From the Garden

Hugelkultur

2012-01-30T06:21:00.001-08:00

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

2012-01-26T16:15:00.001-08:00

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

We are still 5b.

Recycled Wood

2012-01-23T07:59:00.001-08:00

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

2012-01-21T09:41:00.001-08:00

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

2012-01-19T07:14:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-18T04:28:00.000-08:00

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

He was one of the original Wisconsin MGVs.

Botanophilia

2012-01-12T09:55:00.000-08:00

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

Based in Oostburg, WI.

Second Garden Pool

2012-01-08T19:06:00.000-08:00

The second garden pool, which has no liner.

First Garden Pool

2012-01-08T19:02:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-08T18:57:00.000-08:00

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

Rustic Garden Gate

2012-01-08T18:52:00.000-08:00

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

Chris Tyrrell at Wehr

2012-01-08T18:46:00.000-08:00

A plaque on the board walk at Wehr Nature Center.

More on the Warnimont Bluff Fens

2012-01-08T17:06:00.000-08:00

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

We saw the bird burrows but not the birds themselves.

SNA 352

2012-01-08T16:59:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-07T17:48:00.000-08:00

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

Would be an interesting experiment to grow hops from seeds.

Expert Plant Picks

2012-01-06T05:29:00.001-08:00

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

2012-01-05T22:18:00.000-08:00

There was robin in the garden today.

The continuing mild weather seems to be bird-friendly.

Blue Dune

2012-01-05T21:54:00.000-08:00

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

Elymus arenarius 'Blue Dune'

This looks like my kind of grass.

Purpurea Pendula

2012-01-04T18:00:00.001-08:00

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

An interesting dwarf weeping beech.

Roy Piala, RIP

2012-01-03T07:22:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-01T09:50:00.000-08:00

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

Contains various e-books.

Beginning Farmers

2012-01-01T09:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.beginningfarmers.org/

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

Korean Fir

2012-01-01T09:24:00.000-08:00

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

Abies koreana

I like the decorative blue cones.

Split Second

2012-01-01T09:20:00.000-08:00

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

Morning Glory 'Split Second'

We have never grown a double-flowered morning glory.

Ground Nut

2012-01-01T08:04:00.001-08:00

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

Apios americana

Would like to try some.

Growing A Greener World

2011-12-31T15:01:00.000-08:00

http://www.growingagreenerworld.com/episodes/

Can I get MGV education credit for watching public TV episodes?

Lacebark Pine

2011-12-29T18:19:00.001-08:00

http://www.hortmag.com/plants/plants-we-love/lacebark-pine

Would love to have one.

Summer Jewel Pink

2011-12-29T05:41:00.001-08:00

http://www.all-americaselections.org/Winners_Print.asp?ID=164

Salvia 'Summer Jewel Pink'

2012 AAS winner.

Blue Tomato

2011-12-21T05:28:00.000-08:00

http://newworldcrops.com/wp/tomatoes/the-story-behind-the-blue-tomato/attachment/indigo-rose/

The blue tomato from Oregon State University.

Very weird.

Dreadlocks

2011-12-19T16:30:00.001-08:00

http://parkseed.com/product.aspx?p=02500-PK-P1

Amaranthus caudatus 'Dreadlocks'

We love amaranths, so this might be a good one to try.

Balloon Vine

2011-12-19T05:43:00.000-08:00

http://www.plantoftheweek.org/week256.shtml

Cardiospermum halicacabum

Would be an interesting experiment to grow it as an annual.

Permies

2011-12-18T11:48:00.001-08:00

http://www.permies.com/

Goofballs that are nuts about permaculture.

Soils 101

2011-12-18T08:58:00.001-08:00

http://www.heronswoodvoice.com/2011/11/soils-101-guest-blog-by-nick-rhodehamel/

A good concise summary, well worth reading.

Nicolas

2011-12-18T08:35:00.000-08:00

http://www.waysidegardens.com/product.aspx?p=49255

Striking autumn colors, Zone 5, and thrives in shade.

I want one.

I want more than one.

Golden Shrimp Plant

2011-12-17T19:50:00.001-08:00

http://wimastergardener.org/?q=GoldenShrimpPlant

We saw some at State Fair Park a couple of years ago and they were impressive.

Pruning Grape Vines

2011-12-17T19:45:00.000-08:00

http://www.garden.org/ediblelandscaping/?page=201112-how-to

If my vines get more serious about growing then I will get more serious about pruning them.

Aromatnaya

2011-12-17T14:22:00.000-08:00

http://parkseed.com/russian-quince-aromatnaya/p/47638/

Would love to have one, even if it is a Russian.

