The Green Thumb
news & updates
for Polk County Master Gardeners
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CORRECTION:
The educational talks at the Demonstration Garden will start at 7pm. (The previous article had this incorrectly listed as 5pm).
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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:
- ISU Extension and Outreach no longer has a face covering or social distancing mandate.
- Whether someone is wearing a face covering – or is not wearing a face-covering – should not be used as an indication of their vaccination status. A person who is vaccinated may choose to continue wearing a face covering for other health or personal reasons. We ask all members of the ISU Extension community to be respectful and supportive of others’ right to wear a face covering, and to not ask others about their vaccination status.
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Prepared food restrictions have been lifted. Safe food handling is still a priority for ISU Extension and Outreach.
- We have returned to our pre-COVID policies regarding food/hospitality.
- Yes, this means that potlucks can return!
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Please refer to the Food Safety for County Offices document dated May 4, 2021, from Human Sciences, for food handling safety procedures and expectations for extension staff and volunteers.
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The latest information can be found on the Open for Iowa website.
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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
As the steering committee chair, I was tasked with writing an article each month for the Green Thumb. I thought I came up with an original idea to highlight a PCMG project leader in my writing—I came to find out that was a pretty common practice! I have also learned so much about the people that coordinate and lead the volunteer efforts of this organization. My time as chair will be up in the fall and this month I’m pleased to introduce you to the incoming chair of the PCMG steering committee: Eddie Robinson, Jr.
Eddie, his parents and eleven siblings moved to Iowa from Arkansas. He graduated from Des Moines Public Schools and the University of Northern Iowa and has completed graduate work across the US and in Europe. Eddie is fluent in Spanish and has served as an interpreter for both the legal and medical systems here in central Iowa.
His interest in PCMG started with his experience managing the Drake Neighborhood Farmers' Market. Eddie is presently on the Drake Neighborhood Association Board of Directors, and The Task Force for Food Security. He had much encouragement from current and past PCMGs so he decided to become involved in the program. He spends many hours teaching neighbors and friends gardening techniques at the Drake Neighborhood Community Garden. Eddie gains his volunteer hours by providing lectures on small plot gardening, morel mushroom identification lectures and presentations on various gardening topics. Like the rest of us, his education hours come from webinars, online classes and the program nights that are offered at the Extension Office in Altoona.
Eddie would like to see our “membership” grow exponentially and for the organization to obtain a greenhouse to continue the tradition of hands-on education and work experiences. He has an exciting and potentially innovative year ahead of him as the chair of the steering committee. We’re back to face-to-face meetings; the actual classes will be delivered online; and, the steering committee is investigating the possibility of adding definition to some of the organizations’ operating procedures. Find Eddie Robinson the next time we’re all together and ask about his Drake neighborhood projects. He has a wealth of information to share and his leadership experiences will be a benefit to our efforts.
See you in the garden—
Steering Committee Chair
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Community Volunteer Opportunity -
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
These volunteer opportunities at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offer Master Gardeners the opportunity to both share and expand their knowledge:
Garden Coach
This new program works with non-profit organizations that currently do or would like to incorporate plant based programming to those they serve but may not have the know how to do so. The program pairs knowledgeable volunteer “coaches” with staff and/or those who will be gardening to provide information and training on best practices, planning, problem solving and more. This could be in vegetable, annual or perennial gardening. Volunteers have access to a resource library and may also consult with the program coordinator, other Garden Coaches, and the staff at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
Garden Host
This role supports guests looking for information while visiting the Botanical Garden. Garden Hosts are trained to know a little bit about many aspects of the Garden and provided resources to learn more about many specific plants and gardens. This position is gratifying for those who enjoy visiting with and assisting others. It is a great way to learn about many of the plants and activities available at the Garden and help others truly enjoy their visit.
Tour Guides
In the near future the Botanical Garden will resume both pre-scheduled and weekend walk-in tours. Volunteers are trained to share stories of how the Garden developed and future plans for growth. They also learn to share information about many familiar and unusual plants. Although a basic tour format and script are provided, volunteers are encouraged to weave in their favorite stories and plant information as well.
