Winter Gardening Fair 2013
presented by ISU Extension Linn County Master Gardeners
Saturday February 16, 2013
Kirkwood Community College
6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW • Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Tuition: $49 for all day and includes a boxed lunch
(some classes have additional charges for materials, these fees are noted and will be collected in class)
Register in advance for classes:
· register online
· download and complete registration form
· or call (319) 398-1022 or 1-800-332-8833
Questions? Call the Linn County Master Gardeners at (319) 447-0647 or Linn County Extension at (319) 377-9839 or email mkenyonb@iastate.edu.
Download the Winter Gardening Fair class schedule
New for 2013: The 2013 Winter Gardening Fair will feature two strands of classes in two subject areas: Vertical Gardening and Water Gardening/Water Conservation. Many of these classes are offered in both Track A and Track B. Of course, you are free to select any available classes in your track, but you may want to look for the letters designating the two strands if you want to learn more about either subject area. Look for: (V) and (W) in the course listings.
Vertical (V) gardeningis an eco-friendly way to garden. Vertical gardens have been around a long time but more people are finding that a vertical garden has benefits. Many plants can be adapted to grow vertically, adding to your available gardening space.
Water (W) is a precious commodity in gardening, and water can enhance any garden. Learn how you can incorporate water into your gardening and how to save water in dry years.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Select classes from Track A or Track B (DO NOT MIX classes from both TRACKS)
TRACK A: (register for only 1 class per session)
(please note: LCMG=Linn County Master Gardener)
SESSION 1......................................................................................................................................... 8:30-9:25am
• The Art and Craft of Bonsai—John Clemens—Create bonsai and learn a new art form including major styles, plant selection, styling techniques, and tree care. Cedar 3048
• Fact or Fiction of Lawn & Garden Myths—Patrick O’Malley, ISU Extension & Outreach Commercial Horticulturist—Explore what works and what doesn’t in garden lore. Examine control methods for insects, weeds, and other pests, the value (or not) of soil amendments, and cultural practices in the lawn, landscape, and garden. Cedar 3040
• The Language of Flowers - A Victorian Garden Romance—Debbie Main, LCMG—Learn how structures, color and variety all played a part in the Victorian garden. Debbie unveils her secrets for bringing this forgotten beauty to your home to give your gardens a story to share with your guests. Cedar 3038
• What Will the Weather Bring? —Elwynn Taylor, PhD, Iowa State University Extension Climatologist—Dr. Taylor will provide a long range view of weather and climate history and its effect on gardens and crops. His insight will help you sharpen your gardening skills for whatever may befall us come spring. Benton 343
• (W) Water Gardening - From Small to Large—Becki Lynch, LCMG—Learn how to easily add water gardening to your home using good conservation practices. Learn the basics of water features like bird baths, still water containers, fountains, ponds, and streams. Benton 303
• Make a Kinetic Garden Ornament—Louise Harn, LCMG—Let your creativity dance with the breezes in your garden! Join the fun to make your own unique bent wire and beaded garden yard art/ornament. We'll supply the beads, wire and other materials needed - you bring your playful, creative spirit. Material fee: $15 Cedar 3059
• Earth-Friendly Lawn Care—Phil Pfister, LCMG—You CAN have a great-looking, neighbor-pleasing lawn and still be earth-friendly. Join Phil as he explores the various techniques used to maintain a safe and healthy lawn, including organic options and the responsible use of chemicals. Benton 316
• (V) Container Gardening—Judy Stevens, LCMG—Do you have a large container or a square foot of land you could use for a garden? Choose the plant and we will discuss ideas on how to grow it in a small space. Benton 319
• New and Unusual Perennials for 2013—Deb Walser,LCMG —Find out what’s new for the 2013 growing season. Deb talks about new ways to add pizzazz to your garden. Benton 323
SESSION 2......................................................................................................................................... 9:45-10:40am
• The Art of Gardening—Jane Hogue—Lean how to use four basic design elements– space, texture, shape, and color – to achieve balance, harmony and unity in your backyard. Jane will include suggestions for garden design, plant selection, under plantings, blooming sequences, and successful floral combinations for continuous color. Benton 343
