KCG Jan20

The Kansas City

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

January 2020

The Native American Tree

Black Locust

Bird of the Month: Dark-eyed Junco Rusty Blackhaw: a Tree for All Seasons Keep Lawn and Trees Healthy with Winter Watering

editor’s notes

The Kansas City

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

Looking forward

Independently owned and operated since 1996 Publisher Michael Cavanaugh Editor Elizabeth Cavanaugh Contributors Tom DePaepe Nik and Theresa Hiremath Dennis Patton Ken O’Dell Tamra Reall Ed Reese Denise Sullivan Scott Woodbury Distribution Publishers Delivery Solutions, Inc.

How to Reach Us ...

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

We hope you look forward to every issue of our publication. Our objective every month is to provide quality, timely information that educates and motivates our community of gardeners. Whether you are a newcomer to the gardening scene, or have a lifetime of experiences, there’s something for everyone.

When you have a comment or question, we’d love to hear from you. We count on your feedback. Is there a plant you’d like for us to profile?

Are you looking for more information about a specific topic? Do you have a garden tip that you’d like to share? Your suggestions are always welcome. Please write to us or send an e-mail to us. We eagerly anticipate hearing from our readers.

On a personal note, I am looking forward to the new year with enthusiasm and joy. Reflecting on last year’s garden experiences, I’m reminded of all I’ve learned and accomplished in the garden. New plant introductions into a renovated perennial bed is enough to pique

Submit editorial questions to Elizabeth Cavanaugh at elizabeth@kcgmag.com

In this issue

See us on the Web: www.kcgmag.com

January 2020 • Vol. 25 No. 1

Don’t Miss A Single Issue!

Get a subscription for yourself or your favorite gardener.

See page 19.

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L

ike trees and shrubs in the landscape, gardeners typically are dormant and less physically active this time of year. While indoors we fill our time reading new gardening books, ordering seeds from catalogs, or charting another growing season. (Yes, some of us use spreadsheets.) Although we are anxious to get started on that long list of garden things to do, we know to patiently wait for spring’s arrival.

In the meantime, we have plenty to draw us forward. Gardeners young and old, novice and seasoned, ought to consider attending two upcoming events. For one, Gardening by Design, the annual symposium in Paola, is scheduled for Saturday, February 29.

Presented by the Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardeners, it promises to be filled with inspiration and advice from experts.

Next is the Kansas City Garden Symposium coming up March 7. A day listening to inspirational ideas and practical advice about gardening is a great thing to share with friends. These are both must-attend events, and the details for each can be found in this issue.

January 2020 | kcgmag.com

Ask the Experts ........................ 4 Spring Symposium in Paola ....... 6 Keep Lawn & Trees Healthy ....... 7 Dark-eyed Junco ....................... 8 Happening at Discovery Ctr ...... 9 Black Locust Tree ...................... 10 Kids Ask Dr. Bug ...................... 12 Rusty Blackhaw ........................ 13

about the cover ...

my curiosity in spring. If you’re like me, you love treading through the garden in early spring looking for any signs of life. And what gleeful sound is made when the search is a success.

I’ve rediscovered that I’m at my best when allowing (dare I say, requiring) time in the garden. Noting that productivity is irrelevant, and that the purpose is presence. So this is a practice also suitable during winter months. It is the immeasurable therapeutic value of simply being. Standing among the trees or sitting in the leaves, this exercise of natural oneness and reflective respite is soul soothing.

Knowing this benefit awaits, I treasure any time spent during any season in the garden.

What has you looking forward?

I’ll see you in the garden!

Plants on Plate Dried Beans ....... 14 Happening at Burr Oak Woods .. 16 Upcoming Events ..................... 16 2020 Horticulture Classes ........ 17 Garden Calendar .................... 18 Bird Facts ............................... 19 Meet a Master Gardener ......... 19 Subscribe ................................ 19

Learn more about the history, its features, and where you can see the Black Locust tree thriving in the Kansas City area, beginning on page 10.

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2016

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Ask the Experts Gardeners have plenty of questions about soil and plant issues, DENNIS PATTON answers a few of them here.

SOIL TESTING AVAILABLE ALL YEAR Question: I keep forgetting to get my soil tested. I always think of it when I am working in the garden. Should I wait or do you provide this service year round?

Answer: Soil testing can be done anytime you can dig in the soil. So, yes, we can test the soil year round. This goes for both sides of the state line. We need about 2 cups of the soil to run the test. For best results, collect random small samples from around the lawn or garden, mixing together to form a representative sample. Bring or mail to your closest Extension office.

Complete information and forms are available on our websites.

Both K-State and MU send your soil to the lab on the main campus, Manhattan or Columbia, for testing. There usually is a small fee for

Two cups of soil are needed for soil test.

Transplant raspberry plants when dormant.

the testing service. The nice thing about testing during the off season is that you will have the results and can make changes before planting.

different bed. When is a good time to transplant the raspberry plants?

Answer: The ideal time to transplant any plant is when it is fully dormant. Transplanting is stressful on a plant as the root system is compromised, weakening the plant. While dormant, the plant is accessing less water and not promoting growth. When a plant starts to grow, the root system wakes up first to help ensure the plant has the water and food needed for growth.

Dormancy starts in the fall after leaf drop and ends when the buds begin to swell in the late winter or spring. If the plants are moved in late winter, they are ready to start growing, initiating new roots to help support the plant for good establishment.

RELOCATING OVERGROWN RASPBERRY PLANT Question: I did not realize my raspberry planting would grow this big. I need to relocate it to a

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January 2020 | kcgmag.com

Trees are best pruned when dormant.

Be sure to select young, healthy raspberry canes for transplanting.

Remember, raspberries have twoyear canes; the first year they are vegetative, the second year they fruit and then die. You might also cut the transplants back to about a foot or two to reduce leaf growth and improve transplant success. It goes without saying smaller plants transplant more readily.

WHY NO AGREEMENT ON BEST TIME TO PRUNE TREES Question: I hear a lot of conflicting information about when

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TOO LATE FOR LAST FERTILIZATION APPLICATION Question: Because of the early cold snap and dry fall, I never got down my November application of fertilizer. Should I go ahead and fertilizer now or just skip that application?

Answer: I feel your pain as I also had a hard time getting down my last application, waiting for a gentle soaking rain that never came. At this point, it is too late. Spring fertilization is tricky.

Heavy applications of fertilizer in the spring stresses the turf by creating a lot of top growth (you mow more!) at the expense of the root system. My advice is to resume your regular schedule come spring.

For most people, that is an application of a crabgrass control that usually contains fertilizer. That single application in late March or early April is the only application of fertilizer you should need.

For those that don’t water during the summer, that is the last application until fall. For those that water over the summer, another application in May will be beneficial. By missing the fall application, you may notice your lawn is not greening up as nicely but given time it will respond. Better luck next year as Extension research has shown that September and November are always the most critical months to fertilizer a bluegrass or tall fescue lawn.

It’s too late for the last lawn fertilization.

GARDEN TOUR SCHEDULED FOR 2020 Question: I love the garden tours offered through your office.

I missed last year’s tour. When is your next tour?

