The Gateway Gardener November/December 2016

Gateway Gardener

November / December 2016

THE

®

Your Guide to Enjoyable Gardening and Easy-Care Landscapes

Holidays Come to Life!

Live Decor Indoors and Out

Holiday Gift Guide Wreath Decorating Tips Horticultural Holidays FREE Courtesy of:

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 The Gateway Gardener™

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HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE December 3rd

Join us for our annual Holiday Open House for a day full of festive activities. Enjoy holiday music by local youth groups, treats by Caffè Angelina or find the perfect tree & holiday decorations.

GARDEN & HOME :: LANDSCAPING :: IRRIGATION :: MAINTENANCE

550 HIGHWAY F DEFIANCE, MO 63341 636.798.2555 ::::: FRISELLANURSERY.COM

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— Presented by —

NOVEMBER 19 T H R O U G H

JANUARY 1

To learn more or purchase tickets online, visit mobot.org/holidays

4344 Shaw Blvd. • St. Louis, MO 63110 ( 3 1 4 ) 5 7 7- 5 1 0 0 • w w w . m o b o t . org

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The Gateway Gardener™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

Gateway Gardener THE

®

Your Guide to Enjoyable Gardening and Easy-Care Landscapes

November / December 2016 Volume 12, Number 9

Founded in 2005 by Joyce Bruno & Robert Weaver Publisher and Editor Robert Weaver Columnists

Barbara Perry Lawton Garden Book Author and Garden Writer Diane Brueckman Rosarian Joyce Driemeyer Master Gardener Steffie Littlefield Nursery Professional Abby Elliott Nursery Professional Jennifer Schamber Nursery Professional Scott Woodbury Native Plant Specialist

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.

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From the Editor

eople frequently lament the “Christmas creep” phenomena of recent years, as big box stores set their holiday aisles earlier and earlier. A Facebook friend expressed annoyance on a mid-October day after seeing her first Christmas television commercial of the season.

In my world, preparing the November/December issue for print, I’m immersed in the imagery, topics and events of the holiday season well before the spooks and goblins have paid their visit, so I don’t find the early onset of jingle bells and carols out of sync at all. I nearly tuned my Pandora to the Christmas music station the other day—a record-breaking o 92 October day--as I searched the internet for images of winter greens, ribbons and bows, edited articles on the seasonal topics found herein, and busied myself filling the Events section with listings of holiday craft classes, festive open houses and Santa sightings.

So, while I appreciate most of you are reading this before the Thanksgiving table’s been set and may not be primed in

holiday enthusiasm, check out our round up of Horticultural Holiday Celebrations (page 10). They’re guaranteed to spark your spirit. Once inspired, take a look at our annual Holiday Gift Guide for some fresh ideas for your favorite gardener. (Why is it, when I start thinking about Christmas so early, that I still postpone the shopping ‘til the the way I have been, it will last minute?) be time soon enough to start decking the halls. Toward My mother always cautioned that end, Steffie Littlefield against wishing away your starts us off with some life, and I try not to allow my tips on adding some fresh publication schedule to rush flourishes to the traditional me too far ahead of things. holiday wreath (page. 4). For With that in mind, as I wish additional inspiration, be sure everyone a Happy Holiday to visit the annual Holiday Season, I’ll step back a bit Wreath Display and Auction in the spirit of Thanksgiving, at Missouri Botanical Gardens and remember the bounty of beginning November 19th. gifts my family and I have been blessed with in 2016. I For those of us jump-starting wish the same for all of you. the season, it can be a challenge keeping living trees, flowering plants and fresh arrangements Good Gardening! and decorations, well…fresh!

Jennifer Schamber has some suggestions on page 6 to make your holiday greenery last as long as possible. If, on the other hand, you find yourself lagging behind in

On the Cover...

While this tree will be perfectly content to celebrate the holidays outdoors, it takes a little more preparation to keep living trees, flowering plants and other fresh greens happy through the holiday season indoors. For some tips on how to do so, see page 6. (Photo courtesy 123rf. com)

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 The Gateway Gardener™

IN THIS ISSUE 4 Wreath-Making Tips 6 Caring for Live and Fresh Greens 8 Holiday Gift Guide 10 Horticultural Holidays 12 Fungus Among Us 13 Dig This 14 Upcoming Events

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Ho Ho, Oh No! It’s the Holidays Again!

by Steffie Littlefield

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wreath, I like to add other greens that give the wreath more depth. This can be golden arborvitae, waxy magnolia leaves, or bright-variegated boxwood bundles that are then wired into the base of the wreath at balanced spaces around the circumference.

Next I look for a stand out color in berries, usually cream, red, burgundy or blue.

