After a two year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Linn County Master Gardener Garden Walk will be at four convenient Marion locations Saturday, July 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m..
These diverse gardens offer even more educational opportunities than garden walks in the past. The four garden locations include a certified organic vegetable, fruit and nut farm; an urban Derecho restoration home garden; a home foodscaping and flower garden; and a vibrant pollinator habitat and learning center. Of the four sites offered, two are private residential gardens, and two are non-profit agricultural and research sites. All are usually not open to the public.
Educational opportunities will be offered at each location in Marion. Four vendors selling garden-related items will also be at the Monarch Research Station. Guests may start the tour at any of the four locations:
Monarch Research Station, 4970 Lakeside Road Walking tours at 10 a.m. and noon on Native Pollinator Gardens. At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., mini workshop on Native Trees and Shrubs in Iowa.
The Tormey residence, 4640 Dunn Avenue At 10 a.m., a Planting Activity will be offered, at 11:30 a.m., a Monarch Waystation Activity, and at 1 p.m., a Pollinators Learning Activity.
The Street residence, 370 W. 33rd Avenue A continuous slideshow of the gardens revival over five years, and Bingo!
Etzel Sugar Grove Farm, 3706 St. Peters Road Chickens 101 at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Beekeeping 101 at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.. Biodiversity 101, taught by Rodale Institute’s Midwest Organic Center, at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Guests can also learn about the History of Etzel Sugar Grove Farm and the Journey to Organic Certification at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Tickets are $10 each for persons aged 18 or older. Children 17 and under are free admission. Tickets should be purchased in advance and are available at https://LinnCountyGardenWalk.eventbrite.com. Check in at your first stop and receive a wristband to show at the other three locations. The event is held rain or shine, and no rain date is scheduled. If the event is cancelled, the fee is non-refundable, and will be considered a donation to support the Master Gardener educational and outreach programs. For questions, call 319-377-9839 or email Sandy Rosenberger at [email protected].
The Iowa State Extension and Outreach carries Iowa State’s land-grant mission throughout all 99 counties of Iowa. They provide education and partnerships designed to solve today’s problems and prepare for the future by feeding people, keeping them healthy, helping their communities to prosper and thrive, and turning the world over to the next generation better than we found it. Master Gardeners are passionate about serving their communities and sharing gardening best practices. It is the acquisition of knowledge, the skill in gardening, and giving back to the community that distinguishes a Master Gardener from other gardeners.