November 2025 Newsletter

We are thankful for you!

As the growing season winds down, we’re filled with gratitude for everyone who helped the Brown County Seed Library grow this year. Gardeners across the county shared inspiring stories of harvest, learning, and community—from first-time seed saving to families discovering new favorite crops. A special thank-you goes to those who submitted stories and photos, including Jayne for sharing with us the photos from the Resurrection Lutheran Food Pantry garden, which produced more than 1,000 pounds of fresh food for the community using seeds from the Seed Library.

In October, volunteers came together to pack over 3,000 seed envelopes, focusing on restocking our native seeds for fall and winter sowing. The Seed Library has now been replenished with these varieties, so if you’re looking to expand your native plant collection, this is the perfect time to stop by and pick out something new. Thank you to everyone who shared their time, energy, and enthusiasm to make it happen!

We’re keeping that spirit of community growing with our Seed Cleaning Workshop on November 8. Join us to help clean and prepare locally grown seeds for next season’s collection—no experience needed, just a willingness to lend a hand and learn.

As we reflect on a season of growth and generosity, we’re excited for what’s ahead. Together, we’re cultivating not only plants, but connection, resilience, and hope for the future.

Submitted by Melissa, N.E.W. Master Gardener

Gardening for Birds

Have you ever wondered how to attract more birds to your yard while helping the environment at the same time? Gardeners can do just that by turning their landscapes into natural feeding stations instead of relying solely on commercial birdseed. Many store-bought mixes contain non-native or even invasive species, while native Wisconsin plants provide safe, sustainable food sources year after year. Shrubs such as American elderberry, red-osier dogwood, and serviceberry offer berries that attract robins, cedar waxwings, and thrushes. Native flowers like purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and native sunflowers produce nutrient-rich seeds for finches and chickadees—all while adding vibrant color to your garden.

Creating a bird-friendly garden not only supports local wildlife but also reduces the need for fertilizers and extra watering. These hardy native plants are adapted to Wisconsin’s soil and seasons, making them low-maintenance and eco-friendly. For more variety, try adding cup plant or prairie blazing star, which both produce seeds birds love. By planting natives, you’ll enjoy a lively backyard habitat that helps preserve Wisconsin’s natural balance—one seed at a time.

This photo shows sunflowers, marigolds and sunchoke flowerheads left to feed the birds this winter at the YMCA-East garden.  

Submitted by Peggy, N.E.W. Master Gardener

Understanding Invasive Species

in Wisconsin

Most of us have heard the term invasive species, but what does it really mean? In Wisconsin, an invasive species is any plant, animal, or microbe that:



• Is not native to the area
• Can reproduce and spread on its own
• Moves into new locations and crowds out native species
• Causes (or is likely to cause) harm to the economy, environment, or human health

When these species spread, they disrupt ecosystems—affecting water, soil, wildlife, and even people.

How Invasives Impact Wisconsin

Water & Soil

Invasive plants can increase runoff and erosion, alter soil pH, and upset nutrient cycles—degrading ecosystem health.

Wildlife

Some invasives, like common buckthorn, produce berries low in nutrients that act as a laxative for birds. This leaves birds undernourished and spreads buckthorn seeds widely, harming both wildlife and habitats.

Economy & Health

Controlling woody invasives such as bush honeysuckle can exceed $1,000 per acre. Japanese barberry and Amur honeysuckle can raise tick populations linked to Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome.

Wisconsin NR 40 Rule

To manage these threats, Wisconsin’s NR 40 Invasive Species Rule classifies over 100 species as either:

• Prohibited – Not yet widespread. Property owners must control or eradicate them. Illegal to transport, possess, or introduce.
• Restricted – Already established. Control is encouraged. Illegal to knowingly transport, transfer, or introduce them.

Other Relevant Laws

Noxious Weed Law (Wis. Stat. § 66.0407)

Defines Canada thistle, leafy spurge, and field bindweed as “noxious weeds.” Property owners are required to destroy them.

Nuisance Weed Law (Wis. Stat. § 23.235)

Regulates purple loosestrife and multiflora rose, making it illegal to sell, distribute, plant, or cultivate these species.

