Master Gardeners of Crow Wing County

2008-10-06T23:31:32Z

Educating people where they live and work about horticulture

Master Gardeners are University of Minnesota-trained volunteers whose job is to educate the public about a variety of horticulture subjects using readily-available, up-to-date research-based information. This educational effort is designed to enhance the public's quality of life and to promote good stewardship of the environment.

Visit our "Have a Question?" page if you are looking for an answer to a gardening-related question.

In 2006 Master Gardeners completed a total of 1,649 Volunteer Hours. The estimated national dollar value of volunteer time for that year was $18.77 per hour, valuing their volunteer work at $30,951.73 for 2006.

In 2007 Master Gardeners completed a total of 2,227 Volunteer Hours. The estimated national dollar value of volunteer time for that year was $19.51 per hour, valuing their volunteer work at $43,448.77 for 2007.

In 2008 Master Gardeners completed a total of 2,363 Volunteer Hours. The estimated national dollar value of volunteer time for that year was $20.25 per hour, valuing their volunteer work at $47,850.75 for 2008.

These dollar figures quantify the enormous value that our volunteers provide to Crow Wing County. Those are really nice numbers!! Thanks to our volunteers!

The 2008 Master Gardener Annual Report is now available. Download pdf

For more information or to request an application to become a Master Gardener in Crow Wing County, please contact:

Jackie Froemming
COUNTY EXTENSION EDUCATOR
Water Resource Management / Horticulture

COUNTY COORDINATOR
Master Gardener Program

Crow Wing County Extension Office
322 Laurel Street - Suite 22
Brainerd, MN 56401-3500
Phone: (218)824-1068
Fax: (218)824-1066
froem022@umn.edu

2008-10-01T19:00:35Z

Junior Master Gardener Program
A partnership of MN 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology and U of M Extension Master Gardeners

New in 2009!
A total of seven counties in greater Minnesota as well as the Metro area were selected as pilot sites for the Junior Master Gardener Program. Crow Wing County was one of those counties!

What is the JMG Program?
The Junior Master Gardener Program strives to increase Science, Engineering and Technology competencies in youth through gardening based experiences. In addition, young people will learn basic gardening techniques, foster interest in horticulture science, and horticulture industry.

Updates
For updates on this pilot project in Crow Wing County, click the links below:

Junior Master Gardeners of Crow Wing County - Great Green Gardeners!

4-H CWC Great Green Gardeners on ning.com

4-H JMG Pilot Project statewide on ning.com

Our Great Green Gardeners in action!

May 2009

June 2009

July 2009

2008-09-30T19:15:35Z

Our Master Gardeners are in the news!

Kiosk landscaping goes from plain to pretty
Lake Country Echo Article, August 6, 2009

Read the article online MG-PaulBunyan-article.pdf

Master Gardener Has Grown to Love Fall
By JODIE TWEED, Staff Writer

BAXTER - Fall is Deb Hoffmann's favorite time of year, which may seem a little odd since the Baxter woman is a master gardener and now most of her beloved plants and flowers are dying.

But there is beauty in fall, too, and Hoffmann spent Saturday afternoon driving around the Brainerd lakes area taking photographs of the changing leaves with her new camera.

"You get a whole new garden because everything takes on a golden look," Hoffmann said. "I love the feel of fall. I love the colors. I love the cooler weather. Me and humidity - we don't get along."

Hoffmann and her husband, Louie, became master gardeners three years ago, a Christmas present to themselves. As one of their master gardener projects this year they spearheaded the project to renovate the horticulture building at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds. More... Brainerd Disptach, September 29, 2008. Download file

Slow Down and Enjoy the Flowers
By Amy Freedman, Staff intern

A faint buzz of activity is bringing life to the now empty Crow Wing County Fairgrounds as workers prepare for the 111th annual Crow Wing County Fair.

The fair begins Tuesday and runs through Saturday in Brainerd. Fair general manager Dale Domrase is ready.

