The Green Thumb
news & updates
for Polk County Master Gardeners
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A Loss in Our Community
Carol Visser, long-time Polk County Master Gardener volunteer, passed away in her home on Feb. 15th. Carol volunteered in many projects during her time as a Master Gardener, including the former greenhouse projects, and the Enabling Garden. Carol was married to Mel Visser, also a Polk County Master Gardener, until his passing in 2019. Both achieved Lifetime status with the Master Gardener Program.
The obituary for Carol can be found at this website, including where you can express condolences and information on planting a memorial tree.
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Message Regarding Covid-19
ISU Extension and Outreach, Polk County is working to adhere to local, state and national recommendations to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Our priority is the health and safety of our staff, volunteers and program participants.
Volunteer guidance in accordance with ISU:
- In accordance with the governor’s proclamation, extension indoor programs and events are limited to 15 people, and outdoor programs and events are limited to 30 people. These limits apply to all extension-related activities, including activities of 4-H clubs and volunteers, Master Gardeners, and other extension volunteers. Masks are required when participating in extension-related activities.
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No prepared food can be served, sold or provided by staff, volunteers or participants at any county extension hosted program or activity regardless of the program or activity location. Prepared food examples include: prepared food fundraisers, food stands selling prepared food, and activities such as barbecues, potlucks, etc. Individually pre-packaged food (ex. individually wrapped granola bars, bottles of water) can be provided.
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The Open for Iowa committee will continue to monitor how the pandemic is impacting our organization and how to best implement the guidelines from the governor.
In-person gatherings relating to the Master Gardener Program are highly discouraged. You may want to host MG meetings online. Please work with the MG coordinator to set this up. People who are at higher risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19 should consider staying home and limiting contact with others. Those populations include older individuals (over the age of 65) or with underlying health conditions. To view a list of higher risk populations, view the CDC website.
A reminder that participating in Master Gardener volunteer opportunities is not obligatory at any time. While some garden activities continue on a small scale, and within guidelines placed by our local health department, ISU, and ISU Extension, we recognize that you may not feel comfortable participating in any activity during the current situation, and that is accepted. The health and safety of our volunteers and participants remains our highest priority during this time. If you have concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to contact Kalsa Parker Browning, the contact for the Polk County Master Gardener program at kparker@iastate.edu or 515-401-6068, or Paul Gibbins, Regional Director for Polk County Extension at pgibbins@iastate.edu or 515-229-9182.
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ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County is committed to sharing pertinent information from the Polk County Health Department regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. At this time vaccine supply is still limited so we encourage residents to check out the Polk County Health Department website (available in Spanish here) or their Facebook page (@polkcohealth) for the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out and eligibility.
Additionally, for seniors 65 and over in Polk County without a computer or internet access OR for our non-English speakers, Polk County Health has opened a help-line, (515) 323-5221, to answer questions regarding how to schedule a vaccine appointment.
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Message from Steering Committee Chair
and PCMG Volunteer Feature
With the frigid temperatures of late and the overwhelming piles of snow everywhere we look, it’s hard to imagine a bright, colorful spring is ahead. But that is exactly nature’s plan. We are to rest and regenerate during these gray days and be ready to work the earth when the soil warms. One thing I like to engage in during this time is learning about gardening and planning gardening projects for when the time comes. I absolutely appreciate the learning opportunities provided by the PCMG Extension Office. And I appreciate the Chair of the Program Committee, Mary Poulter.
Mary has always been an educator—elementary classroom teacher and school principal. In her retirement, she serves on the Colfax-Mingo school board and on the Board of Directors for Iowa Association of School Boards—a state-level organization. It makes sense, then, that Mary would become involved in the learning opportunities and events hosted by PCMG. In this role, Mary is purposeful in surveying her audience, using that information to plan for and secure the services of experts in the role of horticulture and conservation practices, and delivering (both face-to-face and via virtual platforms) learning opportunities that all PCMGs can engage in. I also thank Mary and her team for continuing with the pot luck meals back in the good old days! I always associate our program nights with the meal and fellowship of those learning events.
As you can imagine, Mary gains most of her volunteer hours by working on the program committee and other events. She also volunteers at the Enabling Garden and particularly the Children’s Art Event. Mary earns most of her education hours through the program events, but appreciates the opportunity to learn from online programming as well.
Mary hopes that PCMG can continue to support the garden projects that they currently support and that the organization continues to cultivate strong leaders for those projects. In five years, Mary would like the organization to be both financially and volunteer strong! If you’d like to suggest topics for program consideration, know someone that could present on a topic of interest or contribute to the program committee in some way, please contact Mary Poulter (poultermk76@gmail.com).
Steering Committee Chair
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Program Committee
Additional Virtual Program Nights in March! - Mark your calendars!
Live Online Educational Opportunities:
Tuesday, March 9: 6-7:30 p.m. Aaron Steil will do a session on Success with Houseplants
Sign up here! You will be sent a Zoom link a day or two before the presentation.
Thursday, March 25: 6-7:30 p.m. Dr. Lina Rodriguez-Salamanca, plant pathologist with ISU Extension, will do a plant related session (topic to be announced). Sign up here!
