KCG 07July19 by The Kansas City Gardener

The Kansas City

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

July 2019

drought tolerant

Perennials

What Makes a Native Garden Thrive Plants on Your Plate: Cucumber Summer Maintenance Proves Success What Makes a Native Garden Thrive

The Kansas City

editor’s notes

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

Independently owned and operated since 1996

General garden musings

Publisher Michael Cavanaugh Editor Elizabeth Cavanaugh Contributors Abby Byrd Nik and Theresa Hiremath Lenora Larson Dennis Patton Judy Penner Tamra Reall Ed Reese Chelsea Didde Rice Denise Sullivan Scott Woodbury Distribution Publishers Delivery Solutions, Inc.

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July 2019 | kcgmag.com

ttributed in large part to mild temperatures and ample rainfall, the spring garden has exceeded all expectations. Even now, we have welcomed the first few weeks of summer, and the spring season has given no sign of surrender. Of course, if you have lived in the Midwest, you know that a change in the weather is likely … just wait five minutes. The backyard deck and patio are adorned with containers filled with high-performing annuals known mostly for their foliage, like multiple varieties of coleus and sweet potato vine. Not to be outdone though are dragonwing begonia, lantana, New Guinea impatiens, and sweet little yellow Superbells®. New for me this season is fuchsia, since I have always been curious about this plant. Mr. Gardener, on the other hand, wasn’t impressed, but I like the bloom’s unusual intricate shape. Suffice it to say, the riot of color continues. Speaking of Mr. Gardener, after years of longing for Stella d’Oro daylilies, he decided that this would be the year to include

them in our garden. And I’m so glad he did. Incorporated into the front and back landscapes, he placed them in strategic focal points. With any luck, that signature golden yellow bloom will appear continuously until fall. In the “Whatever Happened to the Perennial Bed Renovation” category of news, we have reached a consensus. The project is no longer considered a renovation, but rather an improvement. In my mind, I pictured an empty bed, and starting anew. After much thought, it seems more prudent (and financially more responsible) to simply add to what is already planted. Not long ago, we drove around close to home, admiring the work of fellow gardeners, gathering ideas. Whether in parkways and neighborhood islands, or homeowner landscapes, there was plenty of inspiration. Some gardens are a deliberate showcase of plants,

while others create a less formal setting similar to a meadow. Because a substantial amount of our landscape is intentional, I wanted to create a full sun wildflower-looking area. A place where birds and bees and butterflies would congregate collecting fuel for the journey. And a place with thriving host plants to help raise another generation of pollinators. Does such a place exist? Is creating such space possible? If we build it, will they come? Only time will tell. By the time you read this the initial planting will be complete. It is my hope that as the plantings mature, I’ll eagerly report our successes. What plans do you have for your landscape this season? Did you start something new or is a renovation project underway? I’d love to hear about your garden experiences. Please be in touch. I’ll see you in the garden!

In this issue July 2019 • Vol. 24 No. 7 Rose Report ............................. 4 Ask the Experts ........................ 6 Bird Facts ............................... 7 Beauty on the Wing ................. 8 Kids Ask Dr. Bug ..................... 11 Drought Tolerant Perennials ....... 12 Apply JoCo Ext MG Program .... 14 Plants on Your Plate ................. 15 Bald Eagle .............................. 16

about the cover ...

What Makes a Native Garden Thrive .............. 17 Upcoming Events ..................... 18 Apply WyCo EMG Prog .......... 20 Powell Gardens in July ............. 21 Garden Calendar .................... 22 Hotlines .................................. 23 Subscribe ................................ 23 Meet a Master Gardener........... 23

These Echinacea coneflowers are growing in Cavanaugh gardens. Learn more about other drought tolerant perennials beginning on page 12.

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The Kansas City Gardener | July 2019

Rose Report JUDY PENNER reminds gardeners of beautiful rose varieties that are disease resistant and easy care. Photos by Judy Penner.

hear gardeners saying they are giving up on roses since they are so difficult to grow and require constant spraying but I say slow down and let me tell you about some varieties that will give you the beauty without the chemicals. Many people are trying to live a healthier lifestyle with pesticidefree organic foods. The rose industry is also working on providing roses that do not need pesticides and fungicides, allowing people to enjoy growing roses without the chemical exposure to their children, pets or themselves. I currently grow several varieties that fit into this category, naming a few of them for you. William Baffin is a pink, Hybrid Kordessi Rose that gets 7-10 feet high and 6 feet wide. I grow it on the pillars in the Laura Conyers

Quietness

William Baffin

Smith Municipal Rose Garden (LCSMRG) and tie it to the pillar with twine. This rose is a showstopper in late May and early June,

and the bees and butterflies love it. If you are looking for a quick plant to screen off an area this would work really well. Carefree Beauty is a very hardy Shrub rose developed by Dr. Griffith Buck (1915-1991), an Iowa State University professor, horticulturist, and rose hybridizer. I grow this one in the garden as well as in my home garden for over a decade. It doesn’t take any care in terms of winter protection. At home I don’t always get it fertilized but it still produces massive amounts of bloom. The only care it needs is deadheading so you will get continuous bloom all summer long. An added benefit to this rose is the quantity of orange rose hips. I use them in arrangements in the fall and they are just beautiful. Alba Meidland was added to the garden this year and is really a showstopper. First it has very glossy green foliage and the bloom on this bush are so prolific that it almost hides the foliage. It reaches a height of 2-5 feet and width of a 4-7 feet. This rose will not disappoint and is a must have if you like white roses. Quietness is a light pink Shrub rose and another of Dr. Griffith Buck’s legacy. His goal to produce hardy roses with disease resistance shines in this beauty. I have grown this rose in the garden for many

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July 2019 | kcgmag.com

years and it goes thru the winter with minimal cane loss, in fact if I don’t cut it back it is 5 feet high by the middle to end of May. The light pink blooms are beautiful and have a strong fragrance. This rose will also tolerate partial shade. Heritage a light pink David Austin Shrub rose also tolerates some shade. The strong lemon fragrance and the way the blooms float gracefully on the bush make this a must have rose. Knockout roses have been around for a while and are used everywhere commercially with good reason—a continuous “punch” of color all season long. The red Knockout is showy but the Rainbow Knockout with its pretty coral pink color adds a softer color palette for your garden with the same amount of color. I have only given a few of the hardy disease resistant roses available with the hope that this will encourage you to try roses in your garden. Do some research on disease resistant roses online and of course come into the LCSMRG to see the roses for yourself. Remember to Stop and Smell the Roses! Judy Penner is Expert Rosarian at Loose Park, Kansas City, Mo. You may reach her at judy.penner@ kcmo.org.

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The Kansas City Gardener | July 2019

Ask the Experts Gardeners have plenty of questions about soil and plant issues, DENNIS PATTON answers a few of them here. CRAPE MYRTLE DEAD OR ALIVE Question: I have a crape myrtle, ‘Princess Lyla,’ that shows no signs of life even at the base. Should I assume it didn’t survive the winter? Answer: Crape myrtles are prized for its summer blooms and trending in KC. Unfortunately, as this southern plant makes its way north, it is not foolproof. Crape myrtles often winterkill to the ground. When this happens, slow regrowth occurs from the root zone. You should see signs of shoots popping out of the soil by late May. Since this question came to me in June, I would say it is a goner. Newer varieties of this plant are flooding the market including several dwarf varieties like ‘Princess Lyla.’ My take is the dwarf vari-

eties don’t seem to be as winter hardy in our climate. HOLE IN TREE TRUNK ACTION PLAN Question: I have a pin oak tree with a hole in the trunk where a limb was removed years ago. What should I do? Answer: Keep an eye on it. Unfortunately, the tree was not able to completely seal off the wound when the limb was removed. As a result, decay has set in. There is little to be done once this cavity forms. In the olden days, we would fill the hole with a cement mixture. This practice is no longer recommended as it traps moisture and humidity, increasing the rate of decay. Recent research has shown letting nature takes its course is the best recommendation. Over time

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What to do with a hole in a pin oak tree.

