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Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage PaidPermit No. 477

Dubuque, Iowa 52001

3800 Arboretum DriveDubuque, Iowa 52001-1040

memberships make great gifts!Our membership fees support many of the activities at the Arboretum. Members receive the

Ground Cover newsletter as well as 10% discount on all purchases in the Gift Shop.

$25.00 Individual $50.00 Family $100.00 Supporting $250.00 Corporate

Renew your membership. Make checks payable to Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Donations and membership fees are tax deductible.

Return to: Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens 3800 Arboretum Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52001-1040

Membership is a thoughtful year-round gift for family and friends. Complete form below.

Name ______________________________________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________________________________ State ______ Zip _______________

Home Phone ___________________________________ Business Phone_______________________________

E-Mail: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Donor’s Name (if gift) ________________________________________________________________________

www.dubuquearboretum.net

Check out our new website: www.dubuquearboretum.net

Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is a non-profit organization supported by tax-exempt gifts and contributions. All gardens are maintained by volunteers. Every tree, shrub, plant and seed is gifted from arboretums and botanical gardens nurseries, growers and friends from all over the world.

Mission Statement: To establish, preserve and maintain an arboretum and bo-tanical garden to be a source of information, education, culture and beauty for all to know.

No admission fee. Guided tours are available on request. Carts are also available for visitors with limited walking ability. Call the Visitors’ Center, 563.556.2100 for reservations.

Fax: 563.556.2443Email: dabg@qwestoffice.netdubuquearboretum.net

Garden Hours1 April-31 OctoberDaily, 7 a.m. to sunsetOffice Hours:9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays1 November-31 March Office Hours:10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays

Spring Edition March 2018

Within the next several weeks, you will see a team of volunteers aboard their John Deere riding mowers, making sure the grounds of the DABG are looking their best. You will also see trimmers and push mowers hard at work as well. Early Friday mornings, the buzz of mowers and the smell of freshly cut grass permeate the air. One area especially important to groom is in front of the gazebo where a number of wedding ceremonies take place. Those who attend our Sunday evening concerts with their lawn chairs in hand also

appreciate a level surface of grass.

Each volunteer is assigned “their” mower. All are kept in good order and put away clean by this team. This is an example of another behind-the-scenes group of volunteers who quietly go about their business of caring for this special place.

Special thanks for Mike Irvin, team leader, who provides communication to the DABG and represents the mowers on our Operations Committee.

MOW, MOW, MOW THE GREEN

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From The Director…Looking at the 2018 Farmer’s Almanac, Iowa is supposed to experience wild temperature and precipitation swings with moderate snowfalls this winter. As of this writing, that seems to be right on target. As for me, I prefer to think about spring! We have many activities to look forward to such as the Mother’s Day events with a live plant sale that weekend,

the Children’s Spring Party and later on our Sunday evening concerts. There is always something beautiful about spring —the renewal of life where the trees start to bud, the grass gets green and the birds who went south return to the Midwest. A special thank you goes to all the volunteers who stayed and worked over the winter months. Wylie Bledsoe gets a shout out for checking on things here on a daily basis. Submitted by Sandi Helgerson, DABG Executive Director

BEYOND THE GARDEN GATE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Sandi HelgersonVOLUNTEER COORDINATOR Barb BlockEDITOR Bev Kolz

BOARD OF DIRECTORSJack Frick, PresidentWylie Bledsoe, Executive V.P.Lynne Hager, SecretaryMel Graves, Treasurer

Norma Denlinger Sue SimonDennis Hoyer Jim TrannelHoward McLean Steve Ulstad

Ground Cover is published quarterly for the benefit of DABG members.

Become a Member! Receive a 10% Gift Shop discount and a quarterly full-color newsletter. An individual DABG Membership is only $25. Membership forms are in the Gift Shop and the DABG Office.