"Every year we try and have something new and different going on at the fair," Domrase said. This year, Domrase is most excited about the updated horticulture building.

Louie Hoffmann, Crow Wing County master gardener, was the project's initiator. Louie built a pergola, a trellis structure that gives shade to plants, last year for the master gardeners. This year, he decided to build a greenhouse for the Brainerd Garden Club.

From there, the project escalated.

Louie remembers thinking, "While we're at it ...," to which wife Deb Hoffmann responded that renovating the horticulture building was "way too big of a project." More... Brainerd Dispatch, July 28, 2008 Download file

Planting the Seeds
By JENNIFER STOCKINGER, Staff Writer

PEQUOT LAKES - April showers are suppose to bring May flowers, but the way this spring is going in the Brainerd lakes area ...

The unpredictable, below-normal temperatures have delayed yard work and work on preparing your gardens for the summer.

Crow Wing County master gardener Jennifer Knutson of rural Pequot Lakes offered several tips on what to do to prepare a healthy lawn in the spring.

Knutson said you shouldn't walk on your grass if it is wet or soggy because this will compact the soil and make it easier for weeds to take over. Once the grass dries and the soil becomes firm, Knutson said you should lightly rake the leaves and dead grass and put them in a compost. Knutson said areas of lawn affected by snow mold also should be gently raked.

"Snow mold is rarely serious, but if it's not taken out it'll take the grass longer to green up," Knutson said. "Salt and sand from the snow plows also should be raked out so grass is not smothered by the sand." More... Brainerd Dispatch, May 2, 2008 Download file

Planting the Seeds
Now is the time to start thinking about herbs
By JENNIFER STOCKINGER
Staff Writer
Cold temperatures and snow-covered land are not good indicators if you're thinking about growing herbs.

In the Brainerd lakes area, the ground is frozen and people are getting cabin fever. But spring will be here before you know it, and last week, about 30 people gathered at the Northland Arboretum for a class on "Growing and Cooking with Herbs."

Crow Wing County master gardener Orv Hastad discussed growing and harvesting herbs. Hastad has been a master gardener for seven years and has been growing herbs organically for more than 20 years. More... Brainerd Disptach, February 29, 2008. Download file

2008-09-16T20:23:45Z

Crow Wing County Master Gardeners are great speakers!

Master Gardeners in Crow Wing County offer public presentations on many different horticulture-related topics.

Your group can request a Master Gardener to present at your meeting, program or any event where there is an audience eager to learn about gardening.

The public presentations offered by Crow Wing County Master Gardeners are scheduled through the Program County Coordinator. Normal scheduling requires at least two weeks advanced notice. Every effort will be made to find a speaker for every request received but please keep in mind that Master Gardeners are volunteers. Usually an honorarium is suggested for a public presentation. Please call the Program County Coordinator for additional information regarding honorarium.

If your group in Crow Wing County is interested in requesting a public presentation by a Crow Wing County Master Gardener please contact Jackie Froemming, Program County Coordinator at (218)824-1068 or at froem022@umn.edu.

Presentation Topics

BULBS
Summer Bulbs

ANNUALS
Container Gardening

PERENNIALS
Growing Perennials
Perennial Maintenance
Favorite Perennials

ORNAMENTAL GRASSES
Ornamental Grasses

ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS AND TREES

FRUITS

VEGETABLES
Growing Vegetables
Heirloom Tomatoes
Victory Gardens - NEW in 2009
Gardening Small: Veggies in Pots and Raised Beds - NEW in 2010

LAWN
Lawn Care

LANDSCAPE
Color Coordinating
Designing Perennial Gardens

ENVIRONMENTAL
Rain Gardens
Rain Barrels
Stormwater Management
Lakeshore Restoration
Composting
Vermicomposting
Mulch Matters
The Green Gardener's Guide - NEW in 2009

