Orchids are hardy plants that thrive in a variety of conditions. Like any plant, orchids require care. But they respond favorably, even eagerly, to proper treatment, and reward their caretakers by blooming luxuriantly for weeks, sometimes months on end.

Come and learn about Orchids. Barbara Andrewjeski will show you how easy it is to grow orchids in your home. Her multimedia presentation is packed with beautiful pictures, helpful growing tips and information you can use to grow beautiful orchids.

Barbara has been in the floral and plant business for most of the last 30 years. She spent 5 years as a sales rep for a tropical plant wholesaler, then 4 years as the greenhouse manager for the same company. She has established an ongoing orchid program there which is expected to grow even larger in the years to come. More recently she has opened her own laboratory where she propagates orchids from seed for commercial nurseries and hobbyists. She has also created several of her own hybrids which will be available on the market in the years to come.

Barbara has given orchid presentations to dozens of groups including several Master Gardener classes. She has written culture information for over 100 species which was published on the internet. She has been an avid orchid grower for over 10 years and hopes to someday have her own orchid greenhouse. She enjoys sharing her love of Orchids with others, especially those just getting started.

JUNE 13, 10:00AM, KC SIMMERS “DIY Rain Barrels”, learn creative ways to make your own rain barrel.

JUNE 27, Brent Gustason, Midwest Groundcovers, “Using Groundcovers in your landscape” *Focusing on the new Jeepers Creepers Groundcovers “I will be discussing the use of groundcovers in the landscape to help provide a low maintenance and sustainable landscape.  I will be featuring the Jeepers Creepers line that can be tolerant to foot traffic or possible lawn alternatives that will do well in our area.  I will also highlight other groundcovers that can be used and the conditions where they will do best according to light, soil conditions and care needed.”

Brent has been employed in the horticultural industry for over 25 years in the areas of nursery production, nursery stock purchasing and wholesale and retail sales.  Brent has a B.A. in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa with an emphasis in native plants.  Brent has lived in Wisconsin for 15 years in the Campbellsport area and was employed at Lied’s Nursery and Hawk’s Nursery in Milwaukee before becoming a sales representative for Midwest Groundcovers based out of St. Charles, IL. for the past 6 years covering Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota.

JULY 11, 10:00AM, “Tantilizing Herbs” Chef James Simmers * Cooking with herbs and vegetables

JULY 25,  10:00 AM,“New & Interesting plants for 2009”, Hugh Davis, Willoway Nursery, Tree & Shrub Specialist,  * Discussing the new plants and highlighting there individual features. Hugh will present several new and exciting introductions from the NOVALIS Plants That Work line available exclusively at Blochs Farm. Novalis meaning new ground in latin is a cooperative of regional nurseries providing leading independent garden centers  with the best of new plant introductions. Among others, learn about the new Candy Store Phlox series, a repeat bloomer until frost, and the Evison-Poulsin Clematis hybrids, super cold hardy and profuse flowering.

Hugh has a B.S.N.R. from the School of Natural Resources, University of Michigan and has 25 years if experience in the industry. He served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic, and then was garden center manager for The Barn Nursery and Landscape Center in northern Il.

Currently Hugh is our sales representative from Willoway Nurseries, Inc..

SEPTEMBER 26, 10:00AM,  Ashley Henke, “Fall Bearing & Winter Interest Plants” Will discussing how to bring winter excitement to your landscape using such plants as berry-bearing and colorful shrubs and trees throughout the fall and winter months.

OCTOBER 10, 10:00 Jaclyn Jankowski, Floral Designer,“Creative Pumpkin Centerpieces”  Fun ways to decorate for the fall season.

OCTOBER 17, 10:00AM, Kathy Egbert, “Fall Clean Up”  * A demonstration on pruning and what to cut back and what not to cut back.