Other fruit decorations like dried apple, pomegranate or orange slices are very traditional as in a Williamsburg style wreath, and even more fruit will be used for a della robbia look. Cones are an essential part of a natural green wreath, some are natural brown, others shiny white, gold, platinum or silver with glitter and some a more natural looking gray, cream or tan. There are also a variety of sizes for pine or conifer cones, the larger fat cones are a stand out and the smaller cones in clusters are more of a supporting player in the design. If the wreath is to take on a highly visible and starring role in the home décor, it might be best to go straight to the ornaments like satin colored balls, striped candies, silver or gold bells, miniature wrapped gifts, or even small scale felt woodland animals Missouri Botanical Garden

hanksgiving is upon us and the holiday season will come screaming in faster than you can redecorate your home. Having worked for twenty years in a garden center one thing I have learned is how to recreate the holidays with a fresh look and new sparkle in the same home or shop year after year! We really treasure the fresh greens and natural materials we get from across the country every fall, but each year I look for something new that sparks the imagination of family, friends and customers.

For instance, I love to take lush fresh wreaths that smell like the forests they come from and add some personal touches to make a unique display for the customer’s front entry. There are so many natural decorative pieces that can be added to a wreath that will coordinate with other decorations or the architectural detail of the home.

Starting with a basic green and silvery blue evergreen

CELEBRATING THE LOVE, PEACE AND JOY OF CHRISTMAS Gifts, Bows, Lights, Trees, Wreaths and a whole lot more!

Open House

Nov. 27, 2016 9am-5pm

Festive snacks, drinks and unadvertised specials all day!

11530 Gravois Rd. • 314-843-4700 1-1/4 Miles Ease of I-270 • Open 7 Days SappingtonGardenShop.com 4

Steffie Littlefield is a horticulturist and garden designer at Garden Heights Nursery and part-owner of Edg-Clif Farms & Vineyard. She has degrees from St. Louis Community College at Meramec and Southeast Missouri State and is a member of Gateway Professional Horticultural Association and past president of the Horticulture Co-op of Metropolitan St. Louis.

The Gateway Gardener™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

or fairies. With these touches a specific color scheme can be replicated in the wreath. The crowning glory will be a beautiful and lavish bow. Color and texture choices are endless for this last adornment as is the placement.

Should the bow be at the top, bottom or the left or right side? Oh my so many choices…

Lately I, along with other designers, have been creating unique wreaths that feature a miniature vignette or scene depicting the glory of the holidays. Last year for the Missouri Botanical Garden Holiday Wreath Display I chose a fairy theme with a Christmas tree, presents and dancing fairies decorating their forest home. Others wreaths had whole Christmas villages, birds and even owls in a winter sky. However you choose to decorate your wreath, it will be sure to brighten your doorway or wall with holiday delight!

Holiday Wreath Auction November 19th-January 1st Missouri Botanical Garden Every year the display of holiday wreaths is amazing and inspiring with fun themes from traditional to modern. The submitted wreaths create a collection that has something for every style of home. The display opens each year at the same time as the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Garden Glow. This year’s display runs from November 19th through January 1st. Look for it in the atrium of the Ridgway Center. All of the best designers in St. Louis will be donating wreaths for this show and the wreaths are available to the public through an ongoing silent auction, with proceeds benefitting the Missouri Botanical Garden. These fabulous designs are sure to thrill all who see them and the lucky winners will treasure them for years!

Your Garden Center that’s OPEN YEAR ROUND! Stop in this winter for Holiday Gifts, Firewood and Plant Super Sales!

Like us on Facebook for coupons, updates and specials!

2701 Barrett Station Rd. • St. Louis, MO 63021 www.kirkwoodgardens.com • 314-966-4840 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 The Gateway Gardener™

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The Holidays Come to Life!

Caring for Your Live and Fresh Cut Plants Indoors

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conifer tree (in a pot or he holiday balled-and-burlapped) as a d e c o r a t i n g season is upon us and many gardeners Christmas tree, and then plant would love to extend the it the week of winter break. gardening season as long as This can be done successfully possible. One easy way is to if the length of time the tree bring the outdoors in and, with spends indoors is limited. In some easy tips, some of our a warm room with heat vents favorite plants for the garden or a fireplace, less than 7 days can be enjoyed indoors and then would be advisable. If your tree planted outside after the holiday is going in a 3-seasons room or a cooler room with a humidifier, season. then 2 weeks may be possible.

Live Christmas Trees Any heat vents within 6’ feet of A very nice holiday tradition for the tree should be closed. The some families is to use a live best success comes from trees

A Million Garden Tools in One!

(Okay, maybe not a million, but certainly tons. Our favorite #1 tool!)

1223rf.com

by Jennifer Schamber

that are containerized since t h e y are easier to water than burlapped trees.

If a burlapped tree is used, the best way to water it will be with ice cubes so that the water can slowly percolate into the soil. The smaller the tree, the better the rate of success. If shopping for a containerized tree, a small 1 or 2-gallon potted spruce would serve as a perfect tabletop Christmas tree, then can be transferred outdoors in a container garden or in the ground. A larger container 5, 7, 10 or 15 gallon pot can also be used and sometimes looks best when placed on a low table or pedestal to give it some extra height. Another strategy may be to leave the tree decorated with lights on the front porch and not bring it inside at all to avoid stress and increase transplant success.

Before bringing a tree indoors, be sure to water it thoroughly until water drips out the holes of the pot. If it is only going to be in the house for a week, it may not need any more water, until it is planted, but if indoors for over a week, it will most likely need an extra drink. Plan on taking it outside on December 26th. If the weather is trending towards freezing temperatures, it may make sense to pre-dig the hole on a nice day and even put the soil in a wheelbarrow and store in the garage to make it easier to work with at planting time.

Remember to have a bag of mulch on-hand to use around the tree to help insulate the roots and regulate the moisture in the soil. Water thoroughly after planting and be sure to take pictures of the process.

The Incredible Soil Knife Plant bulbs & flowers Divide Perennials Dig out weeds Saw through roots Prepare furrows for seeding Chop greens off root veggies And so much more!

Lifetime Guarantee

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1011 N. Woodlawn Kirkwood, MO 63122 314-965-3070 www.SugarCreekGardens.com

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The Gateway Gardener™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

Hellebores

Every gardener loves Hellebores and giving them as gifts during the holiday season is a popular tradition in Europe. Poinsettias still top the list of plants to give during the holiday season, but Hellebores top the chart when it comes to longevity and usefulness in the garden. This versatile plant can be enjoyed indoors or out, making it suitable for outdoor container gardeners (they look

great paired with birch logs and other winter cuttings) or as a live element to a tablescape.

When indoors, plan to water weekly. It’s okay to let them dry down between waterings, and that would be preferable to overwatering. These can be successfully left indoors for several weeks and then brought outdoors after the holidays. Try to avoid extreme temperature

changes and protect them from freeze and frost the first week or so once outdoors. Pre-digging a hole and mulching after planting will increase the success rate of the plant.

Caring For Cut Greenery

Another way to enjoy the outdoors during the cold winter months is to take cuttings from outdoor garden plants and bring them inside in vases or baskets with floral foam.

Keep them consistently moist and avoid placing them near sunny windows or heat vents.

Beautiful arrangements can be made using nandina, pine, spruce, cypress, winterberry, red or yellowtwig dogwood, magnolia, dried hydrangea flowers, ornamental grasses and a wide array of other winterinterest plants.

If you are unable to spritz them frequently with water, it may make sense to use an anti-dessicant product like Wilt Stop® to help lock in moisture. If in a vase, change the water frequently and re-cut the stems to help them absorb water better. Expect at least a week or so if using cuttings indoors, but when using outdoors in a cool, shaded area, these arrangements can last a couple of months if kept moist.

Share, Celebrate and Remember this Season!

The holiday season has become quite plasticized and overloaded with glitz and glitter… Make this the year to bring life back into the holiday season with a

little creativity and some help from Mother Nature.

Hellebore and bench green photos by Jennifer Schamber.

Jennifer Schamber is the General Manager of Greenscape Gardens, and plays leaderships roles in the Western Nursery & Landscape Association, GrowNative!, the Landscape & Nursery Association of Greater St. Louis and the Horticulture Co-op of Metro St. Louis. She has earned Green Profit Magazine’s Young Retailer Award, and Greenscape Gardens was named the National Winner of the 2015 “Revolutionary 100” Garden Centers by Today’s Garden Center Magazine.

A Great Holiday Gift!

Why not give The Gateway Gardener to your favorite gardener this Holiday season?! Just complete this form and mail it with $24 for postage and handling to the address below. Your friend or relative will receive 9 issues (a oneyear subscription) beginning with the next issue.

Gift From: Gift To:

Address:

Visit us for great planting, birding and gifting items!

City, State & Zip: Phone:

20% OFF Bird Feeders

Good through 12/15/16. Not good with any other sale, coupon or discount or on previous purchases.

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2601 E. 5th St., Washington, MO

NURSERY & FLORIST

636-239-6729 www.hillermann.com

Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00 to 6:00, Sat: 8:00 to 5:00, Sun: 9:00 to 5:00

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 The Gateway Gardener™

Email:

Please make your check payable to The Gateway Gardener and mail it with this form to:

The Gateway Gardener • PO Box 220853 St. Louis, MO 63122

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Holiday Gifts

Looking for that special gift for your favorite gardener? We asked area garden cen or clip and leave conspicuously lying arou Sugar Creek Gardens 1011 N. Woodlawn Kirkwood, MO 314-965-3070 SugarCreekGardens.com

Amaryllis Give exquisite beauty and a pot full of joy with holiday blooming Amaryllis.

Considered by many as one of the most gorgeous plants of the season, their large flowers are made up of velvety petals of Christmas red, snow white or even candy striped red and white.

Garden Heights Nursery 1605 S Big Bend St. Louis, MO 314-645-7333 GardenHeights.com

OK Hatchery 115 E. Argonne Dr. Kirkwood, MO 63122 (314) 822-0083

The Potted Plant 1257 St. Peters Cottleville Rd. Cottleville, MO 63376 (636) 447-9000 PottedPlant.net

Studio M Yard and Garden Art St. Louis-headquartered Studio M, a division of MagnetWorks, specializes in artfully designed products for your yard and garden, including mailbox wraps, seasonal, holiday and special occasion flags, doormats and more. Support our local businesses!

Hillermann Nursery & Florist 2601 E. 5th Street Washington, MO 63090 636-239-6729 Hillermann.com

Patchwork Reindeer Beautiful handmade patchwork reindeer. Each one is a unique combination of Indian fabrics.

Available in two sizes.

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Wine Gift Basket Your beautiful gift basket will feature wine from a local winery with chocolate and gift items. Wine accessory items, flowers, garden items and much more can be included in a gift basket.

Rewined Candles Made by hand in Charleston, from reclaimed discarded wine bottles, each bottle is hand cut and then filled with a premium, natural soy wax candle. Each fragrance is designed to mimic the flavors and aromas of your favorite wines and comes with an official seal of vintage and the producer. What a great gift for the wine enthusiast in your life or just someone who enjoys candles.

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From:Independen Your ries & Nurse n Centers Garde

Sappington Garden Shop 11530 Gravois Rd. St. Louis, MO (314) 843-4700 SappingtonGardenShop.com Flip Flop Flowerpot

Assembly Kit With this kit you can stack 5 pots of your choice for a unique garden accent. Go to: flipflopflowerpot.com for many more ideas for its use. Proudly made in the USA.

The Gateway Gardener™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

for Gardeners

nters and other related shops for some suggestions to make your shopping easier-und as a not-so-subtle hint to your Santa.

Daniel’s Farm & Greenhouse 352 Jungermann Rd. St. Peters, MO (636) 441-5048 DanielsFarmAndGreenhouse. com

Fresh greens, wreaths, pine roping, holly and poinsettias.

Decorated or plain grave blankets and grave sprays. Cut balsam and fraser fir Christmas trees and live green spruce.

And be sure to bring your camera for a great holiday photo op with our antique Russian sleigh!

Screen Printing from the Northeast. Perfectly utilitarian and masterfully made, these accessories will add natural beauty to your kitchen.

Effinger Garden Center 720 South 11th St Belleville IL 62220 618-234-4600 www.effingergarden.com

Edg-Clif Farms & Vineyard www.edg-clif.com steffie@edg-clif.com

Rolling Ridge Nursery 60 N. Gore Webster Groves, MO (314) 962-3311 Rolling RidgeNursery.com

Recycled Glass Bulb Vases Bringing the outdoors in has never been easier with our recycled glass bulb vases.

Great for Paperwhites and hyacinths and perfect for everyone on your list!

Frisella Nursery 550 Hwy F, Defiance, MO (636) 798-2555 FrisellaNursery.com

Kirkwood Gardens 2701 Barrett Station Rd. St. Louis, MO 63021 (314) 966-4840 KirkwoodGardens.com

Handcrafted Utensils and Tea Towels Handcrafted treenware utensils, made in Missouri from local native woods like birdseye maple, walnut and Osage orange. Pair a spoon with a garden inspired, hand-printed tea towel from &Morgan

A Gardener’s Gift Pot Everything a gardener needs in a clay pot, ready to be gifted!

May include: Nitrile gloves, Nature Source Fertilizer, Renee’s Garden seed pack, Velcro garden ties, A.M. Leonard Soil Knife, and a few other surprises.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 The Gateway Gardener™

Fresh Greens, wreaths, roping, holly and poinsettias. Custom decorated grave blankets, grave sprays and pillows. Cut fraser fir Christmas trees and live blue spruce.

Edg-Clif “Hollyberry Red” Chambourcin Wine A semi-sweet with a rich blackberry flavor. Each bottle comes with a gift card and our hot spiced mulled wine recipe that is perfect for the Holidays.

Cost is $12/bottle. Contact steffie@edg-clif.com to place order

Support These and Other Local Independent Small Businesses on

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Millstadt Gardens/ N.G. Heimos Greenhouses Poinsettia Wonderland Open House Nov. 20th, 9am-4pm

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he name says it all. A Pointsettia Wonderland indeed! N.G. Heimos Greenhouses is one of the area’s largest wholesale growers of poinsettias and other holiday plants, and this one day each year, the Heimos Family opens the doors for a public holiday celebration!

Nowhere in St. Louis will you be surrounded by more poinsettias—over 200 different varieties! Taking one of the casual guided tours of the growing facilities, which take place from 10am-3pm, you’ll think you landed among the poppy fields in the Land of Oz, with acres and acres of red, pink, white and other popular poinsettia colors stretching nearly to the horizons.

You can also shop for poinsettias and other holiday plants, visit with Santa, enjoy caroling and dance performances, and shop the holiday market for homemade gifts from area crafters. Bring your camera for one-ofa-kind holiday photo opportunities! Heimos Greenhouses are just a few minutes from the J.B. Bridge on Route 158 toward Millstadt, Illinois.

The Gateway Gardener™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

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Missouri Botanical Gardens Garden Glow and Gardenland Express November 19th -January 1st

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he Garden Glow returns to Missouri Botanical Garden again, featuring a million lights surrounding visitors with a spectacle of unique installations amid some of the Garden’s most iconic locations. Enjoy interactive photo opportunities, traditional holiday music and festivities, delicious food and drinks and more as the Garden is transformed around you into a winter wonderland. Tickets are date-specific and sold in limited quantities.

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Another wonderland awaits visitors comfortably indoors. The annual Gardenland Express Holiday Flower and Train Show promises to delight visitors of all ages with six tracks of animated model trains and hundreds of festive holiday plants. The six-week Gardenland Express holiday show is created from the ground up every year. The design is under production by horticulture staff and volunteers at least 12 months prior to the show. In mid-October, Horticulture staff and volunteers begin assembling the show. Over 40 tons of aged sawdust are brought inside the display hall to form the base of the landscape. After being nursed for months in the comfortable conditions of a climate-controlled heated greenhouse, colorful flowering plants finally make their holiday debut in the Gardenland Express.

Garden Center Holiday Open Houses

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December 3rd Frisella Nursery Rolling Ridge Nursery

December 3rd & 4th Garden Heights Nursery NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 The Gateway Gardener™

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November 27th Sappington Garden Shop

Frisella Nursery

November 17th Hillermann Nursery & Florist

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November 12th & 13th Potted Plant Garden Center

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any Garden Centers transform their seasonal showcase areas into family-friendly holiday shops, and several kick off the season with an open house. Music, treats, visits from Santa and more are often on the agenda.

Here are just a few scheduled events of which we’ve been made aware. Check out our Upcoming Events calendar for more details.

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Naturally Natives

Tips and Resources for Growing and Landscaping with Sustainable Native Plants

We Could Use More Fungus Among Us! text and photos by Scott Woodbury

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eeing is believing, especially with tiny soil-dwelling organisms called mycorrhizal fungi.

Because they are beneficial to plants, the horticulture team at Shaw Nature Reserve has purchased potting soil that contains one species of mycorrhizal fungi, Glomus intraradices. Most plants grow well in this amended potting soil in our production greenhouse.

But even with the one species of fungi, some plants consistently turn yellow year after year, decade after decade.

an over-abundance of prairie grass. So what was different in 2003? The seed mixes have been about the same since the first prairie seeding occurred in 1992 but with one exception.

Mycorrhizal fungi were added to the seed in the 2003 section but not in any of the other sections. It took a decade or longer for this to become evident. I’ve read that there are upwards of 500 species of fungi that exist in remnant tallgrass prairie soil and as little as 5 species in fescue pasture and none in crop soils. When prairie plants die, so do the fungi that support them.

We used to propagate and sell about 80% of the species displayed in the Whitmire garden.

We consistently struggled with the other 20%, many of which are common native plants like blazing star, rattlesnake master, wild indigo, slender mountain mint and shining bluestar (these nongrass species are called forbs).

Seeds germinated well and grew for several weeks but then would turn yellow and stop growing, even after adding fertilizer, micro-nutrients So how does this relate to or compost which also has greenhouse production? On a beneficial bacteria and fungi. hunch, we located the company that produced the original Even in the Whitmire tallgrass mycorrhizal fungi that went into prairie the same forbs the 2003 prairie seed mix, and disappeared and were replaced started using it in the greenhouse. by grasses. All but in one It included the one species of section sown in 2003. In the fungi that comes with standard 2003 section an abundance of potting soil plus 16 additional forb species stand out including species. The mycorrhizal fungi the plants listed above. There is comes in a powder that is mixed a distinct visible line between with water and applied just the seeded sections. On one after seedlings germinate. Our side large amounts of flowers plant production jumped this and grasses, on the other side year from 80% to nearly 100% 12

some garden centers but I wish we had access to all 500 of the species that grow in a remnant tallgrass prairie. I would add them to existing plants in the Whitmire Wildflower garden.

We would sell native plants plus their specific mycorrhizal species at our wildflower markets in spring and fall. We would reconstruct acres of tallgrass prairie with them and I would even add them to my success. There were very few Christmas persimmon pudding yellowing plants and we noticed if I could find a local ecotype increased vigor across the sources! board. Greener, healthier plants Make 2017 a year to learn and filled the greenhouse and went discover about the small things home with happy customers at in life that really matter, like the annual Shaw Wildflower healthy soil and mycorrhizal Market held every Mother’s day fungi. My University of weekend. Now customers bring Wisconsin plant pathology native plants plus living fungi professor used to say “There is home that spread and improve a fungus among us”. I would garden soil and plant health. say that we need more fungus Virtually invisible mycorrhizal among us. The Cooperative fungi make a difference that Extension service from the I can see with my eyes and University of Alaska (yes touch with my hands. But Alaska) has a useful handout their rich diversity is not called Mycorrhizae in the yet commonly available or Alaska Landscape. For further known. Gardeners, landscape information I recommend contractors and nursery/ looking it up online. Happy greenhouse professionals can gardening! find products online and in 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 more than 20 years. He is also an advisor to the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s GrowNative! program.

The Gateway Gardener™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

Dig This!

Gateway Gardeners and Businesses in the News Local Beekeeper Earns Honors at State Fair

Heitkamp’s Rolling Meadow Apiaries products are produced from hives in Oakville, Wildwood and Saint Genevieve County. He can be reached at Kmbcheitkamp@sbcglobal.net.

Hillermann’s and Washington Make News Near and Far

Hillermann Nursery & Florist

Hillermann Nursery & Florist in Washington, MO, was recognized recently by the City, while the City itself came home Left to right: Tyler King, Sandi Hillermann with a top from McDonald, Scott Hillermann and Gail honor national Hillermann of Hillermann Nursery & Florist, a accepting the award from Jennifer Geisike program. At from Washington Chamber of Commerce. home, The Washington Area Chamber of Commerce presented a memberrecognition award to Hillermann’s for Best Special Event for its campaign to promote pollinator planting due to the decline of pollinator populations. The nursery partnered with the Washington in Bloom

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 The Gateway Gardener™

America in Bloom

Ken Heitcamp

After being introduced to beekeeping in college, a feature on KETC Channel 9 about the St. Louis area’s Eastern Missouri Beekeepers Association inspired Ken Heitkamp to set up two beehives in his backyard.

Ten years and 20-something hives later, a casual pursuit turned passion—and a lot of intensive labor— earned Heitkamp the Missouri State Beekeeper’s Association (MSBA) Individual Grand Champion Purple Ribbon at the 2016 Missouri State Fair as his raw honey, beeswax, sealed honey frames and other all-natural honey products earned the most awards.

Committee, Washington City Parks Department and Washington Garden Club for an Earth Day Event that included speakers, demos and activities.

Hillermann’s also offered programs and specials to promote pollinator gardening.

Left to right: Dave Wehmeyer, co-chair of Washington in Bloom; Jack Clasen, AIB judge; Josh Wargo, City of Washington Arborist/Horticulturist; Darren Dunkle, Washington Parks Director, John Steffens, WIB committee member; and Leslie Pittenger, AIB judge.

On the national level, the America in Bloom community enhancement program presented Washington with the top prize in its population category at the AIB National Awards ceremony. All participants were evaluated on six criteria: overall impression, environmental awareness, heritage preservation, urban forestry, landscaped areas, and floral displays. Additionally, they were judged on their community involvement across municipal, residential, and commercial sectors. Washington received a 5-bloom rating out of a possible five blooms and won its population category, Circle of Champions-Medium.

The city also received a special award for most impressive pollinator garden and special recognition for Landscaped Areas.

Washington has an impressive history of past successes with AIB, including winning its population category and outstanding achievement awards in urban forestry and community involvement.

America in Bloom executive director, Laura Kunkle, said, “America in Bloom is helping towns and cities of all sizes achieve their potential. Every year our participants raise the bar, and the accomplishments and progress shown by this year’s group is again remarkable. These are, without a doubt, some of the best places to live in America.”

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Upcoming Events Automotile Center, 3015 Barrett Station Rd.

Meetings, Classes, Entertainment and More

November 5th and December 3rd 11am-2pm—Hillermann’s First Saturday Kids. Play in the garden and enjoy a FREE activity.

November: Thank a Veteran; December: Make a Paper Plate Snowman. Hillermann Nursery & Florist (636) 239-6729. Hillermann. com.

the season. Many fun giveaways at this special Member Day! Open to MBG members only. Reservations required.

Shoenberg Theater, Missouri Botanical Garden.

November 5th 10am—Holiday Plants-Growing Tips for Colorful Displays.

Discover the most beautiful holiday plants, with the best colors and forms. Sugar Creek Gardens, 1011 Woodlawn Rd., Kirkwood. FREE. Call (314) 965-3070 for reservations.

Updates to this information are rd often posted on our online events December 3 9 am—Holiday Decorating— calendar at GatewayGardener. Children’s Garden Club. FREE. November 6th com, so check there for the Sherwood’s Forest Nursery & 2-3pm—Stark Beauty: Appreclatest details.

Garden Center. 2651 Barrett Station iating Winter Landscapes. Join Give us the details of your upcoming gardening, lawn or landscaping event and we’ll add it to our website and include it in our next issue. Deadline for printing in January/February issue is December 1st.

How to reach us: Mail: PO Box 220853 St. Louis, MO 63122 Email: info@gatewaygardener.com

GARDEN CLUBS AND PLANT SOCIETY MEETINGS Interested in Joining a Garden Club or Plant Society? We have meeting dates, locations and contact information on more than 50 area garden clubs on our website at www.

GatewayGardener.com. Don’t have access to the internet? Just call us at (314) 968-3740, or write us at PO Box 220853, St. Louis, MO 63122, and we’ll get the information to you.

So share your joy for gardening and join a garden club or favorite plant society today!

FUN FOR KIDS November 5th 9am—Health and Tea—Children’s Garden Club. FREE. Museum of Transportation, Earl C. Lindburg

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Rd. (314) 966-0028.

December 3rd and 10th 11am-1pm—Pictures with Santa.

The wonder and excitement only Santa can bring comes alive at Hillermann’s! Children are invited to experience the thrill of visiting with Santa and telling him their Christmas wishes. Pets are welcome as well! YHTI Internet will take and print pictures for you to take home. Children can enjoy holiday crafts and activities. In the giving spirit of the season, donations to Loving Hearts Outreach and Grace’s Place are requested for this event.

Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636239-6729, www.hillermann.com.

December 10th 1-4pm—Saturday with Santa.

Christmas Carols in the Garden.

Whisper your Christmas wishes to Santa Claus, rub noses with Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, listen to festive holiday carols and enjoy a free ride with your friends and family to see holiday decor at the Tower Grove House and Kemper Center. Missouri Botanical Garden.

CLASSES, LECTURES AND EVENTS November 3rd 11am—Member Day: Holiday Decorating. Let the experts give you tips and tricks to deck your home for the holidays! Join us as Scott Hepper, Master Designer at Walter Knoll Florist, demonstrates the trends for making your house beautiful during

Frisella’s staff for a hands-on talk exploring the plants that shine during these cold, gray months. Frisella Nursery, frisellanursery.com/events, 636.798.2555.

November 10th 1-4pm—Native Plant School: Grapevine Wreath Making. $15 ($12 Garden/SNR members).

Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve. For reservations or more information, call (636) 451-3512 or visit www. shawnature.org.

10am-2pm—Using Compost to Create Sustainable Landscape Sites. A discussion on the benefits of compost to creat sustainable landscapes and manage drought, stormwater and erosion. CEUs available to professionals. Free to attend, pre-registration required; contact Sara Ryan at sryan@ stlcompost.com. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4651 Shaw Blv., St. Louis, MO 63110. Presented by Composting & Organics Association of Missouri.

November 12th-13th 9am-6pm—Holiday Open House at Potted Plant Garden Center.

See all the unique garden centric gift ideas and sign up to join classes using fresh greens for indoor holiday arrangements and outdoor porch pots. See all the details at www.pottedplant.net . Potted Plant Garden Center, 1257 Cottleville Rd., Cottleville (636) 447-9000.

November 12th and December 10th

10am-noon—Wine Making. A multi-class series on steps in wine making. You can attend as many as you like. Nov. 12th (Filtering and Back Sweetening), Dec. 10th (Bottling). A handout outlining each step in the process will be available. $5 fee per session. Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, Hillermann.com.

November 13th 9am-5pm—Webster Groves Holiday Open House. A tradition in Webster Groves for over 25 years, it draws thousands of visitors every year from all around the Greater St. Louis area. This event is sponsored by the WG Trade Association, and many participating shops and businesses in historic downtown Webster Groves are open that day. There are refreshments in the stores, strolling carolers, Santa Claus, carriage rides, and a trolley to transport visitors around Webster.

Be sure to stop by Rolling Ridge Nursery and visit with members of Webster Groves Horticultural Society. 60 N. Gore, Webster Groves.

November 17th 5-7:30pm—Elegant Evening Holiday Party. Join Hillermann’s staff for a special Holiday Celebration! Your RSVP is requested at 636-239-6729 by 11/14/15.

Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636239-6729, Hillermann.com.

November 19th through January 1st 9am-5pm—Gardenland Express. Annual holiday flower and train show features G-scale model trains traveling through a miniature landscape of living plants, surrounded by more than 500 colorful poinsettias and other flowers. Closed Christmas Day. Orthwein Floral Display Hall, Missouri Botanical Garden.

November 19th-January 1st 5-10pm—Garden Glow. Visitors will have the opportunity to stroll through the Garden at night surrounded by a spectacle of unique light installations. Hundreds of thousands of lights will adorn some of the Garden’s most iconic

The Gateway Gardener™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

locations including the Climatron®, Kaeser Memorial Maze, the Central Axis and Tower Grove House.

Walkways will be transformed into an explosion of visual magic, while more traditional displays will delight crowds of all ages. Family Night every Wednesday. Tickets are date-specific and sold in limited quantities. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.mobot.org/glow.

November 19th through January 1st 9am-5pm—Holiday Wreath Auction. Featuring unique creations by some of the area’s finest floral designers. All wreaths are sold by silent auction bidding, with proceeds benefiting the Missouri Botanical Garden. Monsanto Hall, upper level of the Ridgway Visitor Center.

November 20th 9am-4pm—Poinsettia Wonderland Open House. See the largest display of poinsettias in the area. Guided tours of the greenhouses from 10am-3pm. Visit with Santa, and enjoy Christmas carolers, holiday cookies and crafters. Proceeds from sales benefit Millstadt Optimist Youth Club. Millstadt Gardens and N.G.Heimos Greenhouses, 6667 Route 158, Millstadt, IL, 62290.

(618) 476-9600.

Noon-1pm—A Wintry Take on Containers. Join Marian Benanati for a fun filled demonstration on ways to decorate your planters, so you can enjoy them throughout the holiday season. Frisella Nursery, f r i s e l l a n u r s e r y. c o m / e v e n t s , 636.798.2555.

2-3pm—Holiday Decorating for Hearth & Home. Join Frisella’s staff for some unique & picturesque ways to dress up your hearth and home this holiday season. Frisella Nursery, frisellanursery.com/events, 636.798.2555.

November 26th 10am—Advent Wreath MakeN-Take Workshop. Learn how to make an advent wreath to take home. $25 supply fee. Call 636-239-6729 to sign up. Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, Hillermann. com.

November 26 and December 3 10am (both dates) and 1pm (Nov. 26 only)—Holiday Outdoor Containers and Decorations Using Natural Elements. Learn th

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how to use the bounty of your yard, along with seasonal ornaments and evergreen plants to create exquisite containers and decorations. Sugar Creek Gardens, 1011 Woodlawn Rd., Kirkwood. FREE. Call (314) 965-3070 for reservations.

November 27 9am-5pm—Christmas Open House. Super special discounts and a gift for stopping in. Bring your children and cameras for a great photo opportunity. Sappington Garden Shop, 11530 Gravois Rd., (314) 843-4700. th

November 29th and December 6th 10am—Make and Take Holiday Containers. Create your own holiday porch pot with fresh cut, aromatic greens and seasonal decorations. Sugar Creek Gardens, 1011 Woodlawn Rd., Kirkwood.

FREE. Call (314) 965-3070 for reservations.

December 1st 10am—Christmas Door Wreath Make-N-Take Workshop. Learn how to make a 24-inch fresh evergreen Christmas wreath. $40.00 supply fee. Call 636-239-6729 to sign up. Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, www. hillermann.com.

December 3rd 9am-5pm—Customer Appreciation Day and Holiday Marketplace. Celebrating our customers with a fun day of sampling, shopping, refreshments and holiday cheer! Just a few of the independent vendors participating; Two Men and a Garden, Shapfield Farms, Wildflower Wagon, Shaman Keys, Wood Hat Spirits, Weld Made Artworks, Dottie Q, WGHS Spirit wear and more + music by Holiday Uke. Rolling Ridge Nursery, 60 N. Gore, Webster Groves. (314) 9623311.

11am-5pm – Holiday Open House.

Join Frisella’s for their annual Holiday Open House. Caffe Angelina will be providing complimentary baked goods and coffee. They have a large selection of Christmas trees (live and cut), pine roping, wreaths, live trimmings and holiday gifts for the gardener. Frisella Nursery, frisellanursery.com, 636.798.2555.

December 3rd and 4th 10am-5pm—Holidays at Garden Heights. Open House, with cookies,

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 The Gateway Gardener™

cocoa and a visit from Santa (11am3pm). Garden Heights Nursery, 1605 Big Bend Blvd., Richmond Heights.

(314) 645-7333, GardenHeights. com. FREE paperwhite bulbs with ad (see inside front cover).

December 7th Missouri Green Industry Conference. Seven educational tracks and an informational vendor expo. The Educational tracks include ornamentals, lawn care & landscape, sports turf, equipment maintenance & safety, irrigation, golf, and pesticide recertification training for ornamentals and turf. Professionals from parks and rec, land care, irrigation, property management, golf course, sports fields, public or private facilities, large or small firms are encouraged to attend. St. Charles

Convention Center. Go to mogic.org for details and pre-registration.

December 18th Noon-4pm—Chanukah: Festival of Lights. A traditional Jewish holiday celebration that includes festive Israeli music and dance, a menorah-lighting ceremony, and Chanukah merchandise provided by local vendors and the Garden Gate Shop. Ridgway Visitor Center. Missouri Botanical Garden.

Start Your Family’s Holidays at the

Poinsettia Wonderland Open House Sunday, November 20th from 9am-4pm Greenhouse Tours 10am-3pm

Come see the area’s LARGEST display of poinsettias!

Our Professional Growing Staff will be leading guided tours through acres of beautiful poinsettias. Plus...

Visit with Santa • Christmas Carolers Holiday Cookies & Beverages • Holiday Crafts

Millstadt Gardens N.G. Heimos Greenhouses 6667 Route 158 • Millstadt, IL 62260 (Just minutes from the JB Bridge) (618) 476-9600

Hosted by Millstadt Gardens, N.G. Heimos Greenhouses and the Heimos Family.

A portion of sale proceeds benefits Millstadt Optimist Youth Club.

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