Ida Grove, Iowa ,is the home of Ken and Dart Harskamp who have this beautiful garden open to visitors. I, as a member of the Lake View Garden Club was there on a "field trip" this past Thursday and what a treat it was to not only see all the summer flowers and shrubs blooming but Dart prepared a delicious lunch for us as well. Because the temps were in the 90s we didn't eat in their lovely pool area but were invited to eat inside their unique home. That was also something special to see as Ken is also an artist and has several paintings of flowers and outdoor scenes. There are so many different plants that I am at a loss to begin to identify them in these pictures but recommend anyone making plans to visit. Ken and Dart (short for Darlene) are very pleasant hosts and love to showoff their horticulture skills.
This wonderfully restored original log cabin has become a popular place for our Wednesday morning "Coffee at the Cabin" events. At our recent gathering in June we were honored with a visit from the local town mayor. Although it is mostly a female gathering we have been honored with other male visitors such as senator Steve Kettering, banker Matt Huegerich as well as a few husbands of the women who attend. Our next scheduled gathering is Wednesday, August 31 at 9:00 a.m. Coffee and "goodies" are included free of charge. During the summer months the log cabin, the museum and this "school house" are open on Saturdays from 2-4 p.m. through Labor Day except on our big carnival weekend, the third weekend in July. Free will donations are accepted at both places.
