Events and Activities : Master Gardener Extravaganza set for April 18

The Benton Country Master Gardeners are having their annual extravaganza April 18, 2015 at the Skate and Activity Center in Vinton. Everyone is invited to come: Women and men, too.

The day will start with registration and a continental breakfast 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 am.

The first speaker is Mark Pingenot owner of Arbor Care LLC. He will talk on “The Treatment for Emerald Ash Borer and other diseases.”

The next speaker Scott Hansen the Benton County Emergency Management Agency. He will talk on “how to be prepared for disasters, flood, tornado, high winds etc.” The third speaker is Wanda Lunn, She will tell us “All About Iris” . She has beautiful gardens which feature iris, lilies and perennials. She opens her gardens to the public every year when the iris and lilies are prime. We will break for lunch and have time to visit the vendors.

After lunch we have 2 keynote speakers Rita Minard will talk on “social climbers...clematis for all Occasions” She began growing clematis over 25 years

ago. She grows more then 100 clematis plants in her garden and loves sharing her passion for clematis with others. The last speaker is Arron Steil manager of programs at Reiman Gardens. He teaches classes in ISU's horticulture department and co-host of “Gardening Today” on WHO radio in Des Moines. He will talk about “Roses for Iowa; The Right Rose for the Iowa Garden” He will tell us about the Buck Roses and other hardy roses for our gardens.

There will be lots of door prizes and vendors selling yard art, lotions, jewelry, pictures etc. You will have to attend to see the rest of them. The Master Gardeners have a full and fun day planned for you. Ask a friend and come to the Skate and Activity Center in Vinton on April 18, you will take home a wealth of knowledge from the speakers.