The Master Gardeners are again bringing Greene County an outstanding guest for their annual public presentation to take place on Thursday, March 12, beginning at 7 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson.
Nicole Jonas of Red Granite Farm will talk about her family’s 5-acre farm where they produce vegetables, fruits, and perennial plants. She will focus on planting perennials to attract birds and butterflies. Guests will also have an opportunity to ask Jonas questions they may have about their family enterprise and plants in general.
Jonas has a degree in ornamental horticulture from Iowa State University; her husband Steve is also an ISU grad with a horticulture degree in fruit and vegetable production. Red Granite Farm came about because of Steve and Nicole’s love of the farm and their desire to give their children a farm life. They grew up on conventional Iowa farms, but that was not an option for their young family. Their produce is available at the North Grand farmer’s market in Ames, and their farm fresh eggs from free range chickens are available at the farm, Story City Locker, and Gateway Express station in Ames. They also welcome tours and shoppers to the farm during the season.
The public is invited to attend this free event, and no registration is required. The presentation is made possible through proceeds of the annual Greene County Master Gardeners plant sale, which will take place this year on Saturday, May 16, from 9:30 to 11 am in Clover Hall at the Greene County fairgrounds.
For more information about Greene County Extension, including other agriculture and natural resources programming like the Master Gardeners, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/greene.
