KCG08Aug2016 issue by The Kansas City Gardener

The Kansas City

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

August 2016

Editor’s Choice

Tropical Hibiscus

Expand Your Daylily Collection Professional’s Corner: Meet Kurt Winkler Red Admirals: The Military Butterfly Volunteerism Thrives in the Rose Garden

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The Kansas City Gardener | August 2016

The Kansas City

editor’s notes

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

Frustration to gratitude

Independently owned and operated since 1996 Publisher Michael Cavanaugh Editor Elizabeth Cavanaugh Contributors Sandy Campuzano Nik and Theresa Hiremath Lenora Larson Dennis Patton Judy Penner Julie Perez Scott Woodbury Distribution Publishers Delivery Solutions, Inc.

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P.O. Box 8725 Prairie Village, KS 66208 Phone: 913-648-4728 For advertising information contact Michael Cavanaugh at mike@kcgmag.com Submit editorial questions to Elizabeth Cavanaugh at elizabeth@kcgmag.com

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August 2016 | kcgmag.com

aybe it’s my perspective. Or, maybe it’s my attitude. Or, maybe the heat has effected both. Either way, I’m not thrilled with my garden right now. I can recall, however, those days when I’ve driven up the street to my house, with the garden in sight, and said out loud, “Isn’t my garden pretty?!” My, how quickly things change. I can’t quite put my finger on the cause. Could it be watching the slow, painful death of ‘Sweet Romance’? In May, we planted a dozen onegallon Lavandula angustifolia as a border at the street edge of our front garden. The identification card listed all the terrific qualities of seduction: heat and drought tolerant perennial; low-water-use plant; grows well in poor soil; attracts butterflies; fragrant, evergreen foliage provides year round interest. This is a sweet romance gone sour. To make matters worse, also dead are the eight ‘Sea Pink’ Thrifts that were planted at the same time. Never have I experienced such bad performers in one season. Again this year, the Nikko Blue Hydrangea have under performed. Oh yes, the foliage is large and

healthy. But blooms have been minimal, from zero to three per plant. Compared to years previous, when I’ve cut enough blooms to share with neighbors twice, this is disappointing. It seems that what I lack in hydrangea blooms has turned into a prolific crop of weeds. How did this happen … like, overnight? There are some in the back measuring two feet tall. Could it be a direct response to last month’s topic of this column: how I like weeding? AGH! This season’s biggest letdown is the lack of butterflies. I realize that my garden doesn’t have host plants where butterflies lay their eggs. What I do have are food sources – butterfly bush, coneflower, nepeta, and more – all of which have been more than acceptable in seasons past. Do you see why I’m a frustrated gardener today? The truth is all gardeners bear a mighty share of their own frustrations from time to time. Squirrels raid vegetable gardens, eating the

top half of a tomato, only to leave the bottom half for you. Three consecutive days, with no rain in the forecast, you put forth exhaustive effort watering the garden, merely to have it downpour on the fourth day. The painters did a great job on the house, except for the broken shrubs left behind. The stories are endless. For me, frustrations are opportunities to learn, to gain wisdom. Some plants are not successful in my garden. That’s what I learned. Now loaded with new information, I’m excited to try something else. I have also discovered that frustrations do not dilute the joy of gardening. I am just as fond of the colorful blooms in my garden, with or without butterflies. You see, it’s simply an attitude adjustment, a shift towards gratitude. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from my garden and for the chance to share what I’ve learned with you. I am grateful for you. I’ll see you in the garden!

In this issue August 2016 • Vol. 21 No. 8 Red Admirals .......................... 5 Ask the Experts ........................ 6 Sunflower Artfest ..................... 7 The Bird Brain ......................... 8 Pride of KC Rose Gardeners ..... 9 Native Evergreens ................... 10 Tropical Hibiscus ..................... 12 Rose Report ............................ 14

about the cover ...

Volunteerism Thrives .................. 15 Expand Your Daylily Collection .. 16 Call Before You Dig .................. 17 Annual Butterfly Festival ............ 17 Upcoming Events ..................... 18 Subscribe ................................ 19 Garden Calendar .................... 22 Professional’s Corner ................ 23

Easy to grow Tropical Hibiscus comes in a tremendous range of colors and bloom types. Learn more starting on page 12.

Photos by Lenora Larson.

The caterpillar’s folded leaf nest on Stinging Nettle.

The Red Admiral caterpillar munching on Pellitory, a common non-stinging Nettle.

The four orange bars on wings up to 3” across make identification easy.

Red Admirals: The Military Butterfly LENORA LARSON educates butterfly enthusiasts about the life cycle and identification of Red Admirals.

nlike most butterflies, the familiar Red Admiral keeps its life choices flexible. For instance, the adult beverage is not limited to just nectar. Tree sap, rotten fruit, dung and puddles are all on the beverage cart. Fly time? You will see them any month from March to November and in a range of habitats from woodland to prairie, wetland and your garden. Its winter strategy is also flexible as it can over-winter as an adult or a chrysalis. Or even fly southwest to vacation in New Mexico or Arizona; the next generation flies north in spring to re-populate the Midwest. However, this flexibility doesn’t extend to the caterpillar, whose diet is strictly limited to members of the Nettle family. Nettles: They don’t all sting People equate ‘Nettles” with a burning sensation, but only a few species have the hollow hairs that break off in the skin and inject irritating chemicals. The result-

ing histamine response produces immediate itchy, burning hives. Curiously, this stinging can be relieved by squeezing Nettle’s juice onto the site. The juice of our native Impatiens, Jewelweed, also calms the burning. Even without treatment, the stinging sensation and rash subside within 30 minutes for most people. However, some individuals experience a true allergic response, which can be lifethreatening. The Stinging Nettle, Urtica dioica, has been used as medicine, food and fiber for over 2,000 years. Nettle tea’s medicinal uses include as a diuretic, an anti-hemorrhagic and an anti-inflammatory. The fresh stinging leaves are even used as a treatment for joint pain, similar to the use of bee stings and capsicum to override the brain’s sensation of pain. I can personally testify to the delectability of boiled Nettles, a traditional spring dish in the Appalachian Mountains where I grew up. The stems’ fibers are woven into a fab-

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ric that is similar to linen and far more durable than cotton. Two Species of Butterflies The ubiquitous Red Admiral lives in temperate zones across the globe, including Europe and Asia. They are frequently seen because they typically produce two broods each year. Eggs are laid on the upper surface of the Nettle leaf and the first instar caterpillar immediately folds the leaf and secures it with silk to form a nest for security and feeding. As it matures, the caterpillar stitches multiple leaves together to accommodate its growth and then pupates on its host plant, rather than wandering away like Monarchs and Swallowtails. The closely related polyphagous caterpillar of the Painted

don’t know where to start?

Lady, Vanessa cardui, also eats Nettles in addition to Thistles and Mallows. Like the Red Admiral caterpillar, it makes a silken leaf nest and pupates suspended from a cremaster on the host plant. Summary Humans and the two Vanessa butterfly species agree: Nettles are full of possibilities. However, speaking from experience, remember to wear gloves if you closely inspect a caterpillar leaf nest on a Urticaria or Laportia plants! Master Gardener, Idalia Butterfly Society, and Kansas Native Plant Society member, Lenora Larson gardens and hosts butterflies in the cruel winds and clay soil of Eastern Kansas.

