February 2008 ECAMGA Elect New Board Members...Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. – Caring...

INSIDE: Local Master Gardener News - 2 Upcoming Events – 4 Bits and Pieces - 6

/ February 2008 January 2016

ECAMGA Elect New Board Members… On December 8, 2015,the Eau Claire Area Master Gardeners gathered at the UW-Eau Claire Extension Center for their annual potluck meeting. The business of the evening was to share in the end of the year festivities, as well as to elect new board members. In addition, the prestigious

“Diggers Award” was given out.

The evening kicked off with LOTS of good food. After that followed some games and activities to celebrate the Christmas season including a garden word scramble. Prizes were given and a lot of good fun and conversation went on. Next order of business was to elect new board members to serve. Gary Matthis and Cindy Ferver were going off the board having served two consecutive terms. Mary Jane Griffin, Carla Pelzl, and Dick Lienhardt were nominated and elected to terms on the Board thus bringing the Board to 8 members (the by-laws allow for up to 9 Board members). Individuals can serve up to 2 concurrent terms on the board. Along with the election of Board members it was time for the awarding of the “Digger’s Award.” This is an award given annually to a person or persons who have exhibited continual and substantial work and effort on behalf of the ECAMGA and the promotion (through the ECAMGA) of horticultural education. The recipient, and a very deserving recipient, for this past year was Andy Heren. Andy has been very active having, in past years, served on the ECAMGA Board, he has been involvement with the “Ask a Master Gardener Booth” and has served in dozens of other capacities with the organization. If there is work to be done within the organization it is highly likely that Andy will be involved in some way. Congratulations Andy!! Last year Nina Logan and Lori Kempen shared the “Digger’s Award.” Erin LaFaive also did a presentation on the volunteer stats for the Wisconsin Master Gardeners Association (WIMGA) for the past year. She indicated that this was the “highest average volunteer hours/ person” (continued on page 3)

Photo by Jo-Ann Clark

New Board members, Mary Jane Griffin, Dick Lienhardt, and Carla Pelzl.

The Prestigious “Digger’s Award” was presented to Andy Heren for all of his work with the ECAMGA.

Erin LaFaive presented the volunteer statistics for 2014/2015 year that ended September 30, 2015. Pictures by Jo-Ann Clark

Eau Claire Area Master Gardener New January 2016

Local Master Gardener News

NOTE: The ECAMGA Board minutes no longer appears in the newsletter. You may access them by going to the website at

eauclairemastergardeners.weebly.com

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 you’re new Information to Carol Cox at [email protected] Or notify her by snail mail at 1908 Hogeboom Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701 (or call her at 715-861-4495).

ECAMGA Board

ECAMGA BOARD MEMBER CONTACT INFO

NAME/TITLE E-mail address Phone number

Erin LaFaive [email protected] 715-839-4712

Mary Jane Griffin [email protected] 715-835-6979

Dick Lienhardt [email protected] 715-286-9917

Nancy Spak [email protected] 715-835-6546

Ede Strand [email protected] 715-8326775

Amy Boetcher [email protected] 715-577-9085

Carla Pelzl [email protected] 715-835-6628

Nina Logan [email protected] 715-878-4585

Deb Spickler [email protected] 715-577-8500

Lori Kempen [email protected] 715-832-8088

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

ECAMGA 2016

Calendar All meetings at UW-Extension Office unless

otherwise noted January 19, 2015: Erin

LaFaive speaking on the MGV program. 6:30 pm

February 6: Ready, Set, Grow Winter Garden Seminar

March 15, 2016: Erik Keisler, BCR Ex. Dir.

April 2016: TBA May 2016: TBA June 2016: July 2016: TBA August 2016: TBA September 2016: TBA September 30: Volunteer

hours due in October 2016: TBA November 2016: TBA December 2016: Annual

Potluck & Christmas Party and election of board members.

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED FOR THE ECAMGA WINTER GARDEN SEMINAR

-Volunteers needed for aiding vendors set up and take down -For introducing speakers at the breakout sessions

This is a great way to earn some volunteer hours. If you wish to volunteer please contact Kevin at

[email protected]

Volunteers from past Winter Garden Seminars. (Pictures by Diane Hunter)

Eau Claire Area Master Gardener News January 2016

ECAMGA Elects Board Members continued from page 1… that WIMGA has had turned in. Also, a dollar value was placed upon the value of those volunteer hours which amounts to $47.7 million. Wow! We don’t usually think of our volunteer work having anything like a monetary value and to think of our cumulative efforts has having that value is mindboggling!

