Conversing about the 2025 Convention
The St. Croix District members invite you to the 97th Annual Business Meeting and Convention of Wisconsin Garden Club Federation, Sunday-Tuesday, April 27-29, 2025 at The Lismore Hotel, Eau Claire, WI. We hope you’ll approve of our streamlined convention schedule. Come relax in the beauty of the Northwoods; hear enthusiastic speakers share their knowledge; and tap into your creative side at hands-on workshops.
Come early Sunday to tour UW-Eau Claire’s greenhouse, drive Putnam Park’s wooded wildflower lane and visit “Creativity on the Chippewa” to view floral designs inspired by local artists’ works.
Join the conversation about what's new in the garden, soil health, floral design, garden art and care of the gardener. Vendors displaying gardening products of all kinds will be available.
Come early Sunday to tour UW-Eau Claire’s greenhouse, drive Putnam Park’s wooded wildflower lane and visit “Creativity on the Chippewa” to view floral designs inspired by local artists’ works.
Join the conversation about what's new in the garden, soil health, floral design, garden art and care of the gardener. Vendors displaying gardening products of all kinds will be available.
Oh Eau Claire! Located at the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers, Eau Claire welcomes WGCF members. The Lismore Hotel is steps away from the confluence where you will find walkways surrounded by native plants leading to parks, a labyrinth, UW-Eau Claire, downtown shops and 120 sculptures, the largest rotating sculpture tour in the nation.
Conversations along the Chippewa come naturally in this setting. |
Creativity on the ChippewaAn imaginative floral interpretation of selected works of art will be on display during the convention. Regional artists will provide artwork ranging from acrylics, fiber, watercolors
and other art forms. WGCF members are invited to sign up to do a floral design to interpret the art. Please contact Wendy Kramer if you are interested in participating and making waves. [email protected] or 715-684-9751 |
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Honored Guests
Lynne Ehnert, Central Region Director
Honored Guest
Joining the conversation is Lynne Ehnert, our Central Region Director. She was not planning to follow in her mother’s footsteps and be involved with gardens or WGCF, but things have changed. As Central Region Director and past WGCF president, she is a champion for planting trees and the environment, gardening and gardeners. An active member in Western Acres Garden Club, she has served in many positions in her club, plus contributing to the Milwaukee District and at the state level. As former president of the WGCF, Lynne has participated on the NGC Youth Committee, NGC Awards Committee and was NGC Member of Honor Chairman. Lynne is also a Master Flower Show Judge.
Honored Guest
Joining the conversation is Lynne Ehnert, our Central Region Director. She was not planning to follow in her mother’s footsteps and be involved with gardens or WGCF, but things have changed. As Central Region Director and past WGCF president, she is a champion for planting trees and the environment, gardening and gardeners. An active member in Western Acres Garden Club, she has served in many positions in her club, plus contributing to the Milwaukee District and at the state level. As former president of the WGCF, Lynne has participated on the NGC Youth Committee, NGC Awards Committee and was NGC Member of Honor Chairman. Lynne is also a Master Flower Show Judge.
Gerianne Holzman, NGC 2nd Vice President
Honored Guest
Gerianne is an active member of WGCF having served as WGCF President and is currently involved in guiding National Garden Clubs (NGC) as 2nd Vice President, soon to be President. She has been recognized by NGC as a Designer of the month and is a recipient of WGCF’s Lydia Shafer Award. From Middleton, WI, Gerianne is a member of Sunset Garden Club, the Wisconsin Floral Designers Guild and the Wisconsin Southern and State Judges’ Council. Gerianne is an enthusiastic member who is also Editor of The National Gardener.
Honored Guest
Gerianne is an active member of WGCF having served as WGCF President and is currently involved in guiding National Garden Clubs (NGC) as 2nd Vice President, soon to be President. She has been recognized by NGC as a Designer of the month and is a recipient of WGCF’s Lydia Shafer Award. From Middleton, WI, Gerianne is a member of Sunset Garden Club, the Wisconsin Floral Designers Guild and the Wisconsin Southern and State Judges’ Council. Gerianne is an enthusiastic member who is also Editor of The National Gardener.
