GARDEN CONFIDENTIAL

NEWS FOR U OF MN EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS IN HENNEPIN COUNTY January/February 2015

Spring dig, courtesy of Terry Straub and Mother Nature

Last year I buried Voldemort. This year I'm

digging him back up.” ― Rebecca Oliver

The end of winter brings not just a New Year but a new order to the garden. We are all more resolved to be organized, careful, methodical and giving. With the end of winter come spring checklists:

Have you cleaned your tools and pots?

Have you finished your seed order and sent it in?

Have you visited Sign-Up Genius and decided what you can do this year? Check out the new listings! Have you actually signed up??

Have you picked out new projects to work on starting now? Rain Chains? Pallet garden projects?? Do they work? What are the gotchas?

Are you ready for the toughest decision: Which plants are you firing and which ones are you hiring?

Monday, February 2 Annual Meeting

Location: Minnetonka Community Center 14600 Minnetonka Blvd. Minnetonka, MN 55345

6:00– Volunteer Opportunity Fair 7:00 – Annual Meeting

Join us for the 2015 Annual Meeting! Leaders of various opportunities will be available starting at 6:00 p.m. to share with you what is being planned and recruited for in 2015. Bring your laptop, smart phone or other device and sign-up for opportunities. The Annual Meeting will consist of updates and goals from the Leadership Team – we hope you’ll join us!

Monday, March 2 The Importance of Recycling

Location: Hopkins High School Cafeteria 2400 Lindbergh Drive Minnetonka, 55305 Enter through Door A

Speaker: Master Recycler Volunteer 6:30 –Mini-Session: The Master Recycler Program 7:00 – Meeting Begins

We’ve noticed that at our update sessions, volunteers get confused about recycling and composting – even when bins are well marked. In an effort to learn more about the importance of recycling/composting, we’ve invited volunteers from the Hennepin County Master Recycler/Composters to teach us about the importance of recycling and reusing, plus what happens to the items you recycle!

2015 Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Statewide Conference

Mark your calendar for the June 26/27 state conference. Nationally acclaimed keynote speakers will be presenting at the event. Register for the conference

GARDEN CONFIDENTIAL

NEWS FOR U OF MN EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS IN HENNEPIN COUNTY January/February 2015

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Congratulations Newly Certified Master Gardener Volunteers!!! We are thrilled to announce our newly certified 2014 Hennepin County Master Gardeners. They are: Eddie Bahadir-Williamson, Kim Ballard, Mary Bisek, Elizabeth Chaigne, Chidi Chidozie, Jill Diloreto, Angie Durhman, Kathy Frederickson, Bruce Gilman, Christiana Goldschmidt, Annette Gustafson, Judy Heinen, Marcella Jones, Rich Kearney, Lynn King, Lorraine Kretchman, Kris Kruger, Richard Krzyzek, Nancy Larkin, Pamela Layton, Angela L. Lee, Colette R. Lubbers, Barbara J. Lutz, Val McGruder, Mette Nielsen, Stephanie Olson, Tammy Olson, Kari Pastir-Smith, Mary Jo Pauly, Marilyn Rose, Jessica J. Rush, Steve Thompson, Sarah Weeks, Steve Weeks, and Courtney Zaato

Members of the Class of 201 4

Thank you 2014 Recognition and Awards Luncheon Planning Committee! The 2014 Recognition and Awards Luncheon was held at the Adath Jesherun Congregation, Sunday, January 25. We had yet another record attendance and a scrumptious meal -- thanks to the efforts of: Co-Chairs Wendy Bottenberg, Theresa Rooney and Deb Wolk, as well committee members Mary Dooley, Diane Feldman, Lucinda Kircher, Colette Lubbers, Anna Olsen, Carol Skalko, Trish Tennyson, and Jill Waterhouse.