OTHERS
Weekend Gardener - Horticulture for Busy People
Lazy Gardener
Low-Maintenance Gardening
Master Gardener Program
Herbs
Wildflowers
Houseplants
Butterfly Gardening
Starting Plants from Seeds
Starting Seeds Indoor
Deer Deterrents
Oh Dear, Deer!
Shade Gardening
Vines
Growing and Using Gourds
Aquatic Plants
Slides of Beautiful Gardens
Spring Garden Preparation / Maintenance
Fall Garden Preparation / Maintenance
The Beekeeper's Garden
Photographing Your Garden
Garden Chores and Aching Joints
Gardening Throughout the Year

2008-09-12T20:36:12Z

Master Gardeners are required to volunteer a minimum of 50 hours the first year and 25 hours annually thereafter. Most often Master Gardeners volunteer many more hours than what is required of them.

These dollar figures quantify the enormous value that our volunteers provide to Crow Wing County.

Crow Wing County Master Gardeners participate in many different types of volunteer work like community beautification projects, community educational projects and community environmental projects. Listed below are some of our past and current projects:

Beautification Projects
Educational Projects
Environmental Projects
Miscellaneous Activities

2008-09-11T07:15:41Z

Join Us!
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.

Application
To become a University of Minnesota Master Gardener in Crow Wing County, you must first apply and be accepted into the program. The application process starts early – we begin sending out applications in late fall. A letter with additional information will be mailed later in the fall to those who submitted applications.

At any time of year you may download the publication: "You Can Be A Master Gardener".

Fill out the request for information form in the brochure and mail it to:

Crow Wing County Extension, Master Gardener Program
322 Laurel Street, Suite 22, Brainerd, MN 56401-3500

or you may fax the completed form to: 218-824-1066 Attn: Jackie Froemming

Commitment
You agree to volunteer service in exchange for training from the University of Minnesota. You also agree to participate in Master Gardener monthly meetings, where you receive continuing education and learn about new projects and other volunteer opportunities.

Training
Training is held at the beginning of each year, January through March. Master Gardeners attend a 48-hour class at the University of Minnesota known as the "Core Course" or Horticulture 1003 if taken for U of M credit. The course is taught by Extension faculty, and a textbook and mini-reference library are provided to each participant. For more information about the Core Course training, including times, locations, fees, and specific course content, visit the Minnesota Master Gardener page.

Internship
Following completion of Core Course Training, Master Gardener interns are required to do a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer work during their internship year (which ends each December 1). We make an effort to ensure that our new interns are placed with other, more seasoned volunteers and we assign a mentor to each new intern. So whether you volunteer at an “Ask a Master Gardener" event or any other event, you’ll be with knowledgeable, helpful people who will make sure you’re not on your own. You’ll have fun—and you will learn a lot!

Certification
You’ll receive a certificate and name badge designating you as a Master Gardener once you have completed the Core Course and fulfilled your internship requirements.

Remaining Certified
Once certified, Master Gardeners must volunteer a minimum of 25 hours and receive at least 5 hours of approved continuing education each year in order to maintain their certification.

Advanced Training
After you are certified, you are eligible to attend other training programs and workshops. These courses offer more technical information. Advanced training opportunities include:

Tree Care Advisor
Pesticide Applicator
Plant Healthcare Advisors
Household Insects
Shoreline Restoration
Special one-time classes

2008-08-27T08:47:43Z

Master Gardeners are helping to protect and restore many bodies of waters within Crow Wing County by assisting with the planting of shoreland buffers and rain gardens.

A shoreland buffer is a simple and direct method of protecting a lake by preserving or restoring a buffer of native vegetation along the shoreline. These buffers slow down and infiltrate the runoff that otherwise might be going straight into the lake.

A rain garden is a shallow depression on the landscape where planted native plants will promote the infiltration of runoff coming from other areas of the landscape. Contrary to shoreland buffers along lakeshores, rain gardens can be planted at properties all throughout the county.

