GARDENER
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Elizabeth Cavanaugh
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Melissa Cotton
Miranda Goodwin
Markis Hill
Jim Locklear
Katy Meeks
Anthony Reardon
Corinda Stallbaumer
Scott Woodbury
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JSlow pace, ponder, plan
anuary is that winter month we welcome. The holidays are a distant memory, house décor is back to normal, and the calendar is wide open. Like the landscape, the pace is slower and we turn our attention to some much needed contemplation. Time to ponder our garden successes and those dreaded failures. Now we can get to those seed catalogs that have been piling up, locate that new garden journal, and start planning another growing season.
Several months ago my new planner arrived. Since then it has been sitting on an office shelf awaiting time for the big unveiling. While it’s a repeat of the planner I have used for years, removing the plastic wrap and flipping through pristine pages is a treasured experience.
My planner is my go-to for documenting and keeping track of most everything in my day-to-day happenings. From doctors appointments to business deadlines, writing it down is a must. Of course alternatively, there are plenty of electronic devices and programs to use instead. For me though, I discovered that using pen and paper suits me and garners better results. Plus I like the size—smaller than my laptop, yet
large enough to not get lost on my desk.
Designated My Garden, there are sections saved for just that. There is where I post all the reminders about pruning what and when, fertilizing and repotting houseplants, when to buy replacement plants or additions, and more. You get the idea. There have been times in the past when we have waited too long to make purchases of spring plant material. Not only did we limit our selection to inventory available (honestly, this is not a huge problem), but also we reduced the amount of time for establishing new plants (it is so hard to keep new plants watered in the summer). We learn our lessons, then write it down in hopes of not making the same mistake again.
Do you have a garden journal? Do you review previous seasons, then compare? Are you more paper and pencil, or is everything on your iPad? We’d love to hear from you. Tell us about your winter pace. And if there is a topic you’d like covered in future issues, or a tip to share, your suggestions are always welcome. Please drop us a line.
Here’s a last little bit of business. You may have noticed the size
of the publication has changed ever so slightly. Don’t panic; change is good. We have learned that if we made a paper change we would save money. That was a no-brainer. Nothing else changed. All the same great content from trusted Kansas City green industry experts.
As we welcome the New Year, let’s fill our cup with gratitude, so much gratitude that it overflows into the cup of another.
I’ll see you in the garden!
The Healthy Gardener Gardening Boosts Your Immune System
Hello readers of The Kansas City Gardener! This month’s feature is the first issue of The Healthy Gardener, which was formerly called Plants on Your Plate written by Denise Sullivan. We thank Denise for the amazing work she shared through this column over the years. Our team of MU Extension health specialists is excited to engage with the gardeners of Kansas City. We welcome your feedback, questions, and topic ideas to help shape the future of these articles. We tend to think about our immune system more during the cooler months, as they coincide with cold and flu season. Research shows that gardening can naturally boost the immune system, making it a great way to stay healthy year-round.
Here are three ways gardening helps our bodies fight off illness and infection:
Increased Movement
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults get 2.5 hours of moderately intense movement per week, and time in the garden can count towards that goal. Gardening combines strength training, aerobic exercise, and stretching, all of which are fantastic for keeping our bodies strong and improving overall wellness.
Microorganisms in the Soil
Healthy soil promotes healthy plants and people! Soil contains beneficial microorganisms, also called microbes. Regularly working with soil can introduce a variety of
Regularly working with soil can introduce a variety of beneficial microbes to our bodies, which helps strengthen our immune system and ward off illness.
beneficial microbes to our bodies, which helps strengthen our immune system and ward off illness. This is true whether you are working outdoors or have moved your gardening indoors due to winter weather. These health benefits can extend to your loved ones as well. Studies show that children who learn and practice the skill of gardening have stronger immune systems and are less likely to develop asthma and allergies.
Better Diet
Growing our own fruits and vegetables often leads us to eat more of these healthy foods, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You get to control how your produce is grown and can eat it at its peak ripeness when it contains the most nutrients. Key nutrients to boost immunity include:
MELISSA COTTON Field Specialist
Vitamin C: Sources include bell peppers, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, garlic, citrus fruits
Vitamin D: In addition to getting adequate exposure to sunlight, sources include mushrooms, eggs, fatty fish, fortified dairy
Vitamin A: Sources include sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, spinach
Zinc: Sources include beef, oysters, yogurt
Whether you garden for health or for fun, it is good to know that gardening can benefit your life in many ways. If you want a simple and tasty way to incorporate these ideas, give this smoothie recipe a try!
MU Extension is the link between the University of Missouri’s proven research, knowledge and resources and Missouri’s 6.2 million citizens.
With state and local partners, we deliver real-world solutions to address our state’s grand challenges around agriculture, economic opportunity, educational access and health and well-being. Faculty and staff work to empower people, strengthen communities, and develop leaders. True to our land-grant mission, we serve Missouri and deliver Mizzou as we improve lives and opportunities.
Immune-Boosting Smoothie
INGREDIENTS
½ cup chopped leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, etc.
¼ cup fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
½ cup fresh or frozen mango chunks
1 large ripe banana
1 cup orange or apple juice or coconut water
Optional: flax seed, chia seeds, ginger, ground turmeric, and/or avocado.
DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Serves 2.
Melissa Cotton is a Field Specialist in Nutrition and Health Education with the University of Missouri Extension. She offers programming related to healthy aging, chronic disease prevention and management, and overall wellness in the Kansas City area. Email her at cottonmr@missouri.edu for more information.
