Over the Garden Gate Monthly Newsletter Clinton County Master Gardeners

Transcription

1 Over the Garden Gate Monthly Newsletter Clinton County Master Gardeners Volume 2 Issue 7 July 2011 Editors: Ralph Stanford and Nora Stanford. Addresses: nora161@mchsi.com Published on the first Monday of the month. To submit an article it must be sent by as a Microsoft Word attachment to the above address. To be accepted for publication in the next newsletter, articles must be received 10 days before the first Monday of the month. Articles will be accepted or rejected at the discretion of the editors. Editor-in-training is MG Carol Machael. For the next month, please send all information to be included to Carol at cgm104@hotmail.com, as well as Ralph and Nora. A Note From Your Chairman There was a major Master Gardener event in May that I failed to comment on in the June news letter. That was the Plant Sale. The total amount raised from the sale was $3164. This number is down from recent years, but considering the weather that weekend this is a great number. Thank you to all who worked the sale or contributed plants for the sale. A special thanks to Stan Bates and Brenda Council for chairing the sale. As noted in the last news letter, July brings the Clinton County Fair and Master Gardener day at the fair. That day will be July 13. All Master Gardeners are urged to attend. There will be a Container Contest, a noon lunch, and education seminars after lunch. You will be able to receive education hours for the seminars. This is a great chance to get to better know members of the organization. Admission to the fair that day is free, and each Master Gardener will receive two tickets for lunch. Margo Hansen, director at the Arb, and one who sells at the farmers markets talked to the education committee about the fact that many people who attend farmers markets purchase items but do not know how to prepare or store items. The education committee worked this winter putting together a recipe book to be handed out at local farmers markets. Size of the book is about 3 x 4 and covers produce from asparagus to turnips. Each page has the name of a vegetable, and then sub headings of Storage, Recipe, and Hints. If you think about it, many who attend farmers markets hear about the value of fresh produce, but did not grow up with gardens like the generations before. The Extension Council has appropriated money to use in landscaping the front of the Extension Office in DeWitt. Bill Gustafson designed the plan. The Extension Council agreed with the plan at their June meeting. The Advisory Board discussed doing the work some time in August. Master Gardeners and the Extension Council will provide the labor. Continued on next page

2 Volume 2 Issue 7 Page 2 July 2011 A Note From Your Chairman Continued from previous page LeAnne and I attended the Garden Walk today. Very Nice. Thank you to committee chairperson, Kathy Sander, and committee members Nora Stanford and Norma McDonnell. Also thanks to our members who opened their gardens to the residents of Clinton and the surrounding area, and to those who hosted/sold tickets at each site. Kathy said that about 120 people attended. In this issue there are several articles detailing Master Gardener involvement during the Clinton County Fair. Consider attending the fair and entering the Vegetable Contest or the Container Contest. Hope to see you at the Fair Willard Chairperson The Clinton County Master Gardeners 2011 garden walk was a huge success this year. A big THANK YOU to my committee Norma McDonnell, Nora Stanford, and Ralph Stanford. Also I would like to thank the Master Gardeners who donated their gardens and the volunteers the day of the walk. We made $ towards the Master Gardeners scholarship fund. Chairman Kathy Sander Puzzle The OVER THE GARDEN GATE PUZZLE CONTEST which runs each month has received as FIRST PRIZE a contribution of a monthly $25.00 Gift certificate from PAULS DISCOUNT STORE. This contest is intended to increase our Master Gardeners knowledge of garden plants suitable to be grown in our area and how to research plants. When you shop at PAULS be sure to thank Rob Cassidy and/or Randy Pennock for their commitment to Clinton County Master Gardeners. Your gift certificate can be picked up at the office by the check-out counter after the FIRST PRIZE winner is announced in the OVER THE GARDEN GATE. There was not one answer submitted for this month. Our Master Gardeners are missing an opportunity to earn education hours, increase their knowledge of plants suitable for our area and earn a gift certificate. Put your brain in gear. There is a lot of reference material available on the web, at the Extension Office, The Bickelhaupt Arboretum, or the local library. Hint for this months puzzle: This plant has a square stem typical of the mint family. Always do right -this will gratify some and astonish the rest.