Rain Garden and Serpent Lake Shoreland Restoration Project in Crosby
In the summer of 2009, the City of Crosby, in cooperation with Crow Wing SWCD, the Serpent Lake Association, MN DNR and several Crow Wing County Master Gardeners installed two rain gardens and a shoreline buffer to treat stormwater runoff from city streets and to protect Serpent Lake from increased sediment and nutrients. There were two rain gardens created, each approximately 1940 sq. ft. in size that will treat the stormwater runoff from the streets adjacent to City Hall. Pavement along the lakeshore was removed to provide a native plant buffer that will also filter any runoff that would run off houses and streets. The total shoreline restored is approximately 9,000 sq. ft. and runs along the lakeshore behind City Hall down to the Beach. Approximately 5,000 plugs of native plants and some seed were used to plant the rain gardens and shoreline buffer zone.

Shoreland Buffer at Elks Camp on Pelican Lake

Pelican Lake Property Owners Association (PLPOA) and the Minnesota Elks partnered to restore the border shoreline of the Minnesota Elks Camp - 150 feet on each side - to a depth of 30 feet. The restoration will compliment the existing natural landscape of the camp and serve as a very important demonstration site on the lake.

Pelican Lake is a premier vacation lake in the Brainerd Lakes area in Crow Wing County. The sugar sand beaches are a wonderful asset to the lake as well as a recreational attraction. Unfortunately, many of the lake residents till or otherwise maintain a sandy shoreline up to manicured lawn. The lake association has actively promoted shoreline restoration with limited success to the homeowners on the lake. The Elks Camp site will provide a very visible example of a quality shoreline restoration project and demonstrate how native plants can create a nice buffer around a sandy beach area.

For a PDF version of this shoreland buffer project information: Download file

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

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

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

Crow Wing County Yard Waste Compost Site in Brainerd

Establishing a county compost site was the initiative of two Master Gardeners. In the summer of 2007, a long process started.... meetings with county officials, presenting the concept to county commissioners, finding a suitable location and securing funds for the project.

The grand opening of our County-wide compost facility was held on October 14th, 2008. The compost site was made possible by a grant from Crow Wing County and with the cooperation of CWC Master Gardeners and the Cities of Brainerd and Baxter. The site is for only grass clippings and leaves. This will be a quality service for our communities, and is just one way we are improving our environment. The cured compost should be ready for use sometime in 2009.

2008-08-25T07:39:50Z

One of the missions of the Master Gardener Program of the University of Minnesota is to support UMN-Extension by providing volunteers trained in horticulture to educate the public with research-based information on the best practices in consumer-related horticulture and environmental stewardship.

Crow Wing County Master Gardener Helpline

Crow Wing County Master Gardeners respond to phoned questions year around. Recorded horticulture-related questions are answered within 2-3 days of their receipt.

Ready, Set, Grow! Garden EXPO
The Ready, Set, Grow! Garden EXPO is a one-day event open to the public by registration through the Brainerd Community Education. This event provides educational presentations, vendors, exhibitors, light breakfast and lunch all for a very affordable fee. The surveys completed and turned in are always about 99% extremely favorable towards our efforts.

Green Speakers at County Fair

In 2007 Master Gardeners offered short gardening presentations at the Horticulture Building during the county fair in 2007. The topics presented were "Stormwater 101", "Rain Gardens", "Rain Barrels", "The Beekeeper's Garden", "Shoreland Management", "Shade Gardening", "Oh dear, Deer!" and "Vegetable Container Gardening."

Kids' Kountry Agricultural Learning Center

Kids' Kountry, a mobile interactive agriculture learning center, is used to educate young children about basic agricultural practices such as how milk reaches grocery stores. The concept for Kids' Kountry was developed by two local women, one of them a Crow Wing County Master Gardener. During the county fair, many volunteers staff the "stations" of Kids' Kountry - several of these volunteers are Master Gardeners.

