POWELL GARDENS
VI EW JANUARY - APRIL 2024
| Vol. 29 | No. 1
FEATURE
FEATURE
Unearthing the Unique Role of Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s Botanical Garden
Spring Hiking at Powell Gardens Grow Your Orchid Skills!
WELCOME
LET TER FROM THE
CEo
We are excited to share the latest developments and exciting plans for the 2024 season at Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden. This issue is filled with information on your favorite exhibitions, festivals, and garden features, including new Horticulture Highlights: Conifer Tips (May 8–19, 2024): Explore the fascinating world of conifers with Conifer Tips, a brand-new horticulture highlight. Take a stroll through the Conifer Garden, a certified Reference Garden, and learn more about these unique plants. Wildflower Week (July 9–14, 2024): Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of our native wildflowers during Wildflower Week. This horticulture highlight showcases the vibrant colors and delicate blooms of the Midwest native landscape. In 2023, Powell Gardens introduced Horticulture Highlights, a series dedicated to spotlighting notable plant collections to visitors. Interacting with any of these opportunities is not only a great way to support Powell Gardens’ mission as a non-profit botanical garden, but to also experience the importance of plants in your life. In addition to Horticulture Highlights, Powell Gardens features plenty of educational opportunities such as Garden to Glass, Horticulture Happy Hours, and workshops. Garden to Glass classes are a visitor favorite, including an explanation of how the featured drink is made and its history, a goodie bag, and the opportunity to try your hand at cocktail craft. Keep checking our Events & Classes page on powellgardens.org for your chance to sign up! For extra learning opportunities, check out powellgardens.org for Conservation Insights, monthly blog posts, and more. Make sure to follow @powellgardens on social media and subscribe to our bi-weekly emails for up-to-date information on Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden. As we continue to honor the #MidwestSpiritOfPlace and support plants, we invite you to join us on this journey of regeneration. Together, we will explore the untapped potential of our land and take a step toward a brighter and greener future. The Powell Gardens 2024 season promises to be a remarkable one. We are immensely grateful for your support, which makes all these endeavors possible. As a member, you are an integral part of our mission, and we look forward to sharing this exciting season with you.
IN THIS ISSUE
4 | FEATURED STORY Unearthing the Unique Role of Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s Botanical Garden
10 | GARDEN NEWS Spring Hiking at Powell Gardens
12 | FEATURE Grow Your Orchid Skills!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CODY JOLLIFF, Chief Executive Officer ELLEN FAIRCHILD, Chair AMY ECKHOFF, Vice-Chair GUY SWANSON, Treasurer GARY BARNES, Secretary SCOTT BURNETT KRISTOPHER DABNER TOM ISENBERG MARY O’CONNOR
Thank you for being a part of the Powell Gardens family. Your enthusiasm and dedication inspire us every day.
ANNE RIKER POWELL
See you in the Gardens!
NICHOLAS POWELL Cody Jolliff Chief Executive Officer
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RUTHIE RINEHART JUSTIN WHITE
r
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBER UPDATE AS 2024 BRINGS NEW SEASONS, TAKE TIME TO REMEMBER WHY YOU BECAME A POWELL GARDENS MEMBER! MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A VARIETY OF BENEFITS DESIGNED TO FOSTER CONNECTIONS WITH OTHERS AND WITH NATURE. THINK ABOUT HOW YOU MAY USE THESE BENEFITS THIS YEAR! Powell Gardens members receive: • Free general admission for as many as the membership allows (exclusions may apply).
• A 10% discount on purchases in The Marketplace at Powell Gardens.
• Free Festival admission and parking for as many as the membership allows (exclusions may apply).
• Complimentary optional subscription to Better Homes & Gardens.
• One potted plant per membership* while supplies last. This perk is first come, first served.
• Reciprocal benefits with approximately 330 gardens and arboretums nationwide through the American Horticultural Society’s Reciprocal Admission Program (RAP). Learn more at ahsgardening.org/rap.
