KCG 06JUN15 by The Kansas City Gardener

The Kansas City

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

June 2015

Viburnum

for every garden

Know Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Below Irrigation Efficiency Lady Slipper Orchids Bumblebees: Friendly Garden Visitors Purple Coneflower is a True Woodland Queen

It’s Water Garden Season!

Make Plans To Visit Swan’s Water Gardens In June, The Only Full Service Water Garden Center In The Entire Kansas City Area. We Have Everything You Need At Our Water Garden Center For That Dream Backyard. The Largest Inventory And Selection Of Pond Supplies, Aquatic Plants and Flowers, Including The Ever Popular Lotus, Tropical And Hardy Lilies With Too Many Varieties To List. We Carry Butterfly Koi, Regular Koi, Sarasa Comets, Shubunkins And The Ever Popular Gold Fish. We’re Out To Have The Most Fun And Exciting Water Garden Season In Our Twenty Year History. Come Join Us.

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2015 5/15/15 3:02 PM3

The Kansas City

editor’s notes

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

Games in the garden

Independently owned and operated since 1996 Publisher Michael Cavanaugh Editor Elizabeth Cavanaugh Editorial Assistant Hannah Cavanaugh Contributors Charles Anctil Ami Freeberg Diane & Doc Gover Lenora Larson Susan Mertz Terry Blair Michel Nadia Navarrete-Tindall Dennis Patton Tony Schroeder Mark Stuhlsatz Diane Swan Brent Tucker Scott Woodbury Distribution Publishers Delivery Solutions, Inc.

How to Reach Us ...

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

See us on the Web: www.kcgmag.com

Don’t Miss A Single Issue! Get a subscription for yourself or your favorite gardener. See page 31. 4

June 2015 | kcgmag.com

here’s a great maple tree across the street from us in our neighbor’s yard. We helped the previous residents plant it, and we’ve had the pleasure of watching it mature. And mature it has. From a sappling to a tree suitable for climbing, the maple has become an impressive fixture in the landscape. The grands had come for a weekend visit, and we made plans to get all of us outdoors. The weather was glorious, new outdoor games were introduced (giant bubbles, paddle ball, pillow toss with sidewalk chalk, etc.), and while they played, we would garden. Out to the driveway we charged – dog, kids, cats and gardeners. Early on there were issues with technique (yep, badminton has a technique), birdies and balls in the hosta bed, and disagreements about who wanted to play what. Then, one wanted to play badminton when the other did not. “Will you play with me, GMO?” (That’s what my grands call me, ‘g-mo’.) “Well, of course, I will!” Granddad lost his pruning partner while I played games with the girls. Oh yes, I was still engaged enough to offer my opinion about what needed pruning – sidewalk

chalk in one hand and garden gloves in the other. I think it’s a talent you acquire with motherhood, and it reaches maturity when you’re a grandmother. In the meantime, our neighbors came out to investigate the new toys, see how much the girls had grown ... oh, yes, and to see the new grand, just a few weeks old. Soon enough, the scooters came out, there were bubbles floating in the air, and the street was alive with kids and laughter. This was also the day to help limb up that maple. Unsure where to start, they asked our advice on making that first cut. Granddad directed as Mr. T climbed and pruned. As the limbs begin to drop, here come the kids ready to create a new game. “Hey, let’s build a fort.” Or, maybe what I heard was, “Hey, I think you guys could use those limbs to build a fort.” (Thank you, Mrs. T.) No matter whose idea, it was a good one!

Laying abandoned in the driveway were chalk, balls and bubbles, while the grands were across the street creating a secret hideaway. Walls and floors, and a hidden entrance, the mighty maple limbs became the architecture needed for this outdoor game. Watching the process was indeed a privilege. What started as a plan to garden while the kids played in the sun, transformed into a memorable day with family and friends. It was the kind of day that binds communities. The kind of day where we are simply present to enjoy each other’s company. Who knew that accomplishing nothing at all in the garden would be so invigorating? Dear garden friend, I wish the same for you. I’ll see you in the garden!

In this issue June 2015 • Vol. 20 No. 6 Ask the Experts ........................ 6 Irrigation Efficiency .................. 8 The Bird Brain ......................... 9 Lady Slipper Orchids ............... 10 Bumblebees ............................ 12 Rose Report ............................ 14 Know What’s Below ................ 15 Viburnum for every garden ....... 16 Purple Coneflower ................... 18

about the cover ...

