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A garden in summer
August is the culmination of summer. Heat and humidity reaching 100+ degrees eventually takes a toll on most plants. Yet for more resilient types, there is no obvious indication of weakness. While Salvia and some Daylily varieties in my garden are showing signs of fatigue with browning leaves, Coneflower and Black-eyed Susan stand steadfast in full bloom. Liriope will soon throw spikes of purple flowers, and Torenia continues to bloom in a container, a feast for hungry bees and hummingbirds, respectively.
Although the garden might seem weary at first glance, this is the month when foliage does the heavy lifting of seasonal interest. Throughout Cavanaugh gardens, the scenery is full of varied colors and textures among plants. For example, even though the intersectional Peonies finished blooming in spring, the foliage remains attractive through the fall months. The Ostrich ferns are as bright as in the first days of spring. Oakleaf Hydrangea leaves are dark green and sizable. And Hosta, oh the many variations of hosta, offer a display unlike any other.
Don’t take my word for it. Take a look at this month’s feature article: National Garden Bureau’s Year of the Hosta. You’ll notice right away in the gallery of photos the
wide spectrum of greens, differing variegation types, and leaf shapes. Hostas have gained their popularity from fantastic foliage that provides interest throughout the growing season. They are adaptable, toughas-nails plants capable of surviving in the toughest soils and shadiest locations. Despite the fact that this perennial dies back to the ground in winter, Hosta reliably return with warming spring temperatures. What flourishes in your garden this time of year? Do some of the flowering perennials seem tired and weary? Or are there plants that turn on the charm in late summer?
Let’s not forget about the trees! We are grateful to live in a city where trees are prolific. Trees provide shade and shelter not only for humans and wildlife, but also the ground level garden plants that we work so tirelessly to maintain. Gardeners know well the 10 degree difference a mature shade tree makes with its leaf canopy. This cooling effect protects gardeners and gardens alike.
As summer winds down and the fall season eases in, consider the addition of trees to your landscape. If you need selection assistance, contact experts at your favorite garden center, county extension office, or tree service company. Another valuable resource is The Tree List: For The Kansas City Region,
available as a downloadable pdf at this link: https://www.multi.studio/2023/the-tree-list/. A study conducted by landscape architect Robert Whitman, RLA, AICP, LEED AP, resulted in a list of typically available trees, good and bad, to provide users with information on most tree options. It is a useful tool, especially for those who like doing their own research.
Looking forward as I tend to do, I welcome sweater weather and the distinctive color palette of fall.
I’ll see you in the garden!
About the cover: ‘June’ Hosta appropriately named for its outstanding summer performance. See many more varieties suitable for your shade garden beginning on page 10. Photo courtesy of National Garden Bureau (https://ngb.org/year-of-the-hosta/).
Daylilies and More
What is a daylily? A few years ago, a fellow gardener told me that she was not interested in growing any “of those orange flowered plants with the green foliage.” I sent her photos of several hybrid daylilies including ‘Brown’s Ferry Cream Supreme.’ Her response was “Wow! Is that a daylily?” Her gardens now include hybrid daylilies in various hues.
Southeast Kansas, my residence for more than three decades, has variable Midwest weather. Gardeners are challenged by cold and heat, floods, and droughts. The search for resilient and beautiful plants is ongoing. Daylilies are a desirable choice for gardeners in this environment. Most daylilies in the Midwest are dormant in the winter emerging in the spring with warm weather. When sufficient moisture is present, they will continue to bloom even in a heat wave. Each flower emerges for its day of glory only to decline and fade after its one-day show. A mature plant can produce multiple numbers of blooms on a support or scape.
Hybrid daylilies are an easy and exciting addition to any flower garden. They formed the center of my flower garden in Iola, Kansas beginning in the 1990s. These unnamed tetraploids purchased as a collection placed this grower on the road to discover the vast array of shapes, colors, ruffles, and diamond dust! Hybridizers like Eric Tankesley-Clarke, Bobbie Scott, and James Gossard among others are producing spectacular flowers. With collections named Top Gun (Bobbie Scott) and Heavenly Gardens (James Gossard) a wide array of blooms and shapes await!
We reside in Unit 11 of the Daylily Society. Our active club, The MO/KAN Daylily Society provides fellowship and knowledge for a group of daylily enthusiasts in the Kansas City area. Meeting five times a year gives the opportunity to gain experience from knowl-
edgeable speakers while visiting with fellow growers. Come and join the fun, food and fellowship at Ashbury United Methodist Church in Prairie Village, Kansas. On Saturday, October 5th, Zach Louk from Green Cover is scheduled to deliver a presentation on healthy soils and the use of cover crops.
My husband and I have enjoyed attending local meetings of daylily clubs in Topeka and Manhattan, Kansas. Our organization exists at
the local, regional, national, and international levels. This year our national meeting was conveniently located in Oklahoma City in June. Garden tours, daylily plants, banquets, and informative speakers comprised the gathering. At the national conference last year in Nashville, it was my pleasure to meet an international member Lena Elliott from Australia. We met in the laundry room of the hotel hosting the conference. Time passed swiftly as we spoke of her
country and our shared experiences as gardeners. It was great fun! This is an invitation to join the expanding group of daylily devotees. Attend and purchase reasonably priced beautiful daylily plants on Saturday, August 17th at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri. Sale begins at 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or until sold out. We look forward to getting acquainted with you.
Georgene Caoile was reared on a family farm. Her mother inspired an early interest in growing flowers and vegetables. In addition to hybrid daylillies her garden includes David Austin English Roses, lilies, peonies, many natives and a high tunnel filled with vegetables. She practices regenerative no till agriculture and uses cover crops.
