Educational Opportunities - October

An outdoor class for MGVs, August 2009.  Photo courtesy of Mike Maddox.

Oct 18, 2012

Math for Gardeners: Dividing and Multiplying Perennials

Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI

Every gardener has a favorite plant. Often it’s a unique, hard-to-find, or even heirloom variety, but we’d love to have more of it. Professional Gardener and Author Janet Macunovich will discuss ways to make more of almost any plant in this class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. $25 ($20 members). For more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704; phone (608) 246-4550.

Oct 18, 2012

Stonework in the Landscape

Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI

In a world where modular concrete products are becoming the standard in landscaping, rediscover the art of integrating natural stone into the garden. Join Liza Lightfoot, President and Landscape Architect at Avant Gardening and Landscaping, Inc., from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and learn some ancient techniques for placing and incorporating stone accents. She will explain terms and techniques that are used in the landscape industry and how to select and specify stone products for your own gardens and landscape. $15 ($12 members). For more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704; phone (608) 246-4550.

Oct 20, 2012

Native Pollinators

Saukville, WI

Guest presenters share findings on bee biology, the current status of pollinators, their importance to agriculture, and how farmers and gardeners can encourage native bees on their property. At Riveredge Nature Center, County Hwy Y, 4458 Hawthorne Drive, Saukville, WI. $30 ($20 members). For more information call Riveredge Nature Center at (262) 675-6755 or see the Wellspring website.

Oct 22, 2012

Do-It-Yourself Living Succulent Wreath

Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI

Making a unique living wreath using colorful succulents! Join instructor Connie Glasheen from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and learn how to create a colorful, textural "living wreath."All materials supplied to create a 10" diameter living succulent wreath to take home. $69 ($55 members). For more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704; phone (608) 246-4550.

Oct 24, 2012

Gardening for Hummingbirds

Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI

Learn how to create a sanctuary for hummingbirds in your own backyard in this class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Through the use of perennial and annual plants, wildflowers, shrubs, trees, and hummingbird feeders, you too can discover the magic and excitement of hummingbirds! Hummingbird enthusiasts Michael and Kathi Rock will discuss identification of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, ideal habitat, migration, nesting, feeding, importance of water features, and how the elements of the best hummingbird feeders and plants can bring you up close to these special birds. The Rock’s hummingbird garden in Madison has been featured on WPT’s The Wisconsin Gardener and in issues of the Birds and Bloom and Midwest Living magazines. $15 ($12 members). For more information contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704; phone (608) 246-4550.

Oct 27, 2012

Buckthorn Bust

Green Bay Botanical Garden, Green Bay, WI

Common buckthorn invades forests, prairies and savannas in the Midwestern United States and can form dense thickets crowding out native shrubs and understory plants. Once established, it is difficult to remove. Join Paul from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. as he gives a brief talk on identification, reasons for the eradication of buckthorn and how to properly remove this invasive plant. Then we’ll head outside to locate and remove buckthorn from the grounds of GBBG. Class will meet in the Volunteer Center. Please dress to be outside. If you have gloves and loppers, please bring them. Free. For more information, contact the Green Bay Botanical Garden, 2600 Larsen Road, P.O. Box 12644, Green Bay, WI 54307-2644 at (920) 491-3691 ext 103.