Caterpillar Godparents ............ 20 Nature in the City Pt II ............. 22 Urban Grown Tour .................. 23 Tropical Lilies ......................... 25 Upcoming Events ..................... 26 Hotlines ................................. 29 Weather ................................. 29 Garden Calendar .................... 30 Professional’s Corner ................ 31

Blue Muffin® Viburnum is an excellent landscape choice with its multi-season appeal. Learn more about the wonderful world of viburnums on page 16.

Plants don’t get to choose, but you do. Osmocote® Smart-Release® Plant Food Flower & Vegetable feeds continuously and consistently for up to 4 full months. If you grow your own, grow with Osmocote®.

where gardeners go to grow. The Kansas City Gardener | June 2015

Ask the Experts! questions from our readers

Dennis Patton SUNLIGHT KEY TO FULL BOXWOODS Question: How do I keep my boxwoods from getting leggy? Answer: Perhaps your question is how to retain foliage to the ground so as not to see stems of the plant. Keep in mind that to have nice foliage, the plant parts must be exposed to sunlight. Shading is the main cause of evergreens and deciduous shrubs losing the lower leaves. So the goal is to provide as much natural light as possible. If the boxwood is a formal sheared hedge then proper trimming is a must. Formal hedges should be pruned into an “A” shape. That is

wider at the bottom and narrower at the top. This allows sunlight to reach the base for foliage retention. The hedge is really not pruned like an “A” but you get the picture as it is really just slightly wider at the base so as not to cast a shadow. If the boxwoods are natural in growth then really there is not much to do. Left alone they will retain the lower limbs. Some think plants should have legs and will remove the lower growth to expose the legs. So leave the growth in place and avoid planting other materials close that would compete for sunlight. BEST TIME TO PRUNE ROSES Question: An old-time rose grower told me to never prune roses until after April 15. The last couple of years by the time that date rolled around the roses were

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leafed out. Why do I have to wait until April 15? Answer: You may want to ask the old rose grower to get his/her answer. Let’s see if I can help. I believe the reason was to make sure that newly pruned roses would not be damaged by a spring freeze. Normally hard freezes do not occur after tax day. With the slowly changing weather patterns, though, plants are starting to break dormancy earlier. In the last few years, roses have been almost fully in leaf by mid-April. My advice would be to prune the roses in late March and take the chance with the frost. Once roses are leafed out, it is hard on the plant to prune, as the plant has just spent its energy putting on the new growth.

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LAWN WATERING RECOMMENDATION Question: We fertilized our lawn last month. I heard that if you fertilize in May that you need to water more regularly during the summer months. How much should I water?

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Another answer is that the rose grower probably was pruning fussy hybrid tea roses. Few grow tea roses anymore. Gardeners have switched to easy-care landscape roses such as Knockout. These varieties are more tolerant of weather shifts and can withstand more stress. So next year prune as the buds begin to swell and pop and you should be alright. That is unless Mother Nature throws us yet another surprise.

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Answer: Lawns that have a higher fertility level need more water to remain green before experiencing heat and drought stress. Think of it as eating a salty meal, you crave more water. In some ways the fertilization in May increases the water need as it has more food, salts to process. I usually tell people if they are not going to water much or none at all in the summer then skip a May application. The May application will help retain color and growth for more highly maintained lawns with summer moisture. The standard recommendation is one to one and onehalf inches per week. This should be applied in about two to three applications per week. Avoid daily applications as the water does not soak into the soil, dries out quickly and can lead to disease issues. RHODODENDRON VS AZALEA Question: What is the difference between a Rhododendron and an Azalea? Answer: While this question should be simple to answer, it gets into taxonomy and classification of the plants which people debate and change all the time. It all started with Linnaeus the father of plant taxonomy in the 18th century. The debate over the differences has heated up these days as plants can be identified at their genetic level. But let’s keep this discussion simple for our purpose. All azaleas are Rhododendrons but not all rhododendrons are azaleas. Rhododendron is the genus (plant taxonomy) for all members of the rhododendron and azalea groups or species. There are a number of spe-

cies of these plants within the genus Rhododendron. If you see a capital “R” then the information is referring to any species in the genus. If it is a little “r” then we are at the species level and that plant is a rhododendron not an azalea. Clear as mud? Usually rhododendrons are larger plants, have larger leaves and are usually evergreen. Azaleas are smaller plants and can be evergreen or deciduous. You will need a microscope and a strong background in plant nomenclature and structures to really tell the difference. The true distinction really lies in the details such as the number of stamens, scales on the underside of the leaves or pubescent hairs. That was before cross breeding the various species really made it difficult to know the difference. Basically let’s trust the growers and the plant labels for identification. Simple answers aren’t easy to come by on this topic. You may find additional easy-to-understand details on the Internet. CONTINUE TREE MAINTENANCE Question: After the tree service pruned out dead wood last year, there are more dead large limbs. I am worried about my pin oak. Why do large limbs keep dying? Answer: Large old trees will always have some amount of dead wood. This is a result of old age and competition for sunlight. Trees have the ability to sluff old unproductive wood. You can see this in the woods and we consider it a natural process. In the home landscape we don’t want to see dead wood or we prune to keep the tree clean

