INSIDE: Local Master Gardener News - 2 Upcoming Events – 4 Bits and Pieces - 6

/ February 2008 April 2014

Gathering for the trip out to the Growing Grounds.

Small seedlings that are purchased for transplanting and resale.

The greenhouses are HUGE and are kept at 64 degrees.

Tour of May’s Growing Grounds Well Attended… by Nina Logan (Pictures by Jo-Ann Clark On March 18 a group of gardeners met at May’s Green House to tour their growing green houses. We were guided through their 2 large greenhouses. One greenhouse was their production house which is all under glass and is about 3 acres in size. From this greenhouse May’s grows and ships out thousands of plants to areas throughout the Midwest. Larry Reit says they ship about 18 semi loads of plants a day when they reach sale size. The smaller greenhouse produces sale ready plants which are sold in the nursery and throughout the community. May’s also maintain a greenhouse in Florida where they raise tropical plants. We then returned to the show room at May’s where we were able to shop the many plants and garden items on display. The resident cat was our companion as we toured the store. We met in the back room where we enjoyed coffee and cookies and gossiped about gardening. Lori and I were happy to see so many

These pansies, started about Valentine’s Day were starting to bloom on the evening of the tour.

Homemade cookies and coffee and good conversation back at May’s Floral.

Fairy Garden in a rowboat inspires two young gardeners.

new faces. We were especially happy to meet new members of our general training class and hope that they will continue to be a part of our activities. Thank you Jenny and Larry for your hospitality.

Page 2 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener New April 2014

Local Master Gardener News

NOTE: The ECAMGA Board minutes no longer appears in the newsletter. You may access them by going to the website at

eauclairemastergardeners.weebly.com

Changing e-mail? Moving? If you do, please remember to notify the ECAMG and the newsletter editor of your new e-mail address and/or mailing address so you don’t miss any Eau Claire Area Master Gardener happenings! Email you’re new information to Carol Cox at c7w6c2200@charter.net or notify her by snail mail at 1908 Hogeboom Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701 (or call her at 715-783- 0016 - cell).

ECAMGA Board ECAMGA BOARD MEMBER CONTACT INFO

NAME/TITLE e-mail address phone number

Erin LaFaive Erin.lafaive@ces.uwex.edu 715-839-4712

Cindy Ferver cferver@charter.net 715-606-0006 715-514-1544

Gary Mathis Garym5811@live.com 715-878-4031

Ede Strand edestrand@aol.com 715-8326775

Amy Boetcher myamybird@aol.com 715-577-9085

Jeanne Mueller jeanneventures@att.net 715-835-3146

Diane Hunter sportflower@gmail.com 715-835-2775

Andy Heren Rcktnut007@aol.com 715-831-9236

Daria Hutchinson dariahu@aol.com 715-797-4793

MGV

Bulletin Board Postings Stories and Opportunities!!!! Bulletin Board Postings Stories and Opportunities!!!!

“ASK A MASTER GARDENER” BOOTH Spring is here (at least the calendar says it is) and it will soon be time to start our “Ask A Master Gardener” booth at the Saturday Farmers Market at Phoenix Park. In the past we have started Memorial Day weekend, but this year we want to start a little earlier on Saturday, May 10. Are you looking for a way to get your 24 hours of volunteer time? Do you like talking with people and watching the crowds at the Farmers market? If so, please consider volunteering at our booth. Here is how it works: Either myself or someone else will bring all the supplies out to the Phoenix Park Pavilion at 8:00 a.m. We are never in the same place; it all depends on where Diedre, the manager, tells us to set up. Just look for a familiar face and our table. We try to have about four of us there, which means someone probably knows the answer to most questions. If we don’t, we refer them to the Extension office and someone will get the answer to their question. We are looking for people to help this year. It doesn’t matter if you have done this before or not. You can do it as often as you like or just a few times. After I get names, I will have a way for you to sign up - probably a Doodle again). I usually check the signup each week to see who will be there. I had a job last year that kept me from the Farmers Market and I am looking forward to being back! Those of us there have a great time not only taking with the public, but with each other. Please consider joining us this summer! If you are interested, please email me at Rcktnut007@aol.com and I will add your name to the list. Thanks! – Andy Heren

ECAMGA 2014 Calendar

All meetings at UW-Extension Office unless otherwise noted

April 15 – Garden Jeopardy Fun Night at 6:30 at UW-Extension May 20 – Ed Rebak/Whitetail Organics will discuss benefits of using Soil Builder Earthworm Castings. !June 17 –!at!the!Schlegelmilch!House!in!

downtown!Eau!Claire.!The!"Schlegelmilch!