Answer: Good news, you did not miss a tour! We hold our Extension Master Gardener Garden Tour every other year on even number years. Our next tour is scheduled for May 15 and 16, 2020. We have selected 5 unique EMG gardens for your pleasure.

We strive to find something in our gardens for everyone. This May, you have the opportunity to visit a garden through the eyes of a professional artist, a dramatic formal garden, a refurbished shade garden, a restful garden at the water’s edge and a large country garden packed full of everything from natives to vegetables.

Oh, have our volunteers outdone themselves in our garden boutique! Handcrafted fairy cottages, silk scarves and, of course, our signature concrete leaves. New this year will be a native plant sale.

Additional information is available at johnson.ksu.edu. Hope to see you all on the tour!

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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We can adapt to meet your group’s needs, from a short 20-minute presentation to a longer format, if needed. While there are no fees for a volunteer speaker, a donation to Extension or the chosen volunteer organization is appreciated.

To schedule a speaker for your group, please contact the office. For more information on this service, call 913-715-7000.

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to prune a tree. Some say prune in the fall or during the winter months while others say late winter. So, which is it? Why can’t you all agree to the best time to prune!

Answer: Well, if you have read my column in the past, you will know this question gets my pat answer – it depends. It does depend on a lot of factors. When it comes to pruning, there is an acceptable window of time. As you get closer to the edges, there are both pros and cons.

I think we all agree that for trees, they are best pruned when dormant.

That explains the window of fall through late winter. Pruning creates a wound on the branch or trunk. The goal is to help that wound seal over as rapidly as possible. With that in mind, late winter, just before spring growth begins is the best time. It exposes that cut to fewer elements and helps seal the injury as quickly as possible.

Outside the window of late winter, it gets more into what is ideal and what is best for companies that must juggle a number of customers. Then the goal becomes to serve as many of the customers within an acceptable window of time, fall through late winter.

If you are doing the work yourself, then shoot for late winter. If hiring the job, then ideally, the pruning would take place after the trees are fully dormant, after leaf drop and before new growth in the spring. Hope that helps.

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5th Annual Symposium in Paola: The Color-Filled Garden

R

egister now for Gardening

by Design, the 5th Annual Symposium in Paola, on Saturday, February 29, 2020, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm (check-in at 8:30 am). By popular demand the venue has been moved to The Lighthouse Church, with more space and improved visuals.

The Color-filled Garden is the 2020 theme. The first two speakers, Lenora Larson and Ania Wiatr, were featured in the December 2019 issue of KCG. Two more perspectives will be presented by the ever-popular Timothy Moloney and Susan Mertz.

365 Days of Amazing Color Our calendar is 365 days long.

Why limit the time we enjoy the beauty of our gardens to less than half of that? Why do we focus all of our enjoyment on spring and

fall? Yes, winter is sleepy and summer is harsh but we have options, very good options, to help us find the color we seek in our gardens the entire year.

“For over 20 years I have tried to help clients and students of

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January 2020 | kcgmag.com

design develop landscapes that are every bit as interesting in January and July as they are in April and October,” says Tim Moloney.

“Everyone, garden hobbyists and professionals alike, tend to depend too much on bloom and seasonal foliage changes. Many of us focus too much on the easier color months and neglect the harsher seasons.”

This discussion will attempt to provide means for correcting this tendency. We will look at design practices, alternatives to the blossom, and highlight Moloney’s top plants for bridging the color gaps.

All of which should help you take your garden from just 120 days of wow to a full “365 days of amazing.”

Colorful Low Maintenance Gardens “My parents are in their upper 80’s, my granddaughter is under a year old, and I work full time plus. That doesn’t leave much time for gardening and no time for Goldilocks-type plants in my garden retreat,” says Susan Mertz.

Colorful low maintenance plants suit both her lifestyle and gardening style. Susan will present a conversation about some of her favorite easy-to-grow trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and bulbs that add color to sun and shade gardens.

Favorite combinations will also be included. Though the focus will be on success stories, she’ll also share where she has failed. “Since

I tend to garden on the edge of the zone, there is always something headed for the compost bin in my yard,” adds Susan. She’ll also touch on some of the new strategies at Powell Gardens for creating sustainable gardens.

Timothy Moloney, Professor of Landscape Design, University of Missouri–Columbia, was a well-received speaker at the 2019 Symposium. Having designed professionally for more than 20 years, Tim is the perennial instructor for University Extension and Master Gardeners and has a B.S. degree in Plant Science–Horticultural Design Emphasis from the University of Missouri–Columbia.

Susan Mertz, Director of Horticulture at Powell Gardens, is both a passionate gardener and passionate about growing our gardening community. Prior to working at Powell Gardens, she worked for local growers and wholesale nurseries in the Kansas City area in sales and marketing. Susan also works for a national grower answering gardening questions from across the country.

Limited Seating—Register by February 15!

Held this year at The Lighthouse Church, 1402 E. 303rd St., Paola, KS 66071, the event is open to all.

But pre-registration by February 15 is required. The $40.00 registration fee includes a gourmet box lunch, snacks, and all printed reference materials.

For a registration form go to: http://www.maraisdescygnes.kstate.edu/gardeningbydesign. Mail your check to K-State University Research & Extension Office, 104 S. Brayman, Paola, KS 66071.

MdC Extension Master Gardeners will receive 5 hours Advanced Training credit for attending. Other EMGs must ask their County Agents if they will receive AT credit. Questions? Call: 913-294-4306.

Presented by the Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardeners.

Keep lawn & trees healthy with H2O Arborist TOM DEPAEPE reminds of the importance of watering your landscape during the winter months.

T

he holidays are here – Christmas music is starting to infiltrate and the airways and stores have put up their wintry displays. This is not a time most people associate with their lawn and landscape unless it happens to snow. While most of the landscape is dormant this time of year, there are still some considerations to make when it comes to keeping your lawn, trees and shrubs healthy and thriving.

Evergreens Many homeowners incorporate evergreens into their landscapes for winter interest. It’s nice to look out the window and see a little bit of green to brighten up streets mostly filled with skeletal trees. I love evergreens for this same reason; unfortunately, they are not wellsuited for our hardiness zone. As a result, they can require a little extra care during the winter months.

Evergreens are prone to desiccation – or drying out – if they do not receive enough moisture.

Blowing winds and freezing temperatures contribute to desiccation.

In order to avoid this problem, water these plants when temperatures are above freezing. A mulch ring can also help the soil retain moisture and benefit the tree. Start about an inch from the base of the tree and mulch a ring that extends to the tips of the lowest branches on the tree.

When I am out in the field talking to customers, many of them mention how poor evergreens in our area perform. There are many disease and insect issues with these plants. Stressed trees are more susceptible to these issues, so any winter watering you can do will prevent desiccation, and will also keep your tree healthier overall, making it less vulnerable to insect and disease problems.

Newly planted trees As with evergreens, plants added to your landscape this fall will benefit from watering when

Winter watering, when above freezing and if there is little precipitation, is essential especially for evergreens, newly seeded lawns, and newly planted trees.

all day, but it is a great time to plan for the next growing season.

