Champaign County Master Gardeners

IDEA GARDEN HANDBOOK

2016

University of Illinois Extension 801 N. Country Fair Drive, Suite D

Champaign, IL 61821 217-333-7672

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cfiv/champaignmg

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WELCOME

This handbook is designed to provide Master Gardener volunteers with useful information about our signature community garden—the Idea Garden. Included are

details about the committee, calendar, budget, policies, and awards. It is the privilege and responsibility of each Idea Garden volunteer to follow the guidelines as set forth in this handbook. Please call or email us with questions,

comments, or concerns. Our goal is to make this a wonderful and fun experience for you and an educational and inspirational showplace for the community.

We look forward to working with you.

Idea Garden Chairs: Julie Steele, 621-5052, jsteele88@gmail.com

Debbie Nelson, 493-7864, debnel2020@gmail.com Anne Hudson, 337.6326, a.s.hudson@aol.com

Coordinator: Ava Heap, 333-7672, carmien2@illinois.edu UI Horticulture Educator: Sandy Mason, 333-7672, slmason@illinois.edu

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Idea Garden Mission and History............................................................................ 1 Idea Garden Diagram .............................................................................................. 2 Idea Garden Committee ......................................................................................... 3 Committee Contact Information ............................................................................ 4 Job Descriptions ...................................................................................................... 5 Idea Garden Calendar ............................................................................................. 9 Idea Garden Budget .............................................................................................. 11 Policies and Protocols ........................................................................................... 12 Governance ..................................................................................................... 12 Intern and Active Master Gardener Participation .......................................... 12 Purchasing ....................................................................................................... 12 Section Plans and Evaluations ........................................................................ 13 Use of Produce, Plants, and Hardscapes from the Idea Garden .................... 13 Coordination among Borders .......................................................................... 14 Approval of Addition or Removal of Large Specimens ................................... 14 On-Site Protocol .............................................................................................. 14 Arriving at the Garden .................................................................................... 14 Name Tags ....................................................................................................... 14 Courtesy .......................................................................................................... 15 Working in the Garden .................................................................................... 15 Injuries ............................................................................................................ 15 Leaving the Garden ......................................................................................... 15 Shed and Tools ................................................................................................ 15 Vandalism and Theft ....................................................................................... 15 Pesticide Use ................................................................................................... 16 Mulch, Compost, and Garden Refuse ............................................................. 16 Trial Plants ....................................................................................................... 17 Plant Labels ..................................................................................................... 17 Greenhouse Operation ................................................................................... 17 Invasive Plants ................................................................................................. 18 Awards .................................................................................................................. 18 Forms Idea Garden Seasonal Evaluation/ Plan – 2016 .............................................. 21

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IDEA GARDEN MISSION AND HISTORY

MISSION:

• To demonstrate ideas for garden design and maintenance. • To provide a learning environment that promotes environmentally responsible

gardening practices. • To serve as a site for educating the public through workshops and

demonstrations. • To encourage and inspire its many visitors. • To provide continuing educational opportunities for Master Gardeners.

HISTORY: In the fall of 1996, an enthusiastic group of Master Gardeners had an idea—a very exciting idea. They proposed creating a demonstration garden with a central gazebo and four sections, each with a different focus. The garden would be located near the corner of Florida and Lincoln Avenues in Urbana. The University of Illinois Champaign County Extension unit endorsed the proposal, and work on what was to be called the “Idea Garden” began the next spring. A small, dedicated group of volunteers built a gazebo and erected a picket fence. They laid out paths and prepared the ground. A framework of trees, shrubs, and perennials was planted over the years, augmented by many annuals. Through the efforts of Master Gardeners and interns who volunteer more than 2500 work hours each year, the Idea Garden is now an honored signature garden and community showcase. It has grown to include more than 15,000 square feet of planted space, a work shed, compost and mulch area, rose garden, and small fruits garden. Leadership to realize the Mission of the Idea Garden and to guide the activities of the many and talented Master Gardeners who donate their time is of critical importance to the success of this effort. The Idea Garden has been fortunate to have dedicated leaders throughout the years. Since 2007, the various leadership functions, including the Tri-Chairs and the Section and Operations Coordinators, have all been set up on a 2- to 4-year rotation schedule. This rotation ensures continuity while encouraging new ideas and people to be so involved. The Idea Garden is always a work-in-progress as new plants are featured, sections are redesigned, and new teaching points are illustrated. Each year the Idea Garden is enjoyed by thousands of local residents, as well as out-of-town visitors and international guests. Changing with the seasons, this beautiful spot continues to fulfill its goal to educate and inspire.

