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  North Country MGV

Make an entrance

Fragrant Garden Tips and Plant List

7/24/2019

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​Make an eye-catching garden more enjoyable by including fragrant plants.  Incorporating aromatic flowers into the landscape adds an unforgettable dimension.  Fragrant plants tend to bring up pleasant memories, and scented flowers also attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
Fragrance is produced by plants when their essential oils evaporate and the molecules enter the air.  The most fragrant flowers are white and pastel.
​Create your own fragrant garden with these tips:
  1.  Avoid using pesticides and chemical fertilizers.  They detract from the pleasant odors and can kill or harm beneficial creatures like birds and butterflies.
  2. Use drip irrigation.  Overhead watering interferes with the release of nectar in aromatic plants, which will cause them not to smell.  Drip keeps the water at the root zone and off the plants.  If you can’t install drip irrigation, try to water at the roots.
  3. Plant aromatic plants in high traffic areas.  You want the plants close enough so you can smell them.  Good locations include entryways, passageways, and enclosed areas where the odors can linger, such as patios, courtyards, and atriums.  Spots near windows that you open are also good.
  4. Locate low-growing fragrant plants near nose level.  Place short aromatic plants where they can easily be appreciated, rather than on the ground.  Good locations include elevated containers located on tabletops and hanging baskets.
  5. Consider time of day.  Some plants only smell at certain times of the day.  Weather can also make a difference.  Hot days tend to stir up the volatile oils in plants more than cool days, which means you’ll have a more fragrant garden when the weather is warm.
  6. Balance and layer.  Avoid putting too many different types of fragrant plants into your landscape.  The results of doing this can be overpowering and even unpleasant.  Some plants, like night-blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum), are so strong that you only need one in your yard.  Other flowers, like alyssum, require that you plant several in order to notice the scent.
Fragrant Garden at the Spooner Agriculture Research Station in early June and mid-July. 
​The specific plants in our fragrant garden are:
Bordering the walkway is Sweet Alyssum (Rosie O’Day).  Starting to cascade up and over on our arbor are both Moonflower and Sweet Pea.  In the main part of the garden are Bee Balm,  Carnation, Chocolate Flower, Heliotrope, Hyssop, Lupine, Marigold, Nicotiana, and Penstemon.   
Learn more at the upcoming Twilight Garden Tour on August 13 starting at 4:00pm. 
​Submitted by Roseann Meixelsperger, Master Gardener Volunteer
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More fun with Herbs!

7/22/2019

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The Herb Garden

Come on out and visit the gardens. Reach down and brush the plants in the herb garden. What can you smell?
Do you smell pizza? Do you smell pickles?

We have dill, basil, garlic chives, onion chives and more planted in the herb garden.

Come join us at the Annual Twilight Garden Tour.
We will have recipes to share using herbs and different herb infused water to sample.
And other fun and simple ways to include herbs in your day.

Annual Twilight Tour in the Teaching and Display Garden
Tuesday, August 13, 4:00 to Twilight
Features guest speakers, demonstrations, displays, vegetable tastings

Author

Carla TePaske ~ UW-Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Author and Photos by Carla TePaske

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A Stroll in the Garden

7/19/2019

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"Some old fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat."
Laura Ingalls Wilder


You never know what you are going to see at the Teaching and Display Gardens. I spotted this butterfly resting by a morning glory at the Straw Bale Garden.
The gardens are full of bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and more.
Take some time to come visit this summer.
Come on out and take a stroll in the gardens.



Author

Carla TePaske ~ UW-Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Author and Photos by Carla TePaske

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Save the Date:  Twilight Garden Tour on August 13

7/17/2019

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​The North Country Master Gardener Volunteer Association invites everyone to our annual Twilight Garden Tour on Tuesday August 13 starting at 4:00 p.m. and closing around 7:30 p.m.  The event will be in the Spooner Agriculture Research Station Teaching and Display Gardens at 780 Orchard Lane, Spooner.  The gardens are located 1 ½ miles east of Spooner on Highway 70 or ½ mile west of the Highway 70/53 interchange.  All ages are invited to attend and there will be handicap parking near the gardens.
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We will have speakers from University of Wisconsin including Brian Hudelson (Director of the UW-Madison Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic), Brian Smith (UW-River Falls Professor of Horticulture), and P.J. Liesch (Director of the UW-Madison Insect Diagnostic Lab) speaking about plant diseases, insects, and vegetable gardening.  There will also be displays and demonstrations including how to create a Monarch Waystation, getting your garden soil tested, wine tasting, and vegetable tastings.  The Spooner Garden Club, Barron County Master Gardener Volunteers, Cooperative Weed Management, Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area, Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary, and our Kids in the Garden program will be among the organizations and programs represented.   
 
