Polk County Master Gardener Projects
The Polk County Master Gardeners maintain three learning gardens throughout the county, as well as plan and host a number of educational events and opportunities throughout the year!
Visit one of our three educational gardens; the Demonstration Garden in Urbandale, the Discovery Garden at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, or the Enabling Garden in Altoona. Or check out our signature events, and other educational programs!
Learn more on our Polk County Master Gardeners site!
- Demonstration Garden
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The Demonstration Garden is the oldest ISU Extension, Polk County Master Gardener project. It is a cooperative arrangement between the Polk County Extension and the City of Urbandale. The mature fruit tree orchard and many deciduous bushes and shrubs are also a learning lab where Master Gardener trainees receive hands-on experience in proper pruning techniques each spring. View information about Demonstration Garden events, history, and other information by viewing the Demonstration Garden Webpage.
Visit the Demo Garden at 92nd and Dewey Gibbs Road in Urbandale, near Valerius Elementary School. - Discovery Garden
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The Discovery Garden is a cooperative effort between ISU Extension and Outreach Polk County Master Gardeners and the Iowa State Fair. The Discovery Garden is located on the Iowa State Fairgrounds on the south side of the Agriculture Building. Master Gardeners provide education to the public each year during the Iowa State Fair. Read more about the Discovery Garden here.
- Enabling Garden
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The Enabling Garden in Altoona started in 2002 as a collaborative effort between Polk County Master Gardeners and the City of Altoona, The Enabling Garden provides an area that illustrates gardening for individuals with physical impairments by demonstrating the construction of barrier-free gardening. Through the use of design concepts such as raised beds and vertical wall gardens, visitors learn how gardens can be adapted to accommodate any gardener regardless of age or ability. Read more about the Enabling Garden.
Visit the Enabling Garden at 1050 1st Avenue South in Altoona, 50009.
- Garden Tour
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Join us on July 9th, 2022 for the Polk County Master Gardeners' Garden Tour! View extraordinary gardens created by ordinary people across the county, and participate in educational experiences. Read more about it and purchase your ticket!
- Ask a Master Gardener
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Got a gardening question on your mind? Ask a Master Gardener! Visit us at the Downtown Farmers' Market or Beaverdale Farmers' Market during the growing season. Find more info and the schedule on this site.
- Bus Trips
- Join our upcoming bus trip for great educational experiences and a chance to explore nearby gardens in Central Iowa and the Midwest. Read more info here.
Become a Master Gardener
ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County offers the class series each year in late summer through fall.
Classes are held both in-person and online. The online material will be supplemented with additional experiences with the Polk County cohort to facilitate connections among class-members and provide hands-on learning experiences.
Within 12 months of completing the coursework, the Master Gardener "intern" will need to report 40 hours of volunteer time on approved projects before receiving their Master Gardener Certificate.
- Class Topics
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Class topics include:
- Soils Botany
- Plant pathology
- Entomology
- Landscape trees and shrubs
- Home landscape design
- Fruit culture
- Turfgrass management
- Weeds
- Integrated Pest Management
- Animal ecology
- Vegetables
- Houseplants and propagation
- Herbaceous ornamentals
- Polk County Master Gardener Projects and Volunteer Opportunities
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- Demonstration Garden, Urbandale
- Discovery Garden, Iowa State Fair Grounds
- Enabling Garden, Altoona
- Plant Sales, various
- Garden Tour, various neighborhoods
- Farmers Market booth
- Planning Bus Trips, various destinations
- Art in the Garden Fair
- Frequently Asked Questions
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What sets a Master Gardener apart from a home gardener?
Master Gardeners are enthusiastic, willing to learn, and have the ability to communicate and share their knowledge with diverse groups of people.Is prior gardening experience or training necessary to become a Master Gardener?
No. Prior experience or education is not required to become a Master Gardener. After acquiring the Master Gardener Certificate, volunteers must complete a minimum of 10 hours of educational training and provide 20 hours of volunteer service annually.
What is the cost for the program?
Class Tuition is $195 for Master Gardener Certification. This fee includes materials for the core class, and a Master Gardener resource guide and workbook.
I am not interested in becoming a volunteer, is there a different program for me?
When class size permits, we accept applications to take the coursework and receive a "ProHort" certificate of completion. The ProHort certification fee is $550.
Stephanie Harrington
Natural Resources Program Coordinator
sharring@iastate.edu
515-957-5768
Gardening Resources
Looking for gardening information? ISU Extension and Outreach has got you covered! Check out resources on our Horticulture and Home Pest News webpage for timely tips, troubleshooting any gardening issues, and so much more!