• Subscription to Garden View magazine. • A 10% discount on registrations for educational workshops, classes, and special events. Excludes field trips and other designated education events.
We can’t wait to see what you do with your membership this year! If you have any questions or would like to learn more about any of the benefits listed above, please reach out to us at membership@powellgardens.org.
*One per membership during a calendar year
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FEATURE STORY
A look at the history and collections that make Powell Gardens a must-see botanical garden in the Midwest
UNEARTHING THE UNIQUE ROLE OF KANSAS CITY’S POWELL GARDENS BOTANICAL GARDEN Powell Gardens has been Kansas City’s botanical garden since 1988. Each year, Powell Gardens welcomes those who live and visit the Kansas City area to experience the rich beauty of our collections and Midwest landscape. Visitors will find display gardens, nature trails, notable architecture, and native plants. WHAT IS A BOTANICAL GARDEN? The American Public Garden Association (APGA) defines a public garden as “an institution that maintains plants for the purposes of public education and enjoyment, in addition to research, conservation, and higher learning.” A botanical garden has a documented collection of living plants. These plants are used for scientific research, conservation, display, and education. Powell Gardens’ mission is to be an experience that embraces the Midwest spirit of place and inspires an appreciation for the importance of plants in our lives. Powell Gardens’ doors are open to the public from MarchDecember. During this time, there are opportunities to engage with our living collections and participate in educational classes. There are rotating festivals and horticulture displays. Throughout the year, Powell Gardens’ and its managed lands are a resource for research groups and an avenue for conservation. THE HISTORY OF POWELL GARDENS As Kansas City’s Botanical Garden, Powell Gardens plays a vital role in the community as a space for release, rejuvenation, and the celebration of the fleeting nature of nature itself. Established in 1988, Powell Gardens is a nonprofit public garden. Maintaining 970 acres of lush, rolling hills and windswept meadows, with more than 175 acres and a large collection of plants open to the public for education, exploration, and recreation. Many of the plants in the Gardens are regionally native, and all highlight the changing seasons within the Midwest spirit of place. Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden, began in 1948, when George E. Powell, Sr., a prominent Kansas City businessman, acquired the beautiful tract of land that is now Powell Gardens.
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George E. Powell, Sr. Mr. Powell learned firsthand about the harsh and unpredictable life of farming during his childhood on the family farm. In 1917, he left to pursue a business career in Kansas City. He, along with his son George Powell Jr., and others, took over ownership of Yellow Transit Freight Lines, now YRC Worldwide, in 1952. Throughout his successful business career, Mr. Powell never lost interest in the lands of Missouri. He, his family, and friends enjoyed many weekends on his farm in Johnson County, Missouri. In 1969, in keeping with his stewardship philosophy, Mr. Powell donated the 640-acre farm to the Kansas City Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, who used it as a regional camp until 1984. In 1984, with the University of Missouri’s School of Agriculture as a catalyst and partner, the Powell Family Foundation began developing a horticultural and natural resource facility called Powell Center. As a part of this development, Powell Center retained Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based Environmental Planning and Design, the leading U.S. consultants for botanical gardens. The firm recognized that the site would be ideal for development as a botanical garden. Kansas City’s Botanical Garden Begins In 1988, official ties with the University of Missouri ended and Powell Gardens Inc., a not-for-profit organization, was established. A 19-member board of directors, in which several Powell family members serve, governs Powell Gardens. (The Friends of Powell Gardens Board was a separate organization with its own Friends of Powell Gardens Board members until the mid-2000s.) Staffing at the Gardens fluctuates between 35 employees during off-season and close to 70 in peak season. Powell Gardens is a 501(c)3 public charity, supported through private donations, admission, memberships, gift shop purchases, and rental revenues.