Snow caused leaning Kousa dogwood.

the decay will increase and it could affect the strength of the trunk. The good news is that oak wood is slow to rot whereas maples are a softer wood and decay at a much faster rate. If you can safely look into the cavity, take a peek and see if the decay has spread into the heartwood of the tree – maybe even probe it with a stick. If the hole is small in comparison to the tree size, then I stand by my ‘keep-aneye-on-it’ statement. If a large percentage of the main trunk is rotting, then it is time to call an arborist for a professional opinion.

DOGWOOD BENDS AFTER STORM Question: The January snowstorm bent my Kousa dogwood tree. Will it straighten up on its own or should I tie and stake it to help it recover? Answer: My take is to let nature runs its course. Trees and shrubs damaged by heavy snow will never return to their original position. Given time they should somewhat recover. Staking seldom yields stunning results as the wood does not strengthen. In fact too often the tree becomes dependent on the stake for support. Not exactly the desired outcome.

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Spring weather slowed tomato plant growth. You might try pruning a few selected limbs to reduce the weight and see if that helps. My best advice is to let nature runs its course over the next few years. My hunch is the crook will slowly disappear. If not, the bending creates character and part of the tree’s life story. TOMATOES NEED FOOD, BUT NOT TOO MUCH Question: I planted my tomatoes on Mother’s Day. The cool and rainy spring has slowed their growth. Should I apply a little extra fertilizer? Answer: I hear you on this one as my tomatoes look pitiful. Every time I look at them, I think it might be better for me to head to the farmer’s market. With that being said, plants are resilient. They want to grow no matter the effect of humans or the weather pattern. My concern is your question about extra fertilizer. If you have properly fertilized at planting, then additional fertilizer may not help.

If you did not fertilize either at planting or in June, then yes, an application might help. Tomatoes are not heavy feeders, so maybe just a couple of teaspoons of fertilizer could give them a jump, such as 10-10-10 per plant. Keep in mind that if the plants are stressed from the excess moisture and if the root system is damaged, fertilizer will not make a sick plant healthy. Fertilizers are meant to help healthy plants grow better, not cure what ails them. NON-BLOOMING IRIS Question: I have an iris that hasn’t bloomed for two years. It is just a single rhizome. What can I do to get it to bloom? Answer: Two years old and still a single rhizome? Something is not right. My take is it does not like its location. The main reasons iris fail to bloom is either being too deep or not enough sunlight. Iris rhizomes should be slightly exposed at the soil surface and at least 4 to 6 hours of good sunlight each day. My hunch is that shading may be the problem. Late July through mid-August is the ideal time to transplant iris. My recommendation is to relocate the plant to a sunny area and see what happens. It also could be a variety that does not have much flower power. 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.

Bird Facts

ED REESE talks fascinating facts about backyard birds.

ow do birds find food? All Birds rely mainly on sight. With incredible vision, most species can see further with higher acuity then humans. Birds are extremely active, using a lot of energy, which requires constantly finding food. They are pros at seeing the fruits, nuts, and seeds they enjoy. Birds learn to recognize bird feeders, as sources of food, and include them in their territory. Birds also assess the weight of seed. If it’s too light, they discard it for another. This often can be seen when birds feed on black oil sunflower. A few seeds may be too small and light for them to bother with.

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

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The Kansas City Gardener | July 2019

Beauty on the Wing: The Vanessa Ladies LENORA LARSON talks butterfly Ladies, of the butterfly genus Vanessa, and how to tell them apart.

Identification: Telling the Ladies apart Who are we talking about? American Ladies Vanessa virginiensis, Painted Ladies Vanessa car-

Photos by Lenora Larson.

re you seeing clouds of medium-sized colorful orange patterned butterflies nectaring in your garden? These are likely the Ladies, three different species of the butterfly genus Vanessa, which are very common throughout North America. Their survival is secure due to many fine survival strategies, including looking like miniature Monarchs. Do you remember two years ago when millions of Painted Ladies mass-migrated to our area? The uninitiated declared that they were seeing “baby Monarchs” in their yards. No, baby Monarchs would be caterpillars!

Red Admiral

American Lady

Painted Lady

dui and the Red Admiral Vanessa atalana. These three butterflies are similar in behavior, size and the color patterns but with practice and a good field guide like Betsy Betros’s A Photographic Field Guide to the Butterflies in the Kansas City Region, butterfly beginners can differentiate the ladies.

The Red Admiral is the first seen in spring because it over-winters in your garden as either an adult or a chrysalis. The red-orange bands across the upper and lower wings make confident identification easy. You’ll see them flying from March to November, courtesy of two broods each year. They cruise at the edges of woodlands where their host plant, Nettle species, thrives and nectar among your garden’s blooms in both sun and shade. Red Admirals also eagerly imbibe sweat, tree sap, and rotting fruit. American Ladies and Painted Ladies are much more challenging to differentiate, but the American Lady is smaller and brighter with an orange ‘jack-o-lantern’ face on the upper wings. They are usually seen in open meadows and prairies with low vegetation. Many gray-leaved members of the Aster family serve as hosts, including Pearly Everlasting, Pussy’s Toes and White Sage Artemesia. The larger and paler Painted Lady wing pattern includes a black ‘wheel cog’ near the body. It prefers open meadows and sunny gardens. Painted Lady caterpillars feed on over 100 host plants, including Nettles, Mallows like Hollyhocks and native Thistles. This flexibility extends to a soy-based artificial diet that allows them to be sold in kits for raising caterpillars at home and in schools.

especially the Painted Ladies, are remarkably flexible in their dining habits and will feed on many host plants. The host plants also provide protection against predators because the caterpillars make leaf nests by folding the host leaf and securing with silk. Sharp-eyed birds and other visual hunters can’t see them in their webby nest. But the shelter also serves as a toilet, nasty with accumulated droppings. No, those black pellets are not eggs!

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Different Host Plants, Same Messy Children Unlike most butterfly caterpillars, the Vanessa caterpillars,

Long Distance Travelers Red Admirals and American Ladies are restricted to the New World, hibernating in your garden or migrating each spring from the southern states, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean regions. Painted Ladies are the most wide-spread butterfly in the world. Not only do they live on all continents except Australia and the two Poles, they are impressive migrants, as they fly between Northern Europe and North America, passing over Greenland and Iceland. Our Kansas City area Painted Ladies migrate from Mexico and the American Southwest each spring, sometimes in massive numbers. Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardener, Idalia Butterfly Society and Kansas Native Plant Society member, Lenora Larson gardens and hosts butterflies in the cruel winds and clay soil of Paola, Kansas. She may be contacted at lenora.longlips@gmail.com

Greater Kansas City annual Water Garden Tour July 6 and 7

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Grass Seeds of All Types • Fertilizers Mulches • Bulbs • Bird Supplies • Pottery Best Quality of “Locally Grown” Bird Seed! Tickets for the 2-day tour will be available at all garden centers in the greater Kansas City area, Hen House Markets, and Westlake Hardware. Prices for the selfdirected tour is $10 for both days. Children 13 and under are free with an adult. Be sure to enter your name to have a chance to receive many gift certificates from our wonderful sponsors. This oneof-a-kind tour serves a great civic purpose. Each year, the proceeds benefit construction and maintenance of educational and restorative water gardens and other educational programs in the Kansas City metropolitan area. To date, the KC Water Garden Society has built over 60 ponds for schools and other nonprofits. For information on discounted tickets at $8 per person for groups of 10 or more, email us at tour@kcwatergardens.com. Visit our website at www.kcwatergardens.com and on Facebook. For further inquiries, call Linda H. at 816-305-5963. The Water Garden Society of Greater Kansas City is a not-for-profit charitable and education society.

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July Planting Dates Plant Above-Ground Crops: 2, 3, 9-12, 15, 16, 31 • Plant Root Crops: 16, 17, 20-22 Transplant: 9-12 • Plant Flowers: 2, 3, 9 • Control Plant Pests: 1, 24, 28, 29

WATER’S EDGE

lan to visit the metropolitan area to tour nearly 40 stunning water features. Many of the sites have never been on tour before and others offer sparkling new additions to delight old and young alike. Some water gardens feature working garden trains and trolleys, sculpture gardens and fairy gardens. At specially designated sites, visitors can meet working artists and musicians, integrating the visual and performing arts with the art of nature. Many families make the annual Water Garden Society tour a must-see summer adventure. Our theme this year is “Jewels of the Water Garden.” Shimmering water allows jewels in and out of the pond to be magnified, transforming a pond into a living work of art. Alabaster fountains and statuary summon you into the garden where lilies of amethyst, amber and rose quartz float atop the glistening water. Dancing waterfalls and bubblers sparkle like diamonds, attracting sapphire dragonflies and ruby-throated humming birds to these unique ecosystems. The blushing pearl lotus heads sway in the breeze, as fire opal koi and goldfish swirl and dive, like kinetic art to the music of nature in the water garden. Emerald green and peridot landscaping plants are enhanced by the play of light and become jewels of their own. Our 26th annual tour is a feast for the senses and a symphony of color and motion.

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The Kansas City Gardener | July 2019

Summer Maintenance Proves Success To keep those gorgeous plants performing all summer, ABBY BYRD lays out her recommendations for success.

ur excitement over spring gives us the best intentions with our flowers for summer, but often, the heat gets the best of things, and our plants can start to look leggy or pale and lose their blooms. If you find yourself frustrated that your containers never look quite as good as that neighbor down the street, don’t tell yourself that you just don’t have that green thumb. Anyone can have success with their flowers with some regular summer maintenance. The single most important thing you can do for your plants is to learn to water them correctly. Unfortunately, there is no steadfast, one-size-fits-all rule on watering. Different plants require different moisture levels, and the weather plays a huge factor in how much to water. Milder temperatures and

cloud cover will keep plants moist longer, while hotter, sunnier days will dry them out quicker. Typically, by mid-summer, it’s safe to start watering every morning, but be sure to always feel the soil of your containers. If there is still a fair amount of moisture, they may not be ready for water. However, if you know it’s going to be really hot and sunny that day, it wouldn’t hurt to go ahead and give them a drink so that they aren’t wilt-

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July 2019 | kcgmag.com

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by lunchtime. Flowers planted in the ground will require slightly less watering as they can draw water from a larger space, but still be sure they are receiving enough water, especially during periods of very little rain. You’ll start to recognize patterns and become very in tune to when your plants need water. We are quick to forget that plants are living creatures that need to eat, just like us. They require nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium which are the three main components in fertilizer (N-P-K). This is even more vital to containers and hanging baskets as they cannot draw nutrients from the ground. The nutrients in their original potting soil are all they have. As the summer draws on and they require more and more water, it’s likely that any fertilizer that was present at planting is gone. The more watering, the more fertilizer is washed through. We feed weekly in the summer and adjust the rates accordingly. A standard balanced fertilizer such as 20-20-20 is usually best for containers and hanging baskets. Liquid feeding will produce quicker results but will need to be done more frequently. Slow release fertilizers should last all season in flower beds, but may only last a few weeks in containers due to increased watering during high heat periods. In addition, remember to up the volume of fertilizer in accordance with the growth of your plants – they enjoy bigger meals as they grow, just like us! There are several annuals that are relatively “maintenance free” like Sunpatiens, sweet potato vine,

and lantana. However, all annuals appreciate some regular trimming and cleaning to stay at optimal health. A lot of people are afraid to hurt the plants by taking scissors to them, but they are much more resilient than we give them credit for. Trimming them back will force them to branch and create new, full growth. Often, I will do regular, random trimmings on a plant, only trimming every other branch or so. This way, half of the plant will always be fresh and starting on new growth and blooms. Deadheading spent blooms will not only remove unsightly spent blooms but will cause the plant to focus its energy on new blooms and growth. Correct watering, fertilizing, and trimming will all contribute to healthier plants, and healthier plants are much more resistant to diseases and insect damage. Always be sure to try to get all watering done early in the day so that moisture does not sit on the plant overnight, as this can promote fungus. Always be on the lookout for insects that might be taking up residence in your plants. It’s much easier to control insects like aphids or caterpillars if the problem is caught early. Some spraying may be required, and both conventional and organic options are available. While this may all sound like a lot of maintenance, you’ll be surprised how quickly you can trim up and fertilize your flowers throughout the summer. Get into a routine with watering, and it will become automatic. The payoff will be huge, and you’ll notice bigger, healthier plants with more blooms. If you find a particular plant’s being troublesome or if you feel something else may be going on, bring your photos or samples to us and we’ll help return your plants to good health! Abby Byrd serves as the Greenhouse Coordinator at Colonial Gardens, Blue Springs, Mo., and teaches workshops and painting classes at the garden center.

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

How many legs do caterpillars have? Acelyn, 8 While adult insects never have more than 6 legs (they may have less if they lose a few), younger insects can have fewer or more legs. Caterpillars usually have 6 legs coming out from their thorax, the area just below their head. Some caterpillars also have stubby bumps, called prolegs, on their abdomen. Prolegs aren’t real legs, but they act like legs and help caterpillars move their big bodies

around. A caterpillar may have up to 5 sets of prolegs. That means some caterpillars have 16 “legs”! When they become an adult, the prolegs disappear. How long do caterpillars stay in their chrysalis? Haylee, 9 When the caterpillar is done growing as big as it will get, it stops eating, hangs upside down from a leaf or twig, and transforms into a pupa, also known as a chrysalis. A lot happens in a chrysalis, and depending on the type of butterfly, it can take about 1 to 3 weeks. What happens when a butterfly is in its chrysalis? Sierra, 9 For a long time, it was a mystery about what happens inside the chrysalis. A lot is happening in the hardened shell of what used to be a caterpillar. Metamorphosis – where the leaf-eating caterpillar that crawled along leaves becomes the adult butterfly with wings covered in colorful scales, looking more like a flying flower, and also able to drink nectar through strawlike mouthparts. If you open a chrysalis, it will mostly be goo as the caterpillar is dissolved and a special set of cells develop into the adult butterfly. Wings, anten-

Photo courtesy of Aaron Burden.

Why do yellow jackets sting? Alijah, 9 Some people think yellow jackets are just plain mean! However, yellow jackets, like other wasps, sting when they feel threatened or if they feel like their nest is threatened. Even if you aren’t trying to hurt them, if you have unintentionally bumped their nest or come near their territory, you might get an unpleasant surprise. Nests can be underground or aboveground. Yellow jackets eat other critters, such as caterpillars, flies, and spiders so they can be beneficial. However, sometimes they also eat the food we like to eat, too, so they can also be pests. Did you know that only female wasps can sting? Males don’t have stingers.

Monarch caterpillar prolegs nae, eyes and legs slowly appear and soon a butterfly emerges from the chrysalis shell. Follow the link (www.youtube.com/ watch?v=qiGus6bmgGU) in the QR code for a video to see this process!

How long does a butterfly live? Aliyah, 8 It depends! Some butterflies, such as the Coppers and Small Blues, only live a few days. Others, like Monarchs and Mourning Cloaks can live for 6 to 9 months. Most butterflies, however, live only for 2 to 4 weeks if they can avoid being eaten by birds, bats, praying mantises, or other hungry animals. They literally wear out their wings flying from flower to flower. Dr. Tamra Reall (@MUExtBugN Garden) is the new horticulture specialist for MU Extension in Jackson County. For free, researchbased gardening tips, call 816833-TREE (8733), email mggkc. hotline@gmail.com, or visit www. extension2.missouri.edu.

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The Kansas City Gardener | July 2019

Perennials drought tolerant

CHELSEA DIDDE RICE shares top picks for perennials that thrive in our challenging summer conditions.

s we enter the ‘dog days’ of summer, it can be tough to find perennials that will power through the high humidity and blazing hot sun brought by July and August. Fortunately, there are a few that will not only survive but thrive in these challenging conditions. These favorites will return each spring, often in larger quantities than the year before. To provide a well-rounded list of contenders, I reached out to several area experts and compiled some surefire successes. Sabine Green from local nursery Farrand Farms shares her favorite plants that bring customers joy even in the heat of summer. Ya rrow: This wonderful plant is both deer and rabbit resistant, plus it overwinters easily in our climate. Bees and butterflies love it and it also makes a good cut flower! It comes in a variety of colors including red, yellow, orange and more. Gr oundcover Sedum: If you have rabbit problems, this is a clear winner since rabbits will typically leave this plant alone. Pollinators love it when it blooms and it’s very reliable, coming back year after year. The most common groundcover sedum comes in shades of green, red and blue. Ec hinacea: This is the classic coneflower with beautiful rose and pink blooms that survives even the hottest of summer days. It’s lovely planted en masse, and if you’re a bird watcher you’ll enjoy watching finches nibble on the seed heads. Though there are plenty of varieties, ‘Magnus’ is my favorite. 12

July 2019 | kcgmag.com

Sedum ‘Angelina’

Dennis Patton, Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Horticulture Agent is enthusiastic about the following four Midwestern favorites. Ca tmint (Nepeta): With several varieties on the market to suit varied size requirements, this perennial takes our Midwest heat and drought and keeps on blooming all summer long with just a little care. It’s also great for pollinators! Al lium ‘Millennium’: Unlike most spring blooming alliums, this one typically blooms in mid to late summer, accented by shiny, bright green foliage. Ar temisia ‘Powis Castle’: Plant this and be rewarded with wonderful mounds of silvery foliage that provide fantastic texture and color to the garden. It’s also the only artemisia I will plant because it does not spread aggressively. Li ttle Bluestem (Schizachyrium): This grass is a Kansas native, so you can be sure it’ll survive and thrive in our hot summer conditions. It has a nice structure and newer varieties have beautiful summer and fall color.

As the annuals and perennials manager at Suburban Lawn and Garden’s Roe location, Megan Glavin has plenty of experience recommending perennials like these three. Sa lvia: Always an eye-catching winner here, salvia performs so reliably! Plus, it is available in multiple colors and heights. There likely is an option for almost any space in your garden. Ru ssian Sage: It’s always a pleasant surprise to find plants that actually perform better, not worse, with dry soil and no supplemental fertilizer. Russian Sage pushes out silvery foliage and lavender colored blooms that attract pollinators like crazy. The only maintenance this plant needs is a strong cut back in late winter or early spring. Pe nstemon: This is one plant I think is gorgeous yet sadly underused in gardens. Many varieties get tall and have burgundy foliage for interest when not in bloom. It is quite showy, native and attracts hummingbirds!

In addition to those mentioned by the experts above, here are three champions that take center stage in my late summer garden. Ru dbeckia: You can count on this plant’s cheerful, sunny flowers to brighten your mood when it’s August and everything else in the garden seems a bit worn down and tired. There are numerous varieties, all of which are low maintenance and provide a bit of “cottage garden” style to my yard. Up right Sedum: Another plant that abhors fertilizer and prefers no extra water, upright sedum, like the variety ‘Autumn Joy’ is a favorite in my garden. It takes virtually zero maintenance, isn’t bothered by many pests, and also serves as a long-lasting cut flower in the fall. Bu tterfly Milkweed (Asclepias Tuberosa): Bright orange blooms burst onto the scene in late spring and hold strong for weeks before giving way to interesting seed pods. It brings a bright pop of color to summer flower arrangements, but judiciously only cut a few stems, leaving the rest for the butterflies and other pollinators. If you missed out on planting perennials this spring, you can try to introduce a few this summer, although they may require extra watering during the heat. You can also check out your local garden centers this fall because they may have these varieties in stock for autumn planting. When Chelsea Didde Rice isn’t at work as a senior communications specialist, she’s an avid gardener who enjoys teaching people how easy it can be to garden.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’

Butterfly Milkweed Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

Rudbeckia Salvia ‘Rockin’ Playin’ the Blues

Russian Sage ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ Photo courtesy of Monrovia.

Allium ‘Millenium’

Echinacea ‘Magnus’ Photo courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

Photo courtesy of Monrovia.

Nepeta ‘Cat’s Meow’ Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ Penstemon ‘Midnight Masquerade’

Little Bluestem

Yarrow Achillea ‘Firefly Sunshine’

The Kansas City Gardener | July 2019

13 Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

Photo courtesy of Monrovia.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

Happenings at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center Ladybugs and Butterflies July 10 ∙ Wednesday ∙ 10–11 AM Registration required (ages 3–5 with an adult) Flutter on over to learn why ladybugs and butterflies are two of our favorite insects. We will learn how they both go through a magical change and how each has a special job in the garden. We may even get to meet some! Family Creek Exploration July 13 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10–11 AM No registration required (families) Trek into an amazing creek ecosystem to discover what depends on Burr Oak Creek for survival. Splish and splash in the mud and water in search of tadpoles, fish, insects and more. Bring water bottles and towels. Do not wear a swimsuit. Wear closed-toed shoes (no aqua socks). Program starts at the Bethany Falls parking lot.

Intro to Entomology July 20 ∙ Saturday ∙ 9–11 AM Registration required (ages 12–18) Insects play an important role in science but are often overlooked. We will take a closer look into the science of studying insects through hands-on activities including making an insect collection. Plus, you will get to take your collection and supplies home! It’s a Bugs Life July 24 ∙ Wednesday ∙ 10–11:30 AM Registration required (ages 9–11) Whether you live in the country or the city, bugs are never far away. Join us as we take a closer look into the life of insects and other creepy crawlies and how they help in our everyday lives. Dress to be outside, use insect repellant and sun screen and bring a water bottle.

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f you enjoy gardening, working with others and having fun while sharing your passion then the Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program may be just the opportunity for you. Applications are now being accepted for the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Master Gardener Class of 2020 training program. Application deadline is July 15. Training sessions are Tuesdays, Sept. 17 through Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All classes will be conducted at the Johnson County Extension office, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite 1500 in Olathe. There is a $125 administration fee for those accepted into the class. Class members must be Johnson County residents. Only 30 applicants are accepted into this prestigious program. Applicants are selected on the basis of gardening and volunteering experience, ability to attend training sessions and volunteer activities, and, most importantly, willingness to commit long term to the annual requirement of volunteer service. Gardeners who join the program bring many different experience levels and interests to the program. If you are a novice gardener, do not let the title of Extension Master Gardener intimidate you. Your love of gardening and passion for sharing your garden experience is the basis for success. The EMG program, sponsored by K-State Research and

L-R Lori Dickey, Mike Mortko, Rhonda Kasper and John Stewart brandish their gardening weapons. Extension, is designed to teach area gardeners about horticulture and give them the opportunity to share their knowledge through various gardening-related volunteer projects. Applicants who are selected will receive intensive horticulturerelated training from university and industry experts. In return, newlytrained recruits will be required to volunteer a minimum of time each year. EMG volunteers get involved in a variety of projects including maintaining demonstration gardens, staffing a gardening hotline and giving presentations through the speakers’ bureau. Youth programs are also another avenue for volunteer participation. If you are interested in applying for the program, or would like more information, please contact Johnson County Extension at (913) 715-7000 or visit www.johnson.kstate.edu and click on the Master Gardener link for details.

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Plants on Your Plate: Cucumber DENISE SULLIVAN talks about nutritious food and preparing healthy meals, like this summer cucumber salad.

ucumbers are a popular summer vegetable that many people include in their garden or market basket. A high water content member of the squash family, cucumbers are about 96% water, which makes them a very low calorie food – about 8 calories per half cup. They are also low in sodium, and are good sources of potassium, magnesium, vitamin K and fiber. Potassium is a nutrient that is important in maintaining healthy blood pressure, while magnesium and vitamin K play a role in bone health. The type of fiber in cucumbers is beneficial in both digestive and cardiovascular health and helps to create a feeling of satiety. Since most of the nutrients are in the skin, eating cucumbers with the peel provides the most nutritional benefit. There are two main types of cucumbers: slicing and pickling types. The most common slicing cucumbers are standard garden cucumbers. Theses cucumbers have larger, soft, edible seeds, however, some people choose to remove them. To retain moisture, food processors often coat the skin of the cucumber with food grade wax. English or Persian cucumbers, also slicing cucumbers, are sometimes referred to as gourmet, ‘burpless’, or seedless cucumbers. These varieties are longer and thinner than standard cucumbers, have seeds that are very small, and are usually shrink-wrapped to seal in moisture. Slicing cucumbers range in size from 7 to 12 inches or longer depending on variety. Pickling cucumbers tend to be smaller, with a thinner, often bumpy skin. Gherkins are one of the most common pickling cucumber and their small 3-4 inch size makes them perfect for whole pickles. Kirby cucumbers grow to be 5-6 inches and are good for pickling or snacking whole. Standard garden cucumbers can be used for pickling, particularly for relish, however because burpless cucumbers result in a less desirable

finished product, they are not recommended for pickling. Making cucumbers into pickles is either a quick process, that takes a few hours or a fermentation process, which takes several days to weeks. When choosing a pickling method, be sure to select a method that uses current research methods, since food preservation recommendations, as well as plant varieties have changed in recent years. If you are uncertain of where to look for canning methods, you might start with University of Missouri Extension’s Seasonal and Simple website, https://seasonalandsimple. info/ that will guide you to proper steps for preserving foods safely. This is also available as an app for both IOS and Android. You can also contact University of Missouri Extension for information on upcoming food preservation classes. When selecting cucumbers, choose slender, firm, green produce without wrinkles or soft spots. For optimal freshness, store unwashed for up to one week in a moisture proof bag. As with all fresh produce, wash before preparation and serving. Adding white vinegar to water and soaking cucumbers for five minutes prior to a gentle scrub with a vegetable brush can help dissolve any wax used in commercial processing. To remove the seeds, if desired, cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and scoop the seeds with a teaspoon. Cucumbers make a delicious crunchy snack – with or without a dip – or a tasty addition to a salad. The recipe below combines vibrant colors, textures and flavors and is a wonderful way to add cucumbers to your plate! 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.

Cucumber Blueberry Salad Salad

• 1 cup fresh blueberries •1 medium English cucumber, cut into small chunks • 4 cups fresh arugula • 1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced • 1/4 cup crumbled reduced-fat Feta cheese •2 tablespoons coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted 4 slices whole grain bread

Vinaigrette

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 2 tablespoons white balsamic (or other) vinegar • 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed or bottled • 1 teaspoon sugar • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

• In a small bowl whisk together vinaigrette ingredients. • C ut bread into cubes and toast in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Set aside. • In a large bowl mix together all salad ingredients. • When ready to serve, add vinaigrette to salad and toss. • Add croutons just before serving.

Calories: 212, Total Fat: 10 g, Saturated Fat: 3 g, Cholesterol: 8 mg, Sodium: 368 mg, Total Carbohydrate: 24 g, Dietary Fiber: 4 g, Total Sugars: 10 g, Added Sugar: 2g, Protein: 7 g

Makes 4 servings

Recipe from USDA Mixing Bowl.

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The National Emblem – Bald Eagle NIK HIREMATH describes the characteristics, habits and unique abilities of this majestic bird.

and an olive branch in each talon along with the shield on the chest and the stars above. While it’s called the bald eagle, it isn’t bald. It’s the stark contrast between the brown body and the white head which gives the appearance of being bald. The mature adult plumage of white head and tail feathers takes five years to develop. This plumage may contain up to 7,000 feathers. Eagles replace these feathers every year, and the molting occurs in patches and can take up to six months to complete. They usually begin their molting from their head and work towards the tail. The bald eagle is a large bird of about 3 feet tall, with the female slightly larger than the male. Their wingspan can reach over 7 feet, and they can weigh up to 14 pounds.

s we are once again celebrating our Independence Day, perhaps a little interesting and fun information of the Bald Eagle might be in order. How did the Bald Eagle become our national emblem? The task of designing and agreeing upon on our national emblem was longer than one might imagine. The original committee commissioned by congress, in mid-summer 1776, to design the country’s coat of arms included Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. After two more committees failed to complete the task, the Secretary of Congress, Charles Thomson and William Barton, a lawyer and heraldist finalized a design in June of 1782. That design is the one that settled on the eagle with spread wings, holding arrows

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Eagles can fly up to 35 miles per hour and that’s aided by having hollow bones for lighter weight; which is common in most birds. In addition to their speed, they cover their hunting area of up to 10,000 acres, by efficiently using thermals. Thermals are columns of warm air which the eagle will use to gain altitude and then glide for long distances without flapping its wings. This technique conserves energy and allows them to migrate and hunt for long distances to find food. Perhaps one of the most unique and amazing capabilities of Bald Eagles is their eyesight. Their eyes work like ours in as much as light passes through the lens and focuses on the back of the eyeball. This focal point is known as the fovea. But then things get interesting for an eagle. They have two foveae. So, unbelievably, they can focus on two things at the same time! They can see something straight ahead and off to a side. If that’s not enough, they can look at something with either one eye or both so monocular or binocular vision. And the ultimate capability, which they share with many birds is the ability to see light in the ultraviolet spectrum. This capability is important because, when they’re pursuing land prey, the nervous prey might urinate while being pursued. Since urine has phosphor, it “glows” and is seen very easily in the ultraviolet spectrum of light, thus making it

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easier for the eagle to follow its prey. Because we have comparatively mild winters in comparison to northern states, many of our lakes don’t fully freeze over, allowing eagles access to their favorite food, fish. Thus, we can enjoy our eagles throughout the year. So keep your eyes open to see this amazing bird. And if you happen to see several of them soaring together, you’ll be seeing a kettle of eagles.

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What Makes a Native Garden Thrive Photo by Scott Woodbury.

think often about what makes a garden successful. Time and time again, garden success falls squarely on the shoulders of those who take the time to care for them. Even the best designs with all the right plants, clever design, and solid installation can fail if there is no one present to catch potential problems and do ongoing maintenance. Gardens fail all the time because nobody followed up with weeding, mulching, watering, editing, replanting, trimming-back, rakingup or cutting-down—the fundamental actions of horticulture. People often think that native landscapes don’t require much (or any) maintenance. Gardens installed without follow-up fail, and they are a waste of time and money—sometimes public money. Also, I find that unskilled labor is not enough. It really takes an experienced gardener or professional horticulturist to know when and what to do in every season, not just somebody with good intentions or someone who can cut the grass. What every garden needs is an experienced person or group of people who care and show up to do the hard work long term. Take for instance the Sierra Club garden (pictured above right) in Maplewood, Mo. It’s similar to many native gardens that get installed around St. Louis and is typical of urban spaces. The garden is sandwiched between the Sierra Club parking lot and the street at the corner of Sutton and Maple. Part of the parking lot was removed to create the garden, and so the garden contains gravel and rubble. It also has two utility poles that seep “goodness-knows what” into the surrounding soil. In spite of this, the garden thrives. The garden has a diverse selection of Missouri native grasses and perennials that are suitable to the hot, dry sunny site. It was planted in a naturalistic style though with distinctive plants like short leaf pine (Pinus echinata), wild hydrangea (Hydrangea

Photo by Kathy Bildner.

Native plant guru, SCOTT WOODBURY describes key ingredient for native garden success.

arborescens), American feverfew (Parthenium hispidum), and blue wild indigo (Baptisia australis) that make bold statements. Care was taken in selecting plants of different heights, shapes, and textures and repeating them through the garden. Most important of all, there are gardeners who show up every month to maintain it. This is the magic ingredient that allows the garden to work. Neighbors always comment on its beauty and thriving wildlife. Skilled gardeners and long-time Wild Ones members, (pictured above left to right) Kathy Bildner, Fran Glass, Penny Holtzmann, and others help guide the process. On a recent visit in May, aromatic aster was getting a haircut and was being dug up at the edges to make way for other less aggressive plants nearby. A crop of firstyear golden Alexander seedlings were being thinned and weeded in a bare patch at the base of the utility pole. Worn-out plant tags were being replaced with new ones. Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) and zig-zag spiderwort (Tradescantia subaspera) plants were being planted into bare spaces, and water was being carried in an old ice-cream bucket. Baby brown fox sedge seedlings were being removed where they had sprouted earlier in spring, and in

the midst of all these activities, a passerby took a moment to say “I love your garden!” And there’s the heart of it. Gardening is an act of people—

people who create and care for it, and people who are lucky enough to experience it. That’s why Cindy Gilberg used to say “gardening is a verb.” Gardening is rooted in activities like these. Activities that bring people together, keep us healthy physically and mentally and makes gardens (and people!) thrive. 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 native plants and native plant services at www.grownative.org, Resource Guide.

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The Kansas City Gardener | July 2019

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Jewels Garden Jewels of of The The Water Water Garden 26th Annual Water Gardens Tour 2019 Sat, July 6, 9am-7pm • Sun, July 7, 9am-5pm Rain or Shine • Bus tours available. Buy early to plan your personal driving tour of nearly 40 gardens in Greater Kansas City and nearby communities and Lawrence. There are a variety of private gardens and Water Garden Society constructed educational water gardens for schools and nature centers.

