The Kansas City
GARDENER December 2020 | kcgmag.com
EVERGREENS
in the winter landscape
editor’s notes
The Kansas City
GARDENER
Some traditions prevail
Independently owned and operated since 1996 PUBLISHER Michael Cavanaugh EDITOR Elizabeth Cavanaugh
CONTRIBUTORS Nik and Theresa Hiremath Stephanie Parker Dennis Patton Tamra Reall Chelsea Didde Rice Denise Sullivan Scott Woodbury DISTRIBUTION Publishers Delivery Solutions, Inc. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISTRIBUTE the magazine at your place of business, please contact Mike Cavanaugh at mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 NEED MORE MAGAZINES? mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 CONTACT US P.O. Box 8725 Prairie Village, KS 66208 913-648-4728 ADVERTISING Mike Cavanaugh at mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 EDITORIAL Elizabeth Cavanaugh elizabeth@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728
T
hrough the living room window, I watch Robins glean fruit from the crabapple trees. I can see finches attempt to bathe in the birdbath filled with more leaves than water. Across the garden, a glimpse of the wren box nestled high in the arborvitae, jogs my memory that it needs to be cleaned out. And recent gusting winds cleared remaining leaves from the trees, along with plenty of dead branches to collect for the firepit. Yep, there are a few more chores to tackle before winter sets in. Another on the list of unfinished tasks is to contend with the empty front porch containers. Either fill them or store them. Left unattended they become unsightly debris collection bins. My plan is to create winter arrangements that will endure until March or April. Nothing complicated, fussy or expensive. Just a few natural ingredients plucked from the garden to fashion a winter scene. First, I’ll need to organize my thoughts and come up with a plan. There is no shortage of materials and inspiration at the local garden center. Plus seeing examples helps to solidify my idea. Mr. Gardener has plenty of ideas that he’ll gladly share, given half a chance. So off we go. That’s right. The two of us. Somehow this has become a two-man project. While I’m looking at yards of fresh, fragrant garland, he shouts, “Hey babe, how about putting this in the container?” He’s showing me some type of dwarf evergreen, like a baby Christmas tree. That is
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thing coming to the house. Naturally my reply was, “Hey, ……. yeah, uhhh …… that’s an idea. Let’s think about that.” We left the garden center without purchases yet with plenty of ideas to mull over. Perhaps this is a one-person project. I’ll keep you informed. Meanwhile, we welcome winter and the holidays. Some traditions will bear a temporary hold to keep each other healthy. And we will keep our hearts filled with gratitude and the joy of the season. I’ll see you in the garden!
In this issue
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE See details on page 19. SUBSCRIPTION Elizabeth Cavanaugh elizabeth@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728
not exactly what I had in mind, so I need to be cautious about my response. If I say yes, he might want it to be used as our indoor Christmas tree— the Charlie Brown tree he has always wanted—rather than for the porch container. We need a moment here for clarity—I am not now, nor have I ever been in favor of a small indoor Christmas tree. It is important that some traditions prevail, like getting the Christmas tree. Here’s an oversimplified view of how it goes. You must drive to a tree lot when the temperature is between freezing and bitter. Even better if it is sleeting. Then, spend too much time looking at what seems like the same trees over and over again. Then select and purchase an 8- to 10-foot tree. Tie it to the top of the car, and pray it doesn’t slide off, all they while you are scrambling to remember if you paid the car insurance. Once home, you realize the trunk is too big for the tree stand. Next, you must engage power tools, finally trimming it down to an over-priced 5-foot tree. Merry Christmas! So I better not risk that tiny
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Ask the Experts Plants on Your Plate Piney Garden Sanctuary UP CLOSE Evergreens in the winter
14 Working with Landscape Designer 13 Hey Wise Guy 16 Kids Ask Dr. Bug 18 Garden Calendar 19 Subscribe
About the cover: King’s Gold Falsecypress is an uplifting evergreen foundation plant for the landscape. Learn of others to consider beginning on page 10. 2
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Ask the Experts NANDINA TOXIC FOR BIRDS Question: I have grown Nandina for years in my landscape. I love them for the red fall color and the bright red berries. As I was walking through the garden with a friend, she told me to get rid of the Nandina as it kills birds. Is that true, should I remove the plant? Answer: Your friend is correct. Nandina, Nandina domestica or Heavenly Bamboo, is prized for its bright red berry clusters. According to the Audubon Society, various sources have confirmed that the berries contain cyanide and other alkaloids. These compounds are toxic to birds and other mammals. Cedar Waxwings, Robins and Bluebirds can die from eating the berries. Bird lovers are calling for the removal of this plant from the landscape due to the berries. Nandina has also been found to be invasive in some regions, although it does not appear to be invasive in the Kansas City area. You have several options. One, remove the plant. Two, remove the berries before they mature and are consumed by birds. Or, three, plant dwarf varieties such as ‘Fire Power,’ ‘Gulf Stream,’ or ‘Sunray.’ Dwarf varieties rarely produce flowers and berries but still display the beautiful fall color. EAT YOUR PEAS Question: I love edible pea pods. They are tasty, eaten raw or steamed. The problem is our heat tends to end the crop early. Are there any tricks to extending the season? What about a fall planting? Answer: Edible pod peas, also known as snow peas or sugar peas, are consumed when young and tender, eating the pod and all. All peas thrive in cool weather and our short springs can bring the harvest to an end early. Peas are one of the few crops that germinate and start in very cool soils, 40 degrees. One trick to try is planting in late Febru-
sandy texture and less clay. It does best in dry winters. Cold, wet winter soils spell doom. Think rock garden conditions when planting ice plant. Many people enjoy it as an annual as it does tend to flower during the summer. The variety ‘Fire Spinner’ tends to be one of the more tolerant of our wet clay soils. It lasts maybe a season or two in our demonstration gardens but have given up and planted more durable perennials instead.
