CEDAR RAPIDS – Alyssa Aronson asks third graders at Kenwood Leadership Academy how many have been on a farm. A few raise their hands. Previous generations of Iowans often had relatives who farmed, but many children who spend their lives in the city, even in the Heartland, no longer have that connection to rural life. […]
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The annual Spring Plant and Art Sale at the Indian Creek Nature Center grows every year. This year, more than 20 partners and vendors participated in the event, on Saturday, May 4, at the Nature Center at 5300 Otis Rd. SE. Hundreds of visitors found flowering annuals, perennials, vegetable seedlings, herbs, […]
Nearly a week of rainy days and below-normal temperatures have stunted the growth of many things in Iowa, but reports of morel mushroom finds are on the rise. Starting during more pleasant days in mid-April, soil temperatures in some parts of the state were warm enough for the sponge-like mushrooms to pop. Related: Czech legend […]
With temperatures dipping into the 20s last night, parts of Iowa were under a hard freeze warning between April 27 and 28. Hopefully, gardeners heeded the Czech “Three Kings” warning and hadn’t yet planted peppers, tomatoes and other tender crops, but in case you missed it, keep it in mind for next year. A hard […]
Even as indoor farmers markets wrap up their season this month, the outdoor market season has already begun. The Millwork Night Market in Dubuque launched its season on Thursday, April 11, and for those of us whose memories of the harsh winter have been erased by the last week or so of spring, the weather […]
CEDAR RAPIDS – The weather could not have been more picture-perfect for this year’s EcoFest, on Saturday, April 20. Sunny skies and pleasant temperatures greeted throngs of visitors who attended the free festival in and around NewBo City Market, the Cherry Building and CSPS Hall, along Third Street SE. The annual event, in honor of […]
(UPDATED May 21, 2019, with Native Plant Sale) You know gardening season has arrived when local plant sales begin. Local sales offer a great way to jump-start your gardening efforts, with plants grown by master gardeners and others with expertise for Iowa’s conditions. Vegetable seedlings, fruits, herbs, perennials and more are sold for just a […]
When temperatures reach the 70s in April, it can be tempting to start a gardening frenzy, but in Iowa, it’s best to heed a warning brought here by immigrants. Known under various names, including the Three Frozen Kings, the three icemen – tři ledovi muži – or Three Ice Saints, Three Frozen Men or Three […]
CEDAR RAPIDS — Slovak photographer Monika Klučiarová has long been passionate about taking photos of newborns, and had always held a fascination with Slovakian folk costumes, called kroje. Combining the two created a unique art form “that merges the innocent beauty of newborns with the treasured works of our ancestors,” Klučiarová said during the opening […]
CEDAR RAPIDS — Generations of families have made a tradition of visiting the Noelridge Greenhouse for an annual open house. This year’s Easter Showcase is set for Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the greenhouse at 4900 Council Street NE. Admission is free. The first 500 children […]