Catherine – Grower; Pest & Disease Manager

Background: I have a B.S. in Home Economics-Education from UW-Stevens Point, WI. After being a stay-at-home mom and helping my husband with the dairy farm for several years, I have worked at different local greenhouses. I completed the 3-year Master Gardening program here in Dane County. I decided to work toward a degree in Horticulture at UW-Madison and have taken several courses in horticulture, botany, soil science and plant pathology. I am interested in greenhouse operation and management, especially growing, pest and disease management and weed control.

First Interest in Gardening: Being the oldest daughter, I had the honor of helping weed my mother’s garden. I’m not sure how much weeding I actually accomplished, but I did enjoy observing all of the different plants and insects that were in the garden, as well as the wonderful smell of the soil. One summer, when I was around 10-years old, I “designed” and planted a bed of marigolds of various heights. To my amazement, they grew and (to me) looked marvelous.

Size of Garden: One large garden containing vegetables, herbs and fruit trees and another smaller garden containing perennials and shrubs. Allen’s parents also have a vegetable garden that they tend throughout the summer. They are in their late 80’s and use an old golf cart so they do not have to do as much walking, but it is wonderful to see them remain active.

Favorite Garden Style: Meadow or Prairie

Pets: My daughter has a red and white Holstein cow named “Little Red” that she has shown several times at the fair. She also has two horses and a Shetland pony that she trains to show at the fair and other horse shows. We have house cats, barn cats, chickens, ducks, guinea pigs and a rabbit. Our “outside” dog is a Husky/German shepherd mix named Chewie, and our “inside” dog is a small Sheltie named Lacey.

Hobbies/Interests: Gardening (of course!). I also enjoy various crafts such as quilting and knitting, and caring for the animals here on the farm.

Personal Items of Interest: My husband, Allen, and I operate a small family-owned dairy farm outside of Marshall, WI. We have three children. Nathan and his wife, Karen, now reside in Lawrence, KS. Bryan is a sophomore at UW-Stevens Point. Our daughter, Lauren, is a sophomore at Marshall High School.