NEWSOF THE FEDERATED GARDEN CLUBS OF IOWA

WINTER 2012

IN THIS ISSUE President’s Message 3Announcements and Upcoming Events 4Message from the FGCI Treasurer 5Memoriam 5Central Region Awards 6Awards Reminder 6Circle of Roses 6Gardening Tip 6A ‘Fresh’ Terrarium 6Gardening Study Course I 7Landscape Design Consultants 7Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl 7What’s in Your Flower Show Tool Kit 8Gardening Techniques during Drought 9Book Review: Chanticleer: A Pleasure Garden 9Scholarship Winner Thank You Note 10Good and Bad Burlap 10District and Club NEWS 11Did You Know 15Garden Tool Care 15Statement of Ownership 15Prairie Chickens Returning 16

DATEBOOK 2013

April 4-5 Gardening Study School Course I, Madrid, IA April 20 District 6 Meeting - MadridApril 24 District 8 Meeting - KingsleyMay 3 District 2 Meeting - MononaMay 4 District 3 Meeting - Waterloo May 17 District 1 Meeting - KeosauquaMay 24-26 NGC Convention, Seattle, WashingtonJune 2-8 NGC Garden WeekJune 3 District 4, 5 & 7 Meeting - St. CharlesJune 20-21 NGC State Meeting - PellaAug 5-6 Judges Symposium - MarshalltownOct 16-18 Central Region Meeting, Middlebury, IN

NEWS

of the Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa, Inc.

Winter 2012 Vol. 84 No. 4

NEWS Editor: Sandra Gossman, 515-232-5110, 2506 Northwestern Ave, Ames, IA 50010-4637 NEWS Advertising: Please contact the Editor Send NEWS subscriptions, change of address , requests to:Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa, Inc. - NEWSAttention: Terri Ewers, 10712 Jonquil Ave., Clear Lake, IA 50428 (641)357-4139, email: pearl@netins.net

The Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa, Inc. is a member of: NATIONAL GARDEN CLUBS, INC.National Headquarters: 4401 Magnolia Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110-3492 Phone (314) 776-7574 FAX (314) 776-5108 Email: headquarters@gardenclub.org Hours 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday thru Friday Member Services: 1-800-550-6007 (orders only)

National President: Shirley S. NicolaiTheme: “NGC- Proudly Serving Our Members and Communities” 12325 Hatton Point Rd. Ft. Washington, MD 20744-7014 shirleynicolai@verizon.net

Central Region Director: Florence A. SmithTheme: “Together We Bloom and Grow” 28626 Oak Point Drive Farmington Hills, MI 48331-2706 florencemgc@sbcglobal.net

FGCI President: Darla KickbushTheme “BE A VISION OF SERVICE” 18294 Hayes Street Carlisle, IA 50047-5302 dkkick40@gmail.com

National Garden Clubs, Inc. Website: http://www.gardenclub.org/

Central Region Website: www.ngccentralregion.org

Iowa Horticulture Society: www.iowahort.org

Iowa State Extension Service: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/

DEADLINESFor articles submitted for NEWS

Spring Issue February 1Summer Issue May 1Fall Issue August 1Winter Issue November 1

Please send information - articles - special club dates to: Sandra Gossman 2506 Northwestern Ave Ames, IA 50010-4637 Email - SRGOSSMAN@aol.com

Advertising in the NEWS Sandra Gossman 2506 Northwestern Ave Ames, IA 50010-4637 Email - SRGOSSMAN@aol.com

Advertising Rates1/8 page $25.00 1/4 page $50.00 1/2 page $100.00 Full page $200.00

NEWS of the Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa, Inc. Circulation News of the FGCI (USPS 387-340) is published 4 times a year by Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa, Inc. Editor-Sandra Gossman, 2506 Northwestern Ave, Ames, IA 50010-4636FederatedGardenClubsofIowa,Inc.isataxexempt,nonprofitorganizationunderIRSruling501(c)3. Periodical’s postage is paid in Ames. Annual subscription rates are $7.00 per member

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NEWS of the FGCI, Sandra Gossman, 2506 Northwestern Ave, Ames, IA 50010-4637

Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa Website: www.gardenclubsofiowa.org

Yvonne McCormick, Webmaster - yvonne@iastate.edu

FEDERATED GARDEN CLUBS OF IOWA OFFICERS 2009-2011

FGCI President Darla Kickbush 18294 Hayes St. Carlisle, 50047(515) 707-5456dkkick40@gmail.com

FGCI President-Elect Sandy Wales, 2465 Cardinal Court Muscatine, IA 52761 (563) 264-0156 wales@machlink.com

FGCI 1 Vice President and Awards ChairmanLoretta Daisy, 123 South Wood LawnLake City, IA 51449 (712)464-3606daisy@iowatelecom.net

FGCI 2 Vice PresidentJuliene Bramer15677 110 St.Greene, IA 50636(641)823-9908mabramer@dishmail.net FGCI Treasurer Terri Ewers 10712 Jonquil Ave.Clear Lake, IA 50428 (641)357-4139pearl@netins.net

FGCI Secretary Denise Stephenson 910 G Avenue Vinton, 52349(319)472-4170estep2@yahoo.com

FEDERATED GARDEN CLUBS OF IOWA 2011-2013 Theme: “BE A VISION OF SERVICE”

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

GARDEN CLUB SHUFFLE Charles Colson, the hatchet man for President Nixon describes what he saw when he was in prison. He saw what he called the “Prison Shuffle” jailed people trudging along, doing their times… apathetic… don’t want to get involved… no spring in their step… no zip, no life, no joy, dull and drab. I got to wondering if that is the way some of our garden clubs are? Does your President just go through the motions? Do your members support your officers and cooperate? Is it your members, who don’t volunteer, or don’t step up and help with various projects because it wasn’t their idea? Is it the same people doing the projects? Those same people get tired and weary. Does your club just go with the flow? Does your club look for new ideas? Does your club get involved in civic projects? Or does your garden club have the same old “garden (prison) shuffle”? Take a look at your garden club. Can you name 5 things that happen in your club that a person would want to join your club and be a part in? I was recently made aware of a garden club that declined to participate in a community project that involved gardening that they had asked to be a part of? Granted garden club members may not be able to do the work, but surely a contribution or serving on a planning board would have been involvement in the project. They would receive credit for being a part of the community project. Isn’t that what we do in garden clubs? What better way to get your name in front of the public. This would have been an opportunity to look for new members. It would have been a way to cross over into different organizations and let them know about your garden club. When folks see a garden club in these types of projects, they may just want to be a part of your club. Take a look at your club. Do you get so tied up in “We have never done it that way before” that your club practices the “stagnant shuffle”? Do you have to do it the same way? Is there something wrong with change, new and different projects. In listening and reading your club reports, there is room for changes as well as new and different projects. What projects or events do you do for your members? Are there events in your club that would interest new members? Have you tried a once a month lunch where the time is spent socializing and getting to know one another. We don’t take the time to socialize and be interested in those around us. Do we just go through the motions of caring for one another, or are we sincere about others? Is there joy in your club? Would a new person see excitement, enthusiasm, education and a willingness to be open to a new person? Or would the new person see “idle shuffle” and decide that club is not for them? If Federated Garden Clubs are to survive and appeal to younger individuals then the ‘old garden club shuffle’ must be eliminated. New ideas, club structures remade, revamped, and rejuvenated are a must. Otherwise, the club membership will continue to decrease.Folks, the “old garden club shuffle isn’t working”. It isn’t about new members joining us. We must create ways to find and meet those folks where and how they are living. What are things that interest them. Times have changed. Time is a premium. Folks don’t want to sit in a long drawn out meeting where the ‘garden club shuffle’ goes and goes and goes. So be a “Vision of Service” to your garden club members and to those in your community. Dive into projects, think outside the box for projects. That is what a vision is. Is your president promoting a vision? Are you helping the president with visions? You can’t leave it all up to the president. The president is not the club. It is not up to the president to create ideas for you. Or is your club and its members content to do the “Garden Club Shuffle” and watch your club decline?