Brainerd Lakes Area Farmers Market - "Ask a Master Gardener" Booth - 2008

The week after assisting with the planting of three rain gardens by Franklin Arts Center, several Master Gardeners set up and staffed a "Ask a Master Gardener" booth at that location while the Farmers Market was open for business. Questions about the rain gardens and other horticulture-related topics were answered. From Mid-May thru Mid-October, the Brainerd Lakes Area Farmers Market is open for business every Tuesday at the Franklin Arts Center parking lot in Brainerd and every Friday at the Gander Mountain parking lot in Baxter. The market is open from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Senior Activity Center's Annual Plant Sale - "Ask a Master Gardener" Booth

As a fundraiser, the Brainerd Lakes Area Senior Activity Center has an annual plant sale in May. For several years now Master Gardeners are present during the sale ready to provide answers to horticulture-related questions that area residents visiting the plant sale might have.

Nisswa Flower Show - "Ask a Master Gardener" Booth

This one-day annual event has about 500 visitors. Area residents find this event to be an excellent educational opportunity to see what can be grown in Zone 3. In addition to the booth, some local Master Gardeners also present seminars for beginning and advanced gardeners.

Breezy Point Annual Community Fest Day - "Ask a Master Gardener" Booth

The purpose of the event is to encourage new residents to meet and enjoy the company of long-term residents and to introduce all residents to some of the services available in the community. This event is attended by all age groups with a large number of families participating.

Crow Wing County Fair - "Ask a Master Gardener" Booth

Each year Master Gardeners staff a booth located in the Horticulture Building. Every day, fair visitors can pick up educational materials and get answers to their horticulture-related questions.

Gardening Presentations at Public Library in Brainerd

In 2007 a four-week "Spring Gardening" series was offered by a Master Gardener from Crow Wing County at the Public Library in Brainerd. The topics included in the series were "Perennials", "Annuals", "Ornamental Grasses" and "Planting Under Trees".

Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity - presentations to new families

For the first time in 2008 the Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity contacted the County Extension Office requesting a gardening presentation by Crow Wing County Master Gardeners. Originally the request was for a presentation "explaining to new home recipients on how to successfully grow grass at their prospective locations". The original task of instructing folks with no gardening experience on how to install lawns in the heat of the summer blossomed into a full fledged gardening class. From soil amendments to spacing trees, from planting annuals and perennials to planting conifers and deciduous trees, to the correct use of fertilizers and herbicides, Master Gardeners presented to the new home-owners the very basic do's and don'ts of growing things other than disappointment. According to all parties involved, the class was a huge success and most likely will turn into an annual or semi-annual event.

Public Presentations

http://blog.lib.umn.edu/mgweb/crowwing/speakers_presentations/

Writing Gardening Columns and Articles

For many years now, there has been a gardening column written by a CWC Master Gardener printed in the bi-monthly magazine Lake Country Journal. The column "Through the Garden Gate" has covered many different aspects of horticulture. In 2008, Master Gardeners also started contributing to a monthly column in the Brainerd Dispatch. This column, normally printed at the beginning of the month, includes answers to many horticulture-related questions as well as timely gardening tips. Master Gardeners also contribute articles to other groups' publications such as lake associations' newsletters.

2008-08-24T07:08:02Z

Crow Wing County Master Gardeners dedicate many of their volunteer hours to beautification projects throughout the county. In some cases, several Master Gardeners get together to plant, weed and water at specific sites such as the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd and the Pelican Woods Cemetery and Nature Trail in Breezy Point. Other times, they work individually adding beauty to our surrounding like the work done at the Lions Memorial Gardens at Camp Vanasek by Whipple Beach in Baxter.

Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway

The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is located on 54 miles of stunning scenery through the cities of Pequot Lakes, Breezy Point, Crosslake, Manhattan Beach, Pine River, Jenkins and the Townships of Wilson, Pelican, Mission, Timothy, Barclay, Gail Lake, Jenkins and Ideal.