Nandina leaves and berries are toxic and may be harmful to birds, humans, grazing animals and cats.
Ice plant ‘Fire Spinner’ is one variety that tends to be more tolerant of wet clay soil.
ary or early March. Prepare the soil now so the seeds can be poked into the ground, germinate and start to grow. This early planting may help give you a jump on the season. A fall crop is challenging as they germinate and establish poorly under the late July or August heat. If we have a milder summer, a fall crop might work. I would not expect good yields under the summer heat and higher soil temperatures.
Besides reducing compaction, here are other options. Crabgrass control products are labeled for knotweed, but it must be applied prior to germination. Apply in the late fall for best control. Your other option is to spot treat with a broadleaf herbicide after germination in the very late winter or early spring. It does die out once the temperatures heat up in the summer.
KNOTWEED, GET OUTTA HERE Question: Last year, you identified a weed problem in my yard. I believe you called it knotweed. Remind me again how to get rid of knotweed. Answer: Knotweed must be the best name ever. I have identified this broadleaf weed before, and the response is, “yes, it is a weed.” Get it – “knot” weed. Knotweed is interesting as it is usually found in heavily compacted soils. The best defense may be tillage or aeration to reduce compaction. This annual germinates in late February to early March and gets a hold before traditional crabgrass control products are applied.
DENNIS PATTON Horticulture Agent 4
December 2020 | kcgmag.com
HARDY ICE PLANT, NOT SO MUCH Question: I have tried to grow hardy ice plant, and even though it is listed as hardy to zone 4 to 6, it just doesn’t survive. What am I doing wrong? Answer: Hardy ice plant, or Delosperma, is grown for its brightly colored flowers with its succulent looking foliage. Here is the issue with ice plant. It takes our winter cold but does not tolerate cold, wet, clay soils. Ice plant tends to be an annual or short-term perennial succumbing to root rot in our area without proper siting. Ice plant grows best in extremely well- and fast-draining soils, tending to have a more gravely,
ORNAMENTAL SWEET POTATO VINE PRODUCED Question: Imagine my surprise when I removed frost-killed sweet potato vines from my containers and buried deep in the pots were sweet potatoes the size of a small football. Two questions – Are they edible, can I eat them? And can I start new plants next year by saving the tubers? Answer: Ornamental sweet potatoes produce tubers just like those varieties grown in the vegetable garden. The difference is that the ornamentals are grown for foliage, not for food. Generally, ornamental sweet potatoes are mealy, dry and do not have any flavor. If you want to try and eat it, go ahead. But most people report there is not enough butter or cheese in the world to make them tasty. As for saving to start new plants, it is possible. Store the tubers in a cool, dry location for the winter. Then you can sprout them in the spring. Remember the kid’s project of the sweet potato supported in a glass of water with toothpicks? This method works. Be sure to place the tuber right side up, leaving it a few inches out of the water. After some time in the water, sprouts will develop. Once these shoots reach about 4 to 6 inches, break them off the tuber. They are ready for planting into a small container with potting soil to grow roots. After a couple weeks, they will be rooted and ready to plant.
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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The Kansas City Gardener | December 2020
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PLANTS ON YOUR PLATE Butternut Squash squash can be simply cut in half lengthwise, the seeds scooped out and oven roasted, similar to spaghetti squash, with the pulp scooped after roasting. To have cubed squash, cut off the stem and blossom ends, and cut the squash in half, above where it rounds out. The two sections can now be easily peeled with a vegetable peeler, or if the intent is to stuff as part of the preparation, the rounded end can be left unpeeled. Each section can then be cut in
half lengthwise, resulting in the solid ‘neck’ portion than can be cut into cubes, and the ‘bowl’ portion where the seeds are located. The seeds are then scooped out and can roasted like pumpkin seeds. At this point, the flesh can be cubed and either roasted, boiled or even eaten raw. I personally prefer roasting, as it brings out a richer, sweeter flavor that is suitable as a side dish on its own, pureed for baked goods like muffins, or in a soup like the recipe below.
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup MAKES 2 SERVINGS
W
hile the onset of fall typically makes people think of pumpkins, the entire family of winter squash remind us of the change in seasons. This family of vegetables are uniquely beautiful with ribbed or bumpy skins, irregular shapes, and vibrant colors ranging from yellow to orange to dark green or even multi-toned. In comparison to their summertime cousins, winter squashes have a denser texture and richer flavor with firm flesh that holds up well in hearty soups, stews, casseroles, breads, and desserts. Squash are members of the Cucurbitaceae family, commonly known as gourds, which makes them related to cucumbers, muskmelons and watermelons. Squash is one of the oldest known food crops, dating back at least 8,000 years. Archaeological remains have been found in ancient cliff dwellings in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Winter squash is known for its long keeping time, even several months, when kept in cool, dark environments.