Your president, Darla Kickbush

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

JUDGES WORKSHOP (Districts 1, 2, & 3)

Date: Monday, April 29, 2013 9:30 AMPlace: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

701 Iowa AvenueDecorah, IA 52101

“SPRINGTIME IN DECORAH”HORTICULTURE “Valleys in Bloom”SECTION A “Early Birds” Spring Bulbous Plants Class 1 Allium - Allium , Single stem Class 2 Narcissus - Daffodil, Single stem Class 3 Tulipa - Tulip, Single stem Class 4 Any Other Bulb, Corm, Rhizome or Tuber Single stemSECTION B “The Awakening Bluffs” Shrubs Class 5 Flowering Branch 1 specimen not to exceed 30” in length, with several nodes and an apical tip. Class 6 Foliage Branch 1 specimen not to exceed 30” in length, with several nodes and an apical tip. Class 7 Any Other Shrub (i.e. Peony, Rhododendron, Lilac) 1 specimen

DESIGN “Floraphiles Come Alive”SECTION C “Ideas Hatch” Class 8 “A New Twist” Small Design not to exceed 8” in height, width or depth. Staged on a shelf at eye level. Designer’s Choice of plant material and components. Class 9 “A Green Thumb” Pot-et-Fleur Space: 24” wide x 30” deep Unlimited height. Class 10 “Lengthening Days” Illuminary Design Space: 24” wide x 30” deep. Unlimited height. Background panel required. Designer’s choice of plant material and additional components. Electricity available.

Bring Handbook and something for Ways & Means. Please pre-register with Jan Tyler Blanchard (563-387-0804) jkay@acrec.com or Roger Buhr (563-382-3088) rbuhr@mchsi.com

A NOTE OF APPRECIATION

As your president, I want to take this opportunity to thank Jennie Clay and David Moody.

Jennie Clay has served for approximately 10 years as your Gardening Study School Chairman. Jennie has done a fantastic job. The time came and Jennie decided to step down from the position. The Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa is most thankful for the years Jennie served. Jennie ,thank you for your service to the State of Iowa Garden Clubs.

David Moody has also served for many years as the Landscape Design chairman, before stepping down. David did a fantastic job. David, we appreciate all you did to promote the Landscape Design School for our state.

You both have been an asset to the Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa. We wish both of you all the best in your future years.

Darla Kickbush for the Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa, Inc.

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STATE FUND-RAISER

Recycle your used printer cartridges, used cell phones, etc. Funding Factory has just added digital cameras, ipods, mp3 players, GPS devices and laptops to their recycling efforts inadditiontoused(nonrefillable) ink jet andlaserprinter cartridges and cell phones. Please continue to collect these items. Give to your District Director or bring them to the State Meeting where we will have boxes for collection. Your help is greatly appreciated. Presently the monies received from these recycling efforts goes into the FGCI Scholarship Fund. Sandy Heerema, Environmental Chairman sheere@iowatelecom.net

WAYS TO HELP SAVE THE EARTH

In Your Yard and Home• Lower your house temperature by one degree per hour for

every hour you’ll be away or asleep.• Turn the lights and television off when you’re out of the

room.• Burn seasoned wood only.• Cultivate plants that provide food and shelter for birds and

other wildlife.• Put up bird feeders and birdhouses.• Pull weeds instead of using potentially toxic herbicides.• Learn about natural insect controls as alternatives to

pesticides.• Landscape with plants and shrubs native to your area.• Use organic matter such as manures to fertilize your garden.• If you must use pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides, don’t

throw leftovers in the trash, down the drain, or into a storm sewer. Dispose of them on hazardous-waste collection day.

• Turn down the heat and turn off the water heater before you leave town for a length of time.

• Carryreusabledishesandflatware.AtyourBusiness/orHomeOffice• Startanofficerecyclingprogram.• Use scrap paper for jotting notes.• Print or make copies on both sides of the paper.• Use smaller papers and envelopes for smaller memos.• Reuse manila envelopes and folders and cardboard

shipping boxes.• Use ceramic coffee mugs instead of throwaway cups.• Share magazines and newspapers.• Post non-urgent communications rather than making

multiple copies.

From the Good Earth Garden Club Newsletter ‘The Pollinator’ John Layton, Editor

JUDGES MARK YOUR CALENDARSJudges Symposium will be held

August 5 & 6, 2013Marshalltown, Iowa

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A Message from the FGCI Treasurer

To: All Club Presidents and Club Treasurer Please either pull this sheet out of the NEWS or copy it for your reference.

These are the items and dates that concern your club’s changes and writing checks to the FGCI Treasurer.

1. 2013 MEMBERSHIP:AllclubpresidentswillreceivealistingthefirstweekofJanuaryoftheirclub’smembershiprosters as we have them now recorded (2012 listing). As there will probably be changes and additions, please carefully verify this list, make the corrections right on that sheet, either below or on the line of the member’s name and list any new members on the list. Add up number of current members, multiply by $7 and send the corrected list and dues check to me by February 1.

2. CHANGE OF ADDRESSES during the year: Address changes are very important as this list is also the list used for the NEWS mailing list. We pay for each returned NEWS because of incorrect addresses. Please have your club trea-surer send the FGCI Treasurer all changes of addresses and/or names of current members, any new members, and any members who are no longer with you.

3. WRITING CHECKS: When sending your club dues, contributions to the FGCI Horticulture Scholarship and Land-scape Design Scholarship funds, or club contributions to any of the FGCI Schools, or for general contributions or to the President’s special project, please make your checks payable to: Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa (or use F.G.C.I.) and note on the bottom of the check or on an attachment what the dollar amount breakdown is for the check. Remember: membership dues are due by February 1st and scholarship donations are due by May 1st, but these can be paid at the same time if you would like to send the scholarship dues along with the dues.

Please Note: Club contributions to an organization outside of FGCI, such as to the Botanical Center, Reiman Gardens, the Iowa Arboretum, etc. - should be sent directly to the organizations of your choice – not to the FGCI Treasurer. This wayyourclubwillreceivethank-younoticesandmanytimeswillreceiveotherbenefitssuchasnewslettersandeventupdates from these organizations. *

If you have any questions or problems, please call or e-mail me so that I can answer you directly or can ask help from others.

Thank you.

Terri Ewers, FGCI Treasurer10712 Jonquil AveClear Lake, IA 50428Phone: (641) 357 - 4139 E-mail: pearl@netins.net

*Please send your club contributions directly to these organizations of your choice. If you need other addresses and can’t findthemyourself,pleaseletmeknowandIwilltrytoassist.

IOWA ARBORETUM, 1874 Peach Ave, Madrid, IA 50156DES MOINES BOTANICAL CENTER, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50316THE NATURE CONSERVANCY—IOWA CHAPTER, The Homestead Building, 303 Locust Street, Suite 402, Des Moines, IA 50309NATIONAL PERMANENT HOME (National Garden Club Headquarters), 4401 Magnolia Ave., St. Louis, MO 53110-3492 WORLD GARDENING (National Garden Club Headquarters), 4401 Magnolia Ave., St. Louis, MO 53110-3492 (note on the check which World Gardening project - Global Partners, Heifer, Belize, Habitat for Humanity, CARE)

Memoriam: Florence Thomas passed away October 11, 2012. Florence gave generously with her time to many horticulturerelatedprojectsandorganizations.Shegavecountlessprogramsonfloraldesignandhorticulturetogardenclubsandotherorganizations.ShewasaMasterJudgeandservedaschairmanofthefloriculturedepartmentsinWarren County and at the Iowa State Fair. She served FGCI as chairman of many committees. Condolences to the family can be sent to her daughter Lillian Eivins, 1166 270th St., Winterset, IA 50273

Circle of Roses – FGCI Award NAttention Clubs and Club Presidents: Do you have a member(s) who has inspired you and others or who is the ‘go to’ person for gardening advice? FGCI would like to honor thesememberswithacertificateandpinatthe State Meeting in June. Please send the completed FGCI Award Application Form

(available on the FGCI website, from your District Director or the State Award Chairman), attach the name(s) and a brief summary of their contribution to: Loretta Daisy, State Award Chairman, 123 S. Woodlawn Ave., Lake City, IA 51449. Deadline is December 31.

