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Most of you may remember that one of the goals of our group was to bring in special speakers with the money we raise from our fund raising activities. Up until now we have not been in a good financial condition that we could. I want to announce that I have invited Deb Spencer to present to us on Monday, Feb. 10. The following Press Release (and shorter versions of it) is being sent out by Gretchen Triplett, our Publicity Chair:
Water gardeners from Iowa are pleased to welcome Deb Spencer from Lawrence, KS as our featured speaker on Monday, Feb. 10. The Central Iowa Water Garden Association is sponsoring her visit as a way of promoting water gardening in Iowa.
Deb is co-owner of the Water's Edge -- a water gardening specialty store located near downtown Lawrence. In 1989, Deb and her partner Susan Davis began this business because of a love and fascination with all things pond-related. With extensive experience in almost all aspects of the industry, Deb frequently consults with area contractors on design, construction, planting and stocking of water gardens, fish ponds and fountains. While her partner, Susan, manages retail operations at their store, Deb runs their maintenance division which services 100 plus ponds in the KC, Lawrence and Topeka area. She also oversees wholesale distribution of water gardening hard goods to garden centers and landscapers in the same region.
Deb is a frequent speaker for local and national gardening groups. She also is a contributing writer for several trade magazines. Deb is a charter member of the Water Garden Society of Greater Kansas City and the newly formed Sunflower Water Garden Society. As a member of the International Waterlily and Watergarden Society, she's had the opportunity to visit and tour aquatic nurseries and display gardens throughout the United States and in parts of Europe. Photos and stories gleaned from these adventures are frequently used in her presentations. She is passionately dedicated to bringing the best of water gardening to us in Iowa.
Jamie Beyer, President of the CIWGA, has known Deb for over 6 years and feels that she is genuinely one of the most knowledgeable and gifted water gardeners he knows. Beyer says "she is very qualified to be the do-it-yourselfer consultant. Deb was in the business of water gardening before it was cool. Her experience is unequaled in the industry."
The title of her presentation is "Get Excited About Aquatic Plants". We have the new Hughes Auditorium at Reiman Gardens on the Iowa State University Campus reserved for her presentation. The doors will open at 6:30 PM and her talk will start at 7:00. Questions will be welcomed by Deb. While at the Gardens you are welcome to tour the Conservatory -- so arrive early to have the time to see everything. The first 150 people through the door will get a seat.
There is no admission charge to her presentation. This is the CIWGA and Deb Spencer's gift to anybody interested in Water Gardening. Her presentation will appeal to the inexperienced as well as the person who has done it all in water gardening. Proceeds from the Annual Central Iowa Water Garden Tour are being used to pay for this premier event.
Reiman Gardens (www.reimangardens.iastate.edu/) is located on the Iowa State University campus off Hwy. 30 at the Elwood Drive exit, turn left at the 2nd stoplight. It is on the south edge of the football stadium. If you are coming from I-35, take exit 111 West on Hwy. 30. There is no charge for the lecture, which is open to all people interested in water gardening. Seating capacity is 150, so come early! Questions? Call Jamie Beyer at 515/433-0194.
End of Press Release
Are we all-fired-up? I know I am. When talking with Deb, she is as excited about meeting Iowa water gardeners as we are in hearing her presentation. We want to continue to invite outside speakers, like Deb, in the future. So, stay tuned, give us some suggestions on who you want to hear and come to her Presentation.
In interest of saving time so that we can spend more time in listening to Deb, we will not have a business meeting on the 10th. Please read Jim Jordan's Secretary's report to know what is going on.
This is a meeting that you will want to invite all your gardening buddies and show 'em our great organization. You may also spread the word about Deb coming. See you there.
The Big Toad, Jamie