Northwest Iowa — Christmas is nearly upon us and with it comes the challenge of selecting the right gift for each person on your list. If this person is a gardener, ISU Extension and Outreach wants you to know that they have some ideas for you.
ISU Extension and Outreach master gardener Beth Doran says the ISU Extension Store has a large variety of publications for sale, and some that are free to download. She says that the most popular publication is the 2017 Garden Calendar. This year’s calendar features indoor flower power and showcases photos of both time-tested favorites and exotic indoor plants. Speaking of indoor plants, the Extension Store also lists a 52-page booklet, “Indoor Plants,” featuring 110 foliage, flowering and succulent houseplants.
Other publications available:
· Annuals – features 106 plants with 186 photos
· The Garden Guide to Midwest Annuals and Perennials – focuses on 300 plants and special uses, such as container or butterfly gardening
· Perennials for Sun – discusses 100 perennials that work in zones 3 to 5
· Perennials for Shade – contains 130 photos of 70 perennials suitable for shady gardens
· Ornamental Water Features for the Midwest – emphasizes considerations and basic guidelines on developing a water garden
· Home Landscape – Understanding the Basics of Landscape Design – offers a step-by-step approach and worksheets to create a pleasing and functional landscape
· Sustainable Home Landscapes – explains how to create landscapes that require less time and money
· Landscape Plants for the Midwest – provides helpful info on putting the right plant in the right place
· Deciduous Shrubs – lists shrubs by height, ornamental value and specific planting needs, such as shade or food for wildlife
Also available is the Master Gardener course, which consists of 40 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction. Doran says gift certificates are available to help people participate in this learning opportunity.
If you are thinking of something a little simpler, Doran suggests offering to pay the entrance fee to the Siouxland Garden Show on March 24 and 25 in Sioux City. The 2017 show offers two days to shop, learn and do. You can make and take a project, listen to national gardening “gurus” or browse the trade show. Last year’s trade show also featured a variety of foods ranging from wine to jams and a variety of popcorns.
If you’d like to talk to Doran, she’s available at 712-737-4230 or at doranb@iastate.edu.