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AWARDS REMINDER:I would like to thank all our clubs for all the wonderful projects and work you do. I would like everyone to get all the credit they can so please check the fall 2011 issue of The National Gardener for National Garden Clubs, Inc. Awards and the Fall 2012 issue of the NEWS for FGC of Iowa Awards. You willalsofindtheNationalAwardsontheNGCwebsitewww.gardenclub.org. As Fran always says; “You can’t win if you don’t apply”.

I also want to remind you, it’s time to submit your annual President’s Report and Yearbook, as well as your application for a Blue Ribbon Club and Advance Club Ratings. These need to be sent by December 31st to your District Director, State President and State Awards Chairman.

Loretta Daisy, State Awards Chairman123 S. Woodlawn Ave. Lake City, Iowa 51449

District Directors addresses can be found in the District News section of the NEWS.

CENTRAL REGION AWARDSThe Central Region Awards for 2012 were given at the Central Region’s Convention in St. Louis, Missouri Oct. 9th. I want to thank all the clubs that participated. You have done wonderful projects, keep up the good work! You should have received your certificates and applicationsin the mail from Fran Stueck or Darla Kickbush. If you received a check for 1st place please cash it as soon as possible.

The Central Region awards have all been given for 2011 and 2012. There may be new awards offered in the next term 2013-2014 after National Convention in May.

Awards given in St. Louis to Iowa Clubs. Congratulations!

Award # 4 “Celebrating Flowering Trees”1st Place --Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa

Award # 8 “Celebrating Through Garden Therapy”2nd Place --Palo Alto Garden Club

Award # 10 “Celebrating Creativity”CertificateofParticipation--BaxterFed.GardenClub

Award # 12 “Celebrating National Garden Week”CertificateofParticipation--PaloAltoGardenClubBevington Garden Club

Award #13 “ Celebrating the Future”1st Place -- Knoxville Federated Garden Club2nd Place -- Floyd Valley Federated Garden Club

Award # 14 “Celebrating Pink”1st Place -- Bevington Garden Club

Award #17 “Celebrating Native Plants”2nd Place --Tipton Federated Garden Club

Fran StueckCentral Region Awards Chairman

A ‘Fresh’ TerrariumWinter is the perfect time to try a ‘new’ terrarium and increase the punch of a few blossoms from indoor winteringflowers.Alargebrandysnifterworksverywellfor this. For your arrangement, use a small clear candle holder - one that resembles a miniature rose bowl. Add some globs or stones to help hold the blossoms in place. Lastwinter,Iusedbegoniaanddiamondfrostflowerswith some greenery in my miniature arrangements. Place some globs, stones, or confetti in the snifter if you like, place your arrangement inside the snifter, and tie a ribbon around the stem if you choose. Placing this on a mirror adds more sparkle and punch to your centerpiece. The blossoms last longer, some slips will root, and the possible combinations add to the fun and challenge of enjoying a ‘fresh’ terrarium all winter.

Submitted by Angie Beem, Palo Alto Garden Club, Emmetsburg, IA 50536

GARDEN TIPWhen closing down the garden at the end of the season, remember that leaving debris on the ground provides the perfect breeding ground for insects. Diseased vegetation should always be removed and put in the garbage. Healthy plant refuse can be put in the compost, and always aerate garden soil in spring and fall. Insects like to snuggle down in soil for winter, so if you move soil to the surface, birds and the elements are likely to destroy them, eliminating the need for chemical insecticides. Cultivating in early spring is also a good idea because bugs missed in fall have a better chance of being destroyed at this time.

From the Good Earth Garden Club Newsletter ‘The Pollinator’John Layton, Editor

FEDERATED GARDEN CLUBS OF IOWA NGC’s GARDENING STUDY COURSE I

IOWA ARBORETUM, 1875 Peach Ave, MADRID, IA

APRIL 4-5, 2013

APRIL 4, 2013 (Thursday)8:15 a.m. Coffee and Registration8:30-10:30 *Soils -- Dr. Lee Burras, Professor, Agronomy ISU10:30 Break10:45 -11:45 Coping With Climate Change Dr. Dennis Keeney, First Director of the Leopold Center For Sustainable Agriculture ISU 11:45-12:15 LUNCH (Please Bring Sack Lunch)12:15-1:45 Plant Propagation (From Seed) Marcia Leeper, Garden Gate Magazine 1:45 Break2:00-3:30 Plant Propagation Activity (From Cuttings) APRIL 5, 2013 (Friday)8:15 a.m. Coffee8:30-11:00 **Basic Botany - Lynnette Carpenter, Horticulturist11:00-11:15 Break11:15-12:45 *Houseplant Basics - Dr. Craig Dilley, DMACC 12:45 LUNCH (Please Bring Sack Lunch)1:15 EXAM*TESTED TOPIC**OPEN BOOK TEST

REQUIRED READING: The National Gardener (NGC’s maga-zine); LIVING WITH PLANTS by Schumann, Chpts 1-4, 8 [Plant Anatomy and Growth; Plant Propagation; Soil Management]. RECOMMENDED READING: SECRET TO GREAT SOIL Available through National Garden Clubs, Inc, 1-800-550-6007.THE NATIONAL GARDENERmailinglabelwhentakingfinaltest.

REGISTRATIONS ACCEPTED UNTIL March 28, 2013, NO REFUNDS AFTER MARCH 28. Emergency refunds after 3-28-13 subject to 25% processing fee.Master Gardeners may be awarded 1 hour CEU for each 1 hour class time. WALK-INS ALWAYS WELCOME, BUT HANDOUTS MAY BE LIMITED

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FGCI REGISTRATION - Gardening Study Course I Series 10April 4-5, 2013

Name _____________________________________________

Address____________________________________________ City _______________________ State_____ Zip___________Garden Club________________________________________Phone ___________________e-mail_____________________New___Renewal__ Last Course Attended______

Fee:$35.00______Testing fee:$5.00________Refresher fee $5.00______(Bring The National Gardener Label)Walk-in Welcome – but handouts may be limited

Make Check Payable to: GARDENING STUDYMAIL BY March 28, 2013 to: GRETCHEN TRIPLETT, 1824 Ferndale Avenue, Ames IA 50010, 515-460-8304.

______Permission is given to use the name, address, telephone, FAX and e-mail as listed above.

ATTENTION:Landscape Design Consultants

AlistofcertifiedandaspiringLandscapeDesignConsultantsis needed to update the list of those interested in attending a Landscape Design School (LDS) proposed for Fall of 2013, hopefully the second or third week of October.

Please send your name, address (mail and/or email), and phone number to Richard Schneiter, FGCI Landscape Design Chairman, as soon as possible. It would be helpful to also send a copy of the card/paper you received for each course passed and the year it was taken.

We understand how important these courses are to you and wanttohelpyouachieveyourgoalofbecomingcertified,recertifiedorsimplyattendingtheclass/courseforpersonalenrichment/knowledge. These courses are open to anyone interested. Attendance is not restricted to Garden Club members. We welcome all interested participants. A Mini-Guide for Students and Consultants will be sent to those responding.

Send your contact information to: Richard Schneiter, FGCI Landscape Design Chairman, 421 South Maple, Monticello, IA 52310 home phone 319-465-4393, cell 319-480-6655 e-mailsunnysoffice@gmail.com

SMOKEY BEAR AND

WOODSY OWL POSTER CONTEST

NGC invites students to participate in the 2013 Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl Poster Contest. Rules and prizes are found on NGC’s website as well as the 2012 winners with their posters. Contestants from 1st to 5th grade are encouraged to participate. Garden Clubs and their members are encouraged to work with schools to help educate students about Forest Fires and Conservation. Posters are due to FGCI Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl Chairman on January 20, 2013. (Judging of the Iowa Posters will be January 21st) NGC website - http://www.gardenclub.org/Youth/Contests/PosterContest.aspx.

Iowa’s 2012 Smokey Bear Poster Contest winners were 1st grade Kalie Burke, Robins, IA; 2nd grade Anna Becker, Vinton, IA; 3rd grade Jay Andrews, Vinton, IA; 5th grade Taylor Spies, Vinton, IA; Woodsy Owl Contest Poster winners 4th grad Emily Kraft, Kingsley, IA.

