Garden Expo 2013, April 6 at Central Lakes College.
Thank you to the 300+ participants that attended this year's event.

Garden Expo 2014, April 5 at Central Lakes College
Please check back in early January for Garden Expo 2014 details. If you would like to be on our e-mailing or postal mailing list, please contact Maggie Fuller.

Fall Gardening Series in Pequot Lakes Details

Visit our Community Events Calendar for a complete listing of presentations.

Educating people where they live and work
Crow Wing County 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.

Crow Wing County Master Gardeners complete many hours of volunteer work each year, providing a valuable in-kind contribution to our county. These dollar figures quantify the enormous value that our volunteers provide to Crow Wing County.

In 2012 Master Gardeners completed a total of 3,721 Volunteer Hours. The estimated national dollar value of volunteer time for that year was $22.14 per hour, valuing their volunteer work at $82,382.94for 2012.

To recognize the value of the work done by our program, Brainerd Restoration and Brainerd Main Street Program awarded in 2008 the "Spirit of Environmental Stewardship in Renovation" to Crow Wing County Master Gardeners and to Jackie Froemming, County Program Coordinator. The award was presented in recognition for the work done in 2007 related to the Crow Wing County Rain Garden Project in Brainerd, Minnesota.

For more information about the Master Gardener Program in Crow Wing County please contact:

Jackie Froemming

LOCAL EXTENSION EDUCATOR
Water Resources/Consumer 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

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 six 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
FINAL REPORT

Our Great Green Gardeners in action!

May 2009

June 2009

July 2009

Ancient and Modern Gardening Methods Defined for Healthy Spring Planting

Hollyhocks, Winemaking Grapes and Planting on Steep Slopes

Clivias an elegant choice to cheer up your winter

Kalanchoe, terrarium and trees not suitable for city lots

What shrubs will attract birds?

Native shrubs, lasagna gardening and sweet potatoes and yams

Spiders most likely not culprits of biting

Fall is coming - is your garden ready?

Dear Master Gardener, April, 2012

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 and TUBERS
Summer Bulbs
Growing, Storing and Enjoying Dahlias - NEW in 2013

ANNUALS
Container Gardening

PERENNIALS
Growing Perennials
Hostas - NEW in 2011
Growing Hardy Roses Up North - NEW in 2012

ORNAMENTAL GRASSES
Ornamental Grasses
Exploring Unique Aesthetics of Ornamental Grasses - NEW in 2013

ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS AND TREES

FRUITS

VEGETABLES
Growing Vegetables
Victory Gardens
Gardening Small: Veggies in Pots
Gardening Small: Veggies in Raised Beds
Plot Style Community Gardening
Edible Landscaping - NEW in 2011
Lessons Learned on the Farm: Companion and Succession Planting - NEW in 2012
Garlic - NEW in 2012
Growing Great Tomatoes - NEW in 2013
Growing Great Vegetables - NEW in 2013

HERBS
Herbs
Basic Herbs Gardening - NEW in 2013
Know Your Herbs and How to Use Them - NEW in 2013

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
Water Wisely - NEW in 2011
Kids Can Compost Too! - NEW in 2013

OTHERS
Master Gardener Program
Weekend Gardener - Horticulture for Busy People
Low-Maintenance Gardening
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
Toxic Plants
Edible Flowers - NEW in 2011
Gardening Tips for Almost Every Letter - NEW in 2011
Holiday Pizzazz - Using Plants in Your Holiday Decor - NEW in 2011
Age is No Excuse, Get Out and Garden - NEW in 2012
The Art of the Kitchen Garden - NEW in 2012
Extending the Growing Season in Minnesota - NEW in 2012
Basic Botany for Gardeners - NEW in 2012
Build Your Own Terrarium - NEW in 2012
Frugal Gardening - NEW in 2013
Create the Beauty, Month by Month - NEW in 2013
Seed Saving Tips - NEW in 2013
No Deer! Not My Garden Tonight - NEW in 2013
"Lemons" for Your Kitchen Garden - NEW in 2013
City Chickens: Keeping a Backyard Flock - NEW in 2013
Beginner Gardening: How to Get Started - NEW in 2013
Fairy Gardens - NEW in 2013

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.

In 2009 Master Gardeners completed a total of 2,943 Volunteer Hours. The estimated national dollar value of volunteer time for that year was $20.85 per hour, valuing their volunteer work at $61,362.00 for 2009.

In 2010 Master Gardeners completed a total of 3,275 Volunteer Hours. The estimated national dollar value of volunteer time for that year was $21.36 per hour, valuing their volunteer work at $69,954.00 for 2010.

In 2011 Master Gardeners completed a total of 4,306 Volunteer Hours. The estimated national dollar value of volunteer time for that year was $21.79 per hour, valuing their volunteer work at $93,827.74 for 2011.

In 2012 Master Gardeners completed a total of 3,721 Volunteer Hours. The estimated national dollar value of volunteer time for that year was $22.14 per hour, valuing their volunteer work at $82,382.94for 2012.

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

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: "Become 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 May. Master Gardeners attend a 49-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

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.

• Crow Wing County Backyard Compost Program
Crow Wing County Master Gardeners assisted with the sale of more than 500 reduced-cost, home compost bins in 2011. That will keep a lot of solid waste out of the county landfill. Distributing compost bins is just one aspect of the "Crow Wing County Backyard Composting Program," an effort funded by a 2-year MPCA waste reduction grant. Master Gardeners are assisting with the conduction the program in collaboration with University of Minnesota Extension - Crow Wing County, Northland Arboretum, and Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District. Again in 2012, education on home composting will be delivered through a series of workshops and information booths. The remaining of the original 1,000 compost bins purchased with the grant will be available for purchase ($25 each) until they are gone.

• 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.

• 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.

• Lakes Area Community Garden in Brainerd
The Lakes Area Community Garden located near Kiwanis Park in Brainerd was established in 2011 but the process of making this project a reality, like so many other projects, started a couple of years earlier. In 2009, a Blandin Leadership Conference was held for 24 Brainerd/Baxter area leaders. At that conference, several leaders identified relevant community issues. One common idea mentioned by several in attendance was establishing a community garden for the Brainerd area. At that time, representatives from several organizations committed to work together. During the process, issues came up that required the expertise and technical assistance of additional organizations, so additional team members were "recruited" such as Crow Wing County Extension and UMN Extension Crow Wing County Master Gardeners.

At the end of the process, a new community garden was established but also new relationships among community organizations were created....Lakes Area Senior Activity Center, Brainerd Noon Rotary, Brainerd Area Sertoma, Crow Wing County Extension, UMN Extension Crow Wing County Master Gardeners, Brainerd FFA Alumni, the City of Brainerd and the Brainerd Parks and Recreation Department.

• Gardening Presentations at Good Samaritan - Woodland Campus
Beginning in 2011, Crow Wing County Master Gardeners partnered with the Good Samaritan Society to facilitate monthly gardening classes from April through November at their Woodland Campus in Brainerd. The classes scheduled for 2011, to be offered the second Thursday of the month, are: "Starting Plants from Seeds", "Edible Landscaping", "Container Gardening", "Water Wisely", "Landscaping with Native Plants", "Herbal Gardening", "Early Bulbs" and "Holiday Pizzazz".

Also in 2011, the new Good Samaritan Community Garden based on the Woodland campus was planted! Brian Lehman, Good Samaritan Resource Development Director and daughter Megan, their friends, Barb, Nick & Anna Greatens, Sarah Speer, and Master Gardeners JoAnn Weaver and Tina Dunlap gathered July 5th to plant and mulch the new twelve raised beds. Many vegetables were planted, including several varieties of tomatoes and peppers, cucumbers, squash, onions and lots of herbs, including basil, thyme, oregano and cilantro. The flowers are beautiful and edible too, and include nasturtiums and pansies. There is also one whole bed devoted solely to asparagus, which will grow each year and will harvest some tender delicious stalks each spring!

Good Samaritan residents can choose their raised bed and be matched up with a partner to help take care of it and harvest the veggies. In fact, the harvested vegetables and flowers can all be used in the Good Samaritan Dietary Departments and served at mealtime! Imagine a freshly prepared salad complete with fresh garden-picked produce with bursts of color with tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, onions--beautiful and delicious!

If you are interested in volunteering or want more information about this community garden, contact Brian Lehman, Resource Development, at 218-829-1429 at the Woodland Campus.

• Gardening Presentations through ISD #182 and ISD #186 Adult Community Education Beginning in 2013, Crow Wing County Master Gardeners partnered with ISD #182 and ISD #186 to offer a series of gardening classes through their Adult Community Education program. The classes in 2013 are "Botany for Gardeners", "Beginner Gardening: How to Get Started" and "Growing Great Vegetables."

• Gardening Presentations through ISD #181 Adult Community Education
Beginning in 2010, Crow Wing County Master Gardeners partnered with ISD #181 to offer a series of gardening classes through their Adult Community Education program. Examples of some of the classes offered: "Low-Maintenance Gardening: Saving Time as well as Resources", "Gardening Small: Veggies in Pots and Raised Beds", "Victory Gardens", "Indoor Gardening: Overcoming the Roadblocks to Healthy Houseplants", "The Home Lawn: Basic Guidelines for Maintaining a Healthy Lawn", "Hostas" and "Home Composting.".

At the beginning of the summer Lisa Stawarski, coordinator for Brainerd Community Education's Youth Connection program, contacted Jackie Froemming, County Extension Educator and MG County Coordinator, to bring Master Gardeners into the classroom once or twice a week throughout the summer to teach the children about gardening. During the months of June, July and August, the following gardening talks were given by Crow Wing County Master Gardeners: "Basic Garden Tools", "Mulch", "Plant Parts", "Basic Garden Maintenance", "Edible Flowers", "Herbs", "Composting and Worm Composting", "Common Veggies and Fruits", "Uncommon Veggies and Fruits" and "Putting the Garden to Bed".

