The Green Thumb. Newsletter for Polk County Master Gardeners

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Tyler Young
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I have actually been able to wash windows at the end of November, among many other outside chores normally completed long before now. (Yep! I confess! I procrastinated).

1 The Green Thumb Newsletter for Polk County Master Gardeners Iowa State University Extension & OutreachPolk County 1625 Adventureland Drive, Ste A Altoona, Iowa Phone Down the Garden Path What a truly amazing late autumn, early winter we have been experiencing! I have actually been able to wash windows at the end of November, among many other outside chores normally completed long before now. (Yep! I confess! I procrastinated). Of course, there is always that little worry in the back of the mind that we will pay for this great weather with a really hard winter later on. However, I have decided to simply enjoy what we have been given and let later take care of itself. My personal winter gardening plans for this coming season center around coming up with a plan to compensate for the serious lack of shade I now have in my back garden caused by the loss of a very large tree a few months ago. I know I am going to really miss the shade and privacy it provided for my patio come next spring and summer but I am also mourning the loss of the shade garden which surrounded it. But isn't that what gardening is all about? An ever evolving landscape where miracles are always just around the corner. Since the holidays are almost upon us I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a magical time of peace, love and family and my very best wishes for a joyful New Year! * * * * * * * * * * * * May you always have these blessings... A soft breeze when summer comes A warm fireside in winter And always the warm, soft smile of a friend. Isabella HurlessBanks, Steering Committee Chair imhurless@aol.com Remembering One of Our Gardeners

Barbara Hans, MG Volunteer at Discovery Garden Barbara passed away on November 25, 2016 Arrangements Visitation Service Hamilton's on Westown Parkway 3601 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, Iowa 50266

Church 2926 Beaver Avenue Des Moines, Iowa Discovery Garden We will Miss Barbara in our Garden Family We are ending our season on a sad note.

2 Barbara Hans, MG Volunteer at Discovery Garden Barbara passed away on November 25, 2016 Arrangements Visitation Service Hamilton's on Westown Parkway 3601 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, Iowa (515) Sunday, December 4, :30 to 3:30 pm 3:30 Vigil Service Holy Trinity Catholic Church 2926 Beaver Avenue Des Moines, Iowa Monday, December 5, :30 am Holy Trinity Catholic Church 2926 Beaver Avenue Des Moines, Iowa Discovery Garden We will Miss Barbara in our Garden Family We are ending our season on a sad note. Barbara Hans passed away on Friday, after a lengthy illness. She was an enthusiastic member of the Discovery Garden team, tending to the perennial bed. She was always ready to do a shift at the fair, often bringing her grandsons with her. Several years ago, her garden was on the Garden Tour, and because of living in Beaverdale, she was very active in their gardening community as well. Barbara was always smiling, and optimistic throughout her illness. She will be greatly missed. Discovery Garden Worknight 2016 CoChairs: Dean Brand drbrand@mediacombb.net tel: Jean Roe ljroe@q.com tel: Patrick Schmitt schmittpatrickj@gmail.com tel: Cheree Tilton tiltoncm@gmail.com tel:

Program Committee Soup & Inspiring Speakers Planned for January, February, & March 2017 We are already planning great topics for education hours this winterand once again, we'll offer free, fresh

Save these Thursday evenings in your 2017 Calendar: January 26th February 23rd March 23rd Program Committee: Sandie Hamilton, Ike Eichmann, Sherry Swihart, Anastasia Tekippe, Paula Winslow, Lurae

3 Program Committee Soup & Inspiring Speakers Planned for January, February, & March 2017 We are already planning great topics for education hours this winterand once again, we'll offer free, fresh made soup before each program! Tivon Feeleyreturns in 2017! Save these Thursday evenings in your 2017 Calendar: January 26th February 23rd March 23rd Program Committee: Sandie Hamilton, Ike Eichmann, Sherry Swihart, Anastasia Tekippe, Paula Winslow, Lurae Zavalla Greenhouse Volunteers Needed for Watering Teams Volunteers are needed to water at the greenhouse Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (nonwork days) starting in February and concluding with the nonprofit giveaway in May. If you are willing to assist, please contact Mary Farlow at 2017 Education Opportunities There are still spaces available on Wednesday, January 25th and Saturday, January 28th for the greenhouse lab. Great opportunity to grab some education hours and get your fingers in the soil as well as refresh your sowing and transplanting skills. Contact Cheryl Fridl at The lab starts at 9:00 am and is completed around 11:00 am. Reminder on the Rules: Please arrive early so we can start right at 9:00. Wear layers and remember to wear your name tag. You must signup to attend.

Greenhouse CoChairs: Cheryl Fridl and Jean Schustek Art in the Garden 2017 The Polk County Master Gardeners are excited to announce our first annual Garden Art Fair!