You may notice that your roses don’t grow new leaves and flowers as quickly in August. It is just too darn hot, and they are semi-dormant. They are just hanging out, not working too hard, trying to maintain basic life functions. Just like us! Any flowers they produce might be smaller, and the petals may wilt soon after they open because the plant can’t pull water up to the top of the plant fast enough to prevent the sun from shriveling them. So, be patient, soon the weather will cool off and the roses will wake up and produce a new flush of beautiful blooms in September.
Water, water, water!
The number one thing roses need in August is water. Give your roses an inch of water every week—maybe even two inches if the temperature is high and the wind is blowing. An inch of water is about one 5-gallon bucket poured around the bush as far out as the tips if the branches (the drip line). If you are hand-watering with a wand, figure out how long it takes to fill a 5-gallon bucket and then water each bush that amount of time. In my garden, with my water pressure, this is about one minute. If you are using an automatic sprinkler system or dragging hoses around the yard, find some small straight-sided and flat-bottomed containers such as tuna or cat food cans and set a few of them out at various distances from the sprinkler head. Run the sprinkler for 30 minutes and then use a ruler to measure how much water is in the containers. This measurement will tell you how long the sprinkler needs to run to achieve the one-inch goal. Don’t be surprised if it is a longer time than you expected. My automatic system takes an HOUR to water one inch! To prevent water run-off,
Rose Report It’s too darn hot!
program several shorter watering cycles to give the water a chance to soak in. My sprinklers run for 20 minutes at each station and go through three cycles to provide an hour in total. To reduce leaf wetness that can lead to fungal disease, always water in the morning so the sun can dry the leaves quickly. And water deeply and infrequently so that the water goes deep into the soil and the leaves are not continuously wet.
Pest and Disease Management
First the good news…the Japanese Beetles are gone, or almost gone for this year and our roses will begin recovering from beetle damage. The bad news…spider mites love hot weather, so keep an eye out for leaves looking stippled with tiny yellow spots. Often, the leaves will turn bronze before falling off, and you will see flecks of white, yellow and brown “dirt” on the back. There may also be fine webbing between leaves. There are many products, both organic and synthetic, that treat spider mites. The key is to repeat the treatments as recommended on the label to catch new generations of mites as they hatch. Here is the link to the Kansas City Rose Society webpage on spider mites: https://www.kansascityrosesociety.org/rose-insectpests.html#spidermite. Heat stress can also cause an increase in fungal disease so if you have a spray program for black spot, continue to be vigilant and keep up your routine.
Fertilizer
To enjoy that final flush of fall blooms, apply your last fertilizer treatment of the year in mid-August. Since it is hot, as I have mentioned, make sure the plants are well watered before, and then again after, you have fertilized to avoid leaf burn. Watch the weather report
LAURA DICKINSON Consulting Rosarian
and try to fertilize on a day when it is at least a little cooler, or overcast, or less windy to give the roses the least stressful conditions possible. Remember, they are semi-dormant and not really in the mood to handle a big influx of nutrients. Consider using organic fertilizer with a lower nitrogen level, which will be taken up into the plant more slowly.
So, both you and your roses are hot and just want to hang out and not work too hard. Give your roses, and yourself, plenty of water to stay hydrated. Keep an eye out for pests that are taking advantage of heat stress and then relax—confident in the knowing that September is coming soon.
The Kansas City Rose Society’s Consulting Rosarians will answer all your rose questions. Contact kcrosehelp@gmail.com.
Mark your calendar for our upcoming September events in the rose garden. Bring your picnic baskets and enjoy a free concert at Jazz in the Roses on Sunday, September
8th and join our elegant fundraising gala Wine and Roses on Thursday, September 12th. See our website for more information: www. kansascityrosesociety.org.
Above: Spider mite “dirt” on back of leaves
Below: Spider mite damage and webbing with mites visible
Dickinson is an American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian and is Vice-President of the Kansas City Rose Society. Laura is retired from a career in science education and program management. She can be reached at the Ask a Rosarian hotline, kcrosehelp@ gmail.com.
Laura
Photo by Laura Dickinson.
Photo by K. Dubrovskaya.
Barclay Berberian 913-208-5941 LawnsByBarclay.com
Greater Kansas City Dahlia Society announces 2024 show schedule:
Aug. 16-17 Missouri State Fair Aug. 30-31 Powell Gardens
For more information on shows or regular meetings held at the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Center, visit our website www.kcdahlia.org; Or email: greaterkcdahlia@gmail.com.
BLUE SPRINGS Westlake, 1205 N 7 HWY
Westlake, 626 S 130th St FAIRWAY Hen House, 2724 W 53rd St GLADSTONE
Westlake, 5945 NE Antioch Rd
KANSAS CITY, KS
Hen House, 8120 Parallel Pkwy
KANSAS CITY, MO
KC Pond, 1557 Swift
Planter’s Seed Company, 513 E Walnut
Soil Service Garden Center, 7130 Troost
Suburban Lawn & Garden, 4 W 135th St
Sutherlands, 311 W 72nd St
Westlake, 1000 Westport Rd
Westlake, 5009 NE Vivion Rd
Westlake, 104 W 63rd St Westlake, 9715 N Ash Ave
LEAVENWORTH
Westlake, 3400 S 4th St Trafficway A
LEAWOOD Hen House, 11721 Roe Ave
LEE’S SUMMIT
Randy’s Lakeview Nursery, 1820 NE County Park Rd
Westlake, 103 S M-291 Hwy
Westlake, 444 SW Ward Rd
Westlake, 3511 SW Market St
LENEXA
Hen House, 15000 W 87th Pkwy
Suburban Lawn & Garden, 9275 Dunraven St
for tours are $10. Good for all tour dates and locations. Children under 14 attend free. Purchase tickets through Eventbrite by scanning the QR code, or visit kcwatergardens.com/2024-tour.
