Champaign County Master Gardeners
IDEA GARDEN
HANDBOOK
2017
University of Illinois Extension
801 N. Country Fair Drive, Suite D
Champaign, IL 61821
217-333-7672
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cfiv/champaignmg
WELCOME
This handbook is designed to provide Master Gardener volunteers with useful information about our signature community garden—the Idea Garden. Included are details about the committee, calendar, budget, policies, and awards. It is the privilege and responsibility of each Idea Garden volunteer to follow the guidelines as set forth in this handbook. Please call or email us with questions,
comments, or concerns. Our goal is to make this a wonderful and fun experience for you and an educational and inspirational showplace for the community.
We look forward to working with you.
Idea Garden Chairs:
Debbie Nelson, 493-7864,
Anne Hudson, 337.6326,
Jana Waite, 351.9386,
Coordinator: Ava Heap, 333.7672,
UI Horticulture Educator: Currently vacant
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Idea Garden Mission and History...... 4
Idea Garden Diagram ...... 5
Idea Garden Committee ...... 6
Committee Contact Information ...... 7
Job Descriptions ...... 8
Idea Garden Calendar ...... 13
Idea Garden Budget ...... 16
Policies and Protocols ...... 17
Governance ...... 17
Intern and Active Master Gardener Participation ...... 17
Purchasing ...... 17
Section Plans and Evaluations ...... 18
Use of Produce, Plants, and Hardscapes from the Idea Garden ...... 18
Coordination among Borders...... 19
Approval of Addition or Removal of Large Specimens ...... 19
Trees ..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..19
On-Site Protocol ...... 20
Arriving at the Garden ...... 20
Name Tags ...... 20
Courtesy ...... 20
Working in the Garden ...... 20
Injuries ...... 20
Leaving the Garden ...... 20
Shed and Tools ...... 21
Vandalism and Theft ...... 21
Pesticide Use ...... 21
Mulch, Compost, and Garden Refuse ...... 22
Trial Plants ...... 22
Plant Labels ...... 23
Greenhouse Operation ...... 23
Invasive Plant Policy...... 23
Awards ...... 24
Forms
Idea Garden Seasonal Evaluation/ Plan – 2017 ...... 27
IDEA GARDEN MISSION AND HISTORY
MISSION: Helping others learn to grow
OBECTIVES:
• To create and demonstrate ideas for garden design and maintenance
• To provide an inclusive learning environment
• To promote environmentally responsible gardening practices
• To serve as a site for educating the public through workshops and
demonstrations
• To provide formal and informal educational and teaching opportunities for
all Master Gardeners
• To collaborate with educational entities and community resources
(Objectives revised January 2017)
HISTORY:
In the fall of 1996, an enthusiastic group of Master Gardeners had an idea—a very exciting idea. They proposed creating a demonstration garden with a central gazebo and four sections, each with a different focus. The garden would be located near the corner of Florida and Lincoln Avenues in Urbana. The University of Illinois Champaign County Extension unit endorsed the proposal, and work on what was to be called the “Idea Garden” began the next spring. A small, dedicated group of volunteers built a gazebo and erected a picket fence. They laid out paths and prepared the ground. A framework of trees, shrubs, and perennials was planted over the years, augmented by many annuals.
Through the efforts of Master Gardeners and interns who volunteer more than 2,500 work hours each year, the Idea Garden is now an honored signature garden and community showcase. It has grown to include more than 15,000 square feet of planted space, a work shed, compost and mulch area, rose garden, and small fruits garden.
Leadership to realize the Mission of the Idea Garden and to guide the activities of the many and talented Master Gardeners who donate their time is of critical importance to the success of this effort. The Idea Garden has been fortunate to have dedicated leaders throughout the years. Since 2007, the various leadership functions, including the Tri-Chairs and the Section and Operations Coordinators, have all been set up on a 2- to 4-year rotation schedule. This rotation ensures continuity while encouraging new ideas and people to be so involved.
The Idea Garden is always a work-in-progress as new plants are featured, sections are redesigned, and new teaching points are illustrated. Each year the Idea Garden is enjoyed by thousands of local residents, as well as out-of-town visitors and international guests. Changing with the seasons, this beautiful spot continues to fulfill its aim to educate and inspire.
