Part 1: Woodland Gardens in Urban Areas: Converting Urban Shade Gardens into Natural Retreats Using Native Plants

Many of our city lots have mature trees shadowing traditional shade gardens. What does it take to transition a traditional shady garden and yard into a woodland garden of native plants ? Over the past 15 years, Julia Vanatta has naturalized her backyard by building plant communities that mimic those she loves in nature. In her presentation January 9, she will lay out a step-by-step process from where to begin to how to manage a woodland garden in a sustainable manner.

Presenter: Julia is co-president of the Twin Cities Chapter and a Wild Ones member for more than 10 years. She regularly visits natural areas and has attended two botany workshops on Isle Royale, whose natural flora are a primary inspiration. She continues to experiment in her own Minneapolis garden, learning about which plants perform well in its site conditions. Her passion for native woodland stems from her love of natural diversity and of wildlife who need our help

Part II: Certified Community Wildlife Habitat

Dan will give a quick update on Greater Longfellow's efforts to become a Certified Community Wildlife Habitat by 2021. By making some simple choices with our lawns and gardens, we can have a lot more fun enjoying birds and butterflies in our own backyards, and play a key role in ensuring some species will still be around for future generations. Come and find out what it takes to create a wildlife friendly yard, and if you already qualify, Dan can certify you right after the presentations.

Presenter: Daniel Schultz, Longfellow Wildlife Habitat Project Leader

www.LongfellowWildlife.blogspot.com

The Universe Beneath Our Feet: Restoring Soil Ecosystems

"Soil is one of the last truly uncharted territories on Earth. It is also the key to solving most of the problems we face today. Healthy soils clean and hold water, re-mediate pollution, sequester carbon, and grow resilient plants. Healthy soil is built by countless microbes working 24/7 - and they need our help! This presentation is for anyone interested in learning more about the vast and complex ecosystem beneath our feet. It will be led by Renaissance Soil, a St. Paul based non-profit dedicated to regenerating soil through education, outreach, and action opportunities."

Kassie Brown is the founder of Renaissance Soil, a Saint Paul-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting soil regeneration through education, outreach, and action opportunities. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Kassie has always been passionate about reconnecting people with the land. Renaissance Soil does just that by advocating for the living world belowground and encouraging fellow humans to partner with these amazingly complex ecosystems for our own well-being as much as theirs.

3207 37th Ave S Minneapolis, MN

Nature Photography in the City

Travis Bonovsky is a nature enthusiast, bird watcher and native gardener who uses photography to learn about our natural world. He finds the vast majority of his subjects within the city; at local parks and even cemeteries. His writings and photos have been featured in Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Magazine, National Audubon Society, Birds&Blooms Magazine, KARE11 Weatherguide Calendar, Capture Minnesota and more. He will share a photo presentation of his favorite birds, butterflies, plants, insects and mammals from around the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

3207 37th Ave S Minneapolis, MN

In April, the club holds its annual fundraiser to support speakers and activities. Learn more here.

Growing Tomatoes, Peppers, and Potatoes

Tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes are all related! Despite their differences, they still share some growing requirements and pests. In this presentation, you will learn some of the most delicious, interesting, and easy-to-grow varieties for Minnesota, gain tips on growing them successfully, and learn how to overcome common problems. You will leave feeling well-equipped to grow lots of delicious vegetables this year.

Annie Klodd is a UMN Regional Extension Educator for fruit and vegetable production. She delivers research-based education on best practices for growing fruit and vegetable crops in Minnesota. Some of her focus areas include: Variety selection, pest management, cover crops, and viticulture. She manages the new UMN Fruit and Vegetable Newsletter and co-hosts the UMN fruit and vegetable podcast called “What’s Killing My Kale?” Annie grew up on a vineyard in Iowa and has a Masters in Plant Science (Horticulture) from Penn State University.

Blog: Get the Fruit and Vegetable News!

Twitter: @MNFruitLady

Website: horticulture.umn.edu/annieklodd

Sanford Middle School Parking Area

Plant Swap

The Longfellow Garden Club invites you to our 2019 Plant Swap to be held rain or shine on Saturday, May 18. The location is at the west side of the Sanford Middle School parking lot, on 41st Avenue So. between 35th and 36th streets.

You can bring plants beginning at 11:00 am.

Swapping plants starts at 12:00 noon. (Note: Plants are mostly gone by 12:30.)

All traces of the Swap will disappear by 1 pm.

Swap rules: label what you bring, offer a small donation if you take plants but didn't bring any, and take home any of your plants that are left.

Growing Iris

Irises have inspired painters and gardeners for centuries. Whether you are new to growing irises or are an experienced iris gardener, come learn about the many varieties of irises and how to plant and care for these beautiful flowers.

The speaker will be Tim Moore, who has been growing irises for over 20 years and whose home garden has been on two national tours. He is currently on the board of directors of the Tall Bearded Iris Society and the Dwarf Iris Society. He has written several articles on irises and recently finished a term as regional vice president of the Minnesota and Wisconsin American Iris Society.

Garden Tour in the Longfellow Area

The Club invites you to four beautiful gardens on Wednesday July 10.

The tour is free and open to everyone. Pick up map between 5:45-6:30 on the big rock by Epworth United Methodist Church, 3207 37th Ave South. The tour begins at 6:30.

Each garden on the tour is unique and highlights how to make the most of a small yard. One garden includes fallen logs and rocks sculptures that display unique patterns and textures. The berms and hollows might just make you think you’ve fallen into wonderland. Find inspiration for your garden and enjoy a beautiful evening!

Garden Club Pot Luck Supper

The event will be held in a member's garden near 3207 37th Ave S Minneapolis. Look for details posted at that location.

Time to spend another late summer evening outdoors talking —and eating— all things garden. Share pictures and stories of pesky garden invaders, sluggish tomatoes or bumper crops!

Bring a folding chair (if you care to) and something to share. You are encouraged to bring dish using your own or locally grown produce. Ice water and tea will be provided. Feel free to bring a plate/utensils. Our goal is to have zero waste event.

3207 37th Ave S Minneapolis, MN

Native Grasses

Dustin Demmer, Blazing Star Gardens LLC

Join the grass revolution! Learn how to combine the serenity of grasses and sedges with the visual punch of flowers in any garden. No longer seen as ornamental novelties, grasses are a crucial component in low maintenance gardens and an important source of food and habitat for pollinators. From garden recruits to designer generals, everyone has a role to play in the sedge resistance.

3207 37th Ave S Minneapolis, MN

Creating a period garden

Ever wondered where the garden styles we see referenced on every block in many forms, some big and elaborate others mere nods? Gunda Luss will explain where the styles came from and how they have evolved over time.

Many of the old styles such as the Colonial, the International, and ranch, are still popular, while others like the Arts and Crafts, and the farmhouse are enjoying a revival. While there is a favored, (sustainable) garden style for the late 20c and early 21c, the continued variety of house styles also extends to the garden, encompassing all past styles.

3207 37th Ave S Minneapolis, MN

Share garden resources

Bring your favorite books or tools or pictures to show and share.

AND Martha Duckert will share photos of her tour of the gardens of Japan.