Low-Maintenance Container Gardens for Real Life

Name: Low-Maintenance Container Gardens for Real Life
Start: 2026-05-27T18:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-05-27T19:00:00-05:00
Location: Big Grove Brewery (Iowa City)

Schedule

Wed May 27 2026 at 06:00 pm to 07:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Big Grove Brewery (Iowa City) | Iowa City, IA

Join the authors of Low-Maintenance Eco Gardens for a lively, practical class on creating beautiful container gardens that thrive with less fuss.
In this one-hour class, you will see three easy-to-copy planted containers come together, each with a specific focus:
* Deer-resistant tea and culinary herbs
* Shade-friendly herbs
* Full-sun vegetables and herbs
Along the way, we’ll use the book’s Plant Matchmaker sheet to share simple design tips, choose plants that truly earn their keep, and cover care strategies for busy people who want a garden without the guilt.
This class is perfect for beginners, small-space gardeners, and anyone who wants a container garden that is beautiful, practical, and actually manageable.
Take-Home Bonuses:
* You'll receive a free drink token.
* Choose a free plant.
* Lots of relevant handouts.
* Prairie Lights Bookstore will be there selling the book and other gardening books.
The class begins at 6:00 pm, but doors open at 5:30 pm. So come early to grab a meal and a drink before class, or stick around afterward and make a night of it.
After the class, you’re invited to stay for a relaxed social hour, book signing, and conversation.
REGISTRATION
Sliding scale fee: $5 - $20, based upon your access to resources.
QUESTIONS
Call 319-325-6810 to reach the educator.
EDUCATORS
Fred Meyer offers years of experience as a certified permaculture designer, master gardener, and wilderness guide with extensive experience across hundreds of landscapes, including urban residences, educational institutions, mental health care centers, spiritual organizations, farmsteads, and businesses.
Jen Kardos gently helps people find their center outdoors—even when life feels busy or overwhelming. A licensed therapist, functional medicine health coach, horticultural therapy practitioner, and mom of three, Jen understands the need for simple, affordable ways to feel grounded, grow fresh food, and find calm.
LOCATION
Big Grove Brewery (1225 S Gilbert St, Iowa City)
The class will be held on the indoor patio at the main entrance.
PARKING
Parking is available around the brewery. If these lots are full, however, parking is also available in the west-side park and on 2nd Street and 3rd Street to the east.
SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
This class was developed in collaboration with many community partners. It would not be possible without these sponsors and supporters. Please frequent these generous organizations to thank them for donations of time, materials and funds.
* Big Grove Brewery
* Earl May Garden Center
* Hills Bank
* Master Gardeners of Johnson County
* Fox Chapel Publishing
* Prairie Lights Bookstore