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IDEA GARDEN DIAGRAM:

The layout of the Idea Garden 1 Border Garden 2 Children’s Garden 3 Tropical Garden 4 Special Theme 1 5 Special Theme 2 6 Rock and Crevice Garden 7 Vegetable Garden 8 Sensory Garden 9 Gazebo Containers 10 Rose Garden 11 Small Fruits Garden 12 Shed/Rain Barrel 13 Trial Garden 14 Compost Demonstration/Recycling

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2016 IDEA GARDEN COMMITTEE IDEA GARDEN CHAIRS: Julie Steele, Debbie Nelson, & Anne Hudson

SECTION COORDINATORS: Border Garden: Jessica Lopez & Juanita Gammon, coordinators East Border: Margy Palmisano, Becky Wauthier & Mary

Nielsen West Border: Apron Surintramont & Tracy Edwards North Border: Laura Hayden &Jana Waite South Border: Cheryl Anderson, Pam Hohn & Peggy Ore

Children’s Garden: Katie Kelsey & Judy Yost

Gazebo Containers: Cathy Barnard & Julie Woller

Rock, Conifer & Crevice Garden: Andrew Stumpf

Rose Garden: Lynn Hilgendorf & Susie Smith

Sensory Garden: Sally Mikel

Small Fruits: Phyllis Williams

Special Theme 1: Jeannette Elliott & Mary Munoz

Special Theme 2: Bev Herman & Linda Farrand

Trial Garden: Ann Tice (Consultant)

Tropical Garden: Richard Schroeder & Kellie Mook

Vegetable Garden: Gwen Wilson

OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Compost Demonstration: TBA

Greenhouse: Jimmie Nell Duden & Patty Stoffel

Pesticides: Phyllis Williams

Plant Labels: Barb Schroeder & Carol McClure

LRC Recycling: Tony Soskin & Kellie Mook

Shed/Rain Barrel: Mary Munoz & Carolyn Purcell

Trial Plants: Ann Tice, Patty Stoffel & Jimmie Nell Duden

Weed Burning Team: David Harley, Phyllis Williams & Don White

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JOB DESCRIPTIONS IDEA GARDEN CHAIRS: This is a 3-year commitment. The ideal is to have “tri-chairs,” with a rotation so that a new member comes on each year. This rotation ensures continuity while also continuing to provide new ideas and leadership. Primary responsibilities include:

• Scheduling and supervising major workdays at the garden (spring, pre-Garden Walk, and fall). Organizing refreshments for those workdays.

• Supervising the main weekly work session on Saturday mornings, beginning at 9:00 AM. Ensuring drinking water is available.

• Following the seasonal schedule as outlined in the operating calendar. • Ensuring mulch and compost are available. Arranging for orders from Landscape

Recycling Center through the Master Gardener Program Coordinator. • Preparing agenda and conducting monthly Idea Garden Committee meeting held

at 10:00 AM on the third Thursday of the month in the Extension Office conference room.

• Preparing an Idea Garden budget in coordination with the Finance Committee in early October.

• Preparing a year-end Idea Garden evaluation and presenting it to the Idea Garden Committee and to the Master Gardener Advisory Committee.

• Meeting with the Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Horticulture and Environment Educator, or other officials as requested.

• Securing a Master Gardener to arrange/plan “Garden Chats” to be held during the growing season. The chats are held on Saturdays. They are free and open to the public. Chairs notify the Master Gardener Program Coordinator of the dates and topics for publicity. Announcements are posted in the Gazebo.

• Recruiting leadership as needed. • Offering support and assistance to the Idea Garden Committee and volunteers.

SECTION COORDINATORS: These coordinators serve in an area of the Idea Garden, such as Children’s Garden, Border Gardens, Vegetable Garden, etc. The time commitment for a Section Coordinator is a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 years. Succession is strongly encouraged for continuity. A good working model has been the selection of a co-coordinator who spends a year helping the “primary” coordinator; the next year, that co-coordinator becomes the “primary” coordinator. Primary duties include:

• Planning their section’s plantings, selecting and ordering seeds, and purchasing plants according to purchasing guidelines.

