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Polk County Master Gardeners

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Polk County

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Upcoming events

    • 10 Feb 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Conference Room, Urbandale Public Library, 3520 86th St, Urbandale

    Demonstration Garden Leadership Meeting to plan events for the season.

    Any master gardener interested in Demo Garden leadership positions and becoming involved can learn more information by attending the 'Spring Kickoff for Demonstration Garden' event or by emailing Amy at: demogarden16@gmail.com

    • 18 Feb 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Polk Extension Office 1625 Adventureland Dr. Suite A
    Register

    This presentation aims to bring more awareness, understanding and gratitude for plants to the audience. The term “plant blindness” has been used for over twenty years to describe the general observation that people tend to underappreciate the flora around them. 

    This event is open to the public.

    Join Polk County Master Gardener's for an evening of learning and fun!  Master Gardeners and non-Master Gardeners are welcome. Master Gardeners receive 2.5 hours of education for attending. 

    • 1 Mar 2025
    • 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • FFA Enrichment Center - Ankeny Campus

    "Gardening for Change"

    The Dig Into Gardening (DIG) Symposium is Polk County’s premiere research-based horticulture and gardening education event! Open to everyone from the home gardener to the horticulture pro, DIG will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions and hands-on workshops.

    Attendees will learn the latest gardening techniques and best practices from a variety of experts including local Master Gardeners, Industry Experts and Iowa State University specialists and educators.

    There will be opportunities to visit with vendors who can share their products and expertise. The home gardener or seasoned professional will walk away informed, inspired, and ready to dig into their gardens this spring season!

    If you are interested in sponsoring, being a vendor, or participating learn more on the DIG Website. The event counts as 5 CEU MGs attending all 5 sessions.  

    • 10 Mar 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Meeting Room B, Urbandale Public Library, 3520 86th St, Urbandale

    Demonstration Garden Leadership Meeting to plan events for the season.

    Any master gardener interested in Demo Garden leadership positions and becoming involved can learn more information by attending the 'Spring Kickoff for Demonstration Garden' event or by emailing Amy at: demogarden16@gmail.com

    • 12 Mar 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • ISU Extension Office
    Register


    This event is a PCMG only event. 


    Join us for a unique and enriching evening at the "Mentor Night & Plant Swap" where the next generation of Polk County Master Gardeners will take root. This special event is designed to cultivate the growth of our newest Master Gardener interns, providing a fertile foundation for knowledge, skills, and relationships to flourish.

    As the evening unfolds, mentees will have the precious opportunity to meet and pair with experienced Master Gardener mentors, embarking on a journey of growth and learning. 

    For the social part of the evening, bring a plant to share and take a new plant home. Be sure they are pest and disease free. If you would like to attend just for the plant swap you are more than welcome!

    Additionally, mentors and mentees will work together to complete a worksheet that lays the groundwork for their ongoing partnership. This practical tool will assist pairs in scheduling regular meetings and workdays, allowing them to nurture their connection and ensure the steady growth of their gardening skills and knowledge.

    Join us for an evening of growth, connection, and inspiration. Let's plant the seeds for a healthy and growing PCMG community.


    • 25 Mar 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Polk Extension Office - 1625 Adventureland Dr. Suite A
    Register

    Join Polk County Master Gardener's for an evening of learning and fun! Aaron Steil, ISU Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist, will be presenting on waterwise gardening, also called xeriscaping, and lawn alternatives. Learn how to garden with water conserving plants and practices.

    Master Gardeners and non-Master Gardeners are welcome. Master Gardeners receive 2.5 hours of education for attending. 

    • 29 Mar 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Demonstration Garden, 3305 92nd St, Urbandale, IA

    During the first hour, Andy Schmitz, Director of Horticulture and General Manager at Brenton Arboretum, will conduct a pruning class for interns and trainees on how to prune residential trees, fruit trees and shrubs.

    During the second hour, Master Gardener pruning coaches will work with class members to put new knowledge into practice by pruning trees at the Demo Garden.

    Sign up for training here: 

    Sign Up!

    To be pruning coach sign up here: 

    Sign Up!
    • 1 Apr 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Conference Rms A & B, Urbandale Public Library, 3520 86th St, Urbandale

    Join us at the Urbandale Public Library for our Demonstration Garden Spring Kickoff!  Learn about the different areas of this garden and all that happens to keep this garden beautiful!

    Meet the leadership team as they share events that are being planned for the season, and learn of the many volunteer opportunities available.

    There will be time to talk with leaders from each garden bed and an opportunity to sign up to volunteer in an area of interest.

    Refreshments will be served. Come join us!  

    • 10 Apr 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Polk Extension Office 1625 Adventureland Dr. Suite A
    Register
    Keegan Kolbet, agronomist with Allendan Seed Company in Winterset will talk about their operation and how to grow native plants from seed and plugs. This evening will include 2024 Awards and Recognition.

    This event is open to the public.

    Join Polk County Master Gardener's for an evening of learning and fun!  Master Gardeners and non-Master Gardeners are welcome. Master Gardeners receive 1 credit CEU for attending. 

    Sign up to bring a soup by clicking the button below.

    Sign Up!
    • 26 Apr 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Demonstration Garden, 3305 92nd St, Urbandale

    Join us Saturday, April 26 for the Demonstration Garden's annual spring cleanup.  Start time is 9 AM.  Arrive when you can, leave when you must.  Generally we go until noon.  Mist, not a problem. Sprinkles, not a problem.  Heavy rain and we will reschedule for the following week, May 3, as our rain date.  New volunteers welcome!

    • 12 May 2025
    • 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Demonstration Garden, 3305 92nd St, Urbandale

    All are welcome to come to our first work night at the Demo Garden!

    This is a great opportunity for new volunteers to meet the garden leaders, learn about the different areas of the garden and become involved!

    Work nights continue weekly throughout the summer, and there are many tasks to be done each week.

    5:00 PM -8:00 PM.  Come when you can, leave when you must!

    • 28 Jun 2025
    • Start and End at: 1625 Adventureland Dr. Suite A. Altoona, IA

    Save the date for the Polk County Master Gardener Bus Trip! This year we are headed to the Ames area for a day full of activities. 


    More information coming soon!

    • 10 Jul 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Demonstration Garden 3305 92nd St, Urbandale

    Come enjoy this gem in the heart of the metro area! Spend some time exploring the different areas of the garden, enjoying some unique activities and refreshments, and connecting with neighborhood residents as well as other master gardeners.  Everyone welcome!

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

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

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

@Polk County Master Gardeners 2024

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