WISCONSIN RAPIDS –Central Wisconsin residents interested in learning about dwarf conifers or phenology in horticulture can discover the “how to” through a spring gardening symposium presented by two horticulturists at Mid-State Technical College (MSTC). The presentations will be held Saturday, April 21, from 9:00 a.m. until noon at MSTC’s Wisconsin Rapids campus, 500 32nd Street North. The fee for the spring gardening symposium is $15. Seating is limited and the registration deadline is April 13. For more information, call MSTC at (715) 422-5375.

Spring Gardening Symposium Details:

9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Everything You Don’t Know About Dwarf Conifers -- David Ryle
During Ryle’s presentation, he will tap into his vast knowledge and interest in dwarf conifers by bringing participants up-to-date on the latest trends in landscaping. Learn the origins, different colors, textures and growth habits of dwarf conifers and how to incorporate them into your landscape. Ryle attended Tyne and Newcastle universities in the United Kingdom, earning a bachelor’s degree with honors in horticulture. His master’s thesis was completed at Edinburgh University, Scotland. Ryle has worked as a nursery owner and also as production manager for New England’s largest tree nursery. For the last ten years he has served as a consultant for the Netherlands’s bulb export industry. Ryle became a horticulturalist and general manager for JW Jung Seed Company in April 2005.

10:45 a.m.-Noon
Phenology in Horticulture – Teri Gear
Ever wonder where the phrases “April showers bring May flowers” or “A swarm of bees in June is worth a silver spoon, but a swarm of bees in July isn’t worth a fly” originate? It’s the age-old science of phenology which involves the way that plants, animals and insects are related to their environment and climactic changes. Learn the basics of phenology and how to apply it to make connecting with nature and gardening easier. Gear earned a bachelor of science degree in Horticulture from UW-River Falls specializing in floriculture and landscaping. She has worked in landscaping, at a garden center, vegetable farm and nursery. Gear is employed with UW-Extension Wood County Horticulture Educator. She enjoys working with Master Gardener volunteers, local garden clubs, plant diagnostics, public education and community and youth gardens.

The spring gardening symposium is the second in a series of presentations from MSTC’s Wisconsin Urban Forestry Education Center. According to Ron Zillmer, Associate Dean, the Center was developed as a natural extension of the college’s Urban Forestry Technician program. “We identified a gap in training opportunities for non-degree students. The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Education Center meets that training need for master gardeners, industry training, professional upgrade seminars and public education.” Zillmer says the MSTC Foundation sponsors the training center, with the primary funding initially provided by Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry grants. “Funding has been matched with volunteer time, material, labor and equipment donations. Our greatest resource for this project is our volunteer planning committee of leaders in the urban forestry profession from across Wisconsin,” said Zillmer.

Pre-registration is required for the April 13 spring gardening symposium at MSTC. The registration deadline is April 13 and the fee is $15.00. The registration form is on the college’s web site at mstc.edu. For more information contact Zillmer at 715.422.5337, or via email at ronald.zillmer@mstc.edu; or Kris Buss, Administrative Assistant at 715.422.5375 or via email at kris.buss@mstc.edu.