Gardeners"!will discuss!the!work!of!rehabilitating!a!historic!garden.!Tours!of!

the!house!and!strawberry!shortcake!will!

be!offered. July 15 – Garden Tours TBA August 3 – Plant Sale at the Expo Center September 16 – speaker TBA & hours due October 21 – speaker TBA November 18– speaker TBA December 16 – annual potluck and election of officers

Page 3 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener News April 2014

In search of my m

!!! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! GARDEN !!

!!!!!!!!!!

!

! ! ! ! ! On!April!15,!!Darrell!Reed!will!be!hosting!“Garden!!

! ! ! ! ! Jeopardy”,!a!question!and!answer!quiz!show!about!

gardening.!!We!will!organize!teams!who!will!challenge!one!another!answering!

garden!questions.!!It!should!not!only!fun,!but!also!be!an!educational!gardening!

experience.!!There!will!be!food!and!prizes!included!.!

!!!!!!!!!

!This!event!will!be!held!at!the!extension!office!at!227!First!Street!West!in!

Altoona!at!6:30!pm.!!It!is!free!and!open!to!the!public.

VOLUNTEER IN THE

HISTORIC SCHLEGELMILCH GARDEN

Join us in the Schlegelmilch Garden for the 10th season. We are proud that our work over the past 10 years has created a beautiful and restful spot at the corner of Lake and Farwell streets.

Please consider joining us this season. Our first meeting will be held at the Schlegelmilch House on Friday, April 11, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. to begin planning for the coming season. We would love to have you thee. If you can’t make that date but have an interest in knowing more about the project, please call Jill Barland, at 715-835-5326 or email her at jbarland@charter.net . We are proud that the corner of Farwell and Lake street in downtown Eau Claire is a more inviting, beautiful space because of the work we have done in rehabilitating the garden to what it might have looked like in the early 20th century.

“The best way to

sound like you know

what you’re talking

about is to know what

you’re talking about.”

Harvey Mackay

JOHN CABOT ROSE IN FULL BLOOM!

“If it’s rare, we want it. If it’s tiny and impossible to grow, we’ve got to have it. If it’s brown, looks dead, and has black flowers, we’ll kill for it. We’re collectors and little will

stand in the way of bagging our quarry. We are driven by a must have passion that singles us out from other gardeners.”

-Ken Druse – “The Collector’s Garden”

Page 4 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener News June 2013

Page 4 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener News 2014 April 2014

Timberdoodle Tumble - April 10, 7:30 until 9 pm at the Wise Nature Center. Cost: $5 for Friends (Adult), $3 for Friends Child; $8 for Nonmember (Adult), $4 for Nonmember Child - 7 spots available. Registration and full payment required by April 8. Join former BCR Director Rick Koziel to enjoy the spectacular courtship performance of the American woodcock. After a short presentation at the Nature Center, we will visit nearby singing grounds to observe the bird that, in Aldo Leopold's words, "flutters skyward in a series of wide spirals, emitting a musical twitter...then, without warning, tumbles like a crippled plane, giving voice in a soft liquid warble that a March bluebird might envy." Frog Fest - April 22 from 7 until 8:30 pm at the Wise Nature Center. Cost: $5 for Friends (Adult), $3 for Friends Child. $15 for Friends Family; $8 adults for Nonmembers, $4 Child for Nonmembers, $20 for Nonmembers Family. There are 31 spots available. Registration/full payment required by April 18.

Frog Fest is an annual event not only at Beaver Creek but also throughout Wisconsin each spring as the ponds begin to thaw. The Wisconsin Frog Fest circuit hosts 11 frog performers and 1 toad. Join Reserve naturalist Ruth Forsgren as she helps you to identify by sight and sound our local performers. Weather and trail conditions permitting, the evening will end with a hike down to Beaver Creek's own frog chorus marsh. Dress appropriately for cool evening weather and possible muddy terrain. A flashlight may also be helpful. To register for these events go to: https://www-beavercreekreserveorg.site.atfni.com/explore/event_registration.phtml?id=E27A08E1 or call 715-877-2212.

Upcoming Events

S1 County Road K, Fall Creek, WI 54742 bcr@beavercreekreserve.org

April Classes Please sign up early, spots in most classes are limited to 10 participants. We can take your reservation for any class at any time. Sign up now! Call us at 715.834.4232 (getyourplants@tinroofgarden.com via email). Kids are welcome to attend all of our classes with an adult. Classes may be subject to change.