Major Milestones • 1988 Powell Gardens opens to the public as a botanical garden. • 1991 Perennial Garden opens. • 1993 David T. Beals III Woodland and Stream Garden opens (originally named the Rock & Waterfall Garden) • 1995 Meadow Pavilion opens. • 1996 Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel opens. • 1997 Visitor Education Center opens. • 2001 Marlese Lowe Gourley Island Garden opens. • 2002 Garden Gatehouse opens. • 2006 Fountain Garden opens. • 2009 Heartland Harvest Garden opens. LIVING COLLECTIONS Since its beginning, Powell Gardens has been committed to caring for botanical collections. Plant collections provide an invaluable resource for the conservation of plants, both regionally and globally. Powell Gardens’ staff mindfully stewards our diverse plant collections now while preserving plant diversity for generations to come. Powell Gardens’ collections include both native and non-native plants. Plant Collections at Powell Gardens Powell Gardens is a living museum with a rapidly growing collection. Powell Gardens has amassed data that is important for long-term planning and as a reference tool. Through a grant in 2020, the Powell Gardens’ collection moved to a platform allowing public access. Explore our living collection, features, and garden tours online with Garden Explorer. With a common goal of protecting native plants by ensuring that native plant populations and their communities are maintained, enhanced, and restored, Powell Gardens is a nonfederal cooperator of the Plant Conservation Alliance. Collections of Note Other collections of note include dogwoods, native trees and shrubs, rock plants, daylilies, and bearded iris.
• Orchid Delirium, a spring exhibition at Powell Gardens, showcases select blooms from a 2,000-piece orchid collection highlighting the natural habitats in which the flowers are found. • Powell Gardens’ magnolia collection has been certified by the American Public Gardens Association’s North American Plant Collections Consortium (NAPCC). This collection is named in honor of past Director of Horticulture, Alan Branhagen. Some of the magnolias in the collection can be found along the Dennis and Annette Young Magnolia Walk by the Visitor Center. • The Conifer Garden is certified as a Reference Garden by the American Conifer Society. • The lotus and waterlily collections have been designated as certified collections by the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society. • Powell Gardens is an affiliated garden for the Hardy Fern Foundation. • Under the direction of University of Missouri – Kansas City Professor Tamas Kapros, Ph. D. and team, a digital herbarium was created. Visiting a Botanical Garden A botanical garden like Powell Gardens provides an up close and personal experience with the natural world. Engage with plants through an on-site visit, enrolling in a class, reading our blog, participating in conservation efforts, or donating to Powell Gardens. When planning your visit to Kansas City, don’t forget to include Powell Gardens! You can follow Powell Gardens online on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Sign up for our email list to stay connected all year long! Non-profit botanical gardens like Powell Gardens rely on community support to continue our mission. From engaging with plants through exhibitions or festivals to enrolling in class, to volunteering time and donating treasure, there are countless ways to become an active participant in our work.
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FEATURE STORY
GROWING WITH P Larry McMullen has been a loyal supporter of Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden, for over thirty years. He and his late wife, Marilyn, used to bring their children out to the Gardens for adventure. Director of Development & Communications Sharon Ramsey recently sat down with the former Board Member, volunteer, and event chair to discuss his Powell Gardens memories and why he chose to become a member of the Heirloom Society. HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED WITH POWELL GARDENS? I became involved a long time ago when our two sons were small. We thought it was a good idea to take them out in the country and let them run. Someone had told us about Powell Gardens, and we came out and I was completely unprepared for the beauty and the splendor. I had been to several botanic gardens before, particularly the one in St. Louis, where my wife is from. It is a garden in the middle of the city with brick walls around it and inside, so I had the idea that that is what a botanic garden should look like. I was amazed at the appearance of Powell Gardens, which is spread out on a prairie with fields of beautiful grass and flowers. I was overwhelmed with the beauty of it and wanted to go back. So, Marilyn and I went back as often as we could. The distance is such that when you go, to spend the time in the Gardens, you need to set aside a day. That is okay, because you can easily have a good time out there for four or five hours. I am not an expert on botanical gardens by any means, but the few I have been in are walled enclosures, they are very beautiful – but they are not open spaces such as Powell Gardens. That makes it unique, the view of the prairie and the wild grasses growing all over, the flowers in the distance; it is truly spectacular and sets Powell Gardens apart. So, I was attracted to it for that reason and went back as often as we could. The two boys were around seven or eight and now they are 60- and 65-years-old, so in those intervening years, we made several trips in the spring and summer. I became so fascinated by it and became involved with the Board for about eight years. I enjoyed that a great deal and got to know the Gardens inside. The vista, the layout of the open space, interrupted 6 | GARDEN VIEW BY POWELL GARDENS
by the beautiful garden beds and things like the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel and lake, is quite magnificent. People complain that it is far away and so hard to get there. It is a pity, but on the other hand, it is out in the country, and it makes it unique and beautiful. When I am driving out there, I don’t mind the distance. WHAT THINGS DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR TIME ON BOARD OF DIRECTORS? There is a young person’s garden (the Children’s Garden) and I saw that develop, which was interesting to watch. I also saw improvements in the Gardens under the direction of a professional arborist. He implemented changes with new trees, new layouts, it was really quite exciting. We have a wonderful Director of Horticulture Susan Mertz, who also does a wonderful job. We have had good leadership with Eric Tschanz, Tabitha Schmidt, and now Cody Jolliff. We have been blessed with good leadership and volunteers. When you see the number of volunteer hours spent at the Gardens, it is truly amazing. It is something I always wanted to do more of, joining that group and getting out there to dig in the dirt with my hands, but I always had some lawyer case to take care of and I never got the chance. WHY WAS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO INCLUDE POWELL GARDENS IN YOUR ESTATE PLANS AND BECOME A MEMBER OF THE HEIRLOOM SOCIETY? I love to go out to Powell Gardens when I can, and I have dedicated in my will a planned gift to the Gardens. After Marilyn passed, they asked if I wanted to pick a section of the Gardens that I thought Marilyn would like. There is an overlook near the lake in the woods; it was a particularly wonderful view, so I picked a place to dedicate to Marilyn. I have a small portion dedicated to her.
POWELL GARDENS Q&A WITH LARRY MCMULLEN
The beauty of the Gardens made a permanent place in my mind. I love to go there in the quiet and sit on a bench by myself and look at the view. The vista with the meadow and prairie with wild grasses growing as far as you can see. I love it and thought it was really special. If I could do something to perpetuate that, I wanted to do it. Marilyn loved the Gardens as much as I did and I wanted something dedicated to her. That is what motivated me. DO YOU HAVE OTHER FAVORITE PLACES AT THE GARDENS OR A FAVORITE PLANT? One of my other favorite places in the Gardens is over near the lake from the main entrance. There is a stone wall with plants growing out of it, a living wall. It is a very nice view. My favorite plants are the daylilies (Hemerocallis). There is a fairly extensive bed on the other side of the lake, up close to the road, of beautiful daylilies. They bloom during a certain time of year. They come to life with long stems with beautiful blossoms. I have not seen many botanic gardens, I am not an expert, but the daylily display at Powell Gardens is as good or better than anything I have seen. The horticulture staff at Powell Gardens have done a wonderful job of locating and caring for those daylilies. I really like them. Please tell them I admire their work! There are many other interesting things that have happened at the Gardens. For a number of years, there was an annual fundraiser called Under a Blue Moon. We had a big tent down by the lake, tables, chairs, served a three or four course dinner, we also had performances. It was a notable event that became sort of a society event. We had a plant auction at that same event. One year, I don’t know why, I was elected the chairman of that event. I got to put on my straw hat and white shoes and strut around the Gardens like a chairman should. It was a lot of fun! The plants in the auction were laid out in a big display to bid on. I saw a Southern magnolia tree, no taller than you, but it caught my eye. Someone told me that tree really belongs in the southern part of the country, as the name suggests. It does not do well in the open plains of Missouri and Kansas, but you can try it. So I bid on it and won.
