INSIDE: Local Master Gardener News - 2 Upcoming Events – 5 Bits and Pieces -7

/ February 2008 November 2017

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Kelly Boberg Gives ECAMGAV And Guests The Low Down On

Houseplant Care

On Monday, October 15, Kelly Boberg, Assistant Manager in the Down to Earth Garden Center greenhouse, gave a presentation on growing and caring for houseplants entitled, “How Not To Kill

Houseplants.” One of the major factors in houseplant care is light, either direct or indirect, which will determine where the plant can be placed.

Kelly indicated that North-facing windows are not ideal since there is not enough direct light whereas an East or a South-facing window is best. Since most of our houseplants are tropical in origin there is also a temperature factor to consider with a temperature range of 60 to 85 degrees best. When placing houseplants it is also necessary to watch out for drafts, which can chill and even kill the plant. It may be necessary to move the plants closer to the window in the winter than they were in the summer since the intensity of the light is much less. A general soil mixture is a good one to use unless growing cacti or succulents. In that case a soil mix specifically formulated for cacti and succulents should be used to insure optimum results. If using a pot without drains holes, activated charcoal should be placed in the bottom and some pea gravel. When it comes time to repot, Boberg suggested going with a new pot that is 2-4 inches bigger than the old one. When it comes to watering, not every plant is the same. Carnivorous plants, for instance, like to sit in water and only distilled water should be used. On the other hand, most house plants need to dry out a bit before rewatering and then should be watered thoroughly allowing the excess water to drain through the pot. Kelly noted that prolonged watering with tap water can cause a build up of salts and watering from the top washes these out. One sign of under watering is when the soil starts to dry out so much that it begins to pull away from the pot. Also, some ferns like misting. On the other hand, African violets should always be watered from the bottom and allow the pot to soak up the water. Then empty the balance once the soil has become saturated. Above all avoid getting water on the leaves. The speaker also gave some tips on pruning. An important plant health practice is to wash the clippers with Dawn soap before using the tool on the plants. She then demonstrated how to prune several of the plants she brought with her. Trimming at the internode forces the plant to branch out from the node. The ideal is to leave 1-2 leaves on the remaining stem. (Continued on page 7)

Photo by Jo-Ann Clark

Page 2 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener New November 2017

Local Master Gardener News

NOTE: The ECAMGAV Board minutes may be accessed at http://eauclairemastergardeners.weebly.com/ecamg-

board.html.

Changing e-mail? Moving? If you do, please remember to notify the ECAMG and the newsletter editor of your new e-mail address and/or mailing address so you don’t miss any Eau Claire Area Master Gardener happenings! Email your new information to Carol Cox at c7w6c2200@charter.net or notify her by snail mail at 1908 Hogeboom Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701 (or call her at 715-783- 0016 - cell).

ECAMGA Board ECAMGA BOARD MEMBER CONTACT INFO

Name E-mail address Phone number

Erin LaFaive Erin.lafaive@ces.uwex.edu 715-839-4712

Mary Jane Griffin mgriffinhlaa@gmail.com 715-835-6979 Dick Lienhardt

dicklienhardt@yahoo.com 715-286-9917 Nancy Spak

nancyspak@gmail.com 715-835-6546 Ede Strand

edestrand@aol.com 715-8326775 Jerry Richards

richardsleeann@hotmail.com 715-456-7232 Carla Pelzl jcpelzl@gmail.com 715-835-6628 Nina Logan

ninalogan@centurylink.net 715-878-4585 Ellen Terwilliger

terwilset@gmail.com 715-839-0731 Lori Kempen

lorikempen@charter.net 715-832-8088

MGV Bulletin Board Postings Stories and Opportunities!!!! Bulletin Board Postings Stories and Opportunities!!!!

ECAMGAV

2017 Calendar

All meetings at UW-Extension Office unless otherwise noted

November 20, 2017:

Ellen Terwilliger - “Costa Rica Cocoa Plantation”

December 18, 2017:

Annual Christmas Party.

