Polk County Master Gardeners and isu Extension and outreach in polk county Presents
"Together we Grow"This year's symposium invites us to learn from one another as "Together We Grow". Selected sessions provide a wide variety of gardening and beyond topics. Attend the 2026 DIG symposium and gain knowledge from a variety of experts including Iowa State University staff, educators from across the state, and local Mater Gardeners. DIG will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and a Q & A panel. The home gardener or seasoned professional will walk away informed, inspired, and ready to dig into their gardens this spring season. |
Morning Keynote: Aaron Harpold |
| We are a community of growers who are curious, committed, and kind: A Botanical Garden Values Statement to GROW with. The values statement of The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden celebrates the power of gardening in and with community. This talk is a celebration of the curious, committed and kind community of growers that humble, challenge, and inspire our gardening lives every day. Aaron Harpold is the Director of Horticulture at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. In 2002 Aaron began pursuing a second career in horticulture following ten years in the theater, film and television industry in New York City and Los Angeles. Aaron is a certified arborist and has a broad range of horticultural experience having worked in public and private garden spaces from California to Iowa. He has been a part of the horticulture team at the Botanical Garden since 2017 and became Director of Horticulture in December of 2021. |
Breakout Session 1
Backyard Mushroom Cultivation Gina Buelow, ISU Extension Natural Resource Field Specialist Discover the fascinating world of fungi and their vital role in our ecosystems. This session introduces the fundamentals of fungi biology and explores practical, outdoor mushroom cultivation techniques. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned gardener, you'll gain insights into growing mushrooms in your own backyard. Learn how to expand your garden beyond traditional plants and unlock the potential of fungi as a sustainable, rewarding addition to your landscape. |
Cool Season Hardy Annual Flowers in Zone 5b Dave and Jenny Nelson, Master Gardeners Wanting to extend your flower blooms beyond just the warm days of summer? Wondering why you just can’t get your pansies, bachelor buttons, or larkspur to throw out amazing blooms before the hot summer months arrive? Everyone knows you are supposed to plant on Mother’s Day, right? Learn how to extend your growing season by exploring the world of hardy annuals. This session defines what a hardy annual is, provides tips and tricks for growing, and discusses cool season flower varieties that thrive here in zone 5b. |
Making a Greenhouse Dream Come True Cynde and Richard Schreiber, Master Gardeners Whether you're dreaming of fresh veggies year-round or a lush tropical escape, this session will guide you through the essentials of greenhouse gardening. Get guidelines, tips, and information for your future hobby greenhouse. From planning and setup to maintenance tips and cost-saving strategies, we’ll explore practical steps to turn your greenhouse vision into reality. Whether you're a beginner or looking to expand your gardening skills, this session will inspire you to grow beyond the seasons. |
Breakout Session 2
Seed Starting Megan Will, Dallas County Master Gardener Coordinator Do you desire tomato and pepper varieties beyond the garden center varieties? Need clarity on transplants versus direct sow options? Wonder what tools you need to be successful? Learn how to grow seeds indoors in this “show and tell” style format with Dallas County ISU Extension Coordinator and Lifetime Master Gardener! | .png) Poison Ivy: Plant Identification, Effective Prevention & Treatment for the Iowa Gardener Dan Boelman, Zanfel Presentation is a master class in poison ivy plant identification, rash prevention, best possible PPE to wear for protection, how-to decontaminate clothing & garden tools, and how to effectively treat the allergic skin reaction with both OTC and prescription treatments. Bonus section on the skin reaction associated with Wild Parsnip and related plants. |
Rainscaping Cassie Druhl, Rain Campaign You can design your yard to hold and retain stormwater instead of losing it to runoff. By utilizing strategically planned landscaping practices (called Rainscaping), you can help water naturally soak into the ground, preventing flooding and protecting water quality. Join The Rain Campaign to discuss the variety of Rainscaping practices and to learn about funding assistance programs that are offered by communities in Polk County. |
Breakout Session #3
Fruit Tree Pruning and Training Patrick O'Malley, ISU Extension Commercial Horticulture Field Specialist Fruit tree pruning is both an art and a science—essential for shaping healthy, productive trees that thrive season after season. In this session, participants will explore the key reasons behind pruning and training fruit trees, from improving structure and airflow to enhancing fruit quality and yield. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just beginning your journey, this session will equip you with the knowledge to make informed, confident pruning choices. |
Orchids 101 Aaron Steil, ISU Extension Commercial Horticulture Field Specialist Orchids are beautiful flowering indoor plants and while they sometimes seem complicated or finicky for the gardener to grow, they are actually tough plants. The care of orchids isn’t difficult, just different than other houseplants. Learn about the care of orchids from water to fertilizer to light and soil. Common problems with orchids and the keys to getting orchids to re-bloom are also discussed. |
Edible Container Gardens Cynthia Haynes, ISU Professor, Department of Horticulture Extending the garden season and food production by growing vegetables, herbs and edible flowers in containers is one way to becoming more self-sufficient. While gardening in containers works well for those with limited space, it is a great idea for all gardeners. Let Dr. Haynes give you some tips on being more successful with container gardening. |
Full Event Brochure Coming Soon |