Chairman Joyce Powell, 4911 Schubert St., Ames, IA 50014-7714; 515-292-4027 joycepowell@mchsi.com

WHAT'S IN YOUR FLOWER SHOW TOOL KIT?When you're ready to leave for a flower show, do you know you have everything you need? Besides plant materials, background boards, possible fabric, containers/vases, and Oasis foam, you'll appreciate an organized tool kit or basket. A handled basket or tool box/tackle box will make it easier to “get out the door,” carry your tools, and solve emergency problems (like broken stems) if you have the right equipment.

Here's what I carry in my wicker patio napkin/utensil basket/tool box:• Garden shears• Paring knife (especially for cutting foam)• Wire cutters• Florist wire (it will help you strengthen or “splint” a broken stem or wire a water pick to a skewer.)• Bamboo skewers, painted green (they will help you stabilize a stem or add height to your water pick. They can be cut to needed

height with your garden shears.)• Water picks and orchid tubes (some green, some painted black to be used with black sculptures)• Pen• Measuring tape for height and width checks• Black marker to cover scratches on black staging & sculptures (try it underneath first. The shine might be worse than the

scratch.)• Magnets of various sizes (with sticky floral clay, you can attach orchid/plastic tubes to iron sculptures.)• Tapes, all sealed in a plastic zip bag: brown & green self-adhering stretchy, as for corsages and mends; scotch &/or masking for

miscellaneous needs and pollen stain removal; floral “sticky”; floral clay (Cling Floral Adhesive works best)• Small lint brush for removing tiny pieces of plant debris from your fabric or underlay• Return address labels for entry tags• Straight pins for adjusting fabrics and underlays• Toothpicks (to pierce foam for delicate stems, or to attach plant stems used as the stretch)• Neutral thread and/or fishing line for tying/stabilizing and hanging

FOR PETITE WORK:• Eye dropper or straw for transferring water to petite containers• Tweezers• Manicure scissors

My handled basket accompanies another long basket which includes other necessities:• Turkey baster for transferring water to containers• Hand towel to clean up messes and to wipe containers before placing them on the tablecloth or underlay• Camera with extra batteries• Accessories or extra kenzans (needle points/frogs)• Water bottle and snack, like granola bar• Extra floral foam, dry and wet sealed in a plastic bags• Pocketed folder storing my petite backgrounds made from textured scrapbooking paper. It also protects the ribbons won at that

show until I’m home.• Prepared entry tickets

I also carry an old gallon milk jug filled with water. Sometimes at malls and other show sites it's hard to find easily drawn or non-chilled water. The weight of the filled jug also helps to wedge designs in the car so they don't tip.

Two online sources for design supplies: www.arrangingsupplies.com www.countryhousefloral.com

Do you have other tools or supplies we should know about? Please send your suggestions to Sandy Gossman (srgossman@aol.com) to be included in a future NEWS.

Submitted by Jan Krass, Fort Dodge Federated Garden Club

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BOOK REVIEW - Chanticleer: A Pleasure Garden by Adrian Higgens

In the garden book Chanticleer: A Pleasure Garden written by Adrian Higgens with exquisite photography by Rob Cardillo from the University of Pennsylvania Press (2011) one opens the world to a horticulturist’s garden. Chanticleer is a forty-eight acre garden on Philadelphia’s historic Main Line. Built on the grounds of the Rosengarden estate in Wayne, Pennsylvania, Chanticleer retains an intimate atmosphere of a thoughtfully planned garden that can be easily traversed in a leisurely afternoon. The text features 175 pages of the carefully laid out gardens that were planned over more than a half-century. The quality of the photography is among the best I have ever viewed. Of course all the seasons and times of day are featured with flawless perfection. There are Asian Woods, Pond Gardens, Cutting Garden, Tennis Court Gardens and unique Terrace Gardens surrounding Chanticleer House. Colorful and periodic chairs and benches, even a unique handmade wooden bridges offer places to pause and rest along the winding paths. If you can’t travel east, think of purchasing this value priced book ($22.00) so you can place your imagination in Chanticleer this coming winter.Submitted by Georganna Hinrichsen, Ames Garden Club

Gardening Techniques to help trees and shrubs survive droughtDroughts affected large areas of the United States during the summer and autumn of 2012. What is drought?

Droughtisdefinedasaweatherphenomenonthatistypicallycharacterizedbyabsenceofprecipitation,anditsrelatedeffects on the said region, for a prolonged duration of time. In the 1930’s, the ‘Dust Bowl’ was a severe drought in the United States. An ongoing drought in Australia is referred to as the “Big Dry”.

Adroughtreferstotheextendedperiodwhereinaregionrecordsseveredeficiencyinwatersupply.Inmeteorology,adrought is a prolonged period with less than average precipitation. In agricultural sense, it is a dry spell, which affects crop production. And in hydrology, it is a fall in water levels of various sources below the statistical average. While a drought can extend for years together, even a short drought can have serious consequences on the region as a whole.

A drought can result in severe consequences on the environment, as well as the economy of the region. Because water isn’t available in necessary amounts for sustaining life, it results in the destruction of food crops, and can trigger famine. Scarcity of food doesn’t just affect humans, but also affects animals. Some of the most common health issues that are attributed to food scarcity happen to be malnutrition and dehydration.

During a drought period, soil loses its moisture and also the organic matter which makes it fertile. Erosion can occur when storms and winds blow away soil. The animals and other life forms are affected by the drought and often many will die.

This autumn, water shrubs and trees as best you can. Place a soaker hose near the roots of the plant and add water slowly and thoroughly. Watering deeply is more important than watering small amounts frequently. Evergreens such as arborvitae need a good soaking before the soil freezes. The best time to water is at night from 10 pm to 6 am. Watering at night reduces losses to evaporation and assures that more water moves into the soil

Choose plants that are native to your zone. These plants have adapted to periods of drought and heat waves. Plants with grey or silver leaves are better at surviving dry periods

Collect rainwater if your laws allow this action. Colorado does not allow rain barrels.

Mulching and soil enrichment are must do’s to help soils retain water. Mulch helps keep moisture in the ground, moderates the temperature of the soil, and can help with weed suppression. Weeds compete with treasured plants for water and nutrients. Removing weeds is helpful during droughty times.

Some gardeners add polymer planting gel to the soil. Follow directions on the package. The gel absorbs water and is able to release it back to the soil gradually. When planting trees, use the watering jackets. They are available at your nursery. The jackets hold several gallons of water and releases the water to the roots of the tree gradually.Design your gardens so that perennials and annuals receive shade during the hottest part of the day. Most sun loving plants require at least 6 hours of direct sun. Plant birches so that their roots will be shaded during the afternoon.

Written by Sarah McReynolds, Darlene Newell and the NGC Horticulture Committee

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THANK YOU NOTE FROM NGC SCHOLARSHIP WINNER:

Dear Members of the FGCI: My name is Christina Riessen, and I am in my second year at Iowa State University studying Agricultural and Life Sciences Education(teachercertification)andHorticulture.Asastudent,Ihave had the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities and organizations, including some that are directly related to my majors.IamverygladandconfidentwithmydecisiontoattendIowa State University, as it is one of the leading agricultural schools in America. AdiversifiedgrainandlivestockfarmjustoutsideofSchleswig,Iowa, is where I grew up and where my passion for agriculture and helping others is rooted. I took particular interest in helping mymotherwiththeflowerbedsandinourbreedingsheepflock,especially in caring for the orphaned lambs. In 2010, I graduated from Denison-Schleswig High School at the top of my class. I was also able to maintain a 4.00 grade point average in my 1st year at Iowa State, and I have been on the Dean’s List every semester. In my college career, I have been involved in ISU Dance Marathon (annual major fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of Iowa), Iowa State Singers, Horticulture Club, Ag Ed Club, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Student Alumni Association. I recently joined the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Ambassadors, where I serve on the Alumni Committee. Iowa State Singers has been a great way for me to meet new people from various degree programs on campus, and I hope to be able to continue my involvement with this ensemble as well as the other activities of which I am a member. DespitejustfinishingmysecondsemesterasamemberoftheHorticulture Club, I have seized every opportunity to learn more about horticulture, network with horticulturists from across the nation,andgettoknowmypeersatIowaState.Thefirstmajoreventat which I offered my assistance was the annual Fall Festival at the Horticulture Research Station; following this experience I traveled to Crookston, Minnesota for the Mid-American Collegiate Horticulture Society conference and competition, where I was able to take the testsindividually.Officerelectionswereheldattheconferenceaswell, and I was nominated and elected to be the Communications Officerforthesociety.ThispositionentailsthatIcreateanddistributefour newsletters to the MACHS schools. At the end of the semester,HorticultureClub held officerelections, at which I opted to run and received a position as Project Coordinator. As Project Coordinator, I help plan social activities, trips, and coordinate apparel orders. In April a handful of members enjoyed a trip to Des Moines for a tour of the Botanical Center and stops at the Arie den Boer Arboretum and Ewing Park.MyfuturegoalsincludeseveralopportunitiesinvolvingthefieldofagricultureinIowa,thefirstofwhichisasahighschoolagriculturaland life sciences educator. However, other options that I have been consideringaretakingupacareerinanIowaStateExtensionoffice,working in a public garden, or becoming a landscape designer. The thought of attending graduate school has also occurred to me, and residing on a farm would be part of my long-term goals. Receiving the NCG Scholarship will aid me in my academic endeavors at Iowa State University. Thank you very much for your generosity in selecting me as the Iowa delegate scholarship from the National Garden Clubs, Inc.. Thank you also for inviting me to attend your annual meeting, where I enjoyed discussions with a number of members, sitting in on presentations, and viewing displays. Your support has made a difference to my education, for which I am truly grateful. Sincerely, Christina Riessen

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2012 NGC Fall Board MeetingIn late October six members of FGCI attended the NGC Fall Board Meeting in Little Rock, AR. They attended various committee meetings, theboardmeetingandenjoyedafield trip toP.AllenSmiths Moss Mountain Home and Garden. Some members also had opportunity to sightsee visiting various points of interest including the Clinton Library.

Attending the meeting left to right: Roger Buhr, NGC Flower Show Committee; Brenda Hackbarth, 2014 Fall Board Committee; Juliene Bramer, 2014 Fall Board Committee; Jane Buck, Environmental Concerns/Conservation/Invasive Plants Chairman; Loretta Daisy, 2014 Fall Board Meeting Vice Chairman; and Sandra Gossman, NGC KIT Editor / 2014 Fall Board Meeting Chairman.

GOOD AND BAD BURLAP

Over the years, quite a few rug-like mulches have come onthemarket.Madeofpaper,fiber,cloth,orfiberglass,they were easy to roll on and lasted for one to several seasons.Oneofthebestofthiskind-ifyoucouldfinda source – was plain old burlap. About 15 years ago gardeners on the West Coast began using burlap coffee sacks, obtainable from coffee roasters (who were glad to give them away), as a covering for organic mulch materials. The results were remarkable, particularly on poor urban soils.A double layer of burlap laid over 2” to 6” of leaves, grass clippings and other wastes created damp and dark conditions, much like the interior of a compost heap, that stimulated a frenzy of activity by decomposition organisms. In less than two months, all the original materials were unrecognizable, and hordes of earthworms were seen at work under the burlap. When the compost was lightly dug in, garbage dumps and vacant lots became thriving community gardens. The burlap had created a “uniquely biologically active” environment, permeable to oxygen and moisture and hospitable to bacteria, fungi and all the other organisms that convert organicmatterintosoil.Allburlapsarenotbeneficial,however. Some years ago a synthetic burlap was developed for use by nurseries to wrap the root balls of trees and shrubs. Anyone planting these trees and shrubs had to be warned to remove this plastic burlap because it restricted root growth and caused root girdling.

From the Good Earth Garden Club Newsletter ‘The Pollinator’ John Layton, Editor

DISTRICT AND CLUB NEWSDistrict 1 Director Sheila Gerot,1540 Tulip Avenue, Riverside, IA 52327319-648-2646shegerot @ hotmail.com

Keosauqua Town and Country Garden Club will host the 2013 District I meeting Friday, May 17th at the Lodge in Lacey Keosauqua State Park. Keokuk Garden Club visited the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Illinois in October. These serene gardens are a place where guests may seek solace and mindful reflections on their visit. In November their program will be “Hydroponics Made Easy”. They will end their year with a Christmas luncheon and tell about where they are spending their Christmas holiday. Keosauqua Town & Country Garden Club showed flower pictures from their travels at their October meeting. They invited guests and brought cookies. In November, they will be making decorations for their tree that they will trim at the Festival of Trees as well as getting ideas for the 2013 program. Their program for the December meeting will be on “Holiday Table Decoration” and members will hold a cookie exchange. Muscatine Garden Club saw presentations at the October meeting on “Tray Arrangements” by member Tracy Edens and “Napkin Folding” by member Janet Kardux. In November, member Sandra Wales demonstrated making contrived flowers and everyone had the opportunity make their own flowers. The year will end with a holiday potluck in December. Tipton Federated Garden Club met in October and collected fresh flowers, shrub branches and berries then took them to the local nursing home and assisted the residents in making arrangements for their rooms and the facility. The club members also planted a flower bed of shrubs and perennials for the Habitat for Humanity home being built in Tipton. In November members made an outdoor evergreen container to donate to the holiday silent auction to raise money for the Historical Society. In December the club holds a small party for members that are over 80 years old and visit those who are housebound. Tri-City Garden Club saw a presentation in October, on “Using Nature in Fall

Arrangements”, by guest speaker, Bob Friese, from Michigan, who uses dried natural materials. Their annual guest luncheon is in November and features guest speaker Michael Merritt, a floral designer from Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA. He will be sharing holiday tips, techniques and secrets in creating extraordinary and unique holiday designs. They will end their year with “A Williamsburg Christmas Tea”. Tri-City Garden Club donated $2000 toward Civic Beautification this year. They maintain five Community Service Gardens.

District 2 Director - Bobbie Meyer, 426 W 8th St, Monticello, IA 52310; 319-480-3190, cerj@q.com

The 2013 District II meeting will be in Monona on May 3rd.Montecello Garden Club In September members toured Brucemore Manor in Cedar Rapids as well as the Flower Gardens on the ground. Members enjoyed a potluck dinner in October and a program on “The History of Gourds”. In November members filled Thanksgiving Baskets to be given to several families in Monticello. We are so blessed and want to pass that on to others! Roll call was ‘What you are thankful for’ December’s Christmas Party which was financed with their “Garden Weeder” money from fines at meeting (the fines for talking have really quieted our meetings considerably!) Members enjoy a secret Garden Pal gift exchange and bring items for the Food Pantry. Town and Country Garden Club, Decorah In August Roger Buhr and Jan Tyler Blanchard, club members and judges, program was “Surprise the Judges.” Each member was to bring something for a design, such as a container, flowers and or accessories. Then they did a design using the materials available. In September members toured Gary Whittenbaugh’s Miniature Conifer Yard at Oelwein. Larry and Diane Grimstad hosted the October meeting. Larry spoke on “Going Green” in their home. He talked about how the wind turbine they put up has produced electricity for their home and how the Geo-Thermal system heats and cools their home. In November members met at the home of Roger Buhr for a lightluncheon hosted by the 2012 officers.

