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Johnson County Master Gardener

Thymes

October 2017

MG Steering Committee Meeting Wednesday, October 13 at 7:00 pm; Johnson County Extension Office. All are invited to attend! Thymes Deadline Thymes information should be sent to Jan Denehy at janice-denehy@uiowa.edu Please send news, volunteer opportunities, stories, pictures, etc., for the November issue by Wednesday, October 25. Annual Master Gardener Fall Potluck Johnson County Extension Office. The MG Annual Fall Potluck will be held Sunday, October 15. The social hour will begin at 4:00, and dinner will be served at 5:00. Please bring a dish to share and your own table service. Drinks will be provided. Spouses, partners, and friends are welcome. No children, please. We will have a ‘Share’ table and invite you to bring any produce, plants, books or magazines, and/or other horticulture-related items you are ready to pass on to someone else. Hope to see you all at the potluck! One hour of CE credit will be given for those who stay for presentation by Carolyn Murphy. Eastern Iowa Orchid Society Linda Schreiber The Eastern Iowa Orchid Society’s Annual Orchid Show and Sale at Noelridge Park Greenhouse, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 21 and 22, has been cancelled. www.easterniowaorchidsociety.org

Iowa City Monarch Festival Carolyn Murphy The Iowa City Monarch Festival was held September 24th at the East Side Recycling Center in Iowa City. An estimated crowd of 300 to 400 families’ enjoyed out and inside activities, including making seed balls, going on a scavenger hunt, posing in the monarch photo booth, making butterfly wings and learning about butterfly gardening. The Master Gardener display included live a Monarch caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterflies, and Giant Swallowtail caterpillars. We had specimen dishes with samples of male/female monarchs, chrysalis shells and a tagged monarch. We played monarch videos and “Chester the Caterpillar” by Susie Vanderli. MGs Mahmooda, Angela, Mike and Carolyn were busy answering questions about butterfly gardening, types of milkweed, tagging monarchs and many other gardening and pollinator questions. I would to thank Marcie, a Facebook friend thru Monarchs in Eastern Iowa, for supplying the one and only caterpillar for us. The two caterpillars that I was hoping would delay starting their cycle did not, but they did provide us with beautiful emerald green chrysalis. The event was held by the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department and co-sponsored by Backyard Abundance, Master Gardeners and Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Next year this event will be held at the Terry Trueblood Park due to limited parking at the East Side Recycling center.

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Visitors view Monarch Caterpillar Display

Master Gardener Monarch Information Display

Visitors check out Monarch Butterfly Displays Hidden Garden Bed on 4-H Fairgrounds The photos below capture the beauty of a hidden flowerbed between Buildings B and C on the Fairgrounds. These photos were taken about September 12th during the long hot and rainless weather we experienced this summer. The bed looks beautiful with the Sedum and Salvia blooming and bees and butterflies enjoying the blossoms. Stella Clark

Hidden Garden at Fairgrounds

Sedum and Salvia

Butterfly on Sedum

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September Mystery Plant Identification Winners! In July, the Thymes began to include a mystery plant identification feature to help our MGs with those unknown plants that pop up in our gardens or are noticed on walks. Last month’s mystery plant was submitted by LaVon Yeggy (see below) The persons who submitted the correct answer were Tracy Edems, Alice Lindhart, and Linda Randall who identified the mystery plant as the herb Borage.

CONGRATULATIONS, Tracy, Alice and Linda

Borage October Mystery Plant Can you identify the plant below? If you think you can, email janice-denehy@uiowa.edu, and we will follow up in the next issue of the Thymes. Good Luck !!