This will be a prime opportunity to check out our pollinator garden, cover crop garden beds and other creative gardening using this years All-American Selections’ theme of Recycling, Reusing, Reimagining.  Hayrides to the Seed to Kitchen Garden will also be scheduled throughout the evening.
 
The event is free to the public.  In the event of rain, we will move the displays and speakers close-by into the Spooner Agriculture Research Station, 1035 E Maple Street (Highway 70), Spooner.
 
Please call the Station at 715-635-3506 for more information if needed.
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Sunflower Patch and Photo Opportunity

7/16/2019

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The Sunflower Patch
The Sunflower Patch looked like this a few weeks ago.

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The Sunflower Patch is looking like this as of the week of July 15th.
Flowers are budding and soon the sunflower patch will be the perfect place to take a family photo.
North Country Master Gardener Volunteers encourage you to come on out to the garden, sit on the bench and say "cheese" or "sunflower!"


Visit the Teaching & Display Gardens
The Teaching and Display Gardens  are a joint effort between the Spooner Agriculture Research Station, operated by the University of Wisconsin - Madison College of Agriculture and Life Science, the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension and area UW-Extension Master Gardener Volunteers.  

Open to the public for self-guided tours during day light hours seven days a week mid-May through mid-September. 

Author

Carla TePaske ~ UW-Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Author and Photos by Carla TePaske

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2019 is the Year of the Dahlia!

7/15/2019

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2019 is the year of the Dahlia!
Picking a favorite dahlia is like going through a button box. As well as coming in a rainbow of colors, dahlia flowers can range in size from petite 2-inch lollipop-style pompoms to giant 15-inch “dinner plate” blooms. Most varieties grow 4 to 5 feet tall.  
They are considered a tender perennial in cold regions North America. They are only winter hardy in planting zones 8 to 11. Gardeners in zones 2 to 7 can simply plant dahlia tubers in the spring and either treat them as annuals or dig them up and store for winter.

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Celebrating the 2019 Flower of the Year the North Country Master Gardener's have a garden that is dedicated to dahlias.  Printouts with dahlia information are available at the garden.


Visit the Teaching & Display Gardens

The Teaching and Display Gardens  are a joint effort between the Spooner Agriculture Research Station, operated by the University of Wisconsin - Madison College of Agriculture and Life Science, the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension and area UW-Extension Master Gardener Volunteers.  

Open to the public for self-guided tours during day light hours seven days a week mid-May through mid-September. 


Author

Carla TePaske ~ UW-Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Author and Photos by Carla TePaske

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Green Covers

7/12/2019

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Learn more about cover crops and alternative mulches at our upcoming Meet Me in the Garden on July 16 at 6:00 pm at the Spooner Agriculture Research Station Teaching and Display garden.
​Do you know the difference between a ground cover and a cover crop?  Do you have bare ground that it weed prone? 
 
Consider getting covered!  Bare soil is a magnet for weeds and the new trend is to cover with living plants.  Mulch has been the cover of choice in both the vegetable garden and perennial beds for years but there are many other options.  When referring to covers that use actual plants you will see terms such as green manure (for vegetable and annual areas) or green mulch (ground covers for perennials beds).  
 
In the Teaching and Display Garden we have examples of many different mulches and the use of living plants. 
 