I grow plants for many reasons: to please my soul, to challenge the elements or to challenge my patience, for novelty or for nostalgia, but mostly for the joy in seeing them grow.

~David Hobson

“There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you

were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them

smiling.” ~Mirabel Osler

Erin LaFaive To Speak On History Of Master Gardener Program at January Meeting… Ever had a family member or friend consider joining the Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) Program? Bring them along to this meeting! Erin LaFaive, Extension Horticulturalist for Eau Claire County, will be speaking about the history of MGV program in the nation, projects the Eau Claire Area Master Gardeners (ECAMGs) are currently involved with, and what the future holds for the WI Master Gardener Volunteer Program. This is a presentation that will be of interest both for the veteran MGV and for the potential new volunteer alike. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on January 19th at the Eau Claire County UW-Extension Center in Altoona. Come, bring a friend and enjoy the presentation. Treats and door prizes will be on hand. Also, please let us know if you are planning to attend 715-839-4712 or [email protected]

A cute idea for the use of a simple birdhouse – a hiding place for your extra key! And this looks really easy to make. Idea out of a “FreshFinds” catalog

Check out this sculpture garden by going to: http://giantgag.net/sculpture-garden-by-bruno-torfs/.

Photo by Jo-Ann Clark


H

Upcoming Events

2016

January 22 and 23 Presented by:

North Central WI Master Gardeners & UW-Extension

Northcentral Technical College Wausau, Wisconsin

For more information and the brochure go to: http://fyi.uwex.edu/marathonmg/special-events/garden-

visions/

Garden Dreams Portage County UW-Extension

Master Gardener Volunteers January 9, 2016

7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Lettie W. Jensen Community Center

Amherst, WI

Seminar Fee is $30, which includes a catered hot lunch. Registration Deadline is Wednesday, January 6, 2016. Public Welcome – space is limited so register soon! Make checks payable to PCMGV. Mail Check & Registration Form (Name, address, Phone and email address) to: Garden Dreams 2016 736 Union Street Stevens Point, WI 54481 Questions? Email [email protected]. Call or text 715-340-8378. For a copy of the brochure and more details you may also go to: www.wimastergardener.org and click on the “Upcoming Events” tab and scroll down to the January 9, 2016 date.

Upcoming Classes

Saturday, January 16, 2016 – 10:00 a.m.- Winter Whimsy Miniature Garden Workshop: Discover the delight of miniature gardening! With just a few plants, a selection of miniatures and a touch of whimsy, you can create your own winter wonderland miniature garden! Your miniature garden will provide the perfect indoor garden that can be enjoyed all year long. Bring your own container or purchase one here. Your cost is only what you take home. Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. – Caring for Your Succulents and Air Plants: Succulents and air plants are all the rage these days. Come learn how to plant and care for these awesome plants. There are many different and unique ways these can be used for interior decorating. We encourage you to think outside of the box. Cost: None. Saturday, January 30, 2016 – 10:00 a.m. – Terrarium Workshop: Come discover why terrariums are growing so popular and how they are a great way to get kids excited about gardening. A simple glass container can be a transformed into a self-sustained tropical oasis! Learn how to properly put together a glass terrarium that creates a perfect growing environment for plants, and adds life to your office desk, the nook in your kitchen or a child’s room. Bring your own container or purchase one of ours. Cost: only what you take home.

6025 Arndt Lane, Eau Claire WI, 54701 715-833-1234 or E-mail - [email protected] Website: http://www.dwntoearth.com/index2.html

Bird Banding Demonstration January 23, 2016 - 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Wise Nature Center

Join the Beaver Creek bird banding crew anytime during the morning to learn about bird banding.

This is also a great chance to see some of the birds that visit feeders on a cold winter day up close and personal. Learn about bird identification, bird behavior, what to feed birds, and why we band them. You will even be able to "adopt" one of the birds you see banded.

Registration and full payment required by January 19.

Cost: $0 for Friends, $3 for Nonmembers - Only 39 spots available so get your registration in by calling 715-877-2212.

Beaver Creek Reserve S1 County Road K,

Fall Creek, WI 54742 [email protected] Phone: 715-877-2212


“I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” -Douglas Adams


Bits and Pieces

EEK!! A Bat in the House by the Foxy Lady

One cold winter weekend, my daughter came to visit. As we were ready to retire, my daughter went up stairs to bed. She came running back down, “There’s a bat in my room” she screams. I have been known to have bats in my belfry before and was familiar with the situation. “No problem” I said “I have a plan.” Sure enough, there was a bat circling around the ceiling. The cat was on the bed, her head circling also, following this strange looking flying mouse.