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Ask the Experts Readers share their questions about landscape issues, and DENNIS PATTON gives expert tips and advice. HOW TO KEEP CREEPING GRASS OUT OF BEDS Question: I have this rose bed at work around our business sign. There are patches of Bermuda or zoysia grass that creeps into the beds. I have tried edging and landscape fabric but it still comes up in cracks. Is there any way to help control this ongoing problem? Answer: There is really not a foolproof solution. The runners from this grass species have the ability to go under or over just about any barrier. I think you have options, although all will require ongoing care. Chemical options would include the use of Glyphosate or the Roundup-type herbicides. These are non-selective so will also damage the desirable plants. Basically, on a regular basis, treat the runners that invade the garden.

Another chemical option is the use of a product that will selectively remove the grass from ornamental beds. One such product is Fluazifop. This product is found in products such as Ortho Grass B Gon or other products. It can be safely applied around desirable plants eradicating the perennial grass without harming the plant. Read all label instructions. Follow up treatments will be needed as the grass moves backs in. Nothing will stop the runners from regrowing. The last and probably leastdesirable method is to remove by hand. Here again, every so often, cut the runners back to the edge of the bed. No matter what method you use, it might be best to keep a one-foot edge of the bed plant-free and grass free to give a buffer between the lawn and bed

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for treatment. Repeat treatments of Glyphosate-type products will need to done about monthly to help reduce the spread back into the bed. I WANT MY PANSIES TO LAST LONGER Question: My pansies were looking great through the spring, but in June when it turned hot they began to get leggy and bloom less. What can I do to help keep them blooming during the summer months? Answer: Pansies are coolloving plants and are not meant to withstand the summer heat of Kansas City. They are best planted in early March and, in most seasons, start to go downhill around Memorial Day. Breeders have been working on developing better heat-tolerant plants, but so far have not made major improvements.

Many gardeners plant pansies in pots knowing they will need to replace come late May with heattolerant annuals. Pansies have such cheerful faces which makes them hard to resist. Pansies can also be planted in the fall, and in mild winter can overwinter and even pop up with a bloom from time to time while covered with snow. Bottom line, enjoy them while they are pretty and then remove. CONCERNED ABOUT FEW FRUIT ON SUMMER SQUASH Question: This summer my squash plants have grown like crazy with many flowers but few fruit. What is causing this problem and what can I do? Answer: We get this question quite a bit at the office. Here is the reason for lots of flowers and less fruit. Squash and many of the other vining crops have separate male and female flowers. The male

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M produces the pollen to fertilize the female flower. The female flower not only has the blossom but also a small fruit attached at the base of the flower which grows into a harvestable squash. The male only has the flower structure. For each female flower that is set on a plant there may be 20 or more male flowers. The plants want to ensure there is plenty of pollen to pollinate the female flower. Insects, bees are the main pollinator. Check out the flowers and look for the small fruit starting to develop on the female flower. If the females are setting fruit then the plant is developing nicely and no worries. The male flowers will just bloom and wither away. This might be the perfect time to inject a comparison to the human race but at this point I think I will play it safe and spare you of my typical sarcastic humor. AGH, POWDERY MILDEW ON PEONIES Question: I have grown peonies for years. This year I noticed something I have not seen before. The foliage turned a whitish gray. The plants do not look healthy but have not turned brown or died back. What is wrong with my peony?

Answer: I know exactly what you are talking about because my peonies did the same thing. Due to our combination of warm days and cool nights peonies are now suffering from a disease called powdery mildew. Powdery mildew leaves white-to-gray patches on the foliage. The good news is while the plants do not look healthy, mildew rarely causes long-term issues for the plant. In fact, this is probably the worst outbreak I have seen in the KC area in my long and getting longer career with Extension. Control of mildew is very difficult as it must be prevented. Once the symptoms have appeared it is too late to treat. The best controls are sanitation. This fall when the foliage starts to wither cut to the ground and discard. Preventative fungicide sprays can also be used when growth starts in the spring. My recommendation at this point is to live with the less-than-perfect foliage then discard this fall and hope the same weather patterns don’t set up again in 2017.

ark your calendars for the seventh annual Sunflower Artfest, Sept. 23rd – 25th at The Barn at Kill Creek Farm, De Soto. The De Soto Arts Council (www.desotoartsks.org) is continuing a strong tradition of offering a family-friendly weekend with fine arts and fine crafts, live music, food and beautiful sunflowers you can cut and take home. Included in this weekend are many artist booths featuring a variety of mediums, performances from area musicians, BBQ and sunflower cookies. The popular sunflower-themed art exhibit continues and the annual commemorative posters will be for sale. De Soto’s Pioneer 4-H Club will have a children’s activity tent. Sunflowers became the theme of the show when Darrel Zimmerman, owner of the farm, started planting them as a fund-

Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.

Photo by Jim Walker.

Sunflower Artfest set for Sept. 23-25

Morning Fog, 2015 Best of Show Sunflower Exhibit raiser for Rotary International’s PolioPlus program. Visitors to the show can cut their own blooms for $1.00 a stem and all proceeds go to the PolioPlus program. Hours for the Artfest are Friday, Sept. 23rd from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 24th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 25th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. The Barn is located at 9200 Kill Creek Road, De Soto (www. thebarnatkillcreekfarm.org).

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The Kansas City Gardener | August 2016

The Bird Brain THERESA HIREMATH shares everything you want to know about Bird of the Month – the American Robin.

favorite time in the garden is just after a summer rain, when Robins come to score earthworms that have risen closer to the surface. Robins are attracted to open lawns and gardens with mature shrubbery and trees. While they eat a variety of insects and berries, it has been noted that robins can eat up to 14’ of earthworms in a day! Worms make up about 15%-20% of the summer diet for American Robins. Contrary to popular belief, American Robins don’t find earthworms by hearing or smelling them. Robins find earthworms by cocking their head to one side, independently using each eye to look for visible signs of worms. You will likely find robins in your yard after a rain, after the

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day as they will eat more earthworms early in the day, when they are easier to find, and then switch to fruit later in the day. The American Robin can be found throughout North America at some time during the year. Male robins have a dark gray to almost black back and tail with a rust/ brick colored breast. The female is more muted in color. The juvenile robins have a spotted breast. Adult beaks are yellow with a black tip. Only the male American Robin sings, but both sexes have calls and alarm notes. You typically hear the robin first thing in the spring in the morning and last thing before dark. Robins typically nest from April through July and can have 2-3 broods in a season. The female does the nest building and incubates the eggs alone. Upon hatching, both parents feed the average brood of four young. The American Robin will use mud in its nest to give it strength. You can put out a small pan of mud and nesting materials (short strings,

yarn, dry grasses) and watch the robins come collect materials to make their nests. Robins usually return to the same area to nest each year and may occasionally use last year’s nest again after some renovation. While the majority of American Robins migrate south each fall, a small number of stragglers usually remain behind and endure the winter and will be joined by others migrating from more northern locations. The majority of overwintering robins are males trying to ensure they have first choice of nesting territories in the spring. Females migrate to areas where food is more abundant to help ensure they are in top condition for the rigors of raising young in the spring. Male robins that do migrate usually arrive on the breeding grounds up to two weeks before the females return. Robins live on average about 1 ½ years; but, according to bird banding records, the oldest known Robin found in the wild was almost 14 years old. If you have any questions about Robins or any other backyard birds, stop by the store and one of our expert staff would love to help you! Nik and Theresa Hiremath own and operate Wild Birds Unlimited of Leawood at 11711 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas. Contact them at 913-491-4887.

