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The Des Moines Chapter of the CIWGA met on September 23rd at Ed and Mary Furry's in Ankeny. The speaker for the evening was Jamie Beyer. He explained how we were going to overwinter our ponds and plants. The discussion was enjoyed by all. Our next meeting will be October 21st at 7pm at the Kirkbride residence. 217 NW Chapel Drive in Ankeny. Ella Stone, Master Gardener will talk about planting around the gardens.
An organizational meeting will be held Monday October 7th at Carol Culmers.
On September 16, we were welcomed to the home of Bob & Ruth Baack (courtesy of their granddaughter's sign) in Britt, IA. For me, coming from Mason City, the topiary, flowers, multitude of humming birds, camaraderie, pond, and Jamie's program made the drive well worth the trip.
After Ed opened the meeting, minutes were approved as corrected. Patty and Deb reported on membership and finance.
Old Business: I forgot the nametags Rose Kruger brought to my house. Jamie stated Central Iowa Water Garden Association members' nametags are made from art foam in the shape of gold fish. Members pay .25 cents if they forget to wear theirs. It was suggested we copy Ed's, but no decision was made at this time.
Debbie and Jamie talked about their visit to the 7B Ranch outside of Webster City. Encompassing 40 acres it includes: Trumpeter Swans, a wedding garden and gazebo, Victorian water lilies, horses, camping, perennial and annual beds, and many novelties. It is owned by Gene Barrick and is open to the public on Tuesdays (other days by appointment). Both Debbie and Jamie suggested our club arrange a tour next year.
Miscellaneous Business: Ed thanked Bob and Ruth for their generous hospitality in hosting the meeting as well as providing the refreshments. Bob explained how he makes his own "pillow packs" and attaches them to a frame to make his unique sculptures. His elephant topiary consists of 600-700 plants. Bob usually uses miniature and variegated wandering Jews.
Debbie passed around directions she obtained and copied for everyone about a method that is around 75-80 % effective for over wintering water lilies. We also talked about barley straw, flora boost, and hydrogen peroxide in connection with our ponds.
Mary stated she would not be able to be at the October meeting and Kathy Schroeder volunteered to take notes.
Upcoming Meetings: The October meeting will be Monday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the Garner Area Education Center in Garner. The address is 325 W. 8th Street. From Highway 18 go south on State Street to 8th Street and turn right and go 2 blocks west. The program is not definite yet. No one volunteered to bring refreshments. Remember, we will not be meeting in November and December. Our January 20th meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. at the Extension Office in Mason City. A reminder will come out in the December issue of CIWGA Ponderings.
Upon adjournment we moved to the garage and Jamie Beyer presented his program on Preparing Your Water Garden for Winter. We were so engrossed it was hard to quit, but at 10:30 we finally had to call it a night. Thanks, Jamie, for the timely information.
Respectfully submitted by Mary Schultz.
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.