Honorary Master Gardener designation to any current or for-mer PCMGV that you feel would qualify.
HONORARY MASTER GARDENERS PROGRAM
Page 3
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
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 seasonal pictures and area specific tips!
Submission deadline:
April 10, 2016 Please send any address or e-mail changes to: Denise Rocha:
or 715-346-1316
Bylaws
Cindy Bredow
Open
Golden Sands Home Show
Sharon Omernick
Lynn Ligman
Garden Dreams
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
2016 Presenter Schedule
March PJ Leisch, bugs for 2016
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
encouraged to attend this hands-on educational program. A list of the flower beds we currently maintain was published in the February newsletter. Contact Margaret Parsons or Debbie Kunst if interested in helping any of the flower beds.
Garden Parade: Katie Rettler re-ported that the committee has met. The raffle quilt is completed and was on display at Garden Dreams and the Golden Sands Home Show.
Tickets are being sold. Help is need-ed to make the “Garden Parade stones” for 2016.
Contact Katie or Carole Jansing if interested in working on this commit-tee.
Lynn Caine also reported that she has copies of the Garden Parade DVD available if any PCMGVs would like to view it.
Golden Sands Home Show: Sharon Omernick reported that many visitors stopped at our table. She thanked those volunteering at this event.
Membership: Chrismary Pacyna explained the “honorary master gar-dener” designation. Those PCMGVs who have been members for 10+ years, have completed 1000 volunteer hours, and are no longer able to physically complete the 24 required hours may be eligible for this. Paying dues and completing 10 hours of continuing education are still re-quired. Contact any Board member if interested in this.
Newsletter: All articles and photos are due to Alicia Razvi by the 10th of March for the next newsletter. Con-tact Alicia if you are willing to help with this.
YMCA Gardens: Lynn Caine re-ported that they are in the planning stage for this. Contact Lynn to volun-teer for this project.
New Business:
PCMGV membership files are being updated. Denise Rocha from the UW-Extension office will contact individuals if they are missing any of the MG Program requirements. .
A listing of educational opportunities that may be completed “at home” is being
compiled for members.
The next meeting will be on Monday, March 28 at 6:00 at the Portage County
Annex.
The program will include P.J. Leisch, a UW-Extension specialist, speaking on in-sect pests for 2016.
WIMGA Report: Lynn Caine reported that the next meeting will be on February 23 to discuss common issues and concerns with members in other MG groups in our re-gion.
Extension Report: Ken Schroeder thanked PCMGVs for their time and ser-vice in 2015. He explained that changes are proposed for the UW-Extension. UW-Extension will continue to support the Master Gardener program. He also re-minded members about the upcoming
session on “2016 Plant Disease Outlook” scheduled for 7:00 on Thursday, March 17 at UW-SP.
Register for this event through the UW-Extension office. Additional information was included on the last page of the Feb-ruary PCMGV Newsletter.
The business meeting was adjourned at 7:30 P.M.
Continuing Education: Nate Bremer (Solaris Farms) speaking on “Tree Peo-nies” = 60 minutes.
Submitted by,
Chrismary Pacyna, PCMGV Secretary
Portage County Master Gardener Volunteers Meeting Minutes
February 22, 2016
The February 22, 2016 meeting of the Portage County Master Gardener Volun-teers was called to order by Lynn Caine at 6:00 P.M. at the Portage County An-nex.
Nate Bremer from Solaris Farms in Reedsville, Wisconsin was introduced as the speaker. His topic was “Tree Peo-nies, a woody shrub”. His presentation included information on the development of the “paeonia” species, photos and descriptions of various available varie-ties, and directions about how to suc-cessfully grow these in central Wiscon-sin. Additional information and plant variety lists can be found at www.solarisfarms.com.
Those present were: Sue Baldischwiler, Tom Baldschwiler, Marga-ret Bau, Lynn Caine, Michelle Daniels, Jean Danielson, Diane Dieterich, Dan Goulet, Kathleen Goulet, Rose Grych, Jen Haas, Carole Jansing, Jane Keller-man, Ellen Kiedrowski, Debbie Kunst, Marily Malcolm, Sylvia Masters,
Pat Mrozinski, Sandra Newby, Sharon Omernick, Chrismary Pacyna, Rose Ma-rie Piekarski, Sally Prideaux, Alicia Razvi, Katie Rettler, Rebecca Roberts, Chere Schmit, Don Schmit, Nick Schultz, Dorothy Steuerwald, Lori Teuchert, Todd Teuchert, Jill Trochell-Ziehr, Judy Yenter, and Jennifer Young and guest Laureen Altmann.
The Minutes from January were ap-
proved.
The Treasurer’s report was given by Lori Teuchert.
Old Business:
2015 awards for volunteer hours were given out to PCMGVs.
Committee positions remain open. If interested in working on any commit-tees listed in the newsletter, please con-tact any Board member or the committee chairperson.
Committee Reports:
Flower Beds: Debbie Kunst informed those present about a pruning workshop that will be scheduled in the spring at the Plover Library. Members were
March and April Calendar of Events
March 29, 2016, Emphasizing Foliage in the Garden, Rotary Botanical Gardens, Janesville, WI
While all gardeners enjoy flowers, the importance of foliage in the garden can’t be overstated. Foliage offers a wide range
of colors and textures which frequently provide a longer season of interest as well. We’ll explore a wide range of annuals,
perennials and woody plants that get a grade of A+ for excellent foliage in this class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. $5 ($3
members). For more information see the rotary garden website.
March 29, 2016, Sustainable Gardens: Creating and Maintaining Meadow Gardens, Olbrich Botanical, Madison, WI
Green or sustainable gardens make sense for many reasons – they’re good for the environment and they’re good for us.
Many people want lush, green lawns, but don’t have the time, nor want to see precious resources like water and energy
and large amounts of pesticides go into growing them. Director of Horticulture Jeff Epping researched and implemented
a number of new gardens at Olbrich that are very environmentally sound and can be easily incorporated into home land-
scapes. He will show you how Olbrich has replaced a number of traditional lawns with sustainable and beautiful meadows
- both in sun and shade areas - and how to maintain them. The presentation from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. is based on Ep-
ping’s first-hand experience creating and maintaining the many meadows at Olbrich and elsewhere. $15 ($12 member).
For more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704; phone (608) 246-4550.
March 29, 2016, Emphasizing Foliage in the Garden, Rotary Botanical Gardens, Janesville, WI
While all gardeners enjoy flowers, the importance of foliage in the garden can’t be overstated. Foliage offers a wide range
of colors and textures which frequently provide a longer season of interest as well. We’ll explore a wide range of annuals,
perennials and woody plants that get a grade of A+ for excellent foliage in this class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. $5 ($3
members). For more information see the Rotary Gardens website.
March 29, 2016, Sustainable Gardens: Creating and Maintaining Meadow Gardens, Olbrich Botanical Gardens,
Green or sustainable gardens make sense for many reasons – they’re good for the environment and they’re good for us.
Many people want lush, green lawns, but don’t have the time, nor want to see precious resources like water and energy
and large amounts of pesticides go into growing them. Director of Horticulture Jeff Epping researched and implemented
a number of new gardens at Olbrich that are very environmentally sound and can be easily incorporated into home land-
scapes. He will show you how Olbrich has replaced a number of traditional lawns with sustainable and beautiful meadows
- both in sun and shade areas - and how to maintain them. The presentation from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. is based on Ep-
ping’s first-hand experience creating and maintaining the many meadows at Olbrich and elsewhere. $15 ($12 member).
For more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704; phone (608) 246-4550
April 1-2, 2016, The Art of Gardening Symposium, Madison, WI
Offered by the Friends of Allen Centennial Garden, with an authors reception from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the
University Club, and the symposium from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday at the UW Arboretum. Explore the concept
of the Artful Garden. Top-notch speakers, industry leaders, and award-winning authors (Kelly D. Norris, Roy Diblik,
Thomas Ranier, and Bill Thomas) will present their unique perspectives on garden design, plant selection, and more.
Morning refreshments and lunch are included, and each author’s books will be available for purchase. $50 for reception
(includes hors d'oervres); $80 symposium. For more information or to register see thesymposium website.
April 2, 2016, Smart Edible Gardening, Green Bay, WI
With guest speaker Sharon Morisey, Consumer Horticulture educator with Milwaukee County UW-Extension. Sponsored
by the NEW MGA and Brown Co. UW-Extension, from 10:00 am. to 12:30 p.m. at the Ag & Extension Service Center, 1150
Bellevue St., Green Bay, WI. $15. Pre-register by sending your contact information and payment to: Hort Dept., Brown
County UW-Extension, 1150 Bellevue St., Green Bay, WI 54302. For more information contact the Brown County UW-
Extension Horticulture Department at (920) 391-4653 or [email protected].
April 2, 2016, Garden Conference, Kimberly, WI
Offered by the Outagamie Co. MGA at Liberty Hall, 800 Eisenhower Dr., Kimberly, WI. For more information see the Out-
agamie Co. MGA website.
