Mills County hosting Master Gardeners series starting Sept. 19

GLENWOOD — The Mills County Master Gardeners are pleased to offer a series of seminars this fall which is as varied and unpredictable as the weather has been this growing season.

The series will begin on Monday, Sept. 19 with a presentation by Suzanne Schraft on “Fresh Ideas for Holiday Decorating.”

Suzanne is a Mills County Master Gardener Intern who’ll share lots of ideas for making beautiful arrangements using materials found in most gardens.

Information will also be shared on how to keep annuals and tropical plants over the winter.

The second seminar will take place on Monday, Oct. 3.

“Growing Cactus & Succulents” will be presented by local expert, Kathy Bokelman. Bokelman is the President of the River City Cactus & Succulent Society, a Master Gardener, and assistant editor of Hobby Greenhouse magazine.

Succulents require little water or maintenance and come in a vast array of colors, shapes, and sizes. Come to learn how tosuccessfully grow these fascinating plants both inside and out.

Kathy is always on the lookout for rare and unusual plants. Participants will get a first-hand look at some of her favorites as she will bring many examples to show.

The final seminar will provide much needed information to anyone wondering what the aftermath of all the flooding our area has experienced will look like. On Monday, October 17, Dr. John Ball, SDSU Extension Forestry Specialist, will present “Flooding Effects on Trees & Shrubs.”

Anyone concerned about how the flooding will affect trees in the area's parks or on their own property, then shouldn't miss this free seminar. Ball will address the factors that will play a role in the short and long term health of trees and shrubs that have been inundated by the flooded river and higher than normal water tables.

All seminars are held at the Glenwood Resource Center Visitor's Center second floor conference room. They will all begin at 7:00 PM and last about an hour. No pre-registration is required, but the cost of the first two seminars is $2 per person. Refreshments will be served and Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions.

In case of inclement weather or for more information about the seminars, contact the Mills County Extension office at 712-624-8616 or visit www.extension.iastate.edu/mills.