Settle in with some of your favorite gardening magazines or visit the local library for landscape design books and gather ideas for next year. Pinterest is also a great way to keep gardening ideas organized on the web. precipitation is low and temperatures are above freezing. A mulch ring will benefit these trees as well.

Not only will the mulch retain soil moisture in the winter, it can prevent damage from string trimmers in the spring. These trees can be staked if they are in areas with the potential for damaging winds.

Any trees planted in the last five years would benefit from a consultation with a professional arborist.

All of the trees we see laying on houses or across driveways during winter storms were once young trees planted by proud homeowners. Calling an arborist to assess all of the young trees on your property will prevent damage later down the road. It is easy and inexpensive to prune young trees to minimize the chance of storm damage. Many arborists offer free consultations.

Visit www.treesaregood.com to find certified arborists in your area.

Newly seeded lawns Like newly planted trees, newly seeded lawns may need extra water during the winter months when temperatures are above freezing and there is little precipitation.

Young turf has a shallow root system compared to older, more established grass. It is also important to not let leaves pile on top of the lawn. Leaves can smother and kill grass.

I hope you all have a happy and blessed holiday season. It gets tough for those of us who love the outdoors to be cooped up inside

Tom DePaepe is an arborist with Ryan Lawn & Tree. He can be reached at tomdepaepe@ryanlawn.com or at 913-381-1505.

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The Kansas City Gardener | January 2020

7

Snowbirds – Dark-eyed Juncos Local birding expert, NIK HIREMATH talks about characteristics and habits of the winter-seen dark-eyed junco.

B

y now, you may have seen some of your neighbors, friends or family make their winter journey south to warmer climates. We call them snowbirds.

For those of us that stay behind, we have the joy of watching real snowbirds which come to visit us – the Dark-eyed Juncos. These sparrows are an early indicator to birding enthusiasts of the coming of winter and thus their name.

Some also speculate they take their names as a description of a winter day: Leaden skies above and snowy white below. For most of the United States, they are winter visitors. They spend their spring through fall seasons in Canada and Alaska.

There are four species of Juncos.

There are two Yellow-eyed and two Dark-eyed. The Dark-eyed Juncos

include 15 subspecies. Most of the U.S. with exception of small parts of the southwest have Dark-eyed Juncos. Among the Dark-eyed, east of the plains are almost all gray and white while to the west there are various color patterns of brown or reddish-brown on the sides, backs

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January 2020 | kcgmag.com

or both. The subspecies identification can be challenging because they often hybridize and produce a variety of plumages. We most commonly have the slate and Oregon subspecies here. The Juncos are one of the most common species of North American birds; some estimates have put the population above 630 million birds.

While the predominant portion of the U.S. Junco population is seasonal, there are some regions in the west and northeast where they are found year around. Of special interest are the Juncos in the Appalachian Mountains and other mountainous areas in the U.S. which migrate to lower altitudes during the winter and to higher altitudes during the other seasons.

There are other bird species that also do this, it is a very different way to migrate compared to the traditional north to south and back again migration patterns.

The Junco is most often found foraging for food on the ground either at your feeders or in their natural forest habitats. They are a small bird with a rounded head, fairly long tail, and short conical beak of a pale or pinkish color.

They are dark gray on top and whitish on the bottom. Their outer tail feathers are white and appear to flash when the birds are flying.

You’ll often find them below, instead of, on your feeders as they are most comfortable hopping around on the ground while eating seeds. They can occasion-

ally be seen on tray or platform feeders with wide open landing areas. Their primary diet consists of seeds, often millet more so than sunflower hearts at feeders and in the wild they like seeds from sorrel, buckwheat, lamb’s quarters and chickweed. Their diets do include more insects during the other seasons of the year in their breeding grounds.

Juncos usually stay in groups of 15 or 25 during the winter and roam over an area of about 10 to 12 acres. Some names for groups of sparrows include host, quarrel, knot, flutter, crew or tribe. Juncos live for 3 to 11 years in the wild and the oldest recorded was 11 years and 4 months, which was recaptured after being banded in the same area of West Virginia.

Juncos usually mate for life and have one to three broods per year with 3 to 6 eggs in each clutch. They incubate for up to two weeks and fledge after about 10 to 14 days. They make shallow nests on sloping ground and line it with weaving fine grasses and forming it with the mother’s body.

While we won’t be able to enjoy their nesting activities, and their departure is bittersweet, it’s also a harbinger of the coming of spring blooms.

Nik and Theresa Hiremath own and operate Wild Birds Unlimited of Leawood at 11711 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas. Contact them at 913-491-4887.

Happenings at Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center

Discover insight

Innovate

Embrace practical Find inspiration Learn and grow Do daring Be provacative

Good Morning Nature – Winter Birding January 10 ∙ Friday ∙ 7-9am; Registration required (adults) With a new year comes a new program at the Discovery Center.

Good Morning Nature is for all you early risers. This program will meet on the second Friday of each month and will include various nature topics as well as opportunities to learn from each other. January will be all about winter birding and will include ample time outdoors at the Discovery Center. Binoculars and field guide books will be provided, or you may bring your own.

Seed Exchange January 18 ∙ Saturday ∙ 11am-1pm Come join the Seed Savers of KC for the annual seed swap! Please bring seeds in individual envelopes with a name on the envelope (scientific name if you know it) to trade with other gardeners. Please carpool if possible and yes, we’ll have drawings for door prizes. Please share seeds, bulbs, tubers, essential oils, tinctures, dried herbs, dried veggies and samples of products you produce. Visit our website for additional info and if you want your company to sponsor please contact Dayna McDaniel at daynakmcdaniel@gmail.com. Seed Saving makes Cents!

Saturday, March 7 Rockhurst University

Join us for a day of lectures by acclaimed garden experts focused on the challenges we face in our Kansas City-area gardens.

Missouri River Bird Observatory January 18 ∙ Saturday ∙ 11am-2pm Join the Missouri River Bird Observatory in their mission to conserve Missouri’s birds and their habitats by attending a bird banding demonstration! This is your chance to see birds up close and experience a method of scientific observation. Come and learn with us!

Ice Lights January 25 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10am-2:30pm Learn how to light up a dreary winter night with a homemade ice globe. We will use various molds like buckets and balloons combined with natural objects like leaves and pinecones to create beautiful winter luminaries to brighten our night time winter landscape.

Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center 4750 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64110 816-759-7300; www.mdc.mo.gov/discoverycenter For more information email discoverycenter@mdc.mo.gov.

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HELP WANTED Now Hiring for Immediate Openings!

We are looking for energetic, customer focused applicants to fill FULL-time and PART-time positions. Ideal candidates have previous retail experience, basic knowledge of gardening and willingness to learn more to offer customers the best shopping experience possible. Must be self-motivated, dependable and have excellent communication skills. Must be able to work Saturdays and Sundays.

Job Description and Requirements • Greet customers and offer assistance in getting the products and/or information they need, in person or on the phone.

• Be familiar with products carried.

• Must have cash register experience and good basic math skills, plus working with weights and measures.

• Must have good organizational and time management skills, and great attention to detail.