What You Can Do

• Identify plants: Use field guides, fact sheets, or apps to verify what’s growing. See the UW–Madison Invasive Plant ID Guide.
• Check legal status: Review whether your plants appear under NR 40 or the state weed laws.
• Act promptly: Remove or manage listed species, and avoid purchasing or planting those banned. If you discover invasive plants on someone else’s property, inform the landowner.
• Report sightings: Use EDDMapS.org to submit verified reports that help track statewide spread.
• Consult experts: Local ordinances may apply—contact your county Extension office or the Wisconsin DNR for guidance.

By learning to recognize and control invasive species, we help protect Wisconsin’s landscapes, wildlife, and communities for generations to come.

To explore local data, view the WI First Detector Network’s interactive table of invasive and potentially invasive plants in Wisconsin from 1900–2024.

Submitted by Melissa, N.E.W. Master Gardener

Botany Basics

As one of the key components in identifying plants is knowing what leaf type they have, it seems important to review this basic but crucial information. One of the first steps in learning to recognize plants is distinguishing between simple and compound leaves.

Simple leaves have a single, undivided blade attached to the stem by a petiole. Each leaf originates from an axillary bud—a small bump or bud located where the leaf meets the stem. Examples include maple, oak, and violet leaves.

Compound leaves, on the other hand, are divided into multiple leaflets, all connected to a single petiole. The key difference is that only the entire group of leaflets together makes up one leaf. Compound leaves come in several forms:

• Trifoliate – Three leaflets attached to one petiole (like clover or beans).
• Palmately compound – Leaflets fan out from a single point, like fingers from the palm of a hand (such as buckeye or horse chestnut).
• Pinnately compound – Leaflets are arranged along a central stem or axis, resembling a feather (common in ash, walnut, and sumac).

When identifying a leaf in the field, look for that axillary bud—it marks the base of a true leaf. If multiple leaflets share a single petiole with no bud at their base, you’re looking at a compound leaf.

The visual guide from Renz Weed Science (shown above) illustrates these key leaf structures and helps reinforce the difference between simple, trifoliate, palmately compound, and pinnately compound leaves—essential knowledge for anyone learning plant identification.

Understanding Branching Patterns

After observing leaf type, the next step is to look at how the leaves are arranged on the stem—known as the branching pattern or leaf arrangement. This helps narrow down plant identification by revealing how leaves are spaced and paired.

There are three main types of leaf arrangements:

• Opposite – Two leaves grow directly across from each other at the same node. Examples: maple, dogwood, and ash.
• Alternate – A single leaf grows at each node, alternating sides as you move up the stem. Examples: oak, elm, and birch.
• Whorled – Three or more leaves grow in a circle around the stem at the same node. Examples: bedstraw and mint family plants.

Identifying branching patterns is a key part of plant recognition. Once you see how the leaves are arranged along the stem, you can pair that information with leaf type—simple or compound—to make confident identifications in the field.

Submitted by Melissa, N.E.W. Master Gardener

Book Review

Planting Native to Attract Birds to Your Yard 

by Sharon Sorenson

Sharon Sorenson’s Planting Native to Attract Birds to Your Yard is a concise guide for transforming gardens into bird-friendly spaces using native plants. The book highlights the benefits of native flora, offering practical advice on plant selection tailored to different regions and bird species. With vivid photographs and clear instructions, Sorenson inspires readers to enhance biodiversity and participate in ecological conservation. This book is a must-read for gardening and birdwatching enthusiasts seeking to create sustainable outdoor environments.

Submitted by Peggy, N.E.W. Master Gardener

Calendar of Local Garden Related Events:

November 3-6 ($)

Friends of the Library Big Book Sale

Brown County Central Library, 515 Pine St, Green Bay

November 4, 1pm - 2pm (free)

Tri-County Webinar Series: Growing, Storing, and Enjoying Dahlias

Virtual, U of Minn Extension

November 4, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (free)

Seed Saving for Your Garden and Community

Virtual, St. Anthony Park Garden Club

November 6, 5:30pm - 7:30pm ($)

Green Thumb Gardening Fall 2025 - Made in the Shade: Shade Perennials

Virtual, UW Extension

November 8, 9:30am - 3pm (free)

Seed Cleaning Workshop

Brown County Central Library, 515 Pine St, Green Bay

November 11, 6pm - 7:30pm (free)

Backyard home composting

Virtual, U of Minn Extension

November 13, 5:30pm - 7:30pm ($)