One of the most popular winter squash varieties is the bulbous shaped butternut squash. The creamy off-white to tan skin contrasts sharply with the bright orange flesh, a clue to the high vitamin A content. Butternut squash is also rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, protein, fiber, magnesium and potassium. While similar in flavor and texture as sweet potatoes, butternut squash has about half of the carbohydrate, so is a very popular choice among people managing diabetes. As a rich source of potassium, it is also a smart choice for someone managing high blood pressure. When selecting butternut squash, look for a firm, blemish free skin that feels heavy for its size. Avoid vegetables with wrinkled or soft spots. The rind should be very hard and difficult to pierce with your fingernail. With the hard rind, preparing this vegetable can be intimidating for those less familiar with this vegetable. As with any vegetable, begin by washing under warm water, using a brush to remove dirt and debris. The
DENISE SULLIVAN Nutrition Ninja
INGREDIENTS 3 cups cubed butternut squash 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 1 fresh rosemary sprig ½ cup chopped onion 3 cups apples, peeled and chopped 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1/2 cup apple cider 3 cups chicken stock 1/4 cup heavy cream Preheat oven to 425. Toss squash with olive oil and spread in an even layer on a baking sheet. Roast the squash until tender, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the butter over medium-low heat in a large stockpot. Add the rosemary, onion, apple and fresh ginger and toss to coat with the butter. Sauté onion and apple until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add squash to pot and stir to combine. Add the apple cider and chicken broth and bring mixture to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer until vegetables are tender, 10-15 minutes, remove rosemary. Using an immersion blender, puree soup until you have reached a smooth but thick consistency. Add heavy cream and stir to blend and serve. **If desired, clean stringy flesh from the seeds and roast to serve as a garnish to the soup. NUTRITION INFORMATION Calories: 247, Total Fat: 8.5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 132mg, Carbohydrates: 42g, Fiber: 6.5g, Protein: 5g Recipe adapted from The Daily Meal, analyzed by verywellfit.com.
Denise Sullivan (@MUExtJacksonCo) is a Nutrition and Health Education Specialist for MU Extension in Jackson County. For research based nutrition and food safety information and programs, call 816-4825850 or visit https://extension2.missouri.edu/. The Kansas City Gardener | December 2020
7
Piney Garden Sanctuary Photos by Scott Woodbury.
N
othing compares to the quietude within the grove: the ancient smell of resin, the stark red and black bark plates on tall trunks, the springy cushion under foot and the soft hiss of wind moving through a canopy of shortleaf pines (Pinus echinata). I’ve experienced this in planted shortleaf pine groves at Shaw Nature Reserve (SNR) and at the L-A-D Foundation’s Missouri’s Virgin Pine Forest near Round Spring in Shannon County. A grove is created when several evergreen trees grow close together, with tall tree trunks repeated far and wide. Over time, these trees form something greater than the sum of their parts: a sanctuary. A place where warblers hunt for caterpillars in spring. A place where monarch butterflies rest during their fall migration. A place where redcockaded woodpeckers once pecked holes (they no longer exist in Missouri). And now, a place where this author can retreat for a rare moment of silence. These are among my favorite places. They can be yours, right in your own yard. Shortleaf pine is a fast-growing evergreen. A 10-year-old seedling stands 20 feet tall in good soil near my office. Thirty-year-old trees in SNR’s Whitmire Wildflower Garden are 35 to 40 feet tall with lower branches 15 to 20 feet off the ground in shade. Several of them are planted together in a grove. I like to plant them close, at random distances apart ranging from 10 to 20 feet. To replicate a grove, I recommend planting 15 to 20 in the front or back yard of a half-acre lot depending on other existing trees. This may seem like over-planting, but it works well. On the other hand, a single tree fits nicely into narrow places because they grow strongly upright. Keep in mind that they have poorly developed lower branches, and so are not good for
screening. They can grow in the shade of existing mature trees or in full sun. In shade they grow taller and narrower, with fewer branches. In full sun they grow more densely. Short-leaf pines tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, from sand to clay and can grow directly on cliff faces, so are very drought tolerant. They will not tolerate poorly drained wet soil. They have relatively few rope-like roots that spread beyond the drip-line of the branches. Because of this, they are easy to garden under. Excellent companion plants that tolerate part shade and slightly acidic soil include purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), hoary skullcap (Scutellaria incana), yellow wing stem (Verbesina helianthoides), littleflower alumroot (Heuchera parviflora) purple aster (Symphyotrichum/Aster patens), cliff goldenrod (Solidago drummondii), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) and mountain azalea (Rhododendrom prinophyllum). By allowing the needles to fall in place as a mulch, soil acidity will increase slightly over several years’ time, increasing the vigor of slow-growing, acidloving azaleas.
SCOTT WOODBURY Horticulturist 8
December 2020 | kcgmag.com
Pictured left is a 10-year-old and above is a 30-year-old, both short-leaf pines that I planted. Short-leaf pine is the only native pine species growing wild in Missouri and can be found scattered throughout the Ozark mountains. They grow as far north as the Labarque Creek area in Jefferson County, south of Eureka, Missouri. I’ve grown many of them without disappointment in the Whitmire Wildflower Garden. I can’t say the same for white pine (Pinus strobus), a non-native from the northeastern United States. White pine is more prone to wind and ice damage during storms because it has longer branches. It is sensitive to summer heat, urban pollution, salt spray in winter and performs poorly in compact clay soils. Short-leaf pine has none of these problems, plus it is an incredibly long-lived tree—some living three hundred years.
Investing in short-leaf pine pays big dividends for future generations, plus it’s satisfying in the short-run because it grows so fast and is easy to grow. Gardeners would enjoy a single tree or several plated in a grove. Whichever you choose, there are few nurseries growing it. Forrest Keeling Nursery and Missouri Wildflowers Nursery have offered it in past years in containers. So has Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, a non-profit organization. Lastly, for those planting on a budget, bundles of small bare-root tree seedlings can be ordered online in winter (delivered in spring) from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Be sure to get your order in soon before they sell out for the season. Happy gardening ya’ll!
Horticulturist Scott Woodbury is the Curator of the Whitmore Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO, where he has worked with native plant propagation, design, and education for 27 years. He also is an advisor to the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native! program. Find suppliers of short-leaf pines and other native plant resources at www.grownative.org, Resource Guide.