SEED STARTING
Question: With the spring growing season just a couple of months away, I am currently preparing to get my early spring transplant plugs sown, as I want them in the ground as early as they can be. Any tips or tricks for success with seed starting?
Anthony’s Answer: When starting seeds indoors, choosing the right growing medium is key for success. A light, well-draining, seed starting mix with components like vermiculite and perlite retain moisture while allowing excess water to drain, preventing overwatering, and provide additional aeration for healthy root development.
If your growing medium dries out too quickly, consider using a humidity dome to help maintain moisture.
Adequate lighting is essential, as most indoor spaces will lack sufficient natural light. Grow lights or fluorescent lights should be positioned a few inches above trays to support seedlings, and heat mats can also be utilized to keep soil temperatures at an ideal 65-75°F for germination.
Before transplanting outdoors, harden off seedlings over two weeks by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. This adjustment minimizes transplant shock and helps plants to thrive in their new environment.
SEED VIABILITY AFTER LONG-TERM STORAGE
Question: I have several vegetable seeds in storage that I have saved over the years, but I am wondering if they are going to be productive
Ask the Experts
and worth my while to try and grow. What should I keep in mind when considering seed viability?
Anthony’s Answer: When determining seed viability, consider storage duration and storage conditions. Most vegetable and flower seeds remain viable for at least a year, and with proper care, some can last 10 years or more.
Remember, long-term seed storage requires keeping seeds dry and cool, in moisture-proof containers like sealed jars. After drying, seeds should then be stored in a refrigerator or freezer at temperatures below 40°F for best preservation.
To test viability, place 10 to 20 seeds on a damp paper towel, fold it, and keep it moist in a warm spot. After 7 to 10 days, check how many
seeds sprout to evaluate their quality and adjust planting plans accordingly.
BRANCHES ALIVE OR DEAD
Question: I noticed that my tree had some dead areas in the canopy, but without the leaves, I can’t tell where they are anymore. How can I tell if my branches are dead or not?
Markis’ Answer: Dead woody branches can become hazardous in the cold when weighed down with snow and ice combined with strong winds. Branches with no bark or a different color than the rest of the tree are signs of a problem.
Unlike living wood, dead branches and twigs can be removed year-round. It is still not ideal to remove living branches. Some branches can snap but not completely fall
off the tree. These hanging branches are call “widow makers” because of the potential damage they can cause. One big difference between a living branch and a dead branch is that the living branch will bend a fair amount before breaking. Dead limbs will snap with ease, breaking at the weak points on the wood.
SOIL TEST RESULTS
Question: My soil test I got from my local extension office said that the pH in my lawn and flower beds was too high and that I needed to treat with sulfur. Which sulfur do I use and when should I apply?
Markis’ Answer: Garden stores can carry many products that you can use to lower soil pH, such as ammonium sulfate, elemental sulfur, aluminum sulfate, and iron sulfate. Ammonium sulfate is included in many fertilizers and can lower pH, however, effects are limited. Applications of ammonium sulfate should take place in the spring or at planting time so the nitrogen in the fertilizer is available to plants and not leached out of the root zone.
Elemental sulfur has a greater influence on soil pH but requires a period of oxidation to occur to convert it to sulfate. This oxidation process is done by microbial activity in the soil, which is greatest during the hot summer months and very slow if at all in the winter months.
Aluminum sulfate and iron sulfate do not need microbial activity to reduce the pH. These compounds are water soluble and react immediately once incorporated into the soil. Always read the label when using any product and use the recommended rate.
ANTHONY REARDON | Horticulture Agents | MARKIS HILL
Anthony and Markis are the horticulture agents for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension, each specializing in edible crops and ornamentals, respectively. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson. ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.
Harden off seedlings for two weeks before transplanting outdoors.
This damaged branch will need to be removed.
Gardeners Connect Free Speaker Series Regionally Adapted Seed Purveyors Share Their Vision
On Tuesday, Jan. 14, come meet Matthew and Nancy Kost, owners of Shawnee, Kan.-based Buffalo Seed Company. They launched their company in October 2018. They offer crop seed that is particularly adapted to our region.
deners Connect on Facebook or at GardenersConnect.org.
In their Jan. 14 program, “Seed Saving: Enhancing Diversity and Resilience,” the Kosts will explore the importance of local seed saving for food security, biodiversity, climate resilience, and cultural heritage. They will discuss how to confront the challenges posed by land loss, market pressures, climate change, and biopiracy. They also will provide examples of seed-saving techniques for various crops, supported by photographs and videos.
This program is part of the Gardeners Connect Free Speaker Series. Gardening education nonprofit Gardeners Connect has five programs planned for 2025. All of them are scheduled to start at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of selected months (January, February, April, May and November) at the Merriam Community Center; 6040 Slater; Merriam, KS 66202. Find out more about Gar-
They offer around 400 varieties of seeds. The seeds were grown or wild collected in eastern Kansas or western Missouri. The cultivated crops and vegetables in their collection were only watered by the rain, and they were raised without chemicals and only organic fertilizers.
The point is that adapting crops to the bioregion will reduce the amount of inputs needed to obtain good yields, which is ultimately better for the environment, the table, and for profit.