I opened the top of the window and took out the screen. As the bat came around close to the open window, I whapped it with the screen, directing it out. Well, the bat neared the window, made a U-turn, and flew between the dresser and the wall. Time for Plan B. I told my daughter to poke him with a broom and when he flew out, I would catch him in the waste can. It worked well except the bat avoided the waste can and flew on my head and became entangled in my hair. There was much running and screaming from both of us. The bat finally disentangled itself from my hair and flew toward the cat on the bed. The cat, never being a brave mouser, jumped off the bed and fled the scene. By this time we were all getting exhausted. The bat landed on the floor. Now for Plan C. I sneaked up on him and dropped the waste can over him. Now what? My daughter found a piece of cardboard and placed it under the can and we headed for the front door for release time. We opened the door to a blast of cold air. We looked at one another. No way would our little friend survive the night in the cold. He was supposed to be tucked away in a warm hiding place in hibernation. We all proceeded back up stairs. I opened the trap door to the attic and we released the little guy back into the attic. Hopefully, he has enough fat storage left to make it through till spring. Isn’t it note worthy how we humans will allow hurt and violence to be committed against one another but will go to great extremes to try to protect those other creatures that share this planet? with us. I guess that’s the goodness and the badness in us all as humans.

“On every stem, on every leaf…and at the root of everything that grew, was a professional specialist

in the shape of grub, caterpillar, aphis, or other expert, whose business it was to devour that

particular part.” ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

Eau Claire Area Master Gardener January 2018

Check these out:

1. Avideoshowingyou

howtomakecement

planters.http://www.stumbleu

pon.com/su/32mhwH/:KFZM8

DeZ:U.usDNeb/www.youtube.

com/watch?v=hk3Up1uXuEE

2. www.instructables.com/id/Ho

w-to-Build-a-5-Gallon-Self-

Wicking-Tomato-Wateri-This

sitehas2shortvideosshowing

youhowtomakea5-gallon

self-wateringsystemfor

growingtomatoes.

3. http://www.stumbleupon.com

/su/9aw8Wa/:6sy+w0IH:aNWn

mfz5/www.youtube.com/watc

h?v=7WHSPLWtgTA-Thissite

hasanumberofvideos

showinghowtomake

hypertufapots,stepping-

stonesandcontainers.

Interestinglythevideoswere

donebyRosehillGardens

locatednearGreenBay,WI.

Plant and your spouse plants with you;

Weed and you weed alone. ~Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Don’t know that you will want to do all this work but this is a unique bonsai creation. Check out how this artist created this masterpiece by going to: http://www.bonsaiempire.com/blog/bag-end

So, has anyone ever given you the boot? Well, maybe that isn’t a very nice situation to be in, but this is one boot I would not mind being given. (Picture came off of Pinterest with the original website at - if you can read that language: http://photo.rozali.com/zeleni-idei-za-dom-i-gradina/65.html)

How To Grow Onions Vertically On Your Windowsill…

This comes via stumbleupon.com and looked like an interesting idea that seems very doable.

You can do a lot of dishes with onions, but even if you aren’t a fan of this vegetable, there is always room for a thin piece of onion to add a bit of flavor to the meal you just prepared for your family or friends. And most of the times, you have some onions in the kitchen but it’s not as fresh as you would want.

A nice solution to this is growing your own onions. Don’t panic, you won’t need a garden, because you are growing it vertically on the windowsill. This way, you’ll save space and be green! Here is what you’ll need:

• 5 L plastic bottle; • a pair of scissors; • onion bulbs; • soil; • water;

Start with cut off the neck of the plastic bottle. Punch some holes in it, with the scissors. You then make sure the onion sprouts are positioned through the holes. Put layers of soil and sprouts, adding them until the bottle is full. You can add the neck back on (simply tape it around) or leave it like that. Water the soil and set it on your windowsill. In no time, onions will sprout out the bulbs, you can watch them grow, and eventually flavor your dishes with them. Enjoy! See more at: http://www.goodshomedesign.com/grow-onions-vertically-windowsill/

Eau Claire Area Master Gardener Newsletter January 2016

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

“Cranes in Garden Splendor”

Photo submitted by Barb Wright for the 2015 photo contest. She says, “(The) cranes are surrounded by wild columbine, chives, prairie dropseed, and armillary covered with pink champagne clematis.”

“Waiting at the Garden Gate”

Submitted to the 2015 photo contest by Jo-Ann Clark. Jo-Ann’s kitty, her faithful gardening companion. Is waiting patiently at the gate for Jo-Ann to “ come play in the garden.”

February 2008 ECAMGA Elect New Board Members...Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. – Caring...

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