Ready, Set, Grow! Garden Expo 2018

Central Lakes College/Saturday – March 24

SPEAKER AND TOPIC SUMMARY

(All topics are offered only once)

Session #1 – 9:00 am

1. Miniature Gardens

Presenter: Jennifer Knutson

Bio: Jennifer Knutson is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison. She has been a certified University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener since 2007. Jennifer is a member of the Minnesota Horticultural Society and the North Star Lily Society. She has been writing a monthly garden column for the Brainerd Dispatch since 2008. Jennifer has created outdoor miniature gardens in her landscape with miniature plants hardy to zone 3, and miniature houses and accessories. She enjoys sharing her ideas and gardens with others.

Abstract: Enter the magical world of miniature gardens! This seminar will present ideas on how to design a terrarium, dish garden and outdoor miniature garden. Create a charming, whimsical miniature landscape using dwarf plants and miniature accessories. Numerous pictures and ideas will be presented to get your creative juices flowing.

2. Daylilies: The Perfect Perennials

Presenter: Jackie Froemming

Bio: As part of the State Leadership Team of the U of M Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program, Jackie is tasked with creating and providing resources for the more than 2,300 Master Gardeners across the state. She is creating tools that Master Gardener groups will use to structure their groups, tools to convey public value, and systems for marketing programs and supplies. Jackie’s work also includes building program capacity to reach diverse, under-served and youth groups across the State of Minnesota; and to build leadership capacity with both current and future local coordinators across the state.

Abstract: Are your daylilies diploid or tetraploid? Are they rebloomers? With more than 70,000 cultivars (“hybrids”) registered with the American Hemerocallis Society (AHS) it’s hard to grow just a few. Come and learn about the best daylilies for your garden! The following topics will be covered during this presentation: general information, basic anatomy, selecting, planting, dividing, landscaping, diseases, pests, and resources.

3. Build a Stable and Healthy Shoreline that is Elegant and Resilient.

Presenter: Beth Hippert

Bio: Beth is a resource technician and wetland specialist at the Crow Wing SWCD located in Brainerd Minnesota. Since earning her degree in Environmental Studies in 2006, she has worked with individuals, groups, cities, and townships to implement storm water landscaping strategies and practices. This new approach aims to preserve and rebuild the native plant communities that are critical for clean water and stable soils. She has been involved in the design and installation of more than 100 storm water reduction landscaping and bio-engineered bank stabilization projects. Today you will learn basic principles of native landscaping and leave with enough information and inspiration to create a beautiful, functional native landscape in your own yard or shoreline!

Abstract: Crow Wing County has more than 400 lakes and 75 rivers with over 2000 miles of shoreline. These shorelines were once covered in a mix of plants and trees that supported the health and balance of aquatic and land ecosystems. Today, conversions of natural shoreline to turf grass threaten the health of these systems. This presentation will help attendees create a healthy shoreline landscape that can still be enjoyed! The basics of rebuilding a plant community, including plant and material selection, design tips, and examples will be covered.

4. Home Hydroponics

Presenter: Jeff Dirks

Bio: Jeff Dirks has been in the Horticulture Industry for over 40 years and has been in his current faculty position at Central Lakes College for the past 25 years, where he teaches Landscaping, Greenhouse Production, and Floral Design. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture and a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Education, both from the University of Minnesota. He is currently teaching Aquaponics and Hydroponics as a part of the Sustainable Greenhouse Production Program. Jeff states, “I believe hydroponics has the potential to change the way we produce fruits and vegetables in the upper Midwest, but also across the world, whether as an individual, family, or business. It is a fun way to grow plants and a great way to eat healthy, locally grown food.”

Abstract: Learn the art of growing plants, vegetables, and small fruits with no soil, using only water. This session will provide information on the how, when, and where hydroponics can be used in a typical home setting.

5. Growing Hardy Roses up North

Presenter: Jackie Burkey

Bio: Jackie, UMN Extension Master Gardener (Crow Wing County) since 2007, serves on the Brainerd Park and Recreation Board, is President of the Brainerd Garden Club, and maintains the flowers in Gregory Park in addition to her own edible landscape and worm-composting projects. After 28 years in Texas, she is thrilled to be back in Minnesota with four seasons, good soil, rain, and pretty flowers.

Abstract: Minnesota rose lovers can grow beautiful roses in spite of Zone 3 winters that usually spell doom for fragile hybrids. We’ll talk about hardy new cultivars, and some old standbys, that offer a wide selection for gardeners who want to add easy-to-grow specimens to their gardens.

6. Herbs: Garden to Table

Presenter: JoAnn Weaver

Bio: JoAnn Weaver, a graduate of the University of Nebraska, has a degree in education and is a retired registered nurse. She’s been a U of MN Extension Master Gardener in Crow Wing County since 2006. She served several terms as an elected official for a local municipality and is currently active with numerous boards and various community organizations. She’s spent a lifetime learning how to grow, cook, and preserve vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers from the family kitchen garden. In addition, she is a hobby beekeeper and keeps a small flock of chickens.

Abstract: Herbs are plants with leaves, seeds, and flowers that can be used for many things including flavoring, food, fragrance and medicine. They’re relatively easy to grow and can enhance a garden with lots of color, texture, and form. This presentation will cover selection, growing tips, and culinary uses.

