The Kansas City
GARDENER July 2022 | kcgmag.com
Garden Gallery of
Cacti and Succulents Indoor Gardening | When Do Small Trees Become Large Shrubs Digging Deeper: Soil Types | Sphinx Moths in Your Butterfly Garden
editor’s notes
The Kansas City
GARDENER
More plants, of course
Independently owned and operated since 1996 EDITOR Elizabeth Cavanaugh CONTRIBUTORS Laura Dickinson Lenora Larson Susan Mertz Jason Mispagel Miranda Niemiec Dennis Patton Denise Sullivan Scott Woodbury DISTRIBUTION Publishers Delivery Solutions, Inc. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISTRIBUTE the magazine at your place of business, please contact Mike Cavanaugh at mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 NEED MORE MAGAZINES? mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 CONTACT US P.O. Box 8725 Prairie Village, KS 66208 913-648-4728 ADVERTISING Mike Cavanaugh at mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728
I
t’s late at night on the first day of summer (June 21) as I write this column, and we are experiencing a severe thunderstorm. Even though a lightning strike close by caused a power outage, the rain is welcome. Temperatures have been 10 degrees above normal, looming dangerously close to 100 degrees for a week, and the garden needs water—especially newly planted shrubs and perennials. Whatever the rainfall amount likely won’t be enough, so I’ll be watering when the sun comes up. After renovating the front bed close to the house a few weeks ago, it is time to evaluate other planting beds. Still focusing our attention in the front landscape (that’s what the neighbors and passersby see first), the perennial beds closer to the street are incomplete. There are holes created by underperforming plants, or spaces intentionally left open for future plantings. We are big proponents of phase landscaping, meaning budget and time are huge factors in these planting projects. We try to keep spending within reason and under budget, and we don’t bring home any more plants than we can install in a day or two. Sure enough, more plants are needed. (Who saw that coming?) So Mr. Gardener and I made our way to the garden center, hav-
EDITORIAL Elizabeth Cavanaugh elizabeth@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728
WEBSITE kcgmag.com
varieties and to reacquaint ourselves with tried-and-true favorites. It is a place of discovery and inspiration. And who among us loves talking with fellow gardeners and garden center professionals? I, for one, always come away smarter than when I walked in. A little education does wonders for a gardener looking for more plants. I’ll see you in the garden!
In this issue
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE See details on page 23. SUBSCRIPTION Elizabeth Cavanaugh elizabeth@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728
ing made a mental list of what we were shopping for. After shopping for less than 20 minutes, we had a cart full of plants that we did not need. “So that takes care of the plants we have no plan for,” says Mr. Gardener. “Now, let’s move on to finding what is actually on our list.” We both had a good laugh acknowledging our impulses towards plant purchases. This is probably one of the most common experiences among gardeners. Like kids in a candy store, we are drawn in every direction and easily lose our focus. Who can pass over Hosta ‘Guacamole’ or ‘Cherries Jubilee’ False Indigo or the punch of purple and lime green leaves of ‘Lime Sprite’ Coleus? Oh yes, we have exercised restraint in many outings, establishing a strategy before we drive to the nursery. Some might call it militant. There will be no browsing. We go in, find our plants, make a purchase, and get out! For the love of all that is holy, stay together. In reality though, that’s no way to enjoy an outing at the garden center. There is no better place to wander like a child, to explore new
July 2022 | kcgmag.com 4 6 8 10 12 14 15
Ask the Experts Indoor Gardening–Prevention Plants on Your Plate–Rhubarb Rose Report Cacti and Succulents Sphinx Moths Powell Gardens Happenings
16 18 20 22 23 23 23
Digging Deeper: Soil Types Small Trees Become Large Shrubs Upcoming Garden Events Garden Calendar Garden Symposium Subscribe Hotlines
About the cover: Echeveria plants, commonly known as Hen and Chicks, are some of the most popular and easy-to-grow succulents. Learn more about cacti and succulents beginning on page 12. 2
July 2022 | kcgmag.com
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The Kansas City Gardener | July 2022
3
Ask the Experts FERNS THRIVE WITH CONSISTENT CARE Question: I have become interested in growing ferns. What conditions do they require and what varieties can I grow in the Kansas City area? Answer: Ferns can thrive with the right location and care. Ferns are shade plants and hot afternoon sun will burn the foliage. They do best with even soil moisture and good drainage. Most are clump forming but some can spread. The fern grown most is the Ostrich fern. The fronds can reach 3 feet and can spread by underground rhizomes. Japanese Painted fern is prized for its colorful fronds in shades of gray, purple and green. Lesser-known ferns which are happy in our gardens include Lady fern, Christmas fern and Autumn fern to name a few. All have graceful fronds reaching 1 to 3 feet. The trick with ferns is finding the right spot and the care needed to thrive. Ferns need consistent, even moisture and are not usually cut out for dry shade. WHAT TO DO ABOUT BALD CYPRESS KNEES Question: The home I purchased had a bald cypress tree which I love but here is the problem. The tree has these roots that pop up on the lawn. They are hard to mow over and can be a tripping hazard. Can I cut off the surface roots? Answer: Bald cypress is a wonderful tree which is adaptable to many sites from dry to wet. This is the same tree that grows in southern swamps and thrives in our dry hard clay. The surface roots you are concerned with are called knees. Knees are common in wetter soils conditions and their function is not clearly known. Their functions could be to provide oxygen to the tree or to help stabilize the tree. There are mixed answers to removal. Some sources report they can be cut off below the soil surface
without harming the tree. Others recommend removal with caution, although cypress wood is pretty rot resistant, the root remainders can lead to rot and decay. My best recommendation is to remove the grass in the areas circling the tree with the greatest
Autumn fern
4
July 2022 | kcgmag.com
improve drainage and lower pH. Fungicides to help prevent or rescue a plant experiencing rot are difficult to find and once the issue shows up is too late to save parts of the plant. Lastly, we cannot control rainfall patterns which compounds the issue. Bottom line is it is best to
Ostrich fern
concentration and add a layer of mulch. Embrace the knees as an ornamental property of the tree not a hazard. If there are random roots beyond this area, they can be removed with a sharp saw, cutting them off about 2 inches below the surface. LIMIT PRUNING OF NEWLY PLANTED TREES Question: I planted a new redbud and several of the twiggy branches show signs of dieback. Can I cut those off? Should I do any other pruning? Answer: Newly planted trees often will suffer some branch dieback. No matter the age of the tree dead branches can be removed anytime of the year. Deadwood provides no benefits to the tree. Pruning of newly planted trees should be limited to dead, broken or crossing limbs. It is best to leave as much growth as possible on young trees. Simply put, the higher the number of green leaves the greater the
DENNIS PATTON Horticulture Agent
ability the plant has to manufacturer food, and the greater the growth rate. As the tree grows additional pruning can be done to help shape and enhance the structure of the tree. I love getting the question about removing deadwood. Deadwood,
broken or hazardous limbs can be removed anytime of the year. No need to wait for the ideal time of late winter to prune. ROOT ROT OF RHODODENDRON Question: Help, my rhododendron is suffering from root rot. One by one branches wilt, turn brown and die. The problem has been identified as a root rot. What can I do? Answer: Rhododendrons can be a difficult plant to grow in our climate. They prefer an acidic soil which we don’t have. They like organically rich and well drained soils. We have poorly drained clay and low organic matter. As a result, this plant can struggle. The best defense against the several types of root rots which can affect rhododendrons is prevention. Before planting improve the planting bed or area, not the planting hole itself. Till up the bed 6 to 8 inches and add acidic organic matter, such as peat moss. This should
rely on good garden practices and culture instead of chemical treatments for success. JUMPING WORM REPORT LITTLE OR NO DAMAGE TO SOIL Question: What’s all the fuss about the jumping worm? What do I do if I find one? Answer: I may get hate mail over this comment, but my take is the news media is making mountains out of mole hills, or in this case worm castings. In Kansas the Department of Agriculture is not monitoring the movement of this species. Reports of them are overblown as every big earthworm is the Asian species. In areas where they have had established populations for years, they report little or no damage to the soil. It is always good to be proactive to prevent issues but with this one if you think you have them, kill them, and find something else to worry about. I may eat my words later but for now this is my advice.