GARDEN CONFIDENTIAL

NEWS FOR U OF MN EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS IN HENNEPIN COUNTY January/February 2015

Award Recipients for 2014 Contributions Archie Caple Award Congratulations to Vicki Young for her outstanding contributions to the Master Gardener Program. Nominated by Janet Heidinger, 2012 Archie Caple Award winner, Vick has been very active in her 10 years with our program. She has has chaired the Leadership Team, served on the Awards Committee, reviewed volunteer applications, served consistently as a leader in the plant sale effort as the tireless labeler with persistent commitment to botanically accurate plant identification and photography, been a Noerenberg Gardens tour guide, worked as a Habitat for Humanity Landscape team member, served as a Tree Care Advisor, has been a Learning Garden Tour logistics plannerand a shift leader at the Master Gardener booth i at the MN State Fair.

Stanley Crist Outstanding Intern Award Congratulations to Val McGruder for our outstanding year of service, contributing over 268 hours of service!

Martha Rebhorn Dazzling Daisy Presenter Award Congratulations to Sue Wieczorek, with over 219 hours of presentation service to adults and children.

Golden Trowel Award There were three winners of the Golden Trowel Award this year! The Golden Trowel Award, given to a Master Gardener volunteer who goes above and beyond for the Plant Sale and who is not serving on the Plant Sale Committee. Congratulations to Ed Juda, Joan Onffroy and Dennis White!

Unsung Gardener Award Nominated by Vicki Young, Anna Olsen can be counted on to follow through on every task she undertakes -- like the Learning Garden Tour; Annual Plant Sale, Habitat for Humanity, Mentoring new Master Gardener volunteer, our booth at the MN State Fair, Richfield Farmer's Market, Metro Blooms boulevard gardens awards and MCing our awards ceremony.

Community Gardener Award This award was presented to Del Hampton for all of his work throughout the Twin Cities in promoting Community Gardens. Nominated by Mary Cichon and Deb Revier, Del is known to be gardening in at least 4 community gardens, many of which he organized and built himself!

Golden Apple Award This year’s award goes to Lynn Olson. According to her nominator, Mary Cichon, “Ever since she became a Master Gardener voluntter in 2004, Lynn Olson has been a valuable friend to youth education. She has spent untold hours directly educating youth, both within our program, and as part of the core of youth ed volunteers at the U of M Landscape Arboretum.”

Green Leaf Award Nominated by Vicki Young, this year’s recipient is Norma Wubbena, who has gone above and beyond all expectations with her outstanding work with Habitat for Humanity.

Outstanding Teamwork Award This year’s award goes to the In-Service Education Committee for all of their outstanding work and efforts in planning educational sessions and tour for Master Gardener volunteers. The committee consists of: Shanelle Fernandez, Jo Frerichs, Barb Gasterland, Darren Lochner, Kate Netwal, Deb Revier, Theresa Rooney, Susan Scofield, and Jill Waterhouse.

GARDEN CONFIDENTIAL

NEWS FOR U OF MN EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS IN HENNEPIN COUNTY January/February 2015

Thank you 2014 Mentors! Grace Anderson, Marilyn Arnlund, Mary Cichon, Larry Cipolla, Sandy Cochrane, Kathleen Conklin, Rhonda Converse, Janelle Dahman, Sharron Decker, Tina Falkner, Barb Gasterland, Sarah Green Toewes, Janet Heidinger, Amy Johnson, Michaeleen Kruger, Betty Lentz, Darren Lochner, Mary Marrow, Betsy Massie, Meleah Maynard, Lynn Meyer, Anna Olsen, Sue Ponsford, Jodie Pritchard, Deb Revier, Sue Schiess, Janet Schreier, Amy Sitze, Deb Stepanek, Diana Straate, Elaine Strom, Dave Tobelman, Greg Towne, Susan Trent, and Jim Wadsworth.

Introducing the 2015 Leadership Team! Mary Cichon, Youth Education Chair; Tina Falkner, Fundraising Chair; Carol Garner, Secretary and Treasurer; Del Hampton, Community Programs Chair; Melinda Mattox, Communications & Marketing Chair; Kate Netwal, Chair; Sue Ponsford, Adult Education Chair; Deb Revier, Chair-Emeritus and Theresa Rooney, Member Education Chair.

