Master Gardeners plant flowers at Lake Darling

Black-eyed Susans now grace the entrance to Lake Darling State Park west of Brighton. Several members of the Washington County Master Gardeners planted 210 plants on Saturday, June 13, in the area around the Lake Darling State Park entrance sign.

The Black-eyed Susan is a native perennial wildflower. Black-eyes Susans bloom from June to October. Butterflies, bees, flies, and other insects visit flowers for nectar. ?The plants are little guys, so it will take a while for them to grow, but they are very healthy plants,? said Kay Ciha, Washington County Master Gardener.

The mission of the Iowa State University Extension Master Gardener Program is to provide current, research-based, home horticulture information and education to the citizens of Iowa through programs and projects. Through their participation in educational activities, Master Gardeners also increase their own personal knowledge in horticulture. Master Gardeners extend Iowa State University Extension?s consumer horticulture education programs through volunteer activity.

A Master Gardener training will be held this fall at Washington County Extension. For more information, please contact the office at 319-653-4811.