April 2, 2016, Let’s Get Green and Growing, Rio, WI
Columbia County MG event open to the public, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Keynote: Landscape Design, Functional and Fun—
Mark Dwyer, Rotary Gardens; 3 breakout sessions, vendors, and lunch available for purchase. New location: Rio High
March and April Calendar of Events
Page 6
School, 411 Church St (just off Hwy 16) Rio WI. $5. For a brochurel (608) 742-9687 or see the Columbia County Extension
website: http://columbia.uwex.edu/lets-get-green-and-growing/.
April 2, 2016, All About Willow, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
Let Lee Zieke and Lindsay Lee, owners of Willowglen Nursery, introduce you to the wonderful world of willow in this class
from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The genus Salix has many members, perhaps as vast as the number of uses that have been de-
vised for its twigs, bark, and even wood. As basket makers and gardeners, Lee and Lindsay supply their own needs by
growing three acres of cultivated willows chosen for their size, uniformity, and color. Learn how this versatile plant is
grown, harvested, and put to use. A demonstration of making a woven plant tower/trellis and interesting tales about wil-
low and its lore are also included.$15 ($12 member). For more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 At-
wood Ave., Madison, WI 53704; phone (608) 246-4550.
April 2, 2016, Rustic Willow Trellis Workshop, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
In this hands-on workshop from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m., you will build your own willow plant tower/trellis that will look great in
your garden or yard. In the process, learn some basic basket weaves and rustic construction methods from Lee Zieke and
Lindsay Lee, owners of Willowglen Nursery. This workshop is the perfect complement to the morning All About Willow
presentation, or can be taken alone. $162 ($130 member). For more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330
Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704; phone (608) 246-4550.
April 2, 2016, First Driftless Gardeners' Gathering, Platteville, WI
Offered by the Grant County MGA and the Horticulture Club of UW-Platteville, with keynote speaker Lee Somerville, choice
of three breakout sessions, and a tour of the UWP greenhouse. $25. For more information contact Terry
Wood or download the registration brochure.
April 2, 2016, Spring Expo, Rice Lake, WI
Hosted by the Barron County Master Gardener Volunteers at the WITC Conference Center in Rice Lake. Keynote speaker
Michael Heger will present on Best Performing Perennials for Zones 3 & 4 and Shade Perennials to Enhance Your Land-
scape. Other speakers including Jerry Clark, Crops and Soils Educator for UW-Extension Chippewa County, on growing
strawberries and blueberries, and Faye Ryszkiewicz, owner of Fryszkies' Country Gardens in Caryville, Wisconsin will pre-
sent Grow Edibles Without a Garden. Vendors will be selling various garden art and garden-related items. For more infor-
mation contact Hali Dessecker.
April 5, 2016, A Healthy Lawn for a Healthy Community, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
Conventional lawn weed killers present risks for people, pets, and the environment. Understanding these risks may moti-
vate one to learn more about natural lawn care practices. Family Practice Physician Claire Gervais, MD, will discuss the
specific risks of lawn care pesticides followed by Horticulturist Astrid Newenhouse, Ph.D., who will present natural and
organic ways to maintain a lawn. She will discuss current research information on overseeding, soil health, compost, irri-
gation, and weed control. Drs. Gervais and Newenhouse will also share ideas on how to encourage our community to
adopt healthier lawn care practices in this class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. $15 ($12 member). For more information contact
Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704; phone (608) 246-4550.
April 6, 2016, A Tropical Twist in Your Garden, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
Interest in your summer gardens can be augmented and magnified by the use of colorful tropical plantings. Our Wisconsin
summers are ideal for a wide range of tropical selections that can thrive and provide gorgeous color and texture with foli-
age, flowers, or perhaps both! Tropical plants can add visual beauty, scent, form, function, and interest for wildlife. Mark
Dwyer, director of horticulture at Rotary Botanical Gardens, will help you explore the wide range of tropical plants for sun
and shade to add to your garden beds, borders, and containers in this class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. $15 ($12 member).
For more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704; phone (608) 246-4550.
March and April Calendar of Events
Page 7 PCMGV March 2016
April 7, 2016, Spring Into Gardening Walk, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
Take a walk through the outdoor gardens with Olbrich Horticulturists Erin Presley and Tony Gomez from 5:30 to
7:00 p.m. as they discuss the best ways to prepare your garden for the season. Learn valuable time-saving tips and sus-
tainable techniques to start your garden on the path to greatness this season. $17 ($13 member). For more information
contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704; phone (608) 246-4550.
