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A love of gardening, a search for knowledge and a desire to share that knowledge with others is central to why people join the Master Gardener program. They remain Master Gardeners to enjoy the friendship of others who share their interests, to gain and share research-based horticultural knowledge and to give back to the community through their volunteer commitment.
If combining your passion for people and plants sounds appealing, you may be a good Master Gardener candidate. A formal education in horticulture isn’t necessary—we will provide the training and resources to help you teach others. There are five steps to becoming a Master Gardener – each step is described in more detail below.
Continue reading "Become a Master Gardener in Crow Wing County" »
Rain gardens by Judicial Center in Brainerd
The University of Minnesota Extension in collaboration with Crow Wing County, Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District, the Initiative Foundation and area Master Gardeners, installed three rain gardens near the newly constructed Crow Wing County Judicial Center in Brainerd. While the initial discussions and preparations for this project started back in 2006, the rain gardens were planted May of 2007.
The three rain gardens, which combined take up more than 2,000 square feet, were planted with about 1,500 native grasses, perennials, shrubs and trees.
For a PDF version of the garden information, click here: Judicial Center Rain Garden
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Rain garden at the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd
A demonstration rain garden was installed in conjunction with a Rain Garden Workshop in June of 2007 at the Northland Arboretum, Brainerd. Students from a local work readiness program, Master Gardeners and citizens worked with staff and volunteers from the Northland Arboretum and University of Minnesota Extension (Regional Center and Crow Wing County), in planning, design and implementation of the rain garden.
The rain garden was constructed west of the arboretum office and classroom building. The eastern edge of the rain garden allows for stormwater drainage from the parking lot for this building. A natural hillside boarders the western side of the rain garden and a berm was added to the south. A future pond is to be installed to the north, and will share the northern berm (which was left unplanted due to construction of the pond).
For a PDF version of the garden information, click here: Northland Arboretum Rain Garden
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Rain garden at Fairview Office Park in Baxter
What might be the biggest rain garden in central Minnesota was planted in Baxter in May of 2008. The 8,500 sq. ft. rain garden was designed by Westwood Professional Services, Inc. to handle the stormwater runoff from a 4.5 acre, low impact development site – Fairview Office Park.
The rain garden was the practical portion of a “Rain Garden Workshop" presented by Eleanor Burkett, University of Minnesota Extension Educator, and sponsored by the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd. In addition to workshop participants, Crow Wing County Master Gardeners, as well as site developers also assisted with this hands-on portion of the project.
For a PDF version of the garden information, click here: Fairview Office Park Rain Garden
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Gregory Park in Brainerd
“Weed & Clean Day" at Brainerd Public Library - 2007
Pelican Woods Cemetery and Nature Trail in Breezy Point
Pelican Woods Cemetery is all about nature. Walking the trail around the perimeter of the property is a good way for visitors to breathe deep and relax. The Trail Stations have been designed to enhance the natural beauty of this unique setting; visitors find familiar and unfamiliar trees, flowers and greenery which grow well in Northern Minnesota’s harsh climate.
The cemetery is owned and managed by the City of Breezy Point, led by a group of volunteers on the Cemetery Commission. Landscape gardens have been planned and developed by a team of Crow Wing County Master Gardeners, who have worked together on the project since 1999. While mowing, fertilizing, and “heavy" landscape maintenance work are handled by a contract employee, volunteers come weekly for maintenance and planting sessions. At least one Master Gardener has been on site to guide volunteer activities during the weekly work sessions, and plantings are well cared-for throughout the summer.
For a PDF version of the garden information, click here: Pelican Woods Cemetery Garden (pdf)
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Other Community Beautification Projects - Past and Current
Northland Arboretum’s Spring Plant Sale:
Field Trips:
Other Miscellaneous Activities: