Gateway Gardener
SUMMER 2021
THE
June / July / August
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Your Guide to Enjoyable Gardening and Easy-Care Landscapes
Coneflowers
Spiny and Spectacular!
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Gateway Gardener THE
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Your Guide to Enjoyable Gardening and Easy-Care Landscapes
SUMMER 2021 June/July/August
Volume 17, Number 4
Founded in 2005 by Joyce Bruno & Robert Weaver Publisher and Editor Robert Weaver Columnists Diane Brueckman Rosey Acres Abby Lapides Sugar Creek Gardens Steffie Littlefield Edg-Clif Winery Jennifer Schamber Greenscape Gardens Scott Woodbury Shaw Nature Reserve
Printing: Breese Publishing, Breese, IL The Gateway Gardener® is published 9 times/year by Double Dig Communications, Inc. to promote enjoyable, successful gardening and livable landscapes in the St. Louis greater metropolitan area. The magazine is distributed free to the public at designated garden centers, nurseries, garden gift shops, lawn equipment rental, repair and sales establishments, and other locations supporting sound gardening, lawn and landscaping practices. Please send letters-to-the-editor, questions, event announcements, editorial suggestions and contributions, photos, advertising inquiries and materials, and any other correspondence to: The Gateway Gardener Magazine® PO Box 220853 St. Louis, MO 63122 Phone: (314) 968-3740
info@gatewaygardener.com www.gatewaygardener.com The Gateway Gardener® is printed on recycled newsprint using environmentally friendly soy-based ink, and is a member of the PurePower® renewable energy resources network.
A
From the Editor
few weeks ago, a young man working in my garden asked me what my favorite plant was. I said it was like asking to pick your favorite child. Most of the plants in my garden (except for the persistent weeds) give me a thrill at some point or another, either for their beautiful blooms, colorful berries or for the gifts they provide visiting fauna. But, given time to think about it, if To a goldfinch, peak coneflower I DID have to choose, it would season is when the seeds ripen! probably be coneflowers. I know, took our cover photo! Even it’s a pedestrian pick, kind of like well past their prime in late when the box-office blockbuster summer and fall, coneflowers superhero movie wins the give me joy (as the cable TV Oscar over the highbrow, low- organizing guru says) by feeding budget art film. Everyone loves finches and sparrows with their coneflowers, right? prickly seeds. Read more from For me, coneflowers were the Scott Woodbury about “Prickly gateway drug to my serious Coneflowers” on page 8, and interest in gardening. It was maybe they’ll become your a sunrise visit to a rolling favorite garden child, too! countryside carpeted with pale According to Abby Lapides purple coneflower from horizon Perennial Bloom Chart on page to horizon that provided that 6, coneflowers also do yeomen’s “WOW” moment that inspired work in the garden blooming me to learn more about prairies season by providing nearly 4 and native plants, which months of color if deadheaded. subsequently spread to plants Providing season-long color in and gardening in general. Tell the perennial garden is a design me you wouldn’t feel the same challenge we all dream of standing in the spot where fulfilling. In her article beginning Missouri Prairie Foundation on page 4, Abby provides several executive director Carol Davit long-blooming candidates and
On the Cover... Masses of coneflowers in the wild can create a spectacular sight, but they also are a workhorse in the cultivated garden. For more on “Prickly Coneflowers,” see page 8. (photo by Carol Davit)
maintenance strategies to help us toward the goal of spring-to-fall color.
I’m particularly concerned about the timing of blooms this year, as I am honored to be one of the host sites on this year’s St. Louis Native Plant Garden Tour June 5th. Honored but concerned. My two main native garden areas are a woodland garden, which peaks with the spring ephemeral woodland flowers, and a “prairie garden” whose glory season is midsummer to fall. In between sits June 5th. I’m crossing my fingers and hoping visitors will use their imaginations and be generous in their opinions. Smiley emoji! Though this tour is sold out, there are several other tours and events to check out in the slowly re-opening world of garden tours, plant sales and classes. Check them out on pages 20-22. We’ll be back with the September issue. Until then, here’s hoping you enjoy a summer of endless blooms in your garden!
Good Gardening!
IN THIS ISSUE 4 Perfect Timing 8 Prickly Coneflowers 12 New Trends in the Rose Garden 14 Floriade 2022 16 New Gardens at MBG 18 Why Choose a Certified Arborist 20 The Tours are Back! 22 Upcoming Events 23 Dig This
Perfect Timing
Creating a Continual Flowering Sun Garden with Easy-Care Perennials
Walters Gardens Inc.
By Abby Lapides
Hibiscus ‘Holy Grail’
SUMMER
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Cardinal flowers bring vibrant
Lobelia
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The Gateway Gardener™ SUMMER 2021
Ann Lapides
ADD BLOOMS & ATTR ACT POLLINATORS WITH
ant your garden flowering all season long? It doesn’t have to be a head-scratcher. Follow the easy-to-read blooming chart on page 6 to create an all-season flowering garden. Though most plants follow the bloom times laid out in the chart, some outliers with exceptionally ornate displays bust the chart. See a few of these blooming powerhouses below.
Rudbeckia ‘Indian Summer’
JEAN PONZI
Ball Seed
“Green” Jean Ponzi grew up in the woods. In the pandemic year, she found herself in the woods again. Moving forward she looks to ecology for inspiration.
flowers and the ability to attract hummingbirds. The new Starship Series extends flowering months longer than the classics. Expect to see more flowers earlier and on squattier, better-branched plants. Their colors include rose pink, blue and scarlet red.
A true mold-breaker in bloom power and flower shape, ‘Rooguchi’ Clematis features masses of dark, inky-blue
Clematis ‘Rooguchi’
What is your favorite landscape? I love trees. Some of my best friends are trees. Literally. Where do you find yourself now? Speaking for nature, especially plants. From the deep roots of my work for Missouri Botanical Garden, where I first encountered enviro-everything. Through my show Earthworms on KDHX, my personal volunteer community service. And along new Native-planted paths still evolving. Ann Lapides
‘Indian Summer’ black-eyed susan produces huge, up to 7” across, daisies for months on end, beginning in June. Also known as the gloriosa daisy for its incredibly showy bloom, you will be in awe all summer until frost. This All America Selections award winner is a must for cut flower enthusiasts.
cont’d on next page
Abby Lapides is owner and a speaker at Sugar Creek Gardens Nursery. She has degrees from the University of Missouri, and is a member of the Landscape and Nursery Association of Greater St. Louis. You can reach her at (314) 965-3070.
Did you have a tradition of being in nature? We Homo sapiens are hardwired to have a relationship with the natural world. As a kid in pre-suburbia, I played in woods between corn fields. My urban home today is in a bit of woods we’ve grown. I’m fortunate to have always lived in and around environments with a strong nature connection, though my brain-intensive ways like to ignore that advantage.
Have any shifts in thought or practice been instrumental to your present work? Feeling (not just thinking) how each person needs to learn your gifts, strengths and your weaknesses — and to thrive in your niche on Earth. Plants are beautiful, experienced, kind guides to teach this vital eco-logic to our messy, busy, self-important toddler species. What do you see as challenges and opportunities? Collaboration, partnership. Asking questions more than craving answers. Life’s theme song: you’ve got to acc-centuate the positive/ e-liminate the negative/ latch onto the affirmative/ don’t mess with Mister In-between.
It just says eliminate the negative. It doesn’t say vilify the negative. That lyric from Johnny Mercer is advice about movement of energy. Be a jazzy, joyful partner in the Swing Dance of Life.
a curated series by wfd celebrating women in the St. Louis region who are advancing and thriving in the green industry
SUMMER 2021
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cont’d from previous page Week 1 Creeping Phlox Iris Catmint Peony Clematis Wild Indigo Garden Sage Cranesbill Tickseed Veronica Coneflower Bee Balm Milkweed Black-Eyed Susan Shasta Daisy Ornamental Onion Garden Phlox Hardy Hibiscus Blazing Star Russian Sage Cardinal Flower Aster
April 2 3
Perennial Bloom Chart 4
1
May 2 3
4
1
June 2 3
4
1
July 2 3
4
1
Aug 2 3
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1
Sept 2 3
Pruning after initial bloom period (brighter colors) can encourage reblooming (paler colors).
bell-shaped flowers that begin in May and don’t stop until frost. ‘Rooguchi’ is a cross between the popular vining type Clematis and the lesser-known shrub type. Because of its parentage ‘Rooguchi’ does not have the petioles that twine onto trellises, making it a great choice to be planted on an obelisk or used as a rambling ground cover.
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1
Oct 2 3
Rebloom if Pruned
Deer/Bunny Resistant
Average Height
no no yes no yes no yes no yes yes yes yes no yes yes no yes no no no no no
both both both both deer both both both deer both deer both both deer both both deer both no both both no
3-6" 18-36" 12-24" 36" 36-96" 36" 18-30" 6-18" 12-36" 24" 18-36" 12-36" 24" 15-36" 6-36" 12-18" 18-48" 36-72" 12-48" 18-36" 24-48" 12-48"
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Huge cranberry red flowers bloom from midsummer until frost. Adding to the beauty, its deep, almost black leaves are gorgeous on their own. To top it off when each flower fades bright green calyxes are left adding more ornamental value. A water lover, plant hardy hibiscus in areas where consistent moisture is available.
Adding a couple powerhouse plants along with following the bloom While ‘Holy Grail’ hardy hibiscus doesn’t bloom longer than other chart will keep your sun garden in flower all season spring to frost. hardy hibiscus, it does bloom in more abundance on showier plants.
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Naturally Natives Prickly Coneflowers
Mervin Wallace
by Scott Woodbury
Yellow Coneflowers
Missouri Wildflowers Nursery 9814 Pleasant Hill Rd Jefferson City MO 65109 www.mowildflowers.net mowldflrs@socket.net
E
chinoderms (sea urchins) are spiny crustaceans that live on the sea bottom. Echinaceas (coneflowers) are spiny “asters” that live on dry land. They aren’t actually asters, but are in
the aster family of plants, like blazing star, black-eyed Susan, goldenrod, and ironweed. Echinaceas have prickly seed heads that resemble sea urchins. When I collect dried coneflower seed heads, I’m instantly
573-496-3492
If you have purchased our native plants in the past, thank you very much. If you haven’t been a customer, here are a few things to keep in mind: We propagate almost all of our plants from seeds, instead of cuttings or divisions, because we want to keep the genetics of these plants as diverse as possible. The source of our seeds and plants can be traced to native plants growing wild in Missouri. We strive to keep them as wild as possible. Shopping at our Brazito (Jefferson City) location: The retail “store” (outdoor sales area) is open 9 to 5 year round, Monday through Friday and weekends in spring and fall as listed on our website. Pre-orders are welcome.