April 7, 2016, Scent and Scentability: Prized Plants for Fragrance, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
Fragrance is often an afterthought when it comes to selecting plants, but it can be a sublime presence in your landscape.
Michael Jesiolowski, senior horticulturistat Chicago Botanic Garden, will help you explore the best options for scent in
your landscape. He will discuss various trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals that can subtly perfume your garden from
afar or offer delightful fragrance when smelling them up close 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.
April 9, 2016, Spring Gardening Seminar, Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Sponsored by Wood Co. MGVs. Speakers include Jeff Epping of Olbrich Botanical Gardens on ‘Sustainable Gardens: Creat-
ing and Maintaining Gravel Gardens’ and Dr. David Stoiber on ‘An Introduction to Permaculture’. From 8:00 a.m. to noon
at Mid Mid-State Technical College Auditorium, 500 32nd St N, Wisconsin Rapids. $10 includes handouts and refresh-
ments. For more information or to register call the Wood Co. UW-Extension office at (715) 421-8440.
April 8-10, 2016, Canadian MG Conference, Huntsville, Ontario, Canada
"Come Grow with Us", hosted by the Master Gardeners of Ontario and sponsored by Guelph University at the Deerhurst
Resort, about 2 hours from Toronto. For more information and to register see the conference website.
April 12, 2016, Controlling Weeds and Invasive Plants, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
We all have a few weeds growing here and there in our yards, but most properties also have more insidious invasive spe-
cies that can spread rapidly and plunder natural areas. Frank Hassler from Good Oak Ecological Services will discuss in-
vasive plants and some of the common ornamental plants that are becoming invasive, too. Find out what these “bad”
plants are and how to stop them from spreading in your landscape and neighborhood in this class from 6:30 to 8:30
p.m. $15 ($12 member). For more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI
53704; phone (608) 246-4550.
April 14, 2016, Pruning Trees & Shrubs, Green Bay, WI
MGVs Dan Mitchell and Doug Hartman, along with Vijai Pandian, Horticulture Educator, will demonstrate the basics of
pruning fruit trees, shrubs, and shade trees.. Sponsored by the NEW MGA and Brown Co. UW-Extension, from 6:00 to
9:00 p.m. at the Ag & Extension Service Center, 1150 Bellevue St., Green Bay, WI. $5. Pre-register by sending your con-
tact information and payment to: Hort Dept., Brown County UW-Extension, 1150 Bellevue St., Green Bay, WI 54302. For
more information contact the Brown County UW-Extension Horticulture Department at (920) 391-4653
April 14, 2016, Glorious Groundcovers, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
Groundcovers are a wide-ranging group of plants from evergreen to deciduous, herbaceous to woody, flowering to foliar,
and perennial to re-seeding annuals. They range from tough plants for tough places, to deep shade lovers or moisture
lovers, while others prefer to be baked in the hot sun. Whatever your growing situation, there is a groundcover plant that
will fit and provide unified colors and textures to make the rest of your plantings really sing. Dane County UWEX Horti-
culture Educator Lisa Johnson will offer groundcover solutions to many landscape and garden challenges in this class
from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. $15 ($12 member). For more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave.,
Madison, WI 53704; phone (608) 246-4550.
April 16, 2016, Selecting and Growing Tropical Orchids, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
Orchids have a reputation of requiring expert care from growers with deep pockets. Some orchids do require experienced
growing skills, but the majority will do well with minimal care. Conservatory Curator John Wirth will discuss how to
choose and care for orchids suited to your home, pocketbook, and skill level. He will also take you behind-the-scenes for
a guided tour of the orchid greenhouse to see and hear about Olbrich’s orchid collection in this class from 1:30 to 3:30
p.m. $18 ($14 member). For more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens
March and April Calendar of Events
Page 8
April 18, 2016, Early Signs of Spring Walk, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
Discover the flourishing color and fragrance of early spring in Olbrich’s outdoor gardens. Enjoy seeing early bulbs, per-
ennials, and flowering shrubs including magnolias, forsythias, and more with Olbrich Horticulturist Christian Harper
from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. He will discuss how you can use these plants in your home garden to start the season earlier.
$17 ($13 member). For more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704;
phone (608) 246-4550.