I planted it where I go to church which is Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral downtown at 13th and Broadway. I told them that I bought this at an auction at Powell Gardens and I would like to plant it here. The only place they had to put it was near the road. I was concerned because it does not like the wind or to be exposed to the elements and it needs to be up next to a building. That was all they had, so I said okay. Every year that tree has gotten bigger and bigger, and it has been probably fifteen years. It is a big and beautiful magnolia tree that was dedicated to Marilyn. When I go to church, I often go by and say hello to the tree and say hello to Marilyn. That is one of my attachments to Powell Gardens. Powell Gardens would like to thank Larry for his dedication and continued support of Powell Gardens. He is a treasured member of our history and the Heirloom Society. For more information on how you can become a member of the Heirloom Society, please contact Sharon Ramsey at sramsey@powellgardens.org. GARDEN VIEW BY POWELL GARDENS | 7
EVENTS + CALENDAR
2024
SCHEdule of events
MEMBERS, WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU BACK TO POWELL GARDENS FOR THE 2024 SEASON ON MARCH 1, 2024! PLEASE SEE THE HOURS OF OPERATION BELOW, AS WELL AS MORE INFORMATION ON SPRING EVENTS IN THE GARDENS.
HOURS OF OPERATION
SPECIAL HOLIDAY HOURS OF OPERATION
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
OPEN
CLOSED
March 1 – June 2, 2024 Wednesday – Sunday
Memorial Day
New Year’s Eve
4th of July
New Year’s Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Eve
June 4 – September 1, 2024 Tuesday – Sunday September 4 – October 13, 2024 Wednesday – Sunday
Thanksgiving Day
Second Saturdays May – September | 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Christmas Eve Christmas Day
TIMES AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
For a complete list of upcoming events, classes, and the most up-to-date educational listings, please check
powellgardens.org/events-and-classes For all educational classes, members must register due to capacity limits. Please note the member pricing associated with each class.
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At Powell Gardens,
MARCH 1 – APRIL 14
Orchid Delirium
Orchid Delirium features rotating, select blooms from Powell Gardens’ extensive orchid collection. Immerse yourself in a world of colorful orchid displays, companion plants, and more.
MEMBER PREVIEW FEBRUARY 28 & 29
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
MARCH 27 – APRIL 7
Daffodil Days Look for a mass daffodil planting at Powell Gardens! This joyful bloom is the perfect way to welcome the spring season.
we believe developing an appreciation for plants is a lifelong process. We invite you to attend one of our adult programs to deepen your affection for the natural world, learn a new skill, or enjoy a unique activity with a friend. Classes and programs are offered year-round during weekdays, evenings, and weekends. Check our online calendar at powellgardens.org/events-and-classes for the latest listings and updates. Want to make sure you never miss a class update from Powell Gardens? Sign up for our email list! Visit powellgardens.org to add your contact information. Already receiving emails from Powell Gardens? No need to update. Happy learning!
APRIL 27 – JUNE 2
Painted Garden Enjoy colorful botanic displays with inventive floral designs.
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FEATURE STORY
SPRING HIKING
Discover new ways to explore Kansas City’s botanical garden on foot this spring.
AT POWELL GARDENS
AS YOU RECHARGE AND PERHAPS SET INTENTIONS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD, CONSIDER THE VARIETY OF EXPERIENCES AVAILABLE AT POWELL GARDENS. Every visit provides an opportunity to encounter intricate, seasonal details mirrored in the landscape. Hiking the Byron Shutz Trail System not only promises a distinct adventure with every outing, but you’ll also get a real sense of the Midwest spirit of the place. The terrain of the Byron Shutz Trail System represents some of the natural communities in Missouri, such as prairies, woodlands, forests, and wetlands. The system is comprised of two footpaths that support regionally distinct and rare ecological communities, unique off-grid experiences, and noteworthy distances. This system includes the one-mile Family Discovery Loop and the 3.25-mile Prairie Ridge Trail.