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.
The Kansas City Gardener | July 2022
5
Indoor Gardening: An Ounce of Prevention
E
ver the optimist, I often find myself spreading the indoorgardening gospel without giving much lip service to its potential pitfalls. Even looking through past articles, it’s clear I have a tendency to soften the rough edges and paint a more pristine picture of growing your own food than what lends itself to reality. Gardeners in white lab coats, surrounded by spotless hydroponic systems, logging light intensity readings, while wearing surgical gloves are simply not the norm. The average person just doesn’t have the time, resources or attention-span to turn their basement into a full-fledged commercial-grade food production facility. Real life is much messier. We hastily water when we’re scrambling to get the kids off to school in the morning, sloshing soil onto the floor. We leave stacks of dirty pots and containers sitting around, promising ourselves that we’ll wash them in the driveway “on our next free weekend.” We “forget” to clean our pruning shears until they reach a state of filth so horrifying that they must be replaced entirely. For the most part, cutting corners here and there doesn’t evolve into anything more than a bigger mess to clean up later, but it does present an opportunity for pests and pathogens to creep into our gardens. Therein lies one of the most significant, and yet frequently glossed-over, challenges to growing your own food indoors. Managing harmful insects, bacteria and fungi is nothing new to the gardening world but introduce these bad guys to an indoor space devoid of natural predators, and the risk of full-on infestation rises exponentially. While hundreds of products promote their success at fighting outbreaks, the best solution always begins with prevention. Acknowledging that we all are hu-
man, though, what are some basic steps we can take to limit the risks to our plants without requiring a massive commitment of our time or energy? First, and most importantly, keeping your plants healthy is the best defense. Sick or weak plants are more susceptible to pests and
Debris-free and clean growing environment makes for healthier plants. pathogens because they often lack the inherent strength to ward off attackers. Then, it’s a matter of controlling the environment in a way that makes it difficult for invaders to stake their claim. Maintaining temperature and humidity levels appropriate for the variety of plants you’re growing is a solid starting point, but the greatest danger zone occurs when humidity levels are consistently higher than necessary (i.e. >70%). High humidity combined with cool temperatures is a
JASON MISPAGEL Indoor Gardener 6
July 2022 | kcgmag.com
recipe for mold spores to thrive, while high humidity mixed with warm temperatures is an opportune breeding ground for insects and bacteria. Avoiding stagnant air is another critical component in minimizing threats to our plants. If you are growing in a tent or closed room,
oscillating or wall-mounted fans can assist in circulating the air, keeping leaves and branches in a constant state of motion. Not only will this make it harder for pests to find a resting spot, but it will prevent pockets of stale air from forming and homogenize the cool air near the floor with the warm air near the ceiling. Bringing fresh air into your area is also important. In a wide-open basement or sideroom, this likely isn’t an issue as long as you have central air/heat
being forced into the space and a return vent to allow its exit. In a tent or un-ventilated space, in-line fans can be employed to force cool air into the area and exhaust warm air out, with a full exchange occurring at least once every three minutes. To avoid bringing unwanted critters or microbes into the area, an activated-charcoal filter placed just prior to the intake fan, via ducting, can reduce the chances. Dirty water is also a source of contamination for an indoor grow. Tap water from the city has been pre-treated to remove harmful microbial life, but if it lingers in buckets, totes or hydroponic systems for too long, the risks that a fungal spore or bacteria is introduced after-the-fact goes up. Cool, fresh water is always ideal. If you’re using water from an untreated source such as a well, be sure to have it tested regularly at a lab. A charcoalfiltration or reverse osmosis system can be added to help eliminate pathogens if they’re present. Lastly, limit hiding places for pests and pathogens whenever possible. Keep your tools, watering cans, extra soil, containers, etc., in an area away from your indoor garden. Introduce them only for limited periods when they are in use. Dead and dying leaves also make ideal habitats for all sorts of nasties, so quickly clipping and removing one or two each time you water your plants can make a big impact. Even if you do everything right, there is no guarantee you’ll never encounter a pest or pathogen in the life of your garden. That’s not a realistic goal. The true intent is to minimize the potential for an infestation and simultaneously improve the chances of eliminating one if (and when) it occurs. Taking a few proactive measures today will put you on the path to avoiding some major headaches down the road.
Jason Mispagel is the co-owner and operator of Year-Round Garden, a grower’s supply center serving both home and commercial customers since 2016. To contact Jason, call 816-216-6917 or jason@year-roundgarden.com.
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7
PLANTS ON YOUR PLATE Rhubarb Rhubarb & Blueberry Crisp MAKES 9 SERVINGS INGREDIENTS Topping 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats 2 tablespoons ground flax seed 1/4 cup margarine or butter, melted
T
his month’s plant is another example that begs the question ‘is it a vegetable or fruit’? Botanically speaking, rhubarb is a considered a vegetable, though it is more commonly used as a fruit in culinary preparations such as desserts or sweet spreads – with a fair amount of sugar added. To add to the confusion, in 1947 the U.S. Customs court in Buffalo, N.Y., legally classified rhubarb as fruit. Though the origin of rhubarb is uncertain, it was commonly used in Asia over 2,000 years ago for its medicinal qualities. It was not until the 18th century that rhubarb was grown for culinary purposes in Britain and America. Rhubarb is a perennial plant in the Polygonaceae family, more commonly known as buckwheat. Rhubarb leaves contain a toxic compound that acts as a natural insecticide. This is the reason that the leaves are not fit for human consumption and only the rhubarb stalk is edible. Rhubarb ranges in color from light green to deep red depending on the variety, with a texture that is resemblant of celery. Typically, the deeper red a rhubarb stalk is, the less tart it will be. Rhubarb is a nutrition powerhouse, with over 40 nutrient compounds present. A 1 cup serving
provides about 25% of the daily value of Vitamin K, as well as Vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber, with under 30 calories. The high level of vitamin K should be considered by anyone on blood thinners, as it can intensify the effects of the medication. Beyond the vitamins and minerals, numerous phytochemicals provide additional health benefits including anti-inflammation and aiding in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Rhubarb also contains about 15% of the daily value of calcium, however not in a form that is readily absorbed by the body. Calcium oxalate, the form found in rhubarb, may lead to the buildup of oxalate crystals in different organs, including the kidneys, which can increase risk of kidney stones. Rhubarb’s high acidity, which is atypical for vegetables, is mostly due to malic acid. Malic acid is one of the most abundant acids in plants and contributes to the sour taste of many fruits and vegetables. For this reason, rhubarb can be safely processed as a high acid food using a boiling water bath process, as opposed to the pressure canned process required for most vegetables. Rhubarb’s tart flavor requires a sweet helper and strawberries are a popular choice (and a personal fa-
DENISE SULLIVAN Nutrition Ninja 8
July 2022 | kcgmag.com
Fruit Filling 3 cups chopped rhubarb 3 cups blueberries 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup 100% apple juice 1 teaspoon vanilla DIRECTIONS Wash hands with soap and water. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, stir together brown sugar, flour, oats, and flax seed. Mix in the margarine or butter and set aside. Spread the rhubarb and blueberries in an 8x8-inch baking dish and set aside. In a medium saucepan, mix cornstarch, sugar, and cinnamon until combined. Stir in the juice and cook over medium heat, stirring all the time, until the mixture has thickened. Turn off the heat. Stir in vanilla and pour the mixture over the rhubarb and blueberries. Crumble oat mixture on top of the fruit. Bake for 45 minutes or until topping is browned and fruit is bubbling at edges. Serve warm or cold. NUTRITION INFORMATION Calories: 185, Total Fat: 6.7g, Saturated Fat: .9g, Sodium: 65mg, Carbohydrates: 31g, Fiber: 3.5g, Protein: 2.5g Recipe adapted from MyPlate Kitchen, analyzed by verywellfit.com.
