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The Polk County Chapter will tour D.M.F. Gardens on August 26th, at 7:00PM. D.M.F. Gardens is a major grower/supplier of pond plants in this area. It should be an interesting tour.
Directions to D.M.F. Gardens, 2511 E.21st St., in Des Moines:
Either take Delaware Ave. South from E. Euclid or go north on Delaware Ave. from Guthrie. Go one block east on Milton Ave. Turn north on E. 21st St for one long block- to its "dead end". It's just past Water Creations.
From I235 - Take the Guthrie Exit from I235 and go west. As you pass the gas station turn right (north) on E 21st St. for two blocks - to the dead end. It is just past Water Creations.
Top of Iowa Water Garden Association members had a fantastic meeting this month, which included an informative program on ponds as well as tours of two members' gardens.
Monday, July 15 at 7:00 P.M. we met at the home of Duane & Deb O'Banion in Nora Springs for social time and to "oh and ahh" over their pond and gardens. Covering a large area, their pond incorporates a waterfall and stream before emptying into a large, oval pond. A glider/rocker and small table and chairs invite one to sit and relax.
Mary Fisk from Happy Acres in Osage began her presentation at 7:12 on establishing and maintaining ponds. Topics included: books, placement of pumps, waterfalls, dead water, re- circulation, liners, algae, 'critters', soil, practical do's and don'ts and wintering plants.
At 8:00 we left and were in for another treat when we arrived at the home of Nels & Pat Dall-Winther. Their son decided to give his mom a present for Mother's Day a few years ago and started digging a pond in the back of their home. Today it is just gorgeous, and of course, has since expanded a few times over. A large adjacent fire-pit allows one to enjoy the pond on cool evenings as well.
At 8:35 the meeting was opened by President Ed Schroeder who gave a brief overview of the club, its dues, associations, and benefits of joining. 33 people signed the attendance roster.
Reports of Committees: Secretary, Mary Schultz read the minutes from last meeting. They were approved as corrected. Treasurer, Deb O'Banion stated we have $360 in assets (dues), $112.00 in disbursements (CIWGA dues) leaving a balance in the account of $248.00. Membership Chair, Pat Dall-Winther reported an increase in members and had membership cards available for prospective new members.
Old Business: Ed stated he still had tickets for the Ames Garden Tour this weekend.
New Business: Chuck Hall talked about the upcoming Lake Mills Garden and Art Tour this weekend. He also has a new web site listing topics of interest to ponders. The address is www.wctatel.net/web/nicc/CalendarHome.html. Mary Fisk stated she will offer a10% discount on pond related items for members, and will place special orders for us. The need/desire for refreshments, the number of people needed to serve at each meeting, and winter meeting place was discussed and tabled for a future meeting.
Our next meeting will be 7:00 P.M. August 19 at the home of Rose Kruger in Grafton. Directions: from Hwy 9 in Manly, go 7 miles east and turn north at the Grafton sign. Go 3 miles into Grafton. In Grafton go to the only 4-way stop in town and turn west. Go 3 blocks. It is a brick home at the end of the block on the south side of the street. Her address is 101 3rd Street. Rose will supply the drinks and Pat Dahl-Winther will bring the treats. We still need someone to set up a program. If you have ideas or need more information, call Rose at 641-748-2914. Remember to bring lawn chairs!
The September 16th meeting will be at the home of Bob and Ruth Baack who will also supply the drinks and treats. Ed will be in charge of lining up a program.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10. Members stayed and visited for a while. On an interesting side note Bob said he heard the frogs croaking last night and that means we only have six more weeks till the first frost!
All interested parties are welcome to join. For further information contact Ed Schroeder at 641-923-3512 or Mary Schultz at 641-424-9247 or mschultz47@mchsi.com.