Heidi Carter, Page County Extension Education Director
Situation
Because of the high interest in consumer horticulture, I planned a seasonal
workshop. The Patio Container and Hanging Basket Workshop was held on April
29 in Clarinda. The presenters were Judy Henke, owner of Henkeville Nursery,
and Clythia Brown, Master Gardener, both from Clarinda. Master Gardeners received
1.5 continuing education credits.
Response
Judy and Clythia used ISU Extension resource materials in planning their presentation.
They also brought in numerous flats of flowering plants, foliage plants, and
different kinds of potting soil for demonstration. The plants were a great addition
to the workshop.
The maximum of 30 people registered, and we had 30 on the waiting list. Participants
came from Fremont, Montgomery, Page, Taylor, and Union Counties. Audience members
asked many questions and during the break, spent much time examining the plant
specimens.
Impact
I sent out a follow-up evaluation on July 23 and received 13 completed forms,
a response rate of 43 percent.
62 percent stated that they used the information presented on choosing containers
and potting mediums either quite a bit or most of the time.
77 percent stated that they used the recommendations on selecting plants according
to light requirement either quite a bit or most of the time.
55 percent stated that they used the recommendations on plant compatibility
either quite a bit or most of the time.
64 percent stated that they followed the tips on designing a patio container
or hanging basket either quite a bit or most of the time.
64 percent stated that they used the information on plant spacing either quite
a bit or most of the time.
84 percent stated that they used the recommendations on cultural practices either
quite a bit or most of the time.
64 percent stated that they used the information on choosing plants for different
color schemes either quite a bit or most of the time.
From the open-ended questions, participants bought pots larger than 10 inches
as suggested, tried different potting soils; read labels on plants to match
sun or shade requirements; paid more attention to watering; added fertilizer
for the first time; and put plants closer together in a hanging basket. One
participant wrote, “I tried yellow-gold color schemes in two large planters.
It worked well, and I have received compliments.” Another participant wrote,
“The information on how to design a patio container or hanging basket was
quite helpful, because I assisted a lady in judging open class at the fair.”
Page last updated:
July 9, 2006
Page maintained by Linda Schultz, lschultz@iastate.edu