vorite of mine) but the use of blueberries in the recipe below results in an exquisite blend of colors, flavors, and textures. Help us evaluate our mass media
efforts. Scan this code to tell what you’ve learned from this article. Thank you!
Denise Sullivan (@MUExtJacksonCo) is a Nutrition and Health Education Specialist for MU Extension in Jackson County. For research based nutrition and food safety information and programs, call 816-4825850 or visit https://extension2.missouri.edu/.tasty side dish for a late-summer picnic.
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The Kansas City Gardener | July 2022
9
Rose Report
Water, Water, Water!
T
he main task in the July rose garden is to water. And then, water some more! Roses need at least an inch of water every week during the growing season, and up to two inches a week during the hot months of July and August. Rose bush growth and flower production slows down in the heat. They are just trying to live through it, like all of us! The trick is to provide adequate water while minimizing the amount of time that the rose leaves are damp to help prevent leaf fungus disease. Here are some watering tips for hot summer months. These tips can also be applied to all summer landscape watering practices. Water in the morning, not in the evening. Your goal is to finish watering when the sun is rising so the leaves will dry out as quickly as possible. Watering in the heat of day is not recommended because most of the water will evaporate into the air instead of soaking into the ground. This wastes precious water and prevents adequate hydration of the plants. Water deeply and infrequently. Instead of a light watering several times a week, apply the whole inch of water at one time. This encourages the plant’s roots to search deeply for water instead of depending on shallow surface water. If your soil drains poorly or your garden is on a slope, cycle your watering through several areas of your garden, putting a half or third of the needed water on cycle so that the soil will have time to absorb it. If possible, water at the base of the plants instead of overhead. A watering wand or drip irrigation system is ideal. If you have an automatic sprinkler system or must use overhead water, be very strict about tip number one—water in the morning—so that the leaves can dry out as quickly as possible.
Roses need at least an inch of water every week during the growing season, and up to two inches a week during the hot months of July and August. How much water is an inch per bush? If you don’t have an automatic sprinkler system that puts out a known volume of water, try these tricks. For an overhead sprinkler, place several small cans (like cat food or tuna cans) or plastic containers with straight sides at various distances from your sprinkler then turn it on at its normal volume. Wait 30 minutes, then use a ruler to measure the depth of the water in each container. If they contain an average of a half inch of water, you know that this sprinkler needs to run for an hour to dispense an inch of water. Adjust your watering time accordingly. To gauge the output of a watering wand, hold it over a 5-gallon bucket and time how long it takes to fill. One full 5-gallon bucket will provide the equivalent of an inch of water when poured in
LAURA DICKINSON Consulting Rosarian 10
July 2022 | kcgmag.com
a 2-foot circle around a bush. Adjust the amount of water for small plants or big bushes. Japanese Beetles have arrived
July and August bring the annual invasion of the dreaded Japanese beetle, and they love roses! Methods for managing (although not eliminating!) this pest are found on the Kansas City Rose Society website https://www.kansasci-
tyrosesociety.org/rose-insect-pests. html#japanesebeetle. The good news is that they are temporary and rarely cause permanent damage to the rose bushes. My personal beetle treatment program is to go out to my rose garden every evening carrying a bucket with a few inches of soapy water in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. I place the bucket under a bloom covered in beetles and shake them off into the water. I tell them to have a nice swim and enjoy a sip of wine to celebrate the moment…Ah, the joys of rose gardening! If you have rose questions, please contact our Ask a Rosarian hotline at kcrosehelp@gmail.com. Fact sheets on all areas of rose care can be found under the Rose Info tab on our website www.kansascityrosesociety.org.
Laura Dickinson is an American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian and is Vice-President of the Kansas City Rose Society. Laura is retired from a career in science education and program management. She can be reached at the Ask a Rosarian hotline, kcrosehelp@gmail.com.
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11
Garden Gallery of
F
or many years, the collections of cacti and succulents at Powell Gardens were stored in a greenhouse at the back of the property and not readily available for our visitors to explore. Occasionally, a few plants from the collections would be included in a garden or part of a temporary display. The transformation of a greenhouse by the Millstone Fountain and Menu Garden changed that. Eric Perrette, lead horticulturist of the North Gardens at Powell, came up with the idea and led the initiative to develop a permanent display in a public part of the gardens. The display of cacti and succulents has quickly become a visitor favorite. The Cacti and Succulents Garden Gallery features plants from our arid collection. Full of thorns and hard to move, the larger cacti specimens are placed prominently and considered permanent features. Medium sized plants rotate in and out. Planted directly in a layer of gravel are drifts including agave, pickle plants, and lifesaver cacti. To help camouflage the greenhouse’s concrete walls, Eric and Casey McNeel, senior gardener, created four succulent walls. Using propagated plants from the collections, Casey takes each year’s initial design concept and recreates it with the succulents. It’s fun watching it come together in February. Towards the end of February, once the plants have rooted in a bit, the living walls are stood up and attached to the greenhouse walls. The succulent walls receive a quick shower of water every 2-3 days and fertilized monthly with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer. On either side of the greenhouse are curtains of string of bananas (fast growing with larger leaves) and string of dolphins (slower growing). Overhead, hanging baskets include donkey tails sedum, donkey ears kalanchoe, and combination succulent baskets. The Cacti and Succulents Garden Gallery is open for visitors March-December. During the annual Festival of Lights from mid-November through December, a colorful Christmas cactus display is added. Eric’s Fun Succulent Facts • All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. • Succulents come in every color of the rainbow. • There are 10,000 species of succulents in the world.
