Events and Activities : Master Gardeners plan May 14 Extravaganza

On your shoes or under your fingernails, it is dirt. In a gardener’s hands, it is soil. Iowa gardeners are anxiously awaiting the chance to get their hands into that soil, and the Benton County Master Gardeners are here to help.

Benton County Master Gardeners will hold their 2011 Extravaganza, “The Art of Gardening” on Saturday, May 14 at First Lutheran Church, 1523 Sunset Dr., Belle Plaine. The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. with a plant sale open to the public in the church parking lot. Garden art crafted by Drew Kupka from recycled materials will also be offered for sale. Registration for the program and workshop begins at 9:00 a.m. with the program commencing at 10:00 inside the church. Attendees may register early to the Benton County Extension Office by May 6th or at the door on May 14th.

ISU Master Gardener Jay McWherter will share helpful tips and information for photographing your garden using a point and shoot camera. He will share beautiful photos of his own garden featuring over 700 varieties of hostas.

Benton County ISU Master Gardener Tammy Etscheidt will lead participants in creating cement leaf casts from hosta leaves. Once cured these may be painted if desired. These make nice bird baths or art for your wall or garden. Materials and leaves will be provided.

Early registration is $10.00 by May 6th for the lecture and leaf casting workshop. After May 6th registration is $15.00 per person. Registration fee is non-refundable. Recertification hours are available for Master Gardeners.

Benton County Extension is located at 501 1st Ave., Vinton. For more information call 472-4739 or contact Greg Walston at gwalston@iastate.edu.