October Mystery Plant

Trouble-Free Tropicals: Trailing African Violets African violets (Saintpaulia) are often the delight—and occasionally the bane—of tropical plant growers. They are available in numerous colors, they bloom year round, and they can be propagated cheaply and quickly. The plant was first discovered by Baron von St. Paul in 1892, while exploring the mountain regions of Tanzania and Kenya. Over the years, careful breeding and hybridizing have created a dizzying collection of African

violet cultivars, ranging in both color and size. Optimara, which leads in American violet production, greatly increased the diversity of these plants with its Space Violet Program, which in 1984 sent several thousand violet seeds to space aboard the Long Duration Exposure Facility. Once brought back to earth and planted in 1990, these seeds produced many plants with mutations in bloom and leaf size. Many of these plants’ descendants are on sale in nurseries and greenhouses today. Although African violets are vigorous bloomers, even in the darkest and coldest winter months, they have fussy requirements, demanding a careful balance of moisture and light. Even the most experienced growers can find them frustrating at times, as the plants are particularly susceptible to abiotic disorders (like crown rot from overwatering) and common pests (like spider mites). I’ve continuously grown and propagated African violets for twelve years, and though I’ve gotten better at cultural management, the plants still require meticulous attention in order to thrive. Last year, I was given several trailing African violets from a violetry in New England. These plants, which have a branching growth habit, send lateral branches away from a central growing point. These branches take root and produce new plants as they grow. Unlike standard or miniature violets, these plants can be grown as multi-crowned specimens. With careful pinching, you can create bushy plants that fill entire bulb pans or shallow dishes. Since so many plants are actively growing at any one time, trailing violets are always in bloom. Should a few crowns rot (because of overwatering), more plants will soon take their place. In case I’ve successfully interested you in these charming—and quite carefree—African violets, let me say a few words about their cultural requirements. Trailers need frequent and rather heavy doses of fertilizer in order to support the multi-crowned plants. They prefer shallow, wide pots, which give them room for growth. You should also pinch back their growing tips on a regular basis, as they otherwise become long-legged and spindly, especially in low light. I’ve never found trailers for sale in Iowa or Missouri, even though you can special order them from growers. If interested, I can recommend a reputable grower and breeder.

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Trailing African Violets For further reference on African Violets: http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/indoor/flowering/hgic1550.html [a quick overview of African violet culture] http://www.ag.auburn.edu/landscape/African_Violets.htm [a detailed account of commercial African violet production and care] The New Complete Book of African Violets by Helen Van Pelt Wilson (Barrows 1963) [one of my favorite introductions to African violet culture and propagation] Benjamin Batzer Visit to Pioneer Cemeteries Reveal Native Plants, Prairie Flowers Linda Schreiber Globally, Iowa offers gardeners one of these best growing regions – indeed Iowa’s agriculture is known worldwide. We are fortunate to have growing conditions that contribute to some of our better-known landmarks like the prairies at F. W. Kent Park near Oxford. If you’re looking for a new gardening experience, how about visiting a few of our hidden gardening treasures? In addition to serving as an eternal resting place, pioneer cemeteries are often home to some of Iowa’s native wildflowers. Also known as prairie cemeteries, the grounds are among Johnson County’s growing diverse garden gems. In August, the Johnson County Conservation Board coordinated a tour of three Johnson County pioneer cemeteries. Naturalist Sydney Algreen-Hunter led the tour and identified unique plant species and offered related local histories for the group. The group assembled at Kent Park administrative offices where participants learned a little about each of the cemeteries on the tour. Our group ranged in age from 7 to 70 years. Algreen-Hunter engaged children on the tour with activities and offered snacks to all during the three-hour tour. She explained a rare prickly pear cactus can be found at Greencastle (Babcock) Cemetery, located along Half Moon Ave NW, near Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area. The Johnson County Greencastle pioneer cemetery is the one of the few locations where the cactus can be found in Iowa.

Prickly Pear Cactus

The Grabin (Heifner) Cemetery located at the intersection of Grabin and Cemetery roads is the burial site of many of Grabin family ancestors. Gail (Grabin) Stratton (pictured right) gave the group a talk about her family’s emigration from Germany to the United States. Her Uncle Ray Grabin (seated) is the oldest living family member in the area; cousin Joel (center pets the dog named “Hound”) explained the Heifner family donated land for the cemetery and therefore both family names are on the bench.

Three Generations of the Grabin Family A 100-year old lead plant (Amorpha canescens) guards the Tomas headstone in the cemetery. A whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is located nearby. Both do well in dry soils and full sun, and are deer-resistant.

100-Year Old Lead Plant

Whorled Milkweed

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Also found, is the Hairy Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis) that grows about 12-inches in height. The stems are light green and covered with white hairs.

Hairy Wild Petunia Just to the south of this pioneer cemetery is the Williams Prairie State Preserve, which a well-known site to local prairie enthusiasts. The acreage is a diverse wet sedge meadow and sand prairie that contains more than 320 species of vascular plants, mosses and liverworts. River Junction (Stumptown) Cemetery was the last stop on the cemetery tour. The nickname “Stumptown” or “Stumpy” was given to the area primarily because of the trees that had been cut and stumps left as the railroad came through. River Junction was once known as a ghost town, however a few residents remain. It was one of the first areas settled in Johnson County by the Walker family. The cemetery is home to 100-year old peonies.

You can take your own Johnson County cemetery tour. Visit http://iowagravestones.org/cemeteries.php?cid=52 to find cemetery locations and plan your own Johnson County tour. The All-Iowa Master Gardener 2017 Art Show The Alll-Iowa Master Gardener Art Show was held at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens, September 21st. Sixty-five entries in 9 categories were on display.

A panel of 3 judges selected artwork from each category to be hung in the North Gallery which will be on display to the public till November 12th. Photography pieces in both traditional and close up categories submitted by Angela, Mike, and Carolyn Murphy were selected to be hung in the North Gallery. A reception provided by the Botanical Gardens was held in the evening for the artist, family and friends to view the artworks. Pat Reeves, coordinator of the art show, and several other Polk County Master Gardeners did an excellent job organizing the event and making everyone feel welcome. 1st Place – Carolyn Murphy Photography – Traditional

Pollinator’s Paradise 2nd Place – Angela Murphy Photography – Close Up

Blazing Star 3rd Place – Carolyn Murphy

Got Dill

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Selected for North Gallery, Mike Murphy

Three’s a Crowd Congratulations to the Murphy Family for their Winning Artwork at the MG Art Show! October Birth Flowers: Marigolds and Cosmos It should come as no surprise that October’s birth flowers are marigolds (Tagetes) and cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus). Both brighten gardens with their sunny appearance that lasts until frost.

Marigolds Marigolds are given as a sign of warm, fierce or undying love or as a way to say you are content to be with the recipient – passionate or kindness! Marigolds have a lot to offer. They are easy and inexpensive to grow from seed, present a range of fall colors from gold to copper and they bloom abundantly. Flowers have daisy-like or double head and are produced singly or in clusters. With more than 50 species that range in height from six inches to five-feet tall, most marigolds we know come from just three:

• Tagetes erecta are the tallest and most upright, at three to five feet. They are sometimes known as African, or American, marigolds. They thrive under hot, dry conditions.

• Bushy T. patula, or French marigolds, are somewhat smaller and more compact. They are often wider than they are tall. Elegant and eye-catching, they have demure flowers and usually grow from 6 inches to two-feet tall.

• The dainty T. tenuifolia are the signet, or rock-garden, marigolds that like hot, dry sites and

make a wonderful edging. Their flowers are edible.

Planting: • Marigolds thrive in full sunshine and can often

withstand very hot summers. • They grow in almost any soil, and thrive in

moderately fertile, well-drained soil. • Sow them directly into the garden once the soil

is warm or start seeds indoors. Marigolds sprout within days in warm weather and plants bloom in about 8 weeks.

• Sow seed 1-inch apart. While still small, thin the seedlings. Larger varieties should be at least 10 to 12 inches apart.

• After planting, thoroughly water each plant.

Care: • Germination from large, easily handled seeds is

rapid. Blooms appear within a few weeks of sowing.

• Marigolds don’t require deadheading. • When you water marigolds, allow the soil to dry

between watering, then water well and repeatthe process. Water in high heat. Do not water marigolds from overhead. Water at the base of the plant.

• Do not fertilize marigolds during growth. Too rich a diet stimulates lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

Cosmos Cosmos are semi-tall annuals that are often planted along borders of gardens and add beauty to decorations. They are a symbol of order, peace and serenity. The blooms attract birds, bees and butterflies to the garden. Cosmos showy flowers may be bowl – or open cup – shape and sit atop long stems. Flowers are pink, orange, red, yellow, white and maroon. They are easy to grow Planting:

• Cosmos can be started indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost in trays or pots with a seed-starting mixture. Seedlings grow fast, so move them into 5-inch pots as soon as they’re 3 or 4 inches tall.

