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In this issue for October 2006:
COLUMN FROM SHELLEY RYAN, PRODUCER AND HOST OF “THE WISCONSIN GARDENER”
FALL GARDEN CHORES SAVE THE DATE – 2007 GARDEN EXPO FEATURED BROADCAST PROGRAMS ON WISCONSIN PUBLIC TELEVISION ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER HOW TO SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE COLUMN FROM SHELLEY RYAN, PRODUCER AND HOST OF “THE WISCONSIN GARDENER” 
As I sit here watching it snow on Oct. 12, I am reminded of the challenges of gardening in Wisconsin. Hot, cold, rain, snow, hail (a lot this year), wind, and of course, let's not forget insects, diseases and squirrels. Anyone who gardens in Wisconsin should automatically be granted the title of Master Gardener. I mean, look what we put up with on a regular basis! People are always surprised when I tell them that fall, not spring, is my favorite time of year. I have good reasons for this preference. Fall marks the END of the growing season, time to sit still for awhile, time to enjoy the harvest. I love looking out at the snow and saying, “Gosh, I guess I'm not going to get that bed weeded after all. Too bad.” This year marked some major changes in my yard. Two enormous trees had to be taken down due to root rot and old age. It was traumatic watching the maple in particular come down. It had a knothole in its trunk right at eye level with my office window. For 18 years, I watched generation after generation of squirrels in that knothole. This time of year they'd be stuffing the hole full of leaves, getting ready for winter. Now when I look out my window I can see much farther than I want to, in fact all the way to Hollandale in Iowa County I think. Also, the squirrels are working on my guilt big time. Last week, while working in my office, I looked over at the window and two squirrels were staring back in at me. Their little noses were pressed against the glass. Since I'm on the second floor it was a bit of a shock. So I've put up a huge wooden squirrel house and am feeding them corn on a daily basis. Hmm, who's training whom here? I'm trying not to dwell on the loss of the trees and instead look at it as a blank pallet. I hope to spend the winter months designing a new garden for that empty spot in the back yard. I guess that's another other great thing about being a gardener in Wisconsin. Wisconsin gardeners are eternal optimists. We have to be. So, happy fall. Take a break and put your feet up, and I hope you’ll get a chance to check out the newest episode of "The Wisconsin Gardener" airing at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2. It will be rebroadcast at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. It has nothing to do with squirrels but still it's entertaining. It features some wonderful heirloom squash and gourds from Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah, Iowa; tips on how to naturalize with bulbs; a wonderful story about marigolds; and a few surprises. FALL GARDEN CHORES While it may seem that the "official" gardening season is winding down, there is still plenty to do to ensure a successful spring and summer outdoors. Here are some suggestions:
SAVE THE DATE – 2007 GARDEN EXPO It's not too early to begin making plans to attend the annual Garden Expo. The next event sprouts ideas and inspiration on Feb. 9 – 11, 2007, at the Exhibition Hall of the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. There will be more than 100 seminars and demonstrations, at no additional cost than the regular admittance fee. And, for an additional fee, sign up for workshops to take home wonderful decorative garden items.FEATURED BROADCAST PROGRAMS ON WISCONSIN PUBLIC TELEVISION 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29 The Wisconsin Gardener "Weep No More." Producer/Host Shelley Ryan visits Olbrich Gardens in Madison to see varieties of willow trees. Also, stop by a garden designed for the disabled. Finally, there is a segment with advice on growing daylilies. www.wpt.org/garden/ Funding for The Wisconsin Gardener is provided, in part, by Ariens Co., www.ariens.com7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5 The Wisconsin Gardener "Harvest Traditions." Travel the state and get ideas for making wreaths and items using marigolds. There also is expert advice on selecting plants to use for spring displays. www.wpt.org/garden Funding for The Wisconsin Gardener is provided, in part, by Ariens Co., www.ariens.com 2 p.m. Saturdays Cultivating Life This program provides easy demonstrations of how to connect home and garden into one lifestyle. www.cultivatinglife.com 10:30 a.m. Saturdays (beginning on on Nov. 12, a different episode than Saturday's also will air at 2:30 p.m. Sundays) P. Allen Smith's Garden Home Ideas on how to blend indoor and outdoor living spaces. www.pallensmith.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcatergory&id=123&;te,od=152 2 p.m. Sundays The Victory Garden Host Michael Weishan tours gardens and offers tips. www.pbs.org/wgbh/victorygarden ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER How to Subscribe How to Unsubscribe | |||
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