Ellen Terwilliger To Present “On Cacao and Costa Rica”

On Monday, November 20, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. at the UW Eau Claire Extension Office in Altoona, Ellen Terwilliger, a Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) will share information she learned about how cacao is grown and how cocoa is processed. Ellen and her husband Steve traveled to Costa Rica earlier this year and stayed at an organic cacao plantation. She says that she learned a little about the process and would like to share the information and some taste testing. Please join her. Bring along a friend or two for an enjoyable evening.

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In search of my m

Update on Upcoming Board Elections – Meet the Candidates… The annual election for board of director positions will take place in early November. There are five open positions. Voting will be done by postcard ballots mailed to all Master Gardener Volunteers. Please watch the mail for your postcard so that you can return your vote by the deadline listed on the ballot. The candidates for board of director positions have submitted the following information to introduce themselves to you:

Paula Bonnin: I have been a Master Gardener Volunteer since 2016 and have loved every minute of it! I have learned so much from my fellow Master Gardener Volunteers and through the monthly educational meetings! I would love to serve on the board to give a fresh viewpoint to the organization. I have (sometimes too much) energy and an outgoing personality that will help keep the meetings fun! I would love to make a difference in the community and the Master Gardener Volunteer organization by being a member of the Board of Directors.

Ede Strand: I am a retired accountant, having worked 18 years in public accounting and 20+ years in the private sector. I am currently serving on the Master Gardener board as Treasurer. I am also active in the Eau Claire Garden Club and the Northern Wisconsin Hosta Society, serving on those boards also. I have always enjoyed gardening and trying out new plants --- perennials mostly --- but there are times when weeds are my specialty).

Carla Pelzl. I have been a volunteer since 1998 and am currently serving as secretary on the Board of Directors. My volunteer activities have also included working in the Demonstration Gardens that were formerly at the County Expo Center, serving for many years as Plant Sale Chairperson, helping at the Winter Garden Seminars, and coordinating the volunteer schedule for watering and maintaining the Teaching Garden at the Extension Building. The Extension Program is a wonderful resource for the community. I am grateful to be a part of it and have

enjoyed working and learning alongside other Master Gardener Volunteers. I would love to continue with another term on the Board of Directors. Mary Jane Griffin: I have been interested in vegetable gardening since I was 10 yrs. old. Due to my work schedule I was unable to become a Master Gardener until 2015. I am also interested in herbs and succulents and I used my fresh herbs in the Wi Public Television Baking Challenge this last summer. I was 1 of 12 in the State to complete all 10 Challenges. Recently I purchased a small greenhouse in hopes to donate plants to the community gardens and Hope Gospel’s Ruth’s House. I am on the MG Plant Sale and MG Winter Seminar committees. Also I am Hospitality Chair for the MG educational meetings. I am currently the ECAMGA Board President. I want to thank all MG volunteers and all others who have helped the organization. It was greatly appreciated! I would like to continue on the Board to spread the good works of MG organization because I enjoy learning and sharing my knowledge.

It is sad, but true that winter is all but upon us. Soon the snow will fly, the winter winds will blow and we will spend our days complaining about the weather (which, by the way, we have done all summer). But don’t despair – right after the holidays the new seed catalogs will come, giving us something else to do. (Photo by Sally Anderson of the effects of the first snowfall on her marigolds.)

Dick Lienhardt: I have been a Master Gardener Volunteer since 2007 and have been involved in many projects including the Ask a Master Gardener booth at Phoenix Park to raising and donating plants to both the Kids

Gardens and the annual Plant Sale. I am currently serving on the Board of Directors as Vice President. I enjoy working with the other Board members and would like to continue doing so.

Page 4 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener New November 2017

2017 ECAMGAV Photo Contest Winners…

The judges also selected two other photos for “Honorable Mention.” These are:

First Place Winner – Carol Losey. Carol says “Several of us spent a delightful day at the

Minnesota Arboretum and this glorious pink rose was just

demanding to have it’s photograph taken. So I did!

Second Place Winner – Kathy Radloff . Kathy said, “Rosie, my grandson 's hamster, was all dressed up this June wearing one of my Bubble Gum Pink Petunias.” And, of course, who could resist taking a picture.