• Plant seeds in moist, well-drained soil about ¼-inch deep and 12–18 inches apart after the

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danger of frost has passed. You can also plant transplants instead of seeds. These also like soil that is not too rich, as rich soil will encourage foliage at the expense of bloom.

• Cosmos tolerate warm, dry weather. • Depending on the variety cosmos can grow

anywhere between 18–60 inches tall. • It may take seeds about 7 weeks to bloom and

flowers should continue to bloom until frost. • The spiky-brown cosmos seed heads might sow

themselves throughout your garden if left unattended.

Care:

• Prolong blooms by deadheading the plants to speed up flower development and branching.

• Staking may be necessary because some of these plants can grow quite tall. Offer protection from strong winds and encourage balanced branching by pinching out central shoots or stem tips. Growing against a fence can also provide support.

• Water regularly, but don’t over-water plants, which can lead to plants with fewer flowers.

• Cosmos can tolerate dry soil, even in a hot, arid, sunbaked spot. Linda Schreiber

October Birthdays • 3 Jeff Baker • 5 Janice Hining • 6 Betty Kelly • 13 Ramona McGurk • 17 Lori Winborn • 25 Connie Funk • 26 Martha McClurg • Articles needed for the Thymes Newsletter I would like to encourage MGs to submit short feature articles (300-500 words) of interest for the newsletter. These articles can be seasonal, something of special interest to you or a topic of interest to MGs. You might want to write an article related to a MG project you worked on or a topic you would like to learn more about. If possible, include a photo or two (jpg with at least 100 dpi sent as separate files) related to your article. The newsletter is published 10 times a year (there are no issues in January and August) and is distributed via email or USPS for those who prefer a hard copy. Each issue is about 7-8 pages in length and includes a variety of regular features such as announcements of upcoming MG events and meetings, special events of interest to MGs, a monthly birthday list, and a list of committee chairmen and volunteer opportunities. If you are interested, please let me know. If you

have an idea for an article or need help in putting an article together, contact me and we can discuss the topic and format. You will receive MG core volunteer hours for your work on the Thymes. Deadlines are listed in the Thymes. I look forward to hearing from you and working with you on the Thymes. Jan Denehy, Thymes Editor, Janice-denehy@uiowa.edu

A listing of programs offered by organizations in our area that may be of interest to MGs.

October 2017 Backyard Abundance http://backyardabundance.org/ Wednesday, October 4, 2017 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Gardening with Spirit. Connect with the spiritual side of nature through playful gatherings the first Wednesday of each month at Gaia’s Peace Garden, 2066 Bristol Dr., Iowa City. Register at http://backyardabundance.org/. Saturday, October 7, 2017 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Become a Fruit Treekeeper sponsored by Trees Forever. Learn how to grow your own fruit and make our community healthier and more sustainable. Plant fruit and nut trees in your neighborhood and community, help promote and protect all community trees and become an ambassador for trees. Cost is $30. Lower Park and Arts Environmental Center (Hickory Room), 4500 10th St, Marion. Sunday, October 8, 2017 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Iowa City Waterway Clean-up at Ralston Creek. Volunteer for an environmental cleanup to remove invasive species, trash, and woody debris from the east bank of the Iowa River or Ralston Creek. Information at www.facebook.com/events/1837563976559532. Monday, October 9, 2017 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Forestry Field Day Sponsored by Iowa Woodland Owners Association. Topics include “ID and Management of Woodland Invasives”, “Weed Tree Removal/Rx Fire”, ”Planting With Tree Tubes”, and more. Registration $15 for IWOA members and $20 for non-members. Information at Paul Mallice at pmillice@aol.com. Thursday, October 12, 2017 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Green Drinks, a place to meet and exchange ideas with other green-minded folks in a cozy environment. Held the second Thursday of every month. Brew Lab, 505 E Washington St, Iowa City. www.greendrinks.org/IA/IowaCity.

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Thursday October 12-15, 2017 4 day Hempcrete Construction Workshop at VersaLand Farm, 5133 Strawbridge Rd NE, Iowa City. Learn to build a complete tiny house using natural materials. Hemp building that’s non-psychoactive and 100% legal. Information at www.versaland.com/hempcrete-tiny-house-course/. Sunday, October 15, 2017 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Iowa City Waterway Clean-up at Ralston Creek. Volunteer for an environmental clean-up to remove invasive species, trash, and woody debris from the east bank of the Iowa River or Ralston Creek. Information at www.facebook.com/events/1837563976559532. Sunday, October 22, 2017 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Iowa City Waterway Clean-up at Ralston Creek. Volunteer for an environmental clean-up to remove invasive species, trash, and woody debris from the east bank of the Iowa River or Ralston Creek. Information at www.facebook.com/events/1837563976559532. Sunday, October 29, 2017 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Iowa City Waterway Clean-up at Ralston Creek. Volunteer for an environmental clean-up to remove invasive species, trash, and woody debris from the east bank of the Iowa River or Ralston Creek. Information at www.facebook.com/events/1837563976559532. Blue Zones www.bluezones.com https://iowa.bluezonesproject.com/activities Bur Oak Land Trust (formerly Johnson County Home) info@BurOakLandTrust.org Sunday, October 1, 2017 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Shimek Ravine Workday. Invasive removal. Park at Shimek elementary parking lot, 1355 Grissel Place, Iowa City. Contact Seth at seth@buroaklandtrust.org or 319-400-5511. Friday, October 6, 2017 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Pappy Dickens Workday. Invasive removal. Park at old Hy-vee on North Dodge. Contact seth@buroaklandtrust.org or 319-400-5511. Saturday, October 14 , 2017 9 a.m.to 12 p.m. O’Mara-Newport Workday, Surly Gives a Damn Property enhancement. Volunteer with BOLT and Surly. Get a free shirt and a free beer at a local establishment. Meet at the end of 320th St NE and park single file along the road. Contact seth@buroaklandtrust.org or 319-400-5511. Wednesday, October 18, 2017 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Community Night at Hudson’s Southside Tap, 482 Hwy 1 W. Join Bur Oak Land Trust at Hudson’s for their Community Night. The locally owned tap has a 100% from scratch menu and 40 tap

beers, and they will donate a portion of the profits to Bur Oak Land Trust. Friday, October 20, 2017 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. O’Mara-Newport Workday. Invasive removal working alongside Conservation Corp Iowa team. Meet at the end of 320th St NE Iowa City and park single file along the road. Contact seth@buroaklandtrust.org or 319-400-5511. Coralville Lake Nothing scheduled at press time. Eastern Iowa Bird Watchers/IC Birds http://icbirds.org/newsletter.html Wednesday, October 4 and 18, 2017 8 a.m. Kent Park Bird Walk. Meet with leader Rick Hollis at the Kent Park Community Educational Center. Sunday, October 8, 2017 8 a.m. Tailwater Riverwalk Trail for fall migrants. This ¼ mile paved , accessible trail below Coralville Dam offers multiple habitats including river, woodland edge, and wet forest bottomland. Option for those wanting additional hiking is Woodpecker Trail, wrapping up before noon. Meet at the south end of the parking row at the Devonian Fossil Gorge. Leader: Linda Rudolph,319-325-8393. Saturday, October 14, 2017 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hawk Watch at Stainbrook Preserve, located along Mehaffey Bridge Road just north of Sugar Bottom Recreation Area. Join others on the hill to watch for migrating raptors. At nearby Macbride Nature-Rec. Area there will be hawk watching at Bluestem Shelter with the Iowa Raptor Project staff and live raptor presentations at the Raptor Center at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Chris Edwards, 319-400-4732. Sunday, October 15, 2015 Iowa Young Birders’ Field Trip to Terry Trueblood Recreation Area in Iowa City. For more information and to register visit www.iowayoungbirders.org Thursday, October 19, 2017 7 p.m. Meeting at Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, Room A, 220 S.Gilbert St. Marlene Ehresman, Executive Director of Iowa Wildlife Center in Ames, will present “Bats of Iowa”. Sunday, October 22, 2017 7:30 a.m. River Valley Wetland and Althea Sherman Swift Tower. Visit River Valley Wetland for late fall migrants such as Orange-crowned Warbler, Hermit Thrush, Fox Sparrow, Purple Finch, and Rusty Blackbird. Then to Bickett-Rate Preserve for a 10;30 guided tour of Althea Sherman’s Chimney Swift Tower with Barbara and Mike Boyle. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the North Dodge Hy-Vee parking lot by the gas pumps, or join the group at Bickett-Rate Preserve at 10:30 a.m. Leader: Jason Paulios, 319-331-6115. ECO_Iowa City Check website for events.