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• Submitting a seasonal plan (see p. 21) by the January Idea Garden meeting to the Master Gardener Program Coordinator.

• Presenting plans for major purchases or improvements to the Idea Garden Committee for approval.

• Recruiting volunteers for their section and keeping them informed about activities, policies, and guidelines.

• Keeping purchases within allocated budget. • Planting and maintaining their section throughout the growing season,

replanting as necessary to keep their section looking good. Most sections work on Saturday morning, but Section Coordinators may schedule their workday at another time during the week.

• Developing the Information Sheet for their section and submitting it to the Master Gardener Program Coordinator by the May Idea Garden Committee meeting. The information sheets will be edited and made into signs for the coordinators to place in their sections prior to the Garden Walk in June.

• Making excess perennial divisions and extra annuals available for sale to other Master Gardeners. Proceeds of those sales help to fund the Idea Garden activities.

• Preparing an end-of-season evaluation (see p. 21) of their section and submitting it to the Master Gardener Program Coordinator by the November Idea Garden Committee meeting.

• Attending the Idea Garden Committee monthly meeting and informing their volunteers about announcements and policy changes. If there is more than one coordinator in the section, at least one coordinator should attend the meeting.

OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Operations coordinators help with specific functions in the Idea Garden. Separate job descriptions follow. A succession model similar to that of Section Coordinators is generally encouraged. COMPOST DEMONSTRATION COORDINATOR: The primary responsibilities of the Compost Demonstration Coordinator include:

• Establishing and maintaining a composting model using the compost bins located in the maintenance area by the shed.

• Preparing an Information Sheet for the area and giving it in to the Master Gardener Program Coordinator by the May Idea Garden Committee meeting.

• The information sheets will be edited and made into signs for the coordinators to place in their sections prior to the Garden Walk in June.

GREEN HOUSE COORDINATOR: The primary responsibilities of the Greenhouse Coordinator include:

• Accepting seed-starting requests and instructions in February from Section Coordinators. Planting seed as requested starting in March.

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• Recruiting and training volunteers to work in the greenhouse and ensuring that the volunteers follow Idea Garden and greenhouse policies.

• Organizing and overseeing regular greenhouse workdays beginning in early March.

• Coordinating deliveries of plants to the Idea Garden and distributing excess plants to Master Gardener community gardens.

• Coordinating sale of remaining excess plants to Master Gardeners, usually in May.

• Preparing an end-of-year evaluation for the greenhouse operations and presenting it to the Idea Garden Committee in June.

• Attending the Idea Garden Committee monthly meetings and keeping volunteers informed of issues related to greenhouse operations. If there is more than one coordinator, at least one coordinator should plan to attend.

PESTICIDE COORDINATOR: This individual must have taken the State pesticide applicator training and obtained certification. The individual must maintain certification throughout his/her tenure as Pesticide Coordinator. The primary responsibilities of the Pesticide Coordinator include:

• Working with professional staff to enforce Idea Garden pesticide policies. • Communicating with Section Coordinators to encourage scouting for pests,

diseases, and weeds and to report these conditions. • Accepting and evaluating requests for chemical applications from Section

Coordinators. • Applying pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides to the Idea Garden as necessary,

following a conservative treatment plan and using Integrated Pest Management techniques.

• Adhering to state and national requirements with regard to pesticide use. • Requesting purchase of pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides for use at the Idea

Garden. • Keeping a detailed log of all chemical applications at the Idea Garden. • Storing all chemicals properly.

PLANT LABEL COORDINATOR: The primary responsibilities of the Plant Label Coordinator include:

• Keeping an updated list of plant labels in each section. • Working with Section Coordinators to update and print new labels. • Printing and distributing labels used in the Idea Garden. • Ordering plant stakes and labels when needed according to the purchasing

policies of the Idea Garden. LRC RECYCLING COORDINATOR: The primary responsibilities of the Recycling Coordinator include:

• Disposing of all garden refuse at the Landscape Recycling Center.

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• Keeping the maintenance area as neat as possible.

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SHED/RAIN BARREL COORDINATOR: The primary responsibilities for the Shed/Water Barrel Coordinator include:

• In consultation with Section Coordinators and Idea Garden Chairs, determining tools and supplies needed and arranging for their purchase in accordance with Idea Garden purchasing policies.

• Organizing the contents of the shed and maintaining them in an orderly manner throughout the gardening season.

• Keeping equipment in good working order. • Managing the rain barrel operation.

