Menu
Log in
Forgot password

Polk County Master Gardeners

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Polk County

Log in
Forgot password

Upcoming events

  • Demonstration Garden Worknight

    • 8 May 2023
    • (CST)
    • 23 Oct 2023
    • (CST)
    • 30 sessions
    • Demonstration Garden 3305 92nd Street Urbandale IA

    Come hangout at the garden and help maintain it! Early in the season planting and then general weeding, watering, and later in the season picking vegetables to donate to the food pantry. Don't have to be a Master Gardener to come help.

    Be sure to check in and let us know if you are new!


    Show details

  • Enabling Garden Worknight

    • 6 Jun 2023
    • 31 Oct 2023
    • 20 sessions
    • 1050 1st Ave. S; Altoona, IA 50009, behind the Altoona Hy-Vee

    Sheds are open by 4:00 and we work until we're done--but come when you can and leave when you must.

    At EG we invite our volunteers to sit down together for a free meal. It is provided by volunteers who had previously signed-up to bring parts of the meal. We ring the diner bell about 6:00 most nights (and yes, there's a bell installed on the gazebo"). We do not serve a meal on speaker nights. Volunteers need to bring their own beverage.

    Be sure to check in and let us know if you are new!


    Show details

  • Discovery Garden Worknight

    • 7 Jun 2023
    • 1 Nov 2023
    • 21 sessions
    • Iowa State Fairgrounds, on the south side of the Agricultural Building. 1207 E Iowa St., Des Moines, IA 50317

    The gardens are all planted and mulched.   Wednesday night is work night. If you would like to join us work begins about 4 PM. There are always weeds to pull and beds to water.

    Are you new? Be sure to check in and let us know if you are here!


    Show details

  • Plants that Make Beer

    • 13 Jun 2023
    • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Enabling Garden - Located at 1050 1st Ave. S; Altoona, IA 50009, behind the Altoona Hy-Vee
    Register
    "Plants that Make Beer" is an educational session provided by Master Gardener Aaron Ostrem. Aaron will take us through the various plants used to brew beer and why their qualities make them ideal candidates for beer. Hops and more!


    Show details

  • Seed Saving

    • 15 Jun 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Demonstration Garden - 92nd & Dewey Gibbs, Urbandale, IA
    Register

    Sydney Christensen, a Dallas County Master Gardener will be presenting on how to harvest and save seeds. Learn the best collection times and techniques as well as how to best store seeds once harvested. 

    Show details

  • Polk County Master Gardeners Bus Tour - 2023

    • 17 Jun 2023
    • (CST)
    • Cedar Valley Arboretum

    We look forward to reconnecting with past travelers and meeting new friends in 2023. We’ve planned a day full of garden views, education, and shopping in Waterloo-Cedar Falls and Independence. This trip is open to the public.

    The cost of the trip is $99 and includes travel, lunch snacks and admission to all gardens!  

    •  We will visit several private gardens on the Grout Museum District Garden Tour presented by Friends of the Grout Historic Houses.
    • You’ll have time to wander through Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens and eat lunch here while enjoying an educational presentation.
    • In the Country Garden and Gifts located in Independence, Iowa is our plant-shopping destination. The mother and son team, Sue and Josh Spece, started the business in 1998 on the family farm. The nursery blends into the display gardens that surround the Spece's home. Customers are encouraged to meander through the ever expanding garden which features three ponds with streams and waterfalls, over 900 varieties of Hostas, rock gardens, trough gardens, ornamental grasses, dwarf conifers, unusual trees and shrubs, and many uncommon sun and shade perennials. During our stop here, Josh will make a presentation on hostas.

    The morning of the trip, we will meet at the Polk County Extension Office located at 1625 Adventureland Drive in Altoona. There are plenty of places to park your car for the day. We will begin loading the bus at 6:00 a.m. Departure time is 6:30 a.m. We plan to return to the Extension office by 7:00 p.m. Final trip instructions will be emailed two weeks prior to departure.

    You can expect a moderate amount of walking on the trip. Higher fuel costs have caused the bus fees to increase substantially in recent years. The committee worked hard to keep registration fees as low as possible and still provide the full tour experience we have delivered on previous trips. Please register by April 30, 2023.

    We anticipate Master Gardeners on the tour will earn several education hours. The final number of hours will be determined at the conclusion of the tour.

    If you have questions about the trip, please email Carolyn Magnani  at: cersgarden@aol.com


    Register HERE

    Show details

  • Planning A Climate Resilient Landscape

    • 21 Jun 2023
    • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Discovery Garden - 1207 E Iowa St. at the Iowa State Fair , South of the Agriculture Bldg.
    Register

    Polk County Master Gardener Summer Lecture Series

    You can’t control our weather, but you can plan a climate resilient landscape. Design your flower bed, vegetable garden, or landscape to withstand extremes from wind, temperature, and moisture. Learn short- and longer-term strategies for your lawn and garden from Polk County Master Gardener Nancy Eichmann.

