KCG 01Jan18 by The Kansas City Gardener

The Kansas City

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

January 2018

Garden Winners 2018 All-America Selections Part I

Wild Leeks and Onions Meet EMG Lenora Larson Remembering Charles Anctil Symposiums and Seminars, oh my!

Attention Homeowners! If you’re thinking of adding a water garden this year, here’s why you should call Swan’s Water Gardens.

Today’s Marketplace We realize that you are bombarded with many companies competing for your business. Everyone claiming to be the best or having the best products with the lowest price.

In search of the ultimate Water Garden

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After 23 years of researching and installing water gardens, we have refined our building techniques to a level that produces the most naturalistic and easiest maintenance water garden you can have built today.

Located on 8 acres dedicated to building and maintaining water gardens. Make a day of strolling through water gardens and quaint shops of our Water Garden Village.

With so many companies just wanting to sell you their products for a price, then leave you We call it the “Four Season Water Garden” alone to deal with the many costly mistakes that for good reason. It’s the water garden for all first-time pond builders and landscapers make. seasons. From the beautiful flowers of summer, to the magical ice sculptures of winter. We don’t think that’s right! The best part of the “Four Seasons Water Garden” is its guaranteed from leaking for When you entrust Swan’s Water Gardens with your business, you get more than just the 5 full years! The longest guarantee in the materials to build your pond. industry.

You’ll be able to see container water features you can build for as little as $295, ideal for small patios or courtyards.

You get over 23 years of pond building experience and knowledge to go with your purchase. We are going to be here to assist you with the step-by-step pond building process from start to finish, or we can build it for you. Your end result, a Water Garden Paradise.

Why do we stand behind our work for so long? Very simple, when you hire Swan’s Water Gardens to build your water garden, it’s the beginning of our relationship, not the end! So if you’re looking for a company you’ll never hear from again, we’re probably not the company you’re looking for.

We also have many more display gardens ranging in price from $2,500 up to $40,000 for a more elaborate feature built by Swan’s Water Gardens. We have many exciting events and classes scheduled for 2018 so be sure to watch for them in upcoming issues of The Kansas City Gardener. We are Kansas City’s only full service water garden company that carries everything you’ll need to complete and enjoy your water garden lifestyle.

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FAT BIRDS are warm birds KEEP ‘EM HAPPY ALL WINTER LONG WITH HELP FROM WESTLAKE ACE HARDWARE! Some flew south, while others took perch. For the ones that hunkered down, give ‘em the nutrients they need to brave cold temps. Swing by Westlake Ace Hardware for a variety of seeds & feeders so you can be generous. After all, they chose your yard over Disney World.

FILL THEIR Feeders BIRDS BRAVE WINTER WITH FOOD, SO KEEP FEEDERS CHOCK-FULL OF DELICIOUS SEED. plants provide nesting sites Tip: native & natural food & shelter for inclement

weather, so place feeders about 10-ft. away

GIVE ‘EM Shelter

LET THERE Be Water

LODGING IS ESSENTIAL IN THE COLD WINTER MONTHS, SO GIVE BACKYARD LOYALISTS A PLACE TO TURN IN ON LONG, CHILLY NIGHTS. CHOOSE FROM A VARIETY OF BIRDHOUSES TO PROTECT ‘EM AGAINST THE COLD PRECIPITATION.

ALWAYS PROVIDE A FRESH SOURCE FOR DRINKING & BATHING. AND WHEN TEMPS DROP, USE A BIRDBATH DE-ICER TO PREVENT WATER FROM TURNING INTO A SKATING RINK.

Tip:

insulate birdhouses with wood chips & dry grass so birds can plug cracks & holes to retain body heat on the coldest of nights

FEED ‘EM Like Kings FILL FEEDERS WITH HEAVY, HIGH-ENERGY FOODS LIKE ACE WILD BIRD FOOD. IT REDUCES SHIVERING & KEEPS THEM SINGING. ATTRACT CARDINALS & COLORFUL SONGBIRDS WITH WILD DELIGHT ADVANCE FORMULA NUT N’ BERRY, CARDINAL FOOD AND MANY MORE VARIETIES OF BIRD FOODS.

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20 STORES IN THE KC METRO! VISIT WESTLAKEHARDWARE.COM FOR GREAT TIPS, ADVICE & A LOCATION NEAR YOU. The Kansas City Gardener | January 12/18/17 2018

10:17 AM

The Kansas City

editor’s notes

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

Journal entry

Independently owned and operated since 1996 Publisher Michael Cavanaugh Editor Elizabeth Cavanaugh Contributors Nik and Theresa Hiremath Dennis Patton Ed Reese Scott Woodbury Distribution Publishers Delivery Solutions, Inc.

How to Reach Us ...

P.O. Box 8725 Prairie Village, KS 66208 Phone: 913-648-4728

ost winter mornings, while the coffee brews, I’ll fling open my office window for a breath of crisp, untempered air. I’m not a fan of heated air especially overnight, so the fresh cool air revives my senses and energizes my spirit. An ideal start to my day. Noting the coffee hasn’t been poured, Mr. Gardener finds me lingering in front of that window. “Are you in a daze? You’ve been standing there for a while.” Wishing there was a do-not-disturb sign on my back, I reply, “Just welcoming the day.” It’s a morning ritual, that serves me well. In addition to the fresh air, this window has a garden view. It offers scenery that includes bird feeders where chickadee, titmouse, purple finch and more, gorge on seeds and suet. Those that aren’t feeding are peeping and cheeping their cheerful morning song. I stand there awash in the splendor of the garden. Speaking of garden splendor, we want to encounter more garden beauty. Through a new monthly feature, Meet a Master Gardener, we would like to introduce Master

Gardeners of the region who have created their own garden space. A place of respite, a sanctuary, a site that reflects passion, creativity, and purpose. First in the series is Lenora Larson, a monthly contributor of articles primarily focused on the world of butterflies. Also in this issue are a number of seminars and symposiums coming up. With full descriptions to whet your appetite, you might want to grab that crispy new calendar and mark these dates so you don’t miss a thing. Plus, I know, dear reader, that you like to plan ahead for upcoming classes and meetings, so I’ve included as many as space allowed. When you go to our website (KCGMAG.COM) the events section will include everything printed, and beyond. Gatherings like annual garden tours and plant sales are must-attend events. As we launch another year of publishing this magazine, we wel-

come your comments and suggestions. Let us know what you would like to learn about. I’m certain there is a local expert willing to share their expertise. Finally, there is sad news to share in our gardening community. Our dear friend and monthly contributor Charles Anctil passed away November 30, 2017. You might recall he wrote the monthly “Rose Report”, a column that taught home gardeners how to be successful rose gardeners. His expertise was invaluable, and his passion contagious. He retired from writing articles in Fall 2015. Our readers ask about Charles, so I felt it was appropriate to mention it here. Read more about Charlie’s life on page 15. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time of sorrow. I’ll see you in the garden!

