Some people consider shady areas in their landscape a challenge when trying to grow flowering plants. One of the many yards I have gardened in had quite a bit of shade. As I explored shade-tolerant plants, I discovered that there is a wide range of possibilities.

The first step to planning your shade garden is to assess the types of shade found in your yard. You’ll find many different descriptions of shade but here are a few often used terms.

Peonies are blooming and what a lovely sight. Down through history, peonies have been held as a symbol of beauty, prosperity and honor. Conveying the meaning of a ‘happy life’ or ‘happy marriage’, it’s not surprising that you can find them in countless paintings, stories and myths.

Having trouble remembering where the car keys are? Grab a sprig of rosemary. It has a reputation for improving memory. Like most herbs, this Mediterranean native has a rich history in folklore. In the Middle Ages rosemary was used to protect against evil spirits. If placed beneath your pillow, it would ward off bad dreams. Today, rosemary symbolizes love and remembrance. Traditionally, sprigs are scattered on the grave of beloved family members to show that they will not be forgotten.

The other day I watched a hummingbird hover outside the living room window. He flew up and down, backwards and then off like a shot out of view.

Our visitor was the ruby-throated hummingbird. It is easy to recognize. The male has an emerald, green back, a white breast and, of course, a ruby-red throat. The female looks similar except she lacks the red color on her neck. The ruby-throated hummingbird is one of the smallest birds in North America. It measures just over three inches in length and weighs but a whisper (about one-tenth of an ounce). 

Find more horticulture articles at Wisconsin Yard & Garden, a weekly horticulture column by Bruce Spangenberg Horticulture Outreach Specialist. Plus, visit Wisconsin Horticulture – Division of Extension website where you’ll find: Ask Your Gardening Question

Margaret Murphy

Email: margaret.murphy@wisc.edu

Chippewa, Dunn & Eau Claire Counties

Join us for the Beef Cow-Calf Field Day on July 28 from 6:00–8:30 p.m. at Starck Century Farm near Cadott. Learn practical strategies for pasture management, breeding decisions that improve cow longevity, and marketing options for fall calf crops. Connect with fellow producers and Extension specialists while gaining ideas you can put to work on your operation right away. This free event is open to all interested producers; registration is requested by July 23. For more information or to register, call 715-232-1636 or visit https://go.wisc.edu/d0778z.

With cattle prices at record highs, margins remain tight, and good management is critical to successful cattle finishing. Join UW-Madison Extension Regional Educators and Specialists for a workshop addressing timely topics, including a chute-side discussion, feed and silage management, feedlot facilities, and handling. The twilight field day will be hosted by the Jensen Family, E3677 370th Ave., Menomonie, WI. The Jensen’s will discuss their farming operation as well as tour their new mono-slope cattle feeding facility. Registration at 5:45 PM with the program starting at 6:00 PM

Join us for a High-Oleic Soybean Field Day on August 18th.

This field day will focus on practical information for dairy farms interested in incorporating high-oleic soybeans into their feeding programs.

The day will begin with educational presentations and lunch at the Chippewa Valley Tech College Energy Education Center. In the afternoon, participants will tour the on-farm roasting setup at Five-Star Dairy near Elk Mound.

Registration will open soon, stay tuned for details! Registration will be required for accurate meal counts.

The 2026 World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) Report states that “1.3 billion people globally depend on farmed animals for food and income, and each year, animal diseases destroy more than 20% of global animal production. It’s estimated that 75% of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate in animals. Investing in animal health is one of the most effective economic decisions countries can make. Studies show returns on animal health investment of up to 85% per year, placing animal health among the most productive investments for society.”

Livestock Disease Prevention – Extension Chippewa County

Check out our statewide website to explore research-based resources and expert guidance that support animal health, herd management, and sustainable livestock operations.

Ryan Sterry

Email: ryan.sterry@wisc.edu

Chippewa, Dunn & Eau Claire Counties

Extension is conducting its annual survey to estimate custom rates for common Wisconsin farming operations. If you are a Wisconsin farmer or a custom operator who performed or hired custom services in 2025, please complete the sections of the survey that pertain to you or browse preliminary results.

Join us for a Nitrogen & Soil Management Field Day on July 1 from 10:30 AM–12 PM at Lambalot Acres Field Site (44.651429, -91.215995)!

Hear from UW–Madison Extension experts on soil health, conservation practices, and nitrogen management strategies to boost your farm’s success. Stick around for lunch, networking, and earn 1.5 CCA credits!

Questions? Reach out to our office at 715-726-7950.

Check out our statewide website to explore research-based resources and expert guidance that support managing soil health, improving crop production, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Jerry Clark

Email: jerome.clark@wisc.edu 

Chippewa, Dunn & Eau Claire Counties

Farm stress is real, and ag service providers are often considered a trusted first line of support. Join our Mental Health First Aid for the Agriculture Community training this summer to gain practical skills for recognizing and responding to mental health challenges.
 

📅 July 28–29 | 🕒 12:30–3:30 pm (virtual)
👉 For more information and to register, visit: go.wisc.edu/MHFAJuly2026 

The 2026 Badger Crop Connect webinar series returns for 2026!

This twice-monthly series provides Wisconsin-specific data and research to help you manage your or your clients’ field and forage crops. Webinars are held at 12:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from April through October.

To register for the series, sign up for email reminders, or watch prior webinar recordings, visit go.wisc.edu/BadgerCropConnect.

Extension, DATCP, and the SnapPlus Team are hosting a free six-part webinar series on SnapPlus Version 3, running April through August. Each session includes a tutorial on a new feature, plus one-on-one office hours. Registration is free.

Register: go.wisc.edu/841xe6 

The statewide Extension website is your go-to place for helpful information, classes, and events offered across the state. Whether you’re interested in farming, gardening, health, youth programs, or community resources, you can quickly find tools and programs available in your area. Visit the statewide event calendar to find upcoming events happening in your area!

Chippewa

chippewa.extension.wisc.edu

Dunn

dunn.extension.wisc.edu

Eau Claire

eauclaire.extension.wisc.edu

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.