Thank You for Your Hours of Service in 2014!! Over 150 Hours of Service: Grace Anderson, Lori Anderson, Marilyn Arnlund, Colette Lubbers, Vicki Young, Ed Juda, David Tobelmann, Pam McMurry, Dennis White, Diana Straate, and Janet Schreier.

Over 200 Hours of Service: Wendy Bottenberg, Anna Olsen, Michaeleen Kruger, Claire Kari, Deb Reierson, Mollie Dean, Lucinda Kircher, Susan Thompson, and Susan Wieczorek.

Over 250 Hours of Service: Dennis Mielke, Sue Schiess, Susan Trent, Val McGruder, and Deb Revier.

Over 275 Hours of Service: Betsy Massie and Lynn Olson

Over 300 Hours of Service: Del Hampton, Kate Netwal and Theresa Rooney

Over 400 Hours of Service: Larry Cipolla

Over 500 Hours of Service: Mary Cichon

Program Service Milestones The following were acknowledged by the State Master Gardener Program Office for their hours of service since joining the Extension Master Gardener Program:

Over 1000 Hours of Service: Lori Anderson, Wendy Bottenberg, Lucinda Kircher, Michaeleen Kruger, Pam McMurry, Barbara Schmitt, Janet Schreier.

Over 2000 Hours of Service: Mary Cichon, Barbara Gasterland, Dennis Mielke, Lynn Olson and Vicki Young.

Over 3000 Hours of Service: Theresa Rooney

Thank You for Your Years of Service!! 38 Years: Archie Caple and Stan Crist

30 Years: Dan Devereaux

25 Years: Linda Brammer, Barbara Dow, Jan Kohout, Maureen Monroe, Joan Onffroy, and Lois Strand. 20 Years: Lorrie Stromme, Doris Wickstrom, and Karen Yngve

15 Years: Diane Ballentine, Stephanie Brody, Julie Dahl, Pamela DeLong, Connie Fournier, Johanna Frerichs, Carol Garner, Janet Heidinger, Greg Lecker, Melinda Ludwiczak, Peggy Mac Rae, Richard Rachey, Pat Reynolds, Theresa Rooney, Jane Saltvold, and Susan Tracy. 10 Years: Larry Cipolla, Molly Furgeson, Meleah Maynard, Connie Olson, Deb Reierson, Susie Schueneman, Cathy Seviola, Kathy Vail , Mary Weeks, Jackie Wright, and Vicki Young.

GARDEN CONFIDENTIAL

NEWS FOR U OF MN EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS IN HENNEPIN COUNTY January/February 2015

5 Years: Marilyn Arnlund, Laurie Brockmann, Robert Brothers, Jackie Caverly, Doc Czypinski, Maria Duane, Tina Falkner, Diane Feldman, Amy Garrison, Sarah Green Toews, Jan Henry, Mary Hunstiger, Rose Keller, Michaeleen Kruger, Jeanne Labore, Mary Magers, Mary Mason, Lynn Meyer, Colleen Moriarty, Catrina Mujwid-Cole, Steffanie Musich, Sue Ponsford, Jennifer Rensenbrink, Heidi Schermerhorn, Robert Skafte, Jamie Sledd, and Jean Tracy.

Thank You Sponsors All volunteers celebrating their 30, 25, 20, 15, 10 and 5 year anniversaries with our program are given gift certificates donated by local garden centers! Thank you Bachman’s, Frattallone’s Ace Hardware, Otten Brothers, Tangletown Gardens and Wagners for helping to honor our long-term volunteers!

COMMITTEE UPDATES

What’s Happening with the Leadership Team? We are welcoming two new members to the Leadership Team, as well as to the New Member Committee. The education of our volunteers used to be one of the many duties assigned to the Program Support Chair (most recently held by the fabulous Shanelle Fernandez.) Due to the overwhelming responsibilities of this position, it has been split into two – “Member Education” and “Membership.” Shanelle will continue to serve as the Membership Chair. Theresa Rooney has accepted this new “Member Education Chair” with “excitement and terror”. Her duties will include leading the In-Service Education Committee in scheduling educational sessions that increase their horticultural knowledge, as well as work with the Program Coordinator on Update Session logistics. She is eager to serve you in this position and welcomes your comments and assistance.