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She is the Pride of Kansas City Rose Gardeners

his award is given to City of Kansas City, Missouri employees who have demonstrated that they have reduced pollution, preserved natural habitats, conserved resources, benefitted the environment, promoted sustainability all while saving the city money. Thank you Judy for the dedication you have had to this city and The Laura Conyers Smith Rose Garden for 29 years. And thank you Kansas City for recognizing this and her achievement in contributing to the environmental quality of Kansas City. Judy faces challenging conditions almost every year. Sometimes it is super hot, like it has been this summer. It can be humid or dry and then there is always sunburn and windburn factors. Sometimes it rains 27 out of 31 days with only a hint of sun on the other four. And some winters there are days on end with temperatures below zero with the wind chill. (Really, there are no roses grown that normally face all of these conditions in a year.) Kansas City is one of the few locations that faces these conditions. Many of these conditions bring on pests and diseases. But Judy and her staff have always managed,

with assistance from Kansas City Rose Society members, to make the garden beautiful for all to enjoy. Other challenges include making it all work even is staff is out sick or on a vacation; working well with visiting public in the park, other city departments, groups who hold events in the park, brides and their grooms, corporate events, Kansas City Rose Society events, schools, and all who take advantage of this wonderful setting every year. About 8 years ago Judy decided to create a better, natural environment for her staff, the public and the overall environment. Using products that create a solid and healthy microbiome and work with Mother Nature, she was able to reduce run-off into the water table, reducing the nitrogen use by over 90% with little or no run off. She also reduced her spray applications of chemicals by over 75% since she began the program. We now have an abundance of earth worms, butterflies and all sorts of creatures who love a natural environment. The bees are hopefully here to stay! And the garden is beautiful. At the same time, Judy saved the city money. She had to buy less chemicals and less fertilizer

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Judy Penner is a recipient of Kansas City’s Environmental Achievement Award for 2016. and most of the natural and organic products are donated. Thanks also to EJ and Toby Tobin for their support. They made it possible for Janmarie Hornack of Earth Right to formulate and fund these products for the park.

And I know that Judy would agree we owe a debt of thanks to Charlie Anctil, without his support, and the support of Sarajane Aber, this program would not have gotten off of the ground. Judy accomplished all of this work in consultation with Mike Herron, her manager at the time the program began. The Director of Parks and Recreation, Mark McHenry has been a big supporter of the program as well. While she has had awesome support from them, her staff and the Kansas City Rose Society, Judy was indeed the driving and stalwart soul who held to her beliefs in a more natural and sustainable environment and in a better park for all of us. Despite the road blocks she has faced, she has come through for Kansas City. Congratulations Judy on this well deserved award!

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The Kansas City Gardener | August 2016

Native Evergreens are an Easy Choice SCOTT WOODBURY tells of his ideas and experiences with native evergreens of Missouri. Photos by Scott Woodbury.

hat do cheese, wine, mutual funds, insurance, electronics, and evergreen plants have in common? If you replied “too many options!” you’re not alone. And so I’m thrilled when I discover sound advice or businesses that offer fewer options. Unfortunately there are endless non-native evergreens to choose from. But fortunately the evergreens native to Missouri are few. Here is a look at them all. In the world of gardening, evergreens rule. They screen views, define spaces, prevent erosion, cool in summer, block wind, hide birds and nests, and hold raindrops like a sponge. Take golden ragwort (Packera aurea), for instance. It is a three-inch tall carpeting groundcover that stays green in winter and grows naturally along Ozark

‘Taylor’ eastern red cedar with little bluestem

‘Canaertii’ eastern red cedar

creeks where it holds soil. It is a great low-maintenance alternative to invasive English ivy, periwinkle, and wintercreeper, and tolerates wet soils and shade. Its cousin— round-leaved ragwort (Packera obovata)—is similar, but prefers dry soil. They both bloom yellow in April and May. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is one of three ever-

green trees. The other two are American holly (Ilex opaca) and shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata). All have prickly leaves and staying power. That is, they can live a long time. Cedar is known to live upwards of one thousand years on rocky bluffs in Missouri with their branches curled and gnarled. Similarly, shortleaf pine may grow for 200 to 300 years according to

Rich Guyette, a scientist who studies tree rings. The growth rings and hidden fire scars tell a story of fluctuating human populations and fire use in the Ozarks. Eastern red cedar comes in many sizes and shapes that are sold commercially as cultivars. They are noted in single quotes like the cultivars ‘Taylor’ (tall and narrow tree like Italian cypress), ‘Glauca’ (narrow with blue-grey leaves), and ‘Canaertii’ (small pyramidal tree with dark green leaves). If you plant a seedling eastern red cedar (which lacks a cultivar name) it may, like the individual candies in a box of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Jelly Beans, mature to be skinny, fat, weeping, pyramidal, or oval in shape. Female cedars produce blue-green fruits (cones, actually) in fall and winter that are

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The Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners Association is now accepting applications for participation in the 2016 Fall Training Program.

Giant cane and golden ragwort eaten by birds, especially cedar waxwings. Shortleaf pine tends to grow tall and narrow (10 to 15 feet) in part shade and a bit wider (15 to 20 feet) in full sun. I prefer growing them in small groves since they are so narrow, but they can be grown as single specimens as well and fit well in narrow spaces. A seedling can grow to 15 feet in 5 to 7 years. The Missouri Department of Conservation tree nursery sells inexpensive bundles of 25 seedlings. American holly is pyramidal in shape and slowgrowing. It may take 50 years or more for a tree to reach 25 to 30 feet in height. Male and female flowers form on separate trees so you need both for good berry production. Mocking birds hoard holly berries in winter by running off the competition. Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata) is the only native evergreen vine. Its bright orange and yellow flowers form out-of-sight in treetops then fall to the ground fresh like magnolia petals in spring. Vines move from tree to tree through over-ground stems that spread until they find a tree to climb and attach to using aerial rootlets. Giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea) is a ten-foot evergreen that colonizes into dense thickets, so dense that I often see birds escap-

ing into patches in the Whitmire garden. Birds and their nests virtually disappear in them. Although cane makes impenetrable evergreen screens, it spreads rapidly. To keep it from spreading, either maintain mowed lawn at the edge, dig shoots out regularly or install a root barrier 28 inches below ground and two inches above (30 inches total plastic root barrier or poured concrete) at the edge of the planting area. Other ideal planting locations include isolated beds between asphalt or concrete. Swimming through this modern world of plenty, I stay grounded by the saying “Too much is too much, too little is too little, and enough is enough.” If you are drowning in options you might be relieved by the paltry few native evergreens available to gardeners. Check out the Grow Native! resource guide for a list of growers who offer native evergreens and other native plants at www.grownative.org. 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 also is an advisor to the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native! program.