3 Volume 2 Issue 7 Page 3 July 2011 MASTER GARDENER ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES EDITED ADVISORY BOARD MEETING June 21, 9:00 Bickelhaupt Arboretum Roll Call-Brenda Council, Willard Larson, Kay Bates, Alice Machande Approval of Agenda-approved Approval of Minutes-Motion to approve by Alice, Kay 2nd Financial Report-Mark-balance of $ $ added from plant sales. Reports: Committees/projects/events OLC: Roger-OLC is looking great. Will be adding a few extra plants before MG Garden Walk. Decision not final on which tree to plant, but narrowed down to 3. Two clematis vines planted on the new trellises. Education: Deb Monroe-Cost of MG vegetable booklet to give out at the Lyons Farmer s Market came in at $ Would like to get labels made to put on the back of these booklets with info on all local farmer s markets. Cost would be and additional $ Motion made by Willard to approve additional expense, Kay 2 nd. Bickelhaupt: Margo Hansen-Lots of events going on this summer at the Arb. Enviro Kids, Morton Arb trip, and a new event called Midsummer Merriment a dance put on by children at the Arb. Working on a new lilac collection this year. Couple of education classes coming up at end of month. Plant Partners-Margo still having problems with calls at the Arb, hard to refer them to someone else when she is already on the phone. Calling going well in DeWitt at the Ext. Office. Publicity-As always, Alma Gaul doing a great job getting the information to the public. DeWitt Observer also doing a great job. MG Day at the Fair: Roger-MG s will get 2 tickets each on fair day for lunch. We can bring in drinks to serve again this year. Container Contest: Kay-Ribbons are ordered for container winners. All information will be posted in the Newsletter. News letter: Ralph and Nora-Carol Machael will be taking on the Newsletter after the first of the year. The Publisher program has been purchased by the Extension Office for her to do this job. Garden Walk: Kathy Sander-everything is ready to go and hoping the weather cooperates. Minutes continued on next page

4 Volume 2 Issue 7 Page 4 July 2011 Old Business MASTER GARDENER ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES Minutes continued from previous page Membership roll update: Alice Machande and Kay Bates-Meeting set up for after the fair to discuss further options to help with this problem. New Business West Wing Brick-Motion made by Kay not to purchase at this time. Brenda 2nd Extension Office landscaping-building committee approved up to $ for labor and materials. Would like more of money used for materials with MG s helping with labor or supervision of kids to help. Likely to be started after the fair. Willard is contact person for the office redo. Mark Schroeder-Jessica suggested maybe 2-$50 baskets instead of 1-$100 basket for the silent auction this year. More affordable for bidders. Alice and Bill could probably make these. Motion made by Kay to make 2 baskets of $50 each, Brenda 2 nd. For the good of the cause-suggestion made to invite the recipient of the MG scholarship to MG Day at the Fair. Respectfully submitted, Brenda Council, Secretary The richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least. Master Gardener Garden Walk June 26, 2011 Mr. & Mrs. Mooney talking with Master Gardener Intern, Gloria Wall at the Stanford garden Brenda Council showing Joan and Jack Pringle and Jo Pittman one of the perennials in her garden.

5 Volume 2 Issue 7 Page 5 July 2011 Answer to June Puzzle FAMILY: Asteraceae The names of the Family ends in aceae GENUS: Gaillardia The names of the Genus begin with a Capital letter SPECIES: grandiflora The names of the species should be written after the Genus name in small letters. Gaillardia grandiflora COMMON NAME: Blanket flower CULTIVAR: Fanfare The Cultivar is either written in single quotation marks or has cv. written in front of the name.gaillardia grandiflora cv. Fanfare 'Fanfare' blanket flower Blanket flowers are wonderfully cheerful, long-blooming plants for hot, sunny gardens. They produce single or double daisy flowers through most of the summer and well into fall. The light brick red ray flowers are tipped with yellow -- the colors of Mexican blankets. Blanket flowers tolerate light frost and are seldom eaten by deer. Deadhead the flowers to keep them blooming consistently through the summer and into fall. Some species tend to be short-lived, especially if the soil is not well drained. Light: Sun Zones: 3-11 Plant Type: Perennial Plant Height: 1-3 feet tall Plant Width: 6 inches to 2 feet wide Landscape Uses: Containers, Beds & Borders, Groundcover Special Features: Flowers, Cut Flowers, Drought Tolerant, Deer Resistant, Easy to Grow July Puzzle What is This Plant? Submit the correct answer before July 17, 2011 to nora161@mchsi.com and you could win a gift certificate valued at $25.00 from PAULS DISCOUNT STORE or a second place $10.00 certificate from The Clinton County Master Gardeners. Your name and the correct answer will be published in the August Over The Garden Gate. You may also snail mail your answer to Ralph Stanford, 716 Terrace Drive, Clinton, IA The best answers will contain the FAMILY NAME, GENUS, SPECIES, COMMON NAME, CULTIVAR (if known) and UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS if any. See page 7 of the June Over The Garden Gate Please note I made an error asking for the GEN- DER. I should have asked for the GENUS. These monthly puzzles give master gardeners a chance to earn education hours researching the answers. Please try to provide as complete answers as possible. Many times you will not be able to provide the Cultivar, but that is OK, take a guess, if correct it may help you win a gift certificate. Look else ware in this issue for a hint. Winner will be based on whoever submits the most complete, correct answer. In case of ties the first answer received will be chosen. Time used researching the answer can be counted as education hours.