Up Close
with Barclay Berberian
LAWNS BY BARCLAY owner and operator
THERE ARE GREEN INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS DEDICATED TO THEIR CRAFT, MADE OBVIOUS BY THEIR CAREER CHOICE. WE ARE CURIOUS ABOUT THE INFLUENCES TOWARD THEIR CAREER, AS WELL AS OTHER INTERESTING ASPECTS OF THEIR LIFE. Faith and family first: There are times in life when a course correction is needed. After a 35year career in the restaurant industry, and an ever-growing family, I realized this was the time. Although I truly enjoyed my job, evidenced by a commitment to working long hours seven days a week, another baby was on the way. I wanted more hours at home, sharing more hours together as a family. After the birth of our sixth child, I went to work on a business plan, and within two months I launched the company. Service, the common thread. You’ve gone from serving food to servicing landscapes, was the transition inspired? My father was a farmer before he moved to the Midwest. Even after he stopped farming he still gardened and spent a lot of time outdoors when not working. He taught me how to garden, how to mow, how to maintain a property and so forth. I always enjoyed mowing and maintaining my property, but I didn’t realize how much those lessons shaped me until I changed course and started my own lawn care/landscape business. Tell us about the type of services your company offers. We serve mostly residential clients, in and around Prairie Village, Kansas. However, there are a few small commercial clients that we work for, like churches and HOA properties. We employ two full-time crew members. We are licensed and insured. As it relates to lawns and landscape enhancements, our services in-
lawnsbybarclay.com
clude mowing and regular maintenance, mulch, seasonal clean-up and debris removal, seeding, fertilizing, aeration, planting, pruning, and bed maintenance. Are you a landscape designer? Our business focuses on the maintenance side of landscaping. So if you have the landscape plans and the plants, and you need installation help, give us call. Do you garden at home? Absolutely, yes! I start about 96 tomato and pepper seedlings inside over winter. Some of those I give to friends then I plant the rest. We typically grow tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, pumpkins, herbs and anything else that sounds good that year. There is nothing better than a warm tomato right out of the garden. Put generous slices on a sandwich, add it to a salad, or simply eat it with a little salt and pepper. How has COVID-19 affected your company and operations? Luckily, as an essential business that operates outdoors, our company has not been affected by the pandemic. However, it certainly has changed the way we interact with people. From the pandemic onset as people were ordered to stay home, we have had the opportunity to meet our customers face to face—from a
safe six feet away. We have enjoyed getting to know them. Conversely, it is strange not being able to shake hands. As an industry professional, what do you see trending on the home gardening scene? I see a lot of things that are becoming more mainstream. Probably one of the most popular is how gardeners are understanding the benefits of pollinators in the garden and catering to them. I also hear people that are harvesting leaf mold, planting clover in their lawns, and trying to be as environmentally conscience as possible. Another (positive) trend amid the coronavirus is how more people are spending time outdoors, which includes spending more time and energy on their landscaping and outdoor living areas. When the work is done, how do you spend your free time? At Church, with my family, cooking, cycling, and with my friends. Little known secret: I relish the days my kids want to come work with me. Fighting over who will control the blower is beautiful noise. Contact information: Feel free to contact us via email at Barclay@lawnsbybarclay.com, or by phone at 913-208-5941.
The Kansas City Gardener | December 2020
9
EVERGREENS
in the winter landscape
W
hen designing a garden bed or landscape, it’s important to consider what it’ll look like progressing from one season to the next, throughout the year. For example, look outside. Is your landscape dotted with a sturdy framework of evergreens? Or is it barren and dormant, void of much winter character and interest? If it’s the latter, never fear. Adding structural evergreen elements like trees and shrubs to your landscape can allow for year round interest that is offset by perennials and annuals during the warm part of the year, and still pleasing to look at when snow flies and chilling temperatures arrive. Aside from having something to enjoy during the winter months, the reason evergreens are a critical part of most landscapes is that they provide bulk, weight and color to support the loose, bountiful perennials and swaying grasses which give our gardens the volume and movement that’s so important. Without these critical components, our gardens can look wild and unbalanced. Play with color and shape when selecting evergreens for your garden. Shining gold varieties like King’s Gold cypress or Gold Mop false cypress can really stand out against the emerald green of a Green Giant arborvitae or cool blue of a Globe Blue spruce. If my arguments for garden aesthetics and design didn’t sway you, maybe the practical argument will. Evergreens, especially those like fir, juniper and pine trees, are perfect for creating privacy screens or blocking your line of sight to utility boxes. In a world where our lives are on display through constant
landscape. Plants in this category include boxwood, holly, rhododendron, euonymus and azalea, all of which do well in our climate. My favorite in this category is the boxwood because it’s a do-it-all, foundational shrub that thrives in sun to part shade conditions and serves a multitude of uses when it comes to garden design. Boxwood varieties recommended for the Kansas City area include wintergreen, green velvet and green mountain.