Classes will be conducted every Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., from September 20 through November 15, 2016. Master Gardener candidates receive over 40 hours of basic horticulture training. Courses are taught by the experts in their respective fields. All are K-State Research & Extension Specialists or other qualified professionals. Each Tuesday’s training includes one morning and one afternoon class. Course topics included are: Plant Science; Wildlife Management; Landscape Design; Soils; Flowers -Annuals & Perennials; Fruits; Vegetables ; Turf; Trees & Shrubs; Entomology (Insects); Pesticides; Plant Pathology; Landscape Maintenance Master Gardener candidates do not have to be gardening experts to enter the program. While some first-hand knowledge of gardening basics is helpful, it is not required. Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners are member of their community. In exchange for the training, they then give back to the community by volunteering on various Master Gardener projects, including demonstration gardens, the Hotline, and/or the Speakers Bureau. Master Gardeners have a vast array of horticultural interests. Some are primarily interested in methods for improving lawns. Others focus primarily on flowers or vegetables. Others spend time with programs and projects that educate the public, from pre-school children to adults of all ages. Whatever your horticultural interest, you will find someone within the group who shares it. The training program costs $125.00, which includes class materials. Applications are available at the Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1216 N. 79th Street, Kansas City KS. Completed applications must be received by September 1, 2016.

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August 2016 | kcgmag.com

Editor’s Choice

Tropical Hibiscus

hen the growing season begins, gardeners eagerly fill garden borders, pathways and containers with colorful annuals. This is, of course, our way to kick-start what will soon be the bonanza of blooms. As spring-blooming trees, shrubs and perennials prepare to present a festival of colors, annuals lead the way. Gardeners put forth the same effort with outdoor gathering places, like decks, patios and entryways. Often those gathering places are transformed into tropical scenes found in our favorite summer vacation spot. The same holds true with the Cavanaugh deck. Every year when filling our back deck with plants, the tropical hibiscus is an essential element. It’s affordable, durable, and for me, a summer must-have. (Fact: I have more plants on my deck than places to sit.) While there are many members of the Hibiscus family, for the purposes of this article, we’ll discuss only the tropical hibiscus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.

Available as a small tree or shrub, both can be planted in the garden bed or in a container. I prefer the tree variety in a container, situated on the deck near the kitchen window. That way I can enjoy the stunning blooms indoors and out. True to its origin, this beauty does well in tropical conditions. This hibiscus is considered an annual in these parts. So when temperatures drop and first frost is imminent, it’s time to consider protecting the plant. Tropical hibiscus has lanceshaped, glossy dark green leaves with toothed margins. It bears 4to 6-inch blossoms all summer. Solitary, five-petaled flowers 4 inches across range from single to ruffled and double. With a tremendous range of colors and bloom types, you’ll easily find one (or more) suitable for your patio. I found that although tropical hibiscus loves sunlight, it helps to place a newly-planted hibiscus in the shade for about two weeks so the plant has time to adjust, then move it into bright sunlight.

The plant performs best when it receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day; however, afternoon shade is beneficial in hot climates. When planting in a container (with good drainage, of course), use a standard potting mix formulated for flowering plants. Allow the soil to dry completely before watering. The old-timers say a little wilt never hurts. Then give it a good soaking. To encourage continuous flowering, a dose of fertilizer according to directions is suggested. Now I haven’t seen any pests on mine, but experts say most pests, like spider mites, white fly and aphids are easily controlled with insecticidal soap spray. Apply the spray when the sun isn’t directly on the foliage, as the spray may burn the plants. Never spray when temperatures are above 90°F. A cool morning or evening is best. This tender hibiscus won’t survive freezing temperatures, so I plan to overwinter mine indoors for the first time. Expect an update in spring.

Tropical Hibiscus Interesting Facts •H ibiscus is known as “shoe flower” in China because people use hibiscus to polish their shoes. •H ibiscus flowers have citrus-like taste. They can be used for the preparation of soups, chutneys, salads, curries, jellies and jams. Hibiscus leaves can be boiled and used for dishes that are normally prepared with spinach. • According to some medical studies, tea made of hibiscus lowers blood pressure and decreases cholesterol level. • Women in Tahiti and Hawaii wear hibiscus flower behind the right ear when they want to announce that they are single and ready for marriage. Married women wear hibiscus behind the left ear.

The Kansas City Gardener | August 2016

August Rose Report Kansas City’s expert rosarian JUDY PENNER shares her methods for excellent care of the rose garden.

ow, what a summer! With temperatures in the 90s and no rain, our goal in the garden is to keep roses cool and watered. As I write this on July 2nd, a steady rain falls. I am so thankful for this and optimistic about the rest of summer. Going into August it is important to keep your roses watered well in the hot dry weather. Deep watering a couple of times per week, putting one to two inches of water on the roses each time will keep your roses happy. I also refresh my mulch this time of year, if needed. By maintaining 2-3 inches of mulch on your roses, they will stay cool as well as hydrated. This year in our garden, the dreaded Japanese beetle has been munching on our roses. The picture here reflects the damage so you can

identify the problem in your garden. The beetles have been partial to ‘Tiffany’ this year, a light pink hybrid tea but they like all kinds of roses. Be sure to check all of yours. There are some important things you should know when trying to get rid of Japanese Beetles. Do not

squish the beetle when you find it. This will release pheromones that will attract more Beetles. Also, do not put up Japanese beetle traps. These will also attract more beetles to your garden. My technique for removing beetles is to carefully look for the

beetle on the blooms. They typically are on the underside of the bloom. Then take a large mouth jar with soapy water and place it next to the bloom tapping the bloom toward the opening in the jar knocking the beetles into it. Finally, quickly place the lid on the air tight jar solving part of your beetle problem, or at least cutting down on the problem. The beetles also have a lifecycle as a grub, so consider treating your lawn and the rose bed with a grub control. Visit with local garden center professionals for details. Remember to stop and smell the roses! Judy Penner is Expert Rosarian at Loose Park, Kansas City, Mo. You may reach her at judy.penner@ kcmo.org.

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Volunteerism Thrives in the Rose Garden By Sandy Campuzano

ansas City is home to one of the most historical and architecturally significant rose gardens in the United States. The Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden in the Jacob Loose Park was established in 1931 by the Kansas City Missouri Parks and Recreation Department and the newly organized Kansas City Rose Society, along with support from the Kansas City community. The Kansas City Rose Society is devoted to maintaining the Rose Garden’s grandeur and status as one of Kansas City’s treasures. Consisting of 3,000 rose bushes of 140 varieties, the garden requires constant care, and for 85 years the Rose Society has acted as stewards through volunteerism. Every Thursday morning from May through September one can observe the Rose Society groomers in action in their straw hats and green gardening aprons. Pruners in hand, they and the garden staff clip, prune and trim to make the garden

pristine for the weekend weddings and the many visitors. Grooming is a volunteer activity. Training is offered, and a new group of groomers called “the climbing brigade” is specializing in pruning the many climbing rose bushes that surround the garden. In 2015 the garden groomers contributed over 1,000 hours in stewardship to the rose garden. The Kansas City Rose Society volunteerism has extended to the historic restoration undertaken in 2001. Addressing all the needs of the restoration process the projects were completed in 2015 at a cost of $2.2 million. The invitation is open for all to visit this Rose Garden to be inspired and refreshed in spirit. Those interested in volunteering for the grooming program may contact the Garden Chair John Riley via email at rileyj@asme.org. Sandy Campuzano, Past President, Kansas City Rose Society.