Honor / Remember a Loved One! Order a decorative Engraved Brick or Paver, priced from $250-$750. Different sizes and locations are available. Pick up an Order Form in the DABG Office. We also have memorial trees available for $600. Contact Jack or Sandi.

Have a Picnic! Rent the Porch, the Pavilion or the Garden Room for your next family, church or club meeting. For approximately $2 per person, you won’t find a more affordable and pleasant gathering site. Call 563-556-2100 for further information.

Talk to the Boss! Encourage your place of employment to make a tax-deductible donation, organize a work team or consider a sponsorship. We welcome matching gifts as well.

Become a Volunteer! It is the perfect time to share your time and expertise. Flexible positions and training available. Fill out a volunteer application online www.dubuquearboretum.net, or pick up a form in the Gift Shop or the DABG Office.

Include The Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in your Will! Our last project (remodeling the Visitor Center) was made possible due to a generous bequest.

Over 70-1/2 Years of Age? Consider rolling an amount from your IRA directly to the DABG. This will not be considered income to you and therefore, no taxes!

SPRING CLEAN-UP DAYSThe DABG’s Community Spring Clean-up Days are scheduled on two Saturdays:

April 14 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.and

April 21 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Workers are rewarded with a free lunch provided by volunteers. Jobs include raking, digging, taking down winter fences, clipping and more. Please call the office at 563-556-2100 if you can help us get ready for spring growth!

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If you are a home brewer, microbrewer or just enjoy a cold beer after a hot day in the garden, you should give thanks to the 2018 Herb of the Year,

Humulus lupulus, the plant commonly known as hop, hop vine, or hopbind. Hop is an herb of considerable agricultural significance around the world and few herbs can match its production and uses. Let’s take a step back in history to discover the many uses of hop and how this herb grew to be so valuable.

The hop plant is a native of northern temperate zones in Europe, Western Asia, Chile, and North America. It was originally grown as a kitchen herb and Roman writings from the first century mention hop as a popular garden plant and vegetable. The young shoots were sold in markets to be eaten like asparagus. Hop gardens began to appear in the nineth century. Plants grown in these gardens were used as vegetables.

Hops have been used medicinally for hundreds of years. They were incorporated into cures for everything from rheumatism to hysteria. While hops are not used as a cure-all today, they do have some medicinal uses. They have antiseptic properties and, when used in a hot poultice, are reputed to reduce inflammations. They are added to skin creams for their hormonal content and fibers from their stems are used in the textile industry. One of their most popular uses is as a sleep aid. If you have trouble sleeping at night, try inserting a small flat pillow stuffed with hops into the case with your regular pillow. Both Abraham Lincoln and King George III are believed to have used hop pillows when affairs of state kept them from sleeping. Be sure to attend our workshop at HerbFest 2018 (June 24) to learn how to make your own sleep or dream pillow. Finally, their most common use is as a flavoring and preservative in the production of beer.

The first reported cultivation of hop plants was in 736 in Germany and there is some evidence that hops were being used for brewing in the ninth and tenth centuries. The word hop appeared in Britain in the 16th century thanks to Flemish immigrants. They suggested it be used to replace alecost (Costmary) and other herbs in the brewing of beer, saying it would add flavor and help to preserve the beer. Boy, did that cause an uproar! Prior to this, gruit, a mixture of a wide variety of bitter herbs and flowers, including dandelion, burdock root, marigold, horehound, ground ivy, and heather, was used to add flavor when brewing beer. Some felt that using hops helped to preserve the beer but others feared the use of hops, calling it a pernicious weed. By the 13th century hops was threatening the use of gruit. Britain was importing hopped beer in the early 1400s and began importing dried hops from France, Germany, and Holland. However, the quality of the dried hops was poor because of the many additives and an import duty was charged. Brewers vacillated between gruit and hops depending on which was more heavily taxed. In 1603, King James I approved an act of Parliament banning the importing of hops feeling that his people were being taken advantage of by the exporters.