April 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. – “Veggie Garden Tips” - Learn about companion planting, sustainable practices, and lost of other great tips for a successful vegetable garden. April 26 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. – “Whimsy in the garden” - Make some garden art! Stepping-stones, the perfect accent to any lovely garden. Create a whimsical stepping-stone with concrete and recycled glassware. Price for class will be $25. May 3 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.- “Recycled container garden” - Kids will love this project! Plant a 2-liter bottle bottom with herbs or grass for your cat and decorate, creating a fun and unique recycled counter top container. Price will be $5 for the class. 5310 Friedeck Road Eau Claire, WI 54701

Tin Roof

Garden

Upcoming Classes

Registration is not required for most classes

but is appreciated.

Saturday, April 5 at 10:00 a.m. and Thursday, April 10 at 5:00 p.m.: “Spring Fairy Garden Workshop” – Design and create your very own Spring Fairy Garden! With just a few plants, a selection of Fairy gardens make perfect indoor gardens, but can be enjoyed outdoors as well! Bring your own container or purchase one on site. Cost: build your own; only pay for what you take home. Saturday, April 12 at 10:00 a.m.: “Organic Lawn Care” – Stop spreading chemicals on your lawn and harming our environment! Come to this short class and learn how to create a beautiful lush green lawn without endangering yourself, your pets, and the environment. Thursday, April 24 at 5:00 p.m. – “Spring Hanging Basket Workshop” - Personally design your very own hanging basket. We will walk through the greenhouse to choose and pick out plants that will fit your specific sun needs and fill out your basket. Then you’ll get to plant your basket and take it home with you to enjoy all season. Cost: Build your own; only pay for what you take home.

6025 Arndt Lane, Eau Claire WI, 54701 715-833-1234 or E-mail - home@dwntoearth.com Website: http://www.dwntoearth.com/index2.html

Page 5 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener News April 2014

Hello%Master%Gardener%Volunteers,!The!Eastside!Hill!Neighborhood!Association!called!and!gave!me!information!

about!assistance!needed!for!an!established!prairie!garden!at!Boyd!Park.!!

It’s!about!an!acre!and!is!about!6!years!old.!They!need!advice!on!how!to!

maintain!it!and!improve!it.!They’ve!been!working!to!keep!the!invasive!

species!out!as!much!as!possible.!!

It!you’re!interested!I’ll!send!you!Mark!Ruddy’s!email!and!!

phone!number.!!Thank!you,!!

Erin LaFaive!Horticulture Educator & Co-Dept. Head!Eau Claire County UW Extension!715-839-4712

!

"One!of!the!most!

delightful!things!about!

a!garden!is!the!

anticipation!it!

provides."!!

W.E.!Johns!(1893^1968)!

from!The!Passing!Show!

Planting in the Greenhouse Ready to plant your garden? Whether a beginner or an experienced gardener get any questions answered by our “Oasis Ladies." We’ll have everything needed to plant your containers! We'll even grow them for you until they can be picked up and taken outdoors. Reserve your spot today! Plantings will be held on: Wed. April 9th: 7pm-9pm; and Sat. April 12th: 9am-12 pm and 1pm-3pm, Fees for materials used charged the day of the event.

1403 122nd St. Chippewa Falls, WI phone 715-8332-0800 or go to: www.GreenOasisGardens.com.

Page 6 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener News April 2014

Page 7 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener News April 2013

Bits and Pieces

Spring Expo Sponsored by the Barron County Master Gardener Volunteers Saturday, April 5, 2014 WITC Conference Center Rice Lake, WI Speakers include:

- Diana Alfuth – “Home Landscaping Success In the Details” - Laura Cutsforth – “Peonies” - Nancy Skelly – “”Shrubs for Garden Beauty” - Tim Jergenson – “Unlock the Secrets of the Soil” - Diana Alfuth – “Landscaping Around Obstacles”

Cost is $30 per person, which includes a continental breakfast, regular and vegetarian lasagna lunch and afternoon coffee. Tickets at the door will be $35 and lunch cannot be guaranteed. To register on line go to http://barron.uwex.edu (a modest fee will be charged for online payment). Registration is 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. For more information and a brochure go to: http://wimastergardener.org/sites/wimastergardener.org/files/event%20pdfs/2014BarronSpringExpo.pdfhttp://wimastergardener.org/sites/wimastergardener.org/files/event%20pdfs/2014BarronSpringExpo.pdf

Growing and Cooking with Herbs: April 14th at 6:00 p.m.: Free seminar with the option of making your own herb garden after class for a fee of $20. Space is limited, so please pre-register for all classes: on line or call 715-836-8220. For more information contact us by at: http://www.maysfloralgarden.com/contact or call 715-836-8220 or 1-800-422-6297.