We will be selling plants in the St. Louis area again in September and October. Watch our website and Facebook for dates.
www.mowildflowers.net
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Pale Purple Coneflowers The Gateway Gardener™ SUMMER 2021
Mervin Wallace
We can ship your order! Plants are shipped on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays all year. UPS usually delivers the next day to all of Missouri and to the middle of surrounding states. Shipping charges apply.
Tips and Resources for Growing and Landscaping with Sustainable Native Plants Purple Coneflowers
Wearing leather gloves, gardeners collect the spiny seed heads in order to grow more purple (Echinacea purpurea), yellow (Echinacea paradoxa), pale purple (Echinacea pallida), and glade coneflowers (Echinacea simulata). These are straight species. They all are tap-rooted, clump-forming perennials. The flowers of straight species attract bumblebees, sweat bees, honeybees, moths, butterflies, skippers, wasps, as well as insect predators like wheel bugs and praying mantises that show up to ambush the pollinators. Pollinators eat and gather pollen and nectar from fully functioning flowers, and in the process, inadvertently move pollen from the anther (male flower that produces yellow or white pollen) to the stigma (part of the female flower that is sticky to catch pollen). This results in seed production, which is why goldfinches love coneflowers. In over forty years of gardening, I have never seen a straight species coneflower take over a garden from seed. They are short-lived perennials at best. Of the coneflowers, purple coneflower spreads the most. Even though finches seem to eat every purple coneflower seed on every seed head, some seeds are missed and fall to the ground where they produce a few new plants the following April. This is by no means an overwhelming number of plants. They pop up here and there, often in surprising places, probably moved around by mice. Plant breeders, however, endeavor to improve coneflowers by mixing (or crossing) different species together into something new, referred to as a hybrid cultivar. That’s why there are Echinacea cultivars in every shade of purple, red, orange, yellow and even green. And why most of them—but not all—are sterile, producing no pollen or nectar, and therefor attracting no pollinators. Nor do they produce seeds, and therefore attract no seed-eating birds. They are fully non-functioning flowers with one exception. They function for humans, who enjoy looking at them. Of all the straight Echinacea species, glade coneflower is the most finicky, requiring well-drained soil, preferably rocky soil on a south- or west-facing slope, and full sun. It will also survive for a few years along the edge of a driveway or sidewalk with a gravel SUMMER 2021
The Gateway Gardener™
Carol Davit
reminded why they are named after a spiny sea creature. Ouch, they are sharp to the touch! But that doesn’t stop various animals from eating them. Mice scale the skinny seed head stems to the top, and, like coconut farmers, cut the seed heads off. When the seed heads are on the ground, mice dismantle them and gather the nutritious kernels of seed to live off of through winter. Goldfinches and other seed-eating birds aggressively shred purple coneflower seed heads in search of the same highly sought-after kernels. White tail deer— which must have tongues like leather—eat the entire seed heads in fall. In the past, humans used the seeds to induce a numbing effect. I don’t recommend you try this, but if you must, a single chewed (and spat out) seed will demonstrate the power of its numbing effect.
cont’d on next page
If you truly love nature, you will
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base. Remember, they need drainage and rocks to thrive. Yellow coneflower and pale purple coneflower are easier to grow than glade coneflower. They do fine in well-drained soils on a slope in full sun. If you have rocky soil with exposed boulders (natural boulders), they will live long and prosper, but most of us aren’t so lucky to have rocks in the yard. In regular garden soil, which has a lot of clay, they benefit from a mound of topsoil (a berm) or a steep slope. Plant them at the top where the soils are driest—not at the bottom where the soils are moister. And remember, they are short-lived perennials at best. That means that they will live a few years and then die. Learn to look for seedlings that pop up in the garden in April (they look like long, hairy bunny ears), or grow them indoors from seed in a sunny window. Either way, get used to the ebb and flow of certain species that come and go. These shortlived perennials are worth the extra effort, so whatever you do, don’t give up on prickly coneflowers. You will be rewarded by the feeding frenzy that shows up in your yard every summer and fall.
Glade Coneflowers
Butterfly Favorites
Coral Honeysuckle
Mervin Wallace
Clusters of long tubular stems of rich coral red are beloved by butterflies and hummingbirds alike. This twining Missouri native vine is perfect along fences or trellises. The host plant to the Azure Bluewing butterfly and Snowberry Clearwing.
Horticulturist Scott Woodbury is the Curator of the Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO, where he has worked with native plant propagation, design, and education for 30 years. He also is an advisor to the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native! program.
Blazing Star
Th e #1 favorite nectar plant for Monarch butterflies. Expect to see Monarchs in your garden feasting for hours on the vibrant lilac blossoms of this Missouri native.
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TREES WORK
health for your
Feeling tired? Spending just 20 minutes outside can give your brain an energy boost comparable to a cup of coffee.
Spending time in nature, conservation areas, woods, backyards, and urban parks may ease stress levels.
Getting away from busy schedules allows people to connect with nature and themselves in a way that brings calm and a sense of well-being.
Taking a nature walk may increase attention spans and creative problem-solving skills by as much as 50 percent.
Exposure to nature contributes to physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.