6 Volume 2 Issue 7 Page 6 July 2011 Help Needed for Clinton County Fair The Clinton County Fair will be held July 13 th July 17 th this year at the DeWitt Fairgrounds. Master Gardener Day will be Wednesday, July 13, and the festivities will be held in the area of the OLC. We will begin the day by taking entries in the Container Contest at 9am, there will be presentations starting at 10am, and will conclude the day with the presentation of the awards by the Judges at 2pm. Clinton County Master Gardeners will be treated to a free lunch and the OLC gardens will be open for walk tours. We are in need of helpers to assist with the Container Contest and for general help with the Master Gardener Day. You can work a couple hours or we would be happy to have your assistance for the whole program. All time spent can be used toward your volunteer hours for the year. Come help us show the citizens of Clinton County and visitors to the fair that we are serious about being Master Gardeners!!! If you can help, please contact Kay Bates at During the Fair, the OLC will be on display. We are in need of Master Gardeners that would be willing to be on the grounds of the OLC and assist with any questions about gardening or the Master Gardener Program. We have in the past had people sign up for 2 hour time frames. All time spent can be counted as volunteer hours for the year. Please contact either Roger Rittmer at or Kay Bates at if you can help. Monthly Migratory Bird Walk scheduled for July 9, 2011 Monthly bird walks will vary as to the places we visit each month. Scheduled dates for bird walks are July 9th, August 13th, September 10th, and October 8th. There is no admission charge to attend monthly bird walks but pre-registration is highly suggested. Please listen to WCCI, FM for any cancellations due to weather. If you have pre-registered you will be notified of a rain date if cancellation due to weather occurs. If you have any questions please call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge office at You may also register online at by sending an to info@sumriver.org VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Extension Office Landscaping: Willard Larsen willardl@hughes.net Eagle Point Nursing Home and Rehabilitation: Willard Larsen OLC/County Fair: Roger Rittmer rogr@iowatelecom.net Bickelhaupt Arboretum: Margo Hansen dir-programs@bick-arb.org Curtis Mansion: Liz Clements Garden Walk: Kathy Sander goose2@netins.net Volunteers - - Some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses and some just don t turn up at all.

7 Volume 2 Issue 7 Page 7 July 2011 CLINTON COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS - VEGETABLE and HERB CONTEST Superintendent: Willard Larsen 1. Entries must be brought to the south room of the auditorium between 9:00 am & Noon on Wednesday, July 13th. 2. Contest is open to Clinton County residents. 3. Entries limited to one per class for each entrant. 4. All entries must be grown by the entrant. 5. Entrants may enter as many classes as they wish. 6. Entry cards will be provided at check in for name, class, address and telephone number. 7. Plates for vegetables will be provided. 8. Judging is from Noon on Wednesday, July13th until completed. Judging is closed to the public. 9. Each class will be judged as follows: 1 st (blue ribbon), 2 nd (red ribbon) and 3 rd (white ribbon). 10. A Best of Show ribbon will be awarded, accompanied by the Lorraine Gustafson Memorial Award and traveling plaque. 11. Any unworthy entries will not be judged. 12. Entries may be picked up any time after noon and before 5 PM on Saturday, July 16 th. Any entries not picked up will be destroyed. 13. All reasonable caution will be used to protect entries, but neither Clinton County Master Gar deners nor the Clinton County Fair Board will be responsible for theft or damages. CLASS Vegetables Class Vegetable Number/Entry 1 Green Bean 6 2 Yellow Bean 6 3 Any Other Bean 6 4 Yellow Onion 3 5 Red Onion 3 6 White Onion 3 7 Tomato (large red) 3 8 Tomato (large yellow) 3 9 Tomato (cherry red) 6 10 Tomato (any other) 3 11 Cabbage (green) 1 12 Cabbage (red) 1 13 Carrot 4 14 Cucumber 3 Class Vegetable Number /Entry 15 Potato (small red) 6 16 Potato (large red) 3 17 Potato (large white) 3 18 Potato (any other) 3 19 Pepper (bell green) 3 20 Pepper (bell any other) 3 21 Pepper (sweet any variety) 3 22 Pepper (any hot) 4 23 Sweet Corn (any color) 3 24 Zucchini 1 25 Summer Squash 1 26 Winter Squash 1 (Butternut, acorn) 27 Most Unusual Vegetable 1 Continued on next page

