Over the Garden Gate

Monthly Newsletter

Clinton County Master Gardeners

Editor: Carol Machael, cmachael@gmail.com

Published on the first Monday of the month.

To submit an article it must be sent by E-mail as a Microsoft Word attachment to the above e-mail address. To be accepted for publication in the

next newsletter, articles must be received 10 days before the first Monday of the month. Articles will be accepted or rejected at the discretion of the

Volume 5 Issue 2 March 2014

Phenology refers to key seasonal changes in plants and animals from year to year – such as flowering,

emergence of insects and migration of birds – especially their timing and relationship with weather and

climate. The return of various migratory songbirds, the blooming of wildflowers and woody landscape

plants, and the development of local populations of insects

are all examples of phenological events which are easily ob-

served each spring in any location. Phenology observes the

relationship between 1) discrete natural events, 2) events

and the season, 3) events and local weather conditions, and

4) events and climatic changes.

Some common events gardening phenologists keep track of

are the dates of the first and last frosts, when the ground

freezes and thaws, the best time to hunt morel mushrooms,

the planting and blooming of herbaceous and woody land-

scape plants and the emergence of insect pests. You’ve

heard the saying "plant corn

when oak leaves are the size

of a squirrel’s ear". We all

know that planting corn has

nothing to do with oak leaves or squirrel’s

ears but over time, farmers have learned

that when oak leaves have reached this

size, the soil is warm enough for corn

seed to germinate without rotting in the

soil. This holds true for all warm-season

annual plants.

Phenology can be more than just a hobby

for gardeners, it can become a way of connecting better with nature.

Learn more about phenology: www.usanpn.org

CLINTON COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES

Volume 5 Issue 2 Page 2 March 2014

FEBRUARY 18, 2014 BICKELHAUPT ARBORETUM

Board members present: Alice Machande, Jerry Richter, Tom Powell, Deb Neels, Roger Ritt-

mer, Willard Larsen

Others present: Brenda Council, Margo Hansen, Mark Schroeder

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed

Financial Report: Balance of $2080.68

REPORTS

Bickelhaupt Arboretum: Margo reported that the next Saturday class at the Arb is March 15 ;the topic is Rain Barrels

Publicity—Deb Neels

Deb sent out request for the need for more gardens for the garden walk

OLD BUSINESS

Alice read letters from Alma Gaul, Jessica and Catherine thanking the Master Gardeners for

including them in the holiday party in December.

Alice also read invitation from the fair board inviting members to fair board appreciation ban-

quet on March 2.

Margo and Willard reminded members of Hort in the Heartland on March 1.

Continuing projects

Clinton Library---Jerry will check with Library

Garden Walk---committee is meeting today (2/18) and will have report later

OLC redesign---Roger has not heard anything from ISU; there was discussion of possible alternatives to ISU redesign.

MG room at extension-- Mark reported on the mold issue. There is a letter on record as to

what needs to be done to determine the extent of mold damage/danger. We will need to wait

until this spring to check damage and then proceed.

NEW BUSINESS

MG Day at the Fair --- The committee was to meet on 2/17, but was postponed due to poor

weather. Meeting was rescheduled to Monday, Feb. 24.

Background Checks --- Willard reported that 13 had returned their papers for the background

check. Twenty–three requests for information had been sent out.

Plant Sale --- Deb Neels and Brenda Council will serve as co-chairs of the Clinton portion of the sale and Willard Larsen and Jerry Richter will serve as co-chairs of the DeWitt portion.

There was discussion of the need for members to make special effort to bring plants this

year’s sale.

Spring Social Garden Party--- There will be a social gathering on April 10, at the 4-H audito-rium beginning at 6:00. Bring your own table service and a dish to pass. Ice Cream, lemon-

ade, water, and coffee will be provided. This will give members a chance to look at the OLC as

well as hear about the all Master Gardener projects for the year.

Respectfully submitted Willard Larsen

Volume 5 Issue 2 Page 3 March 2014

HAVE YOU SAVED THE DATE?

Spring Social Garden Party

April 10th at 6:00 pm

It’s a potluck at the Outdoor Living Classroom – Fair Grounds Auditorium in DeWitt. Please bring a dish to share. Table service, lemonade, coffee and water

will be provided. Ice cream will be served in celebration of SPRING!

We are starting our 2014 Master Gardener activities with this social gathering. And yes, spring will eventually arrive!

Hope to see all of you there.

ANYONE SPRING CLEANING YET?

We are trying something new at the DeWitt plant sale in May! It’s called the:

Gently Used Garden “Treasure” Sale

We are asking for donations of gently used, clean, & unique decorative pots & planters, gar-

den art and garden tools to sell at the plant sale. So, as you go through your gardening things

in preparation for spring (that will someday come), please remember the Clinton County Mas-

ter Gardeners DeWitt plant sale on May 17th & 18th. Kindly contact LeAnne Larsen at 563-259

-1871 for drop off information. Proceeds from this “Treasure” sale as well as the plant sale

are used to maintain the Outdoor Living Classroom at the Clinton County fairgrounds.