Thymely Information

Hop cultivation probably came to Britain via Flanders toward the end of the 15th century. By 1878 Britain was growing 77,000 acres of hops. Today it is mostly grown in the West Midlands and Southeastern counties. Those who share my love of historical British

fiction will remember reading about London families who spent their holiday hop harvesting in the British country side. Hop picking and drying required much hand labor and Londoners enjoyed working in the fresh country air and earning a few extra pence.

Hop cultivation came to the US via the early English and Dutch settlers. By the 1800s hop production had spread from the New York area to Virginia and was beginning its spread westward. All was well with east coast production until a 1920 epidemic of downy mildew put most New York producers out of business. Today most US hops are grown in Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho. Never seen a hop plant? Look for one growing over the arbor entrance to the Formal Herb Garden or creeping up the white structure in the Garden of Eat’n.

If you want to grow your own hops, purchase a female plant from a reputable seed company and plant it in full sun in deep, well-drained humusy soil. Then watch out! Hop plants can grow from 6-12 inches in one day and reach 25-40 feet in length. Train your plants to grow up tall poles and across wires or an arbor. The plants need a lot of air circulation to avoid powdery mildew. If you are faced with an infestation of spider mites or aphids, wash the vines thoroughly. Warning: Japanese beetles like hop plants! For herbal uses other than beer making, gather the strobiles (female flowers) when they are amber brown and partly dry. They will be slightly sticky. Dry them immediately in a 125-150 degree oven. If you plan to use them medicinally, make a tincture since they lose their flavor and medicinal properties quickly.

This rather strange herb has had a lasting effect on health and commerce. Undoubtedly, hops revolutionized brewing because it allowed beer to be kept longer. I am not a beer drinker, but I may try steaming a few fresh shoots this spring. Remember to join us at HerbFest 2018 on June 24 to celebrate the 2018 Herb of the Year—Hop.

References:The Complete Book of Herbs by Andi Clevely and Katherine

RichmondHerbs for the Home by Jekka McVicarHerbal Treasures by Phyllis V. ShaudysRodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, Claire Kowalchik &

William H. Hylton, EditorsWikipedia, “Hops”

“The hop for his profit I thus do exalt,

It strengtheneth drink and it flavoureth malt;

And being well-brewed long kept it will last,

And drawing abide, if ye draw not too fast.”

~ Thomas Tusser, Five Hundred Points of Good Husbandry (1557)

~ Submitted by Fran Hedeman, Herb Society of Dubuque

2018 Herb of the Year, Humulus lupulus

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SPRING IS COMING!

COME SEE OUR COLORS

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Supporting MembershipsJohn & Regina BrennanMr. & Mrs. John D. CookeWilliam & Patricia DahlsterMel & Bev GravesRandy & Pat JudgeMark W. Niemer & Yasyn LeeAlice & Kevin PikeRobert & Ann SchreiberJoel & Kristine ThielenJim & Marie Trannel

Cash DonationsColony Brands Foundation/Associate

Donation ProgramWayne CourseyDubuque Racing Association (Q

Casino)Galena Territory Assoc. Inc. Garden

ClubAllen HarvesHarriet HeitzmanHy-Vee Dodge StreetBarbara KruseDr. & Mrs. R.W. LengelingLyons Logging & Tree ServiceDeborah MachtaSt. Paul Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchSteven Reisdorf (Alliant Energy

Foundation, Inc.)Volunteers In The Prairie

Business PartnersConlon CorporationCottingham & ButlerDupaco Community Credit UnionDuTrac Community Credit UnionThe Friedman Group, Inc.Harris Golf Cart ServiceRon Helbing, Mathis Pfohl

FoundationMorrison BrothersSpahn & Rose Lumber Company

Charitable Foundation

Community Foundation of Greater DubuquePeter & Cynthia AltPaul & Judy BrandtNorma DenlingerRandal & Patricia JudgeSteve & Cheryl LarsonMike & Judy McCoyDr. Darryl & Terry MozenaJohn & Stephanie Ottavi

