83rd Central Region Meeting
Federated Garden Clubs, of Iowa, Inc.
The Hotel Kirkwood, Cedar Rapids, IA
October 3-5, 2015
Arrive a day early at the Kirkwood Hotel and enjoy some of the area attractions including
Amana Colonies. and Noelridge park or just relax in the atrium or on the patio. There are
some rooms blocked for Oct. 2nd.
Saturday noon-4:00 p.m. there will be a tour by bus to Czech Museum and library, New Bo City Market and
shopping in the village, antique shops gift shops, bakery, glassware and jewelry from Czech Republic.
Saturday evening dinner will be served followed by a power point presentation given by Mary Hammer owner of
Loess Hills Lavender Farm. Mary was born and raised in the Loess Hills of Iowa. After marrying her high
school sweetheart they lived in Norfolk and Wayne Nebraska for 27 years then southern Iowa for another 12
years then home to the hills in 2009. In 2005 they visited the lavender fields of Sequim, WA and it was love at
first sight, cutting bundles of fresh lavender and inhaling the aroma, they knew they had to do this in Iowa. It
took 4 years to find the perfect spot in Loess Hills where they grew up. In 2009 they broke ground with 960
lavender plants, adding new ones each year. They now have over 2000 plants boasting 14 different varietals on 2
acres of their farm, integrating native grasses and flowers to enhance the property for the different seasons.
Title of her program is, “Lavender the Amazing Herb; How to Cook, Clean and Heal With It”. There are over
39 lavender varieties and within those varieties over 200 different types of lavender. She will discuss how to
grow lavender. Then she will cover all the benefits of lavender for cooking and how to cook with it., as well as
healing and the fact that it is antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic as well as anesthetic. It is an amazing herb!
Sunday morning there will be an optional non-denominational Church Service at 7:00 a.m. Following breakfast
Karen Phelps, Naturalist will give program entitled “The Majestic Monarch Butterfly” . The fascinating world
of Monarchs has grasped people's interest from youth to the elderly. The Monarch is the most recognized and
beloved insect of all time. During the presentation, we'll gain an understanding of it's life cycle, and get a
glimpse of the over wintering grounds in Mexico, as well as learn about the inherent threat to our beloved insect.
Karen was born and raised in the Amana Colonies, surrounded by nature her entire life. Often the subject of her
artwork or writings, nature has been her inspiration for creativity. In 2006 Karen had the
opportunity to travel to Mexico to witness the over wintering grounds of the Monarch butterfly. She returned
again in 2009 and 2010 she witnessed the ever increasing decline of North America's most recognized butterfly.
Karen shares her passion for nature and all things connected to the outdoors with people of all ages. The
business meeting will follow.
Lunch will be followed by a program entitled, “Wanted: Shady Characters” (Hostas and their companions), by
speaker Joshua Spece. A shade garden can be filled with a multitude of colorful and architectural perennials
that thrive in the cool shade. We will explore the exciting world of hostas and shade perennials that thrived in
the Midwest, with an emphasis on unique and the more uncommon varieties that will inspire you to look at your
shady areas with newfound excitement!
Joshua Spece's obsession with hostas began as a child, when his grandmother began buying hostas for her
shady yard. His hosta collection soon out numbered her's and eventually resulted in him and his mom, Sue,
opening a nursery, In the Country Garden & Gifts, in 1998. They specialize in innovative hostas, choice shade
perennials, water plants, rock garden plants, dwarf conifers , and succulents and ships plants to gardeners across
the country. Joshua graduated in 2000 with an AAS degree in Horticulture. Being in a wheelchair creates
obvious obstacles in the garden for Josh, but with a little creativity,
a lot of determination, and much help and support from family and friends, physical limitations don't get in the
way. He was awarded the AHS Best New Author award in 2008 and currently serves on the Board of Directors
for the American Hosta Society and is a past board member of the American Hosta Grower's Association.
Two workshops will follow “Air Plant Bubble-Scape” with Josh Spece. Air plant bubble-scape are fascinating
miniature worlds filled with intriguing air plants and other tiny green treasures! He will provide the 5” bubble,
a “bubble creature”, miscellaneous tiny bits of bark, pebbles, twigs, moss, and a variety of Tillandsias (Air
Plants) to create your very own bubble-scape. You will also learn about caring for these strange, but easy-togrow plants. The other workshop will be a craft made out of items found in nature. The cost is $25, which
includes both workshops. They will be offered twice.
A reception prior to Sunday Banquet will honor NGC President Sandy Robinson and Central Region Director
Judy Newman. Following dinner the designing duo of Roberta Bowie and Roger Buhr will “Czech Out Iowa”
and take you on a delightful journey depicting special aspects of Iowa.
Roberta, a retired Registered Nurse, is a long time member of the Tipton Fed. Garden Club. Floral designing
has been her favorite hobby and challenge, as well as encouraging others to do the same. She is an Iowa,
Regional, and National Life Member of FGC, a past state president, and a Master Judge. Roberta and her late
husband farmed in Cedar County. She has 3 children a son and 2 daughters and two wonderful son-in laws and
5 beautiful grandchildren.
Roger is a native Iowan, a member of the Decorah Town & Country Garden Club, a master NGC Flower Show
Judge, and a retired Lutheran pastor. He is married and has 2 children and 6 grandchildren. Working with
flowers has been one of his hobbies for over 50 years.
Monday morning following breakfast, we will have a program on “Gardening with Conifers”, by speaker, Gary
Whittenbaugh, Oelwein, IA, an invitation to a whole New World of gardening. The Conifer story is fascinating
and unique. See how the color, texture and form of conifers add year round beauty and contrast to gardens and
landscapes. Fast growers screen your space, tiny buns add unusual shapes and textures, and distinctive forms
make living sculptures. Come and explore the world of conifers with us.
Gary has been gardening for over 40 years with emphasis on dwarf, slow growing and unusual conifers plus
trough and rock gardening. He received a Lifetime Master Gardner award in 2005. He was featured on the
Bickelhaupt Arboretum segment Of Iowas Favorite Gardens with Lucinda Mays on Iowa Public Television.
Their small gardens in Oelwein (his brother Tom helps) of conifers, companion plants and many trough gardens
host many visitors every year. The garden received the 1st place award for the best landscape given by the
Oelwein area Chamber of Commerce. Articles and photos of the garden have appeared in Garden Gate
Magazine, and Iowa Gardening Magazine cover story in 2006
During Sunday luncheon there will be an opportunity for State Chairmen to meet and share ideas/concerns with
other state chairmen and the CR Chairman. Central Region Chairmen and State Committee Chairmen are most
welcome and encouraged to attend the Central Region Convention in Cedar Rapids.
Please join us for fun and surprises on Monday. You have to be present to win!
Make new friends and reconnect with old ones, Oct. 3-5 in Cedar Rapids, IA at the 83rd Annual Central Region
Meeting and “Czech Out Iowa” at The Hotel Kirkwood, Cedar Rapids.
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Make room reservations as soon as possible so you won't miss out staying where the meeting and activities are.
See you all in Iowa Oct 3-5, 2015..
Central Region Meeting Chairman, Fran Stueck
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