TRIAL PLANT COORDINATOR: The primary responsibilities of the Trial Plant Coordinator include:

• Negotiating with seed and horticulture companies to obtain donated plants for trial evaluation.

• Receiving all donated seeds and plants and making arrangements for their care. • Assisting Section Coordinators with selecting appropriate trial plants. • Supervising the distribution of all trial plants and ensuring their proper planting

in sufficient numbers for evaluation. • Evaluating all trial plants and submitting reports to the Idea Garden Committee

and to representatives of the seed and horticulture companies. WEED BURING

• Demonstrating the advantages and disadvantages of using propane burners for weed control to the general public and Master Gardeners.

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IDEA GARDEN CALENDAR MONTHLY The Idea Garden Committee meets the third Thursday of each month at 10:00 AM at the Extension Office. Section and Operations Coordinators should attend or send a representative to this meeting. All Master Gardeners are welcome to attend.

JANUARY

• Idea Garden Section Coordinators submit seasonal plans (see p. 21). • Idea Garden Section Coordinators develop plans for seed and plant orders. • Idea Garden chairs present prior season summary evaluation to the Idea Garden

Committee and the Master Gardener Advisory Committee. • Section Coordinator training session is held.

FEBRUARY

• Submit seed and plant orders to the Master Gardener Program Coordinator. THERE WILL BE NO PERSONAL REIMBURSEMENTS.

• Seed propagation requests must be turned into the Greenhouse Coordinators by the end of the month.

MARCH

• Greenhouse workdays are scheduled. APRIL

• The first Idea Garden workday (“Wake Up the Garden”) is scheduled and the garden is officially open for the season. The date is determined by weather conditions.

• Garden Chairs and Section Coordinators give a tour of the Idea Garden to the Intern class.

• Presentations are made to the Interns about the Idea Garden Sections and Operations.

• A Garden Chat may be scheduled. • Regular workday schedule begins. • Label information is sent to all Section Coordinators for corrections, deletions

and additions. MAY

• Plants are moved from the greenhouse after the last frost or at least the 2nd week of May under the supervision of the Greenhouse Coordinators.

• Plant sales may be scheduled based on the availability of extra seedlings and perennial divisions. Proceeds go to the Master Gardener program.

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• Idea Garden information sheets are updated as necessary and submitted to the Master Gardener Program Coordinator.

• A Garden Chat may be scheduled. • Regular workdays continue.

JUNE

• Preparations are made for the Garden Walk. • A special workday (“Spruce Up the Garden”) is scheduled. • Information sheets are completed and placed in sections before Garden Walk. • Regular workdays continue. • Printed labels are sent to Section Coordinators

JULY

• A Garden Chat may be scheduled. • Regular workdays continue.

AUGUST

• A Garden Chat may be scheduled. • Regular workdays continue.

SEPTEMBER

• A trial plant evaluation report is submitted by the Trial Plant Coordinator to the Master Gardener Program Coordinator and to the plant donors.

• Bulb orders may be submitted to the Master Gardener Program Coordinator. • A Garden Chat may be scheduled. • Regular workdays continue.

OCTOBER

• Tropical plants are moved to the greenhouse for the winter. • New leadership for Idea Garden positions is recruited as needed. • Provisions are made for winter vegetable garden. • Regular workdays continue as needed.

NOVEMBER

• Special workday (“Put the Garden to Bed”) is scheduled. • Recruitment of new leadership continues as needed.

DECEMBER

• Transition of Section and Operations leadership begins. • Chairs prepare a year-end evaluation summary to be submitted at the January

Idea Garden Committee meeting.

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IDEA GARDEN BUDGET 2016

Garden Section Budgeted

North Border $ 600.00 South Border $ 600.00 East Border $ 675.00 West Border $ 600.00 Children's Garden $ 800.00 Annual Trial Garden $ 200.00 Compost $ 500.00 Containers $ 600.00 Rock/Conifer/Crevice $ 600.00 Small Fruits $ 400.00 Tropicals $ 400.00 Roses $ 700.00 Shed $ 500.00 Sensory $ 600.00 Theme 1 $ 250.00 Theme 2 $ 250.00 Greenhouse $ 1,500.00 Vegetable $ 750.00 Miscellaneous $ 1,800.00