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Bela

Giant on the Mountain

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Miss Piggy

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Photos courtesy of Julie Perez.

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Expand Your Daylily Collection By Julie Perez

here are over 82,000 varieties of registered daylilies with the American Hemerocallis Society as of the 2015 season. Every year more people get into hybridizing their own plants, and the big name breeders start thousands more seeds for their breeding program. It takes approximately six years to really know if a hybrid-

izer has anything worth registering with the American Hemerocallis Society. Over the years the amazing results have produced some stunning flowers that are nothing like your old ditch lilies. Doubles of all sizes ranging from tiny to large outlandish spider doubles that look like they will take off and fly at any moment. The colors are all

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August 2016 | kcgmag.com

Family Night: August 13

over the rainbow except for the elusive blue. However, the breeders are working on this and it will be just a matter of time before they have succeeded. The translation for Hemerocallis is ‘flower for a day’. Who would want a plant that the flower only lasts one day, you say? Something else the breeders are working on is branching. The more branches present, the more flowers. The center top bud will open for a day (in some cases it may stay open for two days), then a new bud will open until all the buds on that scape have opened. Bud count is another aspect the breeders are working on as well. To have a plant flower for 15 – 25 days or more in some cases is outstanding and longer than most perennials. No wonder so many people get into daylilies, with the outstanding qualities they offer to the gardener as an integral part of the perennial border in home landscapes. Easy care, not requiring much from year to year except a good drink of water once a week: and a little early fertilizer such as Milorganite. Dividing you daylilies every three to four years will invigorate the plants and stop them from getting crowded, thus enhancing good bloom and vigor. Here’s a tip for separating your daylilies: lift the entire plant out of the ground, get rid of as much soil as possible, then roll the plant on the ground and it will loosen up the fans for you. There are several awards a daylily can earn each year and the highest award is the coveted Silver

Stout Medal. The Society picks one outstanding flower a year for that esteemed honor. Now is the time to evaluate your garden for 2017. Look at what is not performing for you. In a city house lot, garden real estate becomes very valuable in space. It takes the same amount of water to keep a so-so plant alive as it does to have a stunning variety. When it comes to daylilies, genetics count. Every year is more exciting than the last to see what is coming next in the world of daylilies. On August 20th the MOKAN Daylily Club will hold their annual daylily sale at the Loose Park Garden Center located at 5200 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Missouri from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. This is an outstanding opportunity for gardeners to obtain plants they would not ordinarily be able to find unless they ordered from a catalog which also requires a shipping/handling charge. Additionally, this sale gives the home gardener a jump on the market without having to wait years for distribution through various green industry outlets. Our members will be available to help answer any questions during the sale. For further information about the American Hemerocallis Society go to www.daylilies.org Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardener, American Hemerocallis Society and Mo-Kan Society member, Julie Perez owns and operates a hybrid iris farm in Paola, Kansas. You may reach her at botanicaplus@yahoo.com.

20th Annual Festival of Butterflies 9 a.m.-6 p.m. August 5-7 and 12-14

Aug. 11 (8/11) serves as convenient reminder for Kansas & Missouri residents to

ALWAYS CALL 811 BEFORE DIGGING

ansas 811 and Missouri One-Call encourage people to make a free call 3 working days before digging to know what’s below. With Aug. 11 almost here, Kansas 811 and Missouri OneCall hope this date on the calendar, 8/11, will serve as a natural reminder for residents to call 811 prior to any digging project to have underground utility lines marked. Every eight minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first calling 811. When calling 811, homeowners and contractors are connected to their local one-call center, which will identify affected member utility companies, who will then send professional locators to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both. Striking a single line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages. Every digging project, no matter how large

or small, warrants a call to 811. Installing a mailbox, building a deck, planting a tree and laying a patio are all examples of digging projects that need a call to 811 before starting. “On Aug. 11 and throughout the year, we remind homeowners and professional contractors alike to call 811 before digging to eliminate the risk of striking an underground utility line,” said Max Pendergrass, Public Relations Coordinator for Kansas 811, “It really is the only way to know which utilities are buried in your area.” The depth of utility lines can vary for a number of reasons, such as erosion, previous digging projects and uneven surfaces. Utility lines need to be properly marked because even when digging only a few inches, the risk of striking an underground utility line still exists. Visit www.call811.com, www. kansas811.com, or www.mo1call. com for more information about 811 and safe digging practices.

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It’s the 20th anniversary of Powell Gardens’ biggest festival with new delights and time-tested favorites! Throughout the festival, guests can have a really close encounter with these magical creatures. “Inside the monarch tent, guests can pet the caterpillars and with expert guidance learn how to handle the butterflies themselves,” says Horticulture Director Alan Branhagen. “They have an opportunity to see native butterflies in both controlled and garden settings, and to see tropical butterflies from around the world.” The tropical butterfly display, located in the Gardens’ conservatory, will include up to 10 tropical species from Asia making their first festival appearance, as well as these crowd favorites: blueOFF morpho butterfly, *1 5E Series atlas moth, African moon moth and many more. 5045E and 5055E Festival admission of $12/adults, $10/seniors 60+, and $5/children –– OR –– MFWD, 2015 mod 5-12 applies. Admission is free for members at Gold level and above. See the schedule at powellgardens.org/butterfly. for The conservatory is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. August 8-11. No other months financing –– garden admission festival activities take place those days –– andAND regular applies. OFF

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Upcoming Garden Events places to go, things to do, people to see Club Meetings Bonsai Society of GKC Sat, Aug 6, 9am-4pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Workshop. 816513-8590

Planting flowers or a garden? Then you need to have your underground facilities marked! Missouri law requires that any person making or beginning any excavation notify MOCS. Placing a locate request is free and easy! Call 1-800-DIG-RITE (800-344-7483) or 811. For more information, visit mo1call.com.

Bonner Springs Garden Club Tues, Aug 16, 9:30am; meet in parking lot on SE corner of Third St and Cedar St in Bonner Springs. We’ll carpool to Lawrence to tour the Monarch Watch Butterfly Garden and The Pharmacy School Medicinal Garden. The group will have lunch in Lawrence. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Nicky Horn 913-441-8078. Garden Club of Shawnee Thurs, Aug 4, 7pm; at Old Shawnee Town Hall, 11600 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS. Come take a break from the summer heat and attend our annual ice cream social this month. We plan to visit the 1920 farmstead at Old Shawnee Town which is a recreation of a truck garden of the era. All are welcome and door prizes will be given away. www.gardenclubofshawnee.org Gardeners of America Mon, Aug 1, 6-8pm; at at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816513-8590

One free, easy call gets your utility lines marked AND helps protect you from injury and expense. Safe Digging Is No Accident: “Always Call Before You Dig in Kansas” Call 811, 1-800-DIG-SAFE, (800-344-7233) or visit us at www.kansas811.com.