For advertising information contact Michael Cavanaugh at mike@kcgmag.com Submit editorial questions to Elizabeth Cavanaugh at elizabeth@kcgmag.com

See us on the Web: www.kcgmag.com

Don’t Miss A Single Issue! Get a subscription for yourself or your favorite gardener. See page 19.

In this issue January 2018 • Vol. 23 No. 1 Ask the Experts ........................ 6 Grow Native: Wild Leeks ......... 8 Garden Winners ..................... 10 Less Stressful World ................. 12 Spring Gardening Seminar ....... 13 Wassail Celebration ................ 13 Vegetable Gardening Wrkshp ... 14

about the cover ...

Garden winners like this Zinnia ‘Queeny Lime Orange’ is just one in the group of 2018 All-America Selections Winners. Learn about others beginning on page 10. Photo courtesy of All-America Selections.

January 2018 | kcgmag.com

Garden By Design Symposium .. 14 Charles Anctil ......................... 15 Upcoming Events ..................... 16 Bird Facts ............................... 17 Garden Calendar .................... 18 Meet an EMG ........................ 19 Subscribe ............................... 19

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The Kansas City Gardener | January 2018

Ask the Experts Gardeners have plenty of questions about landscape issues, DENNIS PATTON answers a few of them here. HIRING A LAWN SERVICE Question: My elderly parents have decided to contract their snow removal and summer yard care. Do you have some do’s and don’ts for hiring a lawn service? Answer: When it comes to contracting for service there are two trains of thought; cost conscious or service driven. Many times this combination can be found in one firm but often they have their niche. The first step is to determine what fits your needs because finding the right fit is all about developing a relationship. One in which you feel comfortable with their service and fees. Other tips are to get several bids and compare services, applications, rates and timings. Be sure you hire a firm that can tailor the program to fit your needs. Extension

can help you review your applications to help make sure they are on target. Ask for references and check them out. The internet also offers reviews that can be taken into consideration. Talk to friends and neighbors for feedback, and most importantly make sure they have the proper business licenses and insurance. MY LAWN NEEDS WATER Question: What do we do if we don’t get any rain this winter to water our lawns? It’s been dry and the sprinkler system is turned off. Answer: The last few winters in the Kansas City area have been dry. All plants survive winter conditions better with good soil moisture. The recommendation would be water if possible to keep the turf in good condition. Watering can

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Water the landscape during winter if the soil is not frozen and temps are above freezing. happen anytime during the winter as long as the soil is not frozen and the temperatures are above freezing. Soils do not dry out as rapidly in the winter so one good soaking could last for a month or more. Lawns that have a better supply of water in the winter will be quicker to green up in the spring than those slowed by drought stress. POWDERY MILDEW VS POLLINATORS Question: I saw your article in The Star about not being in a hurry to clean up the garden because of pollinators. But powdery mildew was a real problem in

my garden. Won’t it over winter if I keep everything intact? Answer: Life is full of tradeoffs. I think you need to pick your battle or gardening style. You are correct that sanitation is one step in helping to reduce insect and diseases in the garden. Conversely, this debris creates a habitat for native beneficial insects to overwinter. There is no good answer. My recommendation is maybe to meet in the middle. Cut back the plants that have issues to help reduce the problems, but leave other plant debris till spring to provide the habitat needed for surviving winter. Even

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January 2018 | kcgmag.com

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cutting back the plants with mildew will not eliminate the problem as the spores are windblown. So if you are wanting to do everything possible for the pollinators, don’t worry about the mildew and enjoy the friendly insects.

this point, a crabapple will start to have dieback, decay and other structural problems. The life span of a tree in an urban environment is very difficult to predict as they are placed under so many unnatural stresses and range of care.

LIFE SPAN OF CRABAPPLE TREE Question: What is the life span of a crabapple tree? How do we know when it is time to take it out? Answer: Wow, two questions in one. Double score. The second question is much easier to answer

REMOVING DEAD LEAVES FROM CLEMATIS Question: Is it okay to pick off the dead leaves on my clematis vine? Answer: Well, if it floats your boat go right ahead. This sounds

A small tree such as a crabapple could live for a number of years. than the first. When to remove a tree is a personal decision and one best answered by this question, is the tree pretty or does it provide a benefit to the landscape? The answer will tell you when it is time to go. Remember the old saying beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I also have adopted this approach, “life is too short for ugly plants.” As for how long a tree lives, here again is my patented “it depends” answer. A small tree such as this could live for a number of years, 50, 60 or longer. But the best life is probably about 20 years or so. After

very time consuming and I am not for sure why you would want to. Over the winter they will fall off and decompose. I guess if you are a neat freak go right ahead. Some clematis have interesting seed heads for winter. Remember pruning of clematis should hold off till spring. 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 | January 2018

Missouri Wild Leeks and Onions

here are a couple meals that I will always remember, and they weren’t served at a restaurant. One such meal was enjoyed with Tom and Angel Kruzen, founders of Pan’s Garden, a native plant nursery that specializes in Missouri native woodland plants. I was picking up a truckload of ferns and spring ephemerals for the Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve when Tom and Angel offered me brunch. They served mayapple jelly on toasted homemade bread, tomato salad, and wild leek omelets. All with the meal’s ingredients were from a neighbor or foraged from the garden. The mayapple

January 2018 | kcgmag.com

fruits (Podophyllum peltatum) were hand-picked from the garden, then processed and canned into mildly sweet, light-yellow jelly. The byproduct of the seed pod cleaning (clean seeds) was discovered sprouting in the compost pile where Angel had dumped them the year before. Those transplanted seedlings have grown into big patches in the Whitmire garden. The wild leeks (Allium tricoccum) were dug from the Kruzens’ shady kitchen garden. They looked like short, plump green onions. The bulbs and leaves were chopped and sautéed to produce a heavenly odor and flavor, especially when combined with free-range, dark-yoked eggs. If you have only a few wild leek

Photos by Scott Woodbury.

Tricky to grow in the garden, SCOTT WOODBURY says wild leeks and onions take time and know-how to grow.