PLANT SALE

One year ago, we were close to working in our yards and gardens. Right now, we are wondering “When will the winter end?” In about 2 ½ months, we will be having our annual plant sale. There will not be as many plants from the OLC to sell, and the balance in our treasury is down compared to past years. Keeping those two things in mind, it will be important for all members to contribute plants. The plant sale is May 17 & 18, so begin thinking about what plants you will be able to donate.

Volume 5 Issue 1 Page 4 January-February 2014

. . . and justice for all

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability,

political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Many materials can be made available in alternative format

for ADA clients. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC

20250-9410 or call 202-702-5964.

CLINTON COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS CALENDAR Dates subject to change.

Advisory Board Members to contact: Alice Machande, 563-243-8917; Carol Miller, 563-243-4774;

Jerry Richter, 563-357-3257; Brenda Council, 815-589-2569; Deb Neels, 563-242-0338; Sandra

Hughes, 563-659-9594; Roger Rittmer, 563-659-8074; Clinton County Extension Office: Jessica,

563-659-5125.

March 15 Saturday at the Arb Workshop - 10 - 11 am “Make a Rain Barrel” Just in time for the growing season. Collect fresh water for your plants this season. Assemble your own rain barrel to take with you that day! Pre-registration required. $50 donation (MGEd-1)

March 18 Volunteer Potluck - 5:30 pm. Spring 2014 Season Kick Off. All volunteers and spouses welcome to this fun evening. Good Food, Good Friends, Good Times!

April 12 Saturday at the Arb Workshop – 10 am - 12 pm “Plant Propagation” Learn the

correct way to start seeds, transplant seedlings, take cuttings and divide perenni-

als. Plant material, supplies and containers are included. Come dig in the dirt

with us! Pre-registration required. $10 donation. Horticulturalist Margo Hansen,

instructor. (MGEd- 2)

May 17 Saturday at the Arb Workshop – 10 - 11 am. “Miniature Garden Workshop” Cre-

ate your own unique miniature garden. Supplies, containers and plants are in-

cluded. Pre-registration required. $25 donation. (MGEd-1) Margo Hansen and

Volunteers

May 24 Plant Sale - 10 am - 1 pm - Fourth Annual Plant Sale will feature unusual perenni-

als, wild flowers, annuals, trees and dwarf conifers. Something for everyone! Arboretum volunteers on hand to answer your questions. Proceeds go toward our educational programs and grounds maintenance. Sorry - no early sales! (MGC-3)

June Annual Meeting of Arboretum Board of Directors

June 21 Saturday at the Arb Workshop - 10 - 11 am “Tabletop Workshop” Make a sim ple self-contained water feature for a deck or patio. Pre-registration required. $25 (MGEd-1)

July 19 Saturday at the Arb Workshop - 10 - 11 am “Leaf Cast Bird Bath” MG Deb Mon-roe will demonstrate how to create your own bird bath. Materials included. Pre-registration required. $25 donation. (MGEd-1)

August 2 Saturday at the Arb Workshop - 10 - 11 am “Making an Herb Wreath” Arbore-tum volunteers will instruct you in making a beautiful fresh herb wreath to take home. Pre-registration required. $20 donation. (MGEd-1)

August 23 Saturday at the Arb – 10 am – 1 pm “Bugs and Butterflies” Explore the inter-

esting life cycles of insects and butterflies. What they eat, where they live and

how they survive. Program & displays. Join in tagging and releasing Monarch

butterflies. Arboretum Volunteers (MGEd-3)

(MGV = Master Gardeners Volunteer Hour) (MGEd = Master Gardeners Education Hour) (MGC = Master Gardener Credit Hour)

MASTER GARDENERS VOLUNTEER :

Extension Office Plant Partners: Willard Larsen willardllarsen@gmail.com 563-249-2476

Eagle Point Nursing Home and Rehabilitation or Community Garden: Willard Larsen

OLC/County Fair: Roger Rittmer rogr@iowatelecom.net

Bickelhaupt Arboretum: Margo Hansen margo.hansen@bickelhaupt.org

Curtis Mansion: Liz Clements 563-243-3254

Other community opportunities: Jerry Richter, 357-3257

HORT PICS!

Another well-attended, well-

planned, excellent opportunity for

Education Hours!

Pictures courtesy of Mary Swanson

Volume 5 Issue 2 Page 6 March 2014

Did You Know…?

Honeybees are responsible for pollinating approximately 80% of all fruit, vegetable, and seed crops in the

U.S.

Honeybees are the only insects that produce food for humans.

A typical beehive makes anywhere from 20-60 pounds of honey per year; the world record is 400 pounds

for one hive!

To make one pound of honey, the bees in the colony must make 2,000,000 visits to flowers and fly over

55,000 miles to and from the hive.