Boxwood communication and social media, feeling sheltered and undisturbed at home can be a welcome change. Popular Varieties When it comes to evergreen selection, there’s a wide variety of choices. I prefer to separate the options into two main categories: evergreen conifers and broadleaf evergreens. Evergreen conifers include varieties like pine, juniper, fir, arborvitae, spruce, cedar and yew. Keep in mind that for these varieties, their shape is most apparent in the winter, so be sure to place them where their silhouette is best suited. Jocelyn Hall, nursery sales manager at Suburban Lawn & Garden’s Roe location says that junipers are one
CHELSEA DIDDE RICE Gardening Enthusiast 10
December 2020 | kcgmag.com
of her favorite and most recommended evergreens for the Kansas City area. For upright (tall) junipers, often used as a living privacy fence, Jocelyn recommends the following varieties: Canaerti, Keteleeri, Hetzi Columnar, Taylor, Perfecta, Iowa and Star Power. If a spreading type of juniper is on your “to buy” list, she recommends Old Gold, Daub’s Frosted, Grey Owl, Sea Green and Blue Rug. If you favor the look of wide, green leaves over that of thin needles, consider broadleaf evergreens. These varieties have leaves that are broader (hence the name) than their conifer friends, and they hold onto these leaves during the winter, adding a consistent sign of life and color to your winter
Winter Care for Evergreens Once you have evergreens in your landscape, you can begin their winter care regimen by mulching, (especially any that are only a few years old) before the harsh winter sets in. This helps to retain moisture over the next few months. Decrease watering in late fall, but continue to water new trees and shrubs occasionally throughout the winter if we experience extended dry periods. If we experience a large amount of heavy, wet snow that begins to weigh down the branches of your evergreens, prevent limbs from snapping under the weight by gently knocking the snow load off with a broom or rake. If you notice your evergreens (especially boxwoods) are prone to bronzing in the winter, try applying an anti-transpirant or anti-dessicant like Wilt-Pruf or Wilt Stop in early winter. This seals in the moisture and helps to reduce the effects of our drying winter winds. Winter is the perfect time to mull over garden redesigns and additions. Ask your local garden center for a list of evergreens they’ll have available come spring, and get to planning!
When Chelsea isn’t at work as a senior communications specialist, she is an avid gardener who enjoys teaching people how easy it can be to garden. You may reach her at chelseadidde@gmail.com.
‘Old Gold’ Juniper
‘Grey Owl’ Juniper
‘Daub’s Frosted’ Juniper
‘Sea Green’ Juniper
Azalea ‘Autumn Glory’
‘Blue Rug’ Juniper
Above: ‘Gold Mop’ Falsecypress Below: ‘Emerald Green’ Arborvitae Above: ‘Star Power’ Juniper Below: Globe Blue Spruce
‘Taylor’ Juniper
The Kansas City Gardener | December 2020
11
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Northland Feed
Fruit Baskets!
4807 N. Brighton, KCMO • www.mowerpartskc.com 816-452-8393 • Mon.-Fri. 9-6 • Sat. 9-4 Serving the Northland for 36 years
Pretty Winter Designs
(Available Dec. 7–24)
Call us to help enhance your entrance.
Family Owned Garden Center
Fresh cut Christmas trees, potted trees, flocked trees and wreaths (Available after Nov. 20)
1001 S.W. 40 Hwy Blue Springs, MO 64015 www.greenleafkc.com
816.916.5171
(816) 229-2684 Christmas Hours start Nov. 23 Mon-Thur 8am-7pm Fri-Sat 8am-8pm • Sun 9am-5pm
www.benslawnandgarden.com 12
December 2020 | kcgmag.com
Poinsettias, fresh wreaths and greens, porch pots, grave blankets
Come visit our Lego Christmas Train Display
Hey Wise Guy
W
e often marvel at the many amazing behaviors and adaptations we see among our backyard birds. Over millennia, bird behaviors have evolved to perfectly meld with the environment they inhabit to provide everything necessary, and at the perfect time, for their survival and successfully raising of their young. Though most birds nest in spring and summer when insects are bountiful, owls actually nest in winter, and that is the perfect time for them to do so! For many of our backyard birds, spring is the most optimal time to nest and hatch their young. The primary reason for this timing is driven by chances of survival. Topmost on the list of needs for survival is the availability of food for both the adults and the newborns. Consider that about 96% of our backyard birds rely on insects as their primary dietary need. Accordingly, the timing of when babies hatch is very closely related to when the weather starts to warm and when insects become more abundant. The other late nester in our area is the American Goldfinch. They nest in late July and August. Once again, this is related to food and the survival of the young. The Goldfinch is almost exclusively vegetarian and granivorous. Namely, they’ll eat a variety of grains and seeds. Thus, they don’t synchronize their nesting with insect lifecycles, but rather one of their primary food sources; Nyjer or Thistle. In fact, when Thistle begins to seed, they produce silky strands atop the flowers. Goldfinches often line their nests with these silken threads. When the Thistle seed is mature that coordinates with when Goldfinches hatch, providing food for parents and babies alike. For all the folklore about the “Wise Old Owl,” why would an Owl choose to nest and hatch their babies in the cold of winter? The Great Horned Owl is one of the late nesters in our area. So why does the
The Great Horned Owl, a raptor, is one of the late nesters in the area. They primarily eat mammals such as mice, gophers, squirrels, and rabbits. They will also eat birds, insects, snakes, and fish. wise old owl nest in winter? You’ve guessed it by now, food. Being a raptor, they are the ultimate carnivore. In fact, they have one of the most diverse diets among birds. They primarily eat mammals such as mice, gophers, squirrels, and rabbits to name a few. They’ll also eat birds, insects, snakes and fish. Since these animals are available prey throughout the year, they don’t need to wait till spring to nest. Another contributing factor could be their hunting practices. Most often, Great Horned Owls hunt at night. Since winter months have longer nights, this provides even more opportunities for catching their prey. Coincidentally,
NIK HIREMATH Birding Expert
hunting at night during the winter months can also be an advantage compared to the other winter nester, the eagle, which hunts primarily during the day and thus less competition for similar prey. Keep an ear open this time of year during the evenings and nights for the sound of these owls as their courting is at a peak from October through December. During courting, the female usually calls first and in a higher pitch with Hoo, Hoo, Hoo. And the male responds in a deeper tone. Don’t confuse their calling with a Barred Owl who sounds like he’s saying, in owl hoot of course, “who cooks for you?” Great Horned Owls rarely build
their own nests. They often lay claim to another nest from a Red Tailed hawk or Herron or sometimes they’ll eat a squirrel and claim its nest. They’ll often nest in these open nests in the trees but sometimes are also known to nest in cavities in trees or hollows in between branches. They’ll lay 1 to 5 eggs, in late December or early January and just one brood a year. The eggs will incubate for 4 to 5 weeks and then fledge about 5 to 6 weeks later. So now when you hear all that hooting and night, you’ll know what all the fuss is about. And maybe, he is a “Wise Old Owl,” after all.
