Over the Garden Gate

Monthly Newsletter Clinton County Master Gardeners

Editors: Carol Machael, cmachael@gmail.com Published on the first Monday of the month.

To submit an article it must be sent by E-mail as a Microsoft Word attachment to the above e-mail address. To be accepted for publication in the next newsletter, articles must be received 10 days be-fore the first Monday of the month. Articles will be accepted or rejected at the discretion of the editor.

Volume 4 Issue 6 July 2013

Clinton County Fair Master Gardener’s Day

July 17, 2013 Free Gate Admission

Workshops: 10:00 am Container Gardening Basics (Judy Tonderum)

11:00 am Growing, Preserving, & Cooking with Herbs (Deb Monroe)

12:00 pm Making Barn Quilts (Barb Lueders)

1:00 pm Square Foot/Raised Bed Gardening (Willard Larsen & Roger Rittmer)

Lunch: Eat while learning; 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Bring your lunch from the lunch stand to the workshop tent

Two free lunch tickets per Master Gardener

1:00 pm Judging of Vegetable Contest & Outdoor Container Contest (closed to the public)

2:00 pm Announcement of Outdoor Container Contest, Award of prizes, & Critique of Containers by

Judges

Come out to the fair & enjoy Master Gardener’s Day! Have a relaxing time, gain knowledge, roam our gar-

dens and enjoy yourself. Bring your family & friends. Hope to see you there

CLINTON COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES

Volume 4 Issue 6 Page 2 July 2013

JUNE 18, 2013 ISU Extension Office-DeWitt-1PM

Roll Call-Alice, Carol, Sandy, Brenda, Roger ,Deb Mark(Int.) LeNore

Agenda-approved

Minutes-approved

Financial Report-Mark-$4967.95-Mark absent but report attached,

Clinton County in 9th place of the top 10 counties for reporting MG hrs

. E-mail from Mark that Maria Zeimen with the Arch group homes would like MG's to assist with some plantings and landscaping

ideas at their 3 homes. Brenda Council make motion to help them with this project, 2nd by Deb Neels. Project will be added to MG

projects in the newsletter.

Reports: Committees/projects/events

Bickelhaupt: Margo -Art at Arb, June 17th, Leaf Cast Class, June 29th . 10AM

Publicity: Deb & Tom will be working on things together to get information to proper places and appropriate times.

Old Business:

Lifetime Master Gardener-Willard-Guidelines are already in place by the state extension.

Fair Day-

Vegetable Contest-Willard will write article for Carol M. about vegetable contest to go in newsletter.

Money-Money has been approved by Adv. Brd . to cover vegetable & container contest prizes & meal ticket costs. Motion

made by Brenda to approve $25 gift cards to be given to judges in container and vegetable contest, 2nd by Sandy.

Container Committee: Everything in place for this event

Speakers-Deb Monroe-Herbs for Cooking, Willard Larson & Roger Rittmer-Square Foot Gardening are lined up. Two other

speakers are in the process of being lined up by fair day.

Barn Quilt Project-Sandy & LoNore- LeNore brought design to meeting, was 30 X 30 size, a beautiful replica of the MG Logo.

Was decided this was the perfect size, so LeNore will put the finishing touches on it. Sandy make motion that LeNore get MG credit

hrs for her work, 2nd by Roger. After LeNore left, Sandy made motion to give LeNore a $25 gift card in appreciation for all the hard

work she had done on the quilt, Roger 2nd the motion. Sandy will get gift card and get it to LeNore.

Calendar-Committee will meet after the Adv. Bd Mtg. to set up calendar for 2nd half of year and get into newsletter.

New Business:

July 4th parade in DeWitt-not this year, maybe next year

Authorization forms: The authorization forms that were put in the newsletter are not being returned. Will remind them again

and hope for better response.

Bill Gustafson called and said Emily Starr of Clinton by Valley Oaks is planting a bush that was in column by Alma Gaul. He

thought it would be nice if a few MG's would attend. The address and further information will be put in newsletter for anyone wishing

to attend.

