Garden Guru
Visit these public Iowa City gardens to harvest fresh food, learn hands-on skills, and enjoy the outdoors. Nature Educators host engaging drop-in sessions throughout the growing season.
Got gardening questions? Ask a Garden Guru.
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From May through October, garden experts will help you...
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Increase yields in vegetable and herb gardens
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Successfully grow fruit trees and berry bushes
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Mitigate the impact of climate change through gardening
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Grow habitat for pollinators and other wildlife
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Increase your connection with nature and community
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We wish you an abundance of wellness.
NATURE ESCAPES
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Drop in. Unplug. Reset.
No sign-ups, no pressure—just fresh air, good company, and something real to do.
Need a break from the daily grind? Want to learn a hands-on skill? Nature Escapes are quick, casual drop-in experiences that fit into real life. From foraging and harvesting to seed swaps and nature crafting, each session is designed to help you step outside, feel better, and connect with your community.
Want to catch the next escape?
Follow us on Facebook or Instagram, or sign up for our email list to stay in the loop.
CLIMATE-FRIENDLY GARDEN
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Join neighbors to transform landscapes into spaces that help reduce the impact of climate change.
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At all Garden Guru events and gardens, we provide top tips for how you can create a climate-friendly garden.
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Grow vegetables, herbs or fruits.
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Plant trees or shrubs.
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Cover bare soil with mulch or ground covers.
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Compost.
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Seed and grow cover crops.
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Seed lawn with Dutch white clover or violets.
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Use natural products instead of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
This program was created in collaboration with the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department and is funded by the DNR Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program (REAP CEP).
It would not be possible without these sponsors and supporters. Please frequent these generous organizations to thank them for donations of materials and funds.