8 Volume 2 Issue 7 Page 8 July 2011 Class CLASSES Vegetables Continued from previous page 28 Any Other Vegetable (not included in a previous class. No more than 4 entries per exhibitor in this class.) 29 Vegetable Display (5 different vegetables grown by the exhibitor, with no more than 4 of any one vegetable for a total of no more than 20 vegetables displayed in any decorative box, basket or container no larger than ½ bushel. The exhibit will be judged 75% for the quality of the vegetables, and 25% for the decorative arrangement.) 30 Parsley (3 sprigs in a bottle of water.) CLASS Herbs 31 Any other individual herb (3 sprigs in a bottle of water.) 32 Collection of 4 herb species displayed in separate bottles of water. Specimens should include 3 sprigs with stems of adequate length for each species. From The Arb Well we waited so long for summer to get here and the heat tells us it is here! We have some exciting events coming up in July so mark your calendars. 1. July 9th Morton Arboretum Bus Trip... still a few seats left. Cost is $45.00 call Arb for more info. 2. July 12th is Arts at the Arb with Travis Hosette singing Sinatra. Bring a lawn Chair and enjoy the outdoor concert.. This is a very popular artist. 3. July 30th Saturday at the Arb. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Geocaching with Pam Steinhaus, USFWS Please call and reserve a spot for this interesting class The gardens and grounds are looking great thanks to our many dedicated volunteers. David will be on vacation the week of the 4th of July and when he gets back we would like to schedule a work day. The office will be closed on Monday. Have a fun and safe Holiday weekend. Margo and David

9 Volume 2 Issue 7 Page 9 July 2011 MORTON ARBORETUM BUS TRIP JULY 9, 2011 Join us on an educational fun filled day to the Morton Arboretum near Chicago. Lunch on your own. Then a short stop at Distinctive Gardens near Dixon, Il. Cost is $45.00 Leave Clinton at 7a.m. return7 p.m. To reserve your seat today send payment to: Bickelhaupt Arboretum 340 South 14 th Street Clinton, Iowa For more information call Sponsored by Bickelhaupt Arboretum and Clinton Trees Forever The bus will leave from the Clinton City Park across from the fire station and Snell Funeral home at 7 am and return around 7 pm. When we get to Morton we will have a step on tour guide that will talk about different trees and areas as the bus drives through the Arboretum. Then we will get out at the Main building and you can walk through gardens in the area and the gift shop. We will get back on the bus and drive to a restaurant for lunch on your own. Last time we stopped at Portillos and they has a very diverse selection of food. Everyone orders on there own. Back on the bus to Dixon and Distinctive Gardens. Then home. Not a lot of walking. Which I always try to arrange on my bus trips. Since the main tour of Morton will be on the bus I am not worried about rain. Any other info let me know! Hope you can come. Reserve your seat today! Margo

10 Volume 2 Issue 7 Page 10 July and justice for all The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Many materials can be made available in alternative format for ADA clients. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14 th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC or call

11 Volume 2 Issue 7 Page 11 July 2011 Master Gardener Day Second Annual Outdoor Container Contest A Clinton County Master Gardener Contest in conjunction with the Clinton County Fair July 13 - July 17, 2011 DeWitt Fair Grounds 9am 12 noon There will be free entry to the fairgrounds and demonstrations in the Master Gardener tent at the Outdoor Living Classroom area. Come early, bring your containers, stroll through the Outdoor Living Classroom, designed and maintained by the Clinton County Master Gardeners. We will start the demonstrations at 10am and will continue through the open judging of the containers and finish with the presentation of the awards and a description from the judges on the Winning entries at 2pm. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories : Most Colorful Outstanding Use of Foliage Best Use of Edibles Best Design Kids Class (12 years and under) Most Unusual Container 50% container 25% flowers 25% design Superintendent of the Container Contest...LeAnne Larson The following places will be awarded in each class : First Place $25 Second Place $10 Third place $5 Rules: Containers must be entered at the Outdoor Living Classroom between 9:00 AM and 12:00 noon on Wednesday July 13th. Contest is open to rural and urban exhibitors of Clinton County. All containers and contents must be suitable for outdoors, and moveable. All entries must be labeled for entry class by contestants before being placed on display by staff, and are final at that time. No entrance to display area allowed other than to staff until after judging is completed. Multiple entries accepted in all classes. Entries will be displayed in the Outdoor Living Classroom for the duration of the fair. They may not be picked up before noon on Sunday July 17th. The Master Gardeners will not be responsible for entries remaining after 6:00 pm on Sunday. All reasonable caution will be used to protect entries, but neither Clinton County Master Gardeners nor the Clinton County Fair Board will be responsible for theft or damages. Judging will take place at 1:00 pm on Wednesday July 13th, will be open to the public in the Master Gardener tent at the Outdoor Living Classroom. We look forward to seeing your container creativity!

