Colonial Master Gardener monthly newsletters for year 2026
Are you looking to try something new in Extension Master Gardening World? The Landscape Love program wants you! It is the perfect program if you do not have the time for a weekly commitment and still want to educate the public on proper gardening techniques. It’s also a great way to meet fellow EMGs and fulfill our core mission of “neighbors helping neighbors grow” by educating community members on the right plant for the right place—one yard at a time....
Interview with Bill Dichtel on the Historic Triangle Learning Garden’s History, Purpose, and Future Anne: There’s a wonderful history of the garden on our website, including the story of three teenagers winning blue ribbons at the state fair in the garden’s very first year. From what you’ve learned and heard over the years, what moments from those early days best capture the spirit of the garden for you? Bill: This is our 16th year, and the garden began as a...
Our new 2026 leadership team took office in January, with over 80 years of Master Gardening experience to guide them in leading our organization this year. Most have been gardening since childhood and bring tremendous knowledge and practical experience to their work as Master Gardeners. Please get to know these outstanding individuals who have stepped into leadership roles this year. You may learn a few new things about old friends and colleagues from their interviews. Many hands make light work,...
While we may not be able to work in our gardens during the cold winter months, we have the opportunity to observe our gardens in ways that we might not during the warmer months. Even though the garden seems bare and that nothing is happening, take a closer look and you can see some of the subtle changes taking place. I have been watching the developing flower buds on a winter-flowering cherry over the last few weeks. Even in a...
It’s a little nippy out there, and this is the ideal time to perfect your pruning skills. So, cheer up, put on your winter woolies, and head outside with your pruning tools to share the Master Gardener pearls of wisdom, such as why, when, and how to prune, along with choosing the right tool for the job and why. On Thursday, January 22, at 9:30 am, Master Gardeners interested in volunteering for the Pruning Clinic gathered at the Stryker Center...
For more than 20 years, our Master Gardeners have helped homeowners improve lawn density and appearance through our Turf Love program, using science-based, environmentally responsible practices. Turf Love will continue to offer this same trusted lawn support. In addition, we are expanding our focus to include soil health in landscapes and garden beds through a new program, Garden Love. Garden Love is a home visitation program in which Master Gardeners collect soil samples from garden beds and landscapes and send...
Does anyone else feel like being a gardener is an ongoing experiment? Seeds, plugs, quarts, or gallons? What should we plant? When should we plant it? If you are wondering what you might plant in February, there is still time to start seeds with winter sowing. One advantage of winter sowing is that the containers act as mini-greenhouses while your seeds undergo stratification. You can start vegetables, but many people choose to start perennials that self-seed, like bee balm and...
Who says Brickyard Landing is all work and no play? Volunteers will take most of January and February off, but they got together on January 21 at Freedom Park for a soup-and-salad lunch and to catch up on what they did during their time away from the park. Five JCC park staff members and 21 volunteers attended. Workdays will restart in March, but before then, the meadow is scheduled for a controlled burn, which should help with weed control next...
The Historic Triangle Learning Garden marks its 16th year with continued enthusiasm. Recently, it expanded from 15 to 34 beds and began growing produce for food banks, donating about 600 pounds in 2025. The Garden’s strong bond with Child Development Resources (CDR) dates back years, supporting children’s nutrition and gardening education. Three years ago, CDR purchased the Community Services Building next to the Garden. They have been renovating the building and grounds, and they are nearing completion. They plan to...
After four years as co-leaders of the Water Wise Demonstration Garden, we are delighted to announce that Gary Streb will assume leadership effective January 1, 2026. We’re proud to pass the torch to such a capable and dedicated Master Gardener and look forward to continuing on the team—offering support and the occasional bit of “advice”—as Gary carries forward this important work. The garden will remain a welcoming, sustainable landscape for patients, visitors, and staff at the JCC Human Services Building...