Master Gardeners Present Basics to Growing Outdoor Flowers

Suzette Striegel (left) introduces presenter Pam Nimtz (right) for “Growing Outdoor Flowers” at the ISU Extension Office Thursday, May 31. Photo by Hailey Brown.

By Hailey Brown

(Oskaloosa, Iowa) – For many, the sight of blooming flowers and colorful landscapes signals the arrival of spring. For some, planting and maintaining beautiful flowers spans more than just one season. “Growing Outdoor Flowers,” a garden basics class hosted by the Mahaska County Master Gardeners, was held Thursday night at the Iowa State University Extension Office in Oskaloosa.

During the interactive presentation given by Master Gardener Pam Nimtz, participants were able to ask questions and learn about outdoor and potted flowers before door prizes were raffled off at the end of the class.

Nimtz talked about flower placement, drainage, soil, flower selection, and more. She said one of the most important rules to remember is to match the flower to the site, taking into consideration how much sun or shade the plant will require each day.

“I tend to go a bit more towards container gardening because I can move the containers where I want and I can make my garden look how I want throughout the season,” Nimtz shared.

Garden basics classes are free to the public and span a variety of gardening topics. The next class is scheduled for June 21 and will cover common garden pests and diseases. For more information about garden basics classes or the Mahaska County Master Gardeners, contact Suzette Striegel, Mahaska County Extension Horticulturist, by calling 641-673-5841.

“We share a love of gardening, enthusiasm for learning, and a commitment to helping others,” said Striegel.