In This Issue
Super Sleuth
November Mystery Plant
MG Survey Planned
National EMG Standards
Hours Reporting Reminder
International MG Conf.
Upcoming Events
Quick Links
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November 2014     Volume 5     No. 11
Super Sleuth

Congratulations to our Super Sleuths from October. Alyce Dolphin, Dubuque County and Carol Ouverson, Boone County both quickly recognized the colorful fall foliage of Platycodon grandiflorus, balloon flower. The image this month shows the flowers with the foliage. This particular cultivar is 'Sentimental Blue', a dwarf form that grows only 6-12 inches tall with a slightly wider spread. Other cultivars in the species often reach 3 feet or more in height. In addition to violet-blue, flowers may be pink or white.

 

Hardy in Zones 3-9, this tough plant is deer-resistant and a reliable rebloomer if deadheaded after its first flush of bloom in early summer. Although it prefers full sun, it will tolerate part shade. Kids of all ages love to squeeze the inflated flower buds, which resemble tiny balloons, to make a popping noise.


Denny Schrock, State Master Gardener Coordinator


Featured Plant from October

Platycodon grandiflorus 'Sentimental Blue', balloon flower
November Mystery Plant
What am I?

If you had planted this pungent salad green back in early September, it could be gracing your Thanksgiving table this month. Although considered an annual, it can survive moderate frosts, and with protection from a floating row cover, cold frame or high tunnel, may be harvested all winter long, even here in Iowa. What is it?     

Send your response including both its common and botanical names in your reply to Denny.  
    November Mystery Plant
Master Gardener Survey Planned     

Why did you become a Master Gardener? What projects are you involved with as a volunteer? Over the next couple of months, Master Gardeners will have the chance to share their thoughts about their volunteer experiences. Iowa State University graduate student Bryn Tackle will be conducting a research survey to learn from Master Gardeners about what it takes to be successful and what you find rewarding about the Master Gardener program. Plans are to pilot test the survey electronically in late November, with a roll out statewide in early 2015. Watch for it!

 

 

Raising Our Standards     

Iowa has great Master Gardener volunteers. To continue to improve the program, the state Master Gardener Advisory Committee is looking at implementing more of the recently established national Extension Master Gardener standards in Iowa. One change that has already been put into place for 2015 is an increase in the number of volunteer service and continuing education hours (see "Hours Reporting" below) required to maintain active status. The Master Gardener Advisory Committee will be voting in April on adding two additional national standards: an annual volunteer agreement form and an assessment of learning that takes place during the Master Gardener core course training. 


The annual volunteer agreement is a document that volunteers sign to abide by ISU Extension & Outreach policies and Master Gardener program guidelines. The volunteer assessment would likely be an open book pre- and post-training measure of knowing where to find the right answers to typical home gardening questions posed by the gardening public. Be sure to contact the Advisory Committee if you have comments on these two additional standards.
Hours Reporting

Remember to record all of your volunteer and educational hours through the Master Gardener Online Hours Reporting System. 

Those of you who are interns (those who were trained during the last year) need no additional education hours, but you are expected to complete at least 40 hours of volunteer service to become a full-fledged Master Gardener. Existing Master Gardeners are currently required to complete 12 hours of volunteer service and 6 hours of continuing education to maintain active status through the end of 2014.

Beginning January 2015 this requirement will increase to 20 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of continuing education
annually in order to meet the recommended minimum standards set by the national Extension Master Gardener Coordinators group.


Please submit your hours by December 31. The Master Gardener year runs from January 1 through December 31.


International Master Gardener Conference

September 22-25, 2015, the Iowa Master Gardeners will be hosting gardeners from around the world at the International Master Gardener Conference in Council Bluffs. While you are at the conference, you will get to visit amazing greenhouses and community gardens, including the Iowa Master Gardener Search for Excellence winning Glenwood Giving Garden, a garden that grew more than 3 tons of fresh produce for community members in need, and Dallas Johnson Greenhouses, a commercial operation with more than 60 acres of indoor growing space. Attendees will also be wowed at Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha's botanical center, which features a brand new conservatory, shade gardens, a rose garden, an herb garden, a walled perennial garden (pictured below), and a Japanese garden.
Watch for updates on the conference website, and sign up to "Like" the conference on Facebook.

 

 

Upcoming Events

What: Emerald Ash Borer Info Session
When: Tuesday, Dec. 2, 6:00-8:00 PM
Where: NE Iowa Community College, Peosta
Who: Dubuque County Extension
Price: Free, 563-583-6496

 

What: Wreath Making Workshop
When: Thursday, Dec. 4, 6:00-9:00 PM
Where: Reiman Gardens
Who: Reiman staff
Price: $36 members; $45 nonmembers

 

What: Wreath Making Workshop
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 9:00 AM-12:00 noon
Where: Reiman Gardens
Who: Reiman staff
Price: $36 members; $45 nonmembers

 

What: Holiday Wreath Workshop
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 9-11 AM
Where: Iowa Arboretum
Who: Nan Bonfils
Price: $15 members; $20 nonmembers

 

What: Herbal Beauty
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 10:30 AM-12:00 noon
Where: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Who: Mindy Skarda
Price: $20 members; $25 nonmembers

 

What: Prepare for the Emerald Ash Borer
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 9:45-10:30 AM
Where: Elgin Public Library
Who: Fayette County Extension
Price: Free, 563-425-3331

 

What: Air Plant Ornaments and Holiday Gifts
When: Tuesday, Dec. 16, 6:30-8:00 PM
Where: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Who: Whitney Bouma

Price: $30 members; $40 nonmembers

 

What: The Milky Way: Spiral Holiday Arrangements
When: Tuesday, Dec. 16, 6:30-7:30 PM
Where:
Reiman Gardens
Who: Staff
Price: $36 members; $45 nonmembers


Do you have other educational opportunities coming up? Email the state Master Gardener office with details. Thanks. 

Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University
Header and other plant images credit: Dr. Denny Schrock, Department of Horticulture, ISU