Douglas Owens-Pike, Bronze Award Recipient
Monday Evening Banquet: “Growing Wild for Pollinators”
With 37 years of experience in utilizing sustainable landscaping practices, Douglas Owens-Pike is definitely worthy of the 2025 WGCF Bronze Award. Douglas lives near Wheeler, WI and is owner of Sustainable Landscape Solutions of Otter Creek. His work and volunteer endeavors have included: founder of EnergyScapes, St. Paul, MN, a landscape design business that helped people plan and transform their landscapes into a more healthy and beautiful one by utilizing native plants. He authored BEAUTIFULLY SUSTAINABLE: Freeing Yourself to Enjoy Your Landscape. He is Board Chairman of Lower Chippewa Invasives Partnership, a 5 county consortium which has trained hundreds of volunteers at hands-on field workshops to identify and remove invasive plants. Doug has assisted Lake Wissota Garden Club as they create the Irving Park Wildflower Sanctuary in Chippewa Falls.
Monday Evening Banquet: “Growing Wild for Pollinators”
With 37 years of experience in utilizing sustainable landscaping practices, Douglas Owens-Pike is definitely worthy of the 2025 WGCF Bronze Award. Douglas lives near Wheeler, WI and is owner of Sustainable Landscape Solutions of Otter Creek. His work and volunteer endeavors have included: founder of EnergyScapes, St. Paul, MN, a landscape design business that helped people plan and transform their landscapes into a more healthy and beautiful one by utilizing native plants. He authored BEAUTIFULLY SUSTAINABLE: Freeing Yourself to Enjoy Your Landscape. He is Board Chairman of Lower Chippewa Invasives Partnership, a 5 county consortium which has trained hundreds of volunteers at hands-on field workshops to identify and remove invasive plants. Doug has assisted Lake Wissota Garden Club as they create the Irving Park Wildflower Sanctuary in Chippewa Falls.
Speakers
Jeanette Kelly, Beaver Creek Reserve
Sunday Evening Banquet: “Citizen Science Opportunities”
As the Citizen Science Director at Beaver Creek Reserve, Jeanette helps to guide the education program, oversees all science activities and leads numerous citizen-based monitoring projects. In the ten years that Jeanette has directed the Citizen Science Center the community has been involved in a huge diversity of projects including studying bats, mussels, fireflies, invasive species, dragonflies, solitary bees, phenology, water quality, worms, rare plants, weevils and much more. Jeanette has a Master’s degree from Lesley University and a Bachelor’s Degree from UW-Madison in Wildlife Biology. Her presentation will definitely encourage you to get involved in a Citizen Science project!
Sunday Evening Banquet: “Citizen Science Opportunities”
As the Citizen Science Director at Beaver Creek Reserve, Jeanette helps to guide the education program, oversees all science activities and leads numerous citizen-based monitoring projects. In the ten years that Jeanette has directed the Citizen Science Center the community has been involved in a huge diversity of projects including studying bats, mussels, fireflies, invasive species, dragonflies, solitary bees, phenology, water quality, worms, rare plants, weevils and much more. Jeanette has a Master’s degree from Lesley University and a Bachelor’s Degree from UW-Madison in Wildlife Biology. Her presentation will definitely encourage you to get involved in a Citizen Science project!
Mary Schier
Monday Morning General Session: “Gardening Trends for 2025”
Mary Lahr Schier has been watching gardening trends for over 20 years. She edited the Northern Gardener Magazine for the Minnesota State Horticulture Society from 2005 to 2023, and is the author of The Northern Gardener: From Apples to Zinnias. She also publishes a newsletter for cold climate gardeners that you can subscribe to through her blog: mynortherngarden.com. Her current garden interests include trees and gardening in very small spaces. This gardener is sure to share up-to-date trends with us.
Monday Morning General Session: “Gardening Trends for 2025”
Mary Lahr Schier has been watching gardening trends for over 20 years. She edited the Northern Gardener Magazine for the Minnesota State Horticulture Society from 2005 to 2023, and is the author of The Northern Gardener: From Apples to Zinnias. She also publishes a newsletter for cold climate gardeners that you can subscribe to through her blog: mynortherngarden.com. Her current garden interests include trees and gardening in very small spaces. This gardener is sure to share up-to-date trends with us.
Diana Alfuth
Monday Morning General Session: “Micro-manage Your Soil? Understanding Plant Nutrients”
Recently retired from her 22 years of assisting area gardeners as Pierce and St. Croix Counties UW-Extension’s Horticulture Outreach Specialist, Diana has not lost her enthusiasm for educating and helping people improve their yards and gardens. Diana is frequently on Larry Meillor’s Garden Talk program sharing tips for better gardening. She has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Horticulture from the University of Minnesota. Diana has also taught Sustainable Landscape Design courses at UW-River Falls. Confused about all of the advice for amending your soil? Diana will advise us on amendments to actually improve your garden.