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Iowa State Extension http://www.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/ Iowa Water https://www.facebook.com/iowa.city.stormwater.volunteers?sk=wall Sunday, October 8, 2017 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Ralston Creek Stormwater Clean-up, 220 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City. Volunteers will be cleaning up trash and wood debris along Ralston Creek behind the Iowa City Recreation Center. For more information contact Carol Sweeting at 319-541-2385 or carol-sweeting@iowa-city.org. Sunday, October 15, 2017 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Ralston Creek Stormwater Clean-up, 220 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City. Volunteers will be cleaning up trash and Woody debris along Ralston Creek. For more information contact Carol Sweeting at 319-354-2385 or carol-sweeting@iowa-city.org. Sunday, October 22 and 29, 2017 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Iowa City Stormwater Volunteer Clean-up. Location to be determined as date gets closer. Contact Carol Sweeting at 319-541-2385 or carol-sweeting@iowa-city.org. Johnson County Conservation http://www.johnson-county.com/conservation salgreen@co.johnson.ia.us Saturday, October 7, 2017 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Yoga in the Park . JCC has partnered with Serenity Yoga & Pilates Studio to combine the benefits of yoga and outdoor exploration. Participants meet at the Conservation Education Center at F.W Kent Park, 2048 Hwy 6 NW, Oxford. Fee is $7 adults or children. Go to http://www.syp-studio.com or call 319-541-4997 to reserve a spot. Friday, October 20, 2017 10 a.m.to 12 p.m. Hike it Baby Clear Creek Walk at Clear Creek Trail, 3196 Half Moon Avenue NW, Tiffin. JCC has paired with Hike It Baby to promote outdoor recreation for families with young kids (all ages invited, not just babies). Stroller friendly trail. Limited parking and carpooling recommended. Overflow parking can take place along trailhead driveway and adjacent gravel road. Reservations not required but information available at 319-645-1011. Wednesday, October 25, 2017 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Nature Buds: Seeds, a nature program for 3-5 year olds with indoor and outdoor activities at Conservation Education Center at FW Kent Park, 2048 HWY 6 NW, Oxford. Participants will explore seeds from acorns to goldenrod to pumpkins. One adult to two children required. Email salgreen@co.johnson.ia.us or call 319-645-1011 to register for this free class. Thursday, October 26, 2017 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Halloween Night Hike at the Conservation Education Center, FW Kent Park, 2048

HWY 6 NW, Oxford. The hike includes interesting information about nocturnal animal adaptations and will end with Halloween treats. Free program. Registration required at 319-645-1011 or salgreen@co.johnson.ia.us. Johnson County-ISU Extension http://www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson/ Wednesday, October 11, 2017 7 p.m. Johnson County Master Gardener Steering Committee Meeting. All MG’s welcome. Sunday, October 15, 2017 4 p.m. setup and socializing for Fall Master Gardener Potluck. 5 p.m. potluck eating. One hour of education. Contact Shannon Bielicke at bielicke@iastate.edu or 319-337-2145. Linn County-ISU Extension http://www.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/ShowList.asp?County=Linn&CountiesScope Saturday, October 14, 2017 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Forcing bulbs at the Lowe Park Greenhouse, 4500 N 10th Street, Marion, Iowa. Explore ways to bring bulbs to life early to brighten winter days. Plant a pot of daffodil bulbs for forcing. $20 fee and registration required. Shelly O’Neal, 319-377-9839, soneal@iastate.edu.

