Monroe County Master Gardeners to host guest speaker Feb. 11

Local News

February 5, 2010

ALBIA — On Thursday, Feb. 11, at 6:30 p.m., Monroe County Master Gardeners will feature guest speaker Brant Schmell, a representative of the Iowa Prairie Network, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia.

Schmell has a degree in landscape architecture from Iowa State University and has worked in the landscape business for more than 10 years. With a focus on incorporating native species into his landscape designs and installations, Brant has operated his own business, Wild Designs Landscaping, for the past 7 years.

In addition to his professional career as a landscape contractor, Schmell’s passion for prairie has inspired him to apply prairie management practices to his own residence. After returning to his family’s farm in Appanoose County, Schmell has worked to reconstruct 12 acres of native prairie, with over 90 species of wildflowers and grasses established to date.

Schmell’s presentation will focus on the tallgrass prairie in Iowa. Among other topics, he will discuss the difference between prairie restoration and prairie reconstruction and seeds from native prairie species will be available for viewing and for purchasing.

The event is open to the public and refreshments will be served by the Master Gardeners. Admission is free although donations at the door will be accepted and appreciated.