In 2006, a total of 14 interpretative kiosks were installed along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway route. In 2009 the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association contacted the CWC Master Gardeners for assistance with landscaping and maintenance of these kiosks.

Responding to the request, six Master Gardeners agreed to "take over" three of these kiosks - "Old Grade Road Kiosk" on County Road 1, "Chiarella Forest Management Area Kiosk" on County Road 11 and "Breezy Point City offices Kiosk" on County Road 11. Photos of these three kiosks (prior to any work done by Master Gardeners) are posted below.

Lake Country Echo article, August 6, 2009. MG-PaulBunyan-article.pdf

Horticulture Building at County Fairgrounds

It all started in 2007 with the construction of a pergola for the booth area used by the Master Gardeners during the county fair. In the summer of 2008 many more additional improvements were made to the entire inside area of the building where the horticulture exhibits are displayed, including making and painting the display tables and shelves, the upgrade of the water feature and the addition of much needed exhaust fans.

Flower Planters at Gregory Park in Brainerd

For the first time in 2007, flower boxes at Gregory Park were planted and maintained by several Master Gardeners.

"Weed & Clean Day" at the Brainerd Public Library

Many Master Gardeners participated in the "Weed & Clean Day" at the Brainerd Public Library in 2007 and then again in 2009.

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)

Crow Wing County Campus - Land Services Building

In 2007, several Master Gardeners donated and planted drought-tolerant plants for this site. In 2008 additional plants were added. With no additional irrigation, plants thriving at this location are Achillea filipendula (yarrow) and Phalaris arundinacea (ribbongrass).

Gardens at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds

Each year thousands of visitors come to the Crow Wing County Fair. Many of the plants for the containers and the Heirloom Vegetable Garden are grown at the Brainerd Community Agriculture Center. Master Gardeners, along with a group of ninth graders, help with the planting in the spring. A Master Gardener coordinates the entire project which includes container plantings outside each of the many buildings on the fairgrounds, a vegetable garden, and a perennial garden with places for visitors to sit and relax while visiting the fair.

"Weekly Weeders" at the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd

For several years now the "Weekly Weeders" a group of local Master Gardeners and other volunteers, have been meeting one morning each week to volunteer at the Northland Arboretum, a 500-acre site located in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Memory Garden at Northland Arboretum in Brainerd

The Memory Garden at the Northland Arboretum is completed thanks to the hard work of several Master Gardeners. The Landscape Technology Class, along with several Master Gardeners, designed and installed a waterfall, bridge, pond, adjoining flower beds, pathways and a paved sitting area to complete the Memory Garden. The garden is composed of three tiers of boulders that expand more than 90 feet. Master Gardeners have been planning, planting, and maintaining the tiered area for several years. Hundreds of visitors stop at the garden, many to relax and reflect on loved ones they have lost. An irrigation system was installed in 2009.

Lions Memorial Gardens at Camp Vanasek in Baxter

The Baxter Lions Memorial Gardens is located at Camp Vanasek on Whipple Lake in Baxter. Since 2007, a Crow Wing County Master Gardener has been volunteering many hours at this particular site.

Other Community Beautification Projects - Past and Current:

Gazebo Gardens at Northland Arboretum in Brainerd

Boy Scout's Secret Garden at Northland Arboretum in Brainerd

Tyron Hills' Planters in Brainerd

St. Christopher's Catholic Church in Nisswa

Gardens at American Legion in Nisswa

Pine Grove Cemetery - a pioneer cemetery in St. Mathias Township

Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd

Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd

Crow Wing County Campus - Historical Society's Museum

2008-08-14T06:50:42Z

Northland Arboretum's Spring Plant Sale

The Northland Arboretum with over 500 acres of green space between the cities of Brainerd and Baxter is the passion of three Crow Wing County Master Gardeners. They start the year out with planning and ordering for the annual May plant sale. In May of 2006 a total of 450 potted plants were donated by just one Master Gardener. Other Master Gardeners help with the plant sale, potting, labeling, and answering countless questions from the several hundred people who come to the annual event.