Monday Morning General Session: “Micro-manage Your Soil? Understanding Plant Nutrients”
Recently retired from her 22 years of assisting area gardeners as Pierce and St. Croix Counties UW-Extension’s Horticulture Outreach Specialist, Diana has not lost her enthusiasm for educating and helping people improve their yards and gardens. Diana is frequently on Larry Meillor’s Garden Talk program sharing tips for better gardening. She has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Horticulture from the University of Minnesota. Diana has also taught Sustainable Landscape Design courses at UW-River Falls. Confused about all of the advice for amending your soil? Diana will advise us on amendments to actually improve your garden.
Brent Douglas Stelzer, Floral Designer
Monday Luncheon Program: “Floral Foraging”
Voted the best florist for the past 14 years in the Chippewa Valley and known for creating unique designs for special occasions, Brent is the owner of Brent Douglas Flowers. Brent has always enjoyed art, creating things and gardening. Part-time jobs at flower and garden shops led to him operating a wedding and event floral design business out of his home. In 2003 he took a leap of faith and opened a full service flower shop in downtown Eau Claire and the rest is history. His passion is supporting people during their life’s events. Brent plays an active role in the life of downtown Eau Claire and is an active supporter of the arts.
Monday Luncheon Program: “Floral Foraging”
Voted the best florist for the past 14 years in the Chippewa Valley and known for creating unique designs for special occasions, Brent is the owner of Brent Douglas Flowers. Brent has always enjoyed art, creating things and gardening. Part-time jobs at flower and garden shops led to him operating a wedding and event floral design business out of his home. In 2003 he took a leap of faith and opened a full service flower shop in downtown Eau Claire and the rest is history. His passion is supporting people during their life’s events. Brent plays an active role in the life of downtown Eau Claire and is an active supporter of the arts.
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Susan Swanson
Tuesday Morning Breakfast: “Understanding Groundwater in Wisconsin. What Gardeners Need to Know.” As Director and State Geologist, Sue leads the talented staff at the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey and connects with communities and partners across the state to advance the understanding and use of geological information. Her research as a hydrogeologist includes studying how groundwater moves through fractures in sedimentary bedrock aquifers, interactions between groundwater and surface water, and the hydrogeology of springs. Prior to becoming State Geologist, she was a professor of geology, chair of natural sciences, and Weeks Chair in Physical and Human Geography, serving in these and other roles at Beloit College since 2001. |
Breakout Session Presenters
Linda Bergen
Monday AM Breakout Session 1: Stained Glass Danglers Linda is known as the crafty one of the Lake Wissota Garden Club. She comes up with and leads many creative activities from Christmas Kissing Balls to Painted Pavers. Join her as she guides you in making a 25” long stained glass dangler to add some extra dazzle to your home or garden. A materials cost of $15. |
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Kristina Beuning, Sunbow Farm
Monday AM Breakout Session 2: Sustainable Veggie Gardening
Kristina’s Sunbow Farm is a CSA that has supplied the Chippewa Valley with over 70 varieties of fresh sustainably grown fruits and vegetables for over 21 years. In 2010 cultivation of over 50 types of medicinal herbs began. Kristina believes in growing the soil by refraining from using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and not rototilling. Attend this session and hear what she does to grow the soil.
Monday AM Breakout Session 2: Sustainable Veggie Gardening
Kristina’s Sunbow Farm is a CSA that has supplied the Chippewa Valley with over 70 varieties of fresh sustainably grown fruits and vegetables for over 21 years. In 2010 cultivation of over 50 types of medicinal herbs began. Kristina believes in growing the soil by refraining from using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and not rototilling. Attend this session and hear what she does to grow the soil.
Christine Melby, Two Bees and a Bud
Monday PM Breakout Session 3: Growing Flowers for Cutting
As a business owner in 2020 with Covid in full swing, life was difficult and business was not going well. Looking for a way to comfort her soul and bring joy to others, Christine turned to flowers. Online classes for learning, tilling fields, building raised beds, planting the seeds, and sharing the beauty are all part of the process. Two Bees and a Bud Flower Farm near New Richmond offers a quiet, beautiful spot to pick flowers, create a bouquet, take a class, or hold an event. Christine will share her recommendations for planting a cutting garden and what she has learned in the process.
