Having trouble seeing images? View this email in your browser.

Greetings gardeners,

A new year brings fresh energy for plant and gardening enthusiasts — a time to look ahead, make plans, and imagine landscapes that are both beautiful and climate resilient. As you plan for the season ahead, consider ways to incorporate pollinator-friendly plants or even establish native prairie areas that support wildlife while adding visual interest to your outdoor spaces. Read on for helpful resources, online learning opportunities, and ways to connect with the Extension Horticulture Program in 2026.

Were you gifted an orchid for the holidays? These care tips can help blooms last longer — and sometimes return.

Learn which floral traits attract different pollinators and explore a long list of woody plant recommendations — including trees, shrubs, evergreens, and vines — that serve as critical pollen and nectar sources throughout the growing season. Read more...

This multi-part article series offers guidance on sketching plans, choosing a landscape style, understanding design principles, selecting plants, incorporating garden structures and more. Whether you're starting from scratch or revamping an existing yard, follow these steps to craft a cohesive landscape. Read more...

Establishing a native plant community is as much an art as it is a science. It involves careful planning, planting, and managing the plot long term. Learn the history of prairies in North America and how to create your own prairie landscape. Plus, find helpful plant descriptions of popular forbs, shrubs, and grasses featured in this extensive publication. 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, 2026. 

A weekly column of horticulture education and activities for Wisconsin gardeners. Read the latest articles from this past month.

Greenhouse designs provide opportunity for year-round crop production in WI | Up North News | Featuring Allen Pyle

More Extension Horticulture in the news →

Pothos is an easy-to-grow houseplant to refresh your indoor spaces after the holidays.

UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program

Find articles, resources, educational events and more at hort.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.