Field Trips

Crow Wing County Master Gardeners visited several private gardens in the area as well as public gardens outside the county such as the Munsinger-Clemens Gardens in St. Cloud and the Living Legacy Gardens in Staples in 2008, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska in 2009 and the North Central Research and Outreach Station in Grand Rapids in 2009.

Administrative Duties

Northland Arboretum - front desk

Master Gardener Library at County Extension Office

Horticultural Exhibits: Classification and Judging

Monthly Meetings - Third Monday

Our Gardens All Seasons

2008-08-02T19:29:01Z

2008-06-26T21:28:48Z

GREAT GARDENING BOOKS - from University of MN & MN Master Gardeners!

"The Best Plants for 30 Tough Sites" - $10.00
This publication is written in celebration of 30 years of Master Gardener teaching in Minnesota. Here are the BEST plants for 30 tough garden sites: dry shade, slopes, lakeshores, all locations that call for tough, durable plants. Also included are hard-to-find plant lists of special traits and useful characteristics: self-seeding, fragrance, long-blooming, minimal litter trees. And who better to recommend these plants than the University of Minnesota Extension Service Master Gardeners? Drawing on their 30 years of teaching and experience, Master Gardeners list here their selections for these tough sites.

"Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates" - $10.00
This publication reports research results of cold hardiness for ornamental grasses. It also includes recommendations and descriptions of many cold hardy species. Included are numerous illustrations and full color photos. This publication is recommended for gardeners, landscapers, homeowners, nurseries, and horticulture professionals.

To purchase: contact County Extension, 218-824-1065 or stop in at the office.
Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Monday - Thursday, Noon to 4 p.m., Friday
322 Laurel St., Suite 22, Land Services Building, Brainerd. MN 56401

Please make checks payable to: CWC Master Gardeners.

2008-06-26T21:24:49Z

Below is a list of links to additional websites. These websites provide additional information about related organizations, services and projects.

Brainerd Lakes Area Farmers Market

Central MN Build Smart

Crow Wing County Extension Office

Lakes Area Clean Waters Council

Master Gardener Program in Minnesota

Shoreland Education Program

Soil Testing Laboratory (UMN)

Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series (UMN)

The Northland Arboretum in Brainerd

University of Minnesota Extension

2008-05-28T17:27:01Z

Ready, Set, Grow! Garden EXPO
The Ready, Set, Grow! Garden EXPO is a one-day event open to the public. This event provides educational presentations, vendors, exhibitors and lunch, all for a very affordable fee. The surveys completed and returned are always about 99% extremely favorable towards our efforts.

Please call Jackie Froemming, County Coordinator, at 218-824-1068 to add your name and address to the mailing list to receive additional information about the event as well as the registration form, or email: froem022@umn.edu.

Next Garden Expo: Saturday, April 10, 2010 at Central Lakes College in Brainerd

Crow Wing County Master Gardeners are pleased to announce that the morning keynote speaker at the Garden Expo 2010 will be Jeff Gillman, Associate Professor in the Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota. Jeff will be presenting "The Truth about Garden Remedies".

Over the last few years Jeff has been involved in conducting research on a variety of homemade garden remedies from beer used as a fertilizer to milk used to control blackspot and has written a book that documents this work.

Jeff will also be presenting "The Truth about Organic Gardening", one of the choices among several different break-out presentations to choose from.

Last Garden Expo: Saturday, April 4, 2009 Download file
Thank you to everyone that attended the eighth Garden Expo. It was a huge success. We had over 250 participants - the highest attendance ever!

Comments from attendees at past Garden Expos:

Well-organized, informational - enjoyed the vendors also!

Door prizes - great!

Good program - will plan to attend again.

It is very evident that a lot of thought, time & energy went into
making this a great expo!

Thanks to everyone involved.

Excellent choice of presentations - good variety!

Really enjoyed the program!

