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I am excited to announce the next meeting of the Polk County Chapter of the Central Iowa Water Garden Association (CIWGA). Most of you have already heard about our organization, but for some this is your first mailing. The CIWGA draws its members (nearly 200) from Ames and the surrounding area. Last spring and again in November, we held meetings to gauge interest in forming a chapter in the Des Moines area, due to travel concerns for many. Between the 2 meetings we have counted nearly 30 interested attendees.
We have scheduled our third meeting for Tuesday, January 29, 7-9, at the ISU Polk County Extension Office. The address is 5201 NE 14th St. Just north of I35/80 and directly across from the Bavarian House restaurant. Larry Arnold of Aqualand Pets will present a program entitled Fish in the Water Feature. Larry will cover such topics as: good and bad fish for the feature, water quality and fish diseases. Be sure to bring your questions and suggestions. There is no charge for attending the meeting.
There have been many benefits to membership during our first year as an organization. · We held 9 informational meetings and visited 5 water gardens during the summer. · Members receive a 10% discount at a number of area retailers. · Members have exchanged ideas that only someone with experience can relate. · Many lasting friendships have been made with fellow ponders. · We have a web site loaded with information for those with a computer. You can visit us anytime at - WWW.GEOCITIES.COM\CIWGA.
If you already have a water garden or are just thinking about adding one there is no better way to learn about this enjoyable, yet challenging, pastime. If you know of others that have an interest in water gardening, please tell them about the meeting or send me their name, address and phone number.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at (515) 244-2862 or by e-mail at DRGardener@AOL.Com.
Note to all CIWGA members: As you know you may attend any CIWGA meeting regardless of location. Feel free to attend on January 29.
Special note to all: The next meeting in Ames will be January 14, 7:00pm at The Somerset Clubhouse, 2400 Aspen Road. The map will be on the web site. I will be presenting Pond Construction - Lessons Learned. Believe me I have learned a lot - the hard way. I wish I had heard such a presentation before I started to dig. Any CIWGA member or prospective member may attend.
Doug Rieck
1315 SW Broad St.
Des Moines, IA 50315