Monday PM Breakout Session 3: Growing Flowers for Cutting
As a business owner in 2020 with Covid in full swing, life was difficult and business was not going well. Looking for a way to comfort her soul and bring joy to others, Christine turned to flowers. Online classes for learning, tilling fields, building raised beds, planting the seeds, and sharing the beauty are all part of the process. Two Bees and a Bud Flower Farm near New Richmond offers a quiet, beautiful spot to pick flowers, create a bouquet, take a class, or hold an event. Christine will share her recommendations for planting a cutting garden and what she has learned in the process.
Andrea Cronk
Monday PM Breakout Session 4: Getting Fit for Gardening
Andrea Cronk, OTR/L and NASM Certified Personal Trainer with a Master of Occupational Therapy from UW-Milwaukee is passionate about helping people engage in their favorite activities with greater ease and joy. As an outdoors and gardening person herself, she has a special understanding of the muscles and movement needed to safely garden. Join her as she leads us through a participatory session to prepare for the gardening season. A resistance band is provided. Maximum of 30 participants.
Monday PM Breakout Session 4: Getting Fit for Gardening
Andrea Cronk, OTR/L and NASM Certified Personal Trainer with a Master of Occupational Therapy from UW-Milwaukee is passionate about helping people engage in their favorite activities with greater ease and joy. As an outdoors and gardening person herself, she has a special understanding of the muscles and movement needed to safely garden. Join her as she leads us through a participatory session to prepare for the gardening season. A resistance band is provided. Maximum of 30 participants.
Sue Auld
Tuesday AM Breakout Session 5: Simple by Design
Sue’s passion for flowers sparked at a young age while gardening with her Gram. That path led her to working as a delivery person in a flower shop and onto apprenticing with some extremely talented designers. After numerous years of working for others, she stepped out on her own and Tulip & Crow Design Studio bloomed! She specializes in weddings and special events and has learned much as Chief of Everything Officer. She continues to hone her craft and looks forward to every opportunity to “sprinkle blooms.” Sue will lead attendees through creating the mechanics and the design process. Participants will go home with a ceramic container and a floral arrangement. A materials cost of $15.00.
Maximum of 20 participants.
Tuesday AM Breakout Session 5: Simple by Design
Sue’s passion for flowers sparked at a young age while gardening with her Gram. That path led her to working as a delivery person in a flower shop and onto apprenticing with some extremely talented designers. After numerous years of working for others, she stepped out on her own and Tulip & Crow Design Studio bloomed! She specializes in weddings and special events and has learned much as Chief of Everything Officer. She continues to hone her craft and looks forward to every opportunity to “sprinkle blooms.” Sue will lead attendees through creating the mechanics and the design process. Participants will go home with a ceramic container and a floral arrangement. A materials cost of $15.00.
Maximum of 20 participants.
Tavis Lynch
Tuesday AM Breakout Session 6: The Beginner's Guide to Mushrooms
Tavis Lynch has been a mushroom enthusiast for most of his life. His father started teaching him mycological identification as a small child. Tavis is a 35-year veteran of mushroom cultivation and identification in northwest Wisconsin and is passing on his love of mushrooms to others. He is a mycology instructor for 22 schools in the Upper Midwest and has been teaching for about twelve years. Tavis is the author of “Mushroom Cultivation” (Quarto) and co-author of “The Beginner’s Guide to Mushrooms” (Quarto). Active in the Wisconsin Mycological Society, he serves as its vice president.
Mushroom growing kits will be available for purchase.
Tuesday AM Breakout Session 6: The Beginner's Guide to Mushrooms
Tavis Lynch has been a mushroom enthusiast for most of his life. His father started teaching him mycological identification as a small child. Tavis is a 35-year veteran of mushroom cultivation and identification in northwest Wisconsin and is passing on his love of mushrooms to others. He is a mycology instructor for 22 schools in the Upper Midwest and has been teaching for about twelve years. Tavis is the author of “Mushroom Cultivation” (Quarto) and co-author of “The Beginner’s Guide to Mushrooms” (Quarto). Active in the Wisconsin Mycological Society, he serves as its vice president.
Mushroom growing kits will be available for purchase.
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The Wisconsin Garden Club Federation founded in 1928 is a charter member of the National Garden Club organization. As an organization, we are proud of our heritage of developing relationships with fellow gardeners, learning, and gardening for good in our communities.
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