Local birding experts Nik and Theresa Hiremath own and operate Wild Birds Unlimited of Leawood at 11711 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas. Contact them at 913-491-4887. The Kansas City Gardener | December 2020
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Tips for Working with a Landscape Designer
E
verywhere you turn — whether it is your favorite do-ityourself TV channel, social media pin boards, your email and various print magazines — you may have seen the term “Outdoor Living.” So, what is it? Outdoor Living is an extension of your home; it is where you work and play. It is your curb appeal, your staycation, your place to unwind with family and friends. In 2020, it has also become your work-from-home office. Outdoor living areas (or rooms) are an outward, welcoming expression for you to enjoy and become inspired. First and foremost, congratulations on your decision to own a home. Whether you have built a new home or have purchased from previous owners, there are many ways to customize it. What do you see when you pull up to your home? How does it make it you feel? More importantly, what would you like to see and feel? Materials Whether you decide to enlist the help of a landscape architect, landscape designer, landscape install crew, handyman or do it all yourself — you first need to start with a plan and understand the elements. So, what are the primary components used in outdoor living? Hardscape and softscape are the two major categories in any landscape design. Hardscape is defined as any nonliving material, such as paving and wall materials, boulders and stones, deck, fence, and structure materials. Most hardscape materials are classified as natural, manufactured or composite. Softscape contains all the living materials used — namely plants and turfgrass. Hardscape and softscape elements can either be aesthetic or functional. The best elements will combine both as they are blended throughout your outdoor living
sues). It is essential to protect your home’s foundation surfaces (walls, driveways, sidewalks, etc.).
spaces. One thing to always keep in mind when it comes to plants, they may start small but detailed designs will consider their growth rates and maturity sizes for the long term. Selecting a Professional If you decide that you would like assistance with creating a space that is uniquely yours, then the first step is choosing a landscape architect or designer. A landscape architect has a bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture and is licensed by the state(s) in which they work. They have experience and/or training working with challenging issues, such as grading and outdoor structures, on a larger scale. Landscape designers may have certification from select college programs or have been self-taught through experience on smallerscale projects. Primarily, they specialize in plants; some may even offer hardscaping ideas. These professionals will work together with you to visually build your ideas to tailor them further to your expectations. Not all landscape architects and designers operate within landscape installation companies.
STEPHANIE PARKER Landscape Designer 14
December 2020 | kcgmag.com
However, they may be able to refer a few companies for you contact. Others may work within an installation company and be hands-on from design throughout the finished and installed stages. Landscape architects and designers are trained to consider multiple factors that may influence your property. Not all architects and designers are created equal. Be on the lookout for those that focus on building a working relationship with you. With this in mind, be prepared to answer or consider some possibly challenging questions. Be ready to discuss your budget honestly. Landscape architects and designers understand that you may not exactly know what to expect price-wise. However, they are there to help guide you through the process and can help direct you to the most important areas to focus on first. They can help you turn your dreams into reality through clear and realistic expectations. Keep in mind that their recommendations have you and your home in mind. Services such as drainage most likely will be focused on first (along with any potential safety is-
Other components to consider How visual are you? Are you good at reading blueprints, or would you rather have a visual rendering (like you see on those design television shows)? How willing are you to listen and brainstorm with an expert in the field? What materials are you interested in most? Knowledgeable architects and designers will discuss the pros and cons of various mediums. When you are choosing which company or firm to go forward with for your design, be sure to understand your personal expectations. Are you interested in being involved throughout the process, or are you just interested in their expertise? Landscape architects and designers may be experts in their fields; however, they are not experts on your individual needs and dreams. Look for companies that are willing to communicate with you through multiple platforms and offer a “personal touch” as well. Another item to consider is your timeline expectations. A good rule of thumb would be to begin the process at least a season before you hope to have your designs installed. Most companies have existing customers already on a design and/ or installation schedule but want to work with you to make your dreams come true. We understand that there are many companies to choose from in the Kansas City area. We recommend considering companies that offer both design and installation services. Pick the company you feel offers excellent customer service, material and installation warranties, and long-term maintenance plans to help you enjoy your new outdoor living area.
Stephanie Parker is a landscape designer and employee-owner with Ryan Lawn & Tree. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida School of Agriculture. Before joining RYAN, she owned and operated a design and installation firm in the Kansas City area.
Festival of Lights: Enchantment November 13, 2020–January 3, 2021 Thursday–Sunday | 4–10 p.m. Festival of Lights will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Additional days (December 21-23 and December 28-30) have been added to accommodate seasonal holidays. Festival of Lights: Enchantment, illuminated by Evergy, returns to Powell Gardens for its fourth year. Festival goers will walk a mile-long path spread out over 25 acres through the Gardens featuring a variety of immersive light displays. (The path is ADA compliant, and shorter options are available. Tram rides from the Missouri Barn to the Visitor Center will be available 5-10 p.m.) More than 20 miles of holiday lights comprise installations that highlight the natural forms of Powell Gardens’ tree collection, show off the exceptional architecture and landscape design of the Gardens, and transport visitors to enchanted wonderlands, with plenty of Instagram and holiday card-worthy photo stops along the way. Don’t miss the brand new Enchanted Tiki Bar and Santa’s Workshop!