Drew & Megan Diekmann
A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Native Plants From Seed
Growing native plants from seed is a fun and economical way to start or add to a wild garden. Seed can be direct sowed in late fall or winter or started indoors for spring transplanting.
Direct sowing provides exposure to the moisture, freezing, and thawing needed to crack tough protective hulls and signal to the seed when it’s time to germinate. However, direct-sown plants can be slow to germinate, sometimes taking more than one season to wake up. They also need careful watering until their roots can access moisture deep in garden soil, and beds require hand weeding to keep seedlings from being crowded out.
Alternatively, seeds can be started indoors for transplanting in the spring; this method requires a little more preparation, but it can speed up the establishment of a native plant garden. Our head grower, Electa Ward, uses the following simple cold stratification process for many of the native plants we grow.
Supplies
For cold stratification
• Cup
• Plastic bag
• Paper towels
• Strainer
• Tags or tape and a marker
• Mister bottle
For sowing
• 2” to 4” containers
• Trays with clear domes, which can be found at most nurseries, but a cookie sheet and clear plastic grocery bag will also work
• Seed starting mix or regular potting mix, sifted to remove any clumps of bark or peat that might smother young seedlings; avoid mixes with chemical fertilizer additives, since they can burn tender seedlings
• Pencil for pressing holes into the potting mix and transferring moistened seeds
• Seed packets! We offer native seed from a variety of growers and also seeds collected in our demonstration gardens.
Some great native plants for beginners to try include purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), bee balm (Monarda fistulosa), and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). Plants can require 10 to 90 days in the cold. Electa says, “I start planning each season by organizing our seeds by the length of cold each plant requires and then begin the stratification process for those with the longest cold period needed in December and January.”
Process
Cold stratification
1. Pour seeds into a cup of water for a brief soak.
2. Label your tag or tape with the name of the seeds, date, days of cold needed, and any other information you might want to record.
3. Once you’ve prepared the label, your seeds will be ready to drain. Swirl the cup and pour the contents over a paper towel or coffee filter inside a strainer.
4. Spread the seeds out on the damp paper and fold it in half loosely, then in half again, and finally wrap with an additional moistened paper towel. Place this package inside a labeled plastic bag and put it in a refrigerator.
5. Check every few days to ensure the paper towels stay moist but mold-free. Use a mister bottle to spray the wrapped seeds as needed to keep them evenly moist. If mold does begin to grow, rinse the seeds in a cup of water, rewrap in fresh paper towels, and return to the refrigerator.
6. Once the seeds have been refrigerated for the recommended time or they begin sprouting, it’s time to sow.
Sowing
1. Fill containers with potting mix, pressing a hole in each; the depth should not exceed the width of the seeds being planted.
2. Drop seeds into the holes, sowing 2 to 3 seeds per pot.
3. Carefully water to fully moisten potting mix and cover to hold moisture.
4. Store the containers away from windows, since sunlight can quickly overheat and kill the seeds. However, certain seeds may need bottom heat to germinate. Direct a fan set on low toward your seedlings to prevent damping off.
5. Check the seedlings every few days and water as needed to keep them moist.
6. When a second set of leaves appears, feed the seedlings with an organic fertilizer.
7. Harden off the plants by gradually acclimating them to sun, wind, and cool temperatures by placing young plants outdoors in a sheltered location for increasing lengths of time for several days.
8. Once the last frost date has passed and the seedlings have been hardened off, they can be transplanted into your garden.
Following these steps you will be an experienced grower in no time. Once you have mastered the art of growing native plants from seed, you will be ready to start collecting your own seed, which is just as rewarding. I’ll save that for another article!
Amy Albright and her husband, Doug Davison, own Vinland Valley Nursery, a full service organic nursery and greenhouse that includes a huge selection of native plants and features a U-pick flower garden, workshops and a garden shop just south of Lawrence, KS. Their team includes experienced landscapers, plant growers, and artists, including their three daughters who grew up in the business.
Wyeth-Tootle Mansion Memorial Rose Garden in Spring
It’s January, time for the rose gardener to rest. Well, sort of. I am writing this in November. Winterization of the roses hasn’t even started for me! It’s 60 degrees out there and the roses are still blooming! Hopefully by the time you read this, it will be cold. But is it time for the rose gardener to rest? How much moisture have we had in the last two months? How cold is it? If there has not been rain or snow, and we are still in drought mode, it’s time to get into the garden and run water. Missouri winters are brutal. Temperatures vary from above freezing, even warm to very cold. Roses need at least one inch of water a month or more if in a deep drought. When freezing temperatures are not accompanied by moisture, the ground freezes, cracks open, and the roots of the roses are damaged. If it snows a lot, that is great! If we don’t get snow and only little amounts of rain, then freezing temperatures, the roses will suffer. If we get a warm spell, like 50 or 60 degrees, the roses think it is spring and start to leaf out. All of this becomes possible disasters for the well-being of the roses. Winters in northwest Missouri are prone to little moisture, fluctuating temperatures, and strong winds during the winter months. So, check the roses! Make sure the plants are well protected, the mulch hasn’t been blown away or disturbed by critters and the ground is not cracked open. Keep the plants cold and happy until you know that spring is here to stay. Meanwhile, it’s time to evaluate the performance of last year’s garden and determine what, if anything
Rose Report
Time to rest and reflect
needs to change. How did the roses do during the drought? How did the roses do when it rained for weeks? Was there a problem with blackspot? Did the Japanese Beetle invasion harm the roses? Did the plants have enough fertilizer, or maybe too much? Did some roses perform better than others? Why? Location? Disease resistance? Planting zones different? Adding new plants? These evaluations will be helpful for a successful season. Use the American Rose Society “Handbook for Selecting Roses” to ensure you are getting roses that are good for your planting zone and have a high-performance rating. There are many events at the Kansas City rose garden each year. See Upcoming Events (pg 16) of this issue for March event detailing a presentation “A Rose for Every Garden.” A special event is the annual Rose Show (May 31) and Rose Day (June 1). Join The Kansas City Rose Society to be notified of activities.