New Pioneer Coop http://www.newpi.coop/new-pi-classes-and-community/2015-02/ Check the website for events and activities. Project Green http://www.projectgreen.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/www.projectgreen.org Nothing new at press time Seed Savers http://www.seedsavers.org/Education/ Check the website for events and activities. Trees Forever http://www.treesforever.org/Events Saturday, October 7, 2017 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fruit TreeKeepers at Lowe Park Arts and Environment Center(Hickory Room), 4500 N 10th St, Marion. This is a one day course focusing on common care of fruit trees grown in Iowa. $30 fee which includes a light lunch, Fruit TreeKeepers handbook and an abundant amount of fruit tree information. Contact Carl Barnhart at 319-373-0650 x 114. 100_Grannies http://100grannies.org/ Monday, October 2, 2017 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Film Series-Origins. This beautiful film describes the development of technology and how that development has pulled us out of balance with nature.

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The film attempts to help provide solutions to how we can live a healthy life in a modern world. Johnson County Senior Center, Linn St., Iowa City. Wednesday,October 4, 2017 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. DNR on Water Quality at Coralville Library, Schwab Auditorium. Contact jeff.berckes@dnr.iowa.gov. Sunday,October 8, 2017 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Improve Water Quality and Reduce Erosion at east bank of Iowa River or Ralston Creek. Volunteers will be removing invasive species, trash, and woody debris. Contact Carol Sweeting at 319-356-5164 or carol=sweeting@iowa-city.org. Monday,October 9, 2017 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Film Series-Awake, A Dream from Standing Rock. The ongoing story that began with the gathering of over 500 tribes and multicultural allies in a peaceful resistance in the fight for clean water, the environment, and the future of the planet. Johnson County Senior Center, Linn St., Iowa City. Tuesday, October 10, 2017 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Welcome and Orientation for New Grannies. The location changes from month to month and this event is usually held on the second Tuesday of the month. Contact Pat Bowen at 319-354-1286 or Margie Benson 210-685-4854. Sunday,October 15, 2017 12 p.m.to 3 p.m. Improve Water Quality and Reduce Erosion at east bank of Iowa River or Ralston Creek. Volunteers will be removing invasive species, trash, and woody debris. Contact Carol Sweeting at 319-356-5164 or carol-sweeting@iowa-city.org. Monday, October 16, 2017 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Good Neighbor Committee. This committee meets on the third Monday of the month. Location is to be determined. They are working with goodneighboriowa.org and partnering with Back Yard Abundance, New Pioneer Co-op and Americorps. Contact Linda Quinn at 319-330-3328 for location. Monday, October 16, 2017 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Film Series-An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power. This up-to-date documentary addresses the progress now being made to tackle this major global problem with incredible human ingenuity. How close is real energy revolution? Johnson County Senior Center, Linn St., Iowa City. Sunday, October 22, 2017 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Improve Water Quality and Reduce Erosion at the east bank of the Iowa River or Ralston Creek. Volunteers will be removing invasive species, trash, and woody debris. Contact Carol Sweeting at 319-356-5164 or carol-sweeting@iowa-city.org. Monday, October 23, 2017 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Film Series-Seed: The Untold Story. In the last century 94% of our seed varieties have disappeared. Biotech chemical companies control a majority of the rest. The film provides some answers as

to what we can do. Johnson County Senior Center, Linn St., Iowa City. Tuesday, October 24, 2017 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Activism Committee Meeting at Trinity Episcopal Church, 320 E. College St., Iowa City. Join the group in planning for upcoming events. Meets right before regular monthly meeting at the same location. Tuesday, October 24, 2017 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 100grannies Regular meeting at Trinity Episcopal Church, 320 E. College St., Iowa City. Contact: 100granniesiowacity@gmail.com. Sunday, October 29, 2017 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Improve Water Quality and reduce Erosion. Location to be announced. Volunteers will be removing invasive species and, trash and woody debris. Contact Carol Sweeting at 319-356-5164 or carol-sweeting@iowa-city.org.

Oaknoll-MG Volunteer Matching Program MG volunteers are matched with Oaknoll residents to assist with planting and maintaining their small garden spaces at Oaknoll. Please contact Marilou Gay at 466-3047 or rmlgay@aol.com or Vicki Siefers 331-1798 or vsiefers@mchsi.com if you have any questions or would like to volunteer. Solon School Gardens

Solon School Gardens can use your help! We are in need of MG's that would like to work on this Core project on their own time schedule, Work in these gardens is primarily pruning, weeding and moving plants. There are periodic group work events. Please contact Tracy Hufford at 624-3342 or tracehuff@aol.com Speakers’ Bureau

Master Gardeners, are you interested in earning hours being a speaker? If so, please contact Jackie Wellborn, or leave your name, number, and topics of interest and Jackie will contact you.

