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• Preparing the Roses for Pruning (removing mulch)

  • When
    22 Mar 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Demonstration Garden,92nd and Dewey Gibbs, Urbandale

  Mulch will be removed around the roses in preparation for the pruning training session and skills application on March 29. Wear gloves and clothing that will protect your arms.

  Bring along a beverage and we will supply the donuts!

  
  

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• Aaron Steil: Waterwise Gardening & Alternative Lawns

  • When
    25 Mar 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Polk Extension Office - 1625 Adventureland Dr. Suite A
  • Registered
    54 registrants

  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. 

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• Shrub/Tree Pruning Lab at the Demonstration Garden

  • When
    29 Mar 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    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: 

  

  To be pruning coach sign up here: 

  

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• Training Session on Rose Pruning and Skills Application

  • When
    29 Mar 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Demonstration Garden, 92nd and Dewey Gibbs, Urbandale

  Julie Hemple from the Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden will provide instruction on rose pruning. Then participants will apply skills by pruning the roses in the Demo Garden.  Wear gloves and clothing that will protect your arms.

  Bring along a beverage and we will supply donuts!

  
  

  
  

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• Spring Kickoff for Demonstration Garden

  • When
    1 Apr 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    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!  

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• Spring Kick Off and Awards and Recognition

  • When
    10 Apr 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Polk Extension Office 1625 Adventureland Dr. Suite A
  • Registered
    26 registrants

  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.

  The Program Committee will be supplying grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, water and coffee for this event.  Please plan to bring a side vegetable, appetizer, or dessert for this event.  

  Let's keep it green, please bring your own reusable water bottle. 

  
  

  
  

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• Demonstration Garden Spring Clean Up

  • When
    26 Apr 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    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.  New volunteers welcome!

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• First Work Night, Demonstration Garden

  • When
    12 May 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    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!

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• Polk County Master Gardener Bus Trip

  • When
    28 Jun 2025
  • Location
    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!

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• Open House at the Demonstration Garden

  • When
    10 Jul 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    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!

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