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Greetings gardeners,

As snow blankets the ground, it’s the perfect time to plan for the year ahead—flipping through seed catalogs, sketching garden layouts, and dreaming of vibrant blooms and bountiful harvests. Why not add a few gardening goals to your resolution list for the new year? Key fundamentals like improving soil health, choosing the right plants for your location, and proactively managing pests can set the stage for gardening success in the year to come. There’s a lot growing on with Extension in January. Read on for timely tips, learning opportunities, and decision-making tools to help you grow healthier plants and flourishing landscapes in 2025. 

Aldo Leopold, born January 11, 1887, is celebrated as a pioneer in conservation and ecology, inspiring us to observe and care for the natural world. His work connects deeply with phenology—the study of nature’s seasonal changes.

Photos courtesy of the Aldo Leopold Foundation and University of Wisconsin-Madison Archives.

Designing your home landscape can transform outdoor spaces into functional, beautiful areas that reflect your style and meet your needs. This guide offers expert advice on planning, from assessing your site’s unique conditions to creating a design that balances aesthetics, sustainability, and practicality. Whether you're starting from scratch or revamping an existing yard, learn the steps to craft a cohesive landscape. Read more... 

Plant selection is key when creating a successful and sustainable landscape. This guide explains important factors like climate, soil conditions, and plant characteristics to help you make informed landscaping decisions that support long-term beauty and resilience in your outdoor spaces. Read more... 

If deer visit your property, you’ve likely already experienced the frustration of having landscape plants destroyed overnight. Before planting (or replanting), check out this list of trees, shrubs, flowers, herbs, and grasses that deer tend to avoid. Read more... 

Plant Diagnostics: The Step-by-Step Approach to Identifying Plant Problems 

Learn key concepts about plant diagnostics — for trees, houseplants, vegetables, and everything in between! This online, self-paced course teaches the basics of the diagnostic process in an easy-to-understand way. The course runs Feb. 1–April 30, 2025. 

Connect with seasoned gardeners and environmental enthusiasts at this three-day celebration of gardening, landscaping, local food culture and more! Learn from 150 educational presentations, browse through the exhibitor mall, chat with UW-Madison Extension Horticulture experts, enter a floral design competition, or bring the kids to explore the PBS KIDS Backyard family area. 

February 7-9
Alliant Energy Center
Madison, Wis. 

Garden calendar | For the week of Dec. 29 | Holiday Poinsettias
Lake Geneva News | Featuring Lisa Johnson

▶ LISTEN: Christmas Tree Tips
Mid-Day Magazine | Featuring Janell Wehr

Poinsettia Trivia & Care
Wisconsin Yard & Garden | Featuring Bruce Spangenberg

▶ LISTEN: Garden Talk: Feeding your garden; Selecting the best Christmas tree
WPR | Featuring Laura Jull

Winter Weather and Plants
Wisconsin Yard & Garden | Featuring Bruce Spangenberg

Researchers remain concerned while an invasive insect kills Wisconsin ash trees
The Daily Cardinal| Featuring PJ Liesch

More Extension Horticulture in the news →

Cyclamen, Cyclamen persicum, is a colorful flowering houseplant traditionally sold during winter months while in bloom.

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UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program

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

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