Program was “A Great Year in Review”. The club has 3 new members. In December a lunch was held at Broadway Bed and Breakfast. The Decorah Town and Country Garden Club is very honored to receive the Federated Garden Club of Iowa’s “Special President’s Award” and the Central Region’s Award # 11 “Celebrating Community Plantings.”Cottage Garden Society, Vinton toured Ann Franzenburg’s Organic Gardens, Master Gardener Deb Walser’s backyard ponds and Frazier Nursery for a talk on hardy trees. Programs included how to divide iris and composting. They maintained the gardens at the Ray House all summer and butterfly bed at Tilford Outdoor Classroom.Vinton Garden Club held a workshop on unique ways of folding napkins at the Marriott in Cedar Rapids, design and horticulture workshop, and tour of Master Gardener Deb Walser’s gardens of ponds and grasses, and toured Blacksmith Boutique on garden art. Programs included fresh herbs with a tasting party and conserving our land. Garden Therapy, at two nursing homes in Vinton, was taking fresh flowers from membrs gardens and helping residents make little flower arrangements. They held their Flower Show at the Benton County Fair. Maintained the perennial bed at Tilford Outdoor Classroom all summer.Aurora Town and Country Garden Club traveled to the Dubuque area in July, visiting the Dubuque Arboretum and the Dubuque River Museum. In October a donation for the Aurora Historical Society silent auction was made and donations will be made to the Aurora Library and Fire Department. November’s meeting was to plan activities for 2013 and complete reports. Audrey Garetson read an article on the Praying Hands Hosta. Karen Brownell served as hostess and gave a program on “Star of Bethlehem bulbs and Mistletoe.” Floralia Arrangers Garden Club had a road trip to Cedar Rapids in August. They toured Noelridge park gardens and enjoyed visiting and treats at Althea Bennett’s new home. In September member roll call was ideas for Christmas ornaments using materials from nature. One member showed several hummingbird ornaments made from pinecones. Judging roses was discussed. Horticulture report was about dry weather.

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Program was on ‘Bulb Basics” and a lesson was given on pruning.Arlington Garden Study Club members attended a program on gourd etching in October. Bob Hauer from ISU extension presented the program, showing several gourds which he had etched and painted. Attendees were able to try their artistic skills by drawing and etching design on gourds. They didn’t have time to finish the gourds but were given instructions on finishing using permanent markers to paint. Information on growing and drying gourds was also included in the program.Good Earth Garden Club, Cedar Rapids August’s program was on “Worm Composting” presented by Cheryl Hoech. September was the club’s Flower Show at Noelridge Park. October Program was “Show & Tell” given by club members. November’s program will be “Craft Night” making a “wind dancer beaded kinetic garden ornament” there was a $15 dollar charge for a kit.

District 3 Director Angie WilkinsP.O. Box 126, 900 6th Ave N.Northwood, IA 50459 home 641-324-1294 cell 641-390-7149 mnaw_@live.com

District Meeting in May 2013. It will be at the Kimball Avenue Methodist Church, Waterloo.Cedar Falls Garden Club was treated to a show of Jane Buck’s pictures of Arizona flowers in August with a tour of Lucille Keeling’s garden following the program. In September members toured the grounds of the Waterloo Center for the Arts. They have lovely gardens and very large potted plants. October brought a tour of the Hurst Gardens including an interesting program by Becky Stansberry on plans for renewing the grounds.Northwood Green Thumb Garden Club met at the Lutheran Retirement Home in July with flowers and bars for the residents. Beautiful arrangements were made for their rooms. Rosie Kruger gave a program on container gardening for the August meeting. In September, Angie Wilkins gave a program on how to extend the life of summer containers into fall with different textures and colors. The Blue Star Memorials were dedicated on Sept 8, 2012, with Pam Claasen and other dignitaries present. The first marker is at the Worth

County Courthouse, second was installed at the rest area north of Northwood and the third marker was placed at the South Shellrock Cemetery west of Northwood. Radcliffe Better Homes & Garden Club had a local garden tour in July. August was a guest night. The September meeting included a cheese making demo and a field trip to Des Moines farmers market. Swaledale Garden Club had a road trip to K&K Gardens in Hawkeye, Seed Savers and Annies in Decorah, and stop at Engelbrecht Family Winery in Fredericksburg. They also toured member Tery Dorenkamp’s lovely yard and garden. Three club members were Circle of Roses winners: Melicent Ames, Laura Froning, and Edna Peters. Melicent Ames was the Grand Marshall of the Swaledale Big Day. The club made a donation to the Swaledale town hall renovation. National Garden Week was celebrated with gift certificates to the best vegetable garden, the best flower garden and the best combination garden in Swaledale. Waterloo Garden Club has been busy with the horticulture exhibit at the Cattle Congress. They also gave away their free pens! They continue to have monthly meetings and are working very hard on the upcoming District Meeting in May 2013. It will be at the Kimball Avenue Methodist Church. Hope to see you all then!! Mashalltown Garden Club’s Accent on Entertainment in November was a great success. District 4-5-7 Director Sandra Chrisman, 1711 Hwy T15, Knoxville, IA 50138; 641-842-4591 / 641-891-7084 nschris63@iowatelecom.net

The 2013 District Meeting will be held Monday June 3 at the Lotus Convention Center, located right off the St. Charles exist on Interstate 35. Kellogg Garden Club Toni Peska, a master gardener from Newton, gave a presentation about ‘Bees’ emphasizing that the decline in bee population is threatening the cost and variety of the world’s food supply. August 28 members met at the Newton home of Lea and Fred Chabot and toured their extensive and beautiful gardens. The club will decorate the Kellogg Museum kitchen for the Down Home Christmas event on December 1 and 2. Ornaments were created by members. The group also continues to

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provide monthly decorations for the gazebo in Kellogg’s Railroad Park. Members of the club attended the Marshalltown Garden Club “Accents on Entertaining” in November. The club will celebrate Thanksgiving with a pot luck meal. Christmas will be observed with an outing to Peppertree Restaurant in December.Woodland Hills Garden Club has enjoyed interesting speakers this past year and two new members joined their club. The club established a Succulent Rock Memorial Garden in honor of deceased members of the club for which they received the President’s Theme Award - “Be A Vision Of Service”. A 20 year member this year, Jean Belzer was presented a gift certificate to a local nursery thanking her for her years of service. In September, Master Gardener Jean Schweizer, presented a program and hands on workshop on ‘Leaf Casting’ at Carol Alsted’s garden. In October, Polk County Conservationist Patrice Pederson-Keys presented a program on ‘Owls’. In November, Russ Paul, Storm water co-ordinator/Equipment operator for the city of Pleasant Hill, gave a talk on “Protecting Aquatic Ecosystems”. For the Christmas Potluck members bring a dish to share and exchange “Cups of Cheer”! (This is a holiday coffee mug filled w/ goodies.) The club was sadden by the loss of Ruth Grant, a member of the club from 1985-2001. She had been in a nursing home since 2002. Bevington Garden Club toured garden member Judy Stark’s home and garden in July. She and her sister had a program on Celebrating our Ancestral Heritage. They dressed in their authentic Dutch dresses and told about the history of the Tulip bulbs grown in the Netherlands. In August members visited the Freedom Rock on the outskirts of Greenfield, shopped in Greenfield, enjoyed lunch at the The Landing a Historic Hotel Restaurant and then toured the Loki Gardens Nursery in Waukee. In September members toured the World Food Prize facility and gardens. October was the Harvest Dinner, where those who have helped the club during the year were recognized. Joel Van Roekel spoke about photography. In November members brought food items for Thanksgiving for two families in the community. A program on decorating bags of food with pictures of turkeys was presented by Judy Meckely and Pam Robbins reported on Turkeys. December’s Christmas Party will be held in the home of member, Joyce Wilden.

Afton Federated Garden Club at the May meeting Donna Thomas gave a presentation on the importance of Garden Therapy and Shirley Wallace gave a report and slide show on Design. At the state meeting three members (30+ year members – Olive Kerns, Doris Porter and Audrey McDowell) received the Circle of Roses Award. June’s annual tour was to Reiman Gardens and the Iowa Arboretum, lunching at Hickory Park Restaurant in Ames. In July the club received word from Endow Union County they had been awarded a $300.00 grant to continue their efforts to place a Blue Star Marker in Union County. The grant was awarded at the Union County Fair the day the club held their flower show. At the July meeting Polly McCoy gave the program on the State Theme, “Be A Vision of Service.” August and September members made plans for fund raising. They organized a mini pie sale for the Lorimor Fall Festival, which brought them a little closer to their Blue Star Marker goal. In September, the group organized and finalized plans for the Annual Fall Luncheon. The Winterset Sunshine Garden Club and the Bevington Garden Club were their guests. The guest speaker was Kate Mortensen-Zimmerman of the Ringgold County Conservation Board, who spoke and presented a slide-show on hummingbirds.Ackworth Garden Club celebrated 75 years as a member of FGCI in September. Awards were presented and members were recognized for 30 years of service. Those members were Norma Vanderpool, Katheryn Waser & Lynda Richards and 26 years to Ronda Magnusson. Circle of Roses recipients were Armetta Keeney, Lucille Henry, Cheryl Holland, Gladys Nicholls & Kathryn Waser. The Dorothy Aldridge Sweepstakes award was presented to Sue Wilder for most blue ribbons at the county fair flower show. October found the club’s creativity at work as members shared craft ideas. Special thanks to Royce Thompson for sharing mushroom starts in oak limbs; Kay Demory shared magnet making; Jeannine Naberhaus demonstrated sweet gum balls; Cheryl Holland sprayed hydrangeas and decorative glassware; and Kathy Ripperger taught bow tying. In November Lynda Richards shared images & stories of her 2011 trip to France, England,