Total $ 12,325.00

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POLICIES AND PROTOCOLS

GOVERNANCE The Idea Garden Committee is comprised of the Idea Garden Chairs, Section Coordinators, Operations Coordinators, and the Master Gardener Program Coordinator. The Committee meets on the third Thursday of each month at 10:00 AM at the Extension Office. All Master Gardeners are welcome to attend. The Idea Garden Chairs set the agenda and a Chair conducts the meeting. Minutes are recorded and emailed to Committee members after the meeting. Budgets and monthly expenditures are reviewed. Section and Operations Coordinators report on their activities at each meeting. Ad hoc committees may be formed for specific tasks. All policies and procedures related to the Idea Garden pass through the Committee. INTERN AND ACTIVE MASTER GARDENER PARTICIPATION All interns are required to volunteer a minimum of 15 hours in the Idea Garden, 15 hours in Community Gardens, 10 hours in the office and 20 hours are open as a part of their internship. Interns will be given a tour of the Idea Garden during training and will be asked to select their section preferences. Final assignments will be reviewed by Master Program Coordinator and the Idea Garden Chairs. Interns will be contacted by the appropriate Section Coordinator and welcomed as a part of the volunteer crew. Interns and actives should keep track of their volunteer hours and report them according to the Master Gardener Program Coordinator’s instruction. It is hoped that interns will continue to work in the Idea Garden beyond their minimum number of hours required. All hours should be recorded via the online reporting system. Reported hours helps Extension put a dollar value on our service to the State of Illinois and positively affects the financial report received from the State. Active Master Gardeners agree to volunteer a minimum of 30 hours, not necessarily all in the Idea Garden. PURCHASING Expenditures must be approved by the Master Gardener Program Coordinator and must be within the allotted budget. There will be NO PERSONAL REIMBURSEMENTS. Several methods of purchase are possible:

• Get the exact amount from the vendor and request a Champaign Extension check. Remember WE DO NOT PAY SALES TAX. Allow 2-3 days to get the check.

• Request a catalog order through the Extension office. Fill out and submit the order form in the catalog, noting which section the order is for. The Master Gardener Program Coordinator will submit the order, which will be delivered to the Extension office. No exceptions on delivery location.

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• Shopping days at the beginning and end of the growing season will be announced at a variety of local vendors. The Master Gardener Program Coordinator will be at a particular location on a particular day to pay for purchases.

• Make arrangements with the Master Gardener Program Coordinator to meet you at a location for a purchase. Purchasing from local vendors is strongly encouraged.

• Items that require labor or services, including buses, must be purchased on a University of Illinois purchase order. These purchases require extra time to process so discuss procedures with Ava Heap in the Extension Office for the proper procedure and the time requirements.

• Purchase of pesticides should be made through the Pesticide Coordinator and will be paid for by the “Miscellaneous” line in the budget. Pesticides purchased for the garden are for use throughout the garden as needed.

• Coordinators should strive to buy common items in bulk. Such bulk purchases may be discussed at the monthly Idea Garden Committee meeting.

SECTION PLANS AND EVALUATIONS Each Section Coordinator is asked to submit IDEA GARDEN END-OF-SEASON EVALUATION & SEASONAL PLAN (p. 21) to the Master Gardener Program Coordinator for review and approval by the Idea Garden Committee. The plan should be submitted at the January Idea Garden committee meeting. Approval of Garden Structures and Hardscapes. The Idea Garden Committee must approve plans for any structures or hardscapes to be installed in the Idea Garden. This includes brick, stone, other hard-surface pathways, trellises, arbors, pergolas, fences, benches, and other hardscapes. Further approval from the University of Illinois Arboretum Director may also be required. Please note that religious items are inappropriate for installation in this garden. USE OF PRODUCE, PLANTS, AND HARDSCAPE FROM THE IDEA GARDEN Produce, including fruits, will be donated to local homeless shelters or other not-for-profit organizations. On occasion, some will be shared with the workers in the Section and others. Produce should not be left in the gazebo, shed, or elsewhere in the garden. All structures, trellises, equipment, and hardscape materials purchased with Idea Garden funds are the property of University of Illinois Extension. The Idea Garden Chairs should be notified if a specific structure is no longer needed in a section. Extra plants from the Idea Garden and the greenhouse may be sold to Master Gardeners. Such sales will be announced via email. Proceeds of the sales will benefit the Master Gardener program. Extra Trial Plants are available for purchase on the condition that evaluations of their success/failure must be submitted to the Trial Garden section.