Greenhouse Dragon

2011-12-16T06:01:00.001-08:00

http://www.finegardening.com/item/21619/reader-photos-pegs-visit-to-the-phipps-conservatory

Very creative.

SUPERthrive(tm)

2011-12-14T06:13:00.000-08:00

http://www.superthrive.com/indexa.html

Just think how much better my garden would be if I had been using this miraculous product all along.

Brady's Rocks

2011-12-11T19:03:00.000-08:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7672416@N05/6345891629/

Brady's Rocks, Waukesha County, WI

Part of the Niagara Escarpment.

On my wish list of local places to visit.

Cinderella Collection

2011-12-11T05:19:00.001-08:00

http://parkseed.com/lisianthus-cinderella-collection/p/90459/

I love Lisianthus, but our friend Sue at Luxembourg Gardens stopped growing them because of root rot problems.

I am tempted to try anyway.

Wing Haven Gardens

2011-12-11T05:14:00.001-08:00

http://www.winghavengardens.com/

Added to my list of destination gardens.

Wildfire

2011-12-09T17:32:00.000-08:00

http://www.waysidegardens.com/nyssa-sylvatica-wildfire/p/49390/

Nyssa sylvatica 'Wildfire'

Would be worth growing for the fall color.

Leaf Management

2011-12-09T15:37:00.000-08:00

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/Leaf-Management-Update-Newsletter-2010_vq3706.htm

Some interesting advice on leaves.

Gardening in Montana

2011-12-09T05:34:00.000-08:00

http://www.finegardening.com/item/21544/reader-photos-kielians-garden-in-montana

Gorgeous garden in Montana.

Granite Peak

2011-12-09T05:29:00.000-08:00

http://www.skigranitepeak.com/mountain/index.cfm?sub=history

The tallest mountain in Wisconsin.

Anywhere else, it would be a modest hill.

Might be a good place to collect a few accent pieces for the garden.

Double-Digging

2011-12-07T05:50:00.000-08:00

http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/double-digging-why-do-it

They fail to mention that some of us just love to dig.

It is fun and you never know what buried treasure you might find.

Cold-Weather Compost

2011-12-07T05:45:00.000-08:00

http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/cold-weather-compost

I need to better manage my microbes.

Forest Pansy

2011-12-06T05:39:00.000-08:00

http://www.greatgardenplants.com/index.php?pageId=1123

Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy'

Would love to have another redbud.

Mercury Rising

2011-12-04T13:34:00.001-08:00

http://www.greatgardenplants.com/index.php?pageId=1284

Coreopsis 'Mercury Rising'

Beautiful and hardy to Zone 5.

Poke Weed

2011-12-04T08:56:00.000-08:00

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

I like the idea of soaking the seed in concentrated sulfuric acid to simulate passing through a bird's gut.

Magnolia Vine

2011-12-03T17:06:00.000-08:00

http://www.waysidegardens.com/magnolia-vine-eastern-prince/p/48013/

Would love to try one.

Dawn Redwood

2011-12-03T16:58:00.000-08:00

http://www.waysidegardens.com/metasequoia-glyptostroboides/p/47422/

I want one.

I want more than one.

Heirloom Tomatoes

2011-12-03T06:54:00.000-08:00

http://www.hortmag.com/plants/fruits-veggies/top-heirloom-tomatoes

The 'Chocolate Stripes' sounds interesting with its earthy taste.

Hardscaping

2011-11-26T06:05:00.000-08:00

http://www.finegardening.com/item/21461/reader-photos-bonnies-garden-in-pennsylvania

A gardener discovers a love for hardscaping.

Robert Tomesh, RIP

2011-11-16T18:04:00.000-08:00

http://www.gundersonfh.com/?menuitem=697&siteid=90&action=1&value=12&obituaries_action=2&obituaryid=107911

Very sad news.

I got a lot of enjoyment out of the MGV Brown Bags that he ran, and I learned a lot from them.

He was a terrific asset, and he will be sorely missed.

Cranes Over the Garden

2011-11-16T17:59:00.000-08:00

Many sandhill cranes passing over the garden today.

I counted 92 in one flight.

Dirt

2011-11-15T18:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.herbcompanion.com/Gardening/THE-POT-SPOT-Container-Gardening-Essentials.aspx

Good advice on potting mixes.

Ginseng

2011-11-11T05:15:00.000-08:00

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

It would be an interesting experiment to grow ginseng from seed.

Growing Chestnuts

2011-11-09T03:55:00.000-08:00

http://www.garden.org/ediblelandscaping/?page=201111-grow-chestnuts

Would love to have a tree but do not have the space for a large one.

