The Green Thumb
news & updates
for Polk County Master Gardeners
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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:
- The ISU Extension and Outreach face covering mandate continues through May 8, 2021. People must be able to maintain six feet of physical distance at events.
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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.
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
The Polk County Master Gardener’s ANNUAL PLANT SALE is happening May 15-16. (In addition to the plant sale at the Enabling Garden May 8th!). If you haven’t had the occasion to sign up to volunteer, now’s your chance! There are many opportunities to volunteer before, during and after the actual sale and this link will take you to the volunteer sign up system. A lot of coordination, organization and “man-hours” go into making this event the success that it is. Have you ever wondered who orchestrates this huge feat? That would be Isabella Hurless-Banks.
If you haven’t met Isabella, you’ll know her when you meet her by her Scottish accent. Her love of gardening comes from her Scottish family who were all accomplished amateur gardeners and her Irish grandfather who was the head gardener of a large estate in County Meath, Ireland—where Isabella spent the summers during her childhood. The plant sale is her specialty area as she has been a co-chair of the event for many years. Isabella joined PCMG in 2002—back in the days when you had to appear at the Extension Office and explain your interest in the program and then wait to be chosen to join.
I had to process Isabella’s comments when she stated, “I confess I was not entirely sure gardening in Iowa was going to be a success given the very cold winters and very hot summers. Daunting prospects for someone who grew up without ever needing to own a hose and never really worrying about things dying of cold. I figured the MG program would definitely increase my odds of success.” Read that again: “no need to own a garden hose … or worrying of things dying of the cold.” This program certainly did help Isabella find success. She has accumulated many of her volunteer hours planning and preparing for the plant sale as well as all the winter hours in the organization’s greenhouses starting and nurturing new plants.
The years of working in the greenhouse and coordinating the plant sale have provided an opportunity for Isabella to work alongside many knowledgeable and talented gardeners as well as to meet and learn alongside the new master gardeners seeking to fulfill their volunteer hours. With so many people contributing, the plant sale was able to grow substantially and raise funds to finance many PCMG projects.
Her hopes for the organization are that all Polk County Master Gardeners work together as a cohesive entity focused on the success of the entire group and all of our many projects, to find creative ways to engage our new MG's and to keep our established members active. And of course, Isabella would like to see the PCMG organization have a greenhouse again. She sees the greenhouse as a way to provide meaningful learning opportunities for new master gardeners and to actively engage established members, as well. A lot of knowledge, camaraderie, and success is fostered in that space. And, she says “if I’m being totally honest, I just really like hanging out in greenhouses in the winter!”
Join us at the PCMG Annual Plant Sale. Look for Isabella—and make some new friends!
See you in the garden—
Steering Committee Chair
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Horticulture Questions - We need your help!
With the closure of the Hortline, ISU and Polk County Extension are working on alternative ways to support consumer horticulture clients in our community.
We are looking for Master Gardeners who are interested in helping to answer horticulture and gardening questions from the public. Volunteers will utilize ISU Extension and other research-based resources to answer questions, and interact with the public via phone or email to deliver that information in a timely manner.
If you enjoy educating others, sharing information, and are looking for a volunteer opportunity you can do from home - let us know!
If you've previously filled out this form - thank you! You will receive further information this month.
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Plant Sale at the Demonstration Garden
92nd and Dewey Gibbs
Urbandale, IA 50322
Saturday, May 15th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, May 16th from 11:00am – 2:00pm
It is getting ever closer to our 2021 annual plant sale and in order to make it super successful we will need everyone’s help. To that end, we have some information for all of you and some requests to make.
VOLUNTEER SIGN UP
TABLES AND AWNINGS FOR USE AT THE SALE
The volunteer sign-up is also where you need to go to sign up if you can provide tables and/or awnings. These are two items we are still very short of so please help if you can. Tables will be protected with plastic cloths.
DONATIONS
We will accept donations for the sale at the garden on Thursday, May 13th and Friday, May 14th between 3:00 and 7:00pm. Plants should be marked with the name, color, height and exposure. Do not price your donations. This will be done by the committee.
POTS AND PLANT MARKERS
If you have any extra pots after digging and dividing your own donations notify a co-chair of their availability. We ask that you retain your extras and if they are needed we will contact you about where to drop off. If you are in need of pots please contact one of the Co-chairs listed below. Plant markers for your use will be bundled and available in the mailbox near the Demo garden shed. We encourage you to use our supply as it keeps things consistent.
OTHER GARDEN ITEMS
Please contact Isabella if you have gently used garden items to donate. Because of space considerations, she will be able to determine if we can accept them.
PLASTIC BAGS
This is a much-needed item for both the regular sale but also critical for the Facebook Sale pick-up. We estimate we will need about 1000 bags. Please advise one of the co-chairs if you will have a contribution.
FLATS
If you are donating cardboard flats for the sale please wait and bring them on Saturday morning.
FACEBOOK PLANT SALE
Shop Online May 7 – 11th
*Unless Sold Out Earlier
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Enabling Garden
CREATING COMMUNITY: “What grows in a garden, so lovely and fair? Daffodils and Daisies and people grow there.” Quote by Terry Kay. If you were involved in Enabling Garden’s 2021 plant sale, you will identify with that statement. Cumulative hours of preparation and involvement were so many, they will never be totally accounted for. It is now behind us, but this year took the prize for organization, shared yards and gardens, plant varieties, operational ideas, turn-out of new interns, and those who’ve been with the Enabling Garden for years. Tending a designated spot is one thing; a true spirit of community happens when you link yourself with others for a common cause to benefit others. Coming together is the beginning; staying together is progress; working together is success. Quote by Henry Ford. A huge THANK YOU to so many. PS: We’re not done yet! Another plant sale is ahead of us. Read further.