• Cleaning duties include, but not limited to dusting, mopping and straightening the store.

• Stocking and packing and shipping merchandise.

• Must be able to stand for long periods and able to lift 50 lbs.

• Be able to perform multiple duties within the store as needed.

Contact: Please apply in person Monday-Friday during business hours, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Implementing the Design Workshop taught The Symposium by garden designer Nick Banquet, featuring a McCullough will program by Brie Arthur be Friday, March 6. discussing “Fragrance Nick will use case in the Air,” will be studies and hands-on Friday, March 6. exercises to help you The venue will be Lidia’s take inspiration and Kansas City near Union Station, ideas and translate where attendees may choose them into a garden. tableside from three dinner options.

Attendees get a field guide with Caesar salad before and tiramisu for Nick’s personal resources, tips dessert are included. and garden breakdowns.

For tickets and more information, visit

GardenSymposium.org The Kansas City Gardener | January 2020

9

The Native American Tree

Black Locust Local plantsman and top-notch tree expert, KEN O’DELL highlights the history and habits of this native tree.

H

istory tells us and science shows us that as recently as 15,000 years ago our great black locust tree was native in only a small portion of the Appalachian Mountains and in the Ozark Plateau region where Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma touch corners.

Today our native black locust tree, Robinia pseudoacacia, is the one tree native only to North America that is more widely planted in the entire world than any other tree native only to America. Native Americans used the black locust to build pole houses, teepees, and grain bins. The wood of the black locust is hard, strong and rot-resistant. By the year 1492 we had at least 8 million Native Americans in the United States and they had built their America on the back of this great black locust tree. They picked seed and planted seed, and the black locust moved into the central and eastern parts of North America.

Early European settlers landing in Virginia in the 1600s found ample black locust growing along the east coast, as this tree had been spread

by Native Americans. Noticing how black locust wood was utilized, the new settlers naturally started using this hard, tough material to construct some of their houses and bins.

Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778), a Swedish botanist, zoologist, and physician, known as the “father of modern taxonomy” gives credit to Jean Robin (1550-1629), a French botanist, as the man who planted the first black locust in Europe when it was brought from America in the 1600s. The genus Robinia now carries his name.

By the 1700s the European country of Hungary had started planting black locust in plantations and as a forest tree, and as of the year 1990 had over 600,000 acres of black locust. The growing conditions in Hungary and several adjoining countries are perfect for the black locust. The wood makes great furniture, posts, and firewood, 10

January 2020 | kcgmag.com

Even the bark of the Black Locust tree is of interest. and the millions of fragrant white flowers make some of the world’s finest honey.

Black locust prefers to grow in full sun and dry to medium well-drained soils. A member of the Fabaceae family, the black locust has superb ornamental value with long panicles of fragrant white wisteria-like flower clusters and clean blue-greenish leaves. Each leaf is made up of from 9 to 23 leaflets, with the odd leaflet on the tip of the leaf. The leaves turn yellow in autumn.

Many city parks have nice specimens of this wonderful tree, including the Linda Hall Library and Loose Park in Kansas City, Black Bob Park on 151st Street in Olathe, and Wallace Park in Paola, Kansas.

Hybrid selections of this great tree are now available with purple flowers. Loose Park has five of the purple flowering black locust called ‘Purple Robe’ planted next to the Battle of

Westport memorial on the far south side of the park. These trees are 18’ to 20’ tall now and will likely top out at about 40’. The Battle of Westport memorial has three Black Locust specimens reaching 80’ into the air. Here, a comparison of the flowers of the white species and the ‘Purple Robe’ is easy in late spring or early summer, as the white and purple flowering trees are a very short distance apart.

The fragrant white flowers of the species in mid spring produce 3” to 4” long pea-like pods with several seeds ripening in early autumn. I pick seed before it drops in late autumn, store it in the fridge at 37 degrees until mid January, and then plant it in a cold greenhouse that I keep just above freezing. Germination will be completed within 4 to 6 weeks and you will be transplanting some baby black locust the end of April. You will see a difference between the seed pods of the white flowering species and the ‘Purple Robe,’ as the latter has a darker brown seed pod, with short stubble on the outside of the seed pods, while the white flowering species has light tan seed pods which are always smooth on the outside. Germination is good and easy on the white flowering species. I have not had any germination of the seed I have collected from the ‘Purple Robe’ hybrids, as it may be sterile. The revised and expanded edition of Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines in Kansas on page 154 shows colored photos and gives good info on this great tree. If you have a black locust in your community of which you are proud, I would like to receive a photo of it and a general idea of the location.

Ken O’Dell is the Kansas City Regional Leader of the Kansas Native Plant Society. He is a longtime volunteer at the Overland Park Arboretum.

You may reach him via email at Ken@springvalleynursery.com.

Photos by Ken O’Dell.

Above: Giant Black Locust at the Battle of Westport Below: Black Locust in September

Above: Flowers of Black Locust Below: Blue-green leaf of Black Locust

Below: Black Locust 80 feet tall at Battle of Westport, Loose Park, Kansas City, Mo.

The Kansas City Gardener | January 2020

11

Kids Ask Dr. Bug Photo by S. Shankar.

We found praying mantises on our Christmas tree. How did they get there? Amelia, 10 It appears that your Christmas tree came with a bonus gift from nature. Praying mantis mamas lay around 100 eggs in a foamy mass on twigs in the fall. The foam hardens and sticks to the bush or tree until warmer weather arrives.

If one of these egg masses, called an ootheca, is attached to your Praying Mantis Christmas tree, you may end up with lots of tiny mantis nymphs in your house. It will be too cold before they can hatch and put them to put them outside, so you may in your garden so they can help want to put them in a container to protect your plants. watch. They are predators and will be hungry. To keep them from eatWhat bug is Scyther in real life? ing each other, you can feed them Gavian, 11 small flies or tiny crickets found at In the Pokémon world, Scyther some pet stores.

Better yet, check appearsoftoKansas be like the realGardener praying r December 2019 and January 2020 issues City your tree next year for oothecae mantis, or possibly a mantisfly.

Photo by T. Reall.

Home to more than plants, kids ask DR. TAMRA REALL about the curious things found in the garden.

‘The Color-Filled Garden’

Gardening by Design 5th Annual Spring Gardening Symposium in Paola

‘The Color-filled Garden’

Saturday

February 29, 2020 9:00 am – 3:30 pm

Check-in: 8:30 am Eye Candy: Color Theory for the Gardener, and Beyond Impatiens: The Colorful Shade Garden Lenora Larson, MdC EMG and gardener extraordinaire

365 Days of Amazing Color

Timothy Moloney, MU Landscape Design Professor

Designing with Colorful Native Plants

Ania Wiatr, owner of Bluestem Garden Consulting

Colorful LowMaintenance Gardens

The Lighthouse Church

1402 E. 303rd St., Paola, KS

Map of Paola at: www.maraisdescygnes.ksu.edu Registration: This event is open to everyone, but pre-registration is required by February 15. The $40 registration fee includes a gourmet boxed lunch, snacks, and all printed reference materials.

No onsite registrations.