4 Greenhouse CoChairs: Cheryl Fridl and Jean Schustek Art in the Garden 2017 The Polk County Master Gardeners are excited to announce our first annual Garden Art Fair! Be a part of the Inaugural 2017 PCMG Art in the Garden Event! This oneday outdoor event, in a beautiful garden setting, will feature gardeninspired fine art and crafts for sale, handson art activities for children and adults; and live gardening / art demonstrations. We invite artists and craftspeople of all specialities to join us to exhibit and sell their work. Application forms will be available online starting January 1st, If you are not an artist, but know someone who is, please share this information with them. They do not have to be Master Gardeners. We are also looking for demonstrators of all things gardening, and we welcome your suggestions! Date: Saturday, August 5th, 2017 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Location: PCMG Demonstration Garden (92nd & Dewey Gibbs Road, Urbandale) Interested in being a vendor for this event? Application forms will be available online starting January 1st, 2017 For more information contact Mary HowellWilliams: mhwphoto@gmail.com CoChairs: Mary HowellWilliams, Nancy Dunbar, Terry Thielen Demonstration Garden Thank YOU! Recently the roses were put to bed and the watering system prepared for winter signalling the end to the 2016 season. A heartfelt THANK YOU to the numerous volunteers that spent hours in supporting, maintaining and improving the Demonstration Garden. Your participation and assistance is very much appreciated. We could not do it without you.

A Special Tribute Recently Diane Ackerman informed us that she is stepping down as Demo Garden cochair. Diane's attention has been focused more and more on her role as a caregiver.

If you have an interesting in getting involved in the nuts and bolts of the garden (it goes beyond the typical planting, weeding and watering) please either of the current cochairs to determine how a

5 A Special Tribute Recently Diane Ackerman informed us that she is stepping down as Demo Garden cochair. Diane's attention has been focused more and more on her role as a caregiver. Although she is stepping down in this role she will continue to spend time in the garden when able. We thank Diane for all her support, great ideas and her time! If you have an interesting in getting involved in the nuts and bolts of the garden (it goes beyond the typical planting, weeding and watering) please either of the current cochairs to determine how a role may work for you. Looking forward to Spring 2017 Next up will be pruning labs in March followed by our Spring Kick Off meeting later in the month. Watch your inbox for announcements about those events. Best wishes for a relaxing season with your families and friends! As the Holiday season approaches take time for yourself and avoid the frenzy. A few moments reading a garden book, magazine or blog will calm the senses and bring thoughts of spring. CoChairs, Ruth Doxon, Sandie Sydnes Merry Christmas! 2017 AllIowa Master Gardener Art Show We had a very successful 2016 Art Show and we are looking forward to an even bigger show in Please start planning your entries and Save the Date for the Art Show Reception at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Thursday, September 21, :007:00 p.m. The application period will open in April, Chair: Patricia Reeves

Enabling Garden Family Time and Winter are in the Air The weather has been rather Springlike over the past month but as we all know, winter will be upon us in a matter of no time.

As the holiday season approaches, we would like to express our gratitude towards all of our volunteers. 2016 was as busy as ever at the Enabling Garden.

6 Enabling Garden Family Time and Winter are in the Air The weather has been rather Springlike over the past month but as we all know, winter will be upon us in a matter of no time. While many of us dread the approach cold weather, remember this is a time to rest and enjoy your friends & family. As the holiday season approaches, we would like to express our gratitude towards all of our volunteers was as busy as ever at the Enabling Garden. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Enabling Garden this year. Your time and expertise are critical to make a volunteer organization like the EG work! We'll be looking forward to seeing everyone in the 2017 season. Many thanks and have a blessed season. Enabling Garden CoChairs: Sandie Hamilton Paula Winslow Christine Barker, Sharon Schoonoer 2017 Garden Calendars: $7.00 AND 2016 Polk County Master Gardener Directories Our directories were updated in October to include our new Master Gardener Trainees and other contact updates Garden Calendars and 2016 Polk County Master Gardener Directories are available NOW at the Polk County Extension Office.

Office Hours for Ike You will see me at project meetings from time to time and gatherings, but you can find me in the office: Phone: 5159575761 by email: nancyike@iastate.

7 Office Hours for Ike You will see me at project meetings from time to time and gatherings, but you can find me in the office: Phone: by Monday 9:00 to 4:00 Tuesday 1:00 to 3:00 Wednesday 1:00 to 4:00 Thursday 1:00 to 3:00 Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.

The Green Thumb. Monthly Newsletter for Polk County Master Gardeners. Plant Sale Open to the Public Each Day:

The Green Thumb. Monthly Newsletter for Polk County Master Gardeners. Plant Sale Open to the Public Each Day: The Green Thumb Monthly Newsletter for Polk County Master Gardeners Iowa State University Extension & Outreach--Polk County 1625 Adventureland Drive, Ste A Altoona, Iowa Phone 515-957-5761 ---------------