• Garden Vignettes—Larry Rettig—This gardener extraordinaire will show you how to design a garden bed by planting in vignettes instead of relying on more conventional approaches. Larry will also discuss ways in which vignettes can be tied into the overall planting scheme. Cedar 3040
• (V) A Growing Tapestry: Make a Vertical Garden—Shelby Foley, LCMG—Learn a fun new technique to add vertical interest to any space: how to plant a small hanging vertical garden using perennial succulents and sedums. Please bring a wire cutter to class. Materials cost $20. Benton 325
• (W) Rain Gardens – The Natural Way to Garden —Marsha Gray, LCMG—Rain gardens are a natural solution to reducing water pollution. Discover how they improve the negative effects of storm water runoff and provide a wonderful wildlife habitat. Benton 306
• Drought Superheroes—Becki Lynch, LCMG—Find out which plants grew and flourished in last year's drought and heat as well as those that were supposed to do well, but languished instead. Water conservation tips will be included just in case the drought continues. Benton 303
• (W) Ponds and Water Features—Larry Dawson, LCMG—Ponds don't have to cost a lot to set up and maintain. Larry will teach you how to build an economical pond, waterfall, and other water features. Cedar 3030
• Plants of the Bible—Judy Stevens, LCMG—Be amazed at the number of plants mentioned in the Bible which we still cultivate today, including herbs, oils, and grains. No theology, just a fascinating view of Biblical gardens. Benton 319
• Enhance your Garden’s Curb Appeal—Deb Walser, LCMG—Learn how to evaluate your property, plan the garden, and select plants. Deb will walk you through the planning process for a new house or a new garden. Benton 323
Session 3: Lunch......................................................................................................................................... 10:50-11:25am
Keynote Presentation........................ 11:30am-12:30pm
The Most Important Garden Advice Ever Given—Pat Stone—Enjoy a grand mixture of practical advice and humor, culminating with an inspiring conclusion on gardening and life while Pat shares the three things gardeners should never do and the three most important things gardeners should do. Ballantyne
Session 4......................................................................................................................................... 12:45-1:40pm
• Gardening with Conifers—Gary Whittenbaugh—You’re invited to a whole new world of gardening. See how the color, texture and form of conifers add year round beauty and contrast to gardens and landscapes. Fast growers screen your space, tiny buns add unusual shapes and textures, and distinctive forms make living sculptures. Explore the world of conifers with us. Cedar 3037
• Your Path to a Delightful Herb Garden—Jean Minehart & Kathy Rhodes, LCMGs—Follow Jean and Kathy to learn how the 5 D’s - Discover, Determine, Design, Develop, and Dedicate - will create a path to your delightful herb garden. Cedar 3038
• Natural Spaces and Problem Places —Laura Appleget, LCMG—Gather proven suggestions for attracting butterflies, birds, bees, and other wild creatures to an urban garden, while offering a low maintenance beautiful space for people and dogs. Cedar 3008
• From Seed to Table —Barb Wing, LCMG—Follow a growing season from planting to menu planning. Get tips for favorites and new varieties and how to adapt to a very dry growing season. Cedar 3047
• (V) Creative Staking—Beth Roof, LCMG—Do you have some floppy or lazy growers? Beth has lots of interesting and fun ideas for heightening the appeal of drooping and wayward plants in the garden. Cedar 3062
• Starting Garden Transplants at Home—Zora Ronan, LCMG—Successfully start garden transplants at home with a minimum amount of equipment with this step by step process. Benton 305
• Beginner Garden Photography—Jay McWherter, LCMG—Take better garden pictures with your point and shoot cameras; Jay has helpful tips for all garden photographers. Benton 315
• Thinking about a Home Greenhouse?—Phil Pfister, LCMG—Learn what’s necessary for setting up and operating a home greenhouse including site selection, greenhouse material options, calculating heating and cooling requirements, plant care, and integrated pest management. Benton 316
• (W) Roll out the Rain Barrel!—Wil Carew, LCMG—Discover the benefits of rain barrels, correct sizing, and options to make your own. Wil discusses how you can provide chemical-free water for plants and lawns and save $$ on your water bill. Benton 322
