Parasitic Nematodes

http://www.buglogical.com/beneficial-nematodes/heterorhabditis-bacteriophora-nematodes/

$30 for ten million.

Parasitic Nematodes

http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/mbcn/kyf611.html

Desiccation, sunlight, and heat limit effectiveness.

Japanese Beetles

http://www.mikesbackyardnursery.com/2010/07/how-to-get-rid-of-japanese-beetles-and-grubs-in-your-lawn/

Advice on grub control, including parasitic nematodes.

Unusual Fruits

http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/il/newsletter-stories/growing_outside_the_fruit_box/

We planted a clove currant and a 'Hinnomaki Red' gooseberry.

Choosing An Arborist

http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/il/newsletter-stories/your_tree_healthy_or_not/

Includes some advice on arborist certifications.

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood

http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/il/newsletter-stories/cornelian_cherry_dogwood/

Cornus mas

We planted one and have high hopes for it.

Rocks in the Garden

I collected a few rocks on our recent trip to Marshfield, Wisconsin.

I got 36, and the largest was right at the limit of what I can lift.

Some were from near Athens (the village north of Marshfield, not the city in Greece).

Fox in the Garden

This afternoon, while neighbor Gil and I were talking on the back porch, a fox ran by us.

Always exciting to see a fox in the garden.

Plants for a Healthy Office

http://www.rodale.com/6-best-plants-healthy-office-0

Features some interesting choices like peppermint and lemon balm.

NR 40

This afternoon I attended the Fall MGV Level II Specialty Training class at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

The topic was "Invasive Species and the NR 40 Rule."

The presenter was Bernadette Williams, Invasive Species Specialist, Division of Forestry, WDNR.

Very interesting and informative.

Ms. Williams went through every plant on the NR 40 list, plus many others that may be later added to the list.

Ms. Williams spent the last hour on invasive earthworms, which was fascinating.

Counts as 3 MGV education hours.

Sutherland Gold

http://springhillnursery.com/product.asp?pn=72441&sid=0425787&eid=100911SH

Elderberry 'Sutherland Gold'

An interesting variation on the classic elderberry.

Harry Lauder

http://freeplants.com/harry-lauders.htm

Some interesting ideas about growing Harry Lauder's Walking Stick.

Low Maintenance Gardening

On Thursday October 6 evening, I attended the Adult Education Class at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

The topic was "Low Maintenance Gardening - Foolproof Plants for the Weekend Gardener."

The presenter was Roy Diblik of Northwind Perennial Farm.

Roy is a proponent of "Know Maintenance Gardening."

He made a strong case for planting the right plants in the right locations. He had many specific recommendation of Alliums, Salvias, Nepetas, and hardy clumping grasses.

He said that a garden requires bulbs (I agree 100%).

He cautioned against too much organic matter for those herbaceous perennials that enjoy lean soils.

Very informative and well-worth attending.

It was scheduled for 90 minutes but went a full 2 hours, and would have continued if the administration has not shooed us out.

Counts as 2 MGV education hours.

Fox 6 Gardens

On Thursday October 6 afternoon, I went to the Fox 6 Gardens (formerly Gus's Green Thumb Garden).

Sharon and Karen spent most of their time harvesting produce.

I killed 4 Japanese beetles.

I planted Clematis 'Nelly Moser' in a hole that I dug a full 24" deep in rocky clay. When I backfilled the hole, I mixed in some of the compost from Bin #2.

I also chopped some of the coarser compost in Bin #1.

Counts as 3 MGV volunteer hours (includes travel time).

Wetlands and Shorelines

On Wednesday October 5, I attended the Fall MGV Level II Specialty Training class.

The topic was "Wetlands and Shorelines."

The presenter was Gail Overholt, UW-Extension Regional Natural Resources Educator in Milwaukee County.

We learned that it was best to leave wetlands and shorelines in as natural a condition as possible to prevent erosion and runoff.

Counts as 3 MGV education hours.

Plant Communities in Wisconsin

On Wednesday September 28, I attended the Fall MGV Level II Specialty Training class.

The topic was "Plant Communities in Wisconsin."

The presenter was Barb Larson, UW-Extension Kenosha.

Very interesting and informative. We learned about the plant communities in various types of forests, wetlands, and prairies.

Counts as 3 hours MGV education.

She recommended the book, "The Vegetation of Wisconsin: An Ordination of Plant Communities" (1959, 1971) by John T. Curtis.

It was on the shelf at the Hales Corners Library, so I checked it out and am in the process of reading it. Tons of interesting information.

Trellis Netting

http://parkseed.com/parks-trellis-netting-5-x-30/p/6521/

Worth trying.

Naturalizing Lilies

http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/984200-product.html

Next year.

Old Westbury Gardens

http://www.oldwestburygardens.org/index.htm

On my list of gardens to visit.