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COORDINATION AMONG BORDERS The borders at the Idea Garden each have associated color themes:

North: white and pink South: pink and purple East: red, orange, yellow and purple West: yellow and blue

These themes are meant to be design tools that encourage diversity and heterogeneity among the borders to allow for the greatest variety of plant materials. These colors are meant to be the predominant colors in a border, the basis for the design and a vehicle for demonstrating the use of plants of those colors. Color themes encourage designs that are inherently different from each other. However, the border is also meant to be visually continuous, without sudden differences when the borders meet at the corners. Therefore, there should be deliberate communication among the border committees about these shared areas of interest. As a result, the border chairs will meet annually in winter to share plans for the coming year, get feedback from the border coordinator and each other on these points of mutual interest, as well as other topics as necessary. This is not meant to hinder progress in terms of planning, but to aid in communication so that the borders do not become homogeneous, duplicative or, on the other hand, have less continuity, especially at the corners. Approval of Addition or Removal of Large Specimens in the Borders. The Idea Garden is a four-season garden and therefore needs structural elements and foliage in seasons when few or no flowers are in bloom. To achieve this goal, a proportion of at least 60% perennials in the borders is encouraged. If those working in the borders would like to add or remove a major “structural” plant, they should consult with the Border Coordinator before doing so. If necessary, it will be discussed with the larger group and/or the Extension Coordinator. ON-SITE PROTOCOL Arriving at the Garden. Parking is available at metered spaces on Lincoln Avenue. During the week, be sure to bring quarters for the meter. Parking is free on the weekend. Master Gardeners are asked not to drive up to the garden. Exceptions are for individuals with physical limitations and for those with heavy or cumbersome deliveries and pick-ups. If it is necessary, the chain should be unlocked, pulled to one side, and refastened upon entering. The padlock combination is 7672. If it is necessary to park inside the chain for any period of time, park in the area just west of the West Border or just south of the South Border. If you are delivering and/or unloading for a particular section, temporary parking next to that section is legitimate, after which, either park as suggested above or on the street. After entering, remember to put the chain back. The chain must be in place and locked when it is not in use.

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Nametags. Master Gardeners must wear their nametags at all times while working in the garden. Temporary nametags are available in the shed. Courtesy. Every Master Gardener should act as a host when visitors come to the Idea Garden. Working in the Garden. Master Gardeners are encouraged to become a part of a work crew for a particular section or operation. However, Master Gardeners may work in any area that needs assistance. Clipboards in the shed can be used to post task lists for a Section. Injuries. There is a First Aid kit near the cabinet in the shed for very minor injuries. For serious injuries to MGs or the public, dial 911. Injuries must be reported ASAP to Ava Carmien at 217-333-7672 or carmien2@illinois.edu and the Idea Garden Chairs. An accident report must be filled out within 2 days. Ask University of Illinois Extension office a form. Leaving the Garden. Make sure that all tools are returned to the shed and all other equipment put away. The last person to leave must lock the shed door and make sure the chain at the street entrance is secured and the lock is relocked SHED AND TOOLS Master Gardeners may use any of the equipment and tools in the shed. Tools should be cleaned before being stored. Many Master Gardeners prefer to bring their own equipment to the garden. Any personal equipment should be marked. All Idea Garden tools and equipment are marked with green paint. Some items in the shed are used by specific sections and should be clearly labeled. Only use such items with the permission of that Section Coordinator. Watch clipboards and bulletin boards in the shed for any work lists or announcements. If supplies, equipment, or tools need to be added, discarded, repaired, or replaced, please notify the Shed Coordinator. VANDALISM AND THEFT The Idea Garden is open to the public and can be subject to vandalism and/or theft. To help strengthen our security, the following guidelines have been established in coordination with the University of Illinois Police:

• When working in the Idea Garden, name badges must be worn at all times. Temporary badges are available in the shed.

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• Any incident of vandalism or theft should be reported immediately to the Master Gardener Program Coordinator or the Idea Garden Chairs, who will keep a record of the incident and also forward the information to the proper authorities.

• If you observe obvious misbehavior or suspicious activity while in the garden, do NOT confront the individual directly. Call the Campus Police at the non-emergency number (333-8911). Signs are posted in the shed and in the gazebo with the number to call. For your own safety, do NOT attempt to handle these situations yourself.

• Signs are placed in the garden reminding the public that no plants should be disturbed.