Another new member to the Leadership Team is Melinda Mattox, Communications and Marketing Chair. Melinda will soon be forming a Communications and Marketing Committee. This group will begin work on goals identified at our annual planning day. There’s a new face leading the New Member Sub-Committee! Darren Lochner is our new chair, replacing the lovely and talented Amy Sitze, who is taking her leadership skills to other parts of the organization. Welcome Darren, and thank you Amy for our WONDERFUL leadership over the past 7 years!

What’s Happening with the Plant Sale Committee? The Plant Sale Committee is deeply indebted to all of the master gardeners who have volunteered their time, plants, cars, talents, and tender loving care to the Plant Sale. It goes without saying that it wouldn’t be successful without all of your contributions. However, it would not be a Plant Sale without the star of the show, the plants. We wanted to thank our major contributors for their donations. We define a major contributor/major donor, aka...Super Contributor: as those master gardeners who have contributed 100 or more plants and/or seedlings to a Plant Sale (so all at one time, not 100 over the years of the Plant Sale) or who have tended to 100 or more plants and/or seedlings following a potting day, and nurtured them until the Plant Sale.

GARDEN CONFIDENTIAL

NEWS FOR U OF MN EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS IN HENNEPIN COUNTY January/February 2015

At the Annual Awards and Recognition Luncheon, on January 25th, 2015, we announced a list of names of our Super Contributors, and presented those on the list to come forward and receive a soup bowl and spoon. For those Super Contributors from our 2014 list and who were not at the meeting on January 25th, your soup bowl will be available at the February 2nd, Update Meeting, at the Minnetonka Community Center. And to those who feel they may have been overlooked, please come and see us after the meeting, as our record keeping is not perfect. Please save the date of Saturday, May 16th, and consider earning volunteer hours by assisting with the 7th Annual Plant Sale. Look for sign up opportunities at the update meetings, Sign-Up Genius website, or by considering becoming a major donor. Terry Straub is always a fearless resource as well. MANY Volunteers are needed for help with the sale preparations during April and May, to get organized for the sale on May 16th! We can’t say thank you enough to all of you who help in all the varied ways to make the Plant Sale a whopping success, each year. You Rock! We all grow together! THANK YOU! List of 2014 Super Contributors (29)

Suzanne Born Steve Rutz Chidi Chidozie Sue Schiess Julie Dahl Frank Dewey Jan Schreier Maria Duane Jennifer Shaltz Nancy Meese Shanelle Fernandez Stephanie Steel Carol Garner Susan Trent Barb Gasterland Karen Valerio Janet Heidinger Steve Weeks Amy Johnson Julie Weisenhorn Lucinda Kircher Dennis White Sue Larson Deb Wolk Gaylynn Liljemark Mary Yee Jodie Loiselle Vicki Young Colette Lubbers Pam McMurry Joan Onffroy

What’s Happening on the Diversity Subcommittee? On January 10th, the HCMG Diversity Subcommittee met to finalize our strategy statement and goals for 2015. Strategy Statement: The Hennepin County Extension Master Gardener Program will improve its ability to serve our diverse community. We will accomplish this by significantly increasing the number of Master Gardener volunteers who are underrepresented in our membership, and by enhancing the cultural competencies of our membership through training and communication activities. We hope you will stop by our table at the Opportunity Fair at the Update Meeting on February 2nd.

GARDEN CONFIDENTIAL

NEWS FOR U OF MN EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS IN HENNEPIN COUNTY January/February 2015

What’s Happening in Community Programs? We are looking forward to some exciting Community Program volunteer opportunities in 2015! There are 15 homes lined up for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (TCHH) landscapes. If you have questions or wish to volunteer on future Habitat Landscaping projects please contact Norma Wubbena, HCMG Coordinator for the Landscaping Projects for HH homes (nwubbena@comcast.net). We are entering into an engagement with RAM Translations in an outreach to the Latino community. We will work with RAM to establish or deepen relationships at three garden sites, and we will have a presence at 6 community events so that we can let them know what services we provide and to recruit Latino HCMGs. In addition to continuing to support the Giving Gardens from previous years to maximize their production, we will be working with a new food shelf garden in Deephaven that has a goal of delivering 4,850 pounds of vegetables for the ICA Food Shelf. Other Giving Garden opportunities continue to flow in. Some of the exciting new Community Garden and Urban Agriculture support requests we have in 2015 are to work with UMN students groups, faculty, and staff to put in a new community garden on the West Bank of the U campus. The work and the resulting produce will be shared by students and the neighboring community. We also hope to work with Allina Health and the Cultural Wellness Center on a project called the Backyard Initiative. They will be working with select south Minneapolis resident to grow fresh produce using organic methods in backyards. Ask about these opportunities and more at the Community Programs table at the Opportunity Fairs at the Mentor Meeting on January 31st and the February Update Meeting on Feb 2nd

What’s Happening in Youth Education? These shining faces are just part of the enthusiastic spring teaching crew for Champlin Brooklyn Park Academy 4th and 5th graders. Led by Mary Cichon and Betsy Massie, the students are started off as scientists in search of data needed to grow their own offerings for a school fundraiser at the end of the year. (CBP Spring Team, Rhonda Converse, Michaeleen Kruger, Donna Sankey [standing.] Megan Nichols, Kathy Frederickson, Joyce Powell and Sue Wieczorek. Not pictured are Mary Cichon and Betsy Massie.) Hope you consider joining us. Find us on Sign-Up Genius under: CBP Academy -- Jr. Master Gardener Program. If you have just a few hours or 1 day per month we would welcome you. If you have questions please contact either Mary Cichon or Betsy Massie. Thanks!

GARDEN CONFIDENTIAL

NEWS FOR U OF MN EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS IN HENNEPIN COUNTY January/February 2015

Save the Date!! Saturday March 28th

HCMG Youth Education Workshop 2015 8:30am – 2:30pm

Plant the seed, Fertilize Young minds and Watch them Grow!! Educating youth is like working in your garden!

Fun and rewarding! If you enjoy working with youth, want to learn more about the HCMG Youth Ed programs or just brush up on

your youth mentoring/teaching skills…

Join us on, Saturday, March 28th at Lake Harriet United Methodist Church

4901 Chowen Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55410

Reserve your spot today on Sign Up Genius under: “HCMG Youth Education Workshop 2015”

The Workshop Agenda includes: -HCMG Youth Ed curriculum and teaching resources

-Urban Youth Gardening -School Yard Gardens

(And to sustain you….morning coffee/treats and box lunch)

***Be sure to check the March Newsletter for additional workshop information Or contact Mary Cichon at marycichon@mac.com.

*** And yes, this contributes to your Continuing Education hours!!!

What’s Happening in Adult Education? Adult Ed programming for 2015 will include the following new or re-introduced topics for Spring/Summer:

• The Evolving Garden • Square Foot Vegetable Gardening • Worm Compost Basics • Care of Houseplants • Perennial Shade Gardening • Getting the Most From Your Perennial Garden • Advanced Vegetable Gardening

If you were on or led a team in 2014, expect a survey in your inbox soon. We want to know how things went for your team and for you individually last year. Rather than hosting an Adult Education Training day, we'll be hosting a series of shorter educational sessions throughout the year. All Master Gardeners will be welcome to attend these trainings.

GARDEN CONFIDENTIAL

NEWS FOR U OF MN EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS IN HENNEPIN COUNTY January/February 2015

In addition to presenting at Hennepin County Libraries and a smattering of community groups, the Adult Ed committee is investigating doing more presentations in corporate settings. If you can connect us with your company's wellness coordinator, please contact Sue at sponsford@gmail.com. In a bit of shift from 2014, the Vegetable Growing Basics programming has been placed under the Adult Education umbrella. This will allow better coordination of content and materials between the Vegetable Growing Basics folks and the Team Vegetable folks. We don't anticipate a huge change for either group--they both do great things and we want to keep it that way! Adult Education will have a table at the volunteer fair at the February Update Meeting. If you're interested in joining a presentation team, we'll have sign ups there. If you're currently on a team and wish to change your volunteer focus for 2015, please contact us at the volunteer fair or email Sue. Contact Sue Ponsford, sponsford@gmail.com, to volunteer!