Get healthy in nature this year. Visit mdc.mo.gov/places-go or download the free MO Outdoors app for ideas on where to go near you. Download for
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New Trends in the Rose Garden by Diane Brueckman
I
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yet we kill them. In fact, not long ago have been a member of the a minute pirate bug hitched a ride on American Rose Society for many years and in that time the a box I brought into the house. My friend saw it and wanted me to kill it. attitude towards our favorite flower has Instead of stepping on the bug I picked changed for the better. The rose was it up and put it out in the garden. once a very demanding and jealous plant in our gardens. Roses were Other beneficial insects we should be on the look-out for are assassin bugs, grown in beds devoted exclusively to roses and the care and feeding of adult and nymph damsel bugs, ground beetle, and the aforementioned minute the rose was on a rigorous schedule. pirate bug. Spraying for pests and diseases was not only expensive but dangerous to Assassin bugs stalk their prey sitting the health of gardeners and their pets. Today’s roses are more user motionless on foliage. Their diet includes caterpillars, insects, friendly while still being beautiful, fragrant and one of the most flies, mosquitos among other pests. A word of warning—don’t prolific plants we grow. touch because they will bite. The American Rose Society, headquartered in Shreveport The minute pirate bug is an early arrival in the garden and feeds Louisiana, puts out a magazine, “American Rose” 6 times a year. on insect eggs and small pests such as thrips, aphids, spider mites, The November/December 2020 issue had wonderful articles, one whiteflies and small caterpillars. in particular listed several predatory insects that keep the bad bugs in check. Some you may recognize as beneficial such as praying Damsel bugs eat leafhoppers, cabbage worms, aphids, small mantis (particularly the native Carolina mantid, not so much the caterpillars and mites. Chinese mantid) and lady bugs others often go unnoticed or worse Ground beetles live in the soil and eat slugs, snails, cabbage maggots and caterpillars.
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Green lacewing adults are not only predators but also pollinators. The larva are fierce predators eating many soft bodied insects. They are also pretty little bugs. I have only listed some of the lesser known predators. If we scout our gardens and look for insect damage we can treat for bugs only when the damage is excessive. As predators find your garden the damage will be minimal. Another new trend in rose gardens is companion plantings. The plants selected for the rose beds should have the same requirements as the roses. Many herbs such as dill, fennel, and cilantro attract the predators. Sometimes the adults like nectar and pollen and look for plants to lay their eggs on. Some like brightly colored flowers such as zinnias, goldenrod, daisies, marigolds and yarrow. If you like a particular plant that prefers less water or some shade, make a bed near your roses, and the predators will find both the roses and your other plants. In time, the insect pests will be under control. Planting companion plants in the rose beds not only attracts predators but also covers bare areas with attractive plants that crowd out weeds. Who doesn’t want less weeding? You will save money on chemicals and your garden will be more safe and inviting for children and pets. Diane Brueckman is a retired rosarian with Missouri Botanical Garden, and currently owns Rosey Acres in Baldwin, Illinois. You can reach her at (618) 785-3011 or droseyacres@ egyptian.net.
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Once-In-A-Decade Horticulture Happening By Nancy Luechtefeld
Sprouting with Purpose It goes without saying that it takes a village for meaningful change to last. With over 175 countries invited to join the expo by the Government of the Netherlands, it will take the communities of the world working together to create a green future of sustainability. Floriade Expo 2022 ties urban living and nature together to set the groundwork for sustainable innovations that can be adapted into the everyday lifestyle.
The Netherlands’ FLORIADE EXPO occurs only once every 10 years – and in 2022, visitors will have the rare opportunity to experience it in the city of Almere. Flowers, plants and trees of all kinds will be united to resemble a new beginning for this district with its theme: “Growing Green Cities.”
As part of the International Horticultural Expo, Floriade runs from April 14 to October 9, 2022. Right outside Amsterdam, the flourishing city district of Almere will host the country’s largest public event and ultimately It also offers a glimpse of what a green future could like through gain an everlasting legacy of a new green living area following the workshops and attractions surrounding its sub-themes: “green, food, energy and health.” Encompassing 60 hectares of land, the expo. This rare experience calls for its visitors to “explore, touch and Almere site will be divided into these four sub-themes, allowing change” as part of their journey into Floriade – which is set visitors to fully immerse themselves in the experience, discover to feature stunning gardens, innovative sustainable gardening ideas for home and community gardens and be inspired by the exhibits, live entertainment, talk shows, souvenirs and food stalls. future of sustainable communities of inspiration for “My Paradise, a Global Garden”. The flower exhibition portrays the migration of Displays include Life-Size Bee Hive and “Bee and Butterfly flowers and plants. It also draws the visitors’ attention to the past Highway” and the present of Ghent; still a green, liveable and malleable city. During the Expo, visitors can discover the latest innovations in the field of pollinating insects, and bees in particular, in the bee It has become increasingly obvious that as caretakers of our planet, pavilion. Biodiversity, science and technology are combined here, we must make changes that enhance the sustainability of our local with sustainable beekeeping as the basic principle. The pavilion neighborhoods as well as the earth as a whole. We are learning that will consist of a life-size beehive on stilts, located next to the no country is an island unto itself, but we must all work together to preserve the future for our children. ‘Oerbos’, a forest with native trees, on the Floriade site. The Expo’s boulevard is also home to bees, comprising a 3-kilometer Nancy Luechtefeld is the owner of Unique Journeys, LLC, a “highway” with greenery such as roses and hydrangeas that attract boutique travel company specializing in small and custom bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. vacations and luxury river cruises. She is currently working
with garden clubs and other groups, as well as individuals, to facilitate river tours and land tours that include a day at Floriade as part of the itinerary. To find out more, contact Nancy by phone at 314/644-8691, email at nancy@uniquejourneys.com, or visit www.unique-journeys.com. YOUR TREES DESERVE THE BEST CARE
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New Gardens for Learning, Conservation and Enjoyment By Steffie Littlefield
M
ost avid gardeners in the St Louis metro area are frequent visitors to our own Missouri Botanical Garden, and take great pride in its displays and global impact in conservation work. We all are amazed and curious about all the changes going on there, which can be seen from as far away as Hwy 44. The big news is that the Missouri Botanical Garden has This rendering of the new Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center at Missouri Botanical broken ground on the Garden shows some of the new garden planting areas.
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Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center, a project that will transform the visitor’s experience, sustain the Garden’s future and contribute to a growing cultural renaissance in St Louis. I am happy to share some information with my fellow gardeners about the thrilling new garden displays that are included.
A large part of this project is the new entrance garden for the Jack C Taylor Visitor Center, because it will connect visitors, members and the general public, with the mission of the Garden before they even enter a building. The landscaping of this garden will feature plants that highlight the Missouri Botanical Garden’s research work in Missouri and around the world. Notable features include rare plants from around the world, a fountain, a sloped walkway, and seating within the multilayered open woodland planting. The new entrance garden will contain 350 species and 30,500 individual plants. It’s exciting to note that 47% of the plants in this garden will be new to displays at the Missouri Botanical Garden and 25% of the plants in this garden are native to Missouri. And on the whole list, 42% of plants are native to the U.S. In keeping with the Garden’s tradition of conservation, 34% of the plants Steffie Littlefield is a St Louis area horticulturist and garden designer. She has degrees from St. Louis Community College at Meramec and Southeast Missouri State and is a member of Gateway Professional Horticultural Association, Missouri Botanical Garden Members Board and past president of the Horticulture Co-op of Metropolitan St. Louis. She is part-owner of Edg-Clif Winery, Potosi, MO. www.Edg-Clif. com.
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adapted to similar growing conditions. The soil chosen for the woodland biomes has a lot more organic material than the soil for the grasslands biome which is much more free draining.
This illustration shows the locations of the new gardens. The illustration is oriented so the front entrance appears to the right side.
are scarce and their survival is of concern and being insured by inclusion in this garden. The garden areas will also showcase places where the Garden has active conservation/research projects allowing the visitor to engage and experience the impact of this research. Those areas include: • • • •
Eastern Europe The Caucuses (Red List work and plant conservation) Central Asia (conservation horticulture) China (Flora of China and subsequent research)
One might ask how the garden can grow such a diverse list of plants in such a small area. The landscape and indeed soils on the site will be organized according to biomes. This allows us to aggregate plants together needing similar growing conditions from across large geographic ranges. For instance we have grassland species from North America, Central Asia, Russia and Eastern Europe represented in the grassland biome beds, which have all
Summit Produce Garden Center @ KirKwood Farmers’ marKet
By creating this extensive entrance garden with the educational and conservation aspects within a relaxing and pleasing environment for the visitor, the Garden harks back to the original mission of Henry Shaw, its founder. He opened his own private lands, 185 years ago, for the community to enjoy and to enhance the cultural environment of St Louis. All who want to learn more can visit the Mobot.org website and watch the live feeds of the construction process in progress. Members have the opportunity to join in a Speaker Series Presentation on June 22, 2021, 11-12pm. This is virtual conversation with Andrew Wyatt, the garden’s Sr. Vice President of Horticulture and Living Collections and Michael Vergason, Principal at Michael Vergason Landscape Architects, Ltd.
Calling Supporters of Local Business Summit Produce in the Kirkwood Farmers’ Market always has something new to offer its patrons. 9 Plants, Fresh, Local Produce, Local Foods, Local Fresh Bakery, Missouri Meats, Made in the U.S.A Boutique—we have something for everyone...guaranteed!
“The Best Kept Secret in Kirkwood!” 150 E. Argonne Dr. 1 block East of the Train Station 314-984-9496 www.summitproduce.com SUMMER 2021
The Gateway Gardener™
9 Produce season is now full steam ahead with many local picks and more coming as the weather warms, especially between mid June and Late August. Open 7 Days a Week Mon. thru Fri. 9-6, Saturday 8-5, Sunday 10-5 17
Why Choose a Certified Arborist By Percival Q. Abernathy
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t. Louis has nearly as many tree-services as the roadways bear potholes. Plucking a professional treeservice from the hordes on offer might be intimidating, but could also seem rather fruitless? Why hire a professional arborist for a 25-100% greater cost when there are cheaper alternatives?
cents can be consequentially short-sighted.
I’ll tell you. In the face of increasing deforestation, the preservation of our urban and suburban forests can no longer revolve around a purely aesthetic or economical ethic. Arborists should now be selected for the merits of how their practice promotes the health of trees and the forests they make up. I contend that professional arborists should be hired for any tree work, full stop. This is typically the most expensive option. However, the unprofessional tree cutters can end up costing irretrievable losses. Did you know that one pruning cut made with an infected saw, is enough to kill a mature tree within 1-3 years? Therefore, if you have a specimen oak (white, post, red, bur) in your yard the benefits of which could be valued in the tens of thousands of dollars, you should entrust its care to an arborist. By hiring a non-professional who wields an infected saw against the vascular cambium of your specimen oak, the lifespan your tree could have had has just been cut short. Decisions governed solely by the practice of saving immediate dollars-and-
Around eighteen months ago we removed a red oak (Quercus rubra) in Kirkwood. Standing directly adjacent to the client’s newly constructed house, a low lateral limb was previously removed to accommodate the structure. A single [infected] cut was made on the mature tree by a non-professional. Due to the way trees translocate water and nutrients, this tree had pumped all its remaining resources into an awkward limb shooting off the back, away from the infected cut. The oak was no longer an economic asset, and in short order would be a large over-hanging hazard. Hypoxylon Canker from the infected cut had ravaged this red oak, cutting short what easily could have been 10-50 years more of economic value and environmental service. The pruning of the non-professional was cheap, in terms of price, but ended up costing in areas where recompense became impossible. Pruning is one operation that distinguishes professional practitioners. From fine, Felco-sized snips to large 36” diameter cuts with rigging, pruning is a specialist’s operation. A tree that has been properly pruned retains the natural form and appearance of a tree. Proper pruning regimens never include topping or removing more than 25-33% of a tree’s living crown. Additionally, the professional ensures that trees are pruned within their appropriate KOI and POND CLUB MEET & GREET DAYS
Sat. June 5, 11am-2pm Timberwinds Nursery, 54 Clarkson Road, Ellisville, MO 63011
Sat. June 12th, Noon-3pm Effinger Garden Center, 720 S. 11th Street, Belleville, IL 62220 Sat. June 19, 11am-2pm Ponds Plus Water Garden Center, 1757 S. Old Highway 94, St. Charles, MO 63303
Gateway Koi and Pond Club members will be on hand to answer your questions on ponds, fish, and plants, and to give information about their club and the many fun activities they have planned. Isn’t it time you thought about adding a soothing water feature to your landscape that the entire family will enjoy? Come to one of these locations and visit the GKPC Info Table. www.gatewaykoiandpondclub.org, on Facebook or call 314-276-9461 PLUS, mark your calendars for the KOI SHOW & POND EXPO, September 24-26 at Timberwinds Nursery
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The Gateway Gardener™ SUMMER 2021
seasonal window using disinfected tools. Professional arborists are the knowledgeable sector of tree care practitioners, having the unique skillset to preserve the health of our urban forest. Proficiency in the discipline of tree-climbing is another primary divider between the professional and non-professional tree service. Tree-climbing is a rope access discipline and a unique skill, which permits arborists to access all parts of a tree - if deemed safe to climb - without injuring the tree. To prune a tree of any age in a fitting, structural manner, access must be gained to all parts of a tree, including the branch tips. Professional arborists use modern climbing systems, which save the climber’s energy, and permit suitable work-positioning, allowing a climber to maneuver into a suitable spot to make cuts that will heal properly and quickly. Less efficient climbers will only go so high in a tree and make up the difference between their bodies and the branch tips with pole pruners/saws. This method of tree-climbing saps energy faster and leaves improper cuts which do not heal uniformly. By working more efficiently, professional tree-services are simply able to do more work in less time, decreasing the disruption at your home, and increasing the reach of your dollar. Your trees are part of a larger urban forest. Forests are subject to naturally occurring, chaotic forces that render different effects on each individual tree. This is a systems-based style of thinking longimbued upon arborists in theory and practice. Consulting with an arborist is the surest method of reducing risk and promoting vigor within your trees. Professional arborists practice a more perfect type of tree care. From a professional’s point-of-view, I have here attempted to define subtle, but concrete differences between tree-service providers, and the invisible stratification of technical proficiency between them. These dissimilarities fail to make it into the commercial advertisements, remaining absent from the awareness of consumers. Whether or not an arborist is enlisted for your project, it is still our privilege to be serving the manifold boughs of the urban canopy under which we all draw common breath and rest.
Celebrate DAD in June Japanese maples and Outdoor Fountains 25% OFF!*
Percival Q. Abernathy, the author under pseudonym, is a climbing, T.R.A.Q.(Tree Risk Assessment Qualified) and ISA Certified Arborist for Timberline Professional Tree Care, holding a BA in Environmental Studies from Saint Louis University. He began in the industry as a woody ornamental consultant at Greenscape Gardens.
Great gifts + great savings — all month long *25% off regular price. While supplies last. Cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts.Not valid on prior purchases. On sale: June 1-30, 2021
Plants • Trees • Pottery • Gifts • Decor & More
54 Clarkson Road, Ellisville, MO 63011 636-227-0095 Open 7 Days
timberwindsnursery.com SUMMER 2021
The Gateway Gardener™
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The Tours are Back! Summer is the season of glory for many gardens, and is usually the time when we are afforded the opportunity to peak into the gardening skills and successes of others through a full slate of garden tours and plant society shows. We’re still not back to a normal calendar of events, but gradually our favorite tours and plant sales are returning to us. We’ve highlighted a few on this page, with more summarized on our calendar of Upcoming Events on page 22. Be sure to check our online calendar of events, where we’ll have the flexibility to add information as it comes to us over the summer.
21st Annual Pond-O-Rama June 26th & 27th, 9-5 pm
find that really unique fish, or the one treasured item to place near or in the water feature. The soothing sight of water flowing and cascading down a waterfall and the gentle sounds of water falling on the rocks is a wonderful reason to have a water garden. There is a water feature of every size and design that is unique to your special place. This year 13 ponds will be open on Saturday, June 26; the remaining 12 will be available on Sunday, June 27. Each location will be on the tour only one of the two days, from 9-5 pm; and the $15 ticket covers both days. This year there is a special discount to groups of 10 or more, the tickets are only $10 each. The ticket booklet has maps and driving directions and water feature information for the self-guided tour.
For more information about the tour, a list of ticket-selling locations or to order tickets call (800) 945-7217 or visit the website of the St. . t. Louis Water Garden Society members are excited to welcome Louis Water Garden Society, you to their beautiful water features they have been preparing Washington County Farm Tour and Field Dinner this spring and summer for the 21st Annual Pond-O-Rama Tour. August 28th, 2021 Each year there are new gardens and ponds to enjoy. You can always find new plants, fish, and hidden surprises around every corner. There is always something new to see, get great ideas, and this year is no exception!
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For Pond-O-Rama veterans, the annual pond and water garden tour is a chance for them to spread the word about water gardening and the St Louis Water Garden Society, to share their own talents and hard work, and to help raise funds for the Society’s community service project, the lily ponds at Forest Park’s Jewel Box. The tour also helps support other programs for the Society throughout the year. This year’s tour will feature 25 gardens over the two days. There are quite a few new gardens on tour, and those returning from he 2021 Home Grown Farm Tour and Field Dinner will be previous years always have something new to share. All are held Saturday, August 28th. The theme is “Washington County SLWGS members who have opened their private gardens to the Beef: Past, Present & Future.” The MO Cattlemen’s Assn. are public for this tour. cooking steak, beans & slaw and the picnic will include locally For some of our hosts, Pond-O-Rama simply has become what grown vegetables and desserts. The cost will include picnic basket, you do on the weekend after Father’s Day every year. One of our wine glasses, appetizers and full country picnic, with beverages members has been on the tour every year since the very first Pond- included, served on a tented field, at socially distanced tables, cost O-Rama tour and they wouldn’t miss it. They love sharing their is $80 for a basket for two. Supports local farmers and agriculture water feature and talking to the many visitors that day. Our hosts students through scholarships. Reservations required, limited and members meet people not only from the Metro area, but many seating! Call 573-438-8555 or dbust@wcpartnership.org. visitors plan their trip and come from out-of-town each year.
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Society members are from all walks of life, and they all have the desire to share their passion for water gardening, gardens, and the beautiful places that they have created. As the seasons change, so do our ponds and gardens. June is optimum for the many gorgeous flowers, koi, goldfish, and aquatic plants in bloom.
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SPLASH! Pond and Garden Tour Chalily, 14430 Manchester Rd., St. Louis 63011 Sept. 18th
oin us on a tour of water gardens around St. Louis! From the DIY-er to professionally built, these hosts are opening their waThe joy of owning a pond inspires one to create beautiful landscapes, ter features for your inspiration! You can choose the bus tour or 20
The Gateway Gardener™ SUMMER 2021
21st Annual Pond-O-Rama Tour June 26 & 27, 2021 - 9 am -5 pm The St. Louis Water Garden Society’s tour will be the most spectacular garden tour of the summer. Tickets are just $15 for both days! Groups of 10—$10.
self-guided to visit these beautiful oases around St. Louis. Ask the hosts your questions, take some pictures, sit on a bench and enjoy the view! The purpose of the tour is to raise money for a worthy charity. As of this writing details haven’t been determined. Tickets include a seat on the bus, breakfast at one of the beautiful gardens, lunch at another host garden, and dinner at the last water feature on the tour. The buses begin and end at Chalily. Tickets will be available later in the summer in store at Chalily or online at chalily.com.
Remember, for other summer events, please check out our online calendar at gatewaygardener.com/events, where we’ll add information about tours, plant sales, classes and other events that come to us after publishing this issue.
SUMMER 2021
The Gateway Gardener™
For ticket information call (800) 945-7217 or visit the website: www.slwgs.org
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Upcoming Events in our next issue. Deadline for printing in the September issue is August 1st. June 5th 11am-2pm—Koi and Pond Club Meet & Greet—Members will be on hand to answer questions on ponds, fish, and plants, and to give information about the club. Timberwinds Nursery, 54 Clarkson Rd., Ellisville.
Upcoming Events Meetings, Classes, Entertainment and More Updates to this information are often posted on our online events calendar at www. GatewayGardener.com, so check there for the latest details. Give us the details upcoming gardening, landscaping event and it to our website and
of your lawn or we’ll add include it
June 11 and 12 4pm-9pm Fri., 9am-2pm Sun.— 21st Annual Madison County Garden Tour. Visit seven beautiful private gardens in Glen Carbon and Edwardsville, IL, during the 21st Annual Madison County Garden Tour. The tour is sponsored by Madison County Extension Foundation with support of University of Illinois Master Gardeners. Tickets are $13.00 online; children 10 and under are free. The gardens may th
th
y er pan n m n rd Wi ly Co wa p 9 A p e u 01 ic G S 2 Ser v BF ity un m m Co
Pond and Garden Tour
100% Proceeds Benefit Project Healing Waters
September 18th, 2021
• Beautiful water gardens, ponds and gardens! • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included • Support a great cause!