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and reduce hazards. Trees in the urban environment have roots that are compromised by construction, soil compaction, chemicals and a number of other manmade factors that don’t effect trees in the woods. As a result the life is shortened and limb dieback is expected. What can you do? In your case it sounds like you are doing the right things for a

healthy tree so just continue proper maintenance and give the tree more credit for knowing how to survive. Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.

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Irrigation Efficiency Mark Stuhlsatz

t’s June – which typically means temperatures are going to climb higher and higher. In an average year, we don’t get enough rainfall in Kansas City to keep up with our watering needs. Automatic irrigation systems are great for easy, supplemental watering. Is this statement true about your irrigation system? If not, let me offer some suggestions. All irrigation systems are not alike. If you owned your home when the irrigation system was

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installed, you may have solicited several bids for the work. It is very common for these estimates to vary widely in cost. That is because there is a huge range in quality of irrigation systems installed – I’m not talking about parts as much as the quality of the design of the system. Two systems can both be installed using Hunter heads, but that doesn’t mean both systems are equal. Unfortunately, I visit a lot of properties where the system was designed poorly, and as a result there are too few heads, the heads are not spaced properly or there are pressure problems with the system that are causing some areas of the landscape to get too wet, while others are too dry. If you have an irrigation system, but still have to drag out a hose to water, you are missing out on the beauty of an automatic system – easy

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watering. Contact an irrigation company to evaluate your system and make suggestions to fix these issues. Who should you contact? The Irrigation Association certifies irrigation professionals. You can visit irrigation.org to find a certified professional in your area. The main goal of the Irrigation Association’s certifications is to make sure those certified can get a return on your investment in an irrigation system. This means proper pressure, enough heads to adequately water your lawn and NO dry spots. Some systems were designed well when they were initially installed…but they are getting on in age. There are so many new products coming out that are more efficient than old models, that it is worth having your system inspected and updated. Simply replacing your sprinkler heads with new models can make your system more efficient. We are seeing savings of up to 30% on water bills. New controllers on the market are much easier to use and offer more flexibility in programming. While not a direct water saver, these controllers do make using your system easier. There are also models that can use weather data to adjust watering automatically.

Speaking of automatic adjustments, if you don’t have a rain sensor on your system, get one. These are relatively inexpensive devices that not only keep you from wasting water in rainy conditions, they also help you save face with your neighbors. No one wants to be the guy watering in the rain. We are lucky in Kansas City. We have a stable water supply. In order to help our water system run more efficiently, WaterOne reminds us every summer about Smart Watering. If everyone waters on the same day, the excess demand adds wear-and-tear on the water system and can affect pressure. If you live in an even number house, water Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If you live in an odd number house, water Tuesday, Thursday and the weekend. If using your irrigation system isn’t easy and effective, call a certified professional and go through the list above. You should love the benefits of an automatic system. And it should be easy. Mark Stuhlsatz is a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor with Ryan Lawn & Tree. He can be reached at 913-381-1505 or at marksthulsatz@ryanlawn.com.

The Bird Brain

Bird of the Month: American Goldfinch The ‘Wild Canary’

Doc & Diane Gover

he American Goldfinch lives in the Kansas City area year round. The male is a remarkable yellow bird with a black patch on his forehead. He has a black tail with a white rump. His wings are black with white wing bars. He transforms (molts) his color before breeding season and after nesting in the fall. After the fall molt the males coloring is very similar to the female’s year round color. The female and juvenile are a dull olive drab, with brown/black wings and white wing bars and a white rump. The American Goldfinch will generally nest where there is an abundant supply of wild thistle. They use the white down of the seed pod to line their nests. They will choose leafy bushes or trees, from one to 30 feet above the ground, for building their tightly woven nest. It is held together with spider silk. The female spends four to five days building the cup shaped nest.

