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Greetings gardeners,

After one of the wettest Junes on record in Wisconsin, it seemed like we would never need to water our gardens again. However, precipitation levels balanced out in July, and as we move into August, most plants will need supplemental watering to stay healthy and vibrant. If you have time this month, we recommend watching this presentation that contains helpful tips and best practices for watering your yard and garden. There’s always a lot happening in horticulture during August. Read on for information on upcoming events, timely articles, and news features from Extension. 

Native perennial Liatris spp. produces tall, purple bottlebrush blooms in pollinator garden

Rain barrels are used to collect and store rainwater runoff, typically from residential rooftops. These containers are a great way to conserve water and hold it for later use on lawns, in gardens, or for houseplants. Read more…

Groundcover plants are low growing perennials that spread by trailing stems and densely cover an area of ground. These plants provide an excellent alternative for turfgrasses in shade and other tough areas in the landscape. Read more…

Monarch butterfly caterpillars may be the insect most associated with milkweeds, but if you’ve ever grown or just observed these plants, you’ve probably encountered lesser-known insects cohabitating on leaves, stems, flowers, and seed pods. Read more…

Mulch is shown to help control weeds, regulate soil temperature, retain soil moisture, reduce soil erosion, deter plant diseases, protect perennial plants during winter, and—in many cases—improve the appearance of a garden. Read more…

Last chance for Early Bird rates!

Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin:
Foundations in Gardening

Learn key concepts about selecting, growing, and maintaining plants — from trees to houseplants to vegetables (and everything in between)!  This online, self-paced course is designed for gardeners of all skill levels and backgrounds. The course runs Sept. 8 through Dec. 7 2024. 

UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program

Find articles, resources, educational events and more at hort.extension.wisc.edu

An EEO/AA employer, UW-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and American with Disabilities (ADA) requirements.