Allium tricoccum plants, I recommend consuming only some of the leaves in spring until your plants multiply into a substantial patch. Missouri native onion species are tricky to grow in the garden. Don’t mistake them for wild garlic (Allium vineale), the non-native

Allium stellatum weed. Wild garlic can be a prolific weed in gardens and farm fields. It has slender, vertical, tubular darkgreen leaves and deep bulbs that need to be carefully dug out with a shovel or dandelion digger so they

don’t resprout. By comparison, wild onions and leeks are a challenge to grow and have showy flowers. It took several attempts to establish a small patch of wild leeks in the Whitmire Wildflower Garden. They failed in early attempts in the lower woods where soils are moist, but succeeded in a drier area of the garden. We hope to increase their numbers in the coming decade

Allium cernuum through division, seed propagation and the addition of mycorrhizae— fungi that grow in association with roots. Dr. Liz Koziol, owner of Myco Bloom, a small business that produces Midwest ecotype mycorrhizae, says that native onions particularly need mycorrhizae to grow and survive. It may be that our wild leeks, growing in an existing old woodland, have found the mycorrhizae they need, but we will be adding Myco Bloom mycorrhizae to the planting holes when plants are divided in spring. We have had mixed success growing nodding onion (Allium cernuum) and fall glade onion (Allium stellatum), perhaps because our soils are too rich or because we don’t have the right soil mycorrhizae. Nodding onion is about 14

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inches tall in bloom and has showy white to light pink flowers in early summer. Fall glade onion is about 8-10 inches tall and has rose-pink flowers in September and October. Both are small, clump-forming perennials that fit into small garden spaces. They prefer full sun to part shade and well-drained or rocky soil. Glade onions especially prefer growing in rock gardens, drylaid flagstone walkways, retaining walls or along the edge of a gravel path. When planting in these areas, scoop out some of the gravel base, mix it 50/50 with topsoil and mycorrhizae in a bucket, then backfill the pocket between flagstone pavers, in openings in walls, or along gravel edges. Plant small onion plants because they are easier to fit into narrow pockets. They will naturalize (spread from seed) if they are suited to your conditions. The memory of wild leek omelets sizzling in butter, filling the kitchen with onion aromas easily comes to mind as if it happened yesterday. Memories and meals like these are a rare treat, but not out of reach if you have patience and a shady, well-drained spot in the garden where you can start your own patch of wild leeks. Missouri Wildflowers Nursery sells local ecotype wild leeks in seed packets and containers. Happy Gardening!

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A full day of regionally focused lectures by nationally recognized garden experts

y a s C it

EN GAR D The

Presented by

Feb. 10, 2018

Horticulturist Scott Woodbury is the Curator of the Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO, where he has worked with native plant propagation, design, and education for 26 years. He also is an advisor to the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native! program. Find suppliers of native plants at www.grownative.org, Resource Guide.

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2018 Kansas City

ER June

2013

Featuring Joe Lamp’l, host of PBS-KCPT TV show “Growing a Greener World”

Tammi Hartung, author of “Wildlife-Friendly Vegetable Gardening”

Carol Davit, Missouri Prairie Foundation director

Kelly Norris, author of “Plants With Style” and “Guide to Bearded Iris”

Plus, on Friday, Feb. 9, a banquet at Lidia’s Restaurant and a workshop on “How to Use Herbs for a Healthy Lifestyle” at Loose Park

d Plants Pets an ts Bouque Native des Nemato neficial ve? Using Be ll in Lo rflies Fa tte Bu Do

For tickets and more information, go to

GardenSymposium.org The Kansas City Gardener | January 2018

Garden Winners 2018 All-America Selections Part I

Cuphea FloriGlory Diana

he All-America Selections (AAS) Board of Directors approved 14 new and exciting AAS Winners. Seven are featured here, and the remaining seven will be featured in the February issue. While you are falling love with these new garden favorites, please keep in mind that they may not be readily available for purchase at retail garden centers this gardening season. Ask for them though, letting your local nursery know of your interest eagerness to plant in your garden.

sons, even weeks after other varieties went to seed. That means the yield from this AAS Winner can be double or even higher than that of other Pak Choi on the market. Asian Delight forms small to midsize (5-7 inch) heads that have a tasty, tender white rib and dark green, textured leaves. One judged seeded his trial three times and all three times Asian Delight did not bolt whereas the comparisons did. “This is the best white stem mini Pak Choi I have ever seen.” That’s quite an endorsement!

Not only are the flowers semidouble, but are also a bit larger in size and produce more flowers per plant, resulting in a fluffy white mound of beauty. Gypsy White Improved has better branching and a better growth habit than its predecessor, making it perfect for containers, small spaces and garden beds. A much longer bloom season and better heat tolerance than Gypsy Compact White will make this your new garden favorite. Overall it is a beautiful little plant with many possibilities!

Cuphea FloriGlory Diana Ornamental Vegetative Winner Cuphea, commonly known as Mexican Heather, is an ideal plant for borders, mass plantings and containers. FloriGlory Diana was highly praised by the AAS Judges for its larger flowers, impressive number of flowers and the darker, more intensely colored magenta flowers. The dark green foliage complement the flowers and really makes a statement for this new AAS Winner. With FloriGlory Diana, gardeners will be delighted with the compact (10-12 inch) size, longer flowering time, heat and weather tolerance.

Pepper cayenne Red Ember F1 Edible–Vegetable Winner Add some spice to your life with this new cayenne pepper named Red Ember F1! This new AAS pepper Winner won over judges by being earlier to mature than the comparison varieties. Early maturity is an important feature for gardeners who live in climates with a shorter growing season. Red Ember produces a large number of rounded end fruits on durable, medium-sized plants. Judges described the thick-walled fruits as spicy, but tastier than the traditional cayenne, with just enough pungency for interest. Use this new cayenne pepper for a multitude of purposes and throughout the seasons.

Zinnia Queeny Lime Orange Flower Winner A “WOW” color in an easyto-grow zinnia is what Queeny Lime Orange brings to the garden. Sporting lovely, large, dahlia-like blooms on a sturdy, compact plant, this variety provides cut flower gardeners and growers with a wonderful hue for today’s floral trends. The unique color evolves from dark coral/peach/orange to a light peach with a dark center as the flowers age. In the trial gardens, visitors loved the show-stopping color and large blooms, making it this year’s fan-favorite. This new AAS Winner is also perfect for cut flower gardens as each uniform plant produces prolific deeply fluted blooms that last about 3 weeks without preservatives or feed.

Pak Choi Asian Delight F1 Edible–Vegetable Winner Asian Delight F1 Pak Choi (or Bok Choy) is a Chinese Cabbage that outperformed the comparisons by leaps and bounds. Judge after judge noted how this Pak Choi does not bolt like the compari10

January 2018 | kcgmag.com

Gypsophila Gypsy White Improved Flower Winner Semi-double blossoms on this new, improved variety of gypsophila will make your garden sparkle!