• 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."

• Great Green Gardeners
A collaboration between Crow Wing County 4-H and Crow Wing County Master Gardeners. To learn more about 4-H Great Green Gardeners project club visit the blog, http://www.greatgreengardeners.blogspot.com/ To become a member, contact Crow Wing County Extension at 218-824-1065.

• 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.

• 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." In 2013 the partnership was renewed by offering a series of youth presentations (Examples: "Worm Composting", "Build Your Own Terrarium") as part of the summer reading program. A series of adult presentations will also be offered in 2013 (Examples: "Introduction to Rain Gardens", "City Chickens: How to Keep a Backyard Flock" and "Edible Landscaping.")

• 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.

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

• Berrywood Park Project in Baxter
Phase One of the Berrywood Park project, completed on May of 2012, was part of Crow Wing Power's Greentouch Program. In past years Crow Wing Power partnered with Mille Lacs Electric to clean-up the Cuyana Parks, and also sponsored work at the Crow Wing State Park. This year, Crow Wing Power wanted to shift the focus to landscaping and planting

During the winter of 2011-2012 Crow Wing Power worked out a partnership with Baxter Parks and Trails Department for potential projects. After a few sites were visited, those involved decided to go with the Berrywood Park site. Cindi Parduhn from Crow Wing Power brought in the Brainerd Area Girl Scouts, providing a lot of eager helpers to actually carry out the project. Jackie Froemming from the Crow Wing County Extension office worked up a landscaping plan, provided guidance throughout the initial stages of the project and also brought in her own team from the Crow Wing County Master Gardeners to help the Scouts the day of the planting.

After some rain overnight, the weather on Saturday, May 19 morning was about perfect. 41 people signed in to work and when the dust settled, 50 dwarf bush honeysuckle shrubs and 12 rose bushes had been planted, 270 interlocking paver blocks were put in place surrounding the new perennial bed and a mountain of mulch was distributed over the new planted area. To maintain the area, the Girl Scouts will visit the site on a regular basis during the growing season.

Phase Two of this project will be happening in the spring of 2013!!

• Beautification of our cities: Crosslake in Bloom and Brainerd in Bloom
Crow Wing County Master Gardeners and other community partners have been involved in campaigns that promote the beautification of our cities through the use of plants. "Crosslake in Bloom" and "Brainerd in Bloom" were developed to promote the beautification of these cities, as well as to encourage environmentally-friendly gardening practices, such as native landscape design and to also recognize our citizens' efforts to beautify their sites.

• Garden at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Crosslake
In late winter of 2010, six women, two of them certified Master Gardeners, began planning a garden for the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Crosslake. The land was behind Our Lady's Chapel in the back of the Church. It was weedy, hard sand, and very sunny.

The group decided that the funding would come solely from donations. They spoke to church groups and advertized the project in church bulletins spreading the word about what the garden could be.

Then the real work began as a farmer delivered 14 truckloads of enriched soil. Berms were constructed around the edge of the garden. Rocks were hauled and paths were laid out. The women asked for help from husbands and people who could drive bobcats. Holes for fence posts were dug and a fence to thwart the deer was installed. Mulch was donated by Crow Wing Power.

The group planned, worked and requested donations of plants from people's gardens. The group also joined the Minnesota Green Program and drove to Brooklyn Center for donated plants.

The response from people was wonderful... a birdbath was donated and birdhouses were put up. An arbor gate was put in and bushes, roses and small trees were planted. Two rain barrels were installed. The garden bloomed!

In the late fall, 175 bulbs were planted in anticipation of a colorful spring. It is the hope of all who worked on this garden that it will be a destination for anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of nature and the peace that it brings.

• Tree Planting on Laurel Street in Brainerd
The goal of the Brainerd Main Street Design Sub-Committee for the spring of 2010 was to plant eight trees. The Laurel Street Tree sponsorship program was a success and a total of thirteen trees were planted along Laurel Street west of South 6th Street in April of 2010. The Sub-Committee is planning on planting more trees either in the fall of 2010 or the spring of 2011. In order to pay for the trees, fertilizer, mulch, etc., the committee sought sponsors at $150 per tree. Tree sponsors chose the tree species of their choice among four different species: Tilia americana (Linden), Celtis occidentalis (Hackberry), Acer saccharinum (Sugar Maple) and Acer rubrum (Red Maple). Sponsors will receive ongoing recognition.

This project is being completed with the assistance of Crow Wing County, Landsburg Landscape Nursery, Crow Wing County Master Gardeners, and Brainerd Parks & Recreation.

Please download the brochure for detailed information Download brochure.

• 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

• 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)

• 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

• 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, the North Central Research and Outreach Station in Grand Rapids in 2009 and the Duluth area in 2010.

Brainerd Lakes Area Farmers Market