Hugelkultur

http://lifehacker.com/5880237/hugelkultur-can-create-irrigation+free-garden-beds

I want to try this.

I have plenty of old firewood that could be used.

New USDA Hardiness Zone Map

http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/

We are still 5b.

Recycled Wood

http://www.makeitmissoula.com/2012/01/how-to-recycle-wood/

Some interesting ideas on how to incorporate twigs, branches, logs, etc. into the garden.

Compost Tea Substitute

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/Orchid-Fertilizing-Newsletter_vq4596.htm

Interesting idea to use old diluted coffee as a substitute for compost tea.

I am going to try this.

Hairy Woodpecker in the Garden

There was a hairy woodpecker in the garden this morning.

We get downy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers every day, but very unusual to see a hairy woodpecker in the garden.

Clyde Wallenfang, RIP

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/jsonline/obituary.aspx?n=clyde-g-wallenfang&pid=155529039

He was one of the original Wisconsin MGVs.

Botanophilia

http://www.botanophilia.blogspot.com/

Based in Oostburg, WI.

Second Garden Pool

The second garden pool, which has no liner.

First Garden Pool

The revamped original garden pool, complete with pond liner and Rube Goldberg plumbing from the sump pump.

Note the impressive amount of algae, none of which was present when we left for Christmas.

Rustic Arbor

A rustic arbor in the eastern maple garden, another work in progress.

Rustic Garden Gate

Two views of the rustic garden gate, a work in progress.

Chris Tyrrell at Wehr

A plaque on the board walk at Wehr Nature Center.

More on the Warnimont Bluff Fens

http://www.wisconsinwetlands.org/Gems/SC6_Warnimont_Bluff_Fens.pdf

We saw the bird burrows but not the birds themselves.

SNA 352

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/sna/index.asp?SNA=352

We visited the Warnimont Bluff Fens (State Natural Area 352) this morning.

Technically, we did not walk on the fens themselves, which are restricted access.

But there is an excellent view of the seeping cliff face from the beach below.

It will be interesting to visit the fens in different seasons to appreciate how they change throughout the year.

Hops

http://www.sandmountainherbs.com/hops.html

Would be an interesting experiment to grow hops from seeds.

Expert Plant Picks

http://www.finegardening.com/item/21567/expert-plant-picks-midwest-and-plains

Many interesting choices, and some were already on my wish list.

Robin in the garden

There was  robin in the garden today.

The continuing mild weather seems to be bird-friendly.

Blue Dune

http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?PlantID=611&PlantTypeID=3

Elymus arenarius 'Blue Dune'

This looks like my kind of grass.

Purpurea Pendula

http://www.richsfoxwillowpines.com/catalog/?product=470

An interesting dwarf weeping beech.

Roy Piala, RIP

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/jsonline/obituary.aspx?n=roy-piala&pid=155267278&fhid=8541

A terrible tragedy, and a terrible loss for his family, and a significant loss for the gardening community.

Holistic Agriculture Library

http://www.soilandhealth.org/01aglibrary/01aglibwelcome.html

Contains various e-books.

Beginning Farmers

http://www.beginningfarmers.org/

Information on chickens, compost, permaculture, mushrooms, etc.

Korean Fir

http://springhillnursery.com/product.asp?pn=77212&sid=0425810&eid=123011SH

Abies koreana

I like the decorative blue cones.

Split Second

http://parkseed.com/product.aspx?p=51464-PK-P1

Morning Glory 'Split Second'

We have never grown a double-flowered morning glory.

Ground Nut

http://www.sandmountainherbs.com/ground_nut.html

Apios americana

Would like to try some.