Tomato Valentine F1 Edible–Vegetable Winner Hands down, the judges agreed this was the most appealing grape

tomato they trialed. With an appetizing deep-red color, it has a very sweet (Brix of 7-9) taste and will hold longer on the vine without cracking or losing the excellent eating quality. Valentine F1 tomato is quite prolific and will mature earlier (55 days from transplant) than the comparisons used for this entry. Gardeners should plan on staking the indeterminate vines for best results. Tomato lovers will appreciate the sweet, firm flesh that is meaty enough to resemble a Roma tomato but in a smaller, grape-type fruit. These easy-to-harvest tomatoes can take the summer heat and keep on producing! Corn, Sweet American Dream Edible–Vegetable Winner AAS Judges selected American Dream as their top trial choice and it just so happens to come from the same company that introduced Honey ‘N Pearl, an AAS winner from 1988. In a tight trial, American Dream was pitted up against Honey ‘N Pearl and came through as the winner! With its excellent germination, very tender, super sweet kernels, this newbie will make a great addition to the home garden. American Dream matures slightly earlier than the comparisons and produces vigorous, healthy plants with cobs that have good tip fill of bi-colored kernels. Plants grow 6-7 feet tall and mature in 77 days after planting the seed. Perfect fresh, roasted, grilled, canned or frozen.

Cuphea FloriGlory Diana

Pak Choi Asian Delight F1

Content and photos courtesy of All-America Selections, all-americaselections.org.

Pepper cayenne Red Ember F1

Zinnia Queeny Lime Orange

Gypsophilia Gypsy White Improved

Tomato Valentine F1

Corn, Sweet American Dream

The Kansas City Gardener | January 2018

Make Your World Less Stressful Local birding expert, THERESA HIREMATH shares her experiences of reduced stress while bird watching.

anuary’s relative calm after the busy holiday season is a treat for me. I look forward to the shortness of my to-do list, the spaciousness of the house with holiday decorations packed away, and unfilled evenings to enjoy in a leisurely manner–no parties, shopping, or other holiday preparations needed. Every single year, I bask in the wonderfulness that is January. Of course, one of my favorite ways to relax is to watch the birds at my feeders, and it is no surprise why. Research by academics at the University of Exeter, the British Trust for Ornithology and the University of Queensland has shown that people living in neighborhoods with more birds, shrubs and trees are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety

and stress. This is true for urban areas as well as suburban locations. Let’s all make the world a little less stressful this month–here are a few things we can all do to increase the birds, shrubs, and trees in our world! Feed the birds. Recent studies have verified that a constant and reliable source of supplemental bird food helps improve the overall health and body condition of birds, and this reliable food source is important through every season of the year. Birds with access to backyard feeders spend less time and energy foraging for food, and instead engage in activities that enhance their health and safety. Provide a reliable source of fresh water year-round. This may

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January 2018 | kcgmag.com

The purple finch finds a reliable food source during the harsh winter season. be most important during winter, when water sources in nature freeze as temperatures plummet. Aside from general hydration, birds need water to maintain their feathers and stay warm in the winter. Put up a house for shelter from the weather and predators, and to raise their young in. Clean out your birdhouse at the end of the nesting season, and leave it up all winter, as the birds will huddle together in the house during the night to stay warm and escape the cold. As a bonus, when spring comes and they are looking for a place to nest, they will already be familiar with your birdhouse. Landscape in a nature friendly way. Install native plants that don’t rely on the use of fertilizers or watering. Also, landscape with native plants that provide seeds, fruits, nectar and berries for birds and insects. Prune dead trees only to the point necessary to ensure safety. Snags provide shelter for all forms of wildlife and support insects that birds love to feast on. Don’t keep your garden too tidy. Insects love to hide and hibernate in leaves, and dead-heading flowers removes valuable seeds that birds can eat. Eliminate the use of chemicals and pesticides on your lawn and garden. If they aren’t killing the bugs the birds need to eat, the

chemicals are building up in the insects’ bodies, and the birds ingest the lingering pesticides and chemicals with their insect meal. Learn about and support your local wildlife rehabbers. Two of the best in this area are Operation Wildlife in Kansas and Lakeside Nature Center in Missouri. These organizations do a remarkable job of rescuing orphaned and injured animals and releasing them back into the wild. Those that can’t be released become part of their education programs and are cared for for the rest of their lives. Keep your cat indoors. I love cats and have two rescued cats of my own, and I keep them indoors. In the United States alone, there are 60 million to 100 million freeranging, unowned cats. These are non-native predators that, even using conservative estimates, kill 1.3–4 billion birds and 6.3–22.3 billion mammals each year in the U.S. alone. If you’d like more information about feeding the birds and enjoying nature in your own backyard, come visit our expert staff at Wild Birds Unlimited! Nik and Theresa Hiremath own and operate Wild Birds Unlimited of Leawood at 11711 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas. Contact them at 913-491-4887.

Kick off Gardening Season with 17th Annual Spring Gardening Seminar March 10, 2018 presented by Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City

re you curious about the most interesting plants on the planet or about the 2018 Herb of the Year? If so, you’ll enjoy Jim Long’s keynote address “Growing and Using Herbs” and breakout session “Can You Eat Those Flowers?” at the 17th Annual Spring Gardening Seminar presented by Master Gardeners of

Jim Long, keynote speaker at the annual Master Gardeners spring seminar. Greater Kansas City. Don’t miss this chance to hear and meet him on March 10, 2018; until then, take a virtual tour of his gardens at www.longcreekherbs.com. An epiphany led Jim into herb gardening in 1986 when a serious on-the-job back injury and lengthy convalescence ended his career as a landscape gardener. Months of recovery and staring at the ceiling drove him crazy, but one day “herb gardening!” came to him and light bulbs went off. Although he had always traveled extensively as a landscape gardener, he resolved to settle down in the Ozarks and start a unique herb garden. Eventually the word got around. People began coming to talk with

him and tour his property, which was both gratifying and confusing because they often wanted to take something away with them. He didn’t know what they meant at first, but soon he attended an International Herb Growers and Marketers conference, and that changed everything. He got it. His visitors wanted herbal items from his garden that captured the moment and helped them remember the tastes and fragrances of their visit. So he returned home, built the Herb Shop to sell his original, locally produced items, and never looked back. Jim has done it all in the world of herbs, from growing them in the Ozarks to delivering them to a Presidential inaugural event. He has created medicinal herbal formulas, and his herb garden has been featured in Gourmet magazine and twice in Southern Living magazine. Early on he published a local newsletter about herbs and was soon invited to write a regular column for an Ozarks newspaper. Now a syndicated columnist who has been published by nearly every major magazine in the U.S., he has also written over two dozen books. As the long winter months set in, check out Jim’s entertaining and educational blog at www.jimlongsgarden.blogspot.com or follow him on his Facebook page. But whatever else you do, mark your calendar to catch his presentations at Rockhurst University on March 10, 2018 at the 17th Annual Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Spring Gardening Seminar. Registration for this day-long seminar opens January 15, 2018, so watch for online registration at Eventbrite.com. The seminar is open to the public and includes a dozen breakout sessions to choose from, presented by regional gardening experts.