What’s Happening in Communications & Marketing? HELP! What kinds of questions are people in the community asking you? Please tell Kathy Frederickson

Yes, you have a new “Garden Confidential” Editor – Pro Temp.

Kathy Frederickson, freshly minted as a Master Gardener, is taking over as editor of your monthly communication newsletter!

Newsletter Article Due Date Schedule in 2015 For your convenience, here are the hard deadlines for newsletter articles for the next three months:

Newsletter Articles due to Kathy Frederickson March Friday, February 20 April Friday, March 27 May Friday, April 24

GARDEN CONFIDENTIAL

NEWS FOR U OF MN EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS IN HENNEPIN COUNTY January/February 2015

FEBRUARY CULTURAL OBSERVANCES As we interact with Hennepin County’s diverse audiences through our volunteering, we learn more about each other. Understanding the holidays and events of a culture provides one opportunity for insight. The Diversity Committee would like to share several February cultural observances and encourages Master Gardeners to check out additional ones at: http://www.adl.org/assets/pdf/education-outreach/CALENDAR-OF-OBSERVANCES-2015.pdf February is Black History Month which celebrates Black history and African American culture in the United States.

Sunday, February 1 is National Freedom Day commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery in 1865.

Wednesday, February 4 is Tu B’Shvat (Jewish) New Year’s Day for Trees, and traditionally the first of the year for tithing fruit of trees. Now it is a day for environmental awareness and actions, such as tree planting. Saturday, February 14 is Race Relations Day is the recognition of the importance of interracial relations and learning by the National Council of Churches Sunday, February 15 is Nirvana Day (Buddhist) Celebrates the day when the historical Buddha achieved parinirvana, or complete Nirvana, upon the death of his physical body. This is sometimes celebrated on February 8. February 17 is Shrove Tuesday (Western Christian). A day of penitence as well as the last chance to feast before Lent begins. Also known as Mardi Gras. February 18 is Ash Wednesday (Western Christian) The first day of Lent for Western Christian churches, a 40 –day period of spiritual preparation for Easter, not counting Sundays. February 18th is also the Lunar New Year. On this day the Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese New Year are celebrated. February 23 is Clean Monday (Eastern Christian) The beginning of Great Lent for Eastern Christian churches, which starts 40 days before Orthodox Easter (Pascha), counting Sundays. February 26 thru March 1 is Ayyám-i-Há or Intercalary Days (Baha-ii) The Ayyám-i-Há or “Days of Ha” They are devoted to spiritual preparation for the fast, celebrating hospitality, charity and gift giving. They are celebrated the four days (five in leap year) before the last month of the Baha-ii year.

GARDEN CONFIDENTIAL

NEWS FOR U OF MN EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS IN HENNEPIN COUNTY January/February 2015

NEWS TO KNOW AND THINGS TO DO The 2015 Master Gardener Seed Trials are Open for Registration! Here's the link: http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/master%2Dgardener/volunteers/docs/2015-annual-seed-trials.pdf The registration form is right below the announcement at the website. THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 15 We'll be comparing six varieties each of the following annuals and vegetables: Patty pan squash Black heirloom tomatoes Romano bush beans Asian greens

White cauliflower Thyme Flowering (ornamental) kale Red and pink morning glories

The cost per participant is $10, and you may request as many trials as you have garden space. More complete information about the trials, their requirements, and how to participate is available at the website mentioned above. Come grow with us! - Annual Seed Trials Committee

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Landscape Arboretum

The University of MN Landscape Arboretum has many volunteer opportunities. Learn how to help at http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/volunteer_opportunities.aspx. There are ways to work with both youth and adults! Training is required for most opportunities – check them out today! Volunteering for the Yard & Garden Desk and Hotline Please help staff the Hennepin County slots at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s Yard & Garden Desk on Saturdays. The hotline needs staffing, too. It’s a good way for interns to complete their required 10 researched calls. Visit the State Master Gardener website at www.mg.umn.edu and click on “For Volunteers.”