All three roles offer flexibility in scheduling although many Garden Hosts or Tour Guides schedule themselves for regular shifts. The positions provide those who have completed their Master Gardener training to share what they have learned and encourage others to develop an interest in the plant world. To read the position description of each role go to: https://www.dmbotanicalgarden.com/support/volunteer/
To indicate your interest in a position, fill out the volunteer application below the position descriptions. Volunteers are interviewed and information about training requirements for the roles will be discussed. For more information or if you have questions, email volunteer@dmbotanicalgarden.com or call 515.323.6293.
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Demonstration Garden
We are thankful for the rain received. While not out of drought conditions, it is a much-improved situation. The early June heatwave has been broken (for the moment).
The drought has created some watering challenges. If you find that you have occasional mornings available to water and wish to get in some volunteer hours, please contact a co-chair. We will educate you on the use of the hoses and where our greatest need may be each week.
Speaking of volunteer hours, join us Monday evenings. Start time 5pm. Arrive when you can, leave when you must. We could use your assistance in keeping the plantings maintained and the weeds under control.
Our summer garden talks returned this last month. There will be three opportunities at the garden for education hours in July. All are free and open to the public so grab your lawn chair and join us at 7pm for the following:
- July 1st: Betty Mathers - Nature Prints with Wild Flowers
- July 8th: Allie Delany - Houseplants
- July 22nd: Derek McKay - Zone Pushing (postponed and rescheduled from the June date due to excessive heat)
We look forward to seeing you in the garden.
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Discovery Garden
The garden has now been planted and mulched and we are in maintenance mode to keep things hydrated and weeded in prep for the State Fair.
If you are interested in working a shift as a host in the garden during the state fair, you can email Jean Roe starting on 7/4 at ljroe@q.com or send an email to our Discovery Garden gmail: discoverygardenpcmg@gmail.com. We typically host 4-hour shifts, 8-noon, noon to 4:00 and 4:00 to 8:00. This has always been a fun and exciting experience for all MGs.
Classes for July which are free and open to the public include:
- 7/7: a tour of Lavender Life Farm in Pleasant Hill which is a 5-10 minute drive from the Discovery Garden. This tour will take place after our regular Wednesday evening work session starting at 6:00. People can carpool from the garden directly if they wish. If you have questions about the tour, you can contact co-chair Joyce Carle: carlejec@mchi.com
- 7/14 class on Sharpening and care of your garden tools with Butch Snyder
Classes are hosted in the Farm Bureau Shelter just east of the garden.
Discovery Garden has a 5' cement bench to give away if anyone is interested. You can contact any co-chair if interested discoverygardenpcmg@gmail.com
Take care all and hope you have a chance to visit the garden in August.
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Enabling Garden
“ENCHANTING” ENABLING GARDEN: Enchanting? In my 18 years with the garden, I’ve not heard that description. But see it? Sense it? Absolutely! It’s being played out over and over in the expressions and behaviors of children who visit the garden. Imagine if you will, approaching the blue bridge from the south end of the garden. You witness a 6-year-old’s reenactment of the three goats from the book, “Three Billy Goats Gruff”. Before passing over, each goat must confront a very mean troll living under the bridge. Obviously, the mother noticed my facial expression and provided a bit more clarity. Yes, the garden is enchanting, charming, and delightful!
Altoona’s Chamber of Commerce also chose “Enchanting” to advertise the Wine and Craft Beer Fest held at the Enabling Garden on Friday evening, June 4th. They reported over 500 tickets were sold in advance, plus 100 walk-ins. This was a huge party played out on the colorful stage of the Enabling Garden. Numerous vendors with tables and tents were set up in the grassy areas at both ends of the garden. Hy-Vee offered a loaded table of beautifully arranged snacks at the garden’s main entrance. This event is meant to be a showcase of Iowa Breweries and Wineries where you can sample and taste to your heart’s delight and mingle with friends for three hours. I pass along the Chamber’s message to all volunteers: “The garden is so beautiful and your efforts are much appreciated by those of us in the business community and central Iowa.”
A BEAUTIFUL LIVING MEMORIAL: An ‘Ann Magnolia’ tree was donated by the Elder Corporation along with family and friends in memory of Ann Moyna. At 54 years of age, Ann died May 5th, a few months after being diagnosed with cancer. Ann received Altoona Chamber’s Citizen of the Year award in 2019. This alone speaks of a very dedicated and generous lady to her community and to her church. The tree was planted in a sunny spot to the left of a brown bench on the east side of the garden. A dedication ceremony occurred one week later; a plaque in her honor was placed at the base of the tree. A number of gardeners were privileged to participate in both the planting and dedication.
