Now that the grinding and screeching has subsided along the corridor, we can dream of spring and where we can plant. Even the half-hearted gardener loves this time of year when there is just the slightest hint of spring. For those just a bit more committed to digging in the dirt, there are the seed and plant catalogues spread out on the table with those enhanced photos that somehow don't look exactly like their image when planted in your backyard.

Here's some suggestions to help you focus on your plot of ground bordering the corridor or fuel some ideas about what you think might be a good choice to plant in the many areas where no one takes stewardship. All of us in the neighborhoods along the corridor will benefit by enhancing the path environment. Look at the three-ring notebooks in both Sequoya and Monroe Street libraries. There is a wealth of information there.

The U-W Arboretum and the Madison chapter of the Wild Ones, a group dedicated to native plantings, are co-sponsoring their annual Native Landscaping Conference at the Alliant Energy Center (formerly the Dane Co. Expo Center) Saturday, March 24, 9-4 p.m. Speakers and exhibitors hope to inspire homeowners to learn how to design, restore and manage native Wisconsin ecosystems and find ways to implement ecologically sustainable landscapes which benefit people and wildlife too. The U-W Arboretum is one of the best places available to observe various species and their growing habits. The McKay Center has lists of the vegetation and the location. Check the website for information: http://wiscinfo.doit.wisc.edu/arboretum/

Then there is the Garden Expo at the Alliant Energy Center February 9,10, & 11, an event which always inspires even the total non-gardener. There are multitudes of exhibits and speakers during the three-day event.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens has many informative lectures plus the gardens themselves, which demonstrate ways to redesign your own landscape. Some lectures are: "Starting Your Garden from Seed" February 3, with director of Horticulture, Jeff Epping; "Creating a Perennial Garden" February 20, with renowned gardener Joan Severa; "Gardening for Birds & Butterflies" February 27, with horticulturist and naturalist Sally Roth; "Pruning Pointers" April 21 & April 28, with Jeff Epping; and a workshop, "Effortless Gardening" April 22, with Miriam Levenson. There is a charge for these lectures so check with Olbrich.

The U-W Extension is another good source. Their website is loaded with gardening calendar of events and specific gardening information. Also listed there are the times and topics of the Wisconsin Gardener programs on public television. The website url is: www.hort.wisc.edu/mastergardener.

Call or watch the newspapers for more information.

http://www.dmna.org/bikepath/planting/sources_suggestions.shtml
Last Modified: 03-Feb-08 05:53 PM

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