CONTINUING EDUCATION Be sure to review the Hennepin County web site for educational opportunities at

http://hennepinmastergardeners.org/educational-opportunities/

GARDEN CONFIDENTIAL

NEWS FOR U OF MN EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS IN HENNEPIN COUNTY January/February 2015

Review the Extension Master Gardener Course Class On-line!

Below are instructions for accessing the Extension Master Gardener Core Course class site. You can only complete these steps AFTER you have received a University guest ID and password, which you will receive separately in an email from emadmin@umn.edu. If you have any questions or issues, please direct them in an email to mgweb@umn.edu. Thank you! 1. How to enter the course using your username and password and an enrollment key:

a. If you don’t already have one, obtain a University Guest ID and password by following the directions at: https://www.umn.edu/dirtools/guestportal b. Once you have a guest account, type or copy and paste the following URL into your browser: https://ay14.moodle.umn.edu c. Click the "Login" button and enter your new Internet ID: (your email address) and enter your password you just received in the email from emadmin@umn.edu

d. Click "Sign In".

e. Under the main page, look for the “Navigation” block on the right hand column, and click on “Courses” f. Click on the link “U of M Extension” in the middle column. g. Click on the link “Non Credit” h. Scroll through the listing of classes, and click on the class “Extension Master Gardener Core Course 2015”, which should be listed.

You can only complete these steps AFTER you have received a University guest ID and password, which you will receive separately in an email from emadmin@umn.edu. If you have any questions or issues, please direct them in an email to mgweb@umn.edu.

2015 Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Statewide Conference

Mark your calendar for the June 26/27 state conference. Nationally acclaimed keynote speakers will be presenting at the event:

Friday, June 26 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Marla Spivak University of Minnesota Bee Lab Friday details and tentative agenda

GARDEN CONFIDENTIAL

NEWS FOR U OF MN EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS IN HENNEPIN COUNTY January/February 2015

Saturday, June 27 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Peter H. Raven Missouri Botanical Garden Saturday details and tentative agenda

• Register for the conference

Opportunities Coming Up at the MN Landscape Arboretum

The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is proceeding apace with their 2015 schedule. Classes and registration information may be found online at http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/gardeningclasses.aspx.

Coming Up from the Minnesota State Horticultural Society Classes are sponsored by the Minnesota State Horticultural Society, but are held at various locations. Enrollment is limited, and pre-registration is required. You can find a list of classes on their web site at http://www.northerngardener.org/classes/mshs-classes. Click on the class title to register. If you have any difficulties with registering online, please call their office at 651-643-3601 or 800-676-6747. Member = MSHS member

RESOURCES FOR MASTER GARDENERS Our own State University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer web site has a very extensive list on the page Find gardening answers online. Sign into the site as a volunteer to access the page. To find it:

• Sign in as you normally would to report your hours. • You will come to the “For volunteers” page • The page has a number of resources for master gardeners. Here is where you will find the gardening

answers on line section.

HCMG LEADERSHIP TEAM 2015 Mary Cichon (Youth Education) Melinda Mattox (Communications & Marketing) Del Hampton (Community Programs) Kate Netwal (Chair) Tina Falkner (Fundraising) Sue Ponsford (Adult Education) Shanelle Fernandez (Membership) Deb Revier (Chair-Emeritus) Carol Garner (Secretary & Treasurer) Theresa Rooney (Member Education Chair) See the HCMG Directory for contact information.

The University of Minnesota, including the Minnesota Extension Service, is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national

origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

GARDEN CONFIDENTIAL

NEWS FOR U OF MN EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS IN HENNEPIN COUNTY January/February 2015

Garden Confidential is available online each month at http://hennepinmastergardeners.org/administration/newsletters/. To receive the newsletter electronically, notify the Program Coordinator at strau097@umn.edu and a link will be sent to your e-mail address every month.

479 Prairie Center Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344-5378 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Program Coordinator: Terry Straub 612-596-2130 and strau097@umn.edu Phone: 612-596-2130 Fax: 952-828-7280 HCMG Hotline: 612-596-2118 HCMG website: http://hennepinmastergardeners.org/