Use the resources listed below to learn more about rose care and the many types of roses:
• Kansas City Rose Society www.kansascityrosesociety.org
• American Rose Society www.rose.org
• Help with specific questions contact kcrosehelp@kcrosesociety.org
• Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden www.kansascityrosesociety. org/about-the-rose-library
• In St. Joseph, Bob at Moffet Nursery and Garden Shop, 6451 NE State Route 6, St. Joseph, MO 816-233-1223.
CORINDA STALLBAUMER
Consulting Rosarian
Corinda Stallbaumer is an American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian and a Missouri Master Gardener in Buchanan County. Mentors were her mother and Charlie Anctil. She now relies on Bob at Moffet Nursery and the multitude of infor mation available from the American Rose Society and the Kansas City Rose Society.
Wyeth-Tootle Mansion Memorial Rose Garden in Winter
Houseplant collections are quickly becoming a staple in many homes—no matter age or generation, most people have a plant or two in their space, with many collections amounting to much more.
While some opt for a niche and rare selection of houseplants, others prefer the ease and beauty of the common tropicals adorning their shelves. Whichever category you fit into, and whether you’re new to plants or an experienced enthusiast, chances are you own a friendly philodendron.
With more than 450 varieties, philodendrons are both common and rare. They are easily one of our go-to recommendations for anyone looking for a new houseplant, whether for themselves or a gift. There truly is something for everyone in the philodendron family, as their varieties easily fit any space and aesthetic.
Variations in foliage color and shape, plant size and habit all contribute to the philodendron’s versatility; and their ease of care, quick growing habit, and vast variation in appearance makes them a fan favorite.
Philos have both vining and and non-vining habits. Those that vine (or climb) can be left to trail or trained to climb a trellis. The well-known Heartleaf philodendron (Cordatum) is arguably the most common or recognizable of the vining varieties. Its deep green color and fast growing habit is great for beginners—watching it double in size won’t take long. The Brasil and Lemon Lime are other common vining Philodendrons and both similar to the standard Heartleaf in leaf shape. While the Brasil is coveted for its exotic yel-
Friendly Philos
low, light and dark green variegated leaves, the Lemon Lime displays a bright neon yellow and green colored foliage. Finally, the philodendron Micans are a unique climbing variety with velvety foliage that unfurl from a bronze color and grow
excellent floor plants. The striking Prince of Orange unfurls orange leaves that make way for an emerald green permanent leaf color, while the funky Philodendron Selloum has large, deeply lobed and finger-like leaves. Both are both popular up-
into an emerald green and maroon in maturity. These four varieties are sure to brighten up any home or office space, especially during the dreary winter months.
The other philodendrons are of the non-vining habit, meaning that they grow upright. They can become quite large and many of them make
right varieties, and become an effortless center of attention in any space. The upright varieties can take up a large space if allowed, but are also easy to manage, making them just as friendly as the climbers.
Most philodendrons are considered low maintenance plants, with a forgiving nature. They prefer bright,
indirect sunlight, but can adapt to lower light conditions. However, lower light tends to slow the growing process. Their water needs are moderate, and vary based on plant type and environment, but they prefer to dry out halfway between waterings. Less light equals less water, and it’s advised to always test the soil before watering. Over watering can lead to root rot so it is best to err on the dry side.
During peak growing season, it is best to fertilize your philodendron friends monthly with a balanced fertilizer. This speeds up growth and encourages a uniform growing pattern. It is not necessary to fertilize during the off-season and dormant winter months. Philodendrons are tropical, which means they prefer a humid environment. This can be accomplished with a humidifier in the winter, and being placed outside in the summer, in an east-facing location and out of direct sunlight. Granular systemics are highly recommended when taking plants in and out of the house to keep pests at bay.
Plant collecting is not simply about attaining more plants, it’s about learning. Everything from environmental and care techniques, soil mediums, watering schedules and best lighting setups are all components to maintaining a successful and happy plant collection. Fortunately, philodendrons fall squarely in the middle, with much wiggle room for all levels of expertise.
Whether you are a beginning or an avid enthusiast, a philodendron will quickly become one of your best friends. As you grow as a plant parent, these plants are sure to grow with you!
MIRANDA GOODWIN | Tropicals Experts |KATY MEEKS
Miranda Goodwin and Katy Meeks are both full-time employees at Suburban Lawn and Garden in Overland Park, Kansas, and have had years of avid experience as houseplant enthusiasts.
Brasil
Micans
Lemon Lime Heartleaf
Philo Selloum
Prince of Orange
Acareer is built upon a foundation of education and professional experience. But there’s often something less tangible, more emotional, at its genesis— a moment not recorded on a resume. As I wind down a career of thirtyplus years in the botanic garden and arboretum world, I’m remembering an experience at an old-school, Kansas City garden center.