IDEA GARDEN DIAGRAM:
2017 IDEA GARDEN COMMITTEE
IDEA GARDEN CHAIRS:SECTION COORDINATORS: / Debbie Nelson, Anne Hudson & Jana Waite
Border Gardens: / Jessica Lopez & Juanita Gammon, coordinators
East Border: / Margy Palmisano, Becky Wauthier & Joyce Goode
West Border: / Tracy Edwards & John Bergee
North Border: / Laura Hayden, Jana Waite & Kathryn Fletcher
South Border: / Pam Hohn & Tess Larkin
Children’s Garden: / Katie Kelsey & Judy Yost
Gazebo Containers: / Cathy Barnard
Rock, Conifer & Crevice Garden: / Andrew Stumpf
Rose Garden: / Lynn Hilgendorf & Susie Smith
Sensory Garden: / Sally Mikel & Diane Wardrop
Small Fruits: / Phyllis Williams
Special Theme 1: / Jeannette Elliott, Mary Munoz & Kathy Cushing
Special Theme 2: / Mary Knight
Trial Garden: / Ann Tice (Consultant)
Mike Lyon & Barb Schleicher
Tropical Garden: / Kellie Mook & Emilie McGill
Vegetable Garden: / Tom Seals & Linda Larson
OPERATIONS COMMITTEES:
Compost Demonstration:
Pesticides/Herbicides: / Phyllis Williams & Don White
Plant Labels: / Barb Schroeder & Carol McClure
LRC Recycling: / Tony Soskin & Kellie Mook
Shed/Rain Barrel: / Carolyn Purcell & Jerry DeWitt
Trial Plants: / Ann Tice, Patty Stoffel & Jimmie Nell Duden
COMMITTEE CONTACT INFORMATION – 2017
Name / phone / emailCathy Barnard / 549-1617 /
John Bergee / 355-8567 /
Kathy Cushing / 369-0437 /
Jerry DeWitt / 356-1462 /
Jimmie Nell Duden / 568-7558 /
Tracy Edwards / 469-6032 /
Jeannette Elliott / 778-4344 /
Kathryn Fletcher / 840-3280 /
Juanita Gammon / 352-0677 /
Joyce Goode / 498-5341 /
Laura Hayden / 778-8485 /
Ava Heap / 333-7672 /
Lynn Hilgendorf / 898-9391 /
Pam Hohn / 344-2311 /
Anne Hudson / 337.6326 /
Katie Kelsey / 773-318-6176 /
Mary Knight / 377-8734 /
Tess Larkin / 848-9266 /
Linda Larson / 351-1445 /
Jessica Lopez / 519-1575 /
Mike Lyon / 377.3819 /
Carol McClure / 359-7267 /
Emilie McGill / 630-779-5771 /
Sally Mikel / 244-5343 /
Kellie Mook / 312-406-0962 /
Mary Munoz / 419-2020 /
Debbie Nelson / 493-7864 /
Margy Palmisano / 202-9361 /
Carolyn Purcell / 377-5063 /
Barb Schleicher / 344.6507 /
Barbara Schroeder / 359-2868 /
Rick Schroeder / 359-2868 /
Tom Seals / 344-7521 /
Susie Smith / 352-7619 /
Tony Soskin / 417-2093 /
Patty Stoffel / 568-7141 /
Andrew Stumpf / 356-1670 /
Ann Tice / 351-1844 /
Jana Waite / 351-9386 /
Diane Wardrop / 469-7133 /
Becky Wauthier / 369-0517 /
Don White / 621-2942 /
Phyllis Williams / 344-8100 /
Judy Yost / 687-5380 /
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
IDEA GARDEN CHAIRS:
This is a 3-year commitment. The ideal is to have “tri-chairs” with a rotation so that a new member comes on each year. This rotation ensures continuity while also continuing to provide new ideas and leadership.
Primary responsibilities include:
• Scheduling and supervising major workdays at the garden (spring, pre-Garden Walk, and fall). Organizing refreshments for those workdays.
• Supervising the main weekly work session on Saturday mornings, beginning at 9:00 AM. Ensuring drinking water is available.
• Following the seasonal schedule as outlined in the operating calendar.
• Ensuring mulch and compost are available. Arranging for orders from Landscape Recycling Center through the Master Gardener Program Coordinator.
• Preparing agenda and conducting monthly Idea Garden Committee meeting held at 10:00 AM on the third Thursday of the month in the Extension Office Auditorium; rotate taking minutes and chairing the meetings.
• Preparing an Idea Garden budget in coordination with the Finance Committee in early October.
• Preparing a year-end Idea Garden evaluation and presenting it to the Idea Garden Committee and to the Master Gardener Advisory Committee.
• Meeting with the Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Horticulture and Environment Educator, or other officials as requested.
