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Oct 10, 2019

To keep enjoying your garden's flowers, consider drying them - Fairfield Citizen

Testing with a few flowers and different drying times may be necessary, however," said Cindy Haynes, an associate professor of horticulture with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Silica sand, when used for preserving flowers, tends to be better at retaining their natural colors, but no single process works for all plants, Haynes said. When using this method, the entire flower head is normally submerged or covered in a box of the silica sand or gel. "This is often used for delicate flowers that don't respond well to air drying or for flowers for crafts that don't need the stems," Haynes said. Blooms with a low moisture content, pinecones, seed heads, foliage, grains and grasses are the most popular choices for centerpieces or special occasion use (think wintertime weddings or fragrant Valentine nosegays). Combining their different colors, sizes, shapes and textures results in the best displays. Certain flowers like globe amaranth, strawflower and celosia have petals that are partially dry at bloom so they dry quickly and retain their shape well during and after the drying process, Haynes said. "These species and several grasses and grains are often listed on 'flowers for drying' lists," she said. "Other, more succulent flowers, are less successful as dried flowers." Dried flowers usually are arranged into bouquets, but there are many other applications. Dried plants can be used for cooking (cakes, teas), bathing, paired with cleaning products (delightful scents), attached to homemade cards and parchment paper, and made into dyes, gifts, wreaths, or sachets and potpourri. Some generic tips for drying flowers: — Harvest in the cool of the morning, but after the dew evaporates. That prevents mold from developing. — Flowers that are cut for drying should be almost fully bloomed, according to horticulturists with Johnny's Selected Seeds in Winslow, Maine. "In the weeks when they are drying...

Aug 22, 2019

Funeral for Lyon County deputy killed in crash Monday in Sioux Falls - KSFY

Funeral arrangements for the Lyon County, Iowa deputy killed in a crash have been finalized. A Mass of Christian Burial for Stephanie Schreurs will be held Monday, August 19 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, according to Anderson Funeral Home. The service begins at 10 a.m. It is open to the public. The family will host a visitation service Larchwood, Iowa Sunday from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in honor of Schreurs at any Security Savings Bank location. Schreurs died from injuries she received in a crash on Friday. ...

Jul 26, 2018

Temporary Tattoos, Exotic Flowers, and Avocado Fries—This Vegan Wedding Had It All

Day photo session, dropping to his knee and proposing during the shoot. Where they tied the knot:The Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens in Iowa, enclosed in a giant glass dome Menu highlights:Twice-baked potato bites with vegan bacon and chivesPetit veggie pizza slices with broccoli, zucchini, and tomatoesCrispy avocado fries with vegan sour cream, salsa verde, and guacamole The cake: Almond cake with vanilla buttercream frosting, fresh blackberries and strawberries, and edible flowers Décor inspo: Lush greenery and gilded farm animal toys-turned-decorations helped set a storybook ambiance.The wedding song: “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Ingrid Michaelson and “Sane” by Haley HeyndrickzxPersonal touch: For their program, the pair created a handmade, photo-filled zine that told the story of their love.Best wedding gift: The co-founders of Iowa Farm Sanctuary gifted the couple a gorgeous antique window with a photo of ducks Bosworth and Sophie, sanctuary residents who are paired for life. The next day: The couple headed to Iowa Farm Sanctuary, where they communed with the animals they love.The honeymoon: On a whirlwind, post-wedding Minneapolis roadtrip, the newlyweds visited The Herbivorous Butcher and had a stick-and-poke tattoo session in their hotel room-inscribing each other with Big Dipper constellations. Can’t get enough of vegan weddings? Pick up a copy of the July+August 2018 issue of VegNews, on newsstands now! And discover all of the caterers, cake makers, wedding venues, and photographers used by our 2018 couples by clicking here. Don’t miss these other spectacular plant-based weddings: Candice Hutchings & James Aita Cady Meshnick & Henry Stanley Check out all of our 2017 vegan wedding couples here! Maya Gottfried is the author of Vegan Love: Dating and Partnering for the Cruelty-Free Gal, with Fashion, Makeu...

Jul 6, 2018

Project GREEN celebrating its 50th anniversary with garden walk

The Gazette Long Para:1 Long Pra Total: 20 Total Para Total: 32-- IOWA CITY — Project GREEN celebrates its golden anniversary with its annual Garden Tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Three “walkable” neighborhoods close to downtown will be featured. Cost is $10 for those ages 13 and up, which helps fund maintenance for Project GREEN projects. Long Para:2 Long Pra Total: 20 Total Para Total: 32-- The theme initiated last year, “bee-friendly” to support local pollinators continues, and the tour showcases homes with beautiful vistas, hand-built and engaging hardscapes and edible gardens. Bring the children because scavenger hunt sheets will be distributed at each garden for them to complete. Long Para:3 Long Pra Total: 20 Total Para Total: 32-- ...

May 24, 2018

Flowers, art and fundraising for a good cause at United Action for Youth's Festival of Flowers

UAY’s 13th Annual Festival of Flowers Hilton Garden Inn, Iowa City — Thursday, May 24 at 5:30 p.m. Participants in UAY’s Festival of Flowers and their projects. — photo courtesy of UAY It will be a night of flowers, art and raising money to support young people in need as United Action for Youth (UAY) hosts it 13th annual Festival of Flowers on Thursday night. The Festival of Flowers is a fundraiser that has become a UAY tradition, featuring artists ranging from professionals to young people make their first efforts. All the artists submit flower-based projects to be displayed and auctioned at the event. The theme for this year is "Fashion and Flowers," and a youth fashion show will take place between the silent auction starting the night and the live auction that begins at 7 ...