May’s Floral Garden 3424 Jeffers Rd

Eau Claire, WI 54701

!

Attract more pollinators… (Article excerption from GardenGate eNotes)

Make your garden even more pollinator-friendly! Save cuttings of hollow-stemmed plants, such as Joe-Pye weed (Eupatorium spp. And hybrids), during cleanup to build insect nests like this one. Snip taller stems down to 5-8 inch-long pieces and then gather a handful of stems with different diameters. Secure your bundle using twine and attach it horizontally to a fence post or the side of the house, avoiding spots in full sun. Much like a mason bee house or an untreated piece of wood with holes drilled into it, this bundle creates a place for solitary pollinators to lay their eggs. Here’s a list of other hollow- stemmed plants you can use the same way: Annual sunflower (Helianthus annuus); Daylily Hermerocallis hybrids; Delphinium Delphinium hybrids; and Salvia Salvia x sylvestris (among others).

“Gardening gives one back a sense of proportion about everything

except itself.” May Sarton

“Plant Dreaming Deep,” 1968

Page 7 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener News April 2014

Eye Candy…

Wisconsin Native Roadside Vegetation Campaign

Want to see more native plants along Wisconsin’s roadways? Here’s how you can help… The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is currently taking public comment for the I-39/90 Corridor Project; http://projects.511wi.gov/web/i-39-90-project a 45 mile stretch of highway from Madison to Beloit. This is where you can make an impact: We need individuals to write letters encouraging the WisDOT to plant natives along roadsides and right of ways in order to increase the pollinator populations in Wisconsin. The Friends of the Monarch Trail were successful in convincing the DOT to amend the seed mix for restoring the ZOO interchange in Milwaukee County! The WisDOT will plant a standard native mix and enhance it with 10% common milkweed to help the monarch migration. This was possible with letters and participation from many Friends of the Monarch Trail members and environmental groups. We can expand this program in Wisconsin—Iowa now requires 90% of all new roadway projects to plant native species. We can learn from our neighboring state and help offset the increasing losses of our pollinators. This is a win win for Wisconsin. WisDOT welcomes project comments/suggestions!

Write to: John Vesperman - I-39/90 Project Chief, P.E Southwest Region Project Field Office 111 Interstate Blvd. Edgerton, WI 53534 (608) 884-1221 john.vesperman@dot.wi.gov;

Write to: Joe Olson, Director Southwest Region – 3550 Mormon Coulee Road- La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 785-9026-- Toll-free: (888) 368-5463 or contact at: swr.dtsd@dot.wi.gov Or, to comment go to: http://2.selectsurvey.net/WisDot/TakeSurvey.aspx?PageNumber=1&SurveyID=9820586&Preview=true For Resources: http://www.uni.edu/~irvm/ http://www.pollinator.org/monarchs.htm;

http://monarchjointventure.org/our-work/; http://www.themonarchtrail.org/ www.wildones.org

Thanks for your help.

Donna VanBuecken, Executive Director Wild Ones: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes

Photo by Carol Losey – “A Fortuitous Combo”

Photo by Jo-Ann Clark – “Spring’s First Flowers”

One never knows what one “stumbles upon” when on the www.stumbleupon.com website. This sedum picture frame was just interesting and looks fairly easy to do and maintain.

Page 8 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener News April 2014

EAU CLAIRE AREA MASTER GARDENER NEWSLETTER A newsletter for the Eau Claire Area Master Gardener Association members.

For more Eau Claire County UW Cooperative Extension information

go to our website: www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/eauclaire

Phone: 715-839-4712 Fax: 715-839-6277

M-F 8AM-5PM

Unless otherwise noted, articles for this newsletter are submitted and/or written by ECAMGA members or the newsletter editor, Carol W. Cox. Unless otherwise noted, graphics are from clipart. Newsletter layout by Carol W. Cox

The University of Wisconsin Extension provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in education, programming and employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, gender/sex, creed, disability, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or parental, arrest or conviction record or veteran status.” If you need an interpreter, materials in alternate formats or other accommodations to access this program, activity or service, please contact Erin LaFaive at 715-839-4712 as soon as possible preceding the scheduled event so that proper arrangements can be made in a timely fashion

Eau Claire County

Extension Office

227 First Street West

Altoona, WI 54720

REMEMBER… As you begin your spring cleanup and yard work there will be perennials to divide. Do set aside some for the August ECAMGA Annual Plant Sale. Dividing them and potting them in the spring will get them off to a great start for the late summer plant sale!

ECAMGA Winter Garden Seminar meeting. Picture by Jo-Ann Clark (who thus avoided being in the picture).