    Show details

  • Blindness and Gardening, Easier than you think.

    • 22 Jun 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Demonstration Garden - 92nd & Dewey Gibbs, Urbandale, IA
    Register

    Roger Erpelding, a Polk County Master Gardener will share his experience as a blind gardener.  Learn about his approach to the garden and get a fresh perspective on gardening from a new point of view.

    Show details

  • MG Booth Appearance - DSM Downtown Farmer's Market

    • 24 Jun 2023
    • 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • 3rd Street Downtown, South of Court Avenue

    Polk County Master Gardeners will be available to answer all your horticulture and gardenening questions at the Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market, 7 a.m. to noon. Each month the MG's have information on various gardening topics and often have free seeds and other great resources! You can find them on 3rd Street, south of Court Avenue. 

    Show details

  • Website Directory Training - Master Gardeners Only

    • 28 Jun 2023
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • 1625 Adventureland Drive Suite A- ISu Extension Office
    • 2 registrants
    Register

    Master Gardeners will have the opportunity to be trained on using the electronic directory online. This training is for Polk County Master Gardeners Only. It is highly recommended for project leads and garden co-chairs but all levels of membership and activity are welcome. 

    Show details

  • Creating A Living Wall Arrangment

    • 28 Jun 2023
    • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Discovery Garden - 1207 E Iowa St. at the Iowa State Fair, South of the Agriculture Bldg.
    Register

    Polk County Master Gardener Summer Lecture SeriesBiophilic Design is the art of bringing the outdoors inside by incorporating natural elements into our built environments.  If you lack an outdoor space for gardening, why not bring the outdoor garden inside to you! Hunter at Trendy Garden will take you step by step through what is needed to create a living wall arrangement in whatever space you desire.  

    Show details

  • Container and Small Space Vegetable Gardening

    • 29 Jun 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Demonstration Garden - 92nd & Dewey Gibbs, Urbandale, IA
    Register

    Kelly Jensen from Ted Lare Garden Center will share the ins and outs of small space gardening. Learn fresh ideas and suggestions for making the most of small spaces while maximizing your garden goals. In addition, learn the best tips for container use and design as well as things to consider when planning a container vegetable garden.

    Show details

  • Demonstration Garden Open House

    • 6 Jul 2023
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CST)
    • 92nd & Dewey Gibbs Urbandale across of Valarius Elementary

    Come to the Demonstration Garden, one of Urbandale's most hidden gems! Join the Polk County Master Gardeners for an Annual Open House this year on July 6 featuring a variety of garden-related demonstrations, such as how to properly sharpen tools, baking with herbs and ideas for garden art.  

    Featured are children’s activities, live music, refreshments, and Master Gardeners available to answer your home horticulture questions. It’s a relaxing environment with ideas and activities such as a garden scavenger hunt to get families and friends working together while exploring Demonstration Garden.

    Come out and be inspired by new garden trends and see how to incorporate natives, cut gardens, edible landscapes food gardens and more. Let the master gardeners of Demonstration garden show you tips and trick on having garden success. Refreshments provided!

    Show details

  • Tour of Rose Farm in Norwalk

    • 12 Jul 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • 7197 43rd Ave Norwalk, Iowa 50211
    Register

    This event if for Master Gardeners Only. Discovery Garden is Hosting a Garden Tour of Rose Farm in Norwalk.  

    Master Gardeners will have the opportunity to take a tour of rose farm lead by Karri Rose the "Chief Inspiration Officer".

    Meet at the farm at 2:00 PM. We wil be able relax and experience the beauty of Rose Farm. from the owners site: "Our dream is to help you take a sabbatical from your everyday, to stop and smell the 'roses' on your life journey, and experience the magic of nature here at the farm." – Karri + Patrick Rose

    Take some time out from your work and come to experience this hidden gem while connecting with fellow master gardeners!


    Show details

  • Native Pollinators

    • 13 Jul 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • 92nd & Dewey Gibbs, Urbandale, IA
    Register

    Sarah Nizzi from the Xerces Society will be talking about a variety of pollinators: bees, wasps, flies, Butterflies as well as moths that are mistaken for butterflies. She will also help us and identify some of the helpful wasps/bees and those to stay away from. 

    Show details

  • Everything You Wanted to Know About Tomatoes but Were Afraid to Ask.