Interesting Facts • Goldfinches move around frequently. There may be 25 to 100 different goldfinches visiting a single feeder in one day. • Goldfinches are often seen sipping water at a bird bath or catching a droplet of water from a dripper. • T heir scientific name, Carduelis, is from the Latin word meaning “thistle” which indicates their close association with this wild seed. • Goldfinches are one of the last songbirds to nest each year, they wait until mid-summer when thistle plant seeds and down are readily available. • They will grow a new set of much denser feathers during their fall molt. • American Goldfinches can live to be 11 years old in

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the wild according to banding studies. However, their average lifespan is probably less than half that amount.

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Take time to watch for these gorgeous birds at your feeding stations. It is especially fun to watch Mom and Dad Goldfinches trying to teach their young how to eat from your feeders. And remember to offer water that is shallow for these small birds. Now, just sit back and watch the show – right in your own backyard. Our staff is passionate about feeding birds and creating wildlife habitats. Let us share our enthusiasm with you!

They raise one (sometimes two) broods per year. Mom will lay four to six pale blue eggs without markings. The incubation is done by the female alone with the male standing guard to protect his family. The male and female both feed the young. Their diet is nearly all seeds. At the feeder they will eat Nyjer (thistle) and sunflower seeds. They also enjoy the seeds of garden flowers and weeds.

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“The pros you know in the clean red truck.” The Kansas City Gardener | June 2015

Tropical Plant Profile:

Lady Slipper Orchids, Paphiopedilum

Brent Tucker

ecently I was asked, “Why are moth orchids, Phalaenopsis, just about the only orchid you can find for sale in the Kansas City area?” My response was simply, “Because they’re so easy to grow.” I explained further that there is another orchid that grows with similar ease; it’s the Paphiopedilum, or lady slipper orchid. Not only is the flower exotic but also lasts for several months. Some varieties have mottled foliage of green, light green, silver or cream, which makes them more interesting than just plain green leaves when they are out of bloom. There are varieties that have a single bloom, some with multiple blooms that flower simultaneously and another that blooms multiple times sequentially on the same flower stem. There are many hybrids and species with a multitude of sizes, textures, and colors but all with the same theme - a pouch like petal that resembles a lady’s shoe. Care is similar to Phalaenopsis orchids with only a few slight vari-

ations. Most Paphiopedilums enjoy moderate to bright indirect light, such as light coming through a window shaded by a sheer curtain or blinds. East, west, or south windows could be used but an east window is the best choice. One disadvantage with a west- or south-facing window is the heat that builds up with either of these exposures. North windows tend to be too dim. Paphiopedilums are amenable to growing under lights. A cheap fluorescent shop light with plants about a foot under the bulbs will grow and bloom most types of lady slippers. Light fixtures should be on for about 14 hours in summer and 11 hours in winter. Generally speaking, the temperatures that we enjoy and find comfortable inside our homes will also suit lady slippers. There are always exceptions to the rules, with some liking it cooler, but temps from 70F to 80F are best for most types. Orchids do prefer a cooler nighttime temperature with a drop of 10 degrees from the high. Thankfully windows and fluorescent lights at night tend to cool off once the sun goes down or the light fixture is turned off. Paphiopedilums like to be watered once the potting medium approaches dryness, which might be every three to seven days.

They should never be allowed to dry completely like a cactus. Remember to water in the morning so there is ample time for the orchids leaves and crowns to dry before night. This helps keep diseases at a minimum. Feed your orchids weekly with an orchid food at half to a quarter strength recommended by the manufacturer. Humidity is also important since Paphiopedilums are tropical by nature. Try for humidity about 45% to 70% and don’t fret because there are simple ways to increase the humidity. You can group plants together and by transpiration the plants create a more humid microclimate or you can use a humidifier in your plant room. I grow mine in the basement where the humidity is naturally higher. Insects are generally not a problem with Paphiopedilums but keep an eye out for mealy bug, scale, and spider mites. Most insecticides will work fine for orchids but con-

sult your local garden center expert for proper pesticide use. Lastly, potting should be done every one to two years using a bark mix for Paphiopedilums and other fine rooted orchids. These mixes have more fine particles of bark, perlite, and charcoal. Use a plastic pot that is one to two inches larger than the base of the orchid, which keeps you from over potting. Don’t worry, there is a vendor in town that sells this type of mix…. thank you Birds Botanicals! Paphiopedilums have been a favorite of mine since I was a teenager. I still have one of my original plants from back then. They are easy to care for and have really exotic flowers. If you’ve already been bitten by the orchid bug then growing a lady slipper should be on your list. Happy growing! Brent Tucker is Horticulturist of Seasonal Displays and Events at Powell Gardens. He can be reached at btucker@powellgardens.org.