Green Thumb Gardening Fall 2025 - Strawberries, Raspberries, and Blueberries

Virtual, UW Extension

November 17, 1:30pm - 2:30pm (free)

Ask Your Gardening Question: LIVE

Virtual, UW Extension

November 18, 1pm - 2pm (free)

Tri-County Winter Webinar Series: An introduction to rain gardens

Virtual, U of Minn Extension

November 18, 1pm - 2pm (free)

Community-Driven Conservation: How Alternare A.C. Protects Monarch

 Habitats and Empowers Rural Communities

Virtual, Monarch Joint Venture

November 19, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (free)

Diseases of Evergreens

Virtual, UW Extension

November 20, 5:30pm - 7:30pm ($)

Green Thumb Gardening Fall 2025 - Gardening With Climate Change in Mind

Virtual, UW Extension

November 20, 6pm - 7pm (free)

Living in the Liberated Landscape: My Yard

Virtual, Wild Ones Presents

December 2, 1pm - 2pm (free)

Tri-County Webinar Series: Growing Kiwiberries in MN

Virtual, U of Minn Extension

December 9, 5pm - 6pm (free)

“Turn That Patch Into a Plan" with Zoe & Heather Evans

Virtual, Wild Ones Presents

December 15, 1:30pm - 2:30pm (free)

Ask Your Gardening Question: LIVE

Virtual, UW Extension

December 16, 1pm - 2pm (free)

Tri-County Webinar Series: Climate Ready Integrated Pest Management

Virtual, U of Minn Extension

December 17, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (free)

Ten Cool Diseases You Can Learn to Love (and Identify by Eye)

Virtual, UW Extension

Growing Tomatillo 'Rio Grande Verde'

(Physalis ixocarpa)

A tangy and prolific summer favorite

Tomatillos, also known as Mexican husk tomatoes, are a flavorful and rewarding addition to Wisconsin gardens. The ‘Rio Grande Verde’ variety offered by the Brown County Seed Library produces large, bright-green fruits wrapped in papery husks and delivers the classic tangy flavor that makes tomatillos perfect for salsa verde, sauces, and roasting.

Starting from Seed

Begin seeds indoors 6–10 weeks before the last frost (mid to late March). Keep soil warm—75–95°F—and expect germination in 7–14 days. Transplant outdoors once nights stay above 50°F, spacing plants 24 inches apart in full sun. Since tomatillos need cross-pollination, grow at least two plants for good fruit set.

Growing Tips

Tomatillos are not frost hardy and mature in about 85 days. Like tomatoes, their stems will root if they touch the ground, so plants benefit from staking or caging to keep fruit clean and supported. Water regularly and mulch to retain moisture. A thick layer of mulch will also help suppress weeds and make growing tomatillos a low-maintenance addition to the garden.

Harvest & Enjoy

Fruits are ready when husks turn tan and begin to split. Enjoy the zesty flavor of ‘Rio Grande Verde’ in fresh salsa verde, roasted dishes, or soups for a bright taste of summer.

Submitted by Melissa, N.E.W. Master Gardener

Roasted Tomatillo Apple Salsa/ 

Enchilada Sauce

Yield: A little over 2 Cups of Salsa 

Ingredients:



• 1 Pound Tomatillos, husks removed and washed
• 2 Apples, peeled, cored and quartered
• 1 med yellow Onion, quartered
• 2 Garlic Cloves, with peels left on
• 2 Jalapeños or 1 anaheim pepper, whole
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 TBSP lime juice (to taste)
• ½ Cup Cilantro
• ½ teaspoon Sea Salt, or to taste
• Other spices to taste: cumin, toasted ground coriander, smoked paprika all good 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. Add the cleaned tomatillos, apples, onion, garlic, jalapeños. Drizzle the olive oil over the ingredients.
3. Cook in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatillos have darkened in color and the apples are soft.
4. Let cool a few minutes and then remove the garlic peels and scrape the skin off the pepper. Transfer for the ingredients to a blender. Add the cilantro, salt and any other spices you like.
5. Blend until smooth. Taste for seasonings.
6. Freezes well.

Submitted by Melissa, N.E.W. Master Gardener

This newsletter is brought to you by: 

With assistance from AI technology

Disclaimer:

Although brand names of products are mentioned in this newsletter, NEWMG and BCL do not endorse any particular brands. These mentions reflect individual experiences and should not be interpreted as endorsements or recommendations.