Wassail Celebration & Feast Sat., January 20, 5-9 p.m.

sher in the New Year with the sixth annual Wassail Celebration & Feast at Powell Gardens. Also referred to as a wintertime drink of spiced wine or ale, the word wassail comes from the Anglo-Saxon greeting “wes hal,” meaning to “be of good health.” The tradition of “wassailing” dates back to the 1500s and is for the purpose of encouraging a productive apple harvest. This special dinner, prepared by Chef Ken Knight and Powell Gardens’ own Barb the Gardener will provide a history of the wassail tradition, a celebratory ceremony in the apple orchard to scare off evil spirits and sing to the health of apple trees, live music, alcoholic and non-alcoholic wassail beverages, and a buffet featuring roast pig and side dishes made with produce sourced from the Heartland Harvest Garden. A seat at the King’s table includes special 1 OFFa *goodie seating with the King and Queen, festive crowns, plus bag 5E Series prepared by Barb the Gardener. Visit powellgardens.org to register.

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Photos by Lenora Larson.

Gardening by Design Spring Garden Symposium March 3

t’s still the hottest topic on every serious gardener’s mind: how to create a stunning landscape design. The Marais des Cygnes District Extension Master Gardeners will address that subject at this year’s all-day educational symposium: Gardening by Design. Keynote speaker Merle Sharpe will present The Gardening Design Process. According to Merle, “Whether you are landscaping a tiny courtyard or several acres, an

understanding of the design process will save you time, effort and money.” Her presentation will cover how to get started, the steps to take before you ever hit the nursery, and what makes for a good design. Tips on measuring, getting your ideas on paper, and choosing the right plants will help you make your garden dreams a reality. Merle will also present Garden Rooms and Spaces, showing how creating rooms or spaces within the

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landscape allows you to indulge in many different garden styles, color schemes, and outdoor hobbies and whimsies, while avoiding a jumbled look. Examples of beautiful kitchen gardens, hobby gardens, Zen gardens and everything in between will inspire you to indulge as many of your garden fantasies as your space will allow. A Master Gardener for 20 years, Merle spent 14 years at the Chicago Botanic Garden and the last six in Johnson County. She is retired from a midlife career as a landscape designer. Much of her design work focused on small space gardening. Her own Chicago area garden was featured in the Chicago Tribune and in Better Homes and Gardens Small Space Gardens magazine. Other sessions will include Constant Color: Succession Plant-

ing in the Flower Garden, by Certified Landscape Designer Cynthia Gillis, and The Aesthetics of Hardscaping, by Bryan Kottke, Senior Gardener in the perennial gardens at Powell Gardens. The annual symposium, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, will be held at the K-State University Research & Extension Office at 104 S. Brayman, Paola, Kansas 66071. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. Pre-registration by February 26 is required. The $30 fee includes a gourmet box lunch and all printed reference materials. Obtain a registration form at www.maraisdescygnes.k-state.edu and return with your check to the address above. The event is open to all. Local Master Gardeners will receive five hours of Advanced Training credit for attending.

Vegetable Gardening Workshop Sat., Jan. 27, 8am-noon

Vegetable gardening is as popular as ever whether in your backyard or in one of the many community garden locations around the area. In order to help all area vegetable gardeners learn more and to be successful in the garden, a vegetable gardening workshop will be held Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 8am – noon in Olathe. Topics for this workshop will include cultural information on some of the most popular vegetable crops including tomatoes and potatoes. Information will be presented on common vegetable gardening mistakes and community resources to help all gardeners. Whether you garden in a community garden or their own backyard there will be helpful information for greater success. This informative workshop is sponsored by Olathe Parks and Recreation and Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. The workshop will be held at the Olathe Community Center, 1205 East Kansas City Road, Olathe, Kansas 66061. Registration is $5 per person which includes door prizes and refreshments. To register, contact Olathe Parks and Recreation at 913-971-8563 with code 17019 or online at bit.ly/OlatheCommunityGarden18

Remembering local rose expert, Charles Anctil

harles Eugene Anctil, 85, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Thursday, November 30, 2017 at the Kansas City Hospice House after a brief illness. He was born March 3, 1932 in Hollis, NH, son of the late Yvonne and Joseph Anctil. He graduated from Nashua Senior High School and The Junior College of Kansas City. He then served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War Era. Charles was a Horticulturist working at Bennett Garden Center, Ferbert’s Garden Center, Butners Old Mill Nursery, and presently Moffet Nursery and Garden Center. (If you ordered roses from Charlie or need help from where he worked, call Bob at Moffet Nursery: 816-233-1223.) Charles has been an active Rosarian since 1958. His fatherin-law gave him and Dorothy their first rose, “Peace”. As he always said, it was a great idea for the start of a marriage. Charlie spent his adult life growing, showing and educating generations of us, finding the best roses when needed, working in nurseries with roses, appearing as a guest on local radio shows, opening up new frontiers in growing by being open to natural methods along with the traditional chemicals used in the industry.

commitment to all here in northwest Missouri. In the last year, he spent time grafting new rose varieties. We are all anxious to see them this coming spring. Charlie was a man whose heart was as big as the world and who brought the gift of beauty through roses to all of us. He was a memPhoto Left: Left to right: Sandy Campuzano, Charlie Anctil, Charlotte Anctil, and Janmarie Hornack (back). ber of Sertoma, Barber Photo Right: Charlie Anctil and Judy Penner. Shop Quartet and the 1st As one of our Past Presidents Center, Kansas City, Mo., now carChristian Church. in the Kansas City Rose Society ries the torch for the column. Charles was preceded in death said, “Charlie knows it all, first one Since 2010 he has been a by his wife, Dorothy Jeane Anctil, I call.” Many of us feel the same Master Consulting Rosarian and and his parents. Survivors include, way. Charlie was a member of Judge Emeritus. Charlie has won son, Paul (Paula) Anctil, Lenexa, many Rose Societies–Clay County more medals, trophies and ribbons KS, daughter, Charlotte Anctil, (Past President), Jackson County, than we can count. Shawnee, KS, grandson, Devin Johnson County and Kansas City, In 2016 the 86th Annual Rose Anctil, brother, Albert (Babe) to name a few. Show in Kansas City was dedicatAnctil, Nashua, NH, and several Charlie has juried shows in ed in his honor due to his lifetime nieces and nephews. Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and other states. He conducted seminars and people loved to learn from him, as he made it so much fun for them. For more than 20 years Charlie shared his expertise and enthusiasm for roses by writing a monthly column, The Rose Report, in The Kansas City Gardener. Local expert and fellow rosarian, Judy Penner, Director of Loose Park Garden

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Ad for January and February issues of Kansas City Gardener magazine

Gardening by Design

Spring Gardening Symposium Saturday Marais des Cygnes

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9:00 am – 3:30 pm Check-in: 8:30 am

The Gardening Design Process and

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Constant Color: Succession Planting in the Flower Garden

