From the Gardens Registrar: Monarchs Rule, Garlic Workshop, Jumping Worm Workshop, 2017 Applications

Hello Gardeners,

MONARCH BUTTERFLIES – The monarch butterflies that have been adorning our gardens so beautifully the last few weeks are in the process of migrating to Mexico. This is why we’re seeing them in such large numbers – they migrate in large groups. Thanks again to everyone who plants flowers, which they depend on for nutrition as they fly hundreds of miles to reach their winter home.

GARLIC CLASS – Gary Kuzynski will host his annual garlic planting workshop this year on Saturday, September 24, 10am, near the Eagle Heights Shed. The class is entitled, “Why It’s Best to Wait Until October 16 or Later to Plant Garlic in the Fall.” The class will cover seed selection, soil preparation, planting information, best planting times this fall, and harvesting guidelines for next summer. Gary will also talk about compost tea.

WHAT TO DO WITH GARLIC? – In case you really don’t know what to do with garlic, here are more than 1110 recipes: http://allrecipes.com/recipes/1086/fruits-and-vegetables/vegetables/garlic/

JUMPING WORM WORKSHOP - Join the Lakeshore Nature Preserve at the Eagle Heights Community Garden for a Jumping Worm Workshop. Learn about Wisconsin's invasive earthworms, including how they impact our gardens and forests and how to find and identify them. The workshop takes place on Thursday, September 29th, from 4:30 - 6:00 pm. Meet at the garden shed. If you have any questions, contact the Preserve at (608)265-9275 or lakeshorepreserve@fpm.wisc.edu.

APPLICATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR – We are redesigning our application for next year, and if all goes according to the plan, gardeners will be able to complete and submit them on line. The applications will be available on our website in December. Payment will still be by check only, so checks will have to be mailed to us, or dropped off at the Community Center. (Applications may also be mailed or dropped off, if you prefer). The deadline for submitting applications and payments will be February 15.

2016 gardeners who are in good standing are guaranteed to be able to keep the same plot in 2017 as long as they get us both the application and payment by the deadline. You are in good standing if you have done your 2016 workday or else pay the “no workday” fee by December 1. After December 1, you can only regain Returning Gardener status by paying the “no workday” fee for 2016 as well as a late fee. 

WORKDAY – We may have a workday this weekend, if it ever stops raining. Date and time are still to be determined at this point. I’ll send out a separate message when I get the details. 

Happy gardening, everyone.

Kathryn