Garden Walk-Anita Abbot-Anita has 5-6 gardens lined up for next year’s walk. She suggested June 8th as target date for walk,

committee thinks maybe July date would be better. Brenda will contact Anita and discuss. Anita is looking for anyone who would like

to help with the walk. Contact Anita Abbot or Brenda Council to get more information

For the good of the cause: No further business- meeting adjourned Next meeting: July 17 at Extension office at 9

Respectfully submitted: Brenda Council-Secretary

Volume 4 Issue 6 Page 3 July 2013

A Sage Gardener...grows Sage!

Salvia officinalis is an aromatic, rather woody perennial shrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to the shores

of the northern Mediterranean. Its common names include culinary sage, common garden sage, or garden sage.

The word "sage" has come to mean "wise" or "a wise or learned person." It’s scientific name, Salvia, means "to be

in good health", "to save", or "salvation" while officinalis is an old reference to a pharmacy, or drugstore. Sage

was a sacred ceremonial herb of the Romans. It has been cultivated for both culinary and medicinal purposes for many

centuries in Europe.

Sage’s soft-colored foliage and profusion of

lovely purple-blue flower spikes blend beauti-

fully into any herb garden. The leaves contrast

nicely with the green of many other plants, so

sage doesn’t have to be relegated to the herb or

vegetable garden. It mixes well in perennial bor-

ders and in cottage gardens. Try planting sage

in the border, especially intermixed with pink

flowering plants. The smaller varieties can also

be grown as container plants to be brought in-

side for a supply of fresh sage through the cold

winter months.

Sage takes 75 days from planting to first harvest. At least

twice during the growing season, cut 6-8" from the top of the

plants. Pick the leaves as desired as long as you don’t cut back

more than half the plant or it will stop producing. Harvest be-

fore the plant flowers.

Sage grows best in a sunny location with well-drained soil. It

tolerates drought and poor soil, but will produce better with

consistent water. Prune the plant in the spring and a few times

through the growing season to encourage young shoots with a

strong flavor and to prevent it from becoming leggy and twiggy

(and going to flower which isn’t desired if using as a culinary

herb). Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart and divide every cou-

ple of years to rejuvenate the plants.

Fried Sage Leaves

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp fine sea salt

1 cup sparkling water or beer

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Sunflower or vegetable oil for frying

Drop dry sage leaves into hot oil for about 10 seconds, then

scoop them out and drain. They’re crunchy and fragrant and

ready to use as a garnish. OR—use batter recipe to the

left, fry in hot oil until golden. Then remove, salt and serve.

YUM!!

Volume 4 Issue 6 Page 4 July 2013

. . . and justice for all

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disabil-

ity, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Many materials can be made available in alternative

format for ADA clients. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Wash-

ington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-702-5964.

PLANT PARTNERS

This year plant partners will be held at the Extension office on Wednesdays from 9:00 until noon. For in-terns this is a great learning experience and great way to earn volunteer hours. All members but interns may count the hours as either education or volunteer. The first day will be May 8.

If you are interested in helping with this program please contact Willard at willardflarsen@gmail.com . If there are several who are interested we will set up some type of schedule since only 2 or 3 people are needed each day.

CLINTON COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS CALENDAR Dates subject to change.

Advisory Board Members to contact: Alice Machande, 563-243-8917; Carol Miller, 563-243-4774; Jerry Richter, 563-357-3257; Brenda Council, 815-589-2569; Deb Neels, 563-242-0338; Sandra Hughes, 563-659-9594; Roger Rittmer, 563-659-8074; Clinton County Extension Office: Jessica, 563-659-5125.

JULY July 4 July 4th Parade. Help create float and etc. (MGV- )

July 16 Advisory Board Meeting – 9 am – Arb (MGV- )

July 16 Arts at the Arb- 7 pm. Travis Hosette “Sings Sinatra” back by popular demand. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the

outdoor concert.

July 17-21 Clinton County Fair. July 17, Wednesday, is Master Gardener Day at the Fair. EDUCATION HOURS for

classes presented.