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Hiking offers recreation and education in protected areas, provides respite, and supports numerous health benefits. During your hike at Powell Gardens this spring, look out for native spring ephemerals such as Virginia bluebells, trilliums, and mayapples on the Family Discovery Loop. Take notice of the prairie restoration efforts on the Prairie Ridge Trail. Be sure to listen for animals that depend on the habitat along the trail system, such as frogs and birds, which may indicate spring is arriving. Follow the Powell Gardens calendar at powellgardens.org/ events-and-classes for special trail activities during Trail Days 2024. Trail Days activates the Byron Shutz Trail System through special programming, guided hikes, and more! More information on the Byron Shutz Trail System is available at powellgardens.org.
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FEATURE STORY
GROW YOUR ORCHID SKILLS!
Orchid Tips and Tricks from Powell Gardens’ Lead Horticulturist of Collections
LEAD HORTICULTURIST OF COLLECTIONS BRENT TUCKER HAS MANAGED POWELL GARDENS’ ORCHID COLLECTION FOR MANY YEARS. Tucker is a key player in creating Orchid Delirium, Powell Gardens’ spring orchid display. Tucker’s passion for orchids began after seeing an ad in a magazine for an orchid-a-month promotion. He began to attend orchid shows and exhibitions. “Once I became a member of my local orchid society, I absorbed as much information as possible,” says Tucker. “Today, I am responsible for Powell Gardens’ orchid collection and would like to share my recommendations for fellow orchid enthusiasts at all levels.” Here are Tucker’s suggestions for orchid growers, both new and experienced:
BEGINNER LEVEL Moth Orchids, Phalaenopsis, are the most widely available orchids and can be found at local Kansas City garden centers. Moth orchid blooms can last for months, which makes them great for an indoor flowering plant. They prefer moderate light levels available through east windows or shaded south and west windows. They grow well in indoor light gardens, too! If your moth orchid fails to bloom again, I recommend a temperature shock. A temperature shock is achieved by allowing the temperature to drop between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the fall.
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL Dancing Ladies, Oncidium Alliance, is a big group of related plants that have been interbred to create a huge array of hybrids. The flowers can vary in size and color, including shapes, spots, and bars. Because of the many parents used in breeding, their culture can differ. Dancing Ladies prefer bright, indirect light, such as that from a west or south window with some light shading. Allow the growing medium to dry somewhat and feed monthly. Flowers last about three weeks, but they make up the shorter flower life with an abundance of flowers or very exotic coloration.
Lady Slippers, Paphiopedilum, specifically the mottled leaf types, have exotic flowers and beautiful mottled foliage. They can grow alongside your moth orchids. Their flowers can last up to several months and come in colors ranging from deep reds to green with warts and hairs along the petals.
Pansy Orchids, Miltoniopsis, are related to Dancing Ladies and are used to create unique hybrids. They can be grown much like Dancing Ladies but do prefer cooler temperatures. Grow them in a cooler room or even in the basement under lights. Flowers last about four to six weeks and are delightfully fragrant.
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ADVANCED LEVEL Corsage or Queen of Orchids, Cattleya, are one of my favorite orchids. Some of them have huge, showy flowers and can be quite fragrant. I place these in the advanced level because they require very bright light, even some morning sun, and they tend to be large plants. However, breeders have been producing miniature plants that can easily be grown on the windowsill and can bloom multiple times of the year. Keep in warm temperatures, which are easily obtained in a south or west window. Dendrobiums are also in a large group of orchids that come from many habitats and have different culture requirements. The flowers can be uniquely shaped and have colors not found in other orchids like green and near black. Like Cattleya, they prefer very bright light, and most like warm temperatures.