It’s the summer of 2022 and I’m trying to stay in the seat of a utility terrain vehicle piloted by a ranch manager over very choppy dunes on a huge bison ranch in the Nebraska Sandhills. We’re in search of blowout penstemon (Penstemon haydenii), one of the most endangered plants in all of America.
Nearly 20,000 square miles in extent, the Nebraska Sandhills is one of the largest tracts of grassland left on Earth. While the dunes are mostly cloaked with prairie, disturbance can lead to areas of open sand called blowouts. Blowout penstemon plays a unique role in revegetating this fragile and transitory habitat, but its narrow specialization has a serious downside and only about ten small and vulnerable population clusters of this beautiful wildflower are known to exist in the Sandhills.
I was working at the time for Lauritzen Gardens, in Omaha, Nebraska. In addition to cultivating beautiful gardens for the enjoyment of the public, Lauritzen Gardens is dedicated to the conservation of plants and the biodiversity they support. One of the ways this work is pursued is by seed banking—collecting samples of seed from wild populations of plants at risk of ex-
Seeds of Affection
tinction and storing it under conditions that ensure long-term viability. A seed bank serves as a safeguard against disappearance in the wild and as a supply of seed for growing plants for restoration efforts.
Bouncing past grazing bison and lakes hosting pairs of trumpeter swans, we reached a blowout with a population of the penstemon and found enough plants to collect a representative sample of seed. Some of this will be used in restoration projects and some will be stored at the USDA National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation.
Pretty heady stuff for a botanist; a career high point. But it was not my most memorable seed-collecting experience.
It’s the spring of 1979 and I’m admiring pots of wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) on display in the sales yard at Rosehill Gardens in Kansas City, Missouri. Rosehill was established in 1914 by Evert Asjes, who came to the United States from the Netherlands and did what immigrant Dutchmen often did—started a nursery. I was a recent college graduate in biology but didn’t have any other job prospects at the time, so I was working in Rosehill’s retail garden center.
I’d taken botany classes in college, but it was at Rosehill where I really got schooled in the workings of plants. I learned to sweat roses, pinch geraniums, black-cloth chrysanthemums, force paperwhites, and other tricks of the horticulture trade, including how to start all kinds of plants from seed.
The columbine plants were of special interest to me because I grew
JIM LOCKLEAR
Botanist and Horticulturist
Establishing a conservation seed bank for the endangered blowout penstemon (Penstemon haydenii) requires work in remote areas of the Nebraska Sandhills. Photo by Jim Locklear, Garden County, Nebraska.
them from seeds I collected from a place I’d known as a kid, not all that far from Rosehill. I came across the patch of columbine years before while exploring the woods along a small, rocky creek that flowed into the Blue River. I had never seen this wildflower before and was captivated by its delicate beauty.
Working in the greenhouse at Rosehill, where we propagated a wonderful selection of herbaceous garden perennials, I remembered those wild columbine plants. I went back to the woods, found the plants, collected seed, and applied my recently acquired horticulture skills to grow a crop of columbine for
our customers’ gardens. There was something about the whole enterprise that I found pleasing beyond words.
* * *
Securing seed of blowout penstemon—a plant so rare and of such remote occurrence few will ever get to see it in the wild—was one of the most rewarding adventures of my professional career. But it can’t match the magic of growing that crop of columbine. That taste of magic set me on a path that led to a wonderful career in public horticulture.
As Wendell Berry reminds us, “It all turns on affection.”
Jim is a botanist and horticulturist and recently retired after 14 years as Director of Conservation at Omaha’s Lauritzen Gardens. Previously he was director of the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Kansas and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. Jim is author of the newly published book, In the Country of the Kaw, which celebrates the natural and cultural wonders of the Kaw River watershed. He lives in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Eat Local & Organic Expo
Sat, March 29, 9a-2p; at Avila University Free admission Free Parking
Kick off farmers market season at the Eat Local & Organic Expo! Shop with more than 30 KC Food Circle™ farmers who pledge to meet high standards for growing plants and mushrooms, beekeeping and raising animals. Attendees can talk directly with farmers as they sign up for weekly farm shares, buy transplants for their gardens, and get the freshest early spring products for their dinner tables. The Expo was created to help KC Food Circle farmers get a boost of income at the start of farmers market season. Here are the pledges farmers agree to so consumers can shop with confidence: https://www.kchealthykids. org/farmers-pledges.html
Farmers/Gardeners
Experience the largest farmers market this season on March 29 at the Eat Local & Organic Expo! The Expo will be held at Avila University from 9 am - 2 pm. Tending a plot of your own? Connect with experts in local and urban, organic and sustainable agriculture, buy local seedlings ready to plant, and sign up for community supported agriculture programs. You won’t want to miss this event filled with local produce and insightful gardening advice from experts!
https://www.kchealthykids.org/eat-local--organic-expo.html
Drifters Fill the Gap
In nature, native plants generally do not have space around them— any bare ground is quickly colonized by other plants, creating a complex plant community. Harnessing the utility of such plants that “fill in” can make your native garden more attractive and make wood mulch unnecessary. Filler plants also can be used to replace unattractive, thinning lawns or to cover steep slopes.
The thing about ground-hugging filler plants like wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) and groundsel (Packera spp.), is that success is more about timing than anything else. Introduce them too early and they quickly overcome a new plant-
ing. However, by introducing them later, they tend to behave better with the other children in the sandbox. Plant them in the second growing season, after the other perennials and shrubs get a head start. This way, the “main event” plants, the ones that carry the show, can get somewhat established before unleashing more aggressive, creeping plants, which I call “the drifters.”