Third Place Winner – Jo-Ann Clark. Jo-Ann calls this picture "Some Enchanted Evening " and says that it is “a reminder for me to enjoy the beauty of my night garden. This lily is huge and the fragrance is out of this world. To capture this I went outside at night with a flashlight to spotlight it ’s beauty.”

On the left , Paula Bonnin ’s “Sweet Caroline” sunflower and to the right, Ellen Terwilliger ’s frosty leaves picture of which she said, “I took this photo on a November morning when I woke up to an incredible hoar frost. I loved the way the frost outlined the Heucherella and the pine needles. It made me see the shapes and subtle colors in an entirely new way. Late fall and winter exquisite beauty in our gardens. This is one of them.

have their own moments of

h

Page 4 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener News June 2017

Upcoming Events & Other Things

Classes: Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.: Winter Wonder- Land Miniature Garden Workshop: Make your very own Winter Wonderland Miniature Garden! These miniature gardens Will have a special twist just for the holidays! With a unique Container, a few plants, festive holiday décor, and a touch of Elfin magic, you’ll have a wonderful new miniature garden to add to your holiday decor! Bring your own container or purchase one here. Cost: build your own; only pay for what you take home. Saturday, November 11th and 18th (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and Thursday, November 9 and 16th at 6:00 p.m.: “Spruce” Up your Porch Pot Workshop: Learn how to create unique containers for this Christmas season! Bring in your own containers and design your own porch pot during the class! Let us help you transform your porch pots this season. Please reserve your spot. These workshops fill up quickly. Cost: Build your own; only pay for what you take home. Saturday, November 26 at 10:00 a.m. and Thursday, November 30 at 6:00 p.m.: Winter Wreath Workshop: Design your own winter wreath this Christmas season. When it comes to creating wreaths, we think outside of the traditional “Red Bow.” We will start with a base wreath and go over different ways you can spruce it up, Down To Earth style! Cost: Build your own; only pay for what you take home.

6025 Arndt Lane Eau Claire WI, 54701

715-833-1234 E-mail - home@dwntoearth.com

http://www.dwntoearth.com/index2.html.

Page 5 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener News November 2017

A Tree Pruning Workshop November 9

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (8:30 registration) Hobbs Ice Arena

915 Menomonie St, Eau Claire, WI 54703

The WI-DNR Urban Forestry Program in collaboration with UW-Extension is offering this workshop (there will also be the same workshop on Wednesday, November 8th in Stevens Point). A hearty lunch provided. Nathan Schuettpelz and Ryan Rodefer of Wachtel Tree Science, Inc. will be the instructors This one-day workshop will show parks and tree professionals how to properly prune trees, from new tree training to mature tree maintenance to create a strong enduring structure, maintain vigor and achieve specific municipal objectives. The workshop will include classroom instruction on pruning fundamentals and outdoor demonstration of personal protective equipment and pruning methods and techniques.

Who is it for?Community public works and parks employees, tree board members, managers, and others who have responsibility for or are involved in community tree pruning. Audience may also include groundskeepers; landscape contractors, tree & lawn care firms, nursery retailers, MasterGardeners and Volunteers. The attendees may or may not have some experience. No walk-ins! Cost is $40 before November 3; $45 after November 3. Space is limited. Questions regarding registration should be directed to 715-839-4712.

Page 6 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener News November 2017

You'reinvitedto

Friday,November3rd1:00-8:30p.m.

DaviesCenter,UWEauClaireKeynote Speaker: The keynote speaker for this year is Max Finkelstein. Max is an author, conservationist, explorer and canoe enthusiast. In 2009 Max was awarded the Bill Mason Award for Lifetime Achievement in River Conservation. Max is making his way from Ontario, Canada to share his experiences in a presentation with the working title, “Following the Currents to Places I Never Dreamed.” Cost: All Day Conference + Dinner and Keynote: Day Conference Only: $35 General Public $15 General Public $30 Friends of Beaver Creek Reserve $10 Friends of Beaver Creek Reserve $10 Students (limit of 10 spots total) $10 Students (Limit of 10 spots total) For more information and to register go to: https://www.beavercreekreserve.org/events/chippewa-river-conference/!