Cynthia Gillis, Certified Landscape Designer

The Aesthetics of Hardscaping

Bryan Kottke, Powell Gardens Perennial Garden Senior Gardener

Extension Office 104 S. Brayman Paola, KS 66071

Registration: This event is open to anyone, but pre-registration is required by February 26. $30 registration fee includes a gourmet boxed lunch and all printed reference materials. Registrations must be made in advance. Make your check payable to the MdC Extension Master Gardeners and mail with the form (available online at www.maraisdescygnes. ksu.edu) with your check for $30 to: K-State Research and Extension Marais des Cygnes District–Paola Office, 104 S. Brayman, Paola, KS 66071 For more information call 913-294-4306

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Upcoming Garden Events places to go, things to do, people to see Club Meetings African Violets of Greater Kansas City Tues, Jan 9, 6-8pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816-513-8590 Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group Wed, Jan 10, noon; at Rose room of Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd & Wornall, Kansas City, MO 64112. Program: Herb of the Year presented by Elizabeth Cutting. The International Herb Society has selected hops (Humulus lupulus) as the 2018 Herb of the Year. Hops is a vine that traditionally preserves and flavors beer, but is an attractive ornamental plant that is easy to grow. Lunch: Potluck. We invite anyone interested in Herbs to join our group. Programs for 2018 planned. We meet 2nd Wed each month. Dues are $15, and have wonderful classes and luncheons to learn all aspects of herbs and how to use them in our lives. Facebook: check us out at Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group. Friends & visitors welcome. Questions: Nancy at 816-478-1640. Heart of America Gesneriad Sat, Jan 20, 9:30am-noon; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd & Wornall, Kansas City, MO 64112. Membership. 816-513-8590 Idalia Society Sat, Mar 17, 5:30pm, Pot-luck Dinner, 6:45pm Presentation; at Prairie Village Community Center, 7700 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS 66208. Free to the public. The “Evolution of a Butterfly Garden” traces Carole’s burgeoning interest in butterflies and gardening that culminated in a magnificent memorial garden at her church, Bristol Hill United Methodist in KCKS. Brilliant photographs will demonstrate the planning process, plant selection and how the garden became an important shared space for the community. Idalia member Carole Tomlinson is a graduate of Pittsburg State and works as a Medical Technologist in the Immunohematology Laboratory at Community Blood Center. She spends her spring, summer and fall days in pursuit of butterflies, as well as insects and other critters! She belongs to the Idalia Society, Kansas Native Plant Society and North American Butterfly Association. Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society Sun, Jan 21, 1:30-4pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Visitors are welcome! For information on the Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society, call 816-444-9321 or visit our website: kccactus.com. Leavenworth County Master Gardeners Wed, Jan 10, 11am; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Judy Pique, from the Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society, will give a presentation on how to grow succulents and cactus is the Kansas climate. The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094. Leawood Garden Club Tues, Jan 23, 10:30am; at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS. At about noon, Dennis Patton, Horticulture Agent at the Johnson County Extension office, will present “Can we really answer all your Hydrangea Questions?” The meeting and our membership is open to everyone and guests are most welcome. Bring a sack lunch–beverages and desserts are provided. For more information, please visit our website www.leawood.org/committees/lgc or send an email leawoodgardenclub@gmail.com. Lee’s Summit Garden Club Tues, Jan 9, 7-9pm; at Winterset Park Community Ctr, 2505 SW Wintercreek Dr, Lee’s Summit,

MO 64081. Our Guest Speaker, a member of Greater Kansas City Master Gardener. All are welcome for educational evening. Refreshments are provided and visitors welcome. Visit our website www.leessummitgardenclub.org or call 816-914-3970. Mid America Begonia Society Sat, Jan 20, 1-4pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816-513-8590 Sho Me African Violets Club Fri, Jan 12, 10am-2pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816-513-8590 Water Garden Society of KC Tues, Jan 16, doors open 5:30pm snacks, socializing, first speaker 6:30pm; at Our Lady of Sorrows, 2552 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108. The 25th annual water garden tour on July 7 and 8. Our first speaker is Michael Sandy, the director of the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Center. In 1976 the nature center was incorporated and has undergone many changes and expansion since. Included are hiking trails, picnic areas, a WGS-built pond as well as the large center that hosts Scouting programs, educational programs for schools and other programs throughout the year. Winter at the sanctuary center is his topic. Our featured speaker is Michelle Van Liew from Van Liew’s Home & Garden, family owned and operated for 90 years. We are excited to learn what new things Van Liew’s has for the water garden, our patios and homes.

Events, Lectures & Classes January, February, March Celebrating the 160th Birthday of Benjamin Franklin Bush, local Botanist Sat, Jan 20, 1-3pm Refreshments, demonstrations and displays, 1:30-2:30pm, Interview followed by audience question and answer; at National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W Pacific Ave, Independence, MO 64050. An Interview with Independence Botanist Benjamin Franklin Bush in Celebration of His 160th Birthday. Known internationally for his skilled botanizing and numerous plant discoveries. While he spent most of his life in search of plants, he simultaneously ran the country store and post office in Courtney, MO. Until his death in 1937, Bush collected and identified thousands of plants native to our region, from the Ozarks to the Indian Territories. He prepared more than 35,000 specimens for botanical gardens internationally while carrying on lively correspondence with some of the best botanists of the time. Many trekked to Courtney to confer with him and view his plants. Sponsored by the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department of the City of Independence, MO. Free to the public. Landscape Designing From the Inside Out Mon, Jan 22, 7pm; at Johnson County Extension Office, Room 1060, 11811 S Sunset Dr, Olathe, KS 66061. Have you ever thought about applying the concepts of decorating your home to the landscape? This session will help you draw parallels using many of the same concepts to help you spruce up the home. A well-landscaped home is a sense of pride and a great place to call home. Learn a few basic tips which will help you build on the framework for a pleasing setting. Limited to 45. $10, enroll at www.johnson.k-state.edu. Instructor: Dennis Patton, Johnson Co K-State Research and Extension Horticulture Agent. Seed Starting Workshop Thurs, Feb 1, 6:30-7:30pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence KS. Learn how to start your own seeds. Handouts