July 27 Bus Trip - The Famous Outdoor Farmers Market in Madison, WI. Flower Factory for unusual annuals and peren-

nials, cheese shops. $42 pre-registration required. (MGC-3) To register call the Arboretum at 563-242-4771

AUGUST

August 6 Arts at the Arb - 7 pm. Ripplers Band. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the outdoor concert performance. (Rain

date August 9th)

August 24 Butterfly Fest - 10 am to 1 pm. Learn about the Monarch butterfly. Program & displays. Join in tagging and

releasing Monarch butterflies. Arboretum Volunteers ( MGEd-3)

SEPTEMBER

Sept 10 Arts at the Arb - 7 pm. All Relative.A new singing group from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy

the outdoor concert performance. ( Rain date September 12th)

Sept 14 Saturday at the Arb - 10-11 am. Herb Wreath. Master Gardeners will show you how to make your own fresh

herb wreath. Pre-registration required $15 donation. (MGC-1)

Oct 12 Saturday at the Arb - 10-11 am. “Building Leopold Bench” workshop Pre-registration required $40. Class fills

up fast so reserve a spot today. ( MGC-1)

(MGV = Master Gardeners Volunteer Hour) (MGEd = Master Gardeners Education Hour)

HERE’S HOW MASTER GARDENERS VOLUNTEER :

Extension Office Landscaping: Willard Larsen willardllarsen@gmail.com 563-249-2476

Eagle Point Nursing Home and Rehabilitation or Community Garden: Willard Larsen

OLC/County Fair: Roger Rittmer rogr@iowatelecom.net

Bickelhaupt Arboretum: Margo Hansen dir-programs@bick-arb.org

Curtis Mansion: Liz Clements 563-243-3254

Other community opportunities: Jerry Richter, 357-3257

Clinton County Fair, Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Free Admission to Fair Large Tent near Outdoor Living Classroom

Come Share Your Outdoor Container Creativity

Classes to be judged:

Most Colorful Outstanding Use of Foliage

Best Design Best Use of Edibles

Most Unusual container Kids Class (12 & Under)

Cash Prizes in each class:

1st - $25 2nd- $10 3rd - $5 Best of Show Award - $25

For complete information and rules:

Clinton County Fair Book, http//ww.clintoncountyiowafair.com/countyfair.html or

Iowa State Extension Office, 400 East 11th Avenue, DeWitt 563-659-5125

Contest is open to all rural & urban residents of Clinton County.

Check-In time is 9:00 am – 12:00 noon with judging to start at 1:00 pm.

The continuing projects in Clinton are: Benevolent Society, Clinton Public Library, & The

Arch. In DeWitt, the Historical Society will soon be a continuing project . If you have

questions contact Jerry Richter, coordinator/mentor, at 563-357-3257

Volume 4 Issue 6 Page 6 July 2013

...Come to the Fair!!..

Your HELP is STILL NEEDED AT THE CLINTON COUNTY FAIR July 17 to July20

Wednesday – Saturday, 1:00 pm -7:00 pm

Sunday, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Here’s an opportunity to receive volunteer hours, whether it’s one hour, two hours, or an afternoon. We would happy to have your

assistance during the Clinton County Fair. Primarily, your “work” would be in the Outdoor Living Classroom. The grounds are on

display and we would like to showcase our gardens to visitors.

You may be asked to assist with any questions concerning gardening. Individuals who stop to look at plants often have questions.

If you don’t have an answer, tell them you will get back to them the next day. There will be information sheets and brochures

to hand out to people who may be interested in the Master Gardener program. Also, a sign up sheet will be available.

When traffic in the Outdoor Living Classroom is slow, feel free to do a little trimming, deadheading, and or weeding.

After all, the grounds are a working garden. (But don’t get too involved and forget about our visitors)

A positive experience for visitors (and those who merely walk through) goes a long ways in promoting Master Garden

ers in Clinton County! To volunteer, please call Roger Rittmer at 563-659-8074.