Come Celebrate
FALL
CLEAN-UPS Barclay Berberian 913-208-5941 LawnsByBarclay.com The metro’s Exclusive pond retailer Friendly personable knowledgeable service
Happy Ho-HoHolidays
Wreaths • Poinsettias variety of Christmas trees Fresh Garland • Amaryllis
Pick up a
Gift Certificate for your favorite pond enthusiast!
(Available in any amount and valid for one year.)
Nets and Deicers in stock. Stop in today! We serve the entire Kansas City metro! Welcome Lawrence Hobbyists! Check our Facebook page for current winter hours.
816-842-5012 • pondskc.com 1557 Swift Ave., KCMO
Tickets: www.powellgardens.org/festivaloflights
the Holiday Season with us!
WALDO GREENHOUSE
Make us a family tradition 436 W. 85th St., Kansas City, MO office 816-444-7661 facebook.com/waldogreenhousekc
Serving Kansas City for Over 25 Years 5 locations to serve you
Compost
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Soil
Organically Enriched Top Soil (pulverized) Garden Soil Blend (top soil/compost) Custom Mixes Raised Bed Mix MARC BMP/Rain Garden Blend
Try a New Holiday Bird Food!
Whether you are looking for a great nature gift or a new way to thrill your birds this season, we have everything you need. From Preston the Penguin and Buttons the Snowman, Seed Cylinders to our Winter SuperBlend™ and Christmas Suet, we have a variety of holiday foods that your birds will love.These foods are only available at Wild Birds Unlimited, and they’re only here for a limited time. So hurry in!
Mulch
Erosion Control Mulch Pine Bark Mulch Premium 1 Mulch Hardwood Chips Cedar Mulch Colored Mulches (Red/Brown/Black)
Sudden Gardens
Creating a ready-to-plant garden bed, planter box or high tunnel greenhouse. BBB-Big Bag Beds.
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3 or more yards
Ask about our Missouri Organic of Leawood, KS
Locally Owned and Proudly serving Kansas City for 32 years 11711 Roe Avenue (NE corner 119th and Roe) • 913-491-4887 Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun noon-4pm www.wbu.com/kansascity
Join us at www.facebook.com/wbuleawoodks
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7700 E. 40 Hwy Kansas City, MO 64129
816.483.0908
www.missouriorganic.com The Kansas City Gardener | December 2020
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Photo by Steviamint from Pixabay.
Centipede
Kids Ask Dr. Bug
about the curious things found in the garden Do centipedes use all their legs? Cloe, 13 This reminds me of a poem: A centipede was happy—quite! Until a toad in fun Said , ‘Pray, which leg moves after which?’ This raised her doubts to such a pitch, She fell exhausted in the ditch Not knowing how to run. ---Katherine Craster It’s a good thing that centipedes don’t have to think about using every leg! But to answer your question, yes, a centipede uses all their legs when everything is working correctly. However, if the centipede loses a few legs through an unfortunate accident, such as an encounter with a bird, it would still be able to walk using its remaining legs.
Could centipedes become vegetarian again? Anthony, 14 This is a complex question! Centipedes are carnivores and eat many other arthropods, such as termites, silverfish, ants, and cockroaches. I cannot find any examples of vegetarian centipedes. Even so, the arthropod world has many surprises and I imagine, if it became advantageous for some species of centipedes to become vegetation, it could happen. The centipede’s cousin, the millipede, is typically vegetarian. There are a few exceptional millipede species, though, that hunt worms, insects, and will even eat a centipede if given the opportunity. Is time different for insects? Soren, 14 A minute is a minute no matter who or what you are. Yet, how that time is perceived and how much
TAMRA REALL Horticulture Specialist 16
December 2020 | kcgmag.com
can happen in that amount of time can be very different for various species. Scientists found that perception of time is generally linked to size. So, the smaller the animal, the faster it’s metabolic rate (the amount of energy used in a period of time), and the slower time passes for that animal. For example, a house fly can avoid the fly swatter because they can see more information in a second than larger animals – basically, they can see and process more frames per second than humans can. Another example is how quickly cockroaches scatter when air currents hit the attachments (cerci) on their hind end. When you step on a cockroach, why do they not stay squished? Addison, 14 Cockroaches have flexible exoskeletons that can handle some pressure. Also, your shoes prob-
ably have spaces to give you better traction and places for the roach to protect itself. Fortunately, most roaches outdoors are not pests and don’t want to live in your house. You may be interested to learn that some insects can handle a lot of pressure! Scientists recently discovered that the diabolical ironclad beetle can withstand pressure 39,000 times its body weight. This beetle can get run over by a car and survive! The way the beetle’s various body parts fit together like a layered puzzle which protects it from sudden breakage and death. Scientists are studying how the beetle survives in order to create new technologies, such as holding vehicles and buildings together. If you have questions about the curious things found in your garden, send me an email at mggkc. hotline@gmail.com. Let’s learn together about creatures in nature.
Dr. Tamra Reall (@MUExtBugN Garden) is the horticulture specialist for MU Extension in Jackson County. For free, research-based gardening tips, call 816-833-TREE (8733), email mggkc.hotline@gmail.com, or visit www.extension2.missouri.edu.
Bringing glorious living color to your garden since 1977.
Our hours have changed! TUES-FRI 9am-4pm
As the seasons change so does the ambiance of your water feature. Whether it is colorful blooms in the summer or breath-taking ice sculptures in the winter, with a FOUR seasons water feature you can enjoy paradise 365 days of the year! After 25 years of being dedicated to transforming boring backyards into a one of a kind magical experience we have learned what makes a water garden paradise no matter the season. Find all your winter pond supplies at Swan’s Water Gardens. Your one stop shop for all things water gardening. Come visit us in paradise!