PESTICIDE USE Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods will be used at the Idea Garden to control diseases, harmful insects and weeds, and to encourage beneficial insects. IPM uses mechanical (weeding, hand picking), cultural (disease-resistant plants, sanitation, crop rotation), and chemical methods for pest control. It includes tolerance of some pest damage to plants. A clause in the Agreement signed by Master Gardeners stipulates that all pesticides must be applied by one of our Licensed Applicators (on file in the Extension office, check with the MG Program Coordinator). Sandy Mason is the only Applicator licensed to use pesticides on edible plants; consequently, those applications require her specific approval. However, the applications may be done under her direction by Licensed Applicators who also hold a Public Operator’s License. Fertilizers that do not include pesticides may be used by unlicensed Master Gardeners. Licensed Applicators are required by law to keep a log of all applications. The log is kept in the shed. Section Coordinators should regularly inspect their areas for any problems. Requests for application of pesticides are submitted to the Pesticide Coordinator. During the growing season, pesticides are stored in a metal cabinet in the shed. Those pesticides in danger of freezing are removed from the shed in the fall and stored elsewhere for the winter. MULCH, COMPOST, AND GARDEN REFUSE Mulch and compost are routinely ordered from the Landscape Recycling Center for use at the Idea Garden; they are stored in the maintenance area east of the shed. Please notify Idea Garden chairs if additional mulch or compost is needed.

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Plant refuse should be placed within the fenced-off area in the maintenance area. This refuse is gathered and transported to the Landscape Recycling Center by the Recycling Coordinator. Make sure that NO root balls, wire, paper, or plastic is put into the refuse pile, since the Landscape Recycling Center may impose a fine if such material is discovered. Do NOT place refuse in the wooden Compost Demonstration bins. These are managed separately for educational purposes. TRIAL PLANTS The Idea Garden annually receives donations of trial plants from seed and horticulture companies for evaluation during the growing season. The Trial Plant Coordinator receives the donations, catalogs them, and places them in greenhouses until they can be moved into the Idea Garden. When these plants are brought out of the greenhouses (usually in May), the Trial Plant Coordinator distributes them to sections of the Idea Garden. Additional plants may be distributed to Master Gardener community gardens. To properly evaluate these plants, the Trial Plant Coordinator will ask Section Coordinators to plant them in multiples and to label them. When evaluations are completed, a report is submitted by the Trial Plant Coordinator to all Master Gardeners, as well as to the donor seed and horticulture companies. PLANT LABELS Each season Section Coordinators review the plant list from the previous year; and deletions, substitutions, and additions are made prior to printing new labels. The Plant Label Coordinator gathers the required information and prints labels on weatherproof stock that can be attached to available metal stakes. Section Coordinators are asked to label all perennial plants as well as all trial plants. GREENHOUSE OPERATIONS Master Gardener greenhouse space is at Parkland College. Actives, interns, and trainees are invited to volunteer in the greenhouse during the time it is in operation (generally March through May) and only at designated times as determined by the Greenhouse Coordinator. Look for announcements on the Master Gardener listserve and in the newsletter. Volunteers work varying numbers of hours depending on the amount of work and the number of volunteers available on any given day.

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Dress in layers as the temperature varies in the greenhouse. Wear grubbies and comfortable shoes. Remember to wear your nametag. Instruction and guidance will be offered by the Greenhouse Coordinator. Master Gardeners may use the greenhouse only at our designated time. If you need to go to the greenhouse at another time, please notify the Master Gardener Program Coordinator. Section Coordinators must write on each pack of seeds the number of plants they want from each packet. The Greenhouse Coordinator will adjust for germination rates. For any seed packets without a designated quantity, 25 seeds will be planted. Section Coordinators should turn in all seed packets no later than March 1 to the Master Gardener office (collection box in the Extension office). INVASIVE PLANT POLICY University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners of Champaign County choose to take a proactive response to the threat of invasive plants by not planting them in community gardens, including the Idea Garden. Reference the booklet Invasive Plants of East Central Illinois available at the Champaign County Extension office. The booklet can be viewed online web.extension.illinois.edu/cfiv/downloads/48917.pdf The publication contains these recommendations: R – Remove P – Phase out E – Evaluation W – Watch

AWARDS GOLDEN TROWEL AWARD POLICY The Golden Trowel Award recognizes exceptional service to the Idea Garden in the current gardening season. The Golden Trowel Award is presented at the annual awards reception. Policies pertaining to this award are:

• An Intern must have at least 50 Idea Garden hours and must have a signed Trainee/Intern Agreement Form.