• Securing a Master Gardener to arrange/plan “Garden Chats” to be held during the growing season. The chats are held on Saturdays. They are free and open to the public. Chairs notify the Master Gardener Program Coordinator of the dates and topics for publicity. Announcements are posted in the Gazebo.
• Recruiting leadership as needed.
• Offering support and assistance to the Idea Garden Committee and volunteers.
• Represent the Idea Garden at monthly Master Gardener Advisory Committee meetings.
• Represent the Idea Garden at the scheduled Garden Walk Committee meetings.
SECTION COORDINATORS:
These coordinators serve in an area of the Idea Garden, such as Children’s Garden, Border Gardens, Vegetable Garden, etc. The time commitment for a Section Coordinator is a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 years. Succession is strongly encouraged for continuity. A good working model has been the selection of a co-coordinator who spends a year helping the “primary” coordinator; and then becomes the “primary” coordinator.
Primary duties include:
• Planning their section’s plantings, selecting and ordering seeds, and purchasing plants according to purchasing guidelines.
• Submitting a seasonal plan (see p. 27) by the end of the calendar year to the Master Gardener Program Coordinator.
• Presenting plans for major purchases or improvements to the Idea Garden Committee for approval.
• Recruiting volunteers for their section and keeping them informed about activities, policies, and guidelines.
• Keeping purchases within allocated budget.
• Planting and maintaining their section throughout the growing season, replanting as necessary to keep their section looking good. Most sections work on Saturday morning, but Section Coordinators may schedule their workday at another time during the week.
• Developing the Information Sheet for their section and submitting it to the Master Gardener Program Coordinator by the May Idea Garden Committee meeting. The information sheets will be edited and made into signs for the coordinators to place in their sections prior to the Garden Walk in June.
• Making excess perennial divisions and extra annuals available for sale to other Master Gardeners. Proceeds of those sales help to fund the Idea Garden activities.
• Preparing an end-of-season evaluation (see p. 27) of their section and submitting it to the Master Gardener Program Coordinator by the January Idea Garden Committee meeting.
• Attending the Idea Garden Committee monthly meeting and informing their volunteers about announcements and policy changes. If there is more than one coordinator in the section, at least one coordinator should attend the meeting.
• Interns will be contacted by the appropriate Section Coordinator and welcomed as a part of the volunteer crew.
BORDER COORDINATORS:
Border Coordinators help the individual borders to provide continuity and harmony at the corners where their borders meet. They reconcile different visions of shared corner plantings and practices that affect neighboring borders. They also act as consultants in choosing plant material and other garden elements for the full borders’ design elements.
OPERATIONS COORDINATORS:
Operations coordinators help with specific functions in the Idea Garden. Separate job descriptions follow. A succession model similar to that of Section Coordinators is generally encouraged.
COMPOST DEMONSTRATION COORDINATOR:
The primary responsibilities of the Compost Demonstration Coordinator include:
• Establishing and maintaining a composting model using the compost bins located in the maintenance area by the shed.
• Preparing an Information Sheet for the area and giving it in to the Master Gardener Program Coordinator by the May Idea Garden Committee meeting.
• The information sheets will be edited and made into signs for the coordinators to place in their sections prior to the Garden Walk in June.
GREEN HOUSE COORDINATOR:
The primary responsibilities of the Greenhouse Coordinator include:
• Accepting seed-starting requests and instructions in February from Section Coordinators. Planting seed as requested starting in March.
Recruiting and training volunteers to work in the greenhouse and ensuring that the volunteers follow Idea Garden and greenhouse policies.
• Organizing and overseeing regular greenhouse workdays beginning in early March.
• Coordinating deliveries of plants to the Idea Garden and distributing excess plants to Master Gardener community gardens.
• Coordinating sale of remaining excess plants to Master Gardeners, usually in May.
• Preparing an end-of-year evaluation for the greenhouse operations and presenting it to the Idea Garden Committee in June.
• Attending the Idea Garden Committee monthly meetings and keeping volunteers informed of issues related to greenhouse operations. If there is more than one coordinator, at least one coordinator should plan to attend.
PESTICIDES/HERBICIDES COORDINATOR:
This individual must have taken the State pesticide applicator training and obtained certification. The individual must maintain certification throughout his/her tenure as Pesticide Coordinator. The primary responsibilities of the Pesticide Coordinator include:
• Working with professional staff to enforce Idea Garden pesticide policies.
• Communicating with Section Coordinators to encourage scouting for pests, diseases, and weeds and to report these conditions.
• Accepting and evaluating requests for chemical applications from Section Coordinators.