• Blueberries—Deb Walser, LCMG—Ready to start planting blueberries? Learn how to adjust your soil, how and where to plant, how to water and prune, and the best blueberries for Iowa. Benton 323
• Beginner's Square Foot Gardening—Kim Seward, LCMG—Do you have limited space but would still like to have fresh herbs and vegetables? Find out how to select a location, set up a square foot garden, and have continuous crops throughout the growing season. Benton 304
Session 5......................................................................................................................................... 2:00-2:55pm
• Care and Maintenance of Garden Tools—Doug Smith, LCMG—Learn the proper use of yard and garden hand tools, how to keep them in good working condition, how to sharpen them, and how to prepare them for winter storage. Benton 352
• Outstanding Trees for the Midwest Home Garden—Mike Anderson, LCMG—Discover trees that make excellent additions to the home landscape. Mike will discuss his favorites for fall color, spring blooms, unique leaf shape, trunk structure, or growth habit. Benton 353
• Gardening for Butterflies—Laurie Azeltine, LCMG—Discover how to create and maintain a habitat attractive to butterflies. Laurie will discuss butterfly biology, nectar and larval plants, paying particular attention to Monarch butterfly needs. Benton 304
• Daylilies: Beyond ‘Stella – All The Pretty Faces—Zora Ronan, LCMG and American Hemerocallis Garden Judge—Daylilies are not all yellow and orange; explore the differences between full formed, spider and unusual form daylilies. Learn about the many forms, patterns, and colors in the daylily world. Benton 305
• Bringing Color to the Shade Garden—Lori Bailey, LCMG—Creatively add color to any shade garden using garden art and some favorite annual and perennial shade plants. Lori looks beyond hostas for great alternative shade plants and complementary plants. Benton 306
• Hosta La Vista, Baby—Jay McWherter, LCMG—What attributes should you look for in a garden-worthy hosta? Jay will review hosta varieties from the American Hosta Growers “hosta of the year” rankings and the American Hosta Society’s “top 25” popularity poll. Benton 315
• (W) Water Garden Plants 101—Rose Milden, LCMG—Personalize your pond or water feature by using many types of plants. Rose discusses plants to add that special touch in and around your pond. Benton 318
• (V) Raised Bed/Square Foot Gardens—Wil Carew, LCMG—Get off the ground, save your back and start gardening closer to your hands and eyes. Wil gets you started with the benefits of raised beds, covering the principles, examples of beds, construction techniques, trellis/cloche use, and protecting crops from critters. Benton 322
• Vertical Gardening – From the Ground Up—Matt Pieper, LCMG—Why garden vertically? Find out how to maximize your gardening space and other benefits of this old-but-new way to grow plants, fruits, and vegetables. Benton 317
• A Taste of Herbs—Judy Bemer, LCMG—Learn how to use and preserve herbs. Judy will start you off with a “cuppa tea,” a plate of herbal goodies and some handouts. She will discuss how and where to grow herbs and will share some new guys on the block. Cedar 3008
OR------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRACK B: (register for only 1 class per session)
(please note: LCMG=Linn County Master Gardener)
Session 1......................................................................................................................................... 9:00-9:55am
• Outstanding Trees for the Midwest Home Garden —Mike Anderson, LCMG—Discover trees that make excellent additions to the home landscape. Mike will discuss his favorites for fall color, spring blooms, unique leaf shape, trunk structure, or growth habit. Benton 353
• (V) Creative Staking —Beth Roof, LCMG—Do you have some floppy or lazy growers? Beth has lots of interesting and fun ideas for heightening the appeal of drooping and wayward plants in the garden. Cedar 3062
• Where In The World?—Zora Ronan, LCMG—Take a photo journey around the world to visit gardens from the tropics to the temperate climates, from Africa to Europe, from North to South America and a few other places in between. Benton 305
• Bringing Color to the Shade Garden—Lori Bailey, LCMG—Creatively add color to any shade garden using garden art and some favorite annual and perennial shade plants. Lori looks beyond hostas for great alternative shade plants and complementary plants. Benton 306
• Beginner Garden Photography—Jay McWherter, LCMG—Take better garden pictures with your point and shoot cameras; Jay has helpful tips for all garden photographers. Benton 315
• (W) Water Garden Plants 101—Rose Milden, LCMG—Personalize your pond or water feature by using many types of plants. Rose discusses plants to add that special touch in and around your pond. Benton 318
