The first Saturday in March is set aside every year for our "Spring into Gardening" workshop. This all day event is open to the general public and is held at the Best Western Midway Hotel & Resort in La Crosse. Gardeners of all types from the novice to the Master Gardener come to escape the winter blahs and get the latest scoop on gardening in the Midwest.
Our 2007 keynote speaker was garden photographer, David Cavagnaro (right) who talked about the artistic and culinary pleasures of using edible flowers in the landscape. Breakout sessions included topics such as proper pruning and planting of trees, container gardening, flowering vines, and growing fruit varieties. In addition to the educational value of this workshop, we also had a Book Sale and Silent Auction.
Our fourth annual garden workshop featured keynote speaker, Mike Heger who talked about “Dependable Perennials for Northern Gardens.” There were two breakouts sessions on topics such as “Growing Roses in Wisconsin,” Diseases of Ornamentals and Perennials,” These Aren’t your Grandma’s Annuals,” and "Barking up the Right Tree."
(L-R): Mike Heger, keynote speaker, with wife Jean; Speaker Vickie Pondell (Growing Roses in Wisconsin) on the right.
Photos above, L-R: Plant Pathologist Brian Hudelson; Judy Rockwood - These Aren't Your Grandma's Annuals; and Bill Meyer (left) Tom Grier (right) - Barking up the Right Tree.
The committee put together gardening theme baskets for our silent auction and Barnes and Noble set up a nice display for a book sale.
Master Gardeners provided horticultural education and consultation to the public and growers in the Western Wisconsin area. The MG Booth was staffed by MGs and Interns from mid-June through the end of October. MG's provided information and advice on landscaping design, lawn care, selection and care of trees and shrubs, vegetable and flower gardening, and other horticultural topics. Many copies of the Infosource brochure and the Gardening and Home Grounds Publication 2005-2006, as well as numerous other publications were distributed. The Farmers Market provides a wonderful opportunity for MGs to interface with the public and the grower’s community in the western Wisconsin area.
Our third annual Garden Workshop "Practical Gardening" featured keynote speaker Melinda Myers (top right photo, in peach sweater) and included several breakout sessions with area professionals in the field of horticulture. A book sale and silent auction were held to help raise funds for our organization.
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Master Gardeners get together for a
progressive perennial dig. Plant divisions are sold at the Spring Plant Sale. |
Several master gardeners volunteered their time at the
Spring Plant Sale. |