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The interest in water gardening and water features continues to grow at a phenomenal rate. In all sectors of the business there has been double-digit percentage increases this year alone. The Central Iowa Water Garden Association is also increasing its numbers at even a faster rate. We are over 250 members and growing. To think that our Association is only one and a half years old in relation to these numbers is quite remarkable. We have three very active chapters that have some of the best volunteers an organization can hope for. I view part of my job of being "the toad" is to help you get some satisfaction out of volunteering.
Meeting some of the most generous and friendly people is part of that satisfaction. At our last meeting where we had our fish exchange/fish "fry", the generosity of the volunteers was everywhere. Dave Metcalf form the Ark donated some outstanding calico shubunkin goldfish. He not only brought the fish but also helped in the selling of them. Karen Stewart and Jeanne Sosnouski did a wonderful job of coordinating the fish exchange and in the selling of the fish. Robin Whetstone's generosity of opening her garden and, along with Deb Jetter, provided the refreshments. Randy Shadle generously donated an alligator lawn ornament -- a high dollar item. Tom and Marilyn Kenney of Skycrest Gardens donated a bunch of other great door prizes. Then there was Ada Mae Lewis who ordered the Garden Sayings plaques and distributed them to the members that ordered them. There are a bunch of you, that I do not know who for sure, that donated fish for the exchange. Combine this generosity of time and materials with the friendships that develops -- we've got what it takes to have volunteers that are interested in doing more.
It is indeed a pleasure to be around people like you. Great people and a great hobby -- what a combination.
Now, for the next meeting, we will have a chance to learn about bog gardening. This presentation will be given by Simon Seah of Water Creations in Des Moines. They are a wholesaler and have a very qualified staff to help water gardeners. Simon comes with a lot of experience and he enjoys talking to groups like us. He is a member and is very supportive of our organization. His talk will be on Monday, Sept. 9 and start at 7:00 PM at the Alliant facility (directions and map included in this newsletter).
I am giving a presentation to the Top of Iowa Chapter's meeting the following Monday (Sept. 16) on Preparing Your Water Garden for Winter. (Please see President Ed's report on the specifics of the meeting). I will be giving the same presentation to our group on Monday, October 14. So if you can't make one you should be able to make the other.
Hope to see everybody at our meeting.
The Big Toad, Jamie