will be provided. FREE, but Seating is limited, so please RSVP to 785-842-3081. Beginning Vegetable Gardening Workshop Thurs, Feb 8, 6:30-7:30pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS. Learn how to start a simple and manageable vegetable garden. Handouts will be provided. FREE, but Seating is limited, so please RSVP to 785-842-3081. Getting to Know Your Weeds Mon, Feb 12, 7pm; at Johnson County Extension Office, Room 1060, 11811 S Sunset Dr, Olathe, KS 66061. Weeds just seem to pop up everywhere in the lawn and garden. There are so many different types of weeds from grasses to broadleaves and annuals and perennials. Getting the upper hand on them requires us to first know the pesky weed and its characteristics. This is the first step. This class will help us identify our weed problems. This class when combined with the other February class will be the perfect one-two punch. Attendance at both is not required. Come to one or both. Limited to 45. $10, enroll at www. johnson.k-state.edu. Instructor: Dennis Patton, Johnson Co K-State Research and Extension Horticulture Agent. Composting Thurs, Feb 15, 6:30-7:30pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS. Learn how make your own compost pile at home. Handouts will be provided. FREE, but Seating is limited, so please RSVP to 785-842-3081. Advanced Vegetable Gardening-Cold Crops Thurs, Feb 22, 6:30-7:30pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS. How to grown cold season vegetables, 4-5 different cold season vegetables to be discussed. Which ones depends on a vote from the workshop attendees. Handouts will be provided. FREE, but Seating is limited, so RSVP to 785-842-3081. Getting the Upper Hand on Weeds Mon, Feb 26, 7pm; at Johnson County Extension Office, Room 1060, 11811 S Sunset Dr, Olathe, KS 66061. Chemical, organic, cultivation? Getting a handle on eliminating weeds is about selecting the right option that meets your needs. The second session on weeds will cover your options in weed control. It is not a one size fits all method but a strategy that meets your needs. Attendance at the first session is not required so attend one or both. Limited to 45. $10, enroll at www.johnson.k-state.edu. Instructor: Dennis Patton, Johnson Co K-State Research and Extension Horticulture Agent. Adv Vegetable Gardening-Summer Crops Thurs, Mar 1, 6:30-7:30pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS. How to grown summer vegetables, 4-5 different summer vegetables to be discussed. Which ones depends on a vote from the workshop attendees. Handouts will be provided. FREE, but Seating is limited, so please RSVP to 785-842-3081. Gardening By Design Symposium in Paola Sat, Mar 3, 9am-3:30pm; Sponsored by the Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardeners, at the District Extension Office, 104 S Brayman, Paola, KS. Symposium keynote speaker, Merle Sharp, is joined by Cynthia Gillis and Bryan Kottke. Topics include The Garden Design Process, Gardening Rooms, Perpetual Garden Color and The Aesthetics of Hardscaping. The $30 fee includes a box lunch. Space is limited; you must pre-register by Feb 26. Obtain a registration form at www.maraisdescygnes.k-state. edu. Call the Extension Office, 913-284-4306, for further information. Greening the Lawn Mon, Mar 5, 7pm; at Johnson County Extension Office, Room 1060, 11811 S Sunset Dr, Olathe, KS 66061. They say the grass is always greener

on the other side of the fence. But each of us have a different idea of what green means. This class will cover recommendations that means green in different ways. Greener is an approach to lawn care which can reduce the use of fertilizers, water and other inputs while still having a nice green lawn. This program will help you tailor your lawn care inputs to match the desired outcomes. Proper lawn care is not a one size fits all program once you know the secrets to a green lawn while being green in the process. Limited to 45. $10, enroll at www.johnson.k-state.edu. Growing the Perfect Tomato Thurs, Mar 8, 6:30-7:30pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS. Learn how to grow a great tomato whether it be a cherry or a beefsteak, in the ground, or in a container. Handouts will be provided. FREE, but Seating is limited, so RSVP to 785-842-3081. Spring Gardening Seminar Sat, Mar 10, at Rockhurst University, Kansas City, MO. An all day event offering a variety of presentations from edible flowers to everything you wanted to know about no sow gardening. $54 including lunch. Visit www.mggkc.org/springseminar for detailed information on each of the 13 presentations plus enrollment instructions. Beekeeping I Wed, Mar 14 & 21, 6:30-8:30pm; at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. This is an introductory course into beekeeping. We will review the importance of honey bees in our everyday life. Participants will learn about the life cycle of the honey bee, their history, and become familiar with today’s beekeeping techniques. Fee: $59. Enroll at https://ce.jccc.edu or call 913-469-2323. Growing & Storing Herbs Thurs, Mar 15, 6:30-7:30pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS. Learn how to grow and store your herbs. Handouts will be provided. FREE, but Seating is limited, so please RSVP to 785-842-3081. Beginning Vegetable Gardening Sat, Mar 17, 10:30-11:30am; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS. Learn how to start a simple and manageable vegetable garden. Handouts will be provided. FREE, Seating limited, so RSVP to 785-842-3081. Pruning Fruit Trees Thurs, Mar 22, 6:30-7:30pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS. Learn how to prune cherries, apples, peaches and pears for fruit production. Handouts will be provided. FREE, but Seating is limited, so please RSVP to 785-842-3081.

Bird Facts

ED REESE shares details on how song birds find food.

ver wonder how song birds find food? Birds don’t have a real sense of taste. Birds only have 300 to 400 taste receptors. Humans have between 9,000 to 10,000. Most birds don’t have much of a sense of smell either. Exceptions for example, are Crows, Seagulls, and Vultures. All birds rely mainly on sight. Birds have incredible sight, most species can see further with higher acuity then humans. Birds are extremely active, using a lot of energy, and this requires constantly finding food. They are pros at seeing the fruits, nuts, and seeds they enjoy. Birds learn to recognize bird feeders, as sources of food, and include them in their territory.

The next important sense birds use is their hearing. Yes, it’s better than ours too! Birds also like to talk to each other, and depending on species, once they find a feeder they’ll immediately call out to mates and family. The calls usually bring the family in, and often a few unwanted guests will fly in as well. With the extra non-family birds, fighting and fussing ensues. This creates a lot of bird chatter, which usually brings more birds. Ed and Karen Reese own and operate the Wild Bird House in Overland Park, that has been provisioning outdoor backyard bird lovers for over 26 years. Contact them at 913-341-0700.

Planters Seed Co. • Since 1927 •

Building a Raised Bed Sat, Mar 24, 10:30-11:30am; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS. Learn how to build a simple wooden raised bed out of landscape timbers as well as what media to put in it for maximum results. Handouts will be provided. FREE, but Seating is limited, so please RSVP to 785-842-3081. Spectacular Shrubs Mon, Mar 26, 7pm; at Johnson County Extension Office, Room 1060, 11811 S Sunset Dr, Olathe, KS 66061. Tired of the same old lilac, forsythia and juniper? Desiring something new, out of the box that stands out in the neighborhood or garden? Then make plans to attend this session. Newer varieties and introductions for the landscape will be covered. Shrubs are more versatile than ever with smaller plants, more colorful foliage and longer flowering periods. After this session you will be ready to give those tired, old over-pruned shrubs the heave-ho and give the garden a facelift. Limited to 45. $10, enroll at www.johnson.k-state.edu.