    • 19 Jul 2023
    • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Discovery Garden - 1207 E Iowa St. at the Iowa State Fair, South of the Agriculture Bldg.
    Register

    Polk County Master Gardener Summer Lecture Series Come along for a deep dive into the art of growing tomatoes with Marcia Leeper. Varieties, growing methods, supports and trellising, and tomatoes galore!

    Show details

  • Edible Flowers

    • 20 Jul 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • 92nd & Dewey Gibbs, Urbandale, IA
    Register

    Do you know which flowers are edible? Whether you are looking for new recipes to spice up your favorite dish or looking for flowers to add flare to a dish as a garnish, you will love this topic!  Nancy "Ike" Eichman, a Polk County Master Gardener will be presenting on Edible Flowers. Edible flowers can be used to add color, fragrance, and of course flavor to dishes from salads to soups, entrees, and desserts—but first it is important to understand which flowers and which flower parts are safe to eat! 


    Show details

  • MG Booth Appearance - DSM Downtown Farmer's Market

    • 22 Jul 2023
    • 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • 3rd Street Downtown, South of Court Avenue

    Polk County Master Gardeners will be available to answer all your horticulture and gardenening questions at the Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market, 7 a.m. to noon. Each month the MG's have information on various gardening topics and often have free seeds and other great resources! You can find them on 3rd Street, south of Court Avenue. 

    Show details

  • Children's Art in the Garden

    • 25 Jul 2023
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CST)
    • Enabling Garden
    Children's Art in the Garden at Enabling Garden is back for another wonderful evening of Story Telling, Art and Crafts, Music, and Bug Zoo!

    More details to come!

    Show details

  • Water Quality and Rain Barrels

    • 27 Jul 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • 92nd & Dewey Gibbs, Urbandale, IA
    Register


    Cassie Druhl, from Des Moines Public Works will, be presenting on water quality and rain barrels.  


    Show details

  • Wild Birds in the Garden

    • 22 Aug 2023
    • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • 1050 1st Ave. S; Altoona, IA 50009, behind the Altoona Hy-Vee
    Register
    Wild Birds in the Garden will be Presented by Scott from Wild Birds Unlimited. Learn about the wild birds in your landscape. This conversation will cover how to attract many of our wild birds and create a garden that welcomes and incorporates wilds birds into it.

    Show details

  • MG Booth Appearance - DSM Downtown Farmer's Market

    • 26 Aug 2023
    • 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • 3rd Street Downtown, South of Court Avenue

    Polk County Master Gardeners will be available to answer all your horticulture and gardenening questions at the Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market, 7 a.m. to noon. Each month the MG's have information on various gardening topics and often have free seeds and other great resources! You can find them on 3rd Street, south of Court Avenue. 

    Show details

  • Garden Lessons with Master Gardeners

    • 12 Sep 2023
    • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • 1050 1st Ave. S; Altoona, IA 50009, behind the Altoona Hy-Vee
    Register

    Enjoy the beauty of Enabling Garden in Altoona with seasoned and experienced Master Gardeners Ruth O’Connor and Eva Henderson with Sharon Nelson-Vaux as they share with you the tricks of the trade. Hear from each Master Gardener about their garden knowledge and experience and ask your burning questions about various gardening topics.

    Show details

  • Public Speaking Skills Workshop - MG Training

    • 12 Sep 2023
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (CST)
    • 1625 Adventureland Dr. Suite A.
    Register

    This event is for Master Gardeners only and is not open to the public. 

    Robin Ertz, Professional development manager for ISU Extension and Outreach, will help you gain skills to become amore confident and engaging public speaker. Pre-session homework is required for this session. More information will be provided at a date closer to the event.


    A must for MG Ambassadors. 

    Show details

  • MG Booth Appearance - DSM Downtown Farmer's Market

    • 23 Sep 2023
    • 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • 3rd Street Downtown, South of Court Avenue

    Polk County Master Gardeners will be available to answer all your horticulture and gardenening questions at the Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market, 7 a.m. to noon. Each month the MG's have information on various gardening topics and often have free seeds and other great resources! You can find them on 3rd Street, south of Court Avenue. 

    Show details

  • Volunteer Recognition System (VRS) Deep Dive - MG Training

    • 24 Oct 2023
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (CST)
    • 1625 Adventureland Dr. Suite A.
    Register

    This event is for Master Gardeners only and is not open to the public. 

    Feel puzzled by the VRS? Want to use the software more efficiently? Just need an overview of how to log hours? Richard Jacob, designer of the volunteer recognition system, will help volunteers better understand the system and it's uses for volunteers.

    Appropriate for all Polk County Master Gardeners!

    Show details


Contact Us
Office: 515-957-5768
polkmg@iastate.edu

ISU Extension and Outreach, Polk County:
1625 Adventureland Dr.
Suite A | Altoona, IA 50009

extension.iastate.edu/polk/

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext.  


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software