August 2016 | kcgmag.com

GKC Dahlia Society Sun, Aug 7, 1-3pm; at Bernard Lohkamp’s, 13134 Sycamore, Grandview, MO. The garden tour has been a highlight event for our Society. The Lohkamp family has graciously invited the public interested in dahlias to tour and ask any questions on growing plants. You’ll pick up pointers on staking and designing garden space from Bernard’s garden! If you have questions, please connect with Bernard at 816-763-7526. GKC Herb Study Group Wed, Aug 10, 12-2:30pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Judy Penner presents: The History of Loose Park, and some of her favorite roses! This month’s presentation takes us back to the founding days of our beloved Loose Park, see early photos of our ground, buildings, learn about those who were instrumental in Loose Park’s inception, and discover the start of our beautiful rose garden. Also take a tour with Judy to some of her favorite roses. Join us for a fun and enlightening afternoon! Join us in the Rose Room at noon for

a potluck luncheon which showcases your favorite “easy summertime dish.” We look forward to seeing you, and friends and visitors are welcome. Heart of America Gesneriad Sat, Aug 27, 10am-1pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816513-8590 Heartland Hosta & Shade Plant Society Sat, Sep 10, Hospitality beginning at 9am and a brief meeting, followed by the Program at 10am; at Faith Lutheran Church, 4805 W 67th St (67 & Roe), Prairie Village, KS. Bob Solberg, prominent hosta hybridizer and owner of Green Hill Farm in Franklinton, NC will be our speaker. His presentations are always sure to please, and I’m sure “Hosta Trick or Treat” will be no exception. He will have some choice varieties along for sale. There will be a potluck with the society furnishing the meat and members bringing a dish to share. Door prizes will be awarded. Come and bring a friend – everyone welcome! For more info – call Gwen 816-213-0598. Heartland Peony Society Sat, Aug 6, 8:30am-12:30pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Grafting workshop. RSVP. To become a member and register for their workshop, please visit their website at www.peonies.org. Johnson County Rose Society Thurs, Aug 11, 7pm; at Prairie Village Community Center, 7720 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS. The ARS Rosarians of the Johnson County Rose Society will present a panel discussion focusing on rose care and tips for keeping roses healthy at the end of summer. Included in the discussion will be advice on fertilizing, watering, and spraying. Members and guests are encouraged to bring questions for the panel to address. Free, open to the public. Refreshments provided. Members and guests are welcome to take advantage of the “Consulting Rosarians Corner” – a free individual consultation with a Consulting Rosarian. Bring your questions and concerns about any aspect of growing and caring for roses! The Consulting Rosarians will also give timely tips about caring for roses “This Month In The Rose Garden”. For more information about the meetings, programs and other activities, visit www.rosesocietyjoco.org.

Kansas City Garden Club Mon, Aug 1, 9:30am-2pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st St and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816-513-8590 Leavenworth Co Master Gardeners Wed, Aug 10, 11am; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Cynthia Gillis, a Johnson County Extension Master Gardener, will present “English Style Garden in the Prairies”. Cynthia will share what makes an English garden ”English” and how to adapt this design to the Kansas City area. The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact Melony Lutz at 913-484-4568 or the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700. Mid America Begonia Society Sat, Aug 27, 1-4pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816513-8590 Olathe Garden & Civic Club Tues, Aug 16, 12:30pm; at Bass Pro Shop, I-35 and 119th St,, Olathe, KS. The program will include Flower Show Training. Visitors are welcome (2nd floor, Conservation Room). The club’s flower show will be Sept 8, 9 and 10. Inquiries are also welcome about our meetings at Facebook.com/ olathegarden Overland Park Gardeners of America Mon, Aug 8, 7pm; at Colonial Church, 71st and Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS. This will be a very special program presented by Jim Hedgecock, Comanche Acres Iris Garden. Hedgecock, along with his wife have been growing and hybridizing iris for 35 years. His program will cover iris and their culture. In addition, he will bring some iris to sell to anyone interested. The public is invited. For additional information please call Sallie Wiley at 913-236-5193. Raytown Garden Club Tues, Aug 2, 10am; at Raytown Christian Church, 6108 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO. Program will be “Creating Flower Show Designs” presented by Jeanette Bartles, Master Flower Show Judge. Visitors are most welcome. For more information, visit our website at www.sites.google.com/ site/fgcmwestcentral/raytown.

Events, Lectures & Classes August Sprouting, Healthy, Homemade Salad Dressings Sat, Aug 6, 10-11am; The Gardens at Unity Village, 150-B NW Colbern Rd (1/4 mile west of the Douglas/

Colbern intersection), Lee’s Summit, Mo 64086. Loren Van Benthusen will be sharing sprouting techniques and simple, healthy dressings that can make your seasonal sprouts and greens the star of the salad! You will leave with a handout/ recipes for doing your own. Fee: $10.00/members free. Cash or check please. Call 816-769-0259 to make a reservation. Drying Herbs for Tea Thurs, Aug 11, 10-llam; The Gardens at Unity Village, 150-B NW Colbern Rd. (1/4 mile west of the Douglas/Colbern intersection), Lee’s Summit, MO 64086. Ellen Callen will share herbs that have been grown in our garden: chamomile, holy basil, peppermint, lemon balm as well as wild herbs. You’ll learn how using a screen and electric dehydrator makes the process easier. Fee: $10.00/members free. Cash or checks please. Call 816-7690259 to make a reservation. Mason Jar Salads Sat, Aug 13, 10:30am; The Kansas City Public Library—Ruiz Branch, 2017 W Pennway St, Kansas City, MO 64108. FREE–Reservation Required. Limited Seating. Discover the newest trend in healthy eating! Mason Jar Salads are simple on-the-go meals that are easy to prepare and packed with layers of deliciousness. Join Cindy Newland, author, weight-loss expert, health coach and creator of the Small Bites program, as she teaches us how to create delicious mason jar salads in minutes. Cindy will discuss the dos and don’ts of making salads in a jar, share some delicious recipes, and you’ll even have the chance to do some taste testing. To register, call the Ruiz Library at 816-701-3487, or go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/masonjar-salads-tickets-26475509963. Questions? Contact Amy Morris, Ruiz Branch Supervisor, at 816-701-3565 or amymorris@kclibrary.org. 38th Annual Show and Sale KC Cactus & Succulent Society Aug 13-14; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd St and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Hours: Sat, 8/13, 9am–5pm (judged show opens at 11am) Sun, 8/14, 11am–4pm. Vendors: J&J Cactus & Succulents of Midwest City, OK; Jimmy Black of San Antonio, TX; and our own KCCSS club members. It is open to the public and admission is free. For more information, contact Eva at 816-444-9321 or evaal@att.net; www.kccactus.com and on Facebook. Canning Garden Vegetables Thurs, Aug 18, 7pm; at Leavenworth Public Library, 417 Spruce St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Denise Sullivan, a K-State Extension Agent of Family and Consumer Sciences, will give a presentation on canning (continued on page 20)