Visit our website for details coming soon. Save the date! Chalily.com 636.527.2001 14430 Manchester Rd. Manchester, MO 63011 22
be toured at the leisure of the ticket holders. Edwardsville, IL is located 20 miles east of St. Louis. For more information call (618) 344-4230 or visit http:// event.gives/madcogardentour. June 12th Noon-3pm—Koi and Pond Club Meet & Greet—Members will be on hand to answer questions on ponds, fish, and plants, and to give information about the club. Effinger Garden Center, 720 S. 11th St., Belleville, IL. June 15th 1:30pm—Four Seasons Gardening Series: Vegetable Garden Insects. Covers nine of the most common and destructive insect pests in the vegetable garden and how to control them. The University of Illinois webinar series is free but registration is required one week in advance of each session. Register at go.illinois.edu/FourSeasons. Registrants will receive an email with access information. June 19th 11am-2pm—Koi and Pond Club Meet & Greet—Members will be on hand to answer questions on ponds, fish, and plants, and to give information about the club. Ponds Plus Water Garden Center, 1757 S. Old Highway 94, St. Charles. June 20th 1:30pm—Four Seasons Gardening Series: Design with Kids in Mind. Explore how to foster the love of gardening with the youth in your life by creating themed gardens. The University of Illinois webinar series is free but registration is required one week in advance of each session. Register at go.illinois. edu/FourSeasons. Registrants will receive an email with access information. June 22nd 11am-noon—MBG Speaker Series Presentation. Members can learn more about progress on the new Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center. Virtual presentation. Visit Mobot.org for info.
June 26th 9am-5pm—22nd Annual Kimmswick Day Lily Sale. Sale to be held at the state inspected garden of Mr. Carrol Wrather, #6005 4th Street Kimmswick, MO 63053. Offering over 1200 freshly dug & bagged plants, featuring over 100 different varieties. This is a great opportunity to purchase new and older varieties not available in nurseries or garden centers. The sale often sells out, so be sure to arrive early for best selection. Proceeds benefit the Kimmswick Visitor Center. Important: We will be practicing CDC Safe guidelines, masks are required and proper social distancing should be maintained. For information call (636) 464-6464. June 26th & 27th 9am-5pm—21st Annual PondORama Water Garden Tour. See page 20 for details. Aug. 17th 1:30pm—Four Seasons Gardening Series: End of Summer Planted Fall Vegetables. Get tips for planting fall vegetables, which vegetables are better suited for late summer planting, and how to store fall harvested vegetables. The University of Illinois webinar series is free but registration is required one week in advance of each session. Register at go.illinois.edu/FourSeasons. Registrants will receive an email with access information. Aug. 28th Washington County Farm Tour and Field Dinner. See page 20 for details. Sept. 18th SPLASH! Pond and Garden Tour. See page 20 for details. Sept. 24th-26th Koi Show and Pond Expo. Save the Date! More information to come in the September issue. Or visit gatewaykoiandpondclub.org.
The Gateway Gardener™ SUMMER 2021
Dig This!
Gateway Gardeners and Businesses in the News MBG Announces New HAS Coordinator
Aaron Lynn-Vogel has been named the new Horticulture Answer Service (HAS) coordinator at Missouri Botanical Garden. In that capacity, Aaron will assume the responsibilities formerly held by Chip Tynan, who retired at the end of 2020. Aaron will be responsible for answering gardening questions by phone and email. The phone number is (314) 577-5143 and the email is plantinformation@mobot.org. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 9am-Noon. Response times may be delayed due to limited staffing. Aaron holds a B.S. in Horticulture from Michigan State University, has experience working as a landscaping manager, and worked as a horticulturist at Disney World for several years. He has been with the Garden since 2017, working as an Outdoor Horticulturist in Kemper. He was responsible for the Kemper building beds, Terrace Garden, Ground Cover Border, Perennial Border, City Garden, Backyard Garden and Secret Garden areas. He also briefly cared for the indoor houseplant displays and worked with several of the Plant Doctor volunteers before pandemic restrictions suspended HAS volunteer work. “He was hands down, the perfect person for the position,” said Daria McKelvey, Supervisor of the Garden’s Kemper Center for Home Gardening. “He is very familiar with Kemper procedures, has extensive knowledge in home gardening practices, plant identification and is well versed in turf grass care! Aaron’s favorite plant subjects include edible landscaping and houseplants. However, no matter what subject it is, he’s always up for a conversation about plants!”
Local Arborist Named to Head National Tree Organization
The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), a national trade association for commercial and utility tree care companies, has named Tim Gamma as chair of the TCIA Board of Directors. Tim is the president of Gamma Tree Experts in St. Louis, and has also served as president of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) from
SUMMER 2021
The Gateway Gardener™
2009-2011. The TCIA has more than 2,000 tree care firms and affiliated companies.
WildOnes St. Charles and Conservation Area Showcase Native Gardens
Recently the WildOnes St. Charles Area Chapter in conjunction with August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area and Eco-Landscaping STL saw a year-long effort finally come to fruition with the planting of approximately 150 new plants donated by Shaw Nature Reserve. Most of the plants were used to highlight the entrance to Visitors Center, while a few others were scattered around the edges of paths and sidewalks to add diversity and also to act as green mulch around the edges of the gardens. What began as a “maintenance agreement” in January 2020 for approximately 10 garden islands has morphed into a coalition of efforts to beautify and update the Busch Conservation Area with native plantings that the public might consider for their own yards. Identification tags will soon accompany the new plantings to help visitors identify what they like. WildOnes St. Charles is a local chapter of the national organization WildOnes Natural Landscapers LTD, (wildones.org). The St. Charles Area Chapter was started in April 2019 and currently has 48 members, sixteen of whom participated in the effort, logging almost 200 hours. Long term plans involve enhancement of the entrance to the entire area, but more immediate plans focused on taming and enhancement of the 10 different gardens which had become overgrown with bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, Bradford pear and an aggressive type of dogwood. Poison ivy also enjoyed a place in a number of the gardens. Angie Webber, Community Resource Specialist with Eco Landscaping helped redesign the various gardens and incorporate more varieties of native plants. 23