Phillip & Judy RuppelMax & Carlotta SchmidtRita Theisen

Come Grow with Us Campaign

Monthly Sustaining ContributorsWylie & Jean BledsoeRobert & Faye HoffmanKeith NillesBob & Donna Wahlert

In-Kind Donations2002 Chevy Impala, given by Kathy

GolinskiNew furnace and installation, given

by All Seasons Heating & Cooling

10 pieces of rebar, given by Drew Cook Excavating

Engraved perpetual plaque plate, given by Engraved Gift Collection

Wireless Door Opener/3 remotes for Arboretum gate & install, Dan Block

Sliding Glass Door for Caretakers house, given by Wylie & Jean Bledsoe

HonorariumsIn Honor of: Dr. Greg Paulsen, given

by Medical Associates Clinic

MemorialsIn Memory of: Mary Coffee, given by Mary Coffee

Estate; Judy CurnanRobert Curnan, given by John &

Diana Frick, Marilyn Conklin, Katherine Carothers

Aaron Fagan, given by Marilyn ConkFrank & Georgette Hardie, given by

Stephanie BaumannLeonard Helbing, given by Jack &

Diana FrickKatie Husemann, given by Susan

LorenzVirginia McNamer, given by the

staff at Crosby – Ironton High School, John & Diana Frick, Marilyn Conklin, Katherine Carothers

Edna C. Mozena, given by Ken-Mo Farms, Inc.

Arthur J. Miller, given by Mary Reuland

Mrs. Ed Scott, given by Marilyn Conklin

Rev. Edward H Sheppley III, given by Marilyn Conklin

Al Spensley, given by Joyce Bausman, Douglas & Diane Brotherton, Paul Exstrom, Jack & Diana Frick, Jeffrey & Donna Haun, Beverly Kolz

Barbara Wertheimer, given by Mrs. E.V. Conklin

Art Winne, given by Marilyn Conklin; Dr. Jay Moeller

Joan Voigts, given by Marilyn Conklin

Trees: In Memory of: Nancy Pape, given by Fred Pape

Bricks for Pathways: In Memory/Honor of:Jim & Kate Husemann, given by

Dubuque Regional Hosta Society

Rebecca McDonald, given by Rebecca J. McDonald

Sandra J. Ranson, given by Ken Ranson

Larry E. Bartels & Lorrayne E. Oswald, given by Chuck & Shari Hoeffer

Thank you for giving generously… The following donations were received November 2017-January 2018

CHILDREN’S SPRING PARTYParents and Grandparents! Mark your calendars! This year’s Children’s Spring Party is scheduled for Sunday, May 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will numerous costumed characters such as Dora the Explorer, Elsa from Frozen, Spiderman, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and more. Enjoy games, a make-and-take craft, face painting and temporary tattoos, touring emergency vehicles and more. We hope to have Mercy’s Helicopter fly in and out as we did last year. Tickets are still just $1 per person (including adults) which is collected at the front gates. A hearty thank you goes to American Trust for making this event possible.

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Music in the Gardens 2018

Date Band/Group Sponsor

June 2018

June 3 Jim Busta Band (Polka) DABGJune 10 Ballyheigue (Irish Folk Instrumental) DABGJune 17 Hunter Fuerste & American Vintage Orchestra DACJune 24 The DBQ Symphony Orchestra DAC

July 2018

July 1 Sid V & the Human Resources DACJuly 8 Kids from Wisconsin DAC

July 15 Jason Stewart’s Cobalt Blues DACJuly 22 The Fez: A Tribute to Steely Dan DACJuly 29 Denny Diamond (Neil Diamond) DAC

August 2018

August 5 Dogs on Skis DABGAugust 12 Schumacher Family Band DABGAugust 19 Ralph Kluseman & Friends (Beatles Tribute) DABGAugust 26 Endless Summer (50s/60s Rock and Roll) DABG

Sundays @ 6:30 p.m. at the Packard Pavilion

Date Program Hosted By

March 8 Cooking Class @ Dodge Street HyVee Store @ (5:30) Fran

April 4 Hops—history and uses; Hops Food Dream Pillows Fran/Kathy & Michelle P.