April 19, 2016, Creating Great Gardens with Grasses & Sedges, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
Ornamental grasses and sedges are arguably one of the most important components of any great garden, whether in a
mixed border, prairie, or gravel garden. No other plant group has the impact ornamental grasses and sedges have in
gardens for the beauty they add year-round - something that can’t be said for any other perennial in the Midwest. Di-
rector of Horticulture Jeff Epping incorporated a wide variety of these plants into Olbrich’s garden designs, and he will
share his experiences on the best performing species and cultivars with you. He will also discuss how these beauties can
be incorporated into your gardens to create knockout displays 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.
April 20, 2016,Vegetable Gardening for Beginners,Green Bay, WI
This class will cover the basics of vegetable gardening including planning your vegetable garden, prepping your garden
soil, selecting vegetables, and growing requirements. Sponsored by the NEW MGA and Brown Co. UW-Extension, from
6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ag & Extension Service Center, 1150 Bellevue St., Green Bay, WI. $5. Pre-register by sending
your contact information and payment to: Hort Dept., Brown County UW-Extension, 1150 Bellevue St., Green Bay, WI
54302. For more information contact the Brown County UW-Extension Horticulture Department at (920) 391-4653
April 21, 2016, Native Plants for Any Garden, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
Are you thinking about using some native plants in your yard, but aren’t sure where to start? Frank Hassler from Good
Oak Ecological Services will share information in this class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. about native plants that are “winners”
in various conditions, so you can find some that will work well and look great in your landscape.$15 ($12 member). For
more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704; phone (608) 246-4550.
April 24, 2016, Made in the Shade: Top Plants to Conquer Shady Conditions.Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
Got shade? No problem! The shady spots in your garden don’t have to be mundane. Michael Jesiolowski, senior horticul-
turist at Chicago Botanic Garden, will discuss various shade tolerant plants (for both wet and dry conditions) with inter-
esting texture, foliage, and flowers that can be combined to make a statement in your garden in this class from 1:00 to
2:30 p.m. $15 ($12 member). For more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI
53704; phone (608) 246-4550.
April 27, 2016,Proper Tree Planting, Green Bay, WI
Vijai Pandian, Horticulture Educator, will demonstrate proper tree planting techniques. Learn how to ensure the health
and longevity of your tree. Sponsored by the NEW MGA and Brown Co. UW-Extension, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ag &
Extension Service Center, 1150 Bellevue St., Green Bay, WI. $5. Pre-register by sending your contact information and
payment to: Hort Dept., Brown County UW-Extension, 1150 Bellevue St., Green Bay, WI 54302. For more information
contact the Brown County UW-Extension Horticulture Department at (920) 391-4653 [email protected].
April 27, 2016, Gardening in Containers, Rotary Botanical Gardens, Janesville, WI
Containers provide another opportunity to enjoy plants in our landscapes and allow us to garden in areas that may not
traditionally have soil. With such a wide range of planting combinations as well as container options, discussing proper
container preparation will be a focus as well addressing how to keep our plants happy in these situations in this class
from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. $5 ($3 members). For more information see the Rotary Gardens website.
Build a cold frame With a cold
frame you can plant cool season crops such as radishes, spinach, and lettuce in March or April.
Build garden structures By
end of the month it may be warm enough out in the garage to start building window boxes, arbors and garden benches.
Plant tubers Buy tubers for
begonias and plant them in pots in-doors now, they will be ready for your window box or planters by spring. You will save a lot of money versus buying potted plants at the garden center.
Divide perennials By end of
the month if the ground has thawed and dried, you can divide and move perennials. Do not divide the very early spring bloomers such as
Start seeds. Start the early cool season vegetables such as chives, onion, lettuce, broccoli and peas. Toward the end of the month you can also start seeds for toma-toes, peppers, annuals and perenni-als (about 6 weeks before the last frost date).
Feed the birds
Sort tubers Sort through stored
tubers, roots and bulbs for dahlias, cannas, glads and begonias. Dis-pose of anything that has shriveled or decayed.
Prune By end of the month you
may get days nice enough to get out and prune trees and shrubs. Don’t prune any spring flowering shrubs and trees, as the buds have already formed. Do not prune oaks, elms or walnut until fall.
bleeding heart until after blooming or in fall.
Clean up perennial grass Cut
back the dead top growth of peren-nials and perennial grasses. Leave about 3 or 4 inches of stems that will help keep hungry rabbits out of the new growth and keep you from step-ping on them.
Clean up By end of the month
if the ground has thawed and dried, you can check perennials for new growth. Peak under the mulch and if growth is well underway you can remove the mulch. Don’t rush this! If nights are still freezing, leave the mulch in place until nights are con-sistently above freezing. Most years you will need to wait until April when growth really gets going.
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
March Gardening Guide