SUSAN MERTZ Plantswoman 12
July 2022 | kcgmag.com
• Succulents are easy to propagate from stems and leaves. • Succulents get their name from their thick, sap filled leaves. • Succulents grow in sunny, hot and dry conditions. • Some succulents have a chalky film on the leaves to help protect them from sunburn. • African baobab is the largest succulent in the world maturing at 80’ tall. • Succulents are found on every continent except Antartica. • The stomata close during the day and open at night to keep the plant from losing water. Build a Succulent Wall The succulent wall can be larger or smaller depending on the setting. The wall or plants should be moved inside during the cold months to overwinter. To protect the structures from rotting, Eric and Casey used cedar wood. Our materials list included 2’ x 6’ boards to create a finished size of 8’ wide, 4’ tall. To give additional support, 1” x 2” boards, either 8’ or 4’ long, were attached to the back like a tick tac toe board. First, build the outer frame and lay the structure down on the ground. Staple chicken wire in place for the outer planting wall. Then, staple a layer of window screen that will be next to the soil mix. Add the bottom board and sides. Build and attach the next frame wall with the inside layer of window screen and outside layer of chicken wire. From the top, fill with Promix and Turface. Be certain to fill the structure high with the soil mix and keep pressing down as it will settle when stood upright. Attach the top board in place once it is filled with the soil mix. Finally, finish with 1x4 cedar boards on the front to create a frame and help cover up the staples and chicken wire edges. To plant, cut holes in the screen and add the succulents. For two weeks, keep the installed wall flat on the ground to give the plants time to root in. Our succulent walls are attached to the greenhouse concrete walls with brackets to prevent them from tipping over. Favorite Plants Panda plant Kalanchoe tomentosa: native to Madagascar, the soft leaves are fuzzy and silver. It’s also included in the sensory walk at Powell. (photo 5)
Chair designed by Rebecca Carbonell, Senior Gardener/Photos by Susan Mertz.
Cacti and Succulents
Hens and Chicks Echeveria sp.: easy to grow and cold tolerant, it’s a good filler plant for succulent walls. (photos 2, 4, 11) Pickle plant Kleinia Stapeliiformis: native to South Africa, the tips have orange flowers in the spring. (photo 10) Fishhooks Senecio radicans: grow long strings of narrow banana-like leaves and are great for hanging baskets. (not pictured) Saguaro cactus: native to Arizona’s Sonora Desert, mature specimens have arms and can mature at 40’ tall. (not pictured) Jumping cholla Cylindropuntia fulgida: native to Southwestern United States, the plants have wicked spines. We have to be careful moving it as the arms easily drop off. (photo 3) Barrel cactus Ferocactus: native to the desert states and into central Mexico, the flowers are edible, but the fruits are not. (photos 1, 8, 9) Agave: the blue agave is best known as the base ingredient for tequila and also useful as a sweetener. (photo 6) Aloe: most are familiar with aloe vera as a treatment for sunburn. (not pictured) Lifesaver plant Huernia zebrina: as the flowers mature and open, they look like a red Life Savers’ candy but are toxic. (photo 7) Carrion plant Stapelia gigantia: native to South Africa, the huge hairy stinky flowers have a star shape and attract flies. (not pictured)
With over 25 years in the horticulture industry and public gardening community, Susan is Director of Horticulture at Powell Gardens. Married, with grown children and a granddaughter, Susan and her husband love to travel and want to see the world. Or, as much of the world as is covered by their frequent flyer miles. As long as there is a garden or two included in each vacation spot, her suitcase and camera bag are packed.
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11 The Kansas City Gardener | July 2022
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Sphinx Moths in Your Butterfly Garden
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Barnstorming Pollinators! The sphinx or hawk moth ranks second only to dragonflies as aviators with the ability to hover, fly backwards and sustain flight speeds over 30 mph. At least 50 species of these large (up to 6” wingspan) furry moths live in our area, but most have no tongue and abstain from drinking. As butterfly gardeners, our interest centers on the nectar drinkers, especially the three largest species often called hummingbird moths. Since bees and butterflies go to bed at dusk, night blooming flowers depend on the hummingbird moths as their primary pollinators, especially since their hairy bodies pick up pollen almost as efficiently as bees. Proportionally they have the longest tongues of any insect; the Carolina hummingbird moth has a ten-inchlong tongue! Hornworms All sphinx moth caterpillars have jaunty tails or “horns” on their butts and are commonly lumped together as “hornworms.” Like butterfly children, most of the caterpillars are host plant specific. Two of the 50 species have earned the ire of humans by eating tomato vines. THE tomato hornworm has a black horn and white V markings on its green or dark brown body. It metamorphosizes into the five-spotted hawk moth. The Carolina hummingbird moth is the parent of the
Photos by Lenora Larson.
hat is that large creature hovering over my flowers drinking nectar? It is the size and shape of a hummingbird but birds don’t have antennae. It not a butterfly with that plump hairy body and short sweptback wings. Thus, the observant butterfly gardener realizes that sphinx moths are also participants in a butterfly garden.
A pandorus hornworm would never eat tomatoes; grape leaves are on its menu.
White-lined sphinx moths nectar both night and day. Unlike most caterpillars, it eats many species of plants, but never tomatoes. far more common tobacco hornworm, which has a red horn and markings of single white lines rather than Vs on its green body. Angry vegetable gardeners call both “Tomato Hornworms” and may murder them on sight. Strategies for Co-existence How can you preserve these spectacular pollinators without losing your tomato crop? Easy, plant a “sacrificial” indeterminate tomato
LENORA LARSON Butterfly Maven 14
July 2022 | kcgmag.com
Bumblebee clearwing moths nectar during the day. As a caterpillar, it eats leaves in the honeysuckle family.
The Carolina hummingbird moth nectars on datura using its 10” tongue.
vine to reserve for the hornworms. Choose a grape tomato variety such as the Super 100 series, use high nitrogen fertilizer and remove all flower buds to promote abundant leaves. This healthy-looking plant will usually be the mother’s choice for egg-laying, but any hornworms found on “your” tomato vines can be relocated to their vine. Another solution is to plant an inedible caterpillar food plant from the Tomato (Nightshade) family such as da-
The tobacco hornworm is the child of the Carolina hummingbird moth. Don’t kill it!
tura or flowering tobacco. Attracting Hummingbird Moths Butterflies will not be seen unless their specific host plants are present. Likewise, moths need their host plants to be present in the area. The adults are then drawn to hover over their favorite nectar-rich tubular blooms. You and the moths will delight in heavily scented flowers like honeysuckle, datura, nicotiana, heirloom petunias and cleome.
A Marais des Cygnes Master Gardener, Lenora is a member of the Idalia Butterfly Society and Kansas Native Plant Society. She gardens in the clay soil and cruel winds of Paola, KS. She may be contacted at lenora.longlips@gmail.com.