The nobile Dendrobiums, however, like cooler temperatures and require a dry and cool rest in the winter to form flower buds for spring. Dendrobiums can range from very tall plants to miniatures, which lend themselves to windowsills much more easily. All Dendrobiums like to be grown in rather small pots for the size of the plant. Boat Orchids, Cymbidium, is another favorite of mine with rather large flowers. They can be difficult to grow and flower due to their size and temperature requirements, but, with current breeding, they are becoming easier for the home grower. Plant size is being reduced to a more manageable size, and there are also “warm growers” that don’t need a temperature shock to induce flowering. They do need bright light and some space as most are still too big for the windowsill.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ORCHIDS AT POWELL GARDENS The best way to learn to care for orchids is by caring for orchids! In addition to the basic cultural information above, there are a few other ingredients that help grow a beautiful plant. Most orchids appreciate humidity above 50 percent. This can be achieved by grouping plants together with a humidifier or in an indoor greenhouse tent. You can provide air movement with a ceiling or oscillating fan in the growing area. Tucker cautions against using the popular “ice cube a week” method to water orchids. Tropical plants like orchids don’t like the cold! Instead, use tepid water to saturate the entire root mass when the potting medium is dry to the touch, and an orchid fertilizer can be used once a month to feed. In 2024, Orchid Delirium will take place March 1 – April 14. Look for classes like the Orchid Symposium to dive deeper into the world of orchids. More information will be available online soon at powellgardens.org/orchids. Tucker also encourages any orchid enthusiasts to check out an orchid society, like the local Orchid Society of Greater Kansas City or the national American Orchid Society.
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FEATURE STORY
FORAGING TIP! On a map, draw out the areas where you forage and record your finds. And be courteous — make sure to leave enough of the foraged item behind for the next person!
FORAGING IN THE MIDWEST: MOREL MUSHROOMS MIDWEST FORAGING INTRODUCED POWELL GARDENS’ VISITORS TO FORAGING IN 2022 AND 2023.
Focused on the forageable plants found along the Family Discovery Loop and Heartland Harvest Garden, visitors could experience this important resource within the natural Midwest landscape. Each month, the education and horticulture departments featured a foraged item found on Powell Gardens’ property and provided details on how these plants grow, where to find them throughout the Midwest, and what to do with one’s harvest. In May, we featured Morels. Morels (Morchella) seem to appear overnight. They tend to grow in 24 to 48 hours and typically pop up in late April or early May, usually after the ground reaches 50 degrees. Rain followed by warm weather is also good for sprouting morels. When mayapples start to pop up, it’s usually time to start looking for morels. You can look for morels in moist woods, river bottoms, and on south-facing slopes. They’re often found near dead elm trees, in old orchards, or in burned areas as well. Experienced morel hunters have their secret hiding spots where they know the morels pop every year. You’re lucky if they share that information with you! Be mindful of false morels. Poisonous false morels are reddish and have wrinkled, lobed, or brain-shaped caps and dense (not hollow) stalks. As with any wild edible, be sure you can confidently identify morels before ingesting them.
TO ENGAGE WITH ADDITIONAL MIDWEST FORAGING RESOURCES, CHECK OUT POWELLGARDENS.ORG/MIDWEST-FORAGING. 14 | GARDEN VIEW BY POWELL GARDENS
Unsure how to prepare your morel mushrooms? Check out this recipe!
herBed morels 8 OUNCES MOREL MUSHROOMS (FRESH OR FROZEN) 1 TABLESPOON OLIVE OIL ¼ CUP SHERRY OR WHITE WINE 1 TEASPOON GARLIC (MINCED) 3-4 SPRIGS FRESH THYME 2 TABLESPOONS BUTTER Heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and, when hot, add mushrooms. Cook mushrooms without disturbing for 2-3 minutes then stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until nicely browned. The mushrooms may be hard to determine if they are browning due to their already brown color. The pan will begin to show browning from the mushrooms. Add wine and use a spatula or spoon to deglaze the pan. Be certain to scrape up all the brown bits from the pan. When most of the liquid has evaporated, lower the heat to low and add butter, garlic, and thyme sprigs. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh thyme, and serve hot. Enjoy!
