North Central WI Master Gardeners

09/04/2026

Join us for a special Ask a Master Gardener session on September 10 at Monk Botanical Gardens, 1901 N. 4th Avenue, Wausau.

Admission fees will be waived for registered attendees. Golf carts will be available for anyone who needs assistance during the tour or transportation between the parking lot and the gardens.

After the question-and-answer period, participants will enjoy a guided tour of several featured gardens, including the Memorial Garden, the Master Gardeners' Shade and Hosta Garden, and the Formal Garden. Jennifer Plisch, Executive Director of Monk Botanical Gardens, will join the panel to share insights about the gardens.

As with all "Ask a Master Gardener" sessions, Landing membership and preregistration are required. To register, call 715-841-1855 or email [email protected].

08/28/2026

North Central Wisconsin Master Gardeners recently toured the NTC Agriculture Center of Excellence in Wausau and saw firsthand how technology and innovation are shaping modern agriculture.

The tour included a look at the Center’s hydroponic growing systems, high tunnel system, greenhouses, and other hands-on growing spaces, where students learn about a variety of approaches to growing food and plants in Wisconsin’s climate.

And there was a bonus stop! We also toured the state-of-the-art dairy farm operation, with an inside look at the technology, equipment, and practices used in today’s dairy industry.

It was a fascinating opportunity to learn, ask questions, and see innovative agriculture in action right here in central Wisconsin! A big thank you to Trevor Frank and NTC for sharing these outstanding facilities with us.

Our connection with NTC goes beyond the tour. North Central Wisconsin Master Gardeners provide scholarships for students to participate in the Garden to Market program, helping make hands-on agricultural education more accessible in the community.

08/21/2026

Want to become a Wisconsin Master Gardener? Your first step starts here! Registration for Foundations in Gardening closes Monday, August 24.

Foundations in Gardening is a 14-week online course designed for Wisconsin gardeners. Coursework covers practical gardening techniques and the science behind why they work. Anyone who successfully completes this course is eligible to enroll in the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program Onboarding.

Foundations in Gardening is only offered once per year, so don’t miss out! The 2026 course is moderated Sept. 6–Dec. 12, 2026. Registration closes Aug. 24. Sign up now: go.wisc.edu/ExtGardenFoundations

08/19/2026

Using ground covers can be a great way to fill bare spots in your landscape with attractive, low-maintenance plants. But some can quickly become more trouble than they’re worth when they spread beyond where you want them.

Learn which ground covers to avoid and how to control their spread if you already have one that’s out of control in your yard in the latest Master Gardener article in the Wausau Pilot & Review.

https://wausaupilotandreview.com/2026/08/15/ask-a-master-gardener-invasive-ground-cover/

08/12/2026

Join us for an interactive tour of the NTC Agriculture Center!

Explore the NTC Agriculture Center with Trevor Frank on Thursday, August 13, at 1:30 p.m. Learn about a variety of vegetables, how they’re grown, and more during this guided, offsite Master Gardener experience. Light walking is involved, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions along the way. Indoor space will be available in case of inclement weather.

NTC Agriculture Center
6625 County Rd. K, Wausau

Registration is required. Call 715-841-1855 or email [email protected] to register.

08/08/2026

Sunday, August 9 is the Early Bird Deadline to save $50 on the fall Foundations in Gardening course.

Foundations in Gardening is a 14-week online self-paced course designed for gardeners of all skill levels. The course, running Sept. 6-Dec. 12, 2026, also serves as an approved learning opportunity for those interested in becoming a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener.

Get the Early Bird discount when you register by Sunday, Aug. 9. Learn more: go.wisc.edu/ExtGardenFoundations

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

08/06/2026

Join us for the August “Ask a Master Gardener” session at the NTC Agriculture Center!

Explore the NTC Agriculture Center with Trevor Frank on this guided, offsite Master Gardeners experience! Discover a variety of vegetables, learn how they’re grown, and enjoy light movement along the way. This will be an interactive session and there will be time for questions throughout tour.

Members: FREE- Registration Required

08/05/2026

August is a busy month for the North Central Wisconsin Master Gardeners!

Here's what's coming up:

Wisconsin Valley Fair – Stop by our booth for gardening tips, educational resources, and fun activities for kids.

Foundations in Gardening course – The online, self-paced course begins this fall. Register by August 9 to save! Learn more at ncwmga.org/membership

NTC Agricultural Center of Excellence Tour – YMCA Landing members are invited to tour the facility on August 13. To register, call 715-841-1855 or email [email protected].

Interested in becoming a member of our group? Join us for a free information session on August 17 at 5:30 pm at NorthStar Restoration Services, Community Room, 4900 W. Stewart Ave., Wausau. Please RSVP by emailing [email protected].

We hope to see you at one or more of our August events!

08/04/2026

Love gardening? There's a place for you with the North Central Wisconsin Master Gardeners Association. We offer two ways to become part of our gardening community:

Certified Master Gardener
Perfect for those who want to expand their horticulture knowledge while giving back through volunteer service. Master Gardeners complete the Wisconsin Extension educational programs and contribute volunteer hours supporting gardening education and community projects.

Associate Member
Want to enjoy the benefits of membership without the educational program or volunteer hour requirements? Associate Membership is a great option! Associate Members can attend meetings and educational programs, participate in many association activities, and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts.

No matter which membership you choose, you'll be part of a welcoming community that shares a passion for gardening, learning, and making a positive impact in our community.

Learn more about both membership options and join us today! Registration for the Foundations in Gardening course is open now. Register by August 9 to save. Visit ncwmga.org/membership

07/30/2026

Thank you to everyone who made this year's Garden Walk such a wonderful success!

A heartfelt thank you to:

Everyone who toured the beautiful gardens, shopped the Master Gardener Plant Sale, and enjoyed the food, music, and activities at Willow Springs Barn & Garden. Your enthusiasm for gardening and support of our fundraiser help make our community programs possible.

The generous garden hosts, musicians, vendors, and sponsors for helping create a memorable experience for our visitors.

Our dedicated Master Gardeners, whose countless volunteer hours, talents, and hard work make our events a success.

We truly appreciate everyone who helped make this year's Garden Walk a special event. We look forward to seeing you again next year for the 25th Annual Garden Walk on July 30 and 31, 2027.