It would take only one ounce of honey to fuel a honeybee’s flight around the world.

Honeybees never sleep; the only take short catnaps…(beenaps?)

Honeybees can fly 15 mph; their wings stroke about 12,000 times per minute—-that’s the “buzz.”

Garden Tips...courtesy of Virginia Temptleton

An almost invisible deer fence:

To keep deer out of the hosta or rose bed, put fence stakes around them. Then encircle clear fish

line at 6-8 inches, and again at 10-12 inches. The theory behind the fishing line fence is that

when the deer touch the fishing line (which they may or may not see), they get “spooked” and prefer

to go another way.

When planting bulbs, try putting a clove of garlic next to the bulbs...squirrels hate garlic.

More ...!

Starting a new garden bed? Use cardboard! Just section off a spot and layer cardboard,

soil, shredded paper and mulch. If you do this in the fall, by spring you’ll have a new gar-

den bed ready for your plants!

Trade plants with a friend...get a group of gardening frinds together...buy some wine or

cheesecake to share, and ask everyone to show up with a couple of plants they want to trade.

You never know what you might end up with.

Even More Tips…!!!!! (courtesy of Paul James, host of Gardening by the Yard)

1.To remove the salt deposits that form on clay pots, combine equal parts white vinegar, rubbing alcohol and water in a

spray bottle. Apply the mixture to the pot and scrub with a plastic brush. Let the pot dry before you plant anything in it.

2. To prevent accumulating dirt under your fingernails while you work in the garden, draw your fingernails across a bar of

soap and you'll effectively seal the undersides of your nails so dirt can't collect beneath them. Then, after you've finished in

the garden, use a nailbrush to remove the soap and your nails will be sparkling clean.

3. To prevent the line on your string trimmer from jamming or breaking, treat with a spray vegetable oil before installing it in

the trimmer.

4. Turn a long-handled tool into a measuring stick! Lay a long-handled garden

tool on the ground, and next to it place a tape measure. Using a permanent

marker, write inch and foot marks on the handle. When you need to space

plants a certain distance apart (from just an inch to several feet) you'll already

have a measuring device in your hand.

5. To have garden twine handy when you need it, just stick a ball of twine in a

small clay pot, pull the end of the twine through the drainage hole, and set the

pot upside down in the garden. Do that, and you'll never go looking for twine

again.

6. Little clay pots make great cloches for protecting young plants from sudden, overnight frosts and freezes.

7. To turn a clay pot into a hose guide, just stab a roughly one-foot length of steel reinforcing bar into the ground at the cor-

ner of a bed and slip two clay pots over it: one facing down, the other facing up. The guides will prevent damage to your

plants as you drag the hose along the bed.

8. To create perfectly natural markers, write the names of plants (using a permanent marker) on the flat faces of stones of

various sizes and place them at or near the base of your plants.

9. Got aphids? You can control them with a strong blast of water from the hose or with insecticidal soap. But here's another

suggestion, one that's a lot more fun; get some tape! Wrap a wide strip of tape around your hand, sticky side out, and pat

the leaves of plants infested with aphids. Concentrate on the undersides of leaves, because that's where the little buggers

like to hide.

10. The next time you boil or steam vegetables, don't pour the water down the drain, use it to water potted patio plants, and

you'll be amazed at how the plants respond to the "vegetable soup."

11. Use leftover tea and coffee grounds to acidify the soil of acid-loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias,

gardenias and even blueberries. A light sprinkling of about one-quarter of an inch applied once a month will keep the pH of

the soil on the acidic side.

12. The quickest way in the world to dry herbs: just lay a sheet of newspaper on the seat of your car, arrange the herbs in a

single layer, then roll up the windows and close the doors. Your herbs will be quickly dried to perfection. What's more, your

car will smell great.

Iowa State University

Clinton County Extension

400 East 11th Street

DeWitt, Iowa 52742 Or try these recommended for 2014:

• The Book of Gardening Projects for Kids: 101

Ways to Get Kids Outside, Dirty, and Having

Fun by Cohen and Fisher. How to design, maintain

and harvest a play-friendly garden.

• Carrots Love Tomatoes: Secrets of Companion

Planting for Successful Gardening by Riotte. How to

use the natural benefits of plants to protect and support

each other.

• Fine Foliage by Chapman and Salwitz. Plant combinations that work for every purpose—whether in sun or shade, path or meadow,

porch or poolside.

• Front Yard Gardens: Growing More Than Grass by Primeau. Step-by-step instructions on how to add more plants to your landscape.

• The Layered Garden: Design Lessons for Year-Round Beauty From Brandywine Cottage by David L. Culp. Tips for interplanting

different species in the same area for multi-season appeal.

• Making More Plants: The Science, Art, and Joy of Propagation by Ken Druse. Step-by-step procedures for collecting seeds, dividing

plants, and more.

The snow is still on the ground, so you have time to do more planning than planting in the next month

or two! These might keep you entertained!