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July 2019 | kcgmag.com

Upcoming Garden Events places to go, things to do, people to see

Club Meetings Bonner Springs Garden Club Tues, Jul 16, 9:30am; the club will be meeting at 16459 Loring Rd, Linwood, KS 66052 to car pool to Crum’s Heirloom produce to start a tour at 10am. Followed by a tour of Duet Fields LLC at 11:30am, a new flower/ market farmer in Linwood KS. Guests welcome. For further information, contact bonnerspringsgardenclub@gmail. com. Bonsai Society of GKC Mon, Jul 27, 10am-4pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Summer Exhibit. Exhibit Program: Rose Room will feature members’ trees from 11am-3pm. Fern Room will feature an ongoing workshop throughout the day. Library will have a PowerPoint presentation at 1:30pm. www.bsgkc.org Greater Kansas City Dahlia Society Sun, Jul 21, 1-3pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO. Program: Bernard Lohkamp will give a presentation on cutting flowers for showing, handling insects and fertilization. Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group Wed, Jul 10, noon. This month members will travel to the Washington Creek Lavender Farm located near Lawrence, KS. Washington Creek Lavender Farm grows many varieties of Lavender and also sells products and dried Lavender through their website: Wclanvender.com. For Photos of the farm and additional info visit website: Washingtoncreeklavender. com. Members will pack a lunch to bring to enjoy while visiting the farm. Facebook: check us out at Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group. Friends and visitors are always welcome. Questions: Call Lynn at 816308-5450. Heart of America Gesneriad Society Sat, Jul 20, 10am-noon; at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO. Program: Auction of various gardening material and plants. A potluck luncheon will follow from noon-1pm. Please bring a dish if you would like to join in (optional). Visitors Welcome. KC Cactus and Succulent Society Sun, Jul 21, 1:30-4pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st St and Wornall

Rd, Kansas City, MO. Topic: Planning/ Refresher course on how to get plants prepared to show for upcoming show and sale in August. Coming in August also at Loose Park Garden Center, the 41st ANNUAL SHOW AND SALE on Sat, Aug 10, 9am-5pm (Judged show opens to the public at 11am. Sales open at 9am.) and Sun, Aug 11, 11am-4pm. Both the club meeting and Show and Sale are free and open to the public. Contact 816-444-9321 or evaal@att. net for more information. For information on the Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society, visit our website: kccactus.com. Visitors are welcome to join the fun. Kansas City Garden Club Mon, Jul 1, 9am-2pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st St and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816-513-8590 Leavenworth County Master Gardeners Wed, Jul 10, 11am; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Lynn Loughary, Wyandotte County Horticulture Agent, will present “Small Trees for the Kansas City Landscape”. The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more information, contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094. Lenexa Field and Garden Club Tues, Jul 9, 7pm; at Lackman Thompson Barn, Lenexa Chamber of Commerce, 11180 Lackman Rd, Lenexa, KS 66219. Master Gardener, Merle Sharpe, will give tips on using hardy native plants in a more formal setting to serve both ecological functions as well as beauty. Learn more about the club at www.lenexafieldandgardenclub.org. Mid America Begonia Society Sat, Jul 20, 1-3pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO. Membership. Visitors Welcome. Online Food Preservation Class

Events, Lectures & Classes July MU Extension offers a self-paced online food preservation course that provides research based information to safely and successfully preserve food at home. Participants of all levels of food preservation experience are welcome, including individuals with

little or no previous food preservation experience. The course covers pressure canning, boiling water bath canning, steam canning, dehydration, and freezing. Highlights of the course include preserving salsas, pie fillings, pickling, sweet spreads, and harvesting and storage of produce. Enroll at: https://extension2.missouri.edu/ courses. Urban region Nutrition and Health Education Specialists will offer hands on practice sessions this summer and fall as follow-up learning opportunities. For more information, contact Nutrition and Health specialists: Denise Sullivan: 816-482-5850; Lydia Kaume: 816-252-5051; Amy Vance: 816-407-3490

nurseries, websites, magazines, etc. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094.

Summer Perennials Wed, Jul 3, 6-7pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence, KS 66047. We will discuss some of our favorite sun and shade perennials for summer. Workshop lasts an hour plus time for questions. FREE, but seating is limited, so please RSVP either by clicking on “going” on our Facebook page or call 785-842-3081. Handouts provided. This workshop in held in conjunction with the Farmers Market at Clinton Parkway Nursery which runs each Wednesday from 4:30 to 6:30pm from mid May to the end of Sept.

Battling Garden Pests Thurs, Jul 11, 11:30am-1pm; at Sunflower Room of Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1208 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. It seems that something is always munching on or discoloring the foliage of our plants. In this session, presented by Dennis Patton, K-State Research & Extension Horticulture Agent, Johnson County, we will look at some of the common landscape pests, both insects and diseases. Learning how to identify the issues is the first step. From there we can determine if this pest problem is life threatening and what is the best method of control. Come with your questions as the goal of this class is to make you better gardeners armed with good information to help problem solve and in return have happy and beautiful plants. This presentation is sponsored by the Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners. Registration is not required. Fee: $5.00 (waived for certified master gardeners). Please call 913-299-9300 if you need further information.

Daylily Open house Thurs, Jul 4 and Fri, Jul 5, 9am-1pm; at Hart’s Daylilies, 7460 W 255th, Louisburg, KS. 900 varieties of daylilies. 913-837-5209 for information. Water Gardens 2019 Sat, Jul 6 and Sun, Jul 7, rain or shine. The Water Garden Society of Greater Kansas City proudly presents its 26th annual self-directed water garden tour in Kansas City, MO and surrounding metropolitan communities. Tickets for the tour are $10 per person 14 years and over, and can be purchased at garden centers throughout the community as well as Hen House and Westlake Hardware in the Kansas City area. Proceeds benefit construction and maintenance of educational and restorative water gardens and other educational programs in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Purchase your tickets early to plan your driving tour. For groups and bus tours visit us at www. kcwatergardens.com. For Information on discounted tickets at $8 per person for groups of 10 or more call 913-5999718 or tour@kcwatergardens.com Master Gardener Favorites…Tools and Resources Tues, Jul 9, 4pm; at Lansing Community Library, 730 Ter, Ste 1; Lansing, KS 66043. Pat Matthews and Melony Lutz, both Leavenworth County Master Gardeners, will host a round table discussion of favorite garden tools and resources, including

Master Gardener Favorites…Tools and Resources Wed, Jul 10, 7pm, at Basehor Community Library, 1400 158th St, Basehor, KS 66007. Pat Matthews and Melony Lutz, both Leavenworth County Master Gardeners, will host a round table discussion of favorite garden tools and resources, including, nurseries, websites, magazine, etc. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094.

Master Gardener favorites…Tools and Resources Thurs, Jul 18, 7pm, at Leavenworth Public Library, 417 Spruce St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Pat Matthews and Melony Lutz, both Leavenworth County Master Gardeners, will host a round table discussion of favorite garden tools and resources including nurseries, websites, magazine, etc. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094.

Daylily Bloom Show

he Mokan Daylily Society will hold a flower display at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Garden on Sunday, July 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Exhibitors will show many forms, shapes, sizes and colors to expose the public to some of the nearly 90,000 registered varieties on the market. Information will be available on how to purchase many of these from growers in the local club, from regional sources or suppliers found on the internet. Many members would also enjoy having visitors to their gardens

where you can discover hundreds of other cultivars. Blooms will be exhibited off scape (blossoms in vases) and there will be varieties exhibited on scape to show the variances in branching and bud count. Information will be available on selecting and growing daylilies and planting techniques will be exhibited. Visitors can vote for their favorite bloom. Overland Park Arboretum is located a mile west of US Hwy 69 on 179th Street. Show is free with admission to the gardens. Call 816-769-4600 for additional information.

