Iowa Master Gardener Program

Questions?

James Romer
Master Gardener Coordinator

Email: jromer@iastate.edu
Phone 515/294-2336
Fax 515/294-4817

News Update April 6, 2007

 

Announcements and news for ISU Extension staff, Master Gardeners, and faculty

IN THIS ISSUE

• THE COLD TRUTH FROM PAUL DOMOTO
• HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISU!
• AWARD WINNING DISPLAY AVAILABLE FOR LOAN
• SUBMITTING YOUR NEWS

THE COLD TRUTH FROM PAUL DOMOTO

With the predicted low temperatures, you will probably be receiving questions on what might happen to various fruit crops. To assist you, there is an illustrated chart on critical temperatures (T-10, 10% kill; and T90, 90% kill) for apples, pears, peach, cherry and plums published in PM 1282 "2007 Midwest Commercial Tree Fruit Spray Guide".
A pdf version is available on our Extension on-line store under "Yard & Garden" > "Gardening-Fruit". The chart is on pages 62 and 63. A similar chart is included in the Master Gardener training materials.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISU!

Iowa State University is about to kick off a year long celebration in recognition of their 150th birthday! This year's VEISHEA (April 21) festivities will include a large tent on central campus near the campanile with Extension sponsored programs. The Iowa Master Gardener program has been asked to be a part of the Extension display. The question was what to do in our space of the tent. What are Master Gardeners known for? Well, they are known for providing the public with researched based horticultural information of course. I am looking for volunteers that will help staff the Master Gardener display, answer horticulturally related questions from the general public, handout publications and increase the awareness of the Master Gardener program to those who stop by. I have included a shift schedule below. I encourage you to volunteer for more than one time slot. Thanks for your consideration and for making the Iowa Master Gardener program the best!

Shifts

10:00 - 11:00
11:00 - 12:00
12:00 - 1:00
1:00 - 2:00
2:00 - 3:00
3:00 - 4:00

AWARD WINNING DISPLAY AVAILABLE FOR LOAN

What a deal! The award-winning Master Gardener display item is once again available to local Master Gardener groups for use in local parades, garden shows or other garden-related events. Of course we are talking about the Giant Sprinkling Can, emblazoned with the Master Gardener logo developed several years ago by the Mary Ann deVries, former Polk County Extension Master Gardener Coordinator, and the Polk County Master Gardeners. The sprinkling can stands about 8 feet tall and it even sprinkles. It is a sure-fire attention-getter wherever it appears. Need proof? See the photo of the sprinkling can on our web site at http://www.mastergardener.iastate.edu/

The Sprinkling Can was recently used in Woodbury County in a local parade and as a key element in the flower, lawn and garden show. It was a hit and attracted lots of attention.

All that is required to borrow the sprinkling can is a trailer on which to haul it. It is not heavy but it is bulky. It pulls easily but has a fair amount of wind resistance so top speeds on the interstate are not achievable. To arrange a loan contact Mary Ann deVries at 515/984-6506 or devriesma@yahoo.com.

SUBMITTING YOUR NEWS

Master Gardener Update is spastically published Friday by the Iowa Master Gardener Coordinator. Please send your news via email to James Romer. For questions, call (515) 294-2336.

 

Comments on our new web site?

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News & Updates

Training Sites and Schedule

Find out about 2007 training sites and schedule.

 

Upcoming Events

Check out our calendar of events page.

 

Garden Column

Click here for the newest ISUE yard and garden column news releases.

 

2006 Upper Midwest Gardener Conference

View photos from this conference.