Westlake, 15225 W 87th Pkwy
Westlake, 10080 Chestnut St
LIBERTY
Family Tree Nursery, 830 W Liberty
LOUISBURG
Swan’s Water Gardens, 4385 W 247th St
OLATHE
Hen House, 13600 Blackbob Rd
Sutherlands, 16665 W 151st St
Westlake, 120 N. Clairborne
Westlake, 1185 W Santa Fe
OVERLAND PARK
Family Tree Nursery, 8424 Farley
Hen House, 11930 College Blvd
Hen House, 6900 W 135th St
Suburban Lawn & Garden, 10501 Roe Ave
Westlake, 9301 Santa Fe Dr
Westlake, 11200 Antioch Rd
PARKVILLE Westlake, 9200 NW Highway 45
PRAIRIE VILLAGE
Hen House, 4050 W 83rd St
Hen House, 6950 Mission Ln Westlake, 4049 Somerset
SHAWNEE
SMITHVILLE Pack’s Hardware, 116 N US Hwy 169
Ask the Experts
Question: I’m embarrassed to say, I neglected a corner of my yard for a few weeks and now it is overrun with poison ivy! How do I get rid of this, and how do I do so without having to touch it?
Answer: A key factor when managing poison ivy is to remember that direct contact is not the only way the plant may be able to reach you. Anything the plant’s oils contact, including shoes, mowers, and trimmers, may also be harmful with the toxicant now on them. For this reason, any mowing or trimming of an area with poison ivy should be done very carefully, with full skin coverage including long pants, long-sleeved shirts, gloves, and (potentially) even some form of a face cover. All clothing articles should then immediately be washed after use, being careful not to touch their outward-facing sides.
In landscapes with many ornamentals, gloved hand-pulling of the vines may be best for control,
though this practice is usually only done with seedling-sized plants. For large vines, cutting them at ground level and then carefully treating the trunk with a broadleaf herbicide is recommended. As with many heartier vines, repeat applications of herbicides to the target plant may be necessary every month or so until the carbohydrate reserve within the roots of the plant finally dry out, killing it. This same concept can be practiced with repeated cutting or mowing for those looking to avoid herbicides.
Individuals with severe reactions to poison ivy should aim to avoid the plant entirely, instead outsourcing the plant’s removal to someone that can tolerate exposure. Remember, there is a potential that the more times you have contacted poison ivy, the worse the reaction from contact will become.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT WEBWORM
Question: Every year around
ANTHONY REARDON Horticulture Agent
this time I begin to see giant webs in my trees that are filled with caterpillars. What is this? Should I do something about them?
Answer: Fall Webworms are an insect that have two generations within a year: a smaller, less noticeable, generation in the spring, and a larger, very noticeable, generation in late summer/early fall. These web masses can be filled with as many as 500 caterpillars at a time, and the larvae feed on foliage within their web.
As with any defoliating scenario, the leaf removal done by the insects is not ideal but also is not an immediate death sentence for the plant. It is when defoliation becomes so severe that the plant can no longer photosynthesize and produce food for itself that treatment becomes a priority.
In the case of fall webworms, pruning and destroying the infestations by simply removing the webbed areas usually suffices with control. A pole twisted into
the webs may also be able to wrap them up and pull them down, sparing the branches from removal. Though usually unnecessary, insecticide applications with a highpressure sprayer are a potential control for extremely severe infestations.
CAUSES OF FOLIAGE SCORCH DAMAGE
Question: My trees are burning up! Any tips on what I can do about scorch damage? It doesn’t seem like they can get enough water.
Answer: Scorch damage on foliage will show as browned or blackened outer margins on leaves, with regular green growth in the leaf centers. It is a physiological condition that is not only caused by hot temperatures and dry winds, but also by weak root systems and limited soil capacity. Thus, while adding water will help, the problem may persist in a plant if soil or roots are not able to
Anthony Reardon 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.
Poison Ivy
Webworm
adequately maintain and process that water.
In this instance, many of the traditional techniques for maintaining soil moisture and overall plant health will work in your favor. Any plants competing with the one struggling, where they occupy the same growing space, should be removed. Though not ideal in some scenarios, this also applies to turf growing near your plant. The bare areas should then be mulched, which will assist in maintaining adequate soil moisture and temperature, as well as mitigating weed competition.
Watering of the plant should be done so that moisture penetrates at least a foot, if not two feet, into the ground. This can be measured with the use of a soil prod and seeing how deep it can be poked into the ground. Remember, waterlogged soils have the same effect on a plant as drought, as they make it so that roots cannot function properly. As such, moist but not overly saturated soil is what is required.
SUNSCALD ON TOMATOES, PEPPERS
Question: Every year around
Greater Kansas City Iris Society Plant Sale
Saturday, August 17
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Colonial Church 7039 Mission Road Prairie Village, KS Bearded iris in a variety
this time I will begin seeing bleaching and blistering on a selection of my tomato and pepper crops. What is going on? Can I do something about this?
Answer: Bleaching and blistering are two symptoms nearly synonymous with sunscald on tomatoes and peppers. With the high temperatures and ample sunshine
of August, it makes sense for the condition to be showing on prone plants or, particularly, plants that do not have enough foliage to shield their fruit.
As the name of the condition suggests, sunscald is a sunburn. Thus, the solution to the condition is shade from the sun, usually provided by foliage. If a plant’s fo-
liage has been damaged by something, whether it be storms, pests, or chemical drift, it may not be able to adequately provide this shading. Ultimately, the best form of avoiding sunscald then is by maintaining the healthiest plants possible during the growing season. Remove any fruit effected to encourage new fruit development.
Take the guesswork out of fertilizing
K-State Research and Extension/Johnson County
We are often asked, “Why should I get a soil test?” The first key to lawn and garden success is knowing soil fertility
A soil test reveals the baseline nutritional values of your soil. A test can determine the type and amounts of fertilizer needed for optimal plant health. A good soil test also determines the pH level of the soil so corrections can be made.
Soil fertility is something that cannot be seen, felt or guessed. It varies from one yard to the next. In many cases the test shows that too many nutrients have been applied and additional chemical elements such as phosphorous and potassium may be harmful.
Phosphorous and potassium levels build up in KC soils. Excess can harm growth, or worse, leach out and pollute streams and lakes. Many garden resources recommend a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-5. L ong term use of these products can lead to chemical buildup. Soil testing takes the guesswork out of fertilizing.
A common misbelief is that our local soils need lime. Lime raises the pH, and most KC soils already have high levels. A simple soil test will
determine soil pH. You’ll then learn the correct treatment options, saving you money
Extension recommends a soil test every three to five years. All local extension offices provide soil testing services. Soil samples brought or mailed to the Johnson County Extension office are sent to the Soil Testing Laboratory at Kansas State University in Manhattan. Our agents analyze the lab results and write a personalized recommendation. Your report is usually mailed to you in four to six weeks.
August is an excellent time to test the soil, especially if you are planning on a late summer lawn renovation. Save yourself time and money by getting your soil tested today. It all starts with a soil test!
If you crave that spring green, fertilize this September.
• September fertilization is critical to your lawn’s health
• Applying just the right kind and amount of fertilizer saves you money and protects our water quality
• JoCo Residents: Get one free soil test and a personalized recommendation for your lawn
Year of the Hosta
Hostas have gained their popularity from fantastic foliage that provides interest throughout the growing season. They are adaptable, tough-as-nails plants capable of surviving in the toughest soils and shadiest locations. One of the ways Hosta ascended in popularity is they can be easily split and shared. They can be dug up, divided, and replanted at almost any time during the year. A term for this type of plant is a “friendship plant” – perennials that are easy to divide and give a piece to your friend or neighbor.
There is also great variety in the genus, with large variations in color, size, variegation, and texture. Today, there are tens of thousands of registered Hosta varieties, with some collectors and nurseries amassing collections of several hundred or even a few thousand.
Popular Hosta Variety/Series
Diamond Lake – This large blue Hosta has a thick waxy coating and excellent slug resistance. It is among the best for holding its blue coloration late into summer.
Miss America – A large variety of multiple shades of green. Medium green margins jet into cream centers with light green streaking. Near white flowers are held high above the foliage on five-foot flowerscapes.
Empress Wu – This giant green variety is among the largest Hostas currently available. Leaves are individually giant to match the size of the plant. Use this variety as a space filler in the landscape.
Blue Mouse Ears – This mini blue variety is one of the bestknown mini Hostas. Vigorous despite its small size, this variety is perfect for use along the front of the border. Lavender flowers are proportionate to the size of the plant.
Brother Stefan – A nicely variegated large hosta known for its crinkled leaf texture. Heavily puckered leaves have applegreen margins and chartreuse centers.
Touch of Class – The first tetraploid elevation of a Hosta, with added vigor compared to diploid varieties. ‘Touch of Class’ impresses with intense blue leaves and chartreuse centers.
Dancing Queen – One of the most popular large gold varieties, emerging yellow from the start in spring.
Silly String – This unique hosta has narrow blue leaves with intensely wavy margins. Pale purple flowers top the plant for a perfect package. Great for containers or the front of the shade garden.
How to Grow Hostas
Hosta are among the easiest perennials to put in your garden. They are durable, long-lived, and generally maintenance-free.
1. The Right Location for Growing Hostas
• Hosta can be planted in most shady spaces in the garden.
• Placing in the morning sun or dappled shade will usually bring out the most intense foliage colors without causing leaf burn.
• Gardeners in southern zones will want to make sure they are placing their hosta in full shade.
• Growers in northern zones may find that some hosta, such as ‘Guacamole’, ‘Paradigm’, or ‘Guardian Angel’ are capable of being grown in full sun with adequate moisture.
2. The Correct Soil for Hostas
• High soil fertility certainly helps Hosta grow bigger, and faster, but is not ultimately necessary to have beautiful specimens. Plant in fertile soils or compost for the largest, fastest-growing plants.
• Hosta can grow in a variety of soils, from loose sand to heavy clay. In sandier soils, plants will need more frequent watering. Poor and sandy soils can be amended with compost or organic matter to increase fertility.
3. Hosta Foliage and Flowers
• Hosta have traditionally been selected as a foliage plant first, with flowers as an afterthought. Flowers can be trimmed from the plant at any time without harming it.
• The blue color on Hostas is actually from a waxy coating called blum. This coating develops as the plant emerges in spring and fades through the summer. Rain will wash the blum off and cause blue hostas to go green faster, as will di-
rect sun exposure which melts the wax off. To keep your hostas blue, plant them in partial shade and avoid overhead watering. This wax coating provides additional protection from burning under the sun.
• Gold hostas gain the most intense color when best planted in filtered shade or morning sun. Planting in deep shade will result in more chartreuse or green color, planting in full sun will typically cause leaf scorch.
• Some Hosta varieties have been selected for unique, floriferous, or fragrant flowerscapes. A few examples are ‘Silly String’, ‘Royal Standard’, ‘Royal Wedding’, ‘Time in a Bottle’, and ‘Wrinkle in Time’.
• Hosta flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
4. Hosta as a Tasty Treat
• The primary detractor for Hosta is they tend to be a highly desired food source for deer, particularly when they are emerging in spring.
• If deer are an issue in your neighborhood, sitting them near entryways to the house, within a fenced or obstructed enclosure, or behind deer tape may be necessary for them to thrive.
This article and images courtesy the National Garden Bureau (https://ngb.org/year-of-thehosta/).
Dancing Queen
Francee
Autumn Frost
Blue Mouse Ears
Perhaps the most common Grass Skipper, the Tawney-edge is darling with its huge eyes, elongated tongue and hairy body.
Zabulons are brighter than most Grass Skippers, an aid to identification. And look at that tongue!
Grass Skippers: Small but Mighty
The speediest of all butterflies, Grass Skippers erratically zip around your garden at almost 40 mph! These “LBBs”, (Little Brown Butterflies) have 1-inch wingspans and stout fuzzy bodies in dull colors, usually brown with orange. Many butterfly lovers consider them adorable for their proportionally huge eyes and perky personalities. Skippers make up for their small size in sheer numbers since they represent more than half of the 60 species of butterflies that reside in the Kansas City area. They may be small, but do not underestimate their importance as busy daytime pollinators! With their exceptionally long thin tongues, they usually frequent small tubular flowers such as Celosia, Verbena and Lantana.
A Skipper’s Lifestyle
Some people assume that the diminutive Grass Skippers are baby butterflies. No, all adult butterflies emerge from their chrysalis full-grown. The many sizes of butterflies are different species, while
the leaf-eating caterpillars are the “baby butterflies.” Like other Lepidoptera, Skippers live their lives in four stages, called “complete metamorphosis.” Females search out their host plants, native grasses and sedges, to lay their eggs, which quickly hatch into caterpillars that make a silken leaf nest for camouflage. They feast non-stop and grow by shedding their skins five times. The final molt reveals the chrysalis, the magical chamber wherein the caterpillar is transformed into the winged adult whose only purpose is procreation.
The adults live only a week or two, so the boys immediately get busy chasing the ladies. Male Grass Skippers are exceptionally persistent in their pursuit of love. Picture a female on a flower, quietly enjoying her nectar drink. An uninvited male barges in, dancing around her with fancy footwork and much wing flapping and fluttering. He then showers the lady with his funky pheromones to put her in the mood. Sometimes she’s impressed, but usually she flies off
to find a more private flower with him in frantic pursuit. Although a few species, like the Fiery Skipper, migrate to the Gulf States in fall, most Grass Skippers spend the winter in your yard as caterpillars snuggled in their grass-leaf nests. As always, don’t be too fastidious when cleaning up your garden in the fall since you risk killing overwintering butterflies if you remove all debris.
Skipper Identification
For years, lepidopterists considered Skippers to be the “missing link” in the evolution of moths into butterflies. However, DNA analysis confirms that they are true butterflies that are distinguished by their antennae ending in jaunty hooks rather than clubs. Two types of Skippers live in the Midwest. The larger, more colorful Spreadwing Skippers are easier to identify since they often nectar or bask in the sun with wings outspread, holding still long enough for a photo and a field guide consultation. The Grass Skippers are far
more common and identified by their wings held at half-mast, the forewings forming a tent over the half-spread hindwings. To the aeronautically inclined, they look like miniature stealth bomber airplanes. A few like the Fiery Skipper have sufficiently distinctive patterns to identify with confidence. However, even experts are challenged by many Grass Skippers and must resort to a microscope for identification. I am content to simply say ‘Grass Skipper’ for the more inconspicuous species.
Summary
Gardeners who focus on only Monarchs and other large butterflies are missing a potential source of joy. These LBBs are speed demons that seem much busier with their fast-flapping wingbeats than the elegant gliding of larger butterflies. And the forewing of the libidinous male is usually branded with a dark spot, his pocket for storing his pheromone “aftershave lotion.” The LBBs prove that you don’t have to be big to be showy!
A Marais des Cygnes Master Gardener, Lenora is a member of the Idalia Butterfly Society and Kansas Native Plant Society. She gardens in the clay soil and cruel winds of Paola, KS. She may be contacted at lenora.longlips@gmail.com.
A female Sachem can be identified by the pale white chevron on its forewing.
LENORA LARSON Butterfly Maven
Photos by Lenora Larson.
Locally owned & operated by Drew & Megan Diekmann
Protect Insects—Protect Birds
Sweating and grumbling our way through August’s heat and humidity, we reap summer’s rewards: lush foliage, a bounty of blooms and garden produce, and peak abundance of butterflies, dragonflies, and other insects. Fall migration time seems far away, but for many birds, preparatory activity (“staging”) for this ancient ritual is already well underway.
Thankfully, it’s become common knowledge that most birds (even seed eaters) require insects to nourish offspring. Terrestrial insects, including caterpillars, are relatively easy for any bird to capture. But one group of birds that often escapes notice (or is taken for granted) is the “aerial insectivores”: swallows, swifts, and nighthawks. These graceful and efficient hunters survive almost exclusively
on flying insects. Unfortunately, according to #BringBirdsBack (www.3billionbirds.org), populations of these vulnerable birds have decreased by 32% since 1970, in conjunction with an overall decline in insect abundance and loss of habitat—a cumulative loss of 160 million individuals!
Three of our aerial insectivores (Barn Swallows, Tree Swallows, and Common Nighthawks) are tolerant of humans, fun to watch, and easily observed even in urban locations. Barn Swallows sport distinctive forked tails, pointed wings, blue-black backs, pale bellies, reddish chestnut throats, and petite
beaks. They fly low over open grassy areas, frequently twisting and turning, often following mowers that flush insects from foliage.
Smaller than Barn Swallows, adult Tree Swallows display iridescent blue backs and snowy white bellies and throats. Brownish juveniles appear in late summer and fall. Almost every lake, pond, and wetland in our area hosts these water-loving birds. Gliding near the water’s surface, they not only feed but also drink and bathe on the wing, skimming their undersides through the water. Tree Swallows are unique in being able to sustain themselves by eating fruit (especially bayberries) when insects are unavailable (cold wet spells in early spring and late fall).
Common Nighthawks belong to the “nightjar” family. They prefer to hunt at dawn and dusk. Foraging activity peaks during the hour before and after sunset, and the hour prior to sunrise. However, artificial lighting has extended feeding hours for urban birds, who linger near street and stadium lights where insects congregate. Nighthawks are well-equipped for nocturnal life, with cryptic brown coloration, large eyes, and stiff “whiskers” that scoop insects into their large mouths. Listen for “peent” calls as they swoop overhead, looping, diving, flapping, and gliding on long slender wings, more like bats than birds!
Swallows and nighthawks begin “staging” in August, gathering in large flocks and eating voraciously to accumulate the fat reserves necessary for long journeys to Central and South America. Fall migration is more leisurely than that of spring; flocks pause frequently to refuel along the way. Waves of aerial insectivores from the north pass through the Midwest in September and early October. A scarcity of insect food makes migration even more perilous. Undernourished birds are more likely to succumb
to disease, predation, and adverse weather conditions, and are less likely to survive winter, even in the warmth of the tropics.
Conservation of insects is so critical to the survival of birds that “Protect Insects, Protect Birds” is the theme for World Migratory Bird Day 2024 (www.migratorybirdday. org).
Everyone knows the basics of sustaining insects (and birds) at
sowing wildflowers and forbs, not only beautifying roadways but saving public money. Comprehensive guidelines for communities and government entities are available from National Wildlife Federation (www.nwf.org) and the Pollinator Partnership (www.pollinator. org). If your municipality doesn’t participate, contact the appropriate leaders, encourage neighbors to join you, and advocate for change.
home—native landscaping, “leaving leaves”, and avoiding chemicals. But there’s still a lot of work to do to extend these beneficial practices into ecologically sterile public spaces, with their acres of potential habitat. A few suggestions for action:
Don’t be shy! Share the beauty and benefits of your own “homegrown national park”. Convincing even one person to create a new wildlife garden is a victory. Point them to Deep Roots KC (www. deeprootskc.org) and Grow Native (www.grownative.org) for “Front Yard Formal” garden plans and other assistance.
Does your county or city participate in “roadside habitat” programs for pollinators? Practices range from reduced mowing to
HOA and city policies may create barriers to installation of native plantings for wildlife. What are the rules for your community? Speak up for garden-friendly policies for your HOA and your city, and advocate for reduced chemical use in parks and other public spaces. Encourage your neighbors to embrace eco-friendly lawn care (even folks indifferent to wildlife usually concede the health benefits of reduced chemical exposure).
Enjoy our beautiful swallows and nighthawks (and other migrants) as they prepare to journey to their winter homes. And remember the words of Dr. Suess’s environmental advocate, The Lorax: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
Elizabeth Stoakes is currently President of Burroughs Audubon Society in Kansas City and has been birding for over 25 years. Please contact BAS via mail@burroughs.org or text/call 816-795-8177 with any birding questions.
ELIZABETH STOAKES
Swallows form mixed flocks at migration time.
Photo by Andrew Burnett.
Male Barn Swallow
Photo by Terrence Thompson.
Water Garden Tour
The Greater Kansas City Water Garden Society hosts two tours on August 3rd and 10th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The self-directed driving tour is a Kansas City tradition for families, garden groups, and friends. August 3rd is the Kansas South tour from Leawood to Louisburg, with a night party in Olathe, offering refreshments and music, sure to entertain visitors from 7 to 10 p.m. The grand finale on August 10th is the Missouri North tour, with locations from the Missouri river to the airport. The last night party is hosted by local builder Good Earth Water Gardens who will educate and entertain you with night lighting, fire, and water, from 7 to 10 p.m.
The Wings Over Water Gardens tour is an odyssey of water features from do-it-yourself ponds and waterfalls to large professionally built masterpieces. Experience the beauty and fun of water gardening; where birds and pollinators are attracted to moving water to complete these backyard ecosystems. Tickets for 14 years and older are $10 and available at Eventbrite and local retailers. Children attend for free. With each paid ticket you have free admission to the KC Zoo on these tour dates by entering through customer services. Families like to tour in the morning and then visit the Zoo in the afternoon. Proceeds from the tour benefit construction and maintenance of ponds for schools, nature centers and other non-profits. Follow the Water Garden Society of Greater KC on Facebook or visit our website kcwatergardens.com.
Mosaic Bird Bath Regular $68.99 $48.29 while supply lasts.
What’s in a Name? - Aug. 3, 10 am. Learn about botanical names & how they can help you learn about the plants. Free. Class sizes limited, please pre -register. Learn more/register at: https://tinyurl.com/NameClass
Autumn is coming!
You won’t wall to miss the Fall Season at Arnold’ s Prairie! New stock Trees, Shrubs & PerennialsPumpkin Patch - Mums - Fall Bulbs - Décor - and much more! Watch for more details coming soon...
- follow us on Facebook for all the latest news and specials! 1430 Hwy. 58, LeRoy KS 66857 arnoldsgreenhouse.com info@arnoldsgreenhouse.com Sunday 1 - 5 pm August Specials: Perennials, Fruits, Shrubs & Rosesbuy 2, get 1 free! (of equal or lesser value)
Good Things Grow in Pears
When we ask school children about their favorite fruits during planting sessions, the answers typically range from bananas and mangos to apples and strawberries. However, during a recent planting, a third-grader surprised us with an unexpected favorite: Asian pears. This delightful fruit, often seen wrapped in foam mesh at grocery stores, has found a place in our orchards and in the hearts of our community members. Fresh, locally grown Asian pears offer a taste experience that far surpasses their store-bought counterparts.
History and Cultivars
Asian pears, primarily of the species Pyrus pyrifolia and Pyrus ussuriensis, have been cultivated for over 3,000 years in China and nearly 2,000 years in Japan. In the United States, their cultivation spans just 200 years, with most production in California, Oregon, and Washington. Here in Kansas City, we recommend several cultivars that thrive in our climate:
• Shinsui: Ripens in mid-late July with light, sweet caramel flavor.