• Applying pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides to the Idea Garden as necessary, following a conservative treatment plan and using Integrated Pest Management techniques.
• Adhering to state and national requirements with regard to pesticide use.
• Requesting purchase of pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides for use at the Idea Garden.
• Keeping a detailed log of all chemical applications at the Idea Garden.
• Storing all chemicals properly.
PLANT LABEL COORDINATOR:
The primary responsibilities of the Plant Label Coordinator include:
• Keeping an updated list of plant labels in each section.
• Working with Section Coordinators to update and print new labels.
• Printing and distributing labels used in the Idea Garden.
• Ordering plant stakes and labels when needed according to the purchasing policies of the Idea Garden.
LRC RECYCLING COORDINATOR:
The primary responsibilities of the Recycling Coordinator include:
• Disposing of all garden refuse at the Landscape Recycling Center per the LRC’s guidelines.
• Coordinate other recycling/disposal as needed.
• Keeping the maintenance area as neat as possible.
SHED/RAIN BARREL COORDINATOR:
The primary responsibilities for the Shed/Water Barrel Coordinator include:
• In consultation with Section Coordinators and Idea Garden Chairs, determining tools and supplies needed and arranging for their purchase in accordance with Idea Garden purchasing policies.
• Organizing the contents of the shed and maintaining them in an orderly manner throughout the gardening season.
• Keeping equipment in good working order.
• Managing the rain barrel operation.
• Planting and maintaining the garden area behind the Shed.
TRIAL PLANT COORDINATOR:
The primary responsibilities of the Trial Plant Coordinator include:
• Negotiating with seed and horticulture companies to obtain donated plants for trial evaluation.
• Receiving all donated seeds and plants and making arrangements for their care.
• Assisting Section Coordinators with selecting appropriate trial plants.
• Supervising the distribution of all trial plants and ensuring their proper planting in sufficient numbers for evaluation.
• Evaluating all trial plants and submitting reports to the Idea Garden Committee and to representatives of the seed and horticulture companies.
IDEA GARDEN CALENDAR
MONTHLY
The Idea Garden Committee meets the third Thursday of each month at 10:00 AM at the Extension Office. Section and Operations Coordinators should attend or send a representative to this meeting. All Master Gardeners are welcome to attend.
JANUARY
• Idea Garden Section Coordinators submit seasonal plans (see p. 27).
• Idea Garden Section Coordinators develop plans for seed and plant orders.
• Idea Garden chairs present prior season summary evaluation to the Idea Garden Committee and the Master Gardener Advisory Committee.
FEBRUARY
• Submit seed and plant orders to the Master Gardener Program Coordinator. THERE WILL BE NO PERSONAL REIMBURSEMENTS.
• Seed propagation requests must be turned into the Greenhouse Coordinators by the middle of the month.
MARCH
• Greenhouse workdays are scheduled.
• Sections submit plant label information to Label Coordinators.
• A “virtual tour” of the Idea Garden is given to the current Master Gardener class.
APRIL
• The first Idea Garden workday (“Wake Up the Garden”) is scheduled and the garden is officially open for the season. The date is determined by weather conditions.
• Garden Chairs and Section Coordinators give a tour of the Idea Garden to the Intern class on graduation day.
• Presentations are made to the Interns about the Idea Garden Sections and Operations.
• A Garden Chat may be scheduled.
• Regular workday schedule begins.
• Sections submit plant label information to Label Coordinators.
• Label information is sent to all Section Coordinators for corrections, deletions and additions.
MAY
• Plants are moved from the greenhouse after the last frost or at least the 2nd week of May under the supervision of the Greenhouse Coordinators.
• Plant sales may be scheduled based on the availability of extra seedlings and perennial divisions. Proceeds go to the Master Gardener program.
• Idea Garden information sheets are updated as necessary and submitted to the Master Gardener Program Coordinator.
• A Garden Chat may be scheduled.
• Sections submit plant label information to Label Coordinators.
• Label information is sent to all Section Coordinators for corrections, deletions and additions.
• Regular workdays continue.
JUNE
• Preparations are made for the Garden Walk.
• Information sheets are completed and placed in sections before Garden Walk.
• Regular workdays continue.
JULY
• A Garden Chat may be scheduled.
• Regular workdays continue.
AUGUST
• A Garden Chat may be scheduled.
• Regular workdays continue.
SEPTEMBER
• A trial plant evaluation report is submitted by the Trial Plant Coordinator to the Master Gardener Program Coordinator and to the plant donors.
• Bulb orders may be submitted to the Master Gardener Program Coordinator.