Phenology: Nature’s Calendar with Dodge County Certified Master Gardener Carol Shirk

Wisconsin is blessed with four distinct seasons.  We see the trees bud and bloom in the spring, leaf out and grow in the summer, turn into blazes of color in the fall, and drop their leaves during the winter.  We see geese return in the spring to lay their eggs and raise their chicks through the summer.  When fall comes, they head south and we have a goose-less landscape for the winter.  These changes give us a front-row seat to practice phenology: the study of seasonal changes and timing. This centuries-old science is of great benefit to gardeners as well as farmers, foresters, naturalists, hunters, birder watchers, and fishermen. Using phenological indicators along with Integrated Pest Management helps gardeners be better stewards of all aspects of their landscape. 

Carol Shirk has been a Master Gardener for nearly 30 years and enjoys learning more each year as well as teaching others about the joy of horticulture. She has been an active Board member, teaches all age levels, works in many gardens, and grows a few things of her own. She has been gardening for more years than she can remember.