Dodge Co. Master Gardeners

“Being a part of the Dodge County Master Gardeners is an exhilarating experience.  The appreciation and excitement that I see as we work together and learn is so wonderful.  It has been an incredible journey that just continues to get better and better.”

Bonnie Weiland Hare, Certified Master Gardener  & Local Representative

Fall Fest

The Dodge County Master Gardeners participated in Fall Fest at Harnischfeger Park in Ixonia, on Saturday October 3, 2009.  Despite cooler temperatures and a sprinkling of rain, many people stopped by the outdoor booth and checked out the display.  They were able to learn about the Master Gardener organization, who Master Gardeners are, what they do, and how someone could become a Master Gardener. 

In addition, there was information about the emerald ash borer, including pictures of the insect in various stages and pictures of the damage they do.  Many people who had ash trees on their property stopped by the booth to get more information.  The MG volunteers answered many questions and directed people to websites where they could get further information.  Most people indicated that they felt better educated about what to watch for concerning the emerald ash borer when they left the booth. 

Fall Garden Tool Care & Maintenance Clinic

Our September meeting was a Fall Tool Care and Maintenance Clinic.  Everyone was encouraged to bring in his or her pruners or other gardening tools.  A presentation was given on the care of garden tools including removing rust, sharpening blades, oiling, and wood handle care before putting the tools away for the season.  After the presentation, many of the members used the supplies provided to clean and sharpen the tool(s) they had brought with them.

June 2009 meeting

Master Gardeners and guests enjoyed a pleasant evening of socializing and touring rock gardens and nature paths at the home of Berwyn and Barb Westra during the June meeting.  Plants and trees have become addictive to Berwyn since he partially retired several years ago.

Master Gardener Award & Recognition Meeting

Nineteen certified/recertified Master Gardener Volunteers were recognized and presented their member cards during the April 2009 meeting.  Three Master Gardener Volunteers received special recognition for reaching significant milestones.  Two volunteers reached 150 cumulative hours of volunteer service and one reached 500 cumulative hours.  Congratulations to all.

Farm Technology Days in Dodge Co. 2009

Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, Wisconsin’s premier agricultural technology exposition, is the state’s largest outdoor agricultural show.  The annual three-day event showcases the latest technology in production agriculture and related horticultural subjects to approximately 80,000 visitors.  Attendees had the opportunity to take tours of Crave Brothers Farm featuring a modern dairy with high producing Holstein herd, Crave Brothers Classics Farmstead cheese factory crafting specialty award winning cheeses, and an automated manure digestion system that collects valuable biogas from manure to generate electricity.  More than 600 commercial exhibitors with the latest products and service offerings comprised much of the 56-acre tent city.

University of Wisconsin representatives presented practical applications of recent research and educational programs in livestock production, milk quality, weed control, forage handling and storage, home landscaping and gardening.

Dodge County Master Gardeners were invited to provide an exhibit in the University of Wisconsin Extension Progress Pavilion.  The MG exhibit was decorated with various flowers, shrubs, and trees provided by Ebert’s Greenhouse Village.  A theme of identifying the Emerald Ash Borer was chosen as the presentation project.  MG volunteers attended seminars throughout the winter in preparation for this event.  A total of 20 Master Gardeners provided information regarding the Emerald Ash Borer, vegetable gardening, flower gardening, pests, and diseases.  Over 250 one-on-one conversations were held with attendees.

In addition, Master Gardener Marianne Zastrow, was instrumental in organizing a combined effort between HCE, 4-H and Master Gardener members to decorate the grounds with approximately 40 container plantings.  These containers were filled with a wide array of interesting and beautiful plant combinations, including annuals, perennials, tropicals, vegetables, herbs and ornamental grasses.  Judging took place and ribbons were awarded prior to the event’s opening.

Representing the Dodge County Master Gardeners Association, Gail Nampel conducted a presentation on biodegradable nursery and decorative plant containers as an alternative to plastic.  Over 100 people were in attendance and two door prizes were awarded.  One door prize was a Rex Begonia in a decorative container made from bamboo, and the other was an Indian Summer Rudbeckia in a decorative container made from rice hulls.  Both containers have a useful life expectancy of several years, after which they can be successfully composted over a relatively short period of time.

The event chairpersons, Al and Jan Krause, are to be commended for the superior level of leadership, organization and commitment lent to this project.  They were an inspiration to all the volunteers.

“Anyone with an interest in gardening is welcome to join us.  We look forward to all who want to come, get involved and get dirty!”

Chris Zuleger, Certified Master Gardener