Garden writing is often very tame, a real waste when you think how opinionated, inquisitive, irreverent and lascivious gardeners themselves tend to be. Nobody talks much

about the muscular limbs, dark, swollen buds, strip-tease trees and unholy beauty that have made us all slaves of the goddess Flora.

– Ketzel Levine’s talkingplants.com.

Page 7 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener News November 2017

Page 7 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener News April 2013

Bits and Pieces

Boberg speaks – continued from page 1… Many times the cuttings can also be rooted using a rooting compound, and thus more plants generated. Something like a tropical hibiscus would best be pruned when not in bloom – probably late in the fall or in early spring. Succulent and cacti cuttings should be left to callus overnight. Then dip the cutting in rooting compound and plant fairly deep. For fertilization, Boberg suggested using 10-10-10 and applying two times per month in the summer. However, in winter the plant is in a more dormant state and so fertilizer needs are greatly reduced. Probably a ½ to ¼-diluted application about once per month would be more suitable during the winter months. Many gardeners bring their houseplants outside during the summer months. When returning them to the house in the fall, Boberg suggested, laying them down and washing them off. Also one might want to apply a systemic insecticide to help remove bugs from the plant. This only kills the larvae and the eggs so there may be some adult flies around for a short time. Using an insect house spray will eliminate these. Kelly also brought along numerous plants and gave some information on each of them. One plant,

widely used in homes and offices, the Sansavaria or Snake plant, also releases oxygen at night and makes for a good bedroom houseplant.

The event was well attended. Some really great snacks were available and door prizes were awarded. If you missed this event mark your calendars for the November 20, 2017 educational meeting when Ellen Terwilliger will give us an update on her trip to Costa Rica this past summer. Don’t miss it and bring along a friend or two.

Picture by Sally Anderson

How to Make Leaf Mold Fall leaves make an organic soil amendment and mulch and can be used much like compost. By Lee Reich. A short video on this is found at: http://www.finegardening.com/video-how-make-leaf-mold. Leaf mold is something gardeners can never have too much of. It is useful in container plantings, in the ground, and on the ground. You can use it as an amendment to loosen up clay soil and as attractive mulch. And nothing could be easier than making leaf mold: All you really need is leaves and time. Read more: http://www.finegardening.com/video-how-make-leaf-mold#ixzz4x2sWVmGa Follow us: @finegardening on

Save The Date: Sept. 21-22, 2018

SAVE THE DATE

SAVE THE DATE!

See you In Eau Claire!

SAVE THE DATE!

See you In Eau Claire!

EAU CLAIRE AREA MASTER GARDENER NEWSLETTER A newsletter for the Eau Claire Area Master Gardener Association members.

For more Eau Claire County UW Cooperative Extension information

go to our website: www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/eauclaire

Phone: 715-839-4712 Fax: 715-839-6277

M-F 8AM-5PM

Unless otherwise noted, articles for this newsletter are submitted and/or written by ECAMGA members or the newsletter editor, Carol W. Cox. Unless otherwise noted, graphics are from clipart. Newsletter layout by Carol W. Cox

The University of Wisconsin Extension provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in education, programming and employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, gender/sex, creed, disability, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or parental, arrest or conviction record or veteran status.” If you need an interpreter, materials in alternate formats or other accommodations to access this program, activity or service, please contact Erin LaFaive at 715-839-4712 as soon as possible preceding the scheduled event so that proper arrangements can be made in a timely fashion

Eau Claire County

Extension Office

227 First Street West

Altoona, WI 54720

Page 8 Eau Claire Area Master Gardener November 2017

Eastern wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus) is a large shrub or small tree that grows to about 15 feet tall and wide. Small red flowers appear in May to June, and birds gobble up the fruit at the end of the season. Dry to medium soil in full sun is best, although it can handle up to 50 percent shade. This tree/shrub is native from Minnesota to northern Texas and east. Fall color is good and it has interesting berries (see photo by Jo-Ann Clark to the left). It can be used as an alternative to burning bush.