Article Archives
A Garden Success: Growing to Meet Food Needs
By Linda Schreiber Retirement gave Jeff Disterhoft time to consider how he wanted to spend his next chapter. Passing the Lacina berry farm near Oxford inspired an idea: what if unused land could help feed…
Keep readingDesktop Hydroponics: Fresh Greens All Year
By Angela Lambertz Long before I brought a desktop hydroponics unit into my home, I learned an important lesson: edible plants don’t need soil to grow if they’re given the right conditions. In 1999, I…
Keep readingSpring Ephemerals at Maquoketa Caves Park
By Sharon Rude My husband and I took a day trip to Maquoketa Caves State Park on April 10. I’m not a fan of caves unless I can see daylight, but I was intrigued by…
Keep readingUpcoming Events/Volunteer Opportunities
EarthMind – earthmindpractice.org Sunday, May 17, 1-2:30 p.m. FORAGING SPRING EDIBLES. Hickory Hill Park South Entrance, 1439 E. Bloomington St., Iowa City. Spring is bursting with edible treasures, from tender greens to delicate flowers. Join…
Keep readingJohnson County Conservation Late April Activities
johnsoncountyiowa.gov/department-of-conservation Sunday, April 26, 1:30-3 p.m. EARLIEST FLOWERS OF SPRING WALK. Ryerson’s Woods State Preserve, 2961 Old Hwy. 218 S., Iowa City. Do you know the time in spring when the woodland ground has thawed,…
Keep readingAmerica’s 250th Celebration to Feature Plum Grove Gardens
By Carolyn Murphy The Johnson County Master Gardeners are proud to partner with the Lucas Farms Neighborhood to celebrate Lucas Farms History Days at Plum Grove. Lucas Farms will host numerous activities throughout the neighborhood from…
Keep readingThe Art of Bonsai at Swisher Library
By Alice Linhart Bonsai, a Japanese word, roughly translates to “tree in a tray.” The Japanese have spent a thousand years perfecting the art of creating miniature living trees. Bonsai is a living art form,…
Keep readingUpcoming Events / Volunteer Opportunities
***Check organization websites for cancellations before event dates.*** Bur Oak Land Trust buroaklandtrust.org/ Thursday, April 9, 7 p.m. HIDDEN PRAIRIE: PHOTOGRAPHING LIFE IN ONE SQUARE METER. Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, 1301 Fifth St., Coralville.…
Keep readingEarthMind to host classes in April
EarthMind (formerly Backyard Abundance) will offer a series of hands-on learning opportunities throughout the month of April. The nonprofit organization helps people and communities cultivate calm, connection, and resilience through nature-based coaching, hands-on learning, and…
Keep readingIowa Master Gardeners 2026 Home Gardening Webinar Series wraps up
Iowa Master Gardeners has wrapped up it’s weekly webinar series. If you missed a session or would like to re‑watch any of the webinars, the recordings are available on our Iowa Master Gardener YouTube Channel.…
Keep readingCelebrate Sustainability at Earth Expo
Hosted by Iowa City Recreation, the Earth Expo invites the community to explore sustainability, connect with local organizations, and take part in hands-on activities on Saturday, April 11, from 1-4 p.m. at the Robert A.…
Keep readingCalathea Crazy: Life with This Fussy Tropical
By Melissa Serenda I’ve been growing calatheas for more than 20 years; during that time I’ve watched them go from a relatively uncommon houseplant to a genus with a reputation as lovely but fickle heartbreakers.…
Keep readingGrowing Beyond the Backyard
Backyard Abundance transitions to EarthMind Practice
Keep readingBringing New Life to SRNA’s Trailhead
By Rhonda Roskos Solon Recreation Nature Area has long been one of Solon’s busiest gathering places, filled with youth sports, families, and trail users. But despite the constant activity, the trailhead gardens had fallen into…
Keep readingHey, Iowa Citians: Free Native Shrubs
Native shrubs available to Iowa City residents
Keep readingMaster Gardeners invite the public to Community Speaker Series 2026
Speakers: (left to right) Zach Schumm, Lisa Hinzman Howard, Michelle Wiegand. Gardeners and anyone looking to expand their knowledge about healthy ecosystems are invited to attend a Community Speakers Series 2026 hosted by the Johnson…
Keep readingUI Greenhouse Warms a Gardener’s Heart
By Sharon Rude On a cold, sunny Tuesday morning on January 20, I had the opportunity to join the Iowa City Camera Club to photograph plants at the University of Iowa Greenhouse on top of…
Keep readingMaster Gardeners Share Insights on Flower Meanings
Language of Flowers publication is available from Iowa Master Gardeners.
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Johnson County Master Gardeners of Iowa 