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I want to extend our thanks to Mike and Renee Kidman for hosting our August meeting and making it an inviting and memorable evening. Their home is located just North of Des Moines on the road heading toward Polk City. They've created a pond off the deck, which practically extends the length of the house. They have strategically placed it so they are able to see it from their kitchen window. That way they can enjoy it anytime. There are two train tracks set up running around the pond, waterfall and stream. When the engine signals it almost sounds like a real train whistle. What a wonderful addition to an already lovely setting.
Their tree farm is filled with many acres of trees, especially Christmas trees. There is a lovely gift shop and an elaborate display of trains. There are even a couple of reindeers, which made for an exciting surprise for me. This is a wonderful home and business that I can only imagine is transformed to an enchanting setting at Christmas time! Don't miss the experience.
More information can be found at their website www.kidmanfarms.com. Opening the day after Thanksgiving at 9am, Mon-Fri: Noon - 5pm, Sat & Sun: 9am - 5 pm.
There was talk about our next pond tour 2006 and a few people made some good suggestions from this year's experiences. Any other ideas or suggestions would be welcomed. If anyone is interested in helping plan our next year's tour let Doug Rieck (Drgardener@aol.com) or John Selin (John.Selin@Drake.edu) know. John says "it is a very organized event", with a book of guidelines to help make it a successful tour, and it "doesn't really take up that much of your time", only 3-4 meetings. Also, if anyone knows of a garden that they would like to see on next year's tour, preferably out towards the west of Des Moines and surrounding areas, you could also contact John or Doug, they would like to make contact with them early in the year.
Our next meeting will be hosted at Marg and Steve Drahaus' garden at 918 SE Peterson Dr, in Ankeny. It will be Wednesday evening September 28th and we are moving the time to 6:30, since it is getting dark so much sooner now. Their phone number is 964-0928. Could you please bring a few lawn chairs?
Owen Tweet from Water Landscape supply will be our guest, he will be on hand to answer any questions that you might have, pertaining to water gardens or landscaping.
Please join us for our next meeting and enjoy the fun!
Robin Wineland, Secretary, Capitol City Chapter of the CIWGA
The Top of Iowa Water Garden Association will be going to the 7B Ranch in Webster City for their September meeting. We will be meeting there at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 24th. To get to the 7B Ranch take new Hwy. 20 to Webster City and take Hwy. 17 into Webster City. As you enter town turn right (east) at the first stoplight. Go to the end of this road. It will go across a set of RR tracks and curve around the sewage treatment plant, then you will be at the entrance. The gate will be up - proceed in and look for the trumpeter swans that will be on your left soon after you go through the gate. Park at the barn - there is lots of parking and plenty to see.
7B has a display of many kinds of water plants and elaborate gardens that are embedded around the water. Gene has the biggest and most elaborate display of Victorian water lilies. Some of the lilies have leaves that are 6 - 8 ft. in diameter. This place is worth driving to see.
The Central Iowa Water Garden is also invited to attend or anyone that is interested in gardening whether it water gardening or gardening in general. We hope to see lots of gardeners there. You won't be disappointed.
Our membership range has expanded such that we have two chapters in Iowa. In addition to the parent organization of CIWGA in Story County (Ames, Nevada, Story City, Boone areas), members also may choose to be part of a local chapter. We currently have the Capital City Chapter (Des Moines, Indianola, Ankeny, Altoona areas) and the Top of Iowa Chapter (Mason City, Clear Lake areas). These chapters have their own directors and meetings.
A portion of your dues to CIWGA is shared with your local chapter if you choose one on the membership form. This provides the chapter with the financial means to support their monthly programs or other costs associated with their meetings.
Everyone is a member of the Story County organization (CIWGA). Any member of any chapter may attend any or all monthly meetings whether they have designated to be a member in one of the chapters or not. Chapter designations are on your membership cards.