Could definitely grow one of the shrubby ones.

Beautyberry

2011-11-09T03:40:00.000-08:00

http://www.mariasfarmcountrykitchen.com/beauty-berry-fall-color-at-its-finest/

On my wish list.

Mohican Wind Harps

2011-11-04T05:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.mohicanwindharps.com/

Since our wind chime died after decades of abuse by the weather, maybe we should try a wind harp.

How to Divide Ornamental Grass

2011-11-03T05:54:00.000-07:00

http://www.mikesbackyardnursery.com/2011/10/how-to-divide-ornamental-grass/

Good short video.

Parasitic Nematodes

2011-10-21T05:36:00.000-07:00

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

$30 for ten million.

Parasitic Nematodes

2011-10-21T05:32:00.000-07:00

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

Desiccation, sunlight, and heat limit effectiveness.

Japanese Beetles

2011-10-21T05:24:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-20T05:12:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-20T05:09:00.000-07:00

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

Includes some advice on arborist certifications.

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood

2011-10-20T05:06:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-18T16:49:00.001-07:00

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

Features some interesting choices like peppermint and lemon balm.

NR 40

2011-10-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-11T17:50:00.001-07:00

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

Elderberry 'Sutherland Gold'

An interesting variation on the classic elderberry.

Harry Lauder

2011-10-11T17:45:00.000-07:00

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

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

Low Maintenance Gardening

2011-10-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-07T06:49:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-07T06:44:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-07T06:32:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-06T05:38:00.000-07:00

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

Worth trying.

Naturalizing Lilies

2011-10-06T05:27:00.001-07:00

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

Next year.

Old Westbury Gardens

2011-10-06T05:21:00.000-07:00

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

On my list of gardens to visit.

Dig Drop Done

2011-09-30T05:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.digdropdone.com/

I should plant more bulbs.

Choosing Landscape Evergreens

2011-09-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/dg1430.html

I would like to try the Canada hemlock and Canada yew.

Vintage Wisconsin Gardens

2011-09-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress/books/book.asp?book_id=379

I heard the author speak at an MGV program a couple of years ago.

Garden Gate

2011-09-24T12:03:00.001-07:00

http://www.cornerhardware.com/howto/ht011.html

The above link has plans for a simple frame that could be covered with something interesting.

Frogs, RIP

2011-09-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

I cannot find any frogs in the garden pool.

During my extended absence, I think the water level got too low and the raccoons got them.

Fox in the Garden

2011-09-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

We saw a fox in the garden yesterday at 7am.

It sure would be nice if it would do something about the rabbits and voles that are causing damage in the garden.

It Killed Lincoln's Mother

2011-09-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

http://iowagarden.blogspot.com/2006/08/wildflower-that-killed-lincolns-mother.html

I have none in the garden, but it is on my wish list.

Regenerative Gardens

2011-09-02T17:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Nancy for sending me this link.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/25/garden/prairie-grass-landscapes-in-austin-tex.html

Side-oats grama and little bluestem are two of my favorite plants.

Mariken

2011-08-31T05:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.waysidegardens.com/gardening/PD/48591/

Extremely dwarf Ginkgo tree.

Alternatives to Ox-Eye Daisy and Dame's Rocket

2011-08-14T18:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4dmg/Weed/non.htm

Some good suggestions like black-eyed susan, blanket flower, and woodland phlox.

Land Banks

2011-08-05T05:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Nancy for this link.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/04/garden/finding-the-potential-in-vacant-lots-in-the-garden.html

Vacant lots are ecological assets.

Weeds

2011-08-03T18:30:00.000-07:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/31/books/review/weeds-by-richard-mabey-book-review.html

Sounds like an interesting book.

Permaculture

2011-08-03T18:22:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Nancy for this link.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/28/garden/permaculture-emerges-from-the-underground.html

Very interesting, but it is unlikely that the medieval village government would allow it.

0.25" Rain

2011-07-20T06:03:00.000-07:00

It rained last night.

According to weather.com, we got 1/4 inch.

Tufted Hair Grass

2011-07-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=C450

We planted one by the garden pool.

Ornamental Grasses for Shade

2011-07-17T19:30:00.001-07:00

http://www.chicagolandgardening.com/CGMPages/experts/experts_JA11.htm

I like sedges.

Imprelis

2011-07-15T05:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/15/science/earth/15herbicide.html

If Imprelis (aminocyclopyrachlor) is judged safer than other poisons, and it kills trees, then what does that say about DuPont's other products?

Romanesco

2011-07-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

http://wimastergardener.org/?q=Romanesco

Weird vegetable.