May 2 Foraging-Useful Weeds Location: Park Farm Winery Amanda/Bri

June 6 Herbal Fairy Gardens Final HerbFest Prep

Kathy S. /Jana Members

June 24 HerbFest Everyone

July 11 Art and Herbal Ice Cream (Note date change)

Kristine (Art) Jana, Fran, Kathy, Sarah Z. Others? (Ice Cream)

August 1 Farm/Garden to Table Pot Luck Coordinators-Jan, Jane, Rachel

Sept 5 Dying Fabric with Herbs TBA

October 3 Herbal Cordials and Liquors; Limon cello Chel, Fran, Kathy Angie and Lidia

Nov 7 TBA

Dec 5 Christmas Party

Herb Society 2018Herb Society meetings are open to anyone with an interest in the historical significance of herbs or their cultivation and uses. The Herb Society maintains the Formal Herb Garden at the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Meetings are normally held the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. March-December. April-November we meet in the DABG Garden Room. The March meeting is held offsite and the date may vary according to availability of the venue. For meeting confirmation, especially in March, e-mail Fran Hedeman at: fhedeman65@gmail.com or call 563-845-1072. You can also call the DABG office—563-556-2100.

REMEMBER YOUR MOMWe will be celebrating Mother’s Day again at the DABG with some special activities. Starting on Friday evening before Mother’s Day (May 11), we will have DABG’s 2nd Annual Live Plant Sale. We’ll have a large variety of pots and hanging baskets that can be purchased in the Gift Shop. There will also be new, upscale gift and gardening items for sale. On Sunday, The Herb Society of Dubuque will be offering another workshop. We also will be featuring talks from a Master Gardener and Wildbirds Unlimited. Stay tuned!

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GARDEN SEMINARSPRING

DUBUQUE COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS PRESENT

Saturday, March 17, 2018NICC Town Clock for Business Center700 Main Street, DubuqueLIGHT BREAKFAST ◆ PRESENTERS FROM THE TRI-STATE AREA

Topics will include DBQ Soil; Prairie Pollinators; Cover Crops; Heirloom Vegetables; Invasive Plants; 2018 Annuals, Perennials and Hydrangeas; Square Foot Gardening; and Growing Root Crops.

TO REGISTER, call the Dubque County Extension Office at 563-583-6496 or visit www.extension.iastate.edu/dubuque

Luck of the Garden{

{

8:00AM to Noon

per person

march

7:30AM

check-in

$20

17

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Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage PaidPermit No. 477

Dubuque, Iowa 52001

3800 Arboretum DriveDubuque, Iowa 52001-1040

memberships make great gifts!Our membership fees support many of the activities at the Arboretum. Members receive the

Ground Cover newsletter as well as 10% discount on all purchases in the Gift Shop.

$25.00 Individual $50.00 Family $100.00 Supporting $250.00 Corporate

Renew your membership. Make checks payable to Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Donations and membership fees are tax deductible.

Return to: Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens 3800 Arboretum Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52001-1040

Membership is a thoughtful year-round gift for family and friends. Complete form below.

Name ______________________________________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________________________________ State ______ Zip _______________

Home Phone ___________________________________ Business Phone_______________________________

E-Mail: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Donor’s Name (if gift) ________________________________________________________________________

www.dubuquearboretum.net

Check out our new website: www.dubuquearboretum.net

Dubuque Arboretum Association, Inc.3800 Arboretum DriveDubuque, Iowa 52001-1040

Dubuque Arboretum Association, Inc.3800 Arboretum Drive | Dubuque, Iowa 52001-1040

Dubuque Arboretum Association, Inc.