Make your $40 check payable to the MdC Extension Master Gardeners and mail with the form (available online at www. maraisdescygnes.ksu.edu) to: K-State Research & Extension, Marais des Cygnes District– Paola Office, 104 S. Brayman, Paola, KS 66071

Susan Mertz, Powell Gardens Director of Horticulture

For more information call 913-294-4306

Scyther Pokémon The two-legged, winged Pokémon with two, large scythes as arms, is camouflaged by the green color.

Its evolved form, Scizor, is also like a praying mantis or mantisfly, but looks like a winged red ant, too. Did you know that the creator of Pokémon was an amateur magazine entomologist? Scientists have even written about how Pokémon can be used to teach about entomology.

Currently, there are 90 bug-type Pokémon. Some of my favorite are Surskit, Masquerain, Vespiqueen, and Yanma.

What plants have flowers in the winter? Andrew, 5 Last year at this time, we talked about a shrub, called witch hazel that has yellow blooms. A smaller plant, called Lenten Rose, is another winter-blooming flower. This flower can be white, green, pink, yellow, speckled, or dark plumcolored. Even though this plant has

January 2020 | kcgmag.com

What are mushrooms?

Jaxton, 9 Mushrooms are a kind of fungus, not plant or animal, yet can be found in the grocery store next to fresh veggies. Mushrooms are a good source of Vitamins B, D, and selenium. When I was a kid, I was taught that fungi were a special kind of plant. However, according to scientists that study these things, fungi are more closely related to animals than plants. There are many kinds of mushrooms – white button, crimini, portabella, shiitake, oyster, and enoki are just a few. Please, please, please remember that not all mushrooms should be eaten. Local mushroom experts may be able to identify safe wild mushrooms. But for you, it’s safest to only eat the tasty mushrooms purchased from the grocery store as many wild mushrooms are poisonous.

Dr. Tamra Reall (@MUExtBugN Garden) is the new 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.

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Rusty Blackhaw: a Tree for All Seasons Native plant guru, SCOTT WOODBURY describes this small-flowering tree and its year round appeal. suckers and stray branches that may give your juvenile shrub a lopsided appearance. Don’t worry; like a 7th-grader stuck in the Twilight Zone of middle school, they too will grow out of it eventually, and may someday mature into a garden favorite. Happy gardening ya’ll!

Photos by Scott Woodbury.

I

’ve admired rusty blackhaw (Viburnum rufidulum) for some time. It is one of my favorite small-flowering trees because it has four seasons of interest, is remarkably adaptable, fits into small gardens, and has a pleasing shape (when trained). Though it grows well in full sun, it gets overly twiggy and generates suckers, requiring corrective pruning to keep it in shape. In shade it is open branched, with more views of the branching structure and alligatorbarked trunk. Very old plants will grow slowly into an upright tree, although it takes decades.

At maturity, if grown in shade, rusty blackhaw is upright, relatively narrow, and somewhat vaseshaped. It grows 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide in 20 years.

That’s slow, but not as slow as post oak or shagbark hickory. It is sometimes mistaken for its wide-spreading, mounding cousin, northern blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium), which grows 20 feet wide and 10 feet tall in ten years.

Northern blackhaw has smooth, dark, winter buds.

Rusty blackhaw winter buds are the color of old barbwire with a scurfy texture like ground coffee. This is one of my favorite things to observe in winter and is a valuable trait to know when scouting the woods for bush honeysuckle (a highly invasive woodland plant from Asia). Blackhaw viburnums are relatively common in Ozark woodlands and should be carefully marked and preserved when removing invasive plants. Other native and desirable shrubs/small trees that might be confused with bush honeysuckle are rough-leaved dogwood, deciduous holly, and spicebush.

In spring it has white flower clusters that attract native bees searching for sweet nectar. These bees overwinter as eggs in near-

Viburnum rufidulum blooms

Viburnum rufidulum berries

by previous-year plant stems. To encourage native bees in your garden, cut perennials (not the viburnum) about 10 to 12 inches high, instead of at ground level, every late winter, and never remove the short stems. By April new leaves grow up to hide the old stems.

Remarkably, bees hatch at the same time the flowers emerge, just as they have been for millions of years. But this ancient ritual can’t happen without nectar to feed these bees, from native viburnums (and other spring-blooming natives) that exist in nature and in your garden.

In summer the fruits turn verdigris, then transition to a blush of rose before turning dark purple when they are ready to eat. Like grapes, they get sweeter the longer they stay on the plant and eventually resemble raisins. The pulp has a grainy texture like tamarind, which is better processed than eaten raw.

At this point they are sweet yet a little mealy. Though I enjoy eating a few of them every year picked on a fall hike, I rarely find enough berries to cook into jam, which is an

old Ozark tradition. For gardeners, unreliable fruiting is its downfall.

So also is its tendency to produce

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 28 years. He also is an advisor to the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native! program. Find suppliers of rusty blackhaw and many other native shrubs, trees, vines, wildflowers, grasses, and sedges at www. grownative.org, Resource Guide.

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Plants on Your Plate – Dried Beans DENISE SULLIVAN talks about nutritious food and preparing healthy meals, including versatile dried beans.

D

uring the cold winter months, turning to canned, dried or frozen vegetables and fruits is still a good way to get more plants on your plate. In fact, many dried legumes or their canned counterparts often make their way to hearty, cold weather meals.

Legumes are a unique food, which includes beans like kidney, pinto, lima, garbanzo and black beans, black-eyed peas, split peas and lentils. Legumes are an excellent source of plant protein, as well as iron and zinc, making them an excellent alternative to meat for meeting protein needs. However, legumes also count as part of the vegetable group because of their abundance of dietary fiber and nutrients like folate, magnesium and potassium. Regardless

Dried Red Kidney beans

Dried Black beans

Dried Pinto beans

of which food group you classify them, legumes are a good addition to anyone’s diet.

Protein found in legumes is beneficial in building and repairing muscle tissue. Legumes are also rich in complex carbohydrates, containing both insoluble and soluble fiber, beneficial in digestive health, heart health and insulin resistance.

Beans also contain complex sugars called oligosaccharides, which are non-digestible, fermentable fibers, which research is revealing to be beneficial for gut health and other health conditions.

Certainly, the most economical way to purchase legumes is in the dried form. A ½-cup serving of dried beans is about one-third the cost of canned beans. Preparing dried beans is a simple process, but does take some lead-time. First, spread beans on a large tray and pick out any foreign objects like small stems or stones, as well as any broken beans. Next, place in a colander and rinse under cold running water. The third step is soaking, either with the cold-water overnight method or a hot soak,

which involves boiling for two to three minutes before soaking for four or more hours. Whichever soaking method is used, the water should be drained and fresh water added for the final step of cooking. Using fresh water for cooking reduces much of the gas-causing carbohydrates. As the beans rehydrate, additional water is often needed during cooking. Herbs and spices can be added anytime during cooking and some studies show that bay leaf reduces uncomfortable gas. Acidic ingredients like tomato products or wine should be added near the end of cooking, as they can interfere with the tenderness of beans.