H O RT I CU LT U R ISTS RECO M M EN D
FAVORITE GARDEN TOOLS A GARDENER’S FAVORITE TOOL IS ANY TOOL THAT MAKES THE LIFE OF THE GARDENER EASIER. LEARN ABOUT FIVE TOOLS EVERY GARDENER SHOULD HAVE TO ENSURE GARDENING IS SUCCESSFUL AND FUN.
GARDEN KNIFE A garden knife, or Hori Hori, as it’s commonly called, is a must for any gardener working with plants and soil. This tool has many uses, including weeding, planting, and cutting roots. The sharp point allows for easy weed removal and the blade allows you to dig a hole big enough to plant flowers. The sides of the blade are serrated, allowing you to easily cut through the roots of weeds. Its multiple uses are appreciated because gardeners don’t have to haul around different tools.
STAINLESS STEEL PRUNERS A good, strong pair of pruners will make cutting smaller stems or branches a lot easier. It is important to keep this tool clean and sharp. If you find it difficult to cut branches or shred branch branches instead of making clean cuts, it could harm your plant.
KNEE PAD A good knee pad is probably not something most people would consider when they think of garden tools, but having one will save your knees and allow you to work longer in your garden. If a knee pad does not work for you, try a short stool to sit on while you are weeding or planting your flowers.
BULB PLANTING AUGER FOR A DRILL If you are someone who likes to plant a lot of bulbs, get an auger that you can attach to any drill. This will not only save you time but also save your back! You can drill all your holes in minutes and then drop your bulbs in each hole.
LEAF AND PLANT MULCHER Many people live in areas where you can’t take plant trimmings, grass, or leaves to a trash collector. Try a smaller electric mulcher that will grind up compostable material so you can sprinkle it throughout your garden. This makes the soil rich with nutrients for your plants. Having a leaf and plant mulcher can also speed up the composting process if you have a compost pile in your yard.
RELIABLE TOOLS ARE A NECESSARY PART OF ANY GARDENER’S TOOLKIT! FROM PLANTING TO PRUNING, THERE’S A SPECIAL TOOL TO MEET YOUR GARDENING NEEDS. GARDEN GARDENVIEW VIEWBY BYPOWELL POWELLGARDENS GARDENS | | 15 4
1609 NW US HWY 50 Kingsville, Missouri 64061-9000 816.697.2600 powellgardens.org
VISIT US oNLINE! Check out our website at powellgardens.org for hours of operation and our full schedule.
With a variety of spaces available, Powell Gardens is the perfect place to host a bridal or baby shower, wedding, reunion, corporate event, or special party. WINTER EVENTS AT POWELL GARDENS Powell Gardens is closed in January and February, but you can still host a private event!
BOOK YOUR
PRIV ATE EVENT WITH A 10% MEMBERS-ONLY DISCOUNT!
GEARING UP FOR SPRING This spring, let Powell Gardens take care of all your parties. Rent a space with your members-only discount and celebrate with loved ones at Kansas City’s botanical garden. COZY WEDDING PACKAGES Looking for a unique wedding venue to tie the knot? Powell Gardens offers wedding packages suited for more intimate settings in our Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel for elopements, minimony, and micro-weddings. POWELL GARDENS PROPOSAL Are you wanting to propose? Do you know someone who wants to propose? We have a proposal package that offers you an hour of privacy at either our Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel or Miller-Hammond Chapel Study.
VISIT POWELLGARDENS.ORG/PRIVATE-EVENTS TO INQUIRE ABOUT AVAILABILITY AND APPLYING YOUR DISCOUNT!