• Ring My Bells for Coral Bells!—Wil Carew, LCMG—If you thought coral bells were just green plants with tiny pink flowers that your grandmother grew, think again. This class will cover what they are, where and how to plant, and the rainbow of colors available. Wil will show you how. Benton 322
• Beginner's Square Foot Gardening—Kim Seward, LCMGs—Do you have limited space but would still like to have fresh herbs and vegetables? Find out how to select a location, set up a square foot garden, and have continuous crops throughout the growing season. Benton 304
• A Taste of Herbs—Judy Bemer, LCMG—Learn how to use and preserve herbs. Judy will start you off with a “cuppa tea,” a plate of herbal goodies and some handouts. She will discuss how and where to grow herbs and will share some new guys on the block. Cedar 3008
Session 2......................................................................................................................................... 10:15-11:10am
• Make a Kinetic Garden Ornament—Louise Harn, LCMG—Let your creativity dance with the breezes in your garden! Join the fun to make your own unique bent wire and beaded garden yard art/ornament. We'll supply the beads, wire and other materials needed - you bring your playful, creative spirit. Material fee: $15 Cedar 3059
• Starting Garden Transplants at Home—Zora Ronan, LCMG—Successfully start garden transplants at home with a minimum amount of equipment with this step by step process. Benton 305
• Hosta La Vista, Baby—Jay McWherter, LCMG—What attributes should you look for in a garden-worthy hosta? Jay will review hosta varieties from the American Hosta Growers “hosta of the year” rankings and the American Hosta Society’s “top 25” popularity poll. Benton 315
• Earth-Friendly Lawn Care—Phil Pfister, LCMG—You CAN have a great-looking, neighbor-pleasing lawn and still be earth-friendly. Join Phil as he explores the various techniques used to maintain a safe and healthy lawn, including organic options and the responsible use of chemicals. Benton 316
• (W) Roll out the Rain Barrel!—Wil Carew, LCMG—Discover the benefits of rain barrels, correct sizing, and options to make your own. Wil discusses how you can provide chemical-free water for plants and lawns and save $$ on your water bill. Benton 322
• (V) Vertical Gardening – From the Ground Up——Matt Pieper, LCMG—Why garden vertically? Find out how to maximize your gardening space and other benefits of this old-but-new way to grow plants, fruits, and vegetables. Benton 317
• Iowa’s Gardens – More than Just Pretty Places—Jean Murray, LCMG—Take a tour of some great Iowa gardens, from wildlife prairies to formal gardens, small to large, indoor and out. Jean shares some tips and discusses what you can learn from a garden visit. Benton 353
• Care and Maintenance of Garden Tools—Doug Smith, LCMG—Learn the proper use of yard and garden hand tools, how to keep them in good working condition, how to sharpen them, and how to prepare them for winter storage. Benton 352
• Natural Spaces and Problem Places —Laura Appleget, LCMG—Gather proven suggestions for attracting butterflies, birds, bees, and other wild creatures to an urban garden, while offering a low maintenance beautiful space for people and dogs. Cedar 3008
• Grandma's Peonies and Beyond—Debbie Main, LCMG—Discover the rich history behind these wonderful fragrant blooms, an overview on the many varieties, planting and care of each. Cedar 3038
Session 3......................................................................................................................................... 11:30am-12:25pm
• The Art of Gardening—Jane Hogue—Lean how to use four basic design elements– space, texture, shape, and color – to achieve balance, harmony and unity in your backyard. Jane will include suggestions for garden design, plant selection, under plantings, blooming sequences, and successful floral combinations for continuous color. Benton 343
• Your Path to a Delightful Herb Garden—Jean Minehart & Kathy Rhodes, LCMGs—Follow Jean and Kathy to learn how the 5 D’s - Discover, Determine, Design, Develop, and Dedicate - will create a path to your delightful herb garden. Cedar 3038
• (W) Rain Gardens – The Natural Way to Garden—Marsha Gray, LCMG—Rain gardens are a natural solution to reducing water pollution. Discover how they improve the negative effects of storm water runoff and provide a wonderful wildlife habitat. Benton 307
• Fact or Fiction of Lawn & Garden Myths—Patrick O’Malley, ISU Extension & Outreach Commercial Horticulturist—Explore what works and what doesn’t in garden lore. Examine control methods for insects, weeds, and other pests, the value (or not) of soil amendments, and cultural practices in the lawn, landscape, and garden. Cedar 3040