Also, if you give presentations for the Speaker’s Bureau please contact Jackie to inform her of your work.

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She records the information for her annual report. Jackie Wellborn, 512-8382, jackiewe@mchsi.com

If you are interested in learning more about or helping with a project listed below, contact one of the chairperson(s) listed for that project. Thank you!

Attended Displays: Sharon Rude, 319-331-3042; momrude@gmail.com Butterfly House at Fairgrounds Carolyn Murphy 541-7079; carolyn-murphy@uiowa.edu, Mike Murphy, 351-6345 Coralville Historical School House: Cindy Parsons, 400-7179; cparsons@icialaw.com Ecumenical Towers: Jane Zukin, 319-339-9127; Janezukin@aol.com Demo Garden: Sharon Jeter, 319-631-2148, sharonjeter@gmail.com Downtown City Gardens (Newly-approved core) Linda Schreiber, 319-936-8600, lnschreiber@gmail.com Fair Grounds Beautification: Rain Garden: Lavon Yeggy, 319-330-0952, lavon47@Lcom.net, Mardi Rasmussen, 319-624-4090, martharasmussen@yahoo.com Fair Grounds Flower Beds: Joan Dinnel, 319-338-2434, jdinel@aol.com, Barb Krug, 857-4569, bkmg2004@yahoo.com Firefighters’ Memorial: Barb Schintler, 319-651-5174, barbjschintler@hotmail.com

Fundraising/Flea Market: Barb Krug, 431-5865,

bkmg2004@yahoo.com Coordinating new leadership for 2018. Hortline: Esther Retish, 319-351-5011, eretish@mchsi.com; Joy TenEick, 319-626-2080; jteneick@gmail.com Hospice Garden at Willow Creek Park: Melanie Haupert, 319-351-1149, melaniehaupert@gmail.com Intern Class/Training: Nicole Pearson, 507-251-0902, nicole-pearson@uiowa.edu Johnson County Fair / 4-H Buckets of Flowers, Scarecrow: Marilou Gay, 466-3047, rmlgay@aol.com

Lavon Yeggy, 319-330-0952, lavon47@Lcom.net Mark Twain People’s Garden (Non-core): Julie Hegmann, 319-337-3607, Julie@hegmann.net Oaknoll Garden Project (Newly-approved core): Marilou Gay, 319-466-3047, rmlgay@aol.com Plum Grove: Betty Kelly, 319-351-4903, blkiowa@gmail.com; Joanne Leach, 319-351-4722, Jleach@Jlgardens.net; Lavon Yeggy, 319-330-0952, lavon47@Lcom.net; Carolyn Murphy, 319-541-7079, candmmurphy@aol.com Raptor Center Gardens: Alice Linhart, 319-621-8073, mikeandalice@southslope.net; Speakers Bureau: Jackie Wellborn, 319-512-8382, jackiewe@mchsi.com Social Events: Steering Committee, Beth Fisher, 319-321-8378, scrabblegirl2@gmail.com; Lavon Yeggy, 319-337-6327, lavon47@Lcom.net Solon High School: Tracy Hufford, 319-624-3342, TraceHuff@aol.com Steering Committee Chair: Lavon Yeggy, 330-0952; lavon47@Lcom.net, Sharon Jeter, 631-2148, sharonjeter@gmail.com; Barb Krug, 431-5865; kbjfarm@yahoo.com Thymes: Jan Denehy, 319-338-7493, janice-denehy@uiowa.edu

Treasurer: Loren Leach, 319-351-4722, lleach@jlgardens.net

Volunteer Hours/Secretary: Shannon Bielicke, 319-337-2145, bielicke@iastate.edu

The Johnson County Master Gardener Thymes is published monthly, except January and August. It is distributed under the auspices of Iowa State University. Mail can be sent to: Johnson County Extension Service Attn: Master Gardener Newsletter 4265 Oak Crest Hill Road SE Iowa City, IA 52246

Send email to: janice-denehy@uiowa.edu