Happenings at Powell Gardens All registration links can be found at www.powellgardens.org/calendar! E. Fay Jones & the Midwest Spirit of Place Thursday, July 14 | 7-8:30 p.m. $50 | Member discount cannot be applied Miller Hammond Chapel Study Join Powell Gardens’ CEO, Tabitha Schmidt and architects Walter Jennings and Lori Yazwinski from Jennings + Santa Rita Architects for an evening of architecture. Attendees will learn about American prairie-style architect E. Fay Jones’ impact on Powell Gardens and its buildings. After the discussion, we invite you to explore the Miller Hammond Chapel Study, where light refreshments will be served. Next, head out to the Meadow Pavilion to catch the best sunset in Kansas City. Susan Mertz, Director of Horticulture, and Conservationist Julie Copley will also be available to discuss the Wildflower Meadow. Garden to Glass: Rum Edition Saturday, July 16 | 3-4 p.m. $20 | 10% less for members Join Education Manager Caitlin Eckard for a fun, hands-on class where you will learn about what plants go into the production of rum. Class attendees will make their own mojitos with mint grown at Powell Gardens! Must be 21+ to register. Attendees will take home a branded Powell Gardens shot class, as well as a recipe card for making mojitos at home. Dog Days July 17, Aug 21, & Sept 18 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Included with general admission | Admission is free for members Dog Days allows you to bring your dog(s) for a stroll through Powell Gardens*. Enjoy seasonal blooms and sunshine with your furry friend! Dogs must have current vaccinations and remain on a leash at all times. (Retractable leashes are not allowed.) Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pooch. *Please note that marked areas of the Heartland Harvest Garden are inaccessible during Dog Days because they are dedicated to food production. Otherwise, dogs and their humans are free to explore our 175 acres. Festival of Butterflies July 21 – August 7, 2022 | 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Member Preview | Wed, July 20 (5-8 p.m.) Now in its 25th year, Festival of Butterflies invites nature enthusiasts of all ages to celebrate the Midwest’s most whimsical pollinator at Powell Gardens. Spend a day outdoors exploring tropical and native butterflies alongside stunning botanic displays. This festival is a Kansas City family-favorite! This summer, winged wonders from Madagascar steal the show! Start your journey in the Martha Jane Phillips Starr Conservatory with an up-close encounter with butterflies and moths from this island country. Next, travel to the Garden Galleries to learn about the monarch’s mysterious migration to Australia. Follow the Butterfly Meadow through some of Missouri’s native pollinating plants. At the end of the path, you’ll find the Native Butterfly Habitat full of butterflies native to the Midwest. Try to spot a caterpillar in the raised garden beds, where you can learn about eight different butterflies and their host plants!
Continue exploring off the beaten path. Round out your visit by adding butterfly excursions to your itinerary. Favorites include the Butterfly Parade, a visit to Fortopia, dancing at the Butterfly Ball, climbing the Pollinator Playground, make take home crafts at the Creation Station, and more! Garden to Glass: Coneflower Tea Saturday, July 23 | 3-4 p.m. $22 | $15 for members Terrace Room Did you know you can make a delicious tea using Missouri’s native coneflowers? All tea drinkers are welcome to learn how to brew the best cup of tea and try Powell Gardens’ version of coneflower tea. Attendees will also take home coneflower seeds, a coneflower patch, and a Powell Gardens branded mug. Admission to Festival of Butterflies is included in your ticket price, a value of $12. No refunds. Note: As part of our Midwest Foraging Exhibit, Powell Gardens’ is featuring a foraged item each month. In July, the focus is on a pollinator favorite, coneflowers!
Planters Seed Co. • Since 1924 •
Retail • Wholesale Lawn • Garden • Farm 513 Walnut, KCMO • 816-842-3651
Mon-Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 9am-3pm
Large selection of flower & vegetable seeds
1/2 off Flowers & Vegetable Seed ~ Largest Selection in the Area Grass Seeds • Fertilizers • Mulches • Bulbs • Bird Supplies • Pottery
Best Quality of “Locally Grown” Bird Seed! July Planting Dates Plant Above-Ground Crops: 6-10, 13, 28 • Plant Root Crops: 13, 14, 17, 18 Transplant: 6-10 • Plant Flowers: 6, 28 • Control Plant Pests: 20, 24, 25
Koi Pond and Water Feature Designs
Book Club: Bicycling With Butterflies Saturday, July 30 | 11 a.m. – noon $22 | 10% less for members Join Education Manager, Caitlin Eckard, to discuss Sara Dykman’s book, Bicycling With Butterflies (winner of the 2021 National Outdoor Book Award). The account details Dykman’s round-trip bicycle ride from Kansas City, Kansas to Michoacan, Mexico, as she follows the migration path of monarch butterflies. Light snacks provided. Admission to Festival of Butterflies is included in the ticket price, a value of $12. Native Plants as Host Plants for Butterflies Saturday, July 30 | 3-4 p.m. $32 | $20 for members Join Dr. Nadia Navarette-Tindall (Extension Associate Profession, Lincoln University) for this presentation. Attendees will learn about the importance of native plants as hosts plants for butterflies. From milkweed to paw paws, build native plant identification skills and learn to grow them in your yard or acreage. Dr. Navarette-Tindall’s presentation will include information on 20 different species. Attendees will take home a native host plant! Artful Gardens: Festival of Butterflies Sunday, July 31 | 3-6 p.m. $50 | 10% less for members Which came first, the artist or the garden? The plants that make up botanical gardens are thoughtfully curated, just like the paintings that hang in art museums. To explore the connection between visual art and the natural world, we invite you to join us for Artful Gardens: Festival of Butterflies in our living museum! This event includes a 90-minute presentation showcasing artists that use butterflies and pollinators for their inspiration. (Instructor Donna Houtteman of ArtBlocksKC teaches to the art novice and seasoned appreciator alike!) After the presentation, guests will enjoy wine, beer, and light snacks while receiving a guided tour of the plants and butterflies in the Martha Jane Phillips Starr Conservatory.
New Installations, Remodels Upgrades, Repairs and Maintenance Services Wendy Hix • 913.481.5416 Tate Foster • 913.406.6804 www.hixandsonaquatics.com
Landscape Design, Installation and Maintenance Services From trees and shrubs to perennials, mulch and stone, expert Landscape Designers are ready to help with your next project!
Call today for an At-Home Consultation.
7130 Troost, Kansas City, MO www.soilservice.com Garden Center • 816-444-3403 The Kansas City Gardener | July 2022
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Digging Deeper: Soil Types
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hen we think about gardens, we usually envision the leaves, stems, and flowers of plants, but what about growth below ground? The roots are considered to be the “hidden half” of the plant. They’re essential to the plant’s success, providing anchorage and absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. This article will walk you through the three main soil categories (clay, silt, and sand) and give insight into what that means for your plants. Not sure what kind of soil you have? Don’t worry; we’ll teach you how to find out. Clay Soil Clay particles are small and flat, packing tightly together. However, its small size means it has a larger specific surface area (surface area for a given mass). Overwatering is the biggest challenge gardeners face with heavy clay soils. The best approach is to water deeply and less frequently to prevent waterlogging and encourage root growth. It’s also beneficial to plant slightly above the soil line in poor-draining soil to improve aeration at the crown. Avoid compaction by not overtilling, walking on garden beds, or using heavy machinery when planting. Also, avoid working the soil when it’s wet. Since clay already holds onto nutrients well, you can use a light hand when fertilizing. Suggestions for clay soil: • Low Scape Mound® or Ground Hug® Aronia (chokeberry) • Kodiak™ series Diervilla • Sugar Shack® Cephalanthus (buttonbush)
Silt Soil Silt shares similar properties as clay – smaller particle size, small pore spaces, and larger specific surface area. However, the silt particles are slightly larger and irregular
Aronia Low Scape Mound in shape, which solves a lot of the problems we see in clay. Silt soil is generally very fertile. Moistureloving plants tend to love growing in silt soils. Silt has better drainage than clay, but is also highly susceptible to water erosion, as particles that don’t stick together are easily washed away. If silt soils become compacted, they take on many of the problems we see in clay soils. Be careful when walking on garden beds, using any machinery, and over-tilling when planting to avoid this. To prevent water from pooling on the surface of the ground or washing away, give the soil time to dry between watering. If you’re careful with your silt soils, your plants will be thankful! Suggestions for silty soil: • Happy Face® series Potentilla (bush cinquefoil) • Sweet Emotion® or Ruby Anniversary® Abelia • Paraplu® series of Hibiscus (rose of Sharon) Sandy Soil Sand particles (or grains) are
MIRANDA NIEMIEC Plant Biologist 16
July 2022 | kcgmag.com
Hydrangea paniculata Limelight Prime likely the most familiar, mainly because they are visible to the naked eye and have a coarse texture. Plants that prefer dry soils grow well in sand. There is great drainage in sandy soils, so you won’t need to worry about overwatering. While this solves the problem of waterlogging, it causes new problems. Sharp drainage means the soil is prone to drought and is infertile. Choose slow-release fertilizers over liquid fertilizers to lower the risk of nutrient leaching. Encourage deep root growth by watering deeply with less frequency. Roots will “chase” the water and penetrate deeper into the soil profile, helping the plant access deep water and nutrients reserves. Sandy soils may have some weaknesses, but they’ll still support a wonderful garden if you handle it wisely! Suggestions for sandy soil: • ‘ Miss’® and Lo & Behold® series of Buddleia (butterfly bush) •L imelight Prime® Hydrangea paniculata (panicle hydrangea)
• Incrediball® Hydrangea arborescens (smooth hydrangea) Not Sure What Type of Soil You Have? The quick and dirty way of finding out is by using your hands. Make a little hole in your garden, approximately 6 inches deep, and grab a chunk of soil. Mix it with a small amount of water in your hand and try to form a ball, then add more water and rub it tight between your fingers. If you can form a ball easily, it’s likely clay soil. It will feel sticky when wet, especially when you rub it between your fingers. If you can almost form a ball, but not quite, it’s likely silty soil. When wet, it will feel silky and smooth between your fingers. If there is no hope of forming a ball, it’s likely sandy soil. When you rub it between your fingers, it feels coarse and grainy. The type of soil you have will heavily influence plant growth. But when you know what’s happening below ground in your garden, you’ll have some important tools to aid in gardening success.
If you want to know the science behind plants, Miranda is here to help. Proven Winners® ColorChoice® plant biologist and fan of all things flowering, Miranda loves to make gardening and horticulture accessible to the masses. She has traveled all over the world (from Africa to Central America and the UK) researching plant biology and nutrient dynamics and knows just what your plants need to call your garden home.
Aronia Ground Hug
Abelia Sweet Emotion
Above: Diervilla Kodiak Orange; Below: Hibiscus Paraplu Pink Ink Above: Cephalanthus Sugar Shack; Below: Potentilla Happy Face White
The Kansas City Gardener | July 2022
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When do Small Trees Become Large Shrubs?
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y midsummer, small trees and large shrubs grow upward, out, and bend over from the weight of leaves and fruits. Unfortunately, heavy, drooping branches invade sidewalks, patios, block views, and brush up against buildings and cars. Trimming back these stray branches in summer won’t harm them, although pruning woody plants is normally done in winter. Certain large species do this more than others, especially in the lush environment of a mulched and watered garden. These multi-
stemmed species (and their average unpruned mature heights) include buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis 10–15), elderberry (Sambucus canadensis 8–10), indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa 8–10), ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 8–10), Hercules’ club (Aralia spinosa 20–25), bladdernut (Staphylia trifolia 8–10), hazelnut (Corylus americana 8–10), smooth sumac (Rhus glabra 15–20) and winged sumac (Rhus copallina 10–12), arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum 6–8), smooth alder (Alnus serrulata 10–15), rough-leaved
SCOTT WOODBURY Horticulturist 18
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dogwood (Cornus drummondii 15–20), and gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa 10–15). (If annually pruned, shrub heights will be about half these heights.) These are the species that have the potential to grow into small multi-stemmed trees if you let them go. The more shade they get, the taller and lankier they grow. This can be ideal if you want to see through them and enjoy the trunks and bark, because the mass of foliage is above the eye in this situation. You can further enhance this see-through effect by trimming
away the lower leaves and short side branchlets. But if your long-term goal is to keep these types of plants lower and shrubby, or create an eye-level screen, these are great native plant choices. To take advantage of their ability to screen, prune them every year or two. This should happen after plants are established (2 to 3 years), and involves removing 1/4 to 1/3 of the stems (the oldest) to the ground, every winter or two. This is a process called rejuvenation. It forces multi-stemmed woody plants to continuously gen-
Horticulturist Scott Woodbury is the Curator of the Whitmore Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, Missouri, where he has worked with native plant propagation, design, and education for 30 years. He also is an advisor to the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native! program. Find suppliers of native plants, seeds, and native plant services at www.grownative.org, Resource Guide.
Photos by Scott Woodbury.
Buttonbush shrubs
Buttonbush tree
erate new stems and densely grow leaves and branchlets in the lower parts of the stems, blocking all views. The decision to encourage small trees vs lower-growing shrubs is your choice. Nowhere is it written that gray dogwood in a garden is a shrub or a tree, because it can be either. There is no right or wrong way to go. Plants need to work for your situation. That said, keep in mind that maintaining multi-stemmed shrubs takes some effort, and it generates debris. Also know that plants flower, fruit, and grow more vigorously when they are located
Hazelnut make excellent screens. By contrast, when pruned into shrubs, Hercules club has branches 2 to 4 feet apart (or more). Indigo bush (pictured page 18) stems are about 1 foot apart and somewhat open and spreading in nature in part shade. Because of this, their screening ability is diminished. They are more see-through in nature and may require a groundcover companion plant like golden groundsel (Packera aurea) to prevent weeds. Elderberry and sumac also have stems 1 to 2 feet apart, and they tend to grow densely in full sun and more open in part shade.
in more sun. Maintaining trees and shrubs in the shade is less intensive, because they produce fewer stems and branches. The nature of multi-stemmed shrubs is that they grow wider over time, some more quickly than others. For example, the distance between hazelnut, ninebark, buttonbush, bladdernut, alder, dogwood, and arrowwood stems is 4 to 6 inches (or less). The stems are congested and difficult to prune, and therefore they are considered densely clumping shrubs, though their diameter continually increases over time. Because of this, they
Multi-stemmed natives woody plants have many applications in the garden. Getting to know each plant is key to finding success with small specimen trees or low shrubby screens. Resources that will help you learn about these plants can be found in the book Tried and True Missouri Native Plants for Your Yard. Also check out the Grow Native! and Shaw Nature Reserve websites for gardening tips and plant information. And lastly, don’t be afraid to try a new native woody plant. You may find a new use for a native plant in your own backyard. Happy gardening!
The Greater Kansas City Water Garden Society Presents
Turtle Crawl Water Garden Tour 2022 The 2022 Season of Tours are on the following Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Rain or Shine Tour # 1 Tour # 2 Tour # 3 Tour # 4 Tour # 5
Tickets for all 5 tours are $10. Tour one or all five for the same price. Children under 14 attend free. Purchase tickets through Eventbrite by scanning the QR code, or visit kcwatergardens.com/tour.
