Horticulture

Lisa Johnson grew up in Madison’s southwest side. Lisa’s mother and grandfather were avid gardeners, and her love of plant life was encouraged by high-school biology teacher Marilyn Hanson. Lisa earned her undergraduate degree in horticulture at UW-Madison and worked at various local garden centers and nurseries before returning to the UW for a graduate degree in Agricultural Communications. She started her Cooperative Extension career first in Milwaukee County before returning to Dane County. Lisa started the Teaching Garden at Dane County UWEX in 2004, as an outdoor classroom for master gardeners, children and the general public. When not gardening, she enjoys playing folk music on guitar, autoharp and bowed psaltry and sharing quality time with her cats.

Joe Muellenberg splits his work time between horticulture and nutrition education in Dane County. His 50% horticulture role includes working with school gardens and other community gardening projects, assisting with the Master Gardener program, and coordinating composting education. Joe is an active member of the GROW Coalition and the Madison Sweet Potato Project.