• Shinseiki (New Century): Smooth, sweet fruits ripen yellow in late July.
• Chojuro: Early-mid August ripening with a sweet, butterscotch flavor.
• Yoinashi: Mid-August ripening, light sweetness with good juice content.
• Shinko: Early September ripening, known for its fire-blight resistance.
• Seuri: Mid-late September ripening with unique tropical notes.
• Korean Giant (Olympic): Midlate September ripening, often producing large fruits.
Pruning and Maintenance
Asian pear trees, like all pear trees, have an upright growth habit with narrow branch angles. Proper pruning is essential to prevent breakage under the weight of fruit and to promote a strong, healthy structure. We recommend pruning newly planted trees every dormant season (February to early March) and during the summer (mid-July to early September) to manage growth and fruit production.
Other maintenance tasks include managing pests and diseases. While Asian pears face fewer pest pressures than apples, they are susceptible to fire-blight, a bacterial disease that can spread rapidly and kill young trees. Regular monitoring and prompt removal of infected branches are crucial to maintaining tree health.
Production and Harvest
Asian pears are quick to come
into production, typically within three years of planting. It’s important to allow the tree to establish strong roots and branches before focusing on fruit production. Once established, Asian pears are highly productive, often requiring fruit thinning to ensure quality and prevent overburdening the tree.
In the first year of production, it’s common to harvest 40-50 fruits per tree. By the fifth year, this number can increase to 150-200 fruits, and mature trees can yield up to 500 fruits annually.
Enjoying and Sharing the Harvest
Asian pears are best enjoyed fresh, though they also store well in high-humidity refrigeration for several months. They add a delightful crunch and sweetness to salads, salsas, and stews. While they are not ideal for baking due to their high water content, they can be dehydrated or juiced for a refreshing treat.
Over the past 11 years, Kansas City Community Garden’s Giving Grove program has planted nearly 900 Asian pear trees in Kansas City. These trees have proven to be lowmaintenance, high-yielding, and a favorite among community members for their crisp, sweet juiciness. We invite you to join us in growing these wonderful fruits, not only to enjoy but also to share with others in our community.
MATT BUNCH | The Giving Grove | SARAH SIKICH
Matt Bunch is The Giving Grove program director for Kansas City Community Gardens and Horticulturist for The Giving Grove’s national network. Contributing to this piece is Sarah Sikich, Marketing & Communications Manager for The Giving Grove. For more information about Kansas City’s Giving Grove program, visit www.kccg.org/giving-grove.
Ripe Chojuros
Asian Pears
Yoinashi in June
Upcoming Garden Events
The Garden Club of Shawnee
Thurs, Aug 1, 7p; at Shawnee Town 1927 Town Hall, 11600 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS. “Cactus and Succulents” presented by Judy Pigue, from the KC Cactus and Succulent Society. As always, we will serve drinks and snacks, and great door prizes will be given away. Visitors are always welcome! Please visit our website gardenclubofshawnee.org and our Facebook page for more information.
Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society
Sun, Aug 18, 1:30-3:30p; at Suburban Lawn and Garden nursery in Lenexa, KS. We will tour the tropicals department with manager Travis Karns. The nursery is located just west of K-7 Highway and Prairie Star Parkway at 9275 Dunraven St. We will tour the cactus and succulent displays in particular and discover how the nursery selects their plants for sale to the public.
Leavenworth County Master Gardeners
Wed, Aug 14, 11a; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Neil Bass, Natural Resources Specialist at Ft Leavenworth, will discuss some of the unique resources of Ft Leavenworth and efforts to restore native vegetation communities. The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700.
Olathe Garden & Civic Club
Tues, Aug 20, 1-2:30p; at Grace United Methodist Church, 11485 S Ridgeview Rd, Olathe, KS 66061. Free to attend and open to the public, club membership NOT required. Please join us for our monthly club meeting and annual flower and specimen show preparation discussion. This show coincides with the Olathe Old Settlers event and is a great opportunity to receive recog-
nition for all your hard work in your garden! Please join us if you’d like more info about how you can participate.
Raytown Garden Club
Tues, Aug 6, 10a; at Connection Point Church, 10500 E 350 Hwy, Raytown, MO 64138. Program will be “Using Our Earth’s Natural Resources to Benefit All the Earth: Native Milkweed” by Donna Teachman, Missouri Master Naturalist. Guests are always welcome. For more information please check out our Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/RaytownGardenClub
“Wings Over Water Gardens” Tour
The Greater Kansas City Water Garden Society hosts two tours on Aug 3 and 10 from 9a to 5p. This is a self-directed driving tour. Tickets for 14 years and older are $10 and available at Eventbrite and local retailers. Children attend for free. With each paid ticket you have free admission to the KC Zoo on these tour dates. Proceeds from the tour benefit construction and maintenance of ponds for schools, nature centers and other non-profits. Follow the Water Garden Society of Greater KC on Facebook or visit our website kcwatergardens.com.
GKC Iris Society Plant Sale Sat, Aug 17, 10a-3p; at Colonial Church, 7039 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS. Bearded iris in a variety of classes will be available for sale: TB, BB, IB, SDB, MTB. Come early for best selection as last year was a sell out!
Daylily Sale
Sat, Aug 17, at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO. The sale begins at 8:30a and runs until 2:30p or until sold out.
Tomato Fest
Thurs, Aug 22, 5:30-7:30p; at the Buchanan County Extension Office, 4125 Mitchell
Ave, St Joseph. Hosted by the Northwest Missouri Master Gardeners. There will be tomato tastings and samples of dishes featuring tomatoes. Mini seminars will include growing tomatoes and peppers, building raised beds, fall gardening and more. We will have seed garlic giveaways while they last. Don’t miss out!