Thursday, April 8: 6-9 p.m.Thomas Rosburg Iowa plant adaptations (focus on Iowa species & Iowa's threatened and endangered plants. Sign up here!
Did you miss the Feb. Program Night?
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Downtown Farmers' Market
We’ve recently received word that, due to COVID precautions, the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market will initially include only fresh produce and artisan-packaged food booths when the Market opens in May 2021. We’ll schedule Farmers’ Market appearances by the Polk County Master Gardeners when, and if, that rule is relaxed as the season proceeds. We’ll let you know with a Green Thumb announcement when and if that happens, so you can volunteer for open spots. In the meantime, thanks for your patience.
Co-chairs:
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Demonstration Garden
Think Spring! Although there is significant snow cover at the time of writing, the days continue to grow longer. Early seeds have been started putting those shop lights to use.
The co-chairs have been busy planning for the year. In addition to adjusting our schedule for Covid limitations, we have learned that Valerius Elementary school demolition will begin later this summer which would impact the school parking lot for late-season events. Events targeted for the coming months include:
April 1st (Thursday) - Spring Kick Off Meeting via Zoom, start time 6:30pm. During this meeting the co-chairs will review opportunities at the garden, events for the season, planned projects, etc.
April 17th (Saturday) - The annual spring clean up is scheduled for Saturday, April 17th. Start time 9am. Arrive when you can, leave when you must. The following week (24th) is our rain date.
May 10th - Our first work night is tentatively scheduled for Monday the second Monday evening of the month. Needless to say this is dependent on weather forecast and frost potential.
May Date TBD - Watch for future communications on the topic of a plant sale at the Demonstration Garden. Once a date is confirmed more details will be provided regarding volunteer opportunities.
June/July - The summer education series returns in 2021 on Thursday evenings, beginning at 7pm. Confirmed dates and presenters include the following:
- June 10th - Barry Law (Quilted Gardens) - Care and Maintenance of Dwarf Conifers.
- June 17th- Derek McKay (Ted Lare) - Zone Pushing.
- June 24th - Marcia Leeper - Blooming Foliage.
- July 1st - Betty Mathers - Nature Prints With Wiildflowers
If you have an interest in orchard maintenance, we are looking for individuals that can assist in providing organic sprays to the fruit trees and also also assist in removing water sprouts up until July. Notify a co-chair if you would like to volunteer.
The Demonstration Garden has several beds in need of assistance this coming season. a Co-chair would be happy to discuss options with you.
Please stay safe, stay healthy and we hope to meet you in the garden soon.
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Discovery Garden
Greetings all hope you are all thinking spring as much as we are. All plant materials for the spring 2021 have been ordered and we are monitoring in case of any shortages.
Our co-chairs will be meeting sometime in March to set our goals, planned dates and agenda for the spring, summer and fall. In case any of you have any questions or agenda items that you would like discussed, please contact any co-chair.
Any new master gardeners still wanting to volunteer at the fairgrounds this spring and summer?
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Enabling Garden
INTRODUCTION: My name is Ruth O’Connor, your new informant for the Green Thumb. Christine Barker has ‘sat in this seat’ for many years. On behalf of EG volunteers we are so grateful for her many contributions and appreciate her continued leadership.
A bit about me: I’ve lived in Altoona with my husband, Larry for 44 years. Six children; 10 grandchildren. This year will be my 18th year with the Enabling Garden. Yes, that dates me, but I can’t help but recall what I’ve witnessed since the Garden’s inception in 2002. Such humble beginnings. We were few in numbers; both plots and people; size and strength. Hats off to our initial visionary, Paula Winslow, my mentor and dear friend.
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A WINTER VISIT: Living just a block from the garden, I decided to take a look one bitter cold day. Thankfully, the city kept the trail cleaned. If gardens ignite your senses, this visit ignited my heart. Solitude, serene, naked and bare; beauty in a class all its own. No critters were stirring; no, not even a bird. Not a single human footprint marred the landscape, obviously in part due to snow depth and continuing frigid temperatures. Signage on the large rock at the front of the garden was covered with snow as if to say, “Temporarily closed. Check back soon.”
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LATE FALL PROJECTS: Expect to be surprised if you’ve not been in the Garden since late October. There is a new fence around the Children’s Garden, new arbor/bench with improved path, new compost bins, plus Rain Garden renovation. These accomplishments largely due to the efforts of Mike and Eva Henderson plus help from others.
UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Come join us in the Enabling Garden - whether years of gardening experience, newbies, friends of friends, or someone with extra time on their hands; you’re welcome. We value your presence and we’ll grow and learn together. Winter clean-up means going over every square inch of ground. Typical tasks are self explanatory, varied and numerous. It might be pruning shrubs, cleaning flower and vegetable beds, digging and dividing perennials, pushing a wheelbarrow, moving compost and mulch, trimming grasses, bagging debris or participating in preparations for spring plant sales. We suggest you wear some garden gloves and perhaps bring a hand tool or two.