Let’s take it a step further. I like introducing nimble drifters to mature garden beds with well-established perennials and grasses. This limits a drifter’s flow to the narrow lanes between mature plants, balancing the playing field and covering vulnerable bare ground. This is the
SCOTT WOODBURY Horticulturist
essence of green mulch gardening; to fill every gap with leafy green plants, so you never have to brown mulch again.
The most aggressive drifters include the shade-loving golden (Packera aurea) and round-leaf (P. obovata) groundsels. The sun-loving prairie groundsel (P. platensis) is also aggressive. All spread by rapidexpanding underground roots (rhizomes). Don’t be fooled, they form clumps in year one, but begin drifting in year two—crafty little devils!
Wild strawberry takes a less discreet path, spreading with obvious aerial runners (stolons) that root wherever they touch ground. If you want to limit their spread, pull off the
runners before they touch ground. Wild strawberry, which has white flowers in spring, differs from mock strawberry, a non-native with yellow flowers. Mock strawberry is a common weed in lawns with flavorless strawberry-like fruits that point upward. The native wild strawberry has delicious fruits that hang downward. If your goal is to harvest edible berries, be sure to acquire seed-grown plants, because wild strawberries are dioecious (male and female flowers are on separate plants). You will need both male and female plants to get good fruit production. Other effective, aggressive, and sun-loving drifters include western sunflower (Helianthus occidentalis),
Scott Woodbury was the horticulturist at Shaw Nature Reserve for 30 years and stepped down from that position in June 2022. He continues to work on contract for Shaw Nature Reserve to carry out native landscaping education and has launched his own business called Cacalia: Native Garden Design and Wilding. Find suppliers of native seed and plants to drift through your plantings at grownative.org.
by Scott
Photos
Woodbury.
meadow anemone (Anemone canadensis), and plains slough sedge (Carex laeviconica), a useful trio for impossible-to-mow sunny steep slopes. Their density and superpower diminish when planted in part shade (a useful trick), and of course, wait to plant them into mature gardens, or plant them together at the same time in a new one and observe a battle to the death!
There are a number of moderately aggressive drifters for shade including Robin’s plantain (Erigeron pulchellum), American beakgrain (Diarrhena obovata), and Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pennsylvanica), all rhizomatous by year two. Sunloving moderate drifters include American feverfew (Parthenium
hispidum) and Queen of the prairie (Filapendula rubra).
Others do the same by spreading in a more conventional way, spreading by seed. Eastern woodland sedge (Carex blanda), creek oats (Chasmanthium latifolium), common violet (Viola sororia), woodland knotweed (Polygonum virginianum), and elephant’s foot (Elophantopus caroliniana) find shady gaps. They are often thought of as garden weeds, but are well used for a naturalized look.
Other drifters for shady spots that pleasantly and gently spread include prairie pussytoes (Antennaria neglecta), creeping lespedeza (Lespedeza procumbens), barren strawberry (Waldsteinia fragariodes), yellow violet (Viola pennsylvanica),
Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium reptans), and wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis). They are always welcome to move around in the garden filling gaps.
In full sun, native annuals do the same. Western wallflower (Erysimum capitatum), red whisker clammy-weed (Polanisia dodecandra), annual sneezeweed (Helenium amarum), and palafox (Palafoxia callosa) are welcome drifters in established gardens, but you will need to know what the young seedlings look like, so you don’t pull them out.
The weaker-growing leather flower (Clematis versicolor), yellow honeysuckle (Lonicera flava), and yellow passion flower (Passiflora lutea) weave and play nicely with
other plants, and when they grow where you don’t want them you can pick them up and move them (they are vines). All are tolerant of full sun to part shade, and there is no need for a trellis.
I realize that it takes guts to plant aggressive mobile plants like strawberry, violet, or groundsel. The thought of plants that I have to get rid of later is not something I want to consider. But by deferring their introductions a year or two, gardening with them becomes easy and enjoyable. I am slowly discovering that there is a way to garden with most any native plant. It’s a matter of finding the right companion, the right place, and also a matter of timing. Happy Gardening!
CAPTIONS Left page: Aquilegia canadensis and Amsonia ciliata var. filifolila; Right page top left: Parthenium hispidum, Dalea purpurea and Coreopsis lanceolata in nature; Right page bottom left: Palafoxia callosa and Yucca glauca; bottom right: Packera obovata, Viola sororia, Geranium maculatum, Tradescantia ernestiana
Upcoming Garden Events
Heartland Hosta and Shade Plant Society
Sat, Mar 22, Hospitality 9:3010a, Club Mtg 10-10:45a, Speaker 10:45a-noon; at Woods Chapel Community of Christ, 500 NE Woods Chapel Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064. Topic: Companion shrubs, perennials and annuals for the part shade/ shade garden. Members, Guests and public welcome. See our website: www.heartlandhosta.club and on Facebook: https:// facebook.com/HeartlandHostaAndShadePlantSociety.
Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society
Sun, Jan 19, 1:30-3:30pm, at Trailside Center, 9901 Holmes Ave, Kansas City, MO. Our program will feature photos and insight about the succulents in habitat found in Madagascar. A club member who joined a tour of the island in October 2024 will share both the beauty and contrasts of this extraordinary place. Refreshments will be served and everyone is invited to attend.