913-837-3510
4385 W 247th St. Louisburg, KS Office Hours: Tues-Fri 9am-4pm www.swanswatergardens.com
Home | Commercial Hydroponic | Soil-based Indoor | Outdoor 1225 W 103rd Street Kansas City, MO 64114 Store Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am to 6pm Sat: 10am to 4pm Sun: 10am to 2pm (816) 216-6917
Open till Christmas! Poinsettias Christmas Cactus House Plants Gift Cards Our Plant List is available on Facebook.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! #NeedMoreFlowers www.arnoldsgreenhouse.com info@arnoldsgreenhouse.com (620) 964-2463 • 1430 Hwy 58, LeRoy, KS 66857 Hours 9a-5p Monday-Saturday, Closed Sundays
Now through October 31 powell gardens
nov. 13–jan. 3 get your tickets at powellgardens.org
Mention code KC15 and receive 15% off in-store all month *Offer good through 12/31/2020
year-roundgarden.com The Kansas City Gardener | December 2020
17
GARDEN CALENDAR December list of what to do in the garden.
VEGETABLES AND FRUITS
• Store unused seeds in a cool, dry location or refrigerator. • Check vegetables and fruit in storage for spoilage. • Mulch strawberries for winter protection. • Clean and oil garden hand tools for winter. • Till soil and add organic matter. • Soil test now to be beat the spring rush. • Store unused garden chemicals in a dry, safe location protected from freezing. • Update garden journal of the season’s success and failure. • Start planning for next spring on cold winter nights.
FLOWERS
• Mulch grafted roses by mounding soil 6 to 8 inches deep to protect the graft. • Cut tall hybrid tea roses back to 24 inches to reduce wind whipping and plant damage. • Mulch tender perennials prone to frost heaving with 2 to 4 inches of shredded leaves.
• Continue to plant spring flowering bulbs until the ground is frozen. • Give plants or gift certificates as holiday gifts for gardening friends. • Empty decorative pots and containers, storing inside.
LAWN
• Remove leaves, limbs, and other debris from lawn to prevent suffocation. • Store unused fertilizers in dry location and out of reach of children and pets. • Store pesticides in a cool (not freezing) dry location, out of reach of children and pets. • Review lawn service contracts. • Water fall planted grass as needed. • Avoid extensive walking on frozen grass.
TREES AND SHRUBS
• Lightly shake heavy snowfall from limbs to avoid damage. • Avoid shoveling snow onto trees and shrubs. • Check and protect the trunks of young trees and shrubs for rabbit damage.
•L eave living Christmas trees in the home less than one week, then acclimate to the outdoors and plant in a desirable location. •P rune damaged branches throughout the winter months. • Water newly planted trees and shrubs in winter to prevent dry soil conditions. •M ulch roots of tender shrubs such as azaleas and rhododendrons. •P rune branches of junipers, pines, hollies and other plants for holiday decorations.
MISCELLANEOUS
• Start planning for next year by making notes and preparing orders. • Turn compost pile to encourage winter breakdown. • Make your Christmas list adding gardening supplies. • Keep houseplants out of hot and cold drafts. • Winter is a great time to soil test. • Use ice melts sparingly to reduce damage to nearby lawns, shrubs and concrete.
MY GARDEN (Use this space to list additional tasks to accomplish in your garden.)
• • • • • •
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. 18
December 2020 | kcgmag.com
The tradition continues as FNBO, Westlake Ace Hardware, and Sarin Energy Solutions present the
21st Annual Luminary Walk
Gift Giving Idea: Amaryllis A favorite for gardeners and non-gardeners alike, and is especially nice for mailing out of town. You can purchase a boxed kit, which provides bulb, planting medium, container and instructions. Easy enough for a child to assemble. Then watch it grow. Or, chose an amaryllis planted and already in bloom.
Kick-off the holiday season with a family walk through the lights at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
D
uring the three weekends following Thanksgiving, take a stroll along the lit pathways to see intricate Gnome and Fairy Villages, serene winter woods by candlelight, and the colorful Children’s Garden. Enjoy musical performances in four different locations and a horse-drawn wagon ride through the forest, while the quiet woods are lit with candles lining the walkways. The gardens are bright with color. Trees, buildings, and bridges are all part of the show, with thousands of lights aglow. For a quieter “Date Night” experience, a Candlelight Stroll will be held Thursday, December 3rd. The Luminary Walk is the major fundraiser for the Friends of the Arboretum (FOTA). All proceeds benefit the Arboretum. For the Safety of All • All tickets are date and time-specific. • The number of tickets sold for entry within half-hour timeframes is limited, allowing for social distancing between families. • Expanded operating hours - 4:30 to 10:00 p.m. (1½ hours longer than previous years). • To keep Santa safe, he will not be with us this year. • The visitor center will not be open for refreshments. • To operate with fewer volunteers, trains in the train garden will not be running, and portions of the candlelit path will be switched to electric lights. To protect all guests, as well as our volunteers, masks are required. Schedule 4:30 – 10:00 each night (Last admittance is 9:00.) Friday, November 27, 2020 Saturday, November 28, 2020 Friday, December 4, 2020 Saturday, December 5, 2020 Friday, December 11, 2020 Saturday, December 12, 2020 $14.00 per person; free for age 5 and under $2.00 discount for members of Friends of the Arboretum when purchased online with promo code. Free Parking No Pets
Ticket purchase, refund and exchange policy, and cancellation due to weather details are found at https://artsandrec-op.org/arboretum/ luminary-walk/. Also found here is further information on the Candlelight Stroll on Thursday, December 3rd.
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park KS 66013
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