Pruning is probably one of the most confusing landscape tasks for homeowners. Many people aren’t sure what to do or when to do it. However, proper pruning is essential for maintaining attractive and healthy trees and shrubs. The practice of pruning can be simplified through an understanding of the basic principles and techniques. Come learn the why, the when, and the types of pruning, including the removal cut, the reduction cut, the heading cut, and removal of dead material. Tim Eilbes is the co-owner of K & B Trees, Lawns and Landscaping serving the greater Dodge County community. Tim has a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from UW-Madison and is a state registered Landscape Architect who has been in the green industry for 19 years. He has 3 (busy) children with his wife Tammy.

Wisconsin weather can be fickle and the growing season is never long enough. Learn about some tools and tips to take control of the
growing environment. Start your plants earlier, keep them thriving later and get more out of your garden all season long. Johanna Oosterwyk is the manager of the DC Smith Instructional Greenhouse at UW-Madison. She teaches classes in greenhouse management and plant care for the Department of Horticulture.

A project will be selected from either existing projects or one that is new for 2023. All members will meet to lend a helping hand for an organization such as a school, library, service organization, or community garden and we will work together for approximately an hour. We will also have a meal and a time of fellowship as we gather together for a time to encourage one another and our recipient. NOTE: The time of this meeting may be different from our regular meeting time.

Invasive plants in landscaped settings can contribute to negative impacts far beyond our yards. Learn about new invasive plants to look for, strategies for managing invasive plants, and Landscape Alternatives resources that help you choose non-invasive plants for your yard. Mark Renz is a professor and extension weed specialist with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Renz researches and extends information about the biology and management of invasive plants. He has over 20 years of experience with management of invasive plants throughout the United States.

“Gardening is my therapy” is often said by enthusiastic gardeners as we understand how plants assist with our own self-care. However, with
some well thought out steps and focused efforts, gardening can be used as a modality to improve health and well-being. This program introduces participants to key elements of horticultural therapy and the benefits it provides. Mike Maddox is a horticultural therapist-registered with over 20 years of gardening experience and educational programs with communities.

Association business, including presentation of certification cards, updates on all projects and new this year: a meal will be
provided as appreciation to our volunteers.

An overview of grape growing for the home gardener, including variety and site selection, training and pruning, common pests
and diseases, management, and harvest considerations. Will Fulwider is the Regional Crop and Soils Educator for Dane and Dodge County Extension. He works with farmers across the two counties on field and forage crop production. Prior to joining Extension, Will helped manage a
vineyard in Dane County and worked on educational programming for grape growers in Napa.