A pressure cooker is another great alternative to preparing dry

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Cowboy Caviar Calories: 90, Total Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Sodium: 65mg, Carbohydrates: 12g, Fiber: 5g, Protein: 3g

1 Tablespoon canola oil 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 Tablespoon lime juice ½ teaspoon cumin (optional) 1 (15 oz can) black eye peas, drained and rinsed ¾ cup frozen corn ½ cup chopped onion ½ cup chopped bell pepper 1 cup chopped tomatoes 1 avocado, diced

1. Wash hands and work surfaces before food preparation.

2. Wash all produce.

3. In a small bowl, whisk oil, vinegar, lime juice and cumin together.

4. In a medium bowl, combine black-eyed peas, corn, onion, pepper, and tomatoes.

5. Pour vinegar mixture over vegetables. Cover and chill until serving.

6. Add avocado before serving and stir gently to combine.

7. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers as a dip, or on top of leafy greens as a salad.

Makes 10 ½ cup servings.

Recipe adapted from Seasonal and Simple, analyzed by verywellfit.com.

beans quickly. Combining pressure and heat dramatically reduces cooking time by about one-third of the time. Check your appliance manual for specific directions.

Lentils and split peas are great choices for beginners, because they do not require soaking before cooking. With these legumes, simply remove any foreign debris, rinse and cook according to recipe directions.

If you do choose the convenience of canned beans, it is a good idea to look for low or no sodium options to help stay in line with current general dietary recommendations of 2300 milligrams of sodium per day. If there is not a reduced sodium option, draining and rinsing the beans can reduce sodium amounts significantly. A 2009 study conducted at the University

of Tennessee, Knoxville, showed that draining beans removes, on average, 36% of the sodium in canned beans. Draining and rinsing removes, on average, 41% of the sodium.

The recipe below is tasty with any type of bean; however, black beans and black-eyed peas are my favorites. If you missed your ‘good luck’ dose of black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day, go ahead and sneak them in now!

Denise Sullivan (@MUExtJackson Co) is a Nutrition and Health Education Specialist for MU Extension in Jackson County. For research-based nutrition and food safety information and programs, call 816-482-5850 or visit www. extension2.missouri.edu.

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ruit and vegetable gardening is as popular as ever whether in your backyard or in one of the many community garden locations around the area. In an effort to provide area growers education and tips for garden success this season, the workshop will be held Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Indian Creek Library.

Topics for the workshop will focus on best practices for growing diverse crop types at all scales. Sessions include selecting and caring for fruit trees, seed starting, laying out your garden, creating your own grow light, and planting and caring for tomatoes. The keynote presenter will be Matt Bunch, a horticulturist from the Giving Grove. Whether you’re a com-

plete novice or more experienced green thumb there will be valuable information to improve this year’s harvest.

This workshop is sponsored

by Olathe Parks and Recreation, the Olathe Community Garden Partnership and Johnson County K-State Research and Extension.

The workshop will be held at the Olathe Indian Creek Library, 16160 West 135th Street, Olathe, Kansas 66061.

Registration is $5 per person which includes door prizes and refreshments. Complete details and registration information can be found at: http://bit.ly/ OlatheGardenWorkshop20 Or by calling Johnson County K-State Research and Extension at 913715-7000. Workshop is weather dependent, check for closures at Olathe Public Library.

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Plan now for Spring and Summer.

Upcoming Garden Events places to go, things to do, people to see Club Meetings African Violet Club of GKC Tues, Jan 14, 6pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Membership

www.greenleafkc.com

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Happenings at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center Bird in the Hand January 4 ∙ Saturday ∙ 11am-2pm Missouri River Bird Observatory staff and Burr Oak Woods partner in an on-going project to identify and track the birds that come to our feeders each winter. From the resident chickadees and cardinals to the migrating juncos and sparrows, we capture, apply colored bands and release these fascinating creatures. Once banded and recorded, you will be able to track individual birds through this and future seasons. This program is weather permitting.

Missouri’s Burrowing Badgers January 11 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10-11am How did badgers get their fearless reputation? What is it they do underground anyway? Discover the answers to these questions and more interesting facts about one of Missouri’s elusive burrowers.

Prescribed Burning January 18 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10-11am Prescribed burning is just as it sounds, a prescription of fire to the land to create positive change.

There are many reasons why fire is an important and necessary tool to keep habitat healthy. Come learn more about how fire is used, manipulated and controlled for a variety of purposes.

Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center 1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs, MO 64015 816-228-3766; www.mdc.mo.gov/burroakwoods For more information email burr.oak@mdc.mo.gov.

16

January 2020 | kcgmag.com

GKC Herb Study Group Wed, Jan 8, noon-2:30pm, at Rose Room, Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Facebook: check us out at Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group. Friends and visitors are always welcome. Questions: Call Lynn at 816-308-5450.

Heart of America Gesnariad Sat, Jan 18, 10am-noon; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Membership Kansas City Cactus & Succulent Society Sun, Jan 19, 1:30-4pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st St and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Visitors are welcome!

For information on Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society, call 816-444-9321 or visit our website: kccactus.com.

Leavenworth County Master Gardeners Wed, Jan 8, 11am; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Anne Rielly, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, will present “How to Prepare a Master Gardener Presentation”.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

For more information contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094.

Lee’s Summit Garden Club Sun, Jan 26, 2-4pm; Lee’s Summit Social Services, 108 SE 4th St, Lee’s Summit, MO. Garden Basics/How To Get Started.

There is no charge for this class. Nonperishable food items would be appreciated. These donations will be given to Lee’s Summit Social Services.

Mid America Begonia Society Sat, Jan 18, 1-4pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Membership Overland Park Gardeners of America Mon, Jan 13, Social time 7pm, meeting begins at 7:30pm; at Colonial Church, 71st & Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS. Program will be an overview of the general care and propagation of African Violets, presented

by Lynn Canning of the African Violet Club of Greater KC and the African Violet Society of America (AVSA). Visitors are always welcome. For more information, please call Karen 785-224-7279.

Raytown Garden Club Tues, Feb 4, 10am; at Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church, 6429 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO. Happy New Year to all! Check back here when the February issue of KC Gardener comes out to see our program details for that meeting.

Refreshments will be served, and visitors are always welcome! Please come meet our group, we would love to get to know you!

Check out our Facebook page at Raytown Garden Club or visit our website at https:// sites.google.com/site/fgcmwestcentral/ clubs/raytown.

Sho Me African Violets Fri, Jan 10, 11am-1pm; at Loose Park Garden Center Building, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO 64112. Membership.

Visitors welcome. 816-513-8590 Water Garden Society of GKC Tues, Jan 21, doors open at 5:30pm for snacks, socializing, meeting begins at 6:30pm; at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 2552 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108.

Our featured speaker is Justin Titus, owner of Monet Aquatics and vice-president of the International Water Lily and Water Garden Society. Say goodbye to the January blues and join us for a pictorial voyage of the food, flowers and fun at the IWLGS conference in France. For decades people have enjoyed the painting “Waterlilies” by Monet. See what Monet’s gardens look like today. Parking is free and just outside the lower level doors in back. All GKC Water Garden meetings are open to the public.