Leawood Garden Club
Tues, Jan 28, 10:30a; at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS 66206. Lu Tarr, Speaker and Master Gardener, MGGKC. Program: Annuals vs Perennials. Unsure of what kind of plant to invest in for your garden, containers or landscape? In this presentation, she will teach the differences between annuals and perennials and discuss what options are available. Your requirements can make this decision easier with this presentation. Lu Tarr became a Master Gardener in 2010. Her volunteer efforts have included Kansas City’s Flower, Lawn and Garden Show, Garden ‘n Grow,
Hotline, Community Gardens, and her personal favorite, Speakers Bureau. Lu is a lifelong gardening enthusiast; it’s in her blood, as she was raised on a Northern Iowa farm. She loves being outside as much as possible, whether it’s tending to the garden or just enjoying the sunshine with her cat.
Orchid Society of Greater Kansas City
Sun, Jan 12, 1:30-4:30p; at Merriam Community Center, 6040 Slater St, Merriam, KS 66202. Nicholas Rust, Rusty Exotics, “Setting up a Grow Area with Lights.” Open to the public. More information at osgkc.org and find us on Facebook.
Raytown Garden Club Tues, Feb 4, 10a; at Connection Point Church, 10500 E 350 Hwy, Raytown, MO 64138. The program scheduled will be “Sprouting & Microgreens Improve Our Lives” by Iva Stribling, Raytown Garden Club Member. We meet the first Tuesday of the month (Feb-Nov). Mark your calendar because guests are always welcome. For more information please check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RaytownGardenClub.
with more than 30 KC Food Circle™ farmers who pledge to meet high standards for growing plants and mushrooms, beekeeping and raising animals. Attendees can talk directly with farmers as they sign up for weekly farm shares, buy transplants for their gardens, and get the freshest early spring products for their dinner tables. https://www.kchealthykids. org/eat-local--organic-expo.html
Paola Spring Plant Sale
Apr 24, 25, 26. New Location INDOOR SHOPPING at the Miami County Fairgrounds Bldg #2, 401 Wallace Park Dr, Paola, KS. Thursday 9 to 5, Friday 9 to 6, and Saturday 9 to 3. The sale will feature pesticide-free locally grown plants. In addition to the usual selection of butterfly host plants, pollinator flowers and native perennials, there will be ornamental annuals, perennials, herbs, succulents, hanging baskets, trees and veggies. Extension Master Gardeners, including butterfly expert Lenora Larson, will be on hand to assist shoppers throughout the sale. Credit Cards welcome! More info at www.maraisdescygnes. ksu.edu. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mdcemg or call the office: 913-294-4306.
found knowledge by creating an upcycled planter perfect for sowing seeds of your choice, while learning about the history of sowing, understanding stratification and seed germination, and identifying plant species by seed characteristics. Registration required, participants must be 14 or older, and participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Maximum number of 20 participants per session. No walk-ups will be accepted. A signup link will be available beginning Dec 4 at https://mdc.mo.gov/events ?event=&location=All&county=All ®ion=702. For questions, contact Burr Oak Woods at 816-228-3766, or email jada.tressler@mdc.mo.gov
Birds: Build a Bluebird Nesting Box
Houseplant Bingo
Sun, Feb 2, 2p; at Arnold’s Prairie Greenhouse & More, 1430 Hwy 58, LeRoy, KS 66857. Join us for winter fun. Find us on Facebook for all the latest news. 620-964-2423
Eat Local & Organic Expo
Sat, Mar 29, 9a-2p; at Avila University. Free admission, Free Parking. Kick off farmers market season at the Eat Local & Organic Expo! Shop
Winter Sowing: Starting Seeds in Snow
Sat, Jan 4; 2 Sessions: 10-11:30a / 2-3:30p; at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64015. Do you have big garden plans for Spring? The best time to prep our native seeds is January! This program will explore the science and importance of sowing seeds in the middle of winter. Participants will apply their new-
Sat, Jan 4; 2 Sessions: 10-11:30a / 12:30-2p; at Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110. Bluebirds are year-round residents in Missouri. They usually begin nesting the first half of March. Perfect timing for this project! Would you like to help increase the local bluebird population while having many hours of enjoyment watching our beautiful state bird? Register and build a bluebird nesting box of your own! Children must be registered to attend the program. Parents may attend to assist their child without registering. For safety reasons, children under 12 are not allowed in the program room. To register: go to mdc. mo.gov, click Events then Kansas City events.
Managing Our Soil For Great Success
Thurs, Jan 9, 10a; at Sunflower Room at the Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1208 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Sponsored by Wyandotte Coun-
Upcoming Garden Events
ty Extension Master Gardeners. Presented by Nancy Chapman, Johnson County Extension Master Gardener. Soil is the foundation of life and “you are what you eat” also applies to our plants. Clay is the most nutrient rich soil but how do we improve and maintain it so our plants are better able to access its benefits? Learn and understand why creating a diverse soil biome is so important and how some of our gardening practices can destroy it. The public is invited to attend. Pre-registration is not required. A $10 class fee, payable by cash or check, will be collected at the door. Questions may be addressed at 913-299-9300.
