Horticulture Educator
Division of Extension | Horticulture Program
Julie provides horticulture education and resources to gardeners and community organizations in Walworth, Rock and Jefferson counties. She has a Master’s of Science in Environmental Education from Southern Oregon University.
Julie helps gardeners of all experience levels create healthy, productive, and environmentally responsible landscapes. Her programs focus on vegetable gardening, pollinator conservation, wildlife interactions in the garden, soil health, pest management, composting, container gardening, and sustainable gardening practices.
Can present in-person in Walworth, Rock, or Jefferson Counties.
Talks:
WORKSHOP: Gardening with Nosey Neighbors
Does your garden feel like a buffet for local deer and rabbits? In this interactive program, let’s explore common wildlife visitors and what’s driving their activity in suburban areas. You’ll be ready to garden with confidence, keep the peace with your wild neighbors, and enjoy a space that grows in step with nature.
Gourd-geous Viny Veg
Join us for an engaging gardening presentation designed to help you successfully grow your viny vegetables this year. Learn how to choose the best crops, prepare the ideal planting site, care for your crops throughout the growing season, and tackle challenges like weeds, pests, and diseases with integrated management strategies.
Making the Cut: Pruning Fundamentals
Join us to learn more about the art and science of basic pruning for trees and shrubs. You will learn the essential why, when and how of tree pruning to encourage healthy trees, improve fruit yield, and reduce potential hazards. This is ideal for beginner gardeners.
Understanding Your Garden Soil
We will discuss soil testing and how to interpret the results. We will look at how soil pH impacts nutrient availability and plant health. Finally, we’ll take a closer look at fertilizer labels and application rates to avoid over applying fertilizer nutrients which can negatively impact the environment. You’ll gain practical tips for applying the right amount of nutrients to create the healthiest garden possible.
Gardening for Hummingbirds
Join us to unravel the secrets of attracting the “jewels of the garden.” From territorial displays to fierce competition, we will dive into the hummingbird’s world to learn how your garden or yard can meet their needs.
Balancing Act in the Home Garden: Protecting Pollinators while Managing Pests
Join us for an overview of integrating pollinator protection with pest management in your home landscape. We’ll cover the fundamentals of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), pesticide labels, differences between systemic and contact pesticides, and discuss the toxicity of common products or ingredients to pollinators.
What’s the Deal with No Mow May?
“No Mow May” has become a catchy phrase in Wisconsin, encouraging homeowners to allow their lawns to grow during May. But does this practice actually support pollinators? Join us to learn about how an unmowed lawn impacts (or may impact) pollinators and how you can support pollinators all year long.
Gardening Small
Growing veggies and flowers seems out of the question when space is precious, especially in a small yard, no yard, or a patio/balcony. Keeping in mind the basics of plant health, we will explore ways that you can maximize the space that you do have. We’ll review a variety of methods such as container, square foot, vertical gardening and hydroponics.
Beyond Birdfeeders: How to be a bird-friendly gardener all year long
There are many benefits to both wildlife and people when you prioritize the needs of birds where you garden. We will talk about gardening practices you can do throughout the year to encourage bird visitors, plus birdfeeders, water, and how to improve shelter and nesting sites.
Practical Approaches to Gardening in a Changing Climate
We will discuss the basics of climate and the carbon cycle so we have a common understanding of how the weather is changing in Wisconsin, and the relationship between gardens and gardeners to climate change. We will discuss how you can help lead the way through sustainable gardening practices to slow down climate change.
Planting for a Buzz: A Guide to Pollinator Friendly Gardening
Learn more about how you can plan for your yard and garden to be pollinator-friendly this year. We will talk about the pollinators that live in your landscape, why they are at risk, and gardening practices you can do to support pollinator habitats and health.
From Scraps to Soil: Composting Basics
Have you ever wondered about making your compost? In this overview of composting basics, find out the do’s, the don’ts, and what happens to compost over winter so you can successfully recycle your lawn, garden and food scraps.
Growing Vegetables in Containers
Growing vegetables in containers is a great way to grow fresh food without needing a lot of space. Almost any vegetable can be grown in a container. Learn about how to select and care for a variety of vegetables, from leafy greens to root crops, and keep them thriving all season long.
Fall Gardening for a Winter-Ready Landscape
Join us for this overview of gardening practices for pest prevention, plant protection, and garden/lawn preparation. We will discuss garden clean-up in relation to diseases, insects, and wildlife food
fall lawn care, protecting susceptible plants from snow/cold damage and more.
Gift Plants Unwrapped
Holiday houseplants are a common gift that you may give or receive. Join Julie, your local horticulture educator and learn how to keep a poinsettia, holiday cactus, Norfolk Island Pine and other favorite gift plants thriving. We’ll cover requirements including light, watering, fertilizer, and humidity.
WORKSHOP: Houseplant Essentials
Growing houseplants has a lot of benefits, especially for our well-being. But it’s so frustrating when they aren’t looking their best! We’ll go through the essentials of what houseplants need, common problems, and tips to get your plants back into shape!
Optional: bring in a houseplant for repotting and we’ll do it together!