Wales, Scotland, Ireland & N. Ireland. December was the annual Christmas Party.Ames Garden Club enjoyed a summer of garden tours and caring for (watering) flower beds at the Heartland Senior Center. In August members brought flowers, herbs, vegetables, etc from their gardens for a mock judging and mini show and tell about their summer gardens. September’s program was a ‘Hands-on Propagation Workshop’ presented by Aaron Steils from Reiman Gardens. Workshop in October was floral arrangements using mini pumpkins as containers. In November members made decorations for a holiday tree at the Iowa Arboretum. December was the annual holiday potluck & social event.Pella Garden Club helped host the state meeting in June, boxed and shipped thousands of tulips in October and held a Christmas Tour of Homes in December.Sunshine Garden Club, Winterset program in March was ‘Care of Hours Plants’ by member Lynn LaFollette, who’s home is filled with a variety of plants. In April member Sammie Kilkenny presented a program on herbs ‘Meet My Friend – Herb’. Which was very appropriate as the club cares for the herb garden at the Winterset Historical Complex. May was a workday at the Historical Complex and the rose garden at the Court House Square. Members planted a tree in memory of Opal Hart on Arbor Day Tree. They held their fundraiser plant and garden accessory sale during the annual city wide garage sale. July was a design program and workshop to help members prepare to participate in the Flower Show at the Madison County Fair. In August

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Ackworth Garden Club members celebrated 75 years as a member of FGCI Sept 26.

members toured the Des Moines Botanical Center and other sites in the area. October’s meeting was a public meeting, program was on wild flowers by Wayne Shaffer from the Winterset NRCS office. November Afton and Bevington Garden Clubs were invited to a brunch at the Madison Square Assisted Living Home, program was by the Quilted Garden of Des Moines. December will be the annual Christmas Gala with program on Old Outhouses by Rita Foust. Officers fore 2013 have been elected and installed.Urbandale Garden Club toured The Enabling Garden in Altoona and the Master Gardener’s garden in Urbandale. The October meeting featured Wanda Lunn on “Growing Iris”. Member Marcia Daly gave the November program on “Sarah P. Duke Southern Gardener”. Baxter Garden Club summer projects included taking care of many community projects, main street containers, cemetery garden and annual Flower Show. The Flower Show held during “Baxter Fun Days” was open to anyone interested in participating. Members sponsored and participated in the community Blood drive.Evening Star Garden Club, Johnston members enjoyed garden tours through-out the summer including a tour of August Home Publishing-Garden Gate Magazines test garden in Des Moines. Greater Des Moines Garden Club’s June program featured Sarai Rice, Executive Director of the Des Moines Area Religious Council, speaking on Farmers Market, “Food Rescue”, and the Food Pantry. Tours of seven members gardens were enjoyed during the summer. The first program of

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the 2012-2013 year was a potluck lunch at the Botanical Center with speaker Jenna Nathan, Outreach Coordinator from Habitat for Humanity talking about their many programs including a community garden and volunteer opportunities. October program was on Bats and Owls by Dr. Rebecca Christoffel, Assistant Professor and Extension Wildlife Biologist at ISU. Speaker for November was Melissa Peterson of Ted Lare Garden Center, on the topic of Fairy Gardens.

District 6 Director Walter Reemtsma, 602 North Phillips, Algona, IA 50511; 515-295-2739 cell 515-341-1052jawal@netamumail.com

Madrid Garden Club will sponsor the 2013 District 6 meeting April 20 at the Iowa Arboretum. Members from a number of clubs in District 6 engaged themselves in a number of activities that not only proved to be educational and enjoyable for the members but also allowed them to share with members of their communities. The Estherville Garden Club had two of their members show how to make pressed flower cards, after the demonstration members made cards which were given to residents at a local rest home. The Algona Garden Club decorated mini pumpkins at their October meeting which were given to residents of the local Good Samaritan Center. Members of the Fort Dodge Garden Club made bouquets for a local nursing home after enjoying a plant exchange at their September meeting. In October they made ornaments for a Christmas tree for the upcoming YWCA fund raiser. Clubs are always looking for interesting program ideas. Here are a few that you might want to consider. The Estherville club recent programs: “The Three Ecosystems of Iowa” by a retired DNR biologist and Learning About Ferns. The Mallard Garden Club had a program devoted to rain gardens and a program on mourning doves. The Algona club had a very interesting program on butterflies presented by the Nature Center staff. Anyone desiring more information about these topics can contact the appropriate garden club. Several clubs sponsored flower shows this summer. The Algona club had district director Sela Bryne share tips on how to exhibit specimens at a flower show prior

to their flower show held in conjunction with the Kossuth County Fair. The Fort Dodge Club sponsored the flower show at the Webster County Fair and held its own club show in August. Visits to other gardens is another fun activity for garden clubs. The Fort Dodge club undertook a bus tour to “ Walk About Gardens”in Ames, Reiman Gardens and the Iowa Arboretum. The Algona club traveled to Clear Lake to see the community gardens there. Palo Alto Garden Club joined Iowa Lakes horticulture students and their instructor on a tour of an extensive private garden in Algona in July. September was a program on flower arranging. The club made 39 miniature flower arrangement in the tops of laundry detergent for the nursing homes in Emmetsburg. September program was on geraniums, after the program a member of the club assembled 14 arrangements in 6” clear glass vases for the Care Center. Vines were used for greenery - which can be rooted - and geranium blossoms in various colors added eye appeal. Jefferson Garden Club tended their public rose and wildflowers gardens throughout the summer, with each member taking at least one week to care for the plots: weeding, deadheading and picking up wind-blown trash. The gardens got a much-needed deep soak when member Carole Peninger Fisher watered them from a 150-gallon portable water tank, which she and her son rigged up for use by Jefferson’s Community Betterment Committee. In June, Fisher was honored for her volunteer efforts with the Betterment Committee’s annual award. A longtime member of the city’s Tree Committee. Fisher has cared for every tree planted on public property over the past 10 years, pruning, mulching and hauling water to them. She is also superintendent of the floriculture division of the Greene County Fair. As garden club members you have the opportunity to participate in the schools and workshops offered by Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa. A number of Fort Dodge members participated in these opportunities. Six of their members participated in the judges symposium, while 5 members participated in the Flower Show Judges School. As 6th district director I am beginning to settle in to my position. I am looking forward to attending your club meetings

and activities during the coming year. I enjoyed attending the state meeting and will be sharing information from that meeting shortly via a newsletter that will be coming to you in the mail. May you have a great holiday season with family and friends.