Events, Lectures & Classes January Gardening Book Discussion Wed, Jan 8, 2-3pm; at Mid-Continent Public Library, Colbern Rd branch, 1000 NE Colbern Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086.

The “As Page Turns” book discussion group will feature books about gardening and landscaping for adults with an emphasis on nonfiction. Some children’s titles and fiction will also be included. Please bring your own favorites to share with others, and discover some titles you may not know about, recommended by facilitator Leah Berg. This will give you some great ideas before spring when we have fewer hours to read! Free, but please register online or by calling 816-525-9924.

SAGES: Tropical Vacation Thurs, Jan 16, 10:30-noon; at The Atriums, 7300 W 107th St, Overland Park, KS 66212. Transform your space into a lush household to enjoy during the winter months with information from this hourlong presentation with Powell Gardens horticulturist Brent Tucker. Get ahold of Brent’s top ten list of houseplants to know and grow. Receive answers to questions such as, where in the world do Schleffera come from? What is the best way to care for them? Where can I get them? Participants will be introduced to several unique examples from Powell Gardens collection. A box lunch follows this talk. $35 (Members receive 10% off) Tickets: https://25043p. blackbaudhosting.com/25043p/sages-tropical-vacation Gardeners Connect Free Speaker Series Sat, Jan 18, 10am; at the Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost, Kansas City, MO 64110. Andrew Fox, now owner of Arnold’s Greenhouse,

will discuss what’s new and cool. gardenersconnect.org Plant Propagation Thurs, Jan 23, 10-11:30am; at the Sunflower Room of the Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1208 North 79th St, Kansas City.

KS. This class will give us a look at various methods available to propagate plants.

Presenter Lynn Loughary, Wyandotte County, Kansas, Extension Horticulture Agent, will cover things to consider in starting plants from seed, and various vegetative propagation methods including cuttings, air layering, and plant division. Presentation sponsored by the Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners. Registration is not required. Fee: $5.00 (waived for certified master gardeners). Please call 913299-9300 if you need further information.

Champion Trees of the Overland Park Arboretum Wed, Jan 29, 1pm; at the Overland Park Arboretum, located a mile west of US Hwy 69 on 179th St, Overland Park, KS. Most of us love big trees. Jim Earnest will give a one-hour PowerPoint presentation on Champion Trees of the Overland Park Arboretum. This is an exciting new program from the Education Committee. Ken O’Dell and Jim have walked the trails and gardens at the Arboretum and measured more than 200 trees over the past three years. The largest of twenty-four species have been selected for this presentation. Jim will show and discuss these big trees, including giant cottonwoods and sycamores, beautiful oaks and hickories along with many others. He will also show you where to find these special trees at the Arboretum.

February A Rose for Every Garden Thurs, Feb 6, 11:30am-1pm; at Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1216 N 79th St, Kansas City KS. Anyone can grow beautiful roses. All it takes is understanding the plant’s needs and picking the right variety for your garden. This class will be taught by Laura Dickinson, a consulting rosarian with the American Rose Society, and retired Master Gardener from Johnson County.

Ms. Dickinson will discuss basic rose care, rose varieties, how new hybrids are developed, and how to select the best roses for your gardening needs. Registration is not required. Fee: $5.00 payable at the door (waived for currently certified Master Gardeners). For further information, call 913-299-9300.

Seed Starting Thurs, Feb 6, 6:30-7:30pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence, KS 66047. Learn how to start your own seeds and what seeds work best to start indoors. Typically we focus on starting annuals and vegetables from seed.

Handouts provided. FREE, but seating is limited, so please RSVP either by clicking on “going” on our Facebook page or call 785-842-3081.

Gardeners Connect Free Speaker Series Sat, Feb 15, 10am; in the Auditorium of the Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost, Kansas City, MO 64110. Cookbook author Judith Fertig on “Garden to Grill.” gardenersconnect.org Gardening by Design Symposium in Paola Sat, Feb 29, 9am-3:30pm (check-in at 8:30am) at the Lighthouse Church, 1402 E 303rd St, Paola, KS. Theme: “The Color-Filled Garden.” Presenters and topics are Lenora Larson, “Eye Candy: Color Theory for Gardeners” and “Beyond Impatiens: Colorful Shade Gardens.” Ania Wiatr, “Designing with Colorful Native Plants.” Timothy Moloney, “354 Days of Amazing Color.” Susan Mertz, “Colorful Low-Maintenance Gardens.” Sponsored

by Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardeners. The $40 fee includes lunch and snacks. Open to all, but pre-registration is required by Feb 15. Space is limited. Watch for details and registration form at www. maraisdescygnes.ksu.edu. For more information call 913-294-4306.

March Beekeeping I Wed, Mar 4 & 11, 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. To enroll go to https://ce.jccc.edu or call 913-469-2323.

Kansas City Garden Symposium Mar 6-7, 2020; in Arrupe Hall at Rockhurst University. Composed of three events spanning two days. A Friday workshop and Banquet with a full day Saturday Symposium. Attend any of the events or attend all three for maximum learning and fun. Symposium: A full day of programs by four acclaimed garden presenters including lunch, $99 through Feb 15. Reg Price $129. Banquet: An evening of dinner at Lidia’s Kansas City including a program by presenter Brie Arthur entitled Fragrance in the Air; $79 through Feb 15, Reg Price $99. Workshop: Implement the Design. A garden design for the gardener workshop. $49 through Feb 15, Reg Price $69. For details, including purchase tickets, go to gardensymposium.org.

Beekeeping II Wed, Mar 18 & 25, 6:30-8:30pm; at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. This course offers an in depth review of current beekeeping practices. You will study beekeeping in the classroom and explore a beehive in the field. The course will give you hands on experience working a beehive. Fee: $59. To enroll go to https:// ce.jccc.edu or call 913-469-2323.

More events are posted on our website, KCGMAG.COM, click on “Events.”

Promote club meetings, classes, seminars, plant sales, regional conferences and other gardening events for FREE! Send details to:

elizabeth@kcgmag.com

Deadline for publishing in the February issue is January 5.

2020 Horticulture Classes All classes listed here are held at Johnson County Extension Office, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, Kansas 66061, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. Please register at: johnson.ksu.edu or 913-715-7000. Space is limited.

January 28, Tuesday Pruning Evergreens, presented by Dennis Patton, Johnson County Extension Horticulture Agent Evergreens are a staple in the landscape. The how, when and why of pruning this group of plants can be difficult to unravel. During this session all your questions will be answered so you will be more comfortable making the cut.

February 11, Tuesday Drought Tolerant Perennials, presented by Judy Sharp, Johnson County Extension Master Gardener Who knows what our weather will bring… hot or cold? dry or wet?

Selecting plants tolerant to the changes are a must. We are all looking for tough-as-nails plants and that starts by selecting those that will tolerate dryer conditions. This class will have you ready to make your list for a more drought tolerant garden.

February 17, Monday Growing Fruit at Home, presented by Nancy Chapman, Johnson County Extension Master Gardener Have you considered adding edible plantings to your garden? There are options for every size landscape, large or small and even patios and balconies. Learn how to select, plant and maintain fruit trees and berries for fresh from your home deliciousness.

