Kate's Gardens
Posted by Steve Frazier
Our Speaker for September 28th was introduced by Chris Lizee. Kathryn Netwal is a Master Gardener, and she spoke about "Kate's Gardens".
Kate had a Powerpoint showing a number of gardens, and used them to illustrate the points she wished to make. She explained that gardens have many uses, including the personal satisfaction of growing things, the aesthetic values of beautiful gardens, the control of erosion, support of wildlife, and also the crops that you derive - both food and flowers.
Discussing the Hennepin County Master Gardener's program, she said that the program was conducted in concert with the University of Minnesota and the Arboretum, and that further information on the program was available at www.HCMG.umn.edu. Her work involves managing and maintaining a number of gardens for clients, as well as providing "garden coaching" for others on a bi-weekly basis.
In one of the most active Q and A sessions we've had, Kate answered a series of questions from members. This is the best time to apply herbicide to have a good lawn next year, creeping charley can be controlled with a boron-based product (although it is a great filler for shady spots), and Tim Litfin found out that the prairie grass in his yard will very soon take over the whole lot; my notes call the troubling plant "silver feather Litfin", but I think it really is "silver feather Miscanthus". (Story by Tad Shaw and posting and picture by Steve Frazier)
Kate had a Powerpoint showing a number of gardens, and used them to illustrate the points she wished to make. She explained that gardens have many uses, including the personal satisfaction of growing things, the aesthetic values of beautiful gardens, the control of erosion, support of wildlife, and also the crops that you derive - both food and flowers.
Discussing the Hennepin County Master Gardener's program, she said that the program was conducted in concert with the University of Minnesota and the Arboretum, and that further information on the program was available at www.HCMG.umn.edu. Her work involves managing and maintaining a number of gardens for clients, as well as providing "garden coaching" for others on a bi-weekly basis.
In one of the most active Q and A sessions we've had, Kate answered a series of questions from members. This is the best time to apply herbicide to have a good lawn next year, creeping charley can be controlled with a boron-based product (although it is a great filler for shady spots), and Tim Litfin found out that the prairie grass in his yard will very soon take over the whole lot; my notes call the troubling plant "silver feather Litfin", but I think it really is "silver feather Miscanthus". (Story by Tad Shaw and posting and picture by Steve Frazier)