Summer Webinar Helps Gardeners Attract Butterflies and Grow Herbs

Iowa State University Extension

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Mahaska County office is hosting the sixth annual “Growing Season” webinar series. The three-part series, offered by the Iowa Master Gardener program, is open to all interested gardeners and features an Iowa Master Gardener and Iowa State University faculty or extension specialist presenting each of the two-hour courses. Participants are not required to have completed master gardener training to attend.

The third session/August webinar, Pollinators and Growing Herbs, with Iowa State University Reiman Gardens curator Nathan Brockman and Polk County Master Gardener Susan Appleget Hurst, will be offered on August 18, 2015, at Mahaska County Extension from 12-2 pm and 6-8 pm. Attendees may attend either session and will learn about attracting bees, birds and butterflies. Presenters will also focus on growing, harvesting and preserving culinary herbs. . There is no cost to attend and is open to the public. Prior registration is not required but appreciated.

“This class will help gardeners plan and maintain their gardens in a way that will support more insects in their gardens,” said Brockman, curator of the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing.

“Herbs are very easy to grow and are even easier to use, adding surprising flavors to everyday meals,” said Susan Appleget Hurst. Master gardeners provide encouragement and support to both new and experienced gardeners. “By enticing them with our display gardens and educational opportunities, gardeners can learn more about plants and even pests, which tend to avoid herb plants, making them low maintenance and suitable garden settings.”

For more information about this, the Master Gardener training or other Mahaska County Extension programing or to register, please contact Mahaska County Extension by email xmahaska@iastate.edu or phone at 641-673-5841 or visit our website www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska .