Horticulture Extension and Outreach: A Day of Learning Across Central Iowa’s Green Industry
July 7, 2025In June, 2025 the Horticulture Extension Team participated in an in-service activity exploring various components of the horticulture industry. The day started with a visit to Bentley Ridge Nursery near Grimes. The group was treated to a tour of the production facility as well as the sales area. From here the group traveled to Des Moines Golf and Country Club where they visited with personnel on how the golf course is maintained, golf course maintenance issues, as well as a robust discussion on the trees present on the course. After lunch the travels continued onto Ted Lare Design where the group got to see the consumer plants in stock as well as the trees, shrubs, and perennials ready for contractors. The day ended with a visit to Wills Orchard and a discussion on organic apple production and agritourism. While at Wills Orchard the group also got to see a wide array of vegetables and other fruits growing. It was a great learning experience for members of the Horticulture Extension Team to visit clients and stakeholders, understand their needs and come up with research-based approaches and strategies to better serve the horticulture industry.
