Notes From The Gardens
August 2022
Perplexing Pollinator Party
Over the past week or so at the Gardens, I have noticed quite the increase in pollinators buzzing around the Kitchen Garden as well as all around the grounds. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds… these hard workers can easily be overlooked, but they play a vital role in the health of Monk [...]
July 2022
Protect the Pollinators
In the last couple of years, a dramatic decline in the number of native pollinators has been recorded. The standout organisms suffering are bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and bats. This is almost completely a result of careless and environmentally damaging human activities such as the use of herbicides/pesticides, industrialization, air/light pollution, [...]
Interrupted Ferns
If you walk through the enchanting development known as the “memory plaza” you may spot a wide variety of vascular plants that lack seeds and flowers. These little plants are known as ferns, and come in many shapes and sizes! Not only do ferns lack seeds and flowers - but [...]
Summer Camp in the Gardens Goes Camping!
Summer Camp in the Gardens has been very exciting lately, in the past week of July 4th, with our “Surviving Wild Wisconsin” camp, with a trial run of having all-day camp. Contrary to just having the kids in the morning per usual, it allowed us to explore many new opportunities [...]
Water Works!
Every living thing needs water to survive. For humans, the recommended amount is 8 cups of water a day. For animals, some need water because that is where they live. For plants, water is almost entirely what they are composed of. The tiny molecule of two hydrogens and one oxygen [...]
June 2022
Frogs and Toads
A few weeks ago at the Gardens, thousands of little wriggling tadpoles were spotted in the pond by the Meditation Garden. Seeing so many tadpoles was almost unsettling as the pond almost seemed alive. I was absolutely fascinated - and had to follow these little guys as they embarked on [...]
Critters and Crawlers in the Gardens
As my first month of being an environmental education intern at Monk Botanical Gardens concludes, working primarily with Summer Camp in the Gardens has shown itself to be very rewarding, exciting, and full of learning moments for both the children as well as myself. So far, Grossology Camp, Flora, Fauna, [...]
Small, but Mighty
The trees are all exploding with millions of photosynthesis factories which can only mean one thing – it’s summertime! Leaves do not get enough credit for all they do. Leaves provide habitat, a source of food, protection from the sun, natural fertilizer to the soil, clean oxygen, and much more. [...]
October 2021
Your Support in Action: A Bustling Summer on the Grounds
After a quiet Summer in 2020, the grounds crew was ready for some noise in the garden. We were fortunate to hire three AmeriCorps Interns for the summer of 2021. Each intern brought a plethora of experience, knowledge, and unique personalities that benefitted the gardens greatly. With the help of [...]
A New Garden Gem
A new garden gem, the Master Gardeners’ Shade and Hosta Garden, is now open for you to enjoy. The garden is a collaborative effort by the North Central Wisconsin Master Gardeners and the Monk Botanical Gardens. Take in the expanded view from the Tree House. Browse the new pathways and [...]