2018 Seeds Arriving Daily!

Largest Selection of Flowers & Vegetable Seed in the Area More than 300 Varieties of Seed in Bulk Package Seeds Arriving Daily Grass & Pasture Seed • Thousands of Bulbs Baskets, Terracotta and Pottery Birdhouses, Birdfeeders JANUARY PLANTING DATES

Promote 2018 meetings, classes, and other gardening events! Send details to:

elizabeth@kcgmag.com

Deadline for publishing in the February issue is January 5.

Plant Above Ground Crops: 16, 17, 20-22, 25, 26, 29, 30 • Plant Root Crops: 2, 3, 8 Control Plant Pests: 13, 14 • Plant Flowers: 16, 17, 20-22 • Transplant: 25, 26, 29

Retail • Wholesale • Lawn • Garden • Farm

513 Walnut KCMO • 816-842-3651 The Kansas City Gardener | January 2018

January

garden calendar

n LAWN

• Frozen lawns can be injured, avoid walking on them. • Rake fallen leaves to prevent suffocation. • Mower maintenance is important, tune up now to avoid spring rush. • Scatter snow from walks and drives instead of piling up. • Negotiate with lawn services for summer contracts.

n FLOWERS

• Enjoy arrival of nursery catalogs, selecting plants with improved insect and disease resistance. • Plant leftover spring flowering bulbs soon. • Start seeds for spring transplants depending on growth requirements. • Watering fall planted perennials prevents desiccation. • Watch for signs of frost heaving and cover tender roots. • Replace mulch layers as needed. •C heck summer bulbs in storage for rot and decay, discard damaged ones. • To learn more about gardening, curl up with a good book.

n TREES AND SHRUBS

• Gently brush off heavy snow from tree and shrub limbs to reduce damage. • Quickly prune storm-damaged limbs to prevent tearing of the bark. • Allow ice to melt naturally from limbs, do not use water to melt or attempt to knock off. • Avoid the temptation to prune on early warm winter days to prevent further damage. • Water fall-planted trees and shrubs when soil is not frozen and soil is dry.

• For indoor blossoms, force twigs of flowering trees and shrubs. • Watch out for rabbit damage on bark of trees and shrubs.

n VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

• Peruse seed catalogs and prepare order form. • Check seeds in storage. • Soil test, and prepare for planting by making needed additions. • Start vegetable transplants under lights. • Order fruit trees. • Pick up fallen fruit and discard. • Be on the lookout for rabbit and rodent damage on fruit tree bark.

n INDOOR PLANTS

• Wash dust off plant leaves to allow more sunlight to reach the leaves. • Water plants with room temperature water. • Insecticidal soap sprays can be used to remove insects. • For removal of mealy bugs and scales, wipe with a swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. • Rotate plants to develop a well-rounded plant. • Keep new plants separated to be sure they do not harbor insects. • Reduce fertilizer use until spring when more sunlight is available for growth.

n MISCELLANEOUS

• Repair garden tools. • Sand and seal handles to prevent splinters. • Brightly colored paint applied to tool handles makes them easier to spot in the garden. • Keep bird feeders and water supplies filled for your feathered friends.

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.

Elegance For The Home and Garden FAIRY GARDEN ACCESSORIES! Bronze • Bird Baths • Concrete Urns Home Decor • Gazing Balls Statuary • Sundials • Fountains Cast Aluminum • Furniture

Winter is a great time for drainage solutions. Celebrating our 91st year in business

January 2018 | kcgmag.com

74th & Prospect, KCMO

816-523-1760 www.vanliews.com

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816.916.5171

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Fancy, yet unfussy! Blooms all season; heat and drought tolerant plants; grape-scented foliage; low maintenance.

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

Meet Extension Master Gardener, Lenora Larson

What first drew you to the hobby of gardening: Gardening allows my purposeful collaboration with nature. And as an artist, gardening is a continuous artistic expression.

How long have you been an Extension Master Gardener: I began gardening as a very young child; even as a toddler, I loved weeding! I already had been gardening on Long Lips Farm for 20 years when I became an EMG. Class of 2010, Marais des Cygnes Extension District. Becoming an EMG immediately inducted me into a community of kindred spirits. And as an EMG, I have many opportunities to educate others about pollinator-friendly gardening. (Convincing people to be nicer to insects is one of my life goals.) Favorite tool: A pair of Cutco scissors is my constant pocket companion. I need little else. Most valuable information learned: The EMG mantra: “Right Plant, Right Place” Favorite plant type: Would you ask a mother to name her favorite child!?! In general, I gravitate towards plants with dramatic foliage. (Flowers are ephemeral, foliage is forever.) For me, it’s not the plants per se, it’s their effect in the garden that matters. Also, the pollinators and I agree on the necessity of masses of brilliant self-sowing annual flowers. Do you have a specialty: Butterflies and native plants. Long Lips Farm is certified as a butterfly garden by multiple organizations. And I proudly point out Kansas native plants, looking refined and glamorous in my garden.

What are you paassionate about: The garden’s appearance is my main passion. Aesthetics rule and if I had to compromise on the garden’s design to have butterflies and native plants, they would be out of luck. Fortunately, the butterflies share my aesthetic taste and give my garden meaning; it’s not just a pretty place. I’m also passionate about being true to Mother Nature: no insecticides, no synthetic fertilizers, no sterile hybrids, no fall clean-up and no tilling. What challenges do you face: The decrepitude of aging is the biggest challenge. Every chore takes longer and I tire more quickly. But I hope to emulate my mother who actively gardened until she was 91. Advice to share: Plan first. Do not dig or shop until the garden has been designed on paper and the chosen plants thoroughly researched. (Right plant, Right place!) Who has inspired you: Both my parents were gardeners and artists. Dad, a botanist, took me on field trips every weekend, so I learned the botanical names of plants long before their common names. Mom was a certified landscape designer and taught me at an early age that gardens are not about plants. Gardens are about form and function, united by design. Her legacy lives on at Long Lips Farm!

The Kansas City Gardener | January 2018

January

Green Sale Don’t Forget The Birds Tropicals & Houseplants Sale

* Premium bird food and feeders in stock.

Fresh, colorful foliage & blooms to brighten the winter days. Cactus, succulents, orchids & so much more! *Available at our 135th & Wornall and 105th & Roe locations.

Free

Terrarium & Smallscapes Workshop February 10 // 1-4pm // 105th & Roe Sign up in store or call to register now - Space is limited.

✓ Work one-on-one with our staff ✓ Receive 20% off all workshop merchandise for SL&G Rewards Members ✓ Learn tips and tricks from plant experts ✓ Moss, rock & potting soil provided ✓ Enjoy complementary food and beverage

Containers Sale 20

10% Off

January 2018 | kcgmag.com

all containers!

105th & Roe (913) 649-8700

K-7 & Prairie Star Pkwy (913) 897-5100

135th & Wornall (816) 942-2921

#suburbanlg // suburbanlg.com