March 10, Tuesday How to Start a Vegetable Garden and What to Plant, presented by Jennifer Stefanchik, Johnson County Extension Master Gardener Have an interest in growing your own vegetables? Have a vegetable garden and want new ideas? Have a vegetable gardening question?

Or just want to learn more about cultivating a prolific home garden no matter the size? Join this discussion to get started, what vegetables and fruits work best, and tips for growing healthy plants.

March 23, Monday Inviting Pollinators to the Garden, presented by Mae Christenson, Johnson County Extension Master Gardener The plight of the pollinators is in the news. Loss of habitat, pesticides, plant selection are just a few of the known reasons. In this session you will learn practical tips you can implement right in your yard.

We can all do our part to create pollinator friendly landscapes.

April 7, Tuesday Basic Garden Photography, presented by Carol Fowler, Johnson County Extension Master Gardener We all have a smart phone tucked in our pocket or purse just waiting to snap photos of family, friends and for gardeners’ plants. In this class you will learn tricks and tips that will help you take your photos from ho-hum to stunning. Just a few tips help make sure you capture the moment for a lifetime.

April 20, Monday Landscaping for Birds, presented by Colleen Winter, Johnson County Extension Master Gardener Recent reports show that our bird population is declining worldwide. Loss of habitat and other factors are at blame. Helping to preserve birds can start right at home. This class will provide you with the resources and information you need to turn your landscape into a sanctuary for our feathered friends.

The Kansas City Gardener | January 2020

17

January

garden calendar

n LAWN

n VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

• Avoid excessive walking on frozen lawns.

• Rake fallen leaves to prevent the grass from suffocating.

• Tune up the mower now to avoid spring rush.

• Scatter snow from drives and walks instead of piling up on the lawn.

• Talk with your lawn service about summer contracts.

• Dormant seed following a light snow or rainfall.

• Peruse seed catalogs and prepare an order.

• Check stored seeds for decay.

• Soil test and prepare for spring planting by making needed additions.

• Start vegetable transplants under grow lights.

• Order fruit trees.

• Pick up fallen fruit before spring arrives and discard.

• Look for rabbit and rodent damage to fruit tree bark.

n FLOWERS

• Scan nursery catalogs and websites for new introductions.

• Plant any forgotten spring bulbs.

• Start seeds throughout the winter, depending on growth requirements.

• Water fall-planted perennials as needed to prevent desiccation.

• Watch for signs of frost heaving and cover tender roots.

• Replace mulch layers as needed.

• Check stored bulbs for rot and decay, discarding damaged ones.

• Curl up with a good book or e-reader to learn more about gardening.

n INDOOR PLANTS

• Wash dust off plant leaves to allow more sunlight to reach the leaves.

• Water plants with room temperature water.

• Use insecticidal soap sprays to remove any pests.

• Wipe off mealybugs and scales with a swab soaked in rubbing alcohol.

• Rotate plants to develop a well-rounded plant.

• Keep new plants separated to ensure they do not harbor insects.

• Reduce fertilizer use until spring when more sunlight is available for growth.

n TREES AND SHRUBS

• Gently brush off heavy snow from tree and shrub limbs to reduce damage.

• Prune storm-damaged limbs quickly to reduce damage and prevent the bark from tearing.

• Allow ice to melt naturally from limbs.

• Bring twigs of flowering trees and shrubs indoors for forced spring blossoms.

• Water fall-planted trees and shrubs when soil is dry and not frozen.

• Watch out for rabbit and vole damage to the bark of trees and shrubs.

n MISCELLANEOUS

• Repair garden tools.

• Sand and seal handles to prevent splinters.

• Apply brightly colored paint to tool handles to make them easier to spot in the garden.

• Keep bird feeders and water 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.

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January 2020 | kcgmag.com

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Bird Facts ED REESE tells what happens to the songbirds during winter.

Birds are great at keeping warm during the winter. For most birds, their feathers do the trick. Birds will fluff out their feathers to trap air underneath them. This allows their body to warm the trapped air thus keeping the bird warm. Feather fluffing coupled with actively searching for and eating food to increase their body fat during the day is adequate.

Black capped Chickadees do more than fluff out feathers. They increase the size of their brain as it gets colder.

The reason is interesting. As the weather turns, black capped chickadees gather food then hide it under the bark of trees and in cracks they find in wood structures. The increased brain size allows them to remember those

special food hideaways. Black capped chickadees, Swifts, and Mourning Doves may also enter a condition called “Torpor.”

This is a type of regulated hypothermia. Heart rate and metabolism slows substantially, with their body temperatures dropping from a normal 105 degrees to around 90 degrees. This helps them conserve up to 25% more of their energy during very cold nights. The three most critical things for songbirds during the winter are having food, liquid water, and adequate cover.

Ed and Karen Reese own and operate the Wild Bird House in Overland Park, provisioning outdoor backyard bird lovers for over 26 years. Contact them at 913-341-0700.

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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, Gretchen Manus

What first drew you to the hobby of gardening: I first started gardening as a young girl, when I was about 10 years old and joined the local 4-H club. We lived on a small farm and Dad always encouraged us kids to be selfreliant. The 4-H gardening project hooked me right away. Since then, I have grown to appreciate growing my own food. There is nothing better than sitting down to a meal that

was 100% produced from your own garden and farm.

How long have you been an Extension Master Gardener: I saw an announcement about becoming an Extension Master Gardener at the extension office. When I retired from the Army, one of the first things I did was sign up for the Leavenworth County Master Gardener Class. I graduated in 2014. It is such a great group of fellow gardeners, with projects to fit anyone’s interests – from butterflies, pollinators, and vegetables to teaching kids about gardening and community beautification. The people are so welcoming and always willing to talk gardening, and share knowledge and plants!

Most valuable information learned so far: Continue to go to classes and explore different techniques. There is so much to learn. Also, keep your tools sharp!

Favorite tool: A long-handled triangle weeding hoe (sometimes called a winged weeding hoe) is a must-have in my tool box. A sharp one saves the back and is instrumental in keeping the weeds under control.

Favorite plant: Japanese lilac trees give you the wonderful lilac aroma for longer than reg-

ular lilacs, and the tree doesn’t get huge. I also love traditional zinnias. There are a variety of sizes, they are so easy to grow from seed in the garden, and saving seeds is easy too.

Do you have a specialty: I love a wide variety of plants, but I probably have the most experience with food producing varieties. Even when I was in with the Army I usually found a way to grow some vegetables and flowers.

What are you passionate about: It is amazing what you can produce from a small converted flower bed, pots or even landscaping with fruit trees. I believe more folks should take some responsibility for their food. Being completely dependent on a store doesn’t seem wise to me. Eat local!

Name some of the challenges you face: My biggest challenge is resisting the impulse plant purchases. Like many gardeners I suppose, I have a compulsion to try plants that look cool, but are not well-suited to thrive in Kansas landscapes.

Best advice to share: Don’t try to fight Mother Nature. Adapt your gardening to your particular growing situation. I have found that sticking with natives or locally grown plants tends to work out best.

The Kansas City Gardener | January 2020

19

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