• Drought Superheroes—Becki Lynch, LCMG—Find out which plants grew and flourished in last year's drought and heat as well as those that were supposed to do well, but languished instead. Water conservation tips will be included just in case the drought continues. Benton 303
• Gardening for Butterflies—Laurie Azeltine, LCMG—Discover how to create and maintain a habitat attractive to butterflies. Laurie will discuss butterfly biology, nectar and larval plants, paying particular attention to Monarch butterfly needs. Benton 304
• (V) Container Gardening— Judy Stevens, LCMG—Do you have a large container or a square foot of land you could use for a garden? Choose the plant and we will discuss ideas on how to grow it in a small space. Benton 319
• Enhance your Garden’s Curb Appeal—Deb Walser, LCMG—Learn how to evaluate your property, plan the garden, and select plants. Deb will walk you through the planning process for a new house or a new garden. Benton 323
Session 4: Lunch......................................................................................................................................... 12:35-1:10pm
Keynote Presentation.................................. 1:15-2:15pm
The Most Important Garden Advice Ever Given—Pat Stone—Enjoy a grand mixture of practical advice and humor, culminating with an inspiring conclusion on gardening and life while Pat shares the three things gardeners should never do and the three most important things gardeners should do. Ballantyne
Session 5......................................................................................................................................... 2:30-3:25pm
• Garden Vignettes—Larry Rettig—This gardener extraordinaire will show you how to design a garden bed by planting in vignettes instead of relying on more conventional approaches. Larry will also discuss ways in which vignettes can be tied into the overall planting scheme. Cedar 3040
• Gardening Out of Your Comfort Zone—Gary Whittenbaugh—Put excitement and fun back into your gardening and be the envy of your neighborhood using some really varied plants, unusual trees and shrubs. Gary will also introduce different garden types including winter hardy cactus, rock and trough gardening. Cedar3037
• (V) A Growing Tapestry: Make a VerticalGarden—Shelby Foley, LCMG—Learn a fun new technique to add vertical interest to any space: how to plant a small hanging vertical garden using perennial succulents and sedums. Please bring a wire cutter to class. Materials cost $20.Benton 325
• The Art and Craft of Bonsai—John Clemens —Create bonsai and learn a new art form including major styles, plant selection, styling techniques, and tree care. Cedar 3048
• What Will the Weather Bring? —Elwynn Taylor, PhD, Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Climatologist—Dr. Taylor will provide a long range view of weather and climate history and its effect on gardens and crops. His insight will help you sharpen your gardening skills for whatever may befall us come spring. Benton 343
• (W) Water Gardening - From Small to Large—Becki Lynch, LCMG —Learn how to easily add water gardening to your home using good conservation practices. Learn the basics of water features like bird baths, still water containers, fountains, ponds, and streams. Benton 303
• (W) Ponds and Water Features—Larry Dawson, LCMG —Ponds don't have to cost a lot to set up and maintain. Larry will teach you how to build an economical pond, waterfall, and other water features. Cedar 3030
• Organic Vegetable Gardening—Phil Pfister, LCMG—What’s better than home grown vegetables? No matter what your gardening expertise, you can maximize production in your garden without spending a lot of time or using harmful chemicals. Benton 316
• Plants of the Bible—Judy Stevens, LCMG—Be amazed at the number of plants mentioned in the Bible which we still cultivate today, including herbs, oils, and grains. No theology, just a fascinating view of Biblical gardens. Benton 319
• New and Unusual Perennials for 2013—Deb Walser, LCMG—Find out what’s new for the 2013 growing season. Deb talks about new ways to add pizzazz to your garden. Benton 323
Tuition: $49 for all day and includes a boxed lunch
(some classes have additional charges for materials, these fees are noted and will be collected in class)
Register in advance for classes:
· register online
· download and complete registration form
· or call (319) 398-1022 or 1-800-332-8833
Questions?Call the Linn County Master Gardeners at (319) 447-0647 or Linn County Extension at (319) 377-9839 or email mkenyonb@iastate.edu.
Download the Winter Gardening Fair class schedule