• An Active Master Gardener must have at least 30 Idea Garden hours in the current season and must have a signed Volunteer Agreement form.

• Interns and Active Master Gardeners are responsible for reporting their hours to the Master Gardener office.

• Any number of awards may be given in a year. • A Master Gardener may receive the Golden Trowel Award only once.

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1997 Phyllis Brussel Phil Dziuk Laura Hartman Phil Nyman Mary Schroer Heather Young 1998 Harriet Bridger-Grauer Carolyn Burrell Liz Cardman Gloria Levitt Carol McClure Angela Norman Aporn Surintramont 1999 Julie Carlson Kellie Cook Bette Hughes Joan Lane Judy Lay Theresa Meers Charlie Nixon Cheryl Pettus Brigit Scherer-Wiedmeyer Elizabeth Scholebo Doris Shaw Paul Smith Ernest Young

2002 Charlotte Brownfield Bev Cotter Sue Mauck Gabrielle Meyer Bill Meyer Marge Perry Sarah Redd-Illyes Jim Simon Ann Tice 2003 Ann Bently Karolyn Sink Kay Warfel Paula Wells 2004 Judy Fraker Janet Glaser Marsha Hall Siska Kallio Mike Palmer Priscilla Wood 2005 Heather Miller Ed Rawles Bill Sippel Chris Tarrant

2008 Barb Bogie Debbie Day Carolyn Pribble June Van Vorst Rosellen Bohlen Mary Ellen Dorner Brian Rainier Kathy Zeiders Bob Chapman Bill Fisher Gloria Rainer Becky Danenhower Patty Smith 2009 Brian Barnes Beth Beauchamp Peggy Reffett Tom Seals Patty Stoffel June Volkening 2010 Jimmie Nell Duden Paul Brady Juanita Gammon Mary Morris Sara Taber Phyllis Williams Jana Waite Steve Mullens

2000 David Birkey David Day Kim Duchien Dorothy Fritchie Laura Jordan Mickey McAfee Pat Nolan Jane Phillips 2001 Dick Baylor Lee Ann Chester Carolyn Purcell

2006 Mariyln Bell Ruth Gerlach Nancy Gill Brenda Marshall Terry Rathgeber 2007 Karen Cottrell

2011 Pat Askew Carol Bosley Terry Bosley Pam Hohn Kathryn Fletcher John Jones Sharon Lash Richard Schroeder Robert Scully Linda Segebart Tony Soskin Diann Thoma Diane Wardrop Rita Weisiger

GOLDEN TROWEL RECIPIENTS

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2012 Cheryl Anderson Carlo Anzelmo Barbara Bates Margaret Chambers Gloria Cherry Rita Collins Donia Marieta Costescu Kathryn Cox Kate Dobrovolny Tracy Edwards Jeannette Elliott Linda Evans Joan Gerhart Ruth Gerlach David Harley DiAnne Hatch Bev Herman Katie Kelsey Bruce Kloth Mary Ann Metz Carolyn Purcell Barbara Schleicher Barbara Schroeder Penny Shaw John Sloan Susan Smith Dixie Smith Jackson Harriett Stensel Patty Stoffel Andrew Stumpf

2013 Joanne Brummett Martha Clipp Cheryl Evans Richard Fiese Laura Hayden Sara Tondini Don White Gwen Wilson 2014 Brenda Arteman Bill Ford Kellie Mook Deb Nelson Mary Nielsen Margy Palmisano Becky Wauthier 2015 Pat Adametz Cathy Barnard Alisa Chapman Jerry DeWitt Joyce Goode Lynne Hellmer Lynn Hilgendorf Anne Hudson Sally Mikel Kathy Wise

Revised 01/28/2016 21

2016 IDEA GARDEN END-OF-SEASON EVALUATION

& 2017 SEASONAL PLAN

SECTION:_______________________________ Section Coordinators: (the first name should be the person submitting the form)

What new ideas were successfully integrated into the section this season? Which things were less successful this season?

Which seasonal goals were accomplished? What changes would you recommend for next season? What are your goals for next season? What ideas will you highlight for the public? What are your regular work times?

Who is working in this section?

How will you utilize the Border Coordinators?