12 Volume 2 Issue 7 Page 12 July2011 Continued on next page

13 Volume 2 Issue 7 Page 13 July 2011 Year 2011 CLASSES (Note changes from previous years.) FLOWERS: Best of Show chosen from Classes 1-29 Class 1. Hydrangea, 1 stem, any color with foliage Class 2. Allium, 1 stem, any color Class 3. Coleus, 3 slips, each different Class 4. Coneflower, 3 blooms, any color Class 5. Black/Brown-eyed Susan, 3 stems Class 6. Daisy, 3 stems Class 7. Dahlia, 1 regular size with foliage Class 8. Dahlia, 1 small size with foliage Class 9. Gladiolus, 1 spike, any color Class 10. Day Lily (hemerocallis) Class 11. Lily, Oriental (ex Stargazer, Casa Blanca, Cobra, Crystal Pink, Gold Band ) Class 12. Lily: 12A-Asiatic Lily; 12B-Tree Lily; 12C-Calla Lily; 12D-Trumpet Lily; 12E-Tiger Lily (Display 1 stalk in each container.) Class 13. Marigold, American, 3 blooms with foliage Class 14. Marigold, French Dwarf, 3 blooms with foliage Class 15. Phlox with foliage Class 16. Pansy, 2 stems, any color Class 17. Petunia, 3 stems single-flowered with foliage Class 18. Petunia, 3 stems double-flowered with foliage Class 19. Rose, single-stemmed, any color with foliage Class 21. Rose, Miniature, multiple blooms with foliage Class 22. Rose, Hardy Landscape, multiple blooms with foliage (ex Meidiland, Knock Out, Carefree ) Class 23. Snapdragon, 3 spikes, any color Class 24. Sunflower, 1 large, any color Class 25. Sunflower, 1 small, any color Class 26. Zinnia, 3 large blooms with foliage Class 27. Zinnia, 3 small blooms with foliage Class 28. Zinnia, 1 stem, any color with foliage Class 29. Open Class, any suitable specimen not covered in classes 1-28 PLANTS: Best of Show chosen from Classes Class 30. African Violet, standard- or double-flowered Class 31. Succulent Class 32. Houseplant grown for bloom, must be blooming Class 33. Houseplant grown for foliage Class 34. Vining houseplant Class 35. Open Class, any plant not covered in classes 30-34, no pot larger than 12 ARRANGEMENTS: Best of show chosen from Classes Class 36. Miniature arrangement, not more than 5 inches in width, height, or depth, including container Class 37. Small arrangement, not more than 10 inches in width, height, or depth, including container Class 38. Black container, flowers any color Class 39. Bouquet in an old fashioned style container Class 40. All green, container and arrangement Class 41. All white, container and arrangement, green foliage allowed Class 42. Container and flowers same color(s) Class 43. Dried arrangement of plant material (no wreaths) Class 44. Arrangement in unusual container Class 45. Creative design, at least 95% hosta leaves, not exceeding 18 in width Class 46. Vertical arrangement Class 47. First-time exhibitor in arrangement class MINIATURE GARDENS: Best of Show chosen from class 48 Class 48. Miniature garden, 5 or more rooted, live plants with decorative accessories in open container. Minimum size 12 Maximum size 16 Submitted by Sylvia Meyer

14 Iowa State University Clinton County Extension 400 East 11th Street DeWitt, Iowa ACTIVITIES CALENDAR July July 9 Bus Trip to Morton Arboretum and Distinctive Gardens (See page 7) July 12 Art at the Arb, 7 pm. Travis Hosette Sings Sinatra ( Rain date July 14) July Clinton County Fair DeWitt Fairgrounds. July 13 July 23 July 30 August 6 Master Gardener Day. The festivities will be held in the area of the OLC OLC, DeWitt, IA, Flower Arranging Make and Take with Alice Machande (1Hour) Saturday at the Arb 9 am to 11 am Geocaching with Pam Steinhaus from the USFWS. To register call the Arb at Free will donation. August Saturday at the Arb, am. Leaf Casting a Birdbath Deb Monroe, M.G. August 13 Herb Faire at the Arb 10 am to noon. Learn about lore as well as growing, preserving and cooking with herbs. August 27 Butterfly Fest at the Arb 10 am to Noon. Learn about the Monarch Butterfly.