July 9, Kansas South July 23, Missouri North Zone Aug 6, Kansas North Zone Aug 20, Missouri Central Zone Aug 27, Missouri South Zone
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING RETAILERS: BLUE SPRINGS Westlake, 1205 N 7 HWY FAIRWAY Hen House Fairway Mkt, 2724 W 53rd St GLADSTONE Westlake, 5945 NE Antioch Rd KANSAS CITY, MO Planter’s Seed Company, 513 E Walnut Soil Service Garden Center, 7130 Troost Suburban Lawn & Garden, 4 W 135th St Sutherlands, 311 W 72nd St, Van Liew’s, 7347 Prospect Ave Westlake, 1000 Westport Rd Westlake, 1020 W 103rd St Westlake, 5009 NE Vivion Rd Westlake, 104 W 63rd St
KANSAS CITY, KS House of Rocks, 1725 Merriam Ln Hen House, 8120 Parallel Pkwy LAWRENCE Clinton Pkwy Nursery, 4900 Clinton Pkwy Westlake, 711 W 23rd St Westlake, 601 Kasold Dr LEAVENWORTH Westlake, 3400 S 4th St Trafficway A LEAWOOD Hen House, 11721 Roe LEE’S SUMMIT Return to Nature, 56 NE Sycamore St Randy’s Lakeview Nursery, 1820 NE County Park Rd
Westlake, 120 N Clairborne
Westlake, 444 SW Ward Rd Westlake, 103 S M-291 HWY LENEXA Hen House, 15000 W 87th Pkwy Westlake,15225 W 87th Pkwy Suburban Lawn & Garden, 9275 Dunraven St LIBERTY Family Tree Nursery, 830 W Liberty MERRIAM Merriam Feed & Seed, 9309 Johnson Dr NORTH KANSAS CITY, MO KC Pond, 1557 Swift OLATHE Hen House, 13600 S Blackbob Rd
OVERLAND PARK Family Tree Nursery, 8424 Farley Hen House, 11930 College Blvd Hen House, 6900 W 135th St Suburban Lawn & Garden, 10501 Roe Ave Westlake, 9301 Santa Fe Dr PARKVILLE Westlake, 9200 NW HWY 45 PRAIRIE VILLAGE Hen House, 4050 W 83rd St Hen House, 6950 Mission Ln SHAWNEE Earl May Garden Ctr, 21700 Midland Dr Family Tree Nursery, 7036 Nieman Rd
The Kansas City Gardener | July 2022
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Upcoming Garden Events Fortopia May 26 – Oct 16; at Powell Gardens. Fortopia, a playful outdoor exhibition comprised of awe-inspiring forts, invites explorers of all ages to discover Powell Gardens. This vibrant edition to summer in Kansas City encourages outdoor discovery and taps into the nostalgia of childhood fort building. Registration link can be found at powellgardens.org/calendar. MoKan Daylily Society Show Sat, Jul 2, noon-4p; at the Overland Park Arboretum, 8909 W 179th, visitor’s center. The Daylily Show display will be open to the public to vote for their favorite blooms. Come see the variety that is Daylily and learn more about growing these beauties. Free with Arboretum admission. Contact Lois Hart at 816-769-4600 for more information. The Colorful Shade Garden Thurs, Jul 7, 11:30a; via Zoom. Presented by Lenora Larson, Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardener. You don’t have to give up color or drama under a canopy of trees. Go beyond impatiens to embrace shade-loving flowers and brilliant foliage, accompanied by colorful yard art. Pre-Register for Zoom link: https://ksu.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tJ0kf-muqTkiGtG6J2KI7D4QJnl93 Mthb2Fu?fbclid=IwAR1rUfkq6gDa 9tdXbi3ePKMyYI962YRnLzp44dZlpQsO7lV_nhzLKkOMxNs. For details and pre-registration information contact Lynn Loughary, Horticulture Extension Agent in Wyandotte County, 913-299-9300 ext 104, or email lloughar@ksu.edu. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Shade Gardens: Tips, Tricks and Plant Selection Thurs, Jul 7, 6:30-7:30p; at Tonganoxie Public Library, 217 E 4th St, Tonganoxie, KS 66086. Joseph O’Neill, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, will give a presentation on Shade Gardens. He will cover site selection, types of shade, landscaping design ideas, inexpensive decorative ideas and plant selection. A handout will be provided. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700. Turtle Crawl Water Garden Tour The 29th annual Greater KC Water Garden Society tour will continue with the successful multi-day format success of 5 Saturdays in July and Au-
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gust. The tour dates are July 9 and 23, and August 6, 20 and 27. Our “Turtle Crawl Water Garden Tour” will highlight different locations around the entire metropolitan area. As we celebrate the art of nature, we will continue to host plein air artists during the day at each site and will conclude with a local business-sponsored evening garden party. Plan to attend 50 plus water features this summer. Tickets for all five tours are $10 and are available at Eventbrite.com and in local garden centers. Children under 14 attend free. Leavenworth County Master Gardeners Club Meeting Wed, Jul 13, 11a; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Dan Krull, a Biological Services & Regenerative Agriculture Design Consultant, will give a presentation on vermicomposting. The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700. Attracting Butterflies to Your Garden Wed, Jul 13, 7p; at Basehor Community Library, 1400, 158th St, Basehor, KS 66007. Duane Horne, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, will give a presentation on identifying the many plant choices to attract butterflies to your garden, including host plants for specific butterflies. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700. KC Cactus and Succulent Society Sun, Jul 17, 1:30-3:30p; at the Trailside Center, 9901 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO. We welcome visitors and value your attendance at the next club meeting and presentation. Pollinators for Your Garden Thurs, Jul 21, 7p; at Leavenworth Public Library, 417 Spruce St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Marti Crow, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, will give a presentation on identifying local pollinators and why they are important. She will also go over how to attract and protect pollinators to keep your garden pollinator friendly. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700. Cactus Show and Sale Sat, Jul 23, 9a-5p and Sun, Jul 24, 1-5p; at Botanica, 701 Amidon, Wichita, KS. Wichita has a great Botanical
Garden and we have a large room in their events building. There is a snack bar. Admission is free for the show and sale. To visit the gardens, it is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors. Our grower supplying the succulents and cactus for the sale is Chaos on Coyote Trail out of Sand Springs, OK. Coyote Trail is on Facebook. They have a lot of succulents and cactus that are not found in local nurseries and stores. Our cactus club is an old club. Some of our members have been in the club for 30 some years. They have traveled and added many unusual succulents/cactus to their collection. The club brings old mature plants to the show so people can see how big they can get. We also bring our unusual plants in.
native flora into traditional home and business landscapes. She volunteers with MU Extension Master Gardeners, GrowNative! and Deep Roots KC and is a member of the Missouri Prairie Foundation and the Missouri Native Plant Society.
Greater Kansas City Iris Society Plant Sale Sat, Aug 13, 10a-3p; at Trailside Center, 9901 Holmes, Kansas City, MO. Bearded iris in a variety of classes will be available for sale.
Garden Symposium Sat, Sep 17, 8:30a-4p; at Riverfront Community Center in Leavenworth, Kansas. Leavenworth County Master Gardeners will host a Garden Symposium, “Live Life in Full Bloom.” The speakers are Kelly Norris, Crystal Miles and Jonah Nelson. Tickets are $45 and are on sale June 1-August 31. A box lunch is included in the price. To purchase tickets, contact leavenworthmastergardeners@yahoo. com or call the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700. Or download a mail-in form at https:// www.leavenworth.k-state.edu/lawngarden/master-gardeners/. For more information contact Mikey Stafford at 913-426-3794 or Anne Reilly at 913683-4646.