Dahlia Shows
Greater Kansas City Dahlia Society announces show schedule: Aug 16-17 at Missouri State Fair, Aug 30-31 at Powell Gardens, and Sep 20-21 at Suburban Lawn & Garden (135th & Wornall Rd, KCMO). For more information on shows or regular meetings held at the Anita B Gorman Conservation Center, visit our website www. kcdahlia.org; or email greaterkcdahlia@ gmail.com.
Native Plant Sale
Sat, Sep 7, 8a-noon; at Lenexa Farmers Market, 17201 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66219. Discover a vibrant variety of landscaping options. Browse grasses, flowers and other plants from local vendors. For more information, lenexa.com/nativeplantsale.
Jazz in the Roses
Sun, Sep 8, 5-7p; in the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden in Loose Park (52nd St and Wornall Rd). The event will feature musicians Envee, Clayton DeLong and Rick Willoughby of the group Strawberry Jam. Jazz in the Roses is provided by the Kansas City Rose Society and Kansas City Parks and Recreation. The event’s presenting sponsor is the Fisher Hiles Team. A free, family friendly event. There will be a children’s art area set up again this year for the younger attendees. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnics and enjoy an evening of great jazz in a beautiful setting. www.kansascityrosesociety.org
MOMGA’24 Headed to St Joseph The Northwest Missouri Master Gardeners
will host the 2024 Missouri Master Gardener Conference Sep 27-29. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Doug Tallam. The conference will offer a wide variety of classes, workshops, and tours. Registration now open, and you’ll want to reserve your spot early. Facebook page, MOMGA’24.
CLASSES | WORKSHOPS
What’s in a Name Sat, Aug 3, 10a; at Arnold’s Prairie Greenhouse & More, 1430 Hwy 58, LeRoy, KS 66857. Learn about botanical names and how they can help you learn about the plants. Free. Class sizes limited, please preregister. Learn more/register at: https://tinyurl.com/NameClass. arnoldsgreenhouse. com; 620-964-2423
So What Now? Tips for Fall Planting Thurs, Aug 15, 7p; at Leavenworth Public Library, 417 Spruce St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Come discuss and learn about what comes after summer plants have begun to fade away for the season. Join Leavenworth County Master Gardeners, Meagan Bircher and Anne Rielly, as they share tips on fall crops, how to spruce up planters for fall, safely plant trees and shrubs as well as how to prepare your lawn for the changing season. Free and open to the public. Contact the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700.
So What Now? Tips for Fall Planting Wed, Aug 28, 6:30p; at Basehor Community Library, 1400, 158th St, Basehor, KS 66007. Come discuss and learn about what comes after summer plants have begun to fade away for the season. Join Leavenworth County Master Gardeners, Meagan Bircher and Anne Rielly, as they share tips on fall crops, how to spruce up planters for fall, safely plant trees and shrubs as well as how to prepare your lawn for the changing season. Free and open to the public. Contact the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700.
GARDEN CALENDAR
August list of what to do in the garden.
fall-blooming perennials.
• Apply about 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week to Bluegrass to remain spring green.
• Apply about 1 inch of water per week to a tall fescue lawn.
• Apply the last application of fertilizer to Zoysia by mid-month.
• Be on the lookout for grubs and apply proper control methods.
• Plan for fall renovation projects such as aerating and seeding.
• Check the sharpness of the mower blade and repair it.
• Mow turf as needed depending on summer growth.
• Treat unwanted Zoysia and Bermuda grass.
• Take a soil test to determine your fertility program.
FLOWERS
• Apply 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week to gardens.
• Divide iris and daylilies during the dormant period through early August.
• Make the last application of fertilizer to roses by mid-month.
• Control black spot and other rose diseases.
• Fertilize mums, hardy asters, and other
•
•
• • LAWN
• 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.
TREES AND SHRUBS
• Water young trees every one to two weeks by deeply soaking the root system.
• Prune and shape hedges.
• Check the mulch layer and replenish if needed.
• Prune broken, dead, or crossing limbs for healthier plants.
• Check young trees and shrubs for girdling wires and ropes for planting.
• Avoid fertilizing ornamentals now so they harden off before winter.
• Remove bagworms by handpicking.
VEGETABLES AND FRUITS
• Water about 1 inch per week.
MY GARDEN (Use this space to list additional tasks to accomplish in your garden.)
• Plant a fall garden: beets, carrots, beans, and turnips for autumn harvest.
• Plant transplants of broccoli, cauliflower, or cabbage for fall production.
• Harvest crops regularly for season-long production.
• Ease fruit loads on branches by propping them with wooden supports.
• Net ripening fruit to protect from hungry birds.
• Fertilize strawberry bed for flower bud development, improving yields next spring.
• Turn the compost pile and add water when dry.
• Keep weeds under control to reduce problems next year.
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 the 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. Anthony Reardon 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.
3 reminders for summer lawn care
Storm drains lead directly to creeks and streams.
Follow these lawn care tips to keep Johnson County water clean.
Our local water sources are vital to healthy communities. Thanks for doing your part!
Hotlines for Gardeners
Extension Master Gardeners are ready to answer your gardening questions.
913-364-5700; Leave a message. A Master Gardener will contact you.
MIAMI COUNTY & LINN COUNTY
913-294-4306; Thurs, 8am-noon
WYANDOTTE COUNTY
913-299-9300; Mon, Wed, Fri, 9am-4pm
QUESTIONS ABOUT ROSES?
Ask a Rosarian; kcrosehelp@gmail.com; www.kansascityrosesociety.org
Tip #1: Runoff water contaminates streams, so be sure to not overwater your lawn.
Tip #2: If fertilizing, sweep leftover product off of hard surfaces so it stays out of storm drains.
Tip #3: Pick up pet waste prior to watering.
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