Jim Dan Hill Library: Plants: Grow, Identify, Explore, and Get Involved

Local Plants and Gardening

Apples on Campus in Fall. Photo Credit: University of Wisconsin-Superior. All rights reserved.

Free Online Programs for Wisconsin Gardeners
"Join Wisconsin Horticulture Extension for free online gardening programs — and watch from any device! Our topics are suitable for gardeners of any skill level. When you register for a program, you can attend the live presentation or wait to watch the recorded version at your convenience."

Previous sessions available, too.
Great Gardening on PBS North - via YouTube
"Great Gardening delights in the unique joys and challenges of gardening in Zones 3 and 4. The show celebrates successes and shares expert knowledge, connecting the Northland’s vibrant gardening community. Whether you’re a beginner or have an experienced green thumb, Great Gardening connects the growing community with climate-specific growing advice."
New Gardener Resources
From the Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension: "Gardening and learning to grow your own food provides many benefits, but we know it can be a bit intimidating when first starting out. Here’s some articles that we’ve curated from our website that’ll get you started as a new gardener"
Gardening Maps from the American Horticultural Society
"Many factors influence which plants will thrive in a given location. Heat, cold, and elevation are just a few that can have a big impact. If you’re trying to figure out which plants to use in your garden, check out the gardening maps . . . that designate plant zones based on various important factors."

Campus in Summer. Photo Credit: University of Wisconsin-Superior. All rights reserved.

@mywildwisconsin (Marisa Lee)
Includes plant identification (with Latin, English, and Ojibwe names).
Native Lawns and Gardens (Superior,WI)
From the webpage; "Native grasses and wildflowers are increasingly used in gardens and landscaping. They are aesthetically pleasing, easy to maintain, and provide great water quality benefits due to the deep root systems and ability to infiltrate stormwater runoff while also providing habitat for pollinators and birds. A comparative illustration of the root systems of turf grass and native plants is shown below. Learn more about Native Lawns and Gardens. . . "
Landscaping with Native Plants (MN Department of Natural Resources)
"Native plants are increasingly used for gardening, landscaping, and restoring and reclaiming native plant communities. They can provide natural beauty, cost-effective landscaping alternatives, environmental services, and habitat for wildlife. This web site provides resources for Minnesotans interested in learning more about how to use native plants for small-scale landscaping or gardening."
Native & Naturalized - Selection (University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension)
A collection of resources with information about specific plants, landscaping options, and garden types.
Native Plants (University of Minnesota Extension)
"Plants that are native to Minnesota are often easier to grow than non-native varieties. They are already adapted to our soil and climate and need minimal care to grow and thrive."
Provided resources include those for a butterfly garden, prairie garden, and plants for pollinators.

Community Gardens and Opportunities to Get Involved

Duluth Community Garden Program
"The mission of the Duluth Community Garden Program is to provide land, infrastructure, and support for local communities to grow food together."
Superior Community Gardens Association
"Our Mission: To provide community gardening space; To build a sense of community; To promote sustainable practices such as organic gardening and on-site composting; To share produce with the community; To provide a place of beauty for others to enjoy; and To provide environmental education and outreach to Superior gardeners."
Volunteer with the Dept. of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry - Superior
Suggested needs include "Assisting in removal or invasive species such as garlic mustard, burdock, buckthorn or tansy."
The Superior Sister City Commission
The Superior Sister City Commission has adopted the Superior-Ami Friendship Garden in Billings Park. They note: "If you are interested in assisting us with upkeep throughout the year, please send us an email or give us a call!"
No Mow May
" The goal of No Mow May is to allow grass to grow unmown for the month of May, creating habitat and forage for early season pollinators. This is particularly important in urban areas where floral resources are often limited"
Volunteer with the Friends of Lake Superior Reserve
Opportunities include: "Help remove non-local beings such as Buckthorn and Spotted Knapweed from the estuary and learn about the impact they have on our local habitats."
Duluth Garden Flower Society
"Below is a list of garden clubs under the umbrella of The Duluth Garden Flower Society. Some clubs maintain a neighborhood garden and some gather to share their enthusiasm for a gardening passion such as orchids, roses, or native plants. Most clubs meet regularly once a month and have small annual dues. Find a club in an area you are interested in and email the club using the link provided."
Lake Superior Garden Club
According to their Facebook Page, Dec 11, 2024: "Our club looks forward to a new year- our annual plant sale this spring, caring for the gardens at Douglas County Historical Society and caring for our Spartan Circle Garden at the Superior High School, and gathering for informative, entertaining meetings monthly"
Eco3 Urban Farm
From the Description: "The Eco3 Urban Farm is a two-acre site located on the Lake Superior College campus. The farm features two 2,400 square foot high tunnels, perennial fruit, raised beds, and developed fields. It is part of the sustainable food systems program at Ecolibrium3. The Eco3 Urban Farm provides opportunities for social connectedness among community members, students, and growers. It produces fresh food for local organizations serving those struggling with food insecurity, and serves as a space for education and community-building. "

Bee in Campus Flowers.

Photo Credit: University of Wisconsin-Superior

All rights reserved

Wisconsin State Parks Passes

Want to identify plants in their natural setting?

The Jim Dan Hill Library at the University of Wisconsin-Superior participates in Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library. This program allows library patrons to check out a pass for a "day visit to any state park, forest or recreation area that requires vehicle admission." Passes can be checked out at the library in season, while they last. Come see us at the front desk to check out yours!

Jim Dan Hill Library

University of Wisconsin - Superior

Belknap and Catlin Ave

P.O. Box 2000

Superior, WI 54880

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Plants