MGV's and delegates from Dubna Russia enjoyed a guided tour of Star Vally Farms in soldiers Grove, WI. which is located two hours southwest of Madison. Star Valley is a cut flower operation that specializes in growing woody ornamentals and perennials.They are the largest field-grown cut flower producer in the Midwest.
MG's learned how to make hypertufa troughs for alpine plants. Several members of our group were the instructors. Three of the troughs were donated to our "Spring into Gardening" workshop silent auction.
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| Sifting the clumps out of the peat moss | Combining the peat and concrete mix. | |
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Mixing up the ingredients. |
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Molding the hypertufa troughs. |
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Bill Meyer, Senior Groundskeeper at Winona State University lead a tour of the Trees of Winona State University. WSU has at least one of every native species of trees in Minnesota.
The August garden tour was held at Jane Barko's home along the Black River in rural Trempealeau, WI. Master Gardeners meandered through two acres of meadow/prairie with paths cut throughout Mother Nature. Prairie specimens include Indian Grass, Tall Blue Stem, Blazing Star, Black-eyed Susans, Monarda, and Prairie Sage. Jane's two acre orchard includes cherries, apples, plums, pears, grapes, and blueberries.
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| A trumpet vine provides nectar for the humming birds. | Jane proudly displays a Beta Concord grape vine from her orchard which produces over 50 gallons of homemade grape wine each year. |
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| Master Gardeners discovered some wildlife along the path, while an old wine press makes a colorful display near the orchard. | The view from the backyard overlooks the Black River! |
The July garden tour was held at the home of Master Gardener Dr. Byron Annis. Nestled in the bluff lies a collage of artistic gardens, including over 400 varieties of daylilies, hosta, dwarf conifers, ornamental grasses, Alpine and Japanese maples, a native plant garden and so much more.
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| Byron is holding one of his all time
favorite daylilies, Rococo, introduced in 1972. |
Close up of 'Rococo' with it's twisted curled petals. |
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| Daylily 'Lullaby Baby' | Daylilies are in full bloom in this sunny hillside garden! |
Master Gardeners toured the theme gardens of
Marilyn Rebarchek, President.
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| Jane and Marjory look over the ox-eye
daisies ' Leucanthemum Vulgare' in the wildflower garden. |
Old fashioned Bearded Iris are in full
bloom in this layered "Hummingbird Garden" |
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Marjory, Diane, Carol, and Bev ponder over the "Pink Florida" garden. |
Sue and Bruce identify wildflowers in the wildflower garden. |
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The shade garden is lined with Hosta 'August Moon,' 'Patriot,'
'Regal Splendor,' 'Grand Tiara,' 'Golden Tiara,' 'Abby,' 'Queen Josephine' and more... |
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