Extension Volunteer Master Gardener Program Reaches 50-Year Milestone
The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program will educate you on many aspects of horticulture, allow you to test your knowledge and skills, all while serving your local community. The Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program is a horticulture related volunteer training program based in many counties throughout the state. It has been part of Nebraska Extension since 1976. Master Gardener volunteers are trained by Nebraska Extension faculty and staff. In return, they contribute time as volunteers working with their local Extension offices and communities to provide horticulture-related information and volunteer service. Participants are required to complete 40 hours of training and 40 hours of volunteer service during the initial year of their involvement in the program. Master Gardener volunteers retain their certification through annual training and volunteering.
Educational topics cover a wide range of horticultural issues. Topics that have been covered in previous training sessions include: native plants for water conservation, an in-depth look at fertilizers, turfgrass and related insects, beneficial pollinating insects and vegetable garden pests, tree and shrub pruning, pesticide safety and non-chemical pest control techniques, soils, and small fruits and tree fruit basics. The content of the topics is geared towards the home gardener, but those employed in the green industry are also welcome. No prior horticulture knowledge or training required.
Volunteer hours can be completed through various activities. These activities could include: planting and maintaining demonstration gardens, collecting data on research projects, helping with county and state fair activities, speaking to community groups, leading garden tours, collecting plant samples, answering phone questions, teaching youth programs, or whatever sparks your interest and utilizes your talents.
The Central Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Program is active in many communities across the region. If you are interested in becoming an Extension Master Gardener contact Elizabeth Exstrom at the Nebraska Extension in Hall County Office, 308-385-5088 or eexstrom2@unl.edu. The Central Nebraska Master Gardener Program will be offering classes in several different ways, in-person at the Hall County Extension office located in Grand Island, over zoom in the evenings, and through an online platform.
Articles by Nebraska Extension Horticulturist Elizabeth Exstrom
Holiday Plants are Festive
But beware: some of them are poisonous!
The holiday season is here, and with it come festive decorations and blooming holiday plants. While these plants brighten our homes, some have a more dangerous side. Think you know which holiday favorites are safe—and which ones aren’t?
Amaryllis
Amaryllis is stunning but often overlooked as one of the more toxic holiday plants. Sold as large bulbs, they grow into tall stalks topped with bold, trumpet-shaped flowers. The bulbs contain alkaloid lycorine, a gastrointestinal irritant, and are the most toxic part of the plant. Leaves and stems can also cause issues if eaten in large amounts.
Mistletoe
Kissing under the mistletoe may be a holiday tradition, but the plant itself is far from harmless. Real mistletoe, usually sold dried with its thick green leaves and white berries, is a parasitic plant. Ingesting even a few berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive problems. All parts of the plant are considered toxic—something to keep in mind before hanging it in your doorway.
Holly, Inkberry, and Yew
Plants with glossy green leaves and bright red berries are classic holiday décor, but many of them pack a toxic punch. Holly, inkberry (winterberry), and yew are all poisonous to pets and humans. Want the holly look without the risk? Try Oregon grape holly (Mahonia), it has similar foliage but produces harmless blue-purple berries.
Poinsettia
Poinsettias have long been rumored to be highly poisonous, but research shows otherwise. According to POISINDEX, a 50-pound child would need to consume more than 1.25 pounds of bracts—roughly 500–600 leaves—to reach harmful levels. Eating a few may cause mild stomach upset, and the sap can irritate sensitive skin, but poinsettias are not considered toxic.
Safer Holiday Options
If you prefer worry-free plants, consider Christmas cactusand kalanchoe, both listed as non-poisonous. Christmas cactus features flat, chain-like leaf pads with pink to red blooms, while kalanchoe offers clusters of bright flowers in many colors. Norfolk Island pine is another safe choice, bringing soft evergreen charm to indoor spaces, the worst risk is a gentle poke from its needles.
No matter what you display this season, it’s best to enjoy holiday plants with your eyes—not your taste buds.
Elizabeth Exstrom is the Horticulture Extension Educator with Nebraska Extension in Hall County. For more information contact Elizabeth at elizabeth.exstrom@unl.edu, her blog at http://huskerhort.com/, or HuskerHort on Facebook and Twitter.
Weather or Not
winter tips for tree and shrubs
Winter in Nebraska can be summed up in one word: unpredictable. No matter what the season brings, take advantage of any decent weather to tackle a few quick tasks that will keep your trees and shrubs in top shape.
Watering During Open Winters
Winters without snow may spare you from shoveling, but they can leave your landscape thirsty. When conditions are dry and temperatures are warmer than average, winter watering can give trees and shrubs the boost they need. Just like in summer, winter drought stress requires supplemental moisture.
On days when temperatures rise above 40°F, water once a week. Apply it slowly so it soaks into the top 12 inches of soil without running off. Avoid creating ice around the trunk or crown as temperatures drop overnight. Skip “root feeders” or deep-watering devices during winter, they’re not recommended this time of year.
Snow and Ice: Handle With Care
Heavy snow and ice can cause limbs to crack, split, or break. If ice builds up, let it melt naturally. If it’s safe, you may gently remove loose snow by supporting the limb from below and brushing snow off.
Do not dig snow away from shrubs, snow acts as an insulator, and shoveling can lead to broken branches. And never strike branches covered in ice or heavy snow; they’re brittle and can snap easily. After major storms, expect that some pruning may be needed.
Pruning During Dormancy
If mild weather arrives, check whether corrective pruning is necessary. Deciduous trees should be pruned while they are dormant, making structural issues easier to spot.
Avoid pruning during the spring “sap flow” period (April–May) and from mid-August until leaf drop to reduce the risk of decay. Focus on removing dead, diseased, damaged, or rubbing branches. Leave pruning wounds uncovered—wound paints and sealers trap moisture and can encourage rot.
Protecting Evergreens
Some evergreens, such as arborvitae and Japanese yew, benefit from winter protection—especially near sidewalks or driveways treated with de-icing salts. Create a simple wind or salt screen using canvas, burlap, or plastic on the south or west sides. If using burlap, keep the top open for ventilation.
Anti-desiccants like Wilt-Pruf can also help protect evergreens exposed to harsh winter winds.
A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
Taking time now to protect and maintain your trees and shrubs can mean less damage—and less work—when spring finally arrives.
Elizabeth Exstrom is the Horticulture Extension Educator with Nebraska Extension in Hall County. For more information contact Elizabeth at elizabeth.exstrom@unl.edu, her blog at http://huskerhort.com/, or HuskerHort on Facebook and Twitter.
Pests Among Us
Find more articles from Elizabeth at https://huskerhort.com/
UNL Lawn & Garden Publications
Looking for more information, contact the Buffalo County Extension 308-236-1235 for assistance.