“Gardeners are graced with unwavering optimism,a happy heart, and a genuine appreciation for Nature. It was, perhaps, a desire to embrace these wholesome values with our children that first lured us to the garden. The sanctuary we have discovered nurtures our family's spirit and brings out the best in all of us." -- Jane and Jack Hogue -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Prairie Pedlar Gardens have been featured in numerous books, magazines, and newspapers including the Iowan in 1988 and the premier issue of Country Living Gardener in 1993. For six years, the magazine included Jane's column, "Kindergarden", which linked children with charming garden activities. . As a member of the Garden Writers Association of America and previous association with the International Herb Association, Jane has lectured across the United States and in Canada. development and simple projects for the young at heart. |
Programs |
Speaking at garden seminars, conferences, flower shows, county fairs, herb festivals, and civic clubs is an opportunity for me to share my Prairie Pedlar experiences and knowledge of gardening with others. I am happy to accept these invitations whenever possible. Of course, there's no substitute that can replace a lecture in the gardens where visitors can see, sniff, and touch the herbs and flowers that I speak of. However, if a visit to the Prairie Pedlar doesn't work for your group or if you are looking for a speaker for a special event, please inquire. I do charge a speaking fee, plus travel expenses (lodging if necessary.) Topics are limited only by your imagination, and below are some of my favorites. Planting For Perennial Perfection Each spring, gardeners are confronted with more perennial varieties than they possibly have room for. This program highlights the Prairie Pedlar’s ten-most-wanted list, discusses plant selections for continuous blooming succession, and mixes in some charming plant lore that will personalize some of the best plants available for Iowa. Growing And Using Herbs The pleasures of herbs are countless. A discussion of more than eight herbal theme gardens will reveal the unique diversity of this group of plants. A dose of herbal folklore and revelations of herbal remedies make herb gardening a passionate hobby. Herbs have the fragrant, flavorful, and colorful capacity to delight our senses and enhance all aspects of our lives, from our gardens and our homes to our food and our spirits. Picture Perfect Gardens In 23 years, the Prairie Pedlar has evolved from a humble backyard plot to a magical country retreat where more than 75 theme gardens are arranged on a seven-acre farmstead. Amid cornfields and bean crops, the Prairie Pedlar has become a haven for Iowa tourists and garden enthusiasts. Jane’s enthusiasm for gardening and her creative energy – mixed with lots of luck – has garnered publicity for the Prairie Pedlar in four national gardening magazines over the years. She is happy to share how her “picture-perfect garden” came to be. Ornamenting the Garden Gardens are essentially personal spaces where what YOU like is what counts. Jane will take a fresh look at decorating outdoors with a host of ideas that are achievable, affordable, charming, and great fun. The art of ornamenting a garden lies in recognizing the visual potential of everyday things. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the garden is a great place to express your personality and artistic flair. The Art of Gardening Applying four basic elements of design - space, texture, shape, and color - all gardeners can achieve balance, harmony and unity in their backyards. The discussion will include suggestions for garden design, plant selection, under plantings, blooming sequences, and successful floral combinations to achieve continuous color. Garden Myths – Or Not From generation to generation the garden has provided us with food for the family, medicinal herbs, and flowers to sweeten the home. The importance of the garden in the lives of our ancestors has made it a place rich in tradition and superstition. It has also given rise to a great store of practical wisdom relating to the general care of the garden and its plants. Entertaining in the Garden Here’s a discussion of creative ways to entertain guests in your garden. We celebrated our daughter’s garden wedding at the Prairie Pedlar on 07/07/07 and have slides to discuss the details of preparing a garden for a special day of company. From garden weddings and family reunions, to bridge club and civic or church meetings, your backyard can provide a bright spot for people to congregate. Learn how to emphasize what’s best about your garden and how to develop small focal points that will wow visitors. Well-placed accents used in extraordinary ways will make your event a memorable one. As always, the devil is in the details! |