Birds: Kestrel Nesting Boxes— Virtual Sat, Jan 11, 10-11:30a; at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64015. 816-228-3766. Kestrels are the only falcon on this continent to nest in cavities. They are found on farmland, suburban and urban areas. Because of a variety of ecological changes in their environment, these beautiful falcons have declined in some areas. Join naturalists from Burr Oak Woods and Missouri River Bird Observatory in-person for one of to learn more about nesting boxes, the importance of monitoring kestrels and how nesting boxes allow us to do that. Registration required (ages 10+). To register: go to mdc. mo.gov, click Events then Kansas City events.
Birds: VIRTUAL: Suet-Yourself: Homemade Bird Feeders
Mon, Jan 13, 6-7p. Location: Online only. Keep your backyard birds happy this winter! Join a naturalist, virtually, to learn about common birds you may see on the feeder this winter and receive step-by-step in-
structions for making your own suet feeder. Be sure to include your email address in your registration. The naturalist will send the program link by email both the day before and day of the program. Registration required. All ages. To register: go to mdc. mo.gov, click Events then Kansas City events.
Gardeners Gathering Thurs, Jan 16, 7-8p Zoom Presentation. Please click the following link to register and receive the Zoom link- https://extension.missouri. edu/events/gardeners-gathering-nctomatomans-all-tomato-overview. Speaker Craig LeHoullier presents “NC Tomatoman’s All Tomato Overview.” Author, gardener, and educator Craig LeHoullier will share his latest thoughts on tomato growing in this hour-long Zoom talk. He will share his knowledge about planning which tomatoes to grow, important success factors, alternate ways of growing tomatoes, and seed saving. Craig will also discuss home tomato breeding and share the latest news from his Dwarf Tomato Breeding project. Bring your questions and desire to grow your best tomatoes.
Birds: Winter Woodpeckers
Fri, Jan 17, 3-4:30p. Location: Online only. Join us as we discuss some of Missouri’s most recognizable and charismatic birds — woodpeckers! We will explore each of the 7 native species of woodpeckers found in Missouri and how to identify them by sight and sound. This program will be held virtually. Log in instructions will be provided to participants beforehand. Please ensure that your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program. To register: go to mdc.mo.gov, click Events then Kansas City events.
Nature Rx: Chillin’ Stroll
Wed, Jan 22, 2:30-4p; at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64015. Get a therapeutic dose of nature by enjoying a leisurely, naturalist-led hike on improved trails for 1-2 miles. Nature Rx topics to look forward to this year include: birds and blooms, macrophotography, archery, kayaking, and more! To register: go to mdc.mo.gov, click Events then Kansas City events.
Birds: Bluebird Basics
Tues, Jan 28, 4-5p. Location: Online only. Bluebirds are one of the most beautiful and recognizable birds in Missouri. Learn more about bluebirds and other cavity nesting birds, and how to go about setting up and monitoring a bluebird nest box. Be sure to include your email address with your registration. The naturalist will send the program link both the day before and day of the program. Registration required. All ages. To register: go to mdc.mo.gov, click Events then Kansas City events.
Winter Sowing
Thurs, Feb 6, 11:30a; in the Sunflower Room at the Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1208 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Sponsored by Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners. Naomi Ruff, a Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardener, will provide information about the advantages of winter sowing, what can be sown in the winter, and how to prepare containers for winter sowing. She will also demonstrate winter sowing. The public is invited to attend. Pre-registration is not required. A $10 class fee, payable by cash or check, will be collected at the door. If you have questions, give us a call at 913-2999300.
A Rose for Every Garden Sat, Mar 29. Save the date. Time and location details to come. Program, “A Rose for Every Garden,” by Laura Dickinson. 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 review basic rose care, rose varieties and how new hybrids are developed, and how to select the best roses for your gardening needs. Laura Dickinson is President of the Kansas City Rose Society and Master Rosarian. She is active in rose education in the Kansas City area and nationwide through the American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian program. She lives in Leawood, KS, and has a special interest in easy-care landscape roses. Her motto is: Roses are easier than tomatoes!
GARDEN CALENDAR
January
list of what to do in the garden.
LAWN
• Avoid walking on frozen lawns as it may injure the grass.
• Rake fallen leaves that pile up on the lawn to prevent the grass from suffocating.
• Proper mower maintenance is essential; tune-up now.
• Scatter snow instead of piling up on the lawn next to drives and walks.
• Talk with the lawn service company now about summer contracts.
• Dormant seed following a light snow or rainfall.
FLOWERS
• Scan nursery catalogs for new introductions.
• Still have bulbs to plant? Get in the ground now.
• 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 and discard damaged ones.
• Curl up with a good book and learn more about gardening.
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 tearing of the bark.
• Allow ice to melt naturally from limbs.
• Bring twigs of flowering trees and shrubs indoors for forced spring blossoms.
• Avoid the temptation to prune on a warm winter day.
• Water fall-planted trees and shrubs when soil is dry and not frozen.
• Watch out for rabbit damage to bark of trees and shrubs.
VEGETABLES AND FRUITS
• Peruse seed catalogs and prepare orders.
• Check stored seeds for decay.
• Soil test and prepare for spring planting by making required additions.
• Start vegetable transplants for the garden under grow lights.
• Order fruit trees.
• Pick up fallen fruit before spring arrives and discard.
• Be on the lookout for rabbit and rodent damage to fruit tree bark.
INDOOR PLANTS
• Wash the 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 pests.
• Mealy bugs and scales can be wiped off 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.
MISCELLANEOUS
• Repair garden tools.
• Sand and seal tool 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 supplies filled for 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. Markis Hill 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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