CHILDREN’S ART IN THE GARDEN: Save the date! Tuesday, 6:00-8:00 PM, July 20th. It has always been our most popular family event and you can still be involved. Contact Marlene Olson at 515-681-6344 or email at olsonolson2@gmail.com. Attendance climbed to 250 in 2019; 40 of whom were volunteers. This year eight different art stations will be set up from one end of the garden to another. In addition, we’re trying out a couple of new ideas. Our very own Master Gardener, Teri Weeks, will interact with children through music and songs. Also, the Extension Office will be doing a Story Walk using the book, “THE COLOR MONSTER”; A Story about Emotions, by Anna Llenas.
SCAVENGER HUNTS: The Enabling Garden is a popular place for this activity. Recently I was met by Grandpa and Grandma and their eight grandchildren; ages 3 to 15. “What’s happening?”, I asked. “It’s Grandparent’s Camp”, Grandma replied. Each child carried a clipboard holding two sheets of paper with 18 photos. They showed me the pictures. This hunt was all about objects; not flowers. Curiosity got the best of me so I hung around to observe. The older ones gathered together, showing little enthusiasm for the hunt. The three-year-old stayed with Grandpa; more awed than really into it. Most of the others were on the run, searching for the pictured items. One proudly showed me all the items he had X’d out. “Most kids have technology, school and extracurricular activities covered. It’s time to add a pinch of adventure, a sprinkle of sunshine, and a big handful of outdoor play”. By Penny Whitehouse.
VEGETABLES, ETC: We love them. We have our favorites. They’re a basic and healthy mainstay of our diet. There are so many components to the topic of growing vegetables and only one hour to do so. Master Gardener Eva Henderson oversees Enabling Garden’s vegetable area. She will cover tips of the trade that many of us may overlook or skip over; information that could lead to healthier plants and greater yields. Save the date for our next educational talk; Tuesday, July 13th at 6:00 PM.
SUPPERTIME; Y'ALL COME: When? Tuesday evenings; listen for the bell at 6:00. We love our potluck suppers! (See photo.) Each week, two or three people collaborate on the menu. “Good friends; good food; good times!” New guidelines have opened up this opportunity again and we are grateful. The only exception is when an educational talk is scheduled; then a sack lunch is suggested.
CARE-TAKERS WELCOME: Several garden spots are open for adoption; others could use an assistant or two. Are you a new intern still trying to find your niche? Or perhaps you were forced to take some time away from volunteering, and are now looking to rejoin the ranks. Please visit us on a Tuesday evening anytime after 4:00, or get in touch with one of the chairs.
COMPLIMENTS BORROWED FROM FACEBOOK: 1. “Best crew in town; that’s for sure. Thank you so much for taking such great care of this beautiful park.” 2.. “Many thanks for all you do. I just wish I were in Iowa to enjoy it.” 3. “You guys rock!”
Submitted by Ruth O’Connor
Co-Chairs:
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Beaverdale Farmers' Market
The Polk County Master Gardeners will have an information booth at the Beaverdale Farmers Market! We will be present at the market on the first Tuesday of the month:
- July 6th
- August 3rd
- September 7th
The booth is staffed from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Set up starts at 3:45 p.m. We generally work in 1.5 hour shifts.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Mary Gannon at mtccgannon@gmail.com or 515.201.3756!
Thank you!
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Downtown Farmers' Market
The Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market is incrementally returning to normal, but the Polk County Master Gardener Booth has not yet been invited to return. We’ll schedule Farmers’ Market appearances by the Polk County Master Gardeners once that happens, and we’ll let you know with a Green Thumb announcement, so you can volunteer for open spots.
In the meantime, thanks for your patience.
Co-chairs:
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Continuing Education Opportunities |
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Learn about Rain Gardens with the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens and the Polk Soil and Water Conservation District!
Special thanks to Julie and the Botanical Gardens for letting us share this resource with our Master Gardeners!
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Did you miss the winter/spring Program Nights?
Check out these recorded presentations:
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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 about mushrooms, how to identify them, best hunting practices, and common fungi found in the spring across Iowa! Videos feature Dr. Lina Rodriguez-Salamanca from the ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic.
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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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