Thursday, January 08, 2009

by Wayne Fritzinger

Jack and Jane Hogue started planting flower gardens at their Odebolt home in 1985.

The Hogues got their parents and their three children, Janna, Tyler and Emily, involved in growing the flowers. Seven acres of land, west of their home, became available for sale in 1995 so the Hogue family purchased the land to expand their flower gardens. They spent two years restoring the bow-truss barn and school, landscaping and adding theme gardens. The gardens became known as "Prairie Pedlar" and officially opened to the public in 1997 for viewing. "The word 'pedlar' is an old English spelling," explained Jack Hogue.

When flowers start blooming at the Prairie Pedlar this spring there will be seventy theme gardens. "The theme gardens are filled with annuals, perennials, and a variety of herbs said Hogue. "May and June are the best months to view the gardens."

"Themed gardens include ones like: 'The Barnyard Garden' filled with Cockscombs, Horseradishes, and Lamb's Ear; 'Among Friends' contains flowers such as Roses, Lilies, and Ferns," Hogue said.

Located in the middle of the theme gardens is a completely restored 1942 two-story bow-trus barn. "The barn was purchased from the Sears-Roebuck catalogue," explained Jane Hogue. "The total price of the barn, not including labor and cement, was $695.00. Today the barn is the Prairie Pedlar Gift Shop. Dried flower are kept on the second floor of the barn and may be purchased by visitors to the gardens.

"The restored barn is one of 55 barns in Sac County called 'Barn Quilts,'" said Hogue.

The barns are called "barn quilts" because of the distinctive quilt patterns painted on them. The pattern on the Prairie Pedlar barn is a double aster.

Besides the 1942 barn the Hogues have added a gazebo. " Called 'The Wedding Gazebo,' it is constructed from a 10 sided Green Gables granary built in Onawa," Hogue said. "It is very popular with couples wanting to be married outdoors at Prairie Pedlar."

Special activities at the Prairie Pedlar during the summer are the day camps for children called 'Green Teams.' Two camps are conducted in summer from 8:30 a.m-11:00 a.m. Children ages 8-13 may attend.
"Day camps are educational and 'hands-on' activities," according to Hogue. "Every child gets to make a craft to take home."

The Prairie Pedlar is open April through October. Hours of operation are Monday-Saturday from 11:00 a.m-4:00 p.m. The establishment is open on Sunday from 1-4 p.m. Admission to the gardens is free.

For information regarding special events at the Prairie Pedlar call 1-712-668-4840 or visit the Pedlar website at www.prairiepedlar.com.

The Prairie Pedlar is located 5 miles south of U.S. Highway 20, near the intersection of County Roads M43 and D37 near Odelbolt, Iowa 51458.