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(continued from page 19)

garden vegetables called “Preserve it Fresh-Preserve it Safe”. Denise will explain safe ways to home can and preserve our foods. The presentation is free and open to the public. For more information call Melony Lutz at 913484-4568 or the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700. Annual and Perennial Weed Families and How to Send Them Packing Thurs, Aug 18, 6:30pm; at Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, 4801 Rockhill Rd, Kansas City, MO. The Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City present: “Annual and Perennial Weed Families and How to Send Them Packing.” Lynn Loughary, Horticulture Extension Agent for Kansas State Extension and Research, will talk about the weed families in our yards and gardens and ways to control them. Free and open to the public. No registration required. Door prizes. For further information, call 816-665-4456 or visit our website at mggkc.org and browse Gardeners Gathering. Cooking from the Gardens: Culinary Classes Fri, Aug 19, 6-9pm; at Powell Gardens. Join us for a new series of culinary classes focusing on cooking from the garden. Tonight, Executive Chef John Smith will demonstrate how to use fresh produce from the Heartland Harvest Garden to create tasty dishes. Come hungry as there will be lots of sampling. $74/person, $69/member. Registration required by Aug 12. To register call Linda Burton at 816-697-2600 ext. 209. Or register online at powellgardens.org/culinaryclasses-2016. Daylily Plant Sale Sat, Aug 20, 8:30am-4pm; in Loose Park Garden Center Bldg, 51st & Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Sponsored by Mo-Kan Daylily Society. There will be hundreds of different cultivars in a variety of color, patterns, heights, bloom size and forms, including singles, doubles, spiders, and unusual forms. Plants will be sold as bare root, clumps, or potted. Potted daylilies will be plants that are newer varieties and will be on a separate table. Pictures of the plants showing their height and bloom size will be available to help in your selection. Club members will be available to answer questions and help customers in their selection. A display will be set up to show how to plant a daylily along with planting guide handouts for buyers to take home with their

purchase. We invite all gardeners and those new to gardening to visit our sale. All daylilies are locally grown in club member’s gardens. Daylilies are a beautiful addition to any garden! Beekeeping I Wed, Aug 24 & 31, 6:30-8:30pm. Class held at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. Fee: $49. This is an introductory course into beekeeping. We will review the importance of honey bees in our everyday life. Participants will learn about the life cycle of the honey bee, their history, and become familiar with today’s beekeeping techniques. To enroll or to get more information please call 913-469-2323. Tiered Herb Drying Rack Sun, Aug 28, 1-2:30pm; at Powell Gardens. Build a tiered drying rack for herb drying at home. Learn about different herbs, their uses and how to dry them for use in cooking. $44/ project, $39/member. Registration required by Aug 15. To register call Linda Burton at 816-697-2600 ext. 209. Or register online at powellgardens. org/AdultClasses.

September Pickling Vegetables Thurs, Sept 1, 6-8pm; at the Sunflower Room and kitchen at the Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1208 North 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Lori Wuellner, Wyandotte County Extension FACS specialist, will teach about preserving food by pickling in this hands-on class. This class is being hosted by the Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners. Pre-registration not required. Fee: $5.00 payable at the door (waived for currently certified extension master gardeners). For further information, call 913-299-9300. Four Season Harvests Wed, Sept 7, 6-8:30pm. Class held at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. Fee: $39. Growing nutritional edibles during the dreary fall and winter months has many advantages. Less watering, fewer bugs and weeds! Plus the bonus of fresh produce in your winter diet! Discuss the science, methods and some simple structures that work well for a small scale home garden. Learn which plants do well in the cold. Leave excited about growing in an unexpected yet productive season.

To enroll or to get more information please call 913-469-2323. Beekeeping II Wed, Sept 7 & 14, 6:30-8:30pm. Class held at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. Fee: $49. This course offers an in depth review of current beekeeping practices. You will study beekeeping in the classroom and explore a beehive in the field. The course will give your hands on experience working a beehive. To enroll or to get more information please call 913-469-2323. Annual Flower Show Sept 8-10; at Olathe City Hall, 100 E Santa Fe. Olathe Garden & Civic Club will sponsor their annual Flower Show. The public is encouraged to enter specimens from their gardens. Flowers, vegetables, vines, etc are all welcome. Bring in your specimens for entering on Thurs, Sept 8 from 5-7pm or Fri, Sept 9, 7:30-9am. Entries will be judged from 10am to 12pm. The show will be available Fri from 1 to 7pm and Sat from 9am to 3pm. This is your chance to show off your gardening skills! The Gardens at Sunset Sat, Sept 10, 5:30-8:30pm; at Leanna Flandermeyer Beanstalk Garden, 6917 Kensington, Kansas City, MO. Please join us for a magical evening of live jazz, a showcase of fresh and local food and drink from some of Kansas City’s favorite restaurants, and one-of-a kind silent auction items, all within the confines of the beautiful Beanstalk Garden. Benefitting Kansas City Community Gardens. Tickets are $75. To purchase tickets or preview auction items, go to: www.kccg.org/ gardensatsunset. Bent Willow Furniture Workshop Sat, Sept 10, 9am-3pm; at Powell Gardens. Come build a bent-willow heirloom. Bring a hammer, pruning shears and work gloves. Choose your project upon registration: Bent Willow Loveseat $369/person, $354 member; Bent Willow Chair $264/ person, $249/member; Sassy Chair $224/person, $210/member; One-Shelf Potting Bench $229/person, $219/

member; Sweet Pea Tripod Trellis $49/ person, $42/member; Plant Stand $59/ person, $52/member. (Project sizes are listed on our website.) Registration required Aug 22. To register call Linda Burton at 816-697-2600 ext. 209. Or register online at powellgardens.org/ AdultClasses. MO Master Gardener State Conference Sept 16-18: Three days of trips, tours, advanced and continuing education highlighting horticulture in the Kansas City metro. Conference is hosted by the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City and held at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, Independence, MO. It is open to all garden enthusiasts. Registration required. Conference details can be found on the website: www.mggkcconf.com. Beekeeping III Wed, Sept 21 & 28, 6:30-8:30pm. Class held at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. Fee: $49. This class will be a fun and active way to learn how to be a successful backyard beekeeper. We will provide the basic knowledge needed to keep and manage a healthy beehive, and produce honey and beeswax. This class will cover bee behavior, hive management, diseases, pests, swarming and how to harvest honey right from your own backyard. To enroll or to get more information please call 913-469-2323.

October Storm Water Conservation Workshop Thurs, Oct 6, 11:30am-1pm; at the Wildcat Room, 1200 North 79th St (adjacent to the Wyandotte County Conservation District office), Kansas City KS. The Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners Association (WCEMGA), in collaboration with the Wyandotte County Conservation District, will be conducting this workshop. To register call the Wyandotte County Extension Office at 913-299-9300, between 9am and 4pm, Mon through Fri. Registration will be open Sept 1, through Oct 5, 2016.

Promote garden club and society meetings, classes, seminars and other gardening events! Send all the details to: E-Mail: elizabeth@kcgmag.com Deadline for September issue is August 5.

The Gardens at Sunset Benefiting

KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY GARDENS Please join us for a magical evening of live jazz, a showcase of fresh and local food and drink from some of Kansas City’s favorite restaurants, and one-of-a kind silent auction items, all within the confines of the beautiful Beanstalk Garden. Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Leanna Flandermeyer Beanstalk Garden 6917 Kensington, Kansas City, Mo.