SPEAKERS’ BUREAU

Need a speaker for your church, civic group or garden club? The Johnson County Extension Speakers’ Bureau have the speakers you are looking for on just about any topic like environmentally safe lawn care, or perennial flower gardening. 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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Sustainability Leadership–Gr 8-12 Fri, Jul 19, 8am-3pm; at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. Do you want to make a difference at your school and in your community? Learn best practices for starting a small and manageable recycling, composting, gardening and farming program. Ideas for mitigating storm water runoff and planting bio swales will also be discussed. In addition, discover how

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(continued on page 20)

The Kansas City Gardener | July 2019

Wyandotte County EMG Association Now Accepting Applications

he Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners Association is now accepting applications for participation in the 2019 Fall Training Program. Classes will be conducted every Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., from September 17 through November 5, 2019. Master Gardener candidates receive over 40 hours of basic horticulture training. Courses are taught by the experts in their respective fields. All are K-State Research & Extension Specialists or other qualified professionals. Each Tuesday’s training includes one morning and one afternoon class. Course topics included are: • Plant Science • Wildlife Management • Landscape Design • Soils • Flowers: Annuals & Perennials • Fruits • Vegetables • Turf • Trees & Shrubs • Entomology (Insects) • Pesticides • Plant Pathology • Landscape Maintenance

Master Gardener candidates do not have to be gardening experts to enter the program. While some first-hand knowledge of gardening basics is helpful, it is not required. Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners are member of their community. In exchange for the training, they then give back to the community by volunteering on various Master Gardener projects, including demonstration gardens, the Hotline, and/or the Speakers Bureau. Master Gardeners have a vast array of horticultural interests. Some are primarily interested in methods for improving lawns. Others focus primarily on flowers or vegetables. Others spend time with programs and projects that educate the public, from pre-school children to adults of all ages. Whatever your horticultural interest, you will find someone within the group who shares it. The training program costs $125.00, which includes class materials. Applications are available at the Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1216 N. 79th Street, Kansas City, KS. Completed applications must be received by September 6, 2019.

Upcoming Garden Events places to go, things to do, people to see

(continued from page 19)

easy it is to implement alternative energy options while enjoying bike blender smoothies and solar smores. This course is great for students in environmental clubs, scouts, etc. This course is for students between the grades 8-12. Instructor: Kristy Howell and Deb Williams. Fee: $79. To enroll go to https://ce.jccc.edu or call 913469-2323. Indoor Garden/Urban Farming Classes Sat, Jul 20, 11am-Noon (Entry level Class), 1-2pm (Advanced Class); 117 S Mur-Len Rd, Olathe, KS 66062. Classes are FREE but seating is limited so please sign-up via our website yearroundgarden.com. Learn tips and tricks of how to grow a successful garden indoors, new topics every month, and discounts offered to class attendees. 913-397-0594 Partner Presentation: Owls in Plain Sight, A Nature Experience Sat, Jul 20, 2-3:30pm; at Anita B Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110. Registration required (all ages). Mark H.X. Glenshaw is an awardwinning naturalist who has closely observed and documented the lives of great horned owls in Forest Park in St Louis, Missouri since December 2005. Mark’s talk, “Forest Park Owls: Hiding In Plain Sight”, will cover how he found these owls, basic facts about the species and the different behaviors he has been able to see and document with photos and videos to illustrate these behaviors. This program is a partner presentation hosted by Gardens of Delight. There will also be an Owl Prowl on July 21 in Parkville from 7-9 p.m. Pre-registration is required at http://www.gardensofdelight.org (under special events). For more information email discoverycenter@mdc. mo.gov; 816-759-7300; www.mdc. mo.gov/discoverycenter Our Big Backyard Sat, Jul 27, 10-11am, 11:30am-12:30 pm or 1-2pm; at Anita B Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110. Walk-in (all ages). The Discovery Center’s backyard is a six-acre urban oasis for native plants and wildlife. Join the naturalist for a one-hour interpretive walk around our trails. We’ll meet the wild and native trees, flowers and animals that make a living right here in the middle of Kansas City! For more information

July 2019 | kcgmag.com

email discoverycenter@mdc.mo.gov; 816-759-7300; www.mdc.mo.gov/discoverycenter

August Small Trees in the Landscape Thurs, Aug 1, 11:30am-1pm; at the Sunflower Room, Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1208 North 79th St, Kansas City, KS. There are numerous small trees that provide ornamental value to our homes. Lynn Loughary, K-State Research & Extension Horticulture Agent, will talk about those species and the attributes of each, as well as, any cultural needs to help them thrive in our challenging climate. Sponsored by Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners. Registration is not required. Fee: $5.00 (waived for certified master gardeners). Please call 913-299-9300 if you need further information. Fall Vegetable Gardening Wed, Aug 7, 6-7pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence, KS 66047. A whole new season of vegetable garden awaits this fall. Learn what you can plant this fall. All workshops last an hour plus time for questions. FREE, but seating is limited, so please RSVP either by clicking on “going” on our Facebook page or call 785-842-3081. Handouts provided. This workshop in held in conjunction with the Farmers Market at Clinton Parkway Nursery which runs each Wednesday from 4:30-6:30pm from mid May to the end of Sept. Greater Kansas City Iris Society Plant Sale Sat, Aug 17, 10am-3pm; at the Trailside Center, 9901 Holmes, Kansas City, MO. Add color to your garden by selecting from hundreds of locally grown iris varieties for sale. Includes TB, BB, IB, SDB and MTB. Don’t know what these designations mean? Come visit us and find out or check out the American Iris Society website: www.irises.org or the GKCIS website: www.kciris.org. Come early for best selection! MoKan Daylily Plant Sale Sat, Aug 17, 8:30am-3:30pm or until sell out; at Loose Park Garden Center, Kansas City, MO. MoKan Daylily Society sale has hundreds of different daylilies! Bare root, clumps, and newer daylilies in pots. Planting demonstrations, tips corner, and educational handouts. Members available to answer questions.

Beekeeping I Wed, Aug 21 & 28, 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.

September Beekeeping II Wed, Sep 4 & 11, 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. Lawn Care 101, Mowing, Reseeding, & Fertilizing Wed, Sep 4, 6-7pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence, KS 66047. Time to start thinking lawn renovation and fall fertilizing. Get a hands-on demonstration on how to reseed, best mowing practices, and fertilizing. This workshop last an hour plus time for questions. FREE, but seating is limited, so please RSVP either by clicking on “going” on our Facebook page or call 785-8423081. Handouts provided. This workshop in held in conjunction with the Farmers Market at Clinton Parkway Nursery which runs each Wed from 4:30 to 6:30 from Mid May to the end of September. Fall Herbs - Healthy Ways to Use and Preserve the Harvest Sat, Sep 7, 1-4pm; at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College

Blvd, Overland Park, KS. Discover ideas about what to do with your abundance of healthy Fall herbs. Discuss harvest techniques and various preserving methods for culinary and medicinal uses. An informative beginner’s class, with hands-on learning and useful recipes for the kitchen. Don’t let all those precious herbs die with the first frost. The goal is to get you comfortable growing and using more of these flavorful, healthy, and nutrient-packed garden gems. Fee: $39. To enroll go to https://ce.jccc.edu or call 913-469-2323. Beekeeping III Wed, Sep 18 & 25, 6:30-8:30pm; at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. This class will be a fun and active way to learn how to be a successful backyard beekeeper. We will provide the basic knowledge needed to keep and manage a healthy beehive, and produce honey and beeswax. This class will cover bee behavior, hive management, diseases, pests, swarming and how to harvest honey right from your own backyard. Fee: $59. To enroll go to https://ce.jccc.edu or call 913-4692323.

October Advanced Beekeeping – Pests and Diseases Wed, Oct 2, 6:30-8:30pm; at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. Explore the greatest challenges in today’s beekeeping world. You will do an in-depth study and review of beekeeping diseases and pests. Learn how to identify pests and diseases in the early stages and the best practices for treatment alternatives. In addition, review new regulations and laws that impact our bees. Fee: $29. To enroll go to https://ce.jccc.edu or call 913469-2323.

More events are posted on our website, KCGMAG.COM, click on “Events.” Promote club meetings, classes, seminars plant sales and other gardening events for FREE! Send details to:

elizabeth@kcgmag.com

Deadline for publishing in the August issue is July 5.

Powell Gardens in July Drop-In Tour: Shady Secrets of the Woodland Sunday, July 7, 2 p.m. | Free with Garden Admission Join Powell Gardens docent Margaret Smith-Wisker for a focused look at the design, construction, and cool shade-loving understory of the David T. Beals III Woodland and Stream Garden. Did you know there is off the beaten path access in this garden? This is a great way to escape the heat of summer, appreciate often overlooked aspects of this garden, while visiting Powell Gardens. Meet in the Grand Hall of the visitor center for this walking tour. Work and Learn: Powell Gardens Iris Collection Instructors: Travis Freeman, Matt Hockaday, McKenna Bowman, Powell Gardens Horticulturalists Thursday, July 11, 9 a.m.-noon | $25 (Members receive 10% off) Did you know that the iris is the official flower of Kansas City and that Powell Gardens has more than 560 named cultivars in its collection? Learn about the history of this collection, the man behind its conception (Dr. Norlan Henderson), and help our horticulture staff relocate iris specimen into a new, well-designed home in the garden. Participants who sign up for this workshop will learn how to care for, properly cut back, and relocate iris rhizomes (while helping us start this relocation project) and will get an iris cutting or two to take home. Participants should bring plenty of water, a snack, and dress for the weather (wear sun-protection clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and closed toe shoes please). We will provide tools and gloves. Saturday Rhythm & Blooms Saturday, July 13, noon-4 p.m. | Free with Garden Admission Enjoy the rhythm of live music, libations, and the blooms of the season Second Saturdays through the summer. Purchase tasty bites from Café Thyme or Perennial Gifts (the garden gift shop), grab a drink from the terrace bar, relax and breathe in the Gardens. Species Spotlight: Hunt for Berry Treasure Saturday, July 13, 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Free with Garden Admission Join a Powell Gardens docent for a hunt for berry treasure. This family-friendly hike features a short walk (less than one mile) through our forest to our lotus pond in search of blackberries and other woodland treasures. This experience is suited for families with kids ages five to twelve. Come prepared with bug spray and sunscreen. Space is limited, so please register online in advance. SAGES: Water Gardening 101 Instructor: Deb Spencer Thursday, July 18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | $35 (Members receive 10% off) includes a box lunch Deb Spencer, co-owner of Water’s Edge, a regional resource for all things water gardening, will present an illustrated talk about elements of water gardening and inspire you with simple ideas for water features you can easily incorporate at home in a backyard, patio, or even a tabletop. Following the talk, grab a box lunch and walk to the Marlese Lowe Gourley Island Garden with Deb to learn about the aquatic plants on display at Powell Gardens. Water’s Edge is a Lawrence, Kansas retail operation whose specialty is supplies for all things water gardening. Festival of Butterflies July 26-August 11, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily | Festival Admission Applies (Members are free) Flit and flutter out to Powell Gardens for this annual event focused on a favorite pollinator! Enjoy hands-on activities, interact with expert community partners, and walk among the winged beauties in the tropical conservatory display and Native Butterfly Habitat. Monarch Butterfly Social & Release Presenter: Eric Perrette, senior gardener and butterfly expert at Powell Gardens Friday, July 26, 5-7 p.m. (Release and Short Presentation at 6 p.m.) | $35 Ticket includes one Monarch craft cocktail, bar nuts, a spectacular live butterfly release, a 15-minute presentation about Monarchs and a discussion of host plants, plus a donation to Powell Gardens. Join us for a truly unique happy hour featuring a live Monarch butterfly release from the terrace of The Monarch Bar, 4808 Roanoke Parkway, Kansas City. The drink menu of this Kansas City-based, James Beard Award-Nominated cocktail bar and lounge is designed by star bartender Brock Schulte and features specialty creations inspired by the seasonal migratory pattern of the Monarch butterfly. During this exclusive event, sip on a premium butterfly-themed cocktail and learn how to promote Monarch butterfly populations by offering the right host and nectar plants in your home garden or landscape. Additional cocktails and bar snacks will be available for purchase and the Monarch encourages additional donations to Powell Gardens during its annual Butterfly Festival July 26–August 11. For more information, visit www.powellgardens.org. The Kansas City Gardener | July 2019

July

garden calendar n LAWN

• Mow bluegrass and tall fescue at 3 to 3 1/2 inches. • Mow zoysia at 1 1/2 inches. • Fertilize zoysia to encourage summer growth with a high nitrogen fertilizer. • Let grass clippings fall to return nutrients to the soil. • Look for summer diseases such as brown patch; treat if necessary. • Sharpen mower blades for a clean cut. • Replace lawn mower air filter and change lawn mower oil per owner’s manual. • Prepare to control perennial grassy weeds such as zoysia, fescue and nimblewill. • Take a soil test to prepare for fall lawn renovation. • Water deeply and less frequently for deep roots and a healthy lawn.

n FLOWERS

• Remove faded flowers from annuals to stimulate more buds for late summer color. • Deadhead perennials to prevent seeding and encourage plant growth. • Lightly fertilize annuals. • Dig, divide and replant crowded irises. • Divide daylilies. • Fertilize roses for fall blossoms. • Fertilize and water container gardens. • Groom container gardens to keep in tip-top shape. • Complete the final pinching of chrysanthemum tips for bushier plants.

• Replenish mulch layers. • Cut fresh bouquets for enjoyment.

n TREES AND SHRUBS

• Water newly planted shrubs and young trees (planted within the last three to five years) during dry weather. • Keep plants mulched to conserve moisture and cool roots. • Remove sucker growth from the base of trees and along branches. • Prune diseased, dead or hazardous limbs. • Look for bagworms and remove or treat.

n VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

• Control weed growth to preserve water and nutrients. • Fertilize vegetables to encourage plant development. • Watch for foliar disease development on lower tomato leaves and treat with a fungicide. • Prepare for fall gardening. Plant potatoes, broccoli and other fall crops. • Spray sweet corn to control corn earworms as silks emerge. • Look for pests in the garden and control. • Remove old raspberry canes’ after harvest. • Harvest fruits of your labor and enjoy.

n MISCELLANEOUS

• Keep compost pile moist for fast processing and turn occasionally. • Take photographs of the garden to document success and for future planning.

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. EST.2007

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Meet Master Gardener, Jolene Newkirk

What first drew you to the hobby of gardening: My happy place is working in the garden. Who doesn’t love flowers and a nicely landscaped yard? How long have you been a Master Gardener: When my husband and I purchased our first home in 1972, I yearned to fill the yard with blooming shrubs, perennials and annuals. That’s when my gardening frenzy started. My goal was to become a Master Gardener as soon as I retired in 2012. Going to the Master

Gardener garden tours and talking with Master Gardeners about gardening truly inspired me to learn all I could. Most valuable information learned: When taking a community education class, the instructor said we would be talking about preparing the soil in the first meeting. I wanted to know about flowers, not soil. However, it was a turning point in my gardening success. Who knew what a compost pile could do! It has become my best friend. Growing up in Nebraska, the soil was black–nothing like the sticky, gummy clay soil we have in Clay County, Missouri. Favorite tool: Always in my gardening bag ready for work are pruning clippers and a dandelion puller. Favorite plant type: I really like perennials and shrubs that are drought tolerant and dependable. Many are native to area. First up are assorted reliable Coreopsis, Shasta Daisies, Echinacea Purple Coneflower, and Garden Phlox. For shady areas, I like many varieties of Hostas, Toad Lilies and Annabelle Hydrangea. I’m thrilled that azaleas do well on the east side of our house. There are many varieties of blooming Spirea and Weigela that are sun-loving and put on quite a show, and

what’s more fun than seeing all the butterflies on the Butterfly Bush? What are you passionate about: Learning something new is on the top of my list. Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City (MGGKC) sponsor a Gardener’s Gathering with interesting speakers every two months, and a Spring Gardening Seminar in March. Both are open to the public. Going on garden tours (usually in June) is a great way to see what other gardeners do. (Check out the MGGKC website www.mggkc.org.) What challenges do you face: We back up to the woods which means the deer visit often. I love to see them but don’t like their munching, so deer repellent is my friend. Advice to share: • Have a composter or compost pile. • Use shredded leaves to mulch annuals and perennial areas, which cuts down on weeding, keeps soil cool and composts into the soil. • Don’t let one plant take over. Dig, divide and share with friends and family. • Grow what’s dependable and native, but don’t be afraid to try something new. • Take time to enjoy your garden! Who has inspired your love of gardening: My grandmother had a wonderful garden and she was always propagating plants. The Kansas City Gardener | July 2019

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July 2019 | kcgmag.com

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