Renaissance in Bloom: Reimagining and Revitalizing Horticultural Therapy Sep 9-10, Marriott Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, MO. American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) Annual Conference. The AHTA is excited to be back in person and to have the opportunity to re-connect, re-vitalize, and re-imagine the work of horticultural therapy. The Keynote Speaker will be Abra Lee, author of the forthcoming book “Conquer The Soil: Black America and the Untold Stories of Our Country’s Gardeners, Farmers, and Growers.” The Plenary Speaker will be Kansas City’s own Rob Reiman, CEO for The Giving Grove. Visit https://www.ahta.org/ for more information and registration. Idalia Butterfly Society Sat, Sep 10, 6p; at Prairie Village City Hall, 7700 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS. Butterfly Garden Design and Maintenance: Paula Diaz. A well-designed butterfly garden considers the needs of not only our lepidopteran friends, but also its caretaker and its neighbors whether in a urban, suburban or rural setting. This includes planning for maintenance over the years as the garden matures. In keeping with the current “Leave the Leaves” movement, a balance between minimal maintenance and neighborhood aesthetics will be described. Photographs of Paula’s client butterfly gardens at various stages of maturity will be presented. Paula Diaz is the principal of GardeNerd Consultations, providing education on incorporating
Missouri Master Gardener Association (MOMGA) Annual State Conference Sep 16-18; at Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Center, Jefferson City, MO. Registration now open through July 31. Register for conference, hotel and conference sportswear at momga. org. Visit momga.org to register or download conference brochure for more information.
Northwest Missouri Master Gardener’s Garden Symposium Sat, Sep 24, 8a-4p; at Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art, 2818 Frederick Ave, St Joseph, MO 64506. Speakers/Topics: Tim Moloney – The Art of Plunking; Lenora Larson – Be A Butterfly Bartender; The Artistic Garden; Carol Davit – Grow Missouri Natives. Registration now open. $35.00 includes Breakfast pastries, Lunch, and snacks. Check in registration 8:00. Vendors 8:00 – 3:00. Welcome/Keynote 9:00. Seating is limited. Send $35.00 check payable to University of Missouri Extension, 4125 Mitchell Ave, St Joseph, MO 64507. Call Extension Office for questions 816-279-1691. Promote plant sales, club meetings, classes, and other gardening events for FREE! Send details to: elizabeth@kcgmag.com. Deadline for publishing in the August issue is July 5.
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The Kansas City Gardener | July 2022
21
GARDEN CALENDAR July list of what to do in the garden.
TURF
• 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 out for summer diseases such as brown patch; treat as needed. • 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 often for deep roots and a healthy lawn.
FLOWERS
• Remove faded flowers from annuals to stimulate more buds for late summer color. • Deadhead perennials to prevent seeding and encourage plant growth.
• Replenish mulch layers, 2 to 3 inches deep is ideal. • Cut fresh bouquets for enjoyment. • Lightly fertilize annuals monthly for best flowering. • Dig, divide and replant crowded irises. • Dig, divide and replant daylilies. • Fertilize roses for fall blossoms. • Fertilize and water container gardens. • Complete the final pinching of chrysanthemum tips for bushier plants.
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.
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. • Be on the lookout for pests in the garden and control. • Remove old raspberry canes after harvest.
HOUSEPLANTS
• Keep compost pile moist for fast processing and turn occasionally. • Take photographs of the garden to document success and for future planning. • Fertilize houseplants for summer growth.
VEGETABLES AND FRUITS
• Harvest fruits of your labor and enjoy. • Control weed growth to preserve water
MY GARDEN (Use this space to list additional tasks to accomplish in your garden.) • • • • •
Johnson County K-State Research and Extension recommends environmentally-friendly gardening practices. This starts by identifying and monitoring problems. Cultural practices and controls are the best approach for a healthy garden. If needed, use physical, biological or chemical controls. Always consider the least toxic approach first. Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000. 22
July 2022 | kcgmag.com
“Live Life in Full Bloom” Garden Symposium Sponsored by the Leavenworth County Master Gardeners
It all began with, “there was a speaker from Iowa from a Master Gardener conference at K-State that was so interesting I could have listened to him for the entire day. Do you think Ward would be able to find out who he was?” The Committee was sitting around a table brainstorming who to get for speakers for the first Leavenworth Master Gardener Garden Symposium. We were discussing who we wanted and what we wanted to learn about. We thought, what can we do with the gardens and landscapes at our homes that are established or need refreshing? Can we add to them or do we take out every one of the Barberries and Japanese Yews or the overgrown spiraea that surrounds all the homes in our area? How can we convert our landscapes to native plantings without the dreaded “maintenance”? Now that our weather and seasons are changing how do we adapt with the new shrubs, trees and perennials and annuals that are available? Stop! What about the people who garden with containers only? Is it possible to change up our plantings as we go from season to season? Our Keynote Speaker is Kelly D Norris who hails from the Des Moines area and lives on Three Oaks Garden, where he lives where he gardens. His topic for this symposium is, New Naturalism Designing and Planting a Resilient, Ecologically Vibrant Home Garden. (This is also the title of his newest book, which will be available and signed!) Crystal Miles, is our second speaker and we also snagged her to join our group as a Master Gardener. Crystal spent her 40 plus year career as a Horticulturist and Arborist with design and maintenance in private, commercial and public landscaping. Landscaping with trees and shrubs in our landscapes and gardens is her love and specialty. Jonah Nelson is widely known as an owner/manager of Family Tree Nursery and will show us hands on how to update your containers with fall and winter coming. It is possible to keep your home and landscapes looking good through the seasons ahead. Please join us on September 17, 2022 at the Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade, Leavenworth, KS 66048 8:30-4:00 pm. Download and print a ticket at https://www.leavenworth.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/master-gardeners. Questions? leavenworthmastergardeners@yahoo.com; Or Mikey Stafford 913426-3794 or Anne Rielly 913-683-4646.
Hotlines for Gardeners Extension Master Gardeners are ready to answer your gardening questions.
CASS COUNTY
816-380-8494; Wed, 9am-noon
DOUGLAS COUNTY
785-843-7058; dgcogardenhotline@gmail.com; Mon, Wed, Fri, 1-4pm
GREATER KANSAS CITY MISSOURI AREA
816-833-8733 (TREE); Mon-Fri, 9am-noon; mggkc.hotline@gmail.com
JOHNSON COUNTY, KS
913-715-7050; Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm; garden.help@jocogov.org
COMING SOON Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program The Missouri Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (MoSFMNP) provides benefit vouchers to low-income seniors (60 years of age or older) residing in one of 46 Missouri counties. Eligible seniors receive 10 vouchers ($5 each), totaling $50 annually. Vouchers can be exchanged for eligible foods at a farmers’ market or roadside stand with an authorized farmer. Eligible foods include: • Fresh, unprocessed vegetables • Fresh, unprocessed fruits • Fresh cut herbs • Pure/raw honey
Benefit vouchers issued: June 1 - Sept. 30 Participants can redeem vouchers: June 1 - Oct. 31 This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Scan this QR Code for a list of enrollment events!
For more information, contact: University of Missouri Extension 816-482-5850
Bring: ID Income verification Address verification
Denise Sullivan sullivand@missouri.edu Melissa Cotton cottonmr@missouri.edu
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E-mail: Where did you pick up The Kansas City Gardener?
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The Kansas City Gardener | July 2022
23
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