Session #2 – 10:30 am

1. Great Grasses and Companion Perennials

Presenter: Michael Heger

Bio: Michael L. Heger has worked in both public and private horticulture. He spent the first fifteen years of his career at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. In 1985, Mike and his wife Jean opened a niche perennial nursery called Ambergate Gardens. Recently retired from the nursery, Mike now spends his time lecturing, writing, and consulting on issues related to gardening in northern regions. Mike is the author of “Perennials A to Z,” a series of articles that were originally published in Minnesota Horticulturist and coauthor of “Growing Perennials in Cold Climates,” a gardening book written specifically for the colder regions of this country. Mike served as Central Region Director of the Perennial Plant Association from 1988 – 1994 and he remains active in numerous plant societies and trade organizations related to perennial flowers.

Abstract: There are scores of grasses that are excellent performers in northern landscapes and this presentation will highlight some of the top choices. In addition, we will explore other plants that pair well with these grasses and touch on how grasses can be successfully integrated into the landscape.

2. Catch, Clean, Circulate: A New Vision for Functional Landscapes

Presenter: Beth Hippert

Bio: Beth is a resource technician and wetland specialist at the Crow Wing SWCD located in Brainerd Minnesota. Since earning her degree in Environmental Studies in 2006, she has worked with individuals, groups, cities, and townships to implement stormwater landscaping strategies and practices. This new approach aims to preserve and rebuild the native plant communities that are critical for clean water and stable soils. She has been involved in the design and installation of more than 100 stormwater reduction landscaping and bio-engineered bank stabilization projects. Today you will learn basic principles of native landscaping and leave with enough information and inspiration to create a beautiful, functional native landscape in your own yard or shoreline!

Abstract: Tap into the magic of natural design to clean, filter, and beautify your property. In this session attendees will learn the basics of stormwater landscaping, siting, sizing, plant selection and more. Come to learn how you can help boost pollinator habitat and protect water resources on your property!

3. Pruning Woody Plants

Presenter: Theri Wasniewski

Bio: Theri received a Bachelor of Science in Urban Forestry, Botany Minor, from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and received a Master of Science degree in Tree Physiology from Purdue University. Theri has been a certified Tree Inspector for 23 years. She has been a member of the International Society of Arboriculture for 30 years and an Instructor at Central Lakes College in the Horticulture Department for 25 years. She is also the advisor to the CLC’s Student Horticulture Club.

Abstract: Learn the basics of how woody plants heal themselves and learn how to use that knowledge to prune branches of any size off of your trees and shrubs. Contemplate with me why we treat our trees differently than our shrubs when pruning in our yards, school grounds and parks. “Should I use wound paint?” –no. “Can I prune my lilacs when they are done blooming?”—yes. “Should I top my tree?” – definitely not! “Can I leave stubs to hang my bird feeders on?” – you can, but you shouldn’t.

4. Beware! Within the Plant Kingdom Lurks Evil

Presenter: Jennifer Knutson

Bio: Jennifer Knutson is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison. She has been a certified University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener since 2007. Jennifer is a member of the Minnesota Horticultural Society and the North Star Lily Society. She has been writing a monthly garden column for the Brainerd Dispatch since 2008. Jennifer developed an interest in researching the dark side of the plant kingdom after reading Amy Stewart’s book Wicked Plants.

Abstract: Nature has many dangerous plants. Most people know about the dangers of poison ivy, but how many Minnesota gardeners know that some common ornamentals can cause serious illness or even death if ingested? This seminar is not meant to frighten but to inform. Find out about ornamental plants in a home landscape that make a lethal bouquet, dangerous houseplants, deadly woodland plants, and botanical crime families.

5. Birdscaping Your Backyard

Presenter: Judd Brink

Bio: Judd Brink, owner of MN Backyard Birds, assists residents and businesses in the Brainerd Lakes Area in attracting and enjoying colorful songbirds. He has watched and fed birds for over thirty years, does bird guiding for clients, and is involved with several birding festivals. Judd is a Central Lakes College Natural Resources graduate and has worked for several federal agencies as a wildlife technician. He returned to the Lakes area over ten years ago to start MN Backyard Birds.

Abstract: Bird watching/bird feeding has become the second largest recreational hobby in the United States. This presentation offers information on how bird feeders and native plantings can be used to attract a wide variety of birds. Native trees, shrubs, and vines along with their associated wildlife value will be described and discussed.

6. Home Grown: Vegetable Gardening from Start to Finish!

Presenter: JoAnn Weaver

Abstract: Makes no difference if you’re just getting started or if you’ve been at it a while...…there’s always something new to learn. This presentation covers the basics (and more!) of vegetable gardening: from site selection, to starting plants from seed, tips on “everyday” maintenance, and, finally, ensuring a successful harvest of everything wonderful from your vegetable garden.

Session #3 – 1:00 pm

1. Site Specific Perennials

Presenter: Michael Heger

Abstract: If you are trying to select appropriate perennials for challenging sites like dry shade, dry sun, wet shade or wet sun or are looking for minimal maintenance plants, I will point out a number of possibilities for the landscape in this presentation. You can have good success on these difficult sites with carefully chosen plants.

2. Container Gardening Inspiration!

Presenters: Jodie Ramsay and Julie Schroer

Biography: Jodie Ramsay and Julie Schroer, native of Perham, MN, bought Jean’s – The Right Plant Place in 2004. Both have worked in the horticulture industry for over 30 years. During the “non-gardening” season, Jodie teaches Biology at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. Julie teaches Biology and manages the greenhouse at Northern State University.

Abstract: Are you looking for a bit of inspiration to dress up your patios, decks, entryways, and permanent gardens? Think about doing some container gardens as a way to highlight these and other sometimes dull and neglected garden areas. This session will address plant selection, arrangement, installation, and maintenance so you’re certain to be inspired toward keeping your garden containers healthy, bright, and colorful all summer.