Potato Varieties for Wisconsin Gardens
Potato Varieties for Wisconsin Gardens by MGV Ann Marie Ott Folklore and family tradition may find you planning for potato planting on St. Patrick’s Day or Good Friday. Given our recent winter weather and deep frost line, you won’t have an opportunity to plant on St....
Orchid Care
Orchid Care by MGV Ann Marie Ott With winter apparently continuing without end, you may be tempted to bring a bit of the tropics into your home by purchasing an orchid. An easy to maintain variety is Phalaenopsis, also called the moth orchid because of the shape of...
Garden Mysteries
Book Review by Ann Marie Ott Author Ann Ripley, an organic gardener and former newspaperwoman wrote a series of gardening mysteries between 1998 and 2006. Several titles are found on the shelves of the Monroe library and others may be waiting for you in other South...
Tropical Hibiscus
Since Mother Nature refuses to provide us with a peek at Spring, we’ll take a wishful look at growing tropical hibiscus. Picture glossy green leaved shrubs, trimmed to five or six feet high, forming a privacy screen around a red brick patio. Sprinkled among the...
The Language of Flowers
As Valentine’s Day nears, you may be planning to select a floral arrangement or card to send to a loved one. Consider the language of flowers when making your selections! Floriography, the technical term for the meaning of flowers, was coined in the Victorian era...
All America Selections
Have you noticed the red, white and blue All America Selections (AAS) logo as you peruse the pile of seed catalogs that have accumulated in your mailbox? Choosing seed with this designation assures you that the new variety has been tested and evaluated by an...
Orchid Quest 2014
Need a mini vacation to the tropics? Orchid Quest 2014 scheduled for Feb 1&2 promises to be the event that you don’t want to miss. Sponsored by the Madison Orchid Grower's Guild, this 27th year event will be held at the Alliant Energy Center and includes orchid...
Plant Hardiness Zones
The recent polar vortex weather pattern produced a period of below zero temperatures that had not been seen for twenty years. While some garden perennials may be hurt by this period of cold weather, it may not be necessary to replace plants with a greater tolerance...
Poinsettia & Christmas Cactus Care, After the Holidays
Florists and other retail outlets may now be offering poinsettia and Christmas cactus plants at greatly reduced prices. Neighbors and friends may be discarding the plants, if wilted or blooms have naturally dropped from the Christmas cactus. If you are tempted by the...
Become A Master Gardener!
Become a certified Wisconsin, Master Gardener, download the information and registration brochure for the Winter Spring classes of 2014.
Forcing Paperwhite Narcissus Bulbs
Bring spring into your home to beat the winter blues! Bring a glimpse of spring to your home by forcing paperwhite narcissus bulbs! The beautiful white blooms set above spring green leaves have a distinctive fragrance so consider whether family members or visitors to...
Escape Winter through Garden Literature
Although the days are getting longer, the weather is not getting warmer and many of us are unable to afford a tropical get-away! Fortunately, your public library is nearby which can offer you a great escape and without wondering if you'll make it safely to your...