University of Wisconsin - Extension

A major USDA grant of $192,000 will fund almost a dozen University of Wisconsin-Extension educational programs for home gardeners and horticultural businesses - projects that will enhance both the beauty and the economy of Wisconsin.

The funds will support programs for one of the fastest growing segments of the agricultural economy of the state.

"We are very grateful to Senator Herb Kohl and his staff for the establishment of these earmarked funds for urban horticulture," said Rick Klemme, UW-Extension's Agriculture and Natural Resources program leader. "In addition, none of this would have been possible without the efforts of the Urban Horticulture Team in establishing a number of work groups with programs that are making a difference for our urban horticulture clients." UW-Extension employs about 50 horticulture educators, based in UW-Extension county offices, and horticulture specialists, faculty and staff at UW campuses, and is the sponsor of the popular Master Gardeners volunteer training program.

The Urban Horticulture Team has developed a comprehensive plan for projects throughout the state, focusing on areas with large populations. Plans include developing and supporting community gardens, promoting environmentally sustainable horticulture, developing new educational materials, and training homeowners, home gardeners and horticultural professionals.

One of the largest projects will support community gardens in the southeastern part of the state, according to Patti Nagai, horticulture educator for Racine County and Horticulture Team co-leader. She said the Food and Ecosystem Education Demonstration sites (FEEDs) will support developing several kinds of demonstration gardens. Plans include community pantry gardens, where people will grow fresh produce for food pantries serving low-income families; accessible gardens for people who have physical or cognitive disabilities; and rental gardens, for people who do not have space for a garden where they live.

"Our goal is to have at least two demonstration gardens in each of the eight counties in the southeast district. We will use these gardens to teach gardening skills and encourage people to start more gardens. We will end up with groups of people who are highly trained and able to teach others. We expect the number of gardens to grow exponentially."

Nagai said that gardening is not just about growing pretty flowers and a few vegetables.

"There is a growing interest in horticultural therapy for people with disabilities. Community gardens promote self-sufficiency and community teamwork. These public gardens can make a big difference in how people feel about their environment and their community."

Among other projects to be funded by the federal funds are:

- Developing and presenting a major annual horticultural educational exposition, "Horticulture Days," beginning in 2003

- Creating an environmentally friendly pest management program for commercial greenhouses

- Publishing a field guide and other materials for controlling invasive species such as garlic mustard and purple loosestrife

- Developing training materials about sustainable pest control methods for fresh market vegetable and fruit growers

- Supporting a training program for Certified Arborists

- Creating a guide outlining phenological indicators for controlling pests and plant diseases

- Expanding the availability of information and education about horticulture on the Internet.

UW-Extension's horticultural education projects are part of a comprehensive community-based program designed to bring University research and expertise to people in all parts of the state.