Tickets are $75 To purchase tickets or preview auction items, go to: www.kccg.org/gardensatsunset

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d the W ate Butterflies and Bee s Love These rlilies Spooky Plants

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ity with Grasses Beauty and Divers een Not Just for HallowCall 811 Orange and Black: Lemon rd of Digth Control BeforeBiYou Daylily: Beau Park eM ty for fy Weeds for Better Identi Decis ThanBu ion Time: ShouSeeded Lawn More a tte Dayrfl onth: Blue In the bird y Ask andExpe Feeding of Newly ld You Remove YourGaAsh rdenTree Conserva rts about weed Proper Carethe with tories control, oozin g sap and more Marvin Snyder

Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Phone: E-mail: Where did you pick up The Kansas City Gardener? Please enclose your check payable to The Kansas City Gardener and mail with this form to: P.O. Box 8725, Prairie Village, KS 66208 The Kansas City Gardener is published monthly Jan. through Dec.

The Kansas City Gardener | August 2016

August

garden calendar

n LAWN

• Water bluegrass one to two times per week, applying a total of about 1½ inches. • Water tall fescue one to two times per week, applying a total of 1 inch. • Apply last application of fertilizer to zoysia by mid month. • Be on lookout for grubs and apply proper control methods. • Start planning for fall renovation projects such as aerating and seeding. • Check sharpness of mower blade and repair. • Mow turf as needed depending on summer growth. • Destroy unwanted zoysia and Bermuda grass. • Take a soil test to determine fertility program.

n TREES AND SHRUBS

• Water young trees every one to two weeks by deeply soaking the root system. • Prune and shape hedges. • Check mulch layer and replenish. • Prune broken, dead or crossing limbs for healthier plants. • Check young trees and shrubs for girdling wires and ropes from planting. • Avoid fertilizing ornamentals now so they harden off before winter. • Remove bagworms by hand picking.

n FLOWERS

• Apply 1 to 1½ inches of water per week to gardens. • Divide iris and daylilies during dormant period. • Make last application of fertilizer to roses by mid month.

• Control black spot and other rose diseases. • Fertilize mums, hardy asters, and other fall blooming perennials. • Deadhead annuals to encourage late season blooms. • Cut back and fertilize annuals to produce new growth and fall blooms. • Sow hollyhocks, poppies and larkspur for spring blooms. • Prepare for fall bulb planting by making orders or researching varieties. • Take cuttings from geraniums and begonias for wintering indoors.

n VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

• Water about one inch per week. • Plant a fall garden, beets, carrots, beans and turnips for autumn harvest. • Plant transplants of broccoli, cauliflower or cabbage for fall production. • Harvest crops on a regular basis for season-long production. • Ease fruit loads on branches by propping with wooden supports. • Net ripening fruit to protect from hungry birds. • Fertilize strawberry bed for added flower bud development. • Turn compost pile and add water when dry. • Keep weeds under control to reduce problems next year.

n HOUSEPLANTS

• Water summered houseplants regularly and fertilize to promote growth. • Check plants for insects such as scales, aphids and spider mites. • Wash plants to remove dust layer. • Make cuttings and repot plants before summer sun slips away.

Johnson County K-State Research and Extension recommends environmentally-friendly gardening practices. This starts by identifying and monitoring problems. Cultural practices and controls are the best approach for a healthy garden. If needed, use physical, biological or chemical controls. Always consider the least toxic approach first. Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.

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MARIA’S FAMOUS BELGIAN MUMS ARE BACK!

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The K Th e Ka ns as Ci ty C ity a n s a s C Th e Ka ns as ity A M on th ly Gu

id e to A Mon thly Su cc Guid e to SuccOctober 2014 es sf ul essfu l Gard Garde ning Ga rd enin g to Succe ssful en August 2015 in g A Month ly Guide

Family Creek Exploration August 6 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10 AM–Noon Registration required by calling 816-228-3766 beginning July 1 (families with children 5+) Make today a stay-cation in Burr Oak Creek exploring for wildlife signs, fossils and splashing. Bring a lunch to continue the fun-filled afternoon. We will learn about our watershed and then we will head up the creek in knee-deep water. Caterpillar Hunt August 20 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10–11:30 AM Walk-in (all ages) Break out your magnifying glasses for some fun citizen science and help us survey the butterfly population of Burr Oak Woods! We will be tracking the number and variety of species at our site by looking for all stages of their life cycle, taking special note of the monarchs. Just drop by and join in the fun (create a life cycle craft while supplies last). Tincture, Tonics and Medicinal Plants August 27 ∙ Saturday ∙ 1–2:30 PM Registration required by calling 816-228-3766 (adults) Have you ever wondered about the healing properties of Missouri’s native plants? Join us as we share some of our knowledge and discover the difference between tinctures and tonics. For more information about any of these events, email burr.oak@ mdc.mo.gov.

yond th e Wate Butterflies and Bee s Love These rlilies Spooky Plants for the October

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2015

Garden

ity with Grasses Beauty and Divers een Not Just for HallowCall 811 Orange and Black: Lemo rd of Digth Control BeforeBiYou n Park ly: Beau for Better WeedsDayli eM ty for More Identif Decisyion Time: ThanBu a tte Dayrfl onth: Blue ShouSeeded In the ld You Lawn bird of Newly g y Remove Ask Feedin and the YourGaAsh rdenTree Conserva Proper Care Experts about weed with tories control, oozin g sap and more Marvin Snyder

Magazine archives

• See where to pick up the current issue • Hotlines to answer your questions • Weather report and planting dates • Look for garden clubs • Upcoming events

WEB ARTICLE

It’s A Water Garden... NOT a Swimming Pool! Diane Swan, with Swan’s Water Gardens, reminds us that a water garden is an ecosystem that evolves and changes. Unlike a swimming pool that, in a perfect world, remains clean and clear, always. Diane discusses those differences. Read the entire article at KCGMAG.COM.

Professional’s Corner Meet Kurt Winkler, the Turf Doctor Company: Soil Service Garden Center, a 4th generation family-owned and operated business held by the same family since 1934. Job title, description: Sales Manager in theory, but really, my focus is to help customers. Then and now: BS-Ag in Integrated Pest Management and chemistry minor at The University of Missouri, Columbia. Previously spent 25 years in the professional turfgrass industry and held various positions in sales, management and biological product development. Worked eight years in the agricultural chemical industry prior to turfgrass. Now, I’m in my fifth year at Soil Service. Have been in the industry my entire career and still have the passion to share information with customers and co-workers. Hey Turf Doctor, when is the best time to reseed? The first two weeks in September is the best time in Kansas City, especially in shade! This is the time of year to go all out with your seeding effort. If you need help or have questions about steps to take, we’re here to help. Favorite plant: Purple Coneflowers hands down. They are easy to grow, bloom all summer, pollinators love them, and the goldfinches put on a real show in the fall eating the seeds. Favorite garden destination: My back yard is quite private and peaceful. Especially when the ribs and brisket are on the smoker and I’m having a cold one. What every gardener should know: Enjoy the learning experience and never fear failure – just keep going! Non-green industry interests: I’ve been cooking since I was young and slowly getting better. Now that our sons are grown and I don’t travel, I have time to refine techniques and up my game. It’s the chemist in me. Little known secret: I’m a gearhead and addicted to the Velocity Channel. Growing up during the Muscle Car era can do that to you. Company information: Kansas City’s One Stop Garden Shop, Soil Service Garden Center, 7130 Troost, Kansas City, MO 64131; 816-444-3403; www.soilservice.com. Please call or see website for store hours as they vary with the seasons. The Kansas City Gardener | August 2016

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