MAY 8TH POLK COUNTY MASTER GARDENER’S SALE: (noon to 2:00 PM): STRICTLY A FACEBOOK SALE. Thanks to an early spring, many perennials have already been dug, potted and set aside. Donations have come from both Discovery Garden and Enabling Garden volunteers. We will be selling Daylilies, Hostas and Grasses. To purchase from this sale please join the Enabling Garden Facebook page.
NEW INTERNS & INACTIVE VOLUNTEERS: Please consider a visit to the Enabling Garden on our Tuesday evening work nights. Feel Free to call or email one of the chairs so we know you’re coming (listed below). Like a bouquet of assorted flowers hanging out in a vase together, we’re a mix of all ages, backgrounds, and years of experience. Whether bright sunny extroverts or shade blooming introverts, we bring out the best in each other.
WORK NIGHTS: They are now in full swing; every Tuesday evening. Arrive anytime after 4:00 PM. The cowbell rings around 6:00 PM. We take a break for snack or sack lunch (bring your own) and announcements. Community and connection; you can’t have one without the other.
ANNUALS ARRIVE: Tuesday evening, May 11th. This is also a work evening. Spring bulbs and blooms are saying goodbye for the season; warmer days and nights mean bare spots need some color. Come and help us pop these pretty plants into the ground.
“OH, THOSE WONDERFUL HERBS!” Educational talks are back. Save the date. Tuesday, May 25th, 6:00 PM. If you arrive earlier to work an hour or two, be prepared to lay down the tools and join us. Your own lawn chair is optional. Our beloved Master Gardener, Nancy Eichmann, will share with us her experience and love of herbs. Herbs are proclaimed as unsung heroes; an overlooked treasure so often neglected. They produce multiple benefits and enhance flavor in recipes. If you’re still in the mindset of ‘just salt and pepper will do’, this discussion is for you. Nancy’s focus will cover aspects of growing herbs, using them in recipes, and various ways of preserving them.
EVER-LEARNING: Every living thing desires to reproduce itself. Weeds keep growing. Invasive plants love to travel. Drought brings on watering chores. Vegetables demand frequent attention. Maintenance is never-ending. If plant selection and design are more of a puzzle than a delight, and your strengths and desires are found in cleanup and maintenance, there will always be a place for you in the garden. Let’s call them Roamers and Rovers; men who do not claim a spot of their own, but assist others with tough jobs; digging, hauling, lifting, and carrying. Weeding Fairies; people who just love to weed, and given permission, will keep your area clean. Our aim? Keep you interested, valued, and ever-learning.
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”…..Audrey Hepburn
Submitted by Ruth O’Connor
Co-Chairs:
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Demonstration Garden
Welcome spring!
Thank you to all our volunteers that participated in our recent spring clean-up days and perennial divide for the plant sale. We appreciate your giving of your time and talent.
Join us on May 10th for our first work night, start time 5pm. During the month of May we will meet both Monday and Thursday evenings. If that window of time does not work for you, please contact one of the co-chairs about other options. We are still looking for a number of volunteers to band together and take on some of the beds.
A PCMG spring plant sale will be held at the garden on May 15th and 16th. Additional information is contained in a separate article.
Looking ahead to our summer education program we have secured the following speakers and topics.
- June 10th: Barry Law - Care and Maintenance of Dwarf Conifers
- June 17th: Derek McKay - Zone Pushing
- June 24th: Marcia Leeper – Blooming Foliage
- July 1st: Betty Mathers - Nature Prints with Wild Flowers
- July 8th: Allie Delany (Renovation Jungle) - Houseplants
We look forward to seeing you in the garden.
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Discovery Garden
Greetings all and Happy Spring. Hope you are all doing well and getting ready for our 2021 Garden Season.
Here are some key tentative dates which are subject to change depending on the weather.
- Garden Cleanup, 5/5 with an alternative date of 5/12
- Plant Deliveries to the Garden 5/14
- Garden Plant Dates 5/19 with an alternative date of 5/26
- Mulch Delivery the week of 6/9
- Pork Expo 6/10-6/12. We may be locked out of the fairgrounds during those dates
- Good Guys Car Show. We may be locked out of the fairgrounds during those dates.
- Fair shift signup for Discovery Garden Team Members starting on 7/5
- Fair shift signup for other MG's starting 7/12
- Pre Fair celebration 8/4
- Iowa State Fair 8/12-8/22
- Summer Class Schedule will be announced at a later date.
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Program Committee
Thank you to everyone who attended our Zoom education sessions. By attending or viewing all, you can/did complete your 10-hour requirement for education hours. Let's hope we can have our in-person events next year!
Our speakers were:
Tivon Feeley 92 signed up
Aaron Steil 81 signed up
Jordon Scheibel & Dr. Lina Lina Rodriguez-Salamanca 77 signed up
Dr. Thomas Rosberg 90 signed up
Did you miss previous Program Nights?
Check out these recorded presentations:
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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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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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Community Volunteer Opportunity - Bondurant
Anderson Elementary in Bondurant is looking for Master Gardeners to help with their veggie garden plots and work with their youth gardening club! Volunteers will work with students in a club setting twice a month during the summer months, and help maintain the plots for teaching purposes. If you are interested, email Kalsa to be connected with project leaders!
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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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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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