District 8 Director Debbie Lewison, 48174 311 St., Akron, IA 51001; 605-565-2547 prairierose@wildblue.net

Kingsley Home and Federated Garden Club will sponsor the 2013 District 8 meeting on April 24th.Floyd Valley Garden Club has offered 2000 bulbs to the residents of Le Mars to plant along the mail routes entering and leaving town. This is the second year of this project and the sight of all those bulbs blooming in mass is thrilling. Members help with the Christmas decorating in downtown Le Mars by decorating wire cages with greenery and other Christmas items and placing them in the cement flower pots along the Christmas Parade route. Clay County Federated Garden Club, Spencer hosted two flower shows during the Clay Co. Fair (September 8-16). There were two different design shows as well as three horticulture shows, two petite shows and an open class design show. The event hosted 21 Flower Show Judges! Members held their annual Christmas Luncheon at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall on Saturday, Dec. 1st. The luncheon featured 20 beautifully decorated tables as well as a Bazaar open to the Community. Little Sioux Federated Garden Club participated in the Flower Show at the Clay County Fair, taking home some top Awards in both the Gourd Show and the Miniature Flower Show division. They took Dahlia’s to the Sioux Care Center in Sioux Rapids. The club sponsored a Blue Star Marker in Exira, Iowa dedicated in November. The Marker is located at the entrance to the town by the bike trail. Buena View Federated Garden Club began summer with a tour of three gardens, ending at a rock garden by Lake Shore in Storm Lake where they enjoyeda delicious lunch. In July Accredited Judge member Karen Hyde presented a program on “Flower Arranging” and reviewed the flower show schedule. Even with August’s continuing drought they held an amazing Peoples Choice Flower Show. Guests enjoyed

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Moving? Change of Address? To ensure continued delivery of the NEWS be sure to send your new address to the state treasurer: Terri Ewers, 10712 Jonquil Ave., Clear Lake, IA 50428 (641)357-4139, pearl@netins.net

2012 Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation

(Required by USPS PS Form 3526)

1) Publication Title: NEWS of Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa2) Publication Number: 387-3403) Filing Date: 4) Issue Frequency: Quarterly5) No. of Issues Published Annually: 46) Annual Subscription Price: $7.007) Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 2506 Northwestern Ave, Ames, IA 50010 Contact Person: Sandra Gossman (515) 232-51108) Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 2506 Northwestern Ave, Ames, IA 50010-46379) Full Name and Complete Mailing address of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: NEWS of Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa, Inc. 2506 Northwestern Ave, Ames, IA 50010-4637 Editor: Sandra Gossman, 2506 Northwestern Ave., Ames, IA 50010-4637 Managing Editor: None10) Owner: Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa, Inc., 502 E. 9th St., Wallace Bldg, Des Moines, IA 50319-005811) Known Bondholders, Mortgages etc: None12) Tax Status: (1) Has not Changed During Preceding 12 Months13) Publication Title: NEWS of Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa, Inc.14) Issue Date of Circulation: Fall (September )15) Extent and Nature of Circulation Ave. No. Copies No. Copies Single Issuea) Number. of Copies (Press run) 1550 1550 b) 1. Requested Copies 1372 1371 b) 2. Pd in Co. 41 40b) 3. Sales through Dealers 0 / 0 b) 4. Other Classes Mailed 0/0 c) Total Pd 1413 1411d) 1/2/3 Free Distribution by Mail 0 / 0 d) 4. Free Distribution outside of Mail 25 25 e) Total Free Distribution 25 25f) Total Distribution 1438 1436 g) Copies not Distributed 112 114i) Total 1550 1550 j) Percent Paid 98% 98%16) Publication Statement of Ownership Printed in Winter (December 1, 2012)17) Signature and Title:Sandra Gossman, Editor October 12, 2012

DID YOU KNOW?...

Native chestnut trees were once found in abundance in the United States. But in the first half of the twentieth century, a blightfrom imported Asian chestnut trees destoyed nearly all of the American counterparts. Today, the majority of the chestnuts we consume come from Asian trees.

Early American settlers preferred pies to bread because they required less flour. Apple pie—which was served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—was a favorite, because the plentiful apple could be dried and stored in barrels during the winter.

In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving from the fourth Thursday in November to the third to allow for more shopping days between the fall holiday and Christmas. Millions of Americans protested and continued to celebrate on the original day. Two years later, Roosevelt restored Thanksgiving to its former date.

Brunch originated in nineteenth-century England with members of the leisure class, who often slept late. The meal was typically enjoyedinfinerestaurants.

voting for their favorite designs. In September members learned about and discussed potatoes. October two members brought an array of fresh herbs and told about origins and uses. In November Kathy Koskovitch, a DNR Wild Life Biologist presented a program on Native plants and grasses. In December members will celebrate the Christmas season by going to a new bistro “The Hoodlebug” in a railroad car at Alta, IA. Kingsley Home and Federated Garden Club celebrated their 80th year of existence with a September 26 th Flower Show called “Bountiful Harvest.” The show had 137 horticulture exhibits, 49 designs, and 15 junior entries. Despite the lack of rain pumpkins, gourds and ornamental peppers grown by a club member added to the beauty of the day. The November project was to make organic Christmas tree decorations with third graders.

GARDEN TOOL CARE All procedures should (ideally) be done every fall.

1. WHEN TO CARE AND TREAT - Clean after every use. Oil when needed. Sharpen after every few uses.

2. WOODEN HANDLES - Oil the clean wood with a drying oil, ie. linseed, tung, sealer, etc. This protects the wood and "feel". Applying warm oil works best. Paints are not recommended, they hide cracks and have a poor "feel." Do not oil plastics. IMPORTANT-If rags are used, lay them out in single layers on anonflammablesurface,untildisposaltime.

3. CLEANING - After each use, all soil, etc. should be removed. Dried on or clay soil can be removed by scraping, hose, pressure washer, trowel, putty knife, etc. A wire brush, possibly motorized,etc.isneededtofinishcleana surface. Steel wool will work better than sand paper.

4. RUST PREVENTION - After each use, the cleaned metal tool should be oiled with a mineral oil. Penetrating oil (3 in 1, WD-40, etc.) is "best" for rust prevention. Motor oil (used is OK) worksfineandadditiveshelplimitrust.Intermediate viscosities work OK. Apply with spray, rag, paint brush, etc. A pail filledwithcoarsesandorround"pea"gravel, to which oil is added to cover all grains is convenient into which to thrust the shovel or other tool.

5. SHARPENING - Try to reproduce the factory edge. Examine the edge frequently for sharpness, nicks, bends, etc. Sharpen as needed and in the fall. Shovels, trowels, and hoes generally have one side beveled, the top, concave side. Use a fairly coarse stoneorfile(#10millbastard,axefile.)Draw over the bevel toward the cutting edge.Whensharpening,laythetoolflatontheotherside,andfileofftheburr.The cutting edge of pruning shears is sharpened similarly to the above description, except that a fine stoneis used. I do not normally do the anvil blade. Sharpen using a light mineral oil whenpossible.Sharpeninginthefieldis often done dry. To avoid cuts, secure the blades.

6. STORAGE - Store so that the edge will not be nicked, ie. hang, etc.

7. R e m e m b e r o t h e r i t e m s l i k e wheelbarrows, kneeling benches, etc...

Submitted by Joe Klinsky, Ames Garden Club (reprinted from Fall 2004)

There are two kinds of people, those who do the work and those who take the credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there. Indira Gandhi

NEWS of the Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa,

Inc.2506 Northwestern AveAmes, IA 50010-4637

Postmaster - Form 3579 to above address

PERIODICALS USPS 387-340

PRAIRIE CHICKENS RETURNI was driving around the Muscatine Arboretum one day this spring checking to see what needed pruning, removing, or replacing. I drove past a rather wild area of weeds and grasses that had not been mowed in years. Suddenly there wasawhirringofwingsandapartingofgrassandoutflewahugebirdmovingveryfastawayfromthecar.Whatwasastoundingwasheflewonlyafewinchesabovethegrassforabout50feetandlandedinthegrassanddisappeared.I never saw him again.

Whatwasthat?Thepagesofthebirdbookflewthroughmymindand“Grouse”camein.“Grouse”,Ihadseenagrouse.The only one I ever saw outside a bird book! It was in OUR Arboretum!

Then I remembered my grandfather talking about Prairie Chickens and made sure we children knew that a hill near the farm was called “Prairie Chicken Hill”. The Township had put a dirt road through the hill and the Prairie Chickens disappeared long before I was born. This farm was in North Missouri and is still in the family. Deer have returned but no Prairie Chickens. But in checking with Wikipedia I learned that a Prairie Chicken is a Grouse. Well, live and learn. I also learned there is more than one kind of Grouse and two kinds of Prairie Chicken. Check them out on Google.

And what does a Prairie Chicken need to live and grow? PRAIRIE! And according to the DNR Gentleman at our Judges Symposium, Iowa is working toward restoring prairie. Way to go!

Lynn Tavener, FGCI Bird Chairman.