And don’t forget Wednesday, July 17th is also Master Gardener Day. Free fair admission, a vegetable contest,

an outdoor container contest, workshops and a free lunch are awaiting you. See you at the Fair!

Clinton County Fair, Wednesday, July 17, 2013

North room of the Auditorium at the Fairgrounds

Free Admission to Fair

Check Time is between 9:00 am & Noon…...Judging from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Detailed listing of classes of vegetable to be judged are listed in the Clinton County Fair Book along with the listing of information & rules of the contest. That information may

be found at:

http//www.clintoncountyiowafair.com/countyfair.html or Extension Office, 400 East 11 th Avenue, DeWitt 563-659-5125

Ribbons will be awarded for each class: 1st – blue ribbon, 2nd – red ribbon, & 3rd – white ribbon

A “Best of Show” ribbon will be awarded, accompanied by the Lorraine Gustafson Memorial Award and traveling plaque

Contest is open to all rural & urban residents of Clinton County

Preparing Cut Flowers and Houseplants for Exhibits

Harvest with care

Plan to cut your flowers in the evening or early morning. Always cut the stem several inches

longer than necessary to allow for later trimming. Use a clean, sharp knife to make a smooth,

even cut. Scissors tend to pinch the ends of the stems and close off the water-conducting

vessels. Remove any leaves on the stem that will be in water. Foliage covered with water will

rot and cause discolored water and stem blockage. Blocked stems are unable to supply

needed water to the living flower and make the exhibit deteriorate more rapidly.

Cut flowers just before they come into bloom. Some flowers are exceptions to this rule:

Gladiolus should be harvested when first bud opens; roses, when buds are soft; and dahlias when blooms are

fully open. On succulent stems, use a sharp knife; brittle stems, such as Chysanthemums are best broken.

Condition for longer life

“Conditioning” or “hardening” reduces the chances of stem blockage and promotes the quick water uptake neces-

sary for long flower life. Take a container of lukewarm water (100° to 110°F) along to the garden. Immediately

after cutting, place the stems in the water. When you return inside, place the container and flowers in a refrig-

erator set at 35° to 40°F for 3 to 12 hours. Cooling permits the plant to take up more water than it releases

and helps hold flower freshness. Never store flowers in a refrigerator with fresh fruits or vegetables; they

release ethylene gas which will reduce the vase life of the flowers.

Plan to recut the stems after conditioning and just prior to exhibiting. A new

clean cut opens up vessels for water uptake. Fresh cuts on woody stems, such

as roses, should be made under water, if possible, so that air does not fill the

exposed vessels and block water uptake. Floral preservatives can be added to

the water to extend the vase life of cut flowers. Commercial preservatives are

available from florist shops, hobby stores, or garden centers. Placing an aspirin

or penny in the water is not effective as a floral preservative.

Choose the right container

Some fairs and flower shows may require a specific type of container. If none is specified in the rules, use a

simple container that does not detract from the flower. Clear, narrow-

necked bottles and jars are often used. For best display, flowers should

be about 1 1/2 to 2 times the height of the container. For example, a 10-

inch tall container is best used with flowers having stems 15 to 20 inches

above the container rim.

Allow ample space in container so each flower head shows.

Iowa State University

Clinton County Extension

400 East 11th Street

DeWitt, Iowa 52742

Got Excess Produce?

Are you starting to harvest more produce from your

vegetable garden than you can use, preserve or give to

friends? Food pantries nationwide continue to report in-

creasing difficulty meeting the growing need for assis-

tance. Try Salvation Army, Information and Referral in

Clinton. DeWitt has a food pantry too!

HUNGRY PESTS WEBSITE

The USDA has created a great website to spread the word about invasive pests. It

has great information about insect pests, how to ID them, signs and symptoms, in-

teractive tracking maps to see how they have spread across the country and much

more including great pictures. There are state maps which show current quarantines

as well as if the state has suitable habitat for newly emerging pest threats. There is

an explanation of the current threats, how to report a pest and what citizens can do

to help leave hungry pests behind. A great website!

http://www.hungrypests.com/