The Magnificent Migration of Monarch Butterflies & How a Super Generation Makes it Happen
No migration compares to that of the small, black and orange creature you see fluttering through your neighborhood in summer. When you think about migration, you might describe how birds fly south for the winter and return when temperatures warm up again. For a monarch, migration is much more complex and requires multiple generations to […]
The Problem with Nutrient Pollution & Algae Blooms
By Josie Knuth, Marketing & Communications Intern Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea reveals the devastating impact plastic pollution has on local habitats of water species like Stanley the Sturgeon and Giacometti the River Otter. Unfortunately, plastic isn’t the only pollutant swimming in the homes of Stanley and Giacometti. Algae, the smelly, green stuff […]
4 Invasive Plants to Avoid in Your Garden & What to Plant Instead
Invasive plant species can cause significant harm to Wisconsin’s natural environment, but gardeners have the power to help prevent their spread! One of the best ways to stop the spread of invasive plants is to be mindful of what you’re planting in your garden and landscape. Although it can be tempting to dig up a […]
Welcome Beneficial Insects into Your Garden with an Insect Hotel
It’s not uncommon to see your garden infested with insects and have the urge to get rid of them. But as Mark Konlock (Director of Horticulture) says, sometimes you have to learn to live with the damage of insects because it likely means you’re supporting a healthy ecosystem full of plants, trees, insects, and other […]
Fantasy, Whimsy, & Nature Inspired New Murals in Stumpf Hobbit House Restroom
Stop at the Stumpf Hobbit House during your next visit at the Garden and you will be transported to a fantastical world of tiny tree houses, fanciful foliage, and friendly woodland creatures. These marvelous murals are credited to Peter Koury, a talented artist and garden lover. Here’s Peter to tell you about his experience painting […]
4 Sustainable Water Practices for Your Garden
Water. It’s essential for all life, including the life growing in your garden, landscape, and plant containers flourishing in your living space. While it’s important to make sure your garden is properly watered, there are certain watering practices that contribute to the global water problem. It may not seem like a problem when you have […]
Protect the Environment by Planting a Rain Garden
There are plenty of reasons to create a rain garden in your yard other than the obvious aesthetic benefits. By planting and maintaining a rain garden, you’re improving groundwater, protecting streams and lakes, and preventing flooding! A rain garden’s main purpose is to capture and filter runoff contaminants like fertilizers, pesticides, oils, and other common […]
6 Facts about Water Pollution in the Great Lakes
If you get the chance to visit us this summer, you will see eight larger than life sculptures scattered throughout the Garden which are part of the Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea exhibit. This exhibit features several water-loving sea creatures including Chompers the Shark and Priscilla the Parrot Fish. Also starring in the […]
Do’s & Don’ts: Reusing Items & Tools in Your Garden
An important part of sustainable gardening involves reducing garden waste. One easy way to reduce this waste is to reuse items you already have. Check out these tips to learn what materials you can and can’t reuse in your garden and some ideas for giving non-garden items a new purpose! Garden Items & Tools You […]
Composting Basics You Need to Know
Composting can be as easy to start as you want it to be, and you have a few options when it comes to compost collection. You can either purchase a composting bin, use an old trash can or wooden chest, or just create a freestanding pile. There are plenty of options out there which makes […]
