Join us on Wed., Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. in the First Floor Reading Room when Valerie Stabenow visits the library to share how to put your hard-working garden to bed for a long winter’s nap.

What follows is a brief preview of her discussion.

Q:  What should be on my gardening to-do list this fall?
A:  Do a fall cleanup and start early. Fall cleanup of dead plant material is important to guard against plant diseases and viruses that can winter over in leaves and stems and infect your garden space.

Start early... fall and winter in Wisconsin are unpredictable. We can have a few days of warm weather in October and then have a freeze and cold weather. Work when it's still comfortable outside. Prioritize areas of your garden and work at cleaning them out. It doesn't have to be done in a day.

Q: What are some gardening resources that you have found helpful?
A:  The Winnebago County Extension of the University of Wisconsin offers a Horticulture Helpline. You can call, email or stop in the office at the Coughlin Center in Oshkosh (625 E County Rd Y) 
Tel: 920-232-1986  
Email: plantadvice@co.winnebago.wi.us

The volunteers at the Hort Helpline can assist in identifying plants and trees, diseases and provide advice based on best practices.

The Learning Store provides educational media developed by UW–Madison Division of Extension researchers and staff that covers a variety of topics appropriate for lawn and garden care.

Thanks, Valerie! For more information, there will be time set aside for your questions following Valerie’s presentation.