We enjoyed the vendors greatly!! Had a great time. Thank you!

Enjoyed all of the speakers - thanks.

Thanks so much for your efforts, it was great.

Thank you for such a great event.

Nice variety of speakers. Excellent presenters - you do a great job.

This is my 1st Garden Expo and I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect.

Everything was organized and informative. Thank you for your efforts.

Great mixture of topics. Thank you!!

This was our first time - we had a great time and learned lots.
Can't wait till next year.

First timer and hope to come again next year!

Thank you for a great time.

Great diversity of topics!

2008-05-23T20:44:24Z

Upcoming Gardening-Related Community Events and Presentations

Our "Ask a Master Gardener" Booth will be present at the following local events. Master Gardeners will be available to answer all your gardening questions, as well as to provide information about the Master Gardener Program in Crow Wing County.

For additional information about the events and presentations listed below please contact:
Jackie Froemming
Crow Wing County Coordinator Master Gardener Program
218-824-1068
froem022@umn.edu

2010 Community Events

April 10, 2010 (Saturday)
"Ask a Master Gardener" - Garden Expo
Sponsor: CWC Master Gardeners
Location: Central Lakes College, Brainerd

May 6-8, 2010 (Thursday - Saturday)
"Ask a Master Gardener" - Spring Plant Sale
Sponsor: Senior Activity Center
Location: Senior Activity Center, Brainerd

May 29, 2010 (Saturday)
"Ask a Master Gardener" - Spring Plant Sale
Sponsor: Nisswa Garden Club
Location: Schaefer's Foods (parking lot), Nisswa

July 28, 2010 (Wednesday)
"Ask a Master Gardener" - Annual Flower Show
Sponsor: Nisswa Garden Club
Location: Lutheran Church of the Cross, Nisswa

August 3-7, 2010 (Tuesday - Saturday)
"Ask a Master Gardener" - Crow Wing County Fair
Location: Horticulture Building / Fairgrounds, Brainerd

2010 Community Presentations

March 4, 2010 (Thursday)
"Low Maintenance Gardening - Saving Time as Well as Resources"
Presenter - Jackie Froemming
Sponsor: ISD 181 - Community Education
Location: Forestview Middle School, Baxter

March 11, 2010 (Thursday)
"Gardening Small - Veggies in Pots and Raised Beds"
Presenter - Christine Rasmussen
Sponsor: ISD 181 - Community Education
Location: Forestview Middle School, Baxter

March 25, 2010 (Thursday)
"Victory Gardens - Then and Now"
Presenter - JoAnn Weaver
Sponsor: ISD 181 - Community Education
Location: Forestview Middle School, Baxter

April 8, 2010 (Thursday)
"Indoor Gardening - Overcoming the Roadblocks to Healthy Houseplants"
Presenter - Jackie Burkey
Sponsor: ISD 181 - Community Education
Location: Forestview Middle School, Baxter

April 10, 2010 (Saturday)
"Ornamental Grasses"
Presenter - Rich Dreissig
Sponsor: CWC Master Gardeners - Garden Expo
Location: Central Lakes College, Brainerd

April 10, 2010 (Saturday)
"Mulching"
Presenter - Jody Hedtke
Sponsor: CWC Master Gardeners - Garden Expo
Location: Central Lakes College, Brainerd

April 10, 2010 (Saturday)
"Vegetable Gardening 101"
Presenter - Janice Bradshaw
Sponsor: CWC Master Gardeners - Garden Expo
Location: Central Lakes College, Brainerd

April 10, 2010 (Saturday)
"Composting"
Presenter - Jody Hedtke
Sponsor: CWC Master Gardeners - Garden Expo
Location: Central Lakes College, Brainerd

April 15, 2010 (Thursday)
"The Home Lawn - Basic Guidelines for Maintaining a Healthy Lawn"
Presenter - Jackie Froemming
Sponsor: ISD 181 - Community Education
Location: Forestview Middle School, Baxter