In this issue for FEBRUARY/MARCH 2006:

COLUMN FROM SHELLEY RYAN, PRODUCER/HOST OF THE WISCONSIN GARDENER
START SEEDS NOW
TASTY RECIPE FROM ALL-NEW GARDEN COOKBOOK
GARDEN EXPO THANK-YOU, 2007 DATES
FEATURED BROADCAST PROGRAMS ON WISCONSIN PUBLIC TELEVISION

COLUMN FROM SHELLEY RYAN, PRODUCER/HOST OF THE WISCONSIN GARDENER

Longtime readers and viewers will have heard me tell stories about my Dalmatian, Rienzi, many times before. She was the perfect garden dog, loved eating all kinds of fruits and vegetables sometimes right off the plants themselves.

Sadly, she died a couple of years ago. We have a new dog now, named after the hobbit Pippin because of the tufts of fur growing up between his toes. Honestly, he looks like he s wearing fluffy bedroom slippers.

So far, he has frustrated my attempts to turn him into a garden dog. He turns up his nose at apple slices, spits carrots out and just walks away if I offer him raspberries (Rienzi's favorite). While I never expected him to replace Rienzi, as if any dog could, I was hoping he d at least follow in her footsteps.

Good news! Finally, I've found a vegetable that Pippin enjoys eating, arugula. Wouldn't you know I'd end up with a dog that only eats what s considered haute cuisine in the lettuce and greens world? Sigh.

It's snowing out, the ground is frozen and Pippin is asleep at my feet, bedroom slippers and all. It's the perfect time to be putting together my spring seed-and-plant list. Obviously, I'll be sure to include arugula on that list. It's easy to grow and I love its smoky flavor in salads.

You'd be surprised what else is going on the list for this spring carnivorous bog plants, miniature boxwoods and all kinds of ornamental kale and cabbages. All of these plants were used in containers on the new episode of The Wisconsin Gardener airing at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 5. I had so much fun producing it. I learned how to plant a bog in a container and how to create containers for winter. I hope you ll watch and be inspired too. http://www.wpt.org/garden.

START SEEDS NOW

As winter winds down, thoughts turn to spring. Those thoughts could include plans to start plants indoors to produce a bountiful harvest throughout the summer. Starting plants from seeds is economical and can be a nice harbinger of warmer weather. According to University of Wisconsin-Extension sources, onions can be started now. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, peppers and tomatoes can be started after March 15. A few simple supplies are all that are needed to begin. For more information on planting early seeds indoors, University of Wisconsin-Extension Cooperative Extension Info Source.

TASTY RECIPE FROM ALL-NEW GARDEN COOKBOOK

To order a copy of the all-new Wisconsin Gardener Cookbook 3, visit the Wisconsin Gardener Web site.

Rhubarb Bars

Bars

GARDEN EXPO THANK-YOU, 2007 DATES

Thank you to all to who made Garden Expo a wonderful experience. The display gardens, demonstrations, seminars, vendors, raffle and workshops all made for a wonderful three days. In 2007, Garden Expo returns to the Exhibition Hall of the Alliant Energy Center. The dates are Feb. 9, 10 and 11. http://www.wpt.org/gardenexpo.

FEATURED BROADCAST PROGRAMS ON WISCONSIN PUBLIC TELEVISION

5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 5 Pot It
Explore the many possibilities of using container gardens in a new program that travels throughout Dane County and to Green Bay. http://www.wpt.org/garden. Funding for The Wisconsin Gardener is provided, in part, by Ariens Co., http://www.ariens.com.

6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 5 Gardening and Cooking With Herbs
Learn about dying silk scarves and new recipes using herbs. http://www.wpt.org/garden. Funding for The Wisconsin Gardener is provided, in part, by Ariens Co., http://www.ariens.com.

7 p.m. Thursday, March 1 In Wisconsin
Learn about elk reintroduction to Wisconsin and take a snowy walk through natural beauty with State Poet Laureate Denise Sweet of Green Bay. http://www.wpt.org/inwisconsin

2 p.m. Sunday, March 26 Garden Smart
Practical advice and ideas about the latest garden gadgets. http://www.gardensmart.tv

2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 26 The Victory Garden
Host Michael Weishan tours gardens and offers tips. http://www.pbs.org/victorygarden.

3 p.m. Sunday, March 26 Garden Smart
Travel North America to explore and enhance the joy and beauty of gardening. Hosted by Master Gardener Deanna Connellin. http://www.smartgardeningtv.com.

Major funding for the Wisconsin Gardener
is provided by Ariens.

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