    
Monday- Water gladiolus and dahlias weekly to a depth of 6-8 inches
Tuesday- Water flower beds at least once a week during dry spells. Remove old lily blooms.
Wednesday- Peony bushes should be mulched and seedpods removed.
Thursday- Take cuttings from roses and spring flowering shrubs for new plant propagation when stems are no longer succulent but not yet hardened.
Friday- Cut old canes of climbing roses so those new shoots can grow.
Rethinking Lawn Care
Yard care is something every homeowner has to do, from spraying your lawn for dandelions to planting that flower bed every year that impresses your neighbors. There are many practices that you can do to help protect the environment some as simple as not spraying and some that may require more work and thought. When vegetation is removed during development and is replaced with streets, rooftops, and driveways, the amount of rainfall absorbed into the soil significantly decreases. Anything that drips from motor vehicles onto the pavement such as oil, gasoline, brake fluid, and antifreeze can all be washed away rather quickly in the next rainstorm. These are just two cases in which we all can help and change our practices.
Yards serve as a buffer to cut down on the rain water that is flushed to the storm drains. Keeping vehicles running well and in good condition will help cut down on oils and gasoline from being washed into the drainage system on the next rain. Also consider: is using a garden insecticide, pesticide, or herbicide the right choice for me? If beneficial predators such as birds and other animals are poisoned along with pests, then natural controls are out of the picture, allowing pests to multiply more rapidly. Also remember nearly all yard care chemicals can pose an environmental problem. Pest populations may also begin to develop genetic resistance to the chemicals designed to kill them as well.
Consider more natural alternatives whenever possible. Pests become less of a problem if more “natural diversity” in plantings is used. Some tips to get natural diversity are: 1.mow often enough and leave grass clippings on the lawn. 2. Plant an extra tree for multiple environmental benefits, especially where it becomes part of a planting bed or “naturalized” landscape area. 3. Direct roof downspouts away from foundations and driveways to planting beds and lawns where the water can safely soak into the ground. A great idea for this is to plant a rain garden. For more information on rain gardens contact the UW-Extension office. 4. Collect oil and other automotive products preferably for recycling, or tightly seal and wrap them for proper disposal. 5. Wash cars on the lawn, where soapy water can’t quickly run toward the nearest storm sewer, picking up other pollutants as it goes. 6. If using a septic tank system, maintain it properly through regular inspections and licensed pumping every two to three years. 7. Clean up pet wastes, from which nutrients and bacteria could be washed toward lakes and streams. 8. Use salt conservatively in winter. Substitute sand or old-fashioned “chipping” when possible.
Planning for greater harmony with natural surroundings, being conservative and resourceful, rather than wasteful, believing that little changes collectively make a big difference, and taking advantage on the time and cost-savings that rethinking yard care can bring, can help all of us in the future.
For more information please contact the Iowa County UW Extension Office in the lower level of the courthouse. Or call 608-935-0391. For additional information about this topic or other UW Extension programs and resources, contact the Iowa County UW Extension Office, 222 North Iowa Street, Dodgeville, WI 53533 or phone (608) 935-0391.
EAB IN OUR BACKYARDS!
Emerald Ash Borer has become a problem in many neighboring states around Wisconsin and even in Wisconsin as of last summer. This little beetle kills ash trees. The facts, the emerald ash borer only attacks ash trees. It has been found in Wisconsin. The counties that the emerald ash borer has been identified in have been Vernon County in the southwest corner and Washington and Ozaukee counties on the south eastern side of the state. The three counties along with Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, and Crawford counties have all been put under quarantine. Quarantine means that resident and affected business must not transport any hardwood firewood, ash nursery stock, ash logs or timber out of the quarantined area. This restriction helps prevent the pest’s introduction to new areas and to minimize its spread. This beetle is about a ½ inch long and metallic green. Adults leave a D shaped hole when they emerge in the spring. One way to help control this nuisance is not to bring firewood into state parks or anywhere. Buy all firewood at the place where you are camping or wherever you’re staying.
We need to keep a watchful eye out for this nasty little beetle. Mountain ash is not affected by the beetle, as it is not a true ash so need not worry if you have one of these planted in your yard. But, the other types of ash (fraxinus) species are susceptible!! Check your trees over for D shaped holes. Another indicator is dying back in the tree; this is when the tree does not have as many leaves on it as it did in previous growing seasons also the outside of the tree canopy has fewer leaves and does not look full. Also look around the base of the truck for suckers or small looking braches growing up out of the ground right by the base of the tree. This is a big indicator of infestation. So, how does the beetle kill the tree? The beetle burrows into the cambium, which is between the bark and the inside of the tree. This is where all the water and nutrients move through. The larvae move around eating this tissue and killing the tree, because water and nutrients then cannot move up and into the leaves where it is needed. If you suspect an infestation in your tree contact your local Iowa County UW Extension Office and ask for Dan Brandt, you can contact him by uw.intern2@iowacounty.org or by phone: 608-935-0391 or email DATCAP at eab@datcp.state.wi.us or call 1-800-462-2803. A great website to check out with many very helpful pictures is http://emeraldashborer.wi.gov/ .
Emerald Ash Borer
Local Fare/Local Producers
Master Gardener Programs in Iowa County
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT UW EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER PROGRAMS
Master Gardeners are individuals interested in horticulture who have taken Master Gardener training offered by UW-Extension. The trained volunteers share their time and expertise with others by helping communities better understand horticulture and their environment. The goal of the program is to educate and encourage volunteers to help the public with their horticulture inquiries. Benefits of the program include new interests, exploration, skills, opportunities, friendships, recognition, self-confidence, leadership and education.
The purpose of the Wisconsin Master Gardener program is to provide unbiased, research-based horticultural information to the citizens of Wisconsin through the Master Gardener volunteers.
To become certified as a Master Gardener, you must attend the designated training sessions, pass a final exam, and then fulfill a commitment to volunteer a minimum amount of time to your community. To remain certified, each year you will be expected to take 10 hours of continuing education and volunteer 10 hours of your time.
Volunteer hours can be donated to:
- extension demonstrations and community gardens
- clinics and educational programs
- educational displays at county and community fairs or public libraries
- horticultural therapy programs at nursing homes
- farmers' markets
- volunteer at county extension office
- youth groups such as Boy Scouts or 4-H
- many other horticulture projects
TREE/PLANT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION
WISCONSIN GARDEN FACT SHEETS
COMMUNITY GARDENS
SOIL TESTING
PLANT PATHOLOGY
ENTOMOLOGY/INSECT
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (DNR)
UW HORTICULTURE
WISCONSIN GARDNER PUBLIC TV
POISONOUS PLANTS
PRAIRIES
RAIN GARDENS
RAIN BARRELS
Iowa County Summer Horticulture Intern
222 North Iowa Street, Suite 1
Dodgeville, WI 53533
(608) 935-0391
uw.intern2@iowacounty.org
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Updated Local Producers' Guide Available 
