In 2011, the Fond du Lac County Master Gardener volunteers (MGV) logged 3,544 hours of community service and 468 hours of teaching to youth and adults. Here are a few highlights from their 2011 annual report:

• This spring the Fond du Lac Public Library requested help in designing and planting the current beds near the main entrance. Three members took on this project that included general spring clean-up, mulching the beds, acquiring two urns to place near the main entrance and planting them with seasonal items several times a year. The MGA helped with the funding of this project.

• A large flower bed was renovated in front of the Fond du Lac Humane Society shelter, removing extensive weeds and planting drought resistant perennials and grasses. Low maintenance plants were selected to ensure that the garden is not time consuming for the shelter staff and volunteers.

• The first thing one sees upon entering Pier Elementary School is the courtyard garden, with an explosion of plant life. This micro-climate cottage garden has inspired everyone who sees it. The I-spy feature, which teachers have integrated into their curriculum, has engaged the students and increased their learning. A MGV rearranges the I-spy items weekly and adds new things regularly.

• The Horticulture Helpline staff was busy again this year with phone coverage three days per week from April 11 through September 30. The team of seven MGVs responded to 118 phone calls and 37 e-mailed questions. The major issues for the growing season were disease and growing conditions.

• In addition to the planting and maintenance of the annuals and perennials at the Free Spirit Garden, this year four truckloads of wood chips were spread over newspapers around the perennials.