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Hazards of Gardening

7/11/2019

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Poison Cow Parsnip photo UW Extension
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Poison Ivy photo UW Extension
We all love to be out in the garden. But there are some hazards in the garden that we should keep in mind while we work.
  • Make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot. Even when wearing gloves you can inadvertently cut or stab yourself when gardening, sometimes without being aware.
  • Heat stroke and dehydration can sneak up on you especially when there is a nice breeze. It is easy to get dried out and not realize it. If you are feeling weak, dizzy, or feel a chill come over you, get into the house quickly. Drink water or other hydrating liquids, lay down with a cool compress on you head and belly to bring down your temp quickly. If you are feeling shaky, phone a friend or let someone know to check on you. One bout of heat stroke may leave you vulnerable to another so take it easy in the heat and sun.
  • Bee and wasp stings can happen suddenly if you disturb a nest, especially when the weather is hot and dry leaving these lovely pollinators stressed and a bit testy. Allergies to stings can also come on suddenly so don't think that because you have never had a reaction you won't have one. Rapid swelling and hives will tell you to get some medical attention ASAP. Other symptoms can come on quickly so phone a friend, family member or 911 to let them know you need help.
  • Watch out for poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac and other poisonous plants. Get to know what these plants look like. Wash immediately (up to 8 hours after exposure) with a grease cutting soap such as Dawn dish soap or Tecnu as the oil from these plants carries the urushiol allergen. Any tools or clothing that have come into contact with the oil can recontaminate you when touched later so be sure these are washed as well. You can tell the difference between a bug bite and poison ivy by the shape of the skin irritation. Poison ivy tends to leave a longish rash that corresponds to the the raking of the leaf across the skin. Once the rash appears, wash regularly. Control itching with anti-itch lotions or hold under the hot water tap for a minute to pull out the histamine (up to 4 hours of relief for bug bits as well). Scratching can spread the toxin and introduce bacteria. If the rash becomes infected, see a doctor.
  • Pesticide and herbicide exposure is nothing to take lightly. Ingredients in these chemicals can be carcinogenic and can irritate the throat, nasal passages and lungs. They can also be absorbed through the skin. Always use eye protection, a mask and protective clothing when using chemicals. Launder clothing right away after use and separately from other clothing. Mix and apply chemicals as directed on the label, read all instructions, and be sure to apply when there is little or no breeze.
  • Back injury from bending, stooping and carrying can leave you achy and sore. Utilize carts, wagons and mechanized aides where possible. Knee pads, ergonomic tools and a simple overturned bucket for sitting on will help immensely. Stretching exercised throughout the day can help muscles relax and reduce soreness. Anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as Tylenol or Advil taken at bedtime will help you wake up ready for another day in the garden.

Gardening is a labor of love even with the hazards!
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Ground Nesting Yellow Jackets photo UW Extension
Helpful links:
Gardening around bees
www.networx.com/article/how-not-to-get-stung-by-bees
Safe Chemical Use
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Herbicides-Safely
Ergonomic gardening tools
http://www.wyomingextension.org/agpubs/pubs/B1238.pdf
Poisonous plants in Wisconsin
https://www.wiscontext.org/5-poisonous-plants-avoid-wisconsin
Washing Off Urushiol Allergen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oyoDRHpQK0

Article submitted by Pamela Davies MGV
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Meet Me in the Garden - July 16 at 6:00 pm

7/9/2019

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The Spooner Agriculture Research Station Teaching and Display Garden will host visitors for a relaxing program in the garden on Tuesday, July 16 starting at 6:00 pm.  This garden session will focus on reusing found objects, recycle, and re-imagining our gardens.  UW-Extension Master Gardener Volunteers will be on hand to share tips on small scale gardening including square foot and straw bale gardens.  A tour of the gardens will highlight All America Selections annuals within this theme as well as demonstrate the gardening techniques being used in the garden. ​
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This year’s theme  “Re-use, recycle, and re-imagine” comes from the All America Selections .  The displays have been created with this theme in mind.  The Teaching and Display Garden is one of eight in Wisconsin that display vegetable and flower varieties who have been awarded this designation as an outstanding cultivar.   
Save these dates for upcoming programs at the garden:  the Twilight Garden Tour on August 13 at 4:00 pm, on August 29 at 6:00 pm a program on cut flower gardens, and on September 7 at 10:00 am the program will focus on harvest, seed savings and what was learned during this garden season.  
Remember to bring your own lawn chair for the Meet Me in the Garden Seminar.  The session is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine – please dress accordingly.  In case of inclement weather, the program will be held at the Station Building at 1035 E Maple Street (Hwy 70), Spooner.    The garden is located at 780 Orchard Lane, 1.5 miles east of Spooner on Highway 70 or 1/2 mile west of the Hwy 70/53 interchange.  Watch for garden meeting signs.
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Visit the Teaching & Display Gardens

The Teaching and Display Gardens  are a joint effort between the Spooner Agriculture Research Station, operated by the University of Wisconsin - Madison College of Agriculture and Life Science, the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension and area UW-Extension Master Gardener Volunteers.  

Open to the public for self-guided tours during day light hours seven days a week mid-May through mid-September. 

Contact Us

  • Home
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • Registration
    • Press Releases
    • Plant Sale
    • Kids in the Garden
    • Master Gardeners Present....
    • Twilight Garden Tour >
      • 2020 Virtual Twilight Garden Tour
    • 2020 Handouts
    • 2019 Event Handouts
    • 2018 Handouts
    • 2017 Handouts & Slides
    • 2016 Handouts & Slides
  • Teaching Gardens
  • Members
    • Meetings
    • Member Handbook
    • Presentation Resources for Members
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    • Continuing Education
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    • Speakers Available
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