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CLEAN-UP DATES: Depending on the weather, tentatively scheduled for Saturdays, March 27, April 24, and May 1. We’ll begin at noon.
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WORK NIGHTS: Every Tuesday, beginning May 4. Plants arrive May 11. Early gardeners arrive around 4:00 PM, but let it fit your schedule. This year we will take a break and gather at the pergola at 6:00 PM for a meet, greet & eat. This is a time for announcements and sharing information. Seating is limited so bring a lawn chair and social distance. I still maintain that food is the ‘glue’ that builds friendships and creates family. Therefore we encourage you to bring a snack or sack lunch. Please wear a name tag.
UPCOMING PLANT SALES
Enabling Garden sales on Saturday, April 17, Noon-4:00 PM (Rain date April 18)
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1. Facebook Perennials- (Pick up reserved plants NOON to 1:30) Sale is limited to 10-12 specific plants. The will include a variety of Grasses and unique Daylilies seldom found in local garden centers. Plants will be coming from the Enabling Garden and private home gardens. To reserve plants, one must join Enabling Garden’s Facebook page for on-going information.
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2. A-Z Perennials- (Shop 1:30-4:00) From Amsonia to Zebra Grass, you’re likely to find it here. These will be dug from the Enabling Garden and private home gardens.
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3. Garden Flea Market (Shop 1:30-4:00) Items must be clean and in good condition. Suggestions: Garden tools, gardening books & magazines, pots/containers, and yard art. To allow time to label, price and organize, contributions must be in the hands of the Goshorns one week in advance of sale date. Drop-off details will be given at a later date or check with the Goshorns.
One Day Sale at the Enabling Garden – Saturday May 8, 2021 (noon to 2:00)
Strictly a FACEBOOK SALE with funds supporting annual operational costs of Polk County Master Gardener projects. These include the Enabling Garden, Discovery Garden, Demonstration Garden, Art in the Garden, Bus Trips, Garden Tour, Farmers’ Market booth, Plant Sales, and Program Committee expenses. HOSTAS and DAYLILIES will headline this sale. One or two other perennials may be included. Watch for further details in April’s Green Thumb or This and That.
Get involved - volunteer!
There’s a task for everyone, please contact a co-chair or event organizer if you are interested in volunteering. Lots of advance digging, dividing, and labeling will be necessary. Success on the day of the sale will ultimately be attributed to full attention given in preparation and organization.
EDUCATIONAL TALKS: Save the dates. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM at the Garden. Seating space is limited so we suggest you bring a lawn chair.
May 25 - 6:00 pm - Oh, Those Wonderful Herbs – Nancy Eichmann
June 15 - 6:00 pm - Those Savvy Succulents – Mamta Israni
July 13 - 6:00 pm - Vegetable Gardening – Eva Henderson
July 20 - 6:00 pm - Children’s Art in the Garden
Aug 24 - 6:00 pm - Heirloom Tomatoes – Bill & Judy Goshorn
Sept 11 - TBD - Private Tour to Snyder Heritage Farm for any and all MGs
Sept 14 - 6:00 pm - What’s New in the Rain Garden – Eva Henderson
RESIDENT’S CHOICE AWARD
East Polk County residents were invited to vote on their favorites with winners listed in the January issue of LIVING magazine. The Enabling Garden took honors as runner-up in two categories. 1. Best place for a mother/child date spot. (Spending time together.) 2. Best place for a picnic. That tells me that volunteers are not only privileged to be growing plants and flowers, but also growing memories and relationships.
I leave you with a teaser. Over one thousand new flowering bulbs will be showing off their colors in the Enabling Garden this spring. It’s sure to be a show-stopper. You’ll want to visit often and bring a camera.
Co-Chairs:
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We are looking for a leadership team for the Garden Tour! The next tour will take place in 2022, but there is plenty of planning and organizing that can be done this year to prepare.
Are you interested in making an impact in our community by leading this event? Share your time and talents with us! Leadership teams and co-organizers are very welcome (grab a friend within PCMG!).
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Continuing Education Opportunities
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Iowa Master Gardener YouTube Channel
Check out these new additions!
- Increasing Wetland Vegetation throughout Iowa - 1 hour
- Becoming an Urban Water Steward - 1 hour
- Forest Impacts to Water Quality - 1 hour
Review concepts from the MG Training with these webinars:
- Plant Pathology - 1 hour
- The Nature of Native Plants - 1 hour
- Botany - 1 hour
- Insect Pest Management - 1 hour
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Learn on Saturdays
The Learn on Saturdays series at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens
is going virtual!
In 2021, catch one lecture each Saturday through April.
More info and tickets can be found online:
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Polk County Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources programs aim to help all Iowans, from the home hobbyist to the ag professional, make informed decisions through research-based education. Some programs and focus areas include farm management education, technical expertise for crops, livestock and pests, as well as our Polk County Master Gardener volunteer program; our signature horticulture education program. Our work supports clean water and healthy habitats, profitable farms, and a more secure food system.
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Contact
Kalsa Parker Browning
Natural Resources Program Coordinator
ISU Extension and Outreach, Polk County
(515) 957-5768
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