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June 2015 | kcgmag.com

Be Inspired.

Nature Sanctuary in the City This garden will be open to the public on June 5 and 6 from 9 am to 4:30 pm during the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Garden Tour. By Terry Blair Michel with its early, bright spring bloom and intermittent bloom throughout the spring and summer also provide lime-green foliage that changes to deep, pure green as the season progresses. Other plants that host birds and butterflies are the Gray Dogwood, native penstemons, and milkweed for the Monarchs. Shrubs include Itea, Wild hydrangea and shrub dogwoods, all fine landscape shrubs with seasonal bloom. Bugs, bees and butterflies—as well as native songbirds and other wildlife—open the visitor’s eyes to stories of this special landscape. Groundcovers that thrive as lawn alternatives are pussy toes, Squaw Weed, Barren Strawberry, Wild Ginger and ephemeral forest floor ground cover such as columbine, windflower (anemone), Wild Sweet William (phlox), Goldenseal, and bluebells, all add beauty and biodiversity. They also provide nectar for birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds. A “neighbor’s garden” with raised bed at the juncture of three lots provides seasonal vegetables for neighbors and friends. Herbs, blueberries, and tea plants such as Mountain Mint and New Jersey Tea are interspersed within the garden. There is also a Pocket Park nearby—one of two in Crestwood— which serves as a place for children to plant and play, families to picnic, and neighbors to gather. Tall trees provide shade in the summer,

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and a spring that was a watering site for horses during the Civil War, provides water for birds and wetland plants today. This garden will be open to the public on June 5 and 6 from 9 am to 4:30 pm during the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Garden Tour.

Water’s Edge

ost people cannot say that their garden evolved from their appreciation of the birds and the bees, but the ” Nature Sanctuary in the City” merits the title of this garden. It is a celebration of biodiversity and our own natural heritage. By using many native trees and shrubs, as well as wildflowers, the owner of this garden has created the perfect space to live. The ephemeral forest floor wildflowers provide color and a low maintenance alternative to traditional lawn areas. In its constantly changing landscape, with new blooms—and their attendant wildlife—making entrances and exits, the garden exhibits a replaying of timeless drama not often seen in semi-shaded yards. Interesting trees found in this garden are Kentucky Coffee Trees whose beans were used by Native Americans as a coffee substitute; wild persimmon with their brilliant fall color and flexible wood that bends easily with the strongest winds; and wild dogwoods, serviceberries, wild plum, viburnum and wahoo. With so many trees it’s no wonder the neighborhood bird list has reached 91 species. This garden also features native Missouri wildflowers which are unique to our region, such as Golden Alexanders, which host black swallowtail butterflies and Spicebush, which hosts the spicebush swallowtail. Celadine Poppy,

For more information about the gardens on the tour, visit www. mggkc.org under the “Garden Tour” heading. Tickets will be available May 8 at various sites in the Kansas City area. Terry Blair Michel is a Master Gardener of Greater Kansas City.

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Bumblebees: Friendly Garden Visitors By Tom Schroeder

umblebees are friendly garden visitors and rarely pay attention to us as they go about their business of gathering nectar and pollen. They add color and life to our gardens and need our help.

Most people can recognize the big, fuzzy bumblebee. In our area there are seven different species with different coloration and habits. Most of the bumblebees we see only live one season. The queens generally emerge from winter

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hibernation in April and begin foraging. The queens will nest under or near the ground. The colony consists of 3 to 300 workers and will last for just one season. Only the new queens will overwinter to emerge the next April. Many species of bumblebees are in decline. There are many reasons. These include the loss of habitat, disease, and pesticide use. Here is how you can help. Doug Tallamy writes in The Living Landscape that bumblebees require three things in our backyard habitats: a continuous, sequential source of pollen and nectar, nesting sites, and a pesticide free environment. Bumblebees store only small amounts of honey in the colony and need flowers to forage from April to November. A study published in the Missouri Prairie Journal in 2010 listed 5 native plants that

were bumblebee favorites. They are Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum), Beardtongue (Penstemon), Mint (Monarda), Coneflower (Echinacea), and Blazing Star (Liatris). There are several species and cultivars of these plants that you could try. Penstemon “Husker Red”, Monarda “Claire Grace”, Liatris “Kobold”, Coneflower “White Swan” are some popular cultivars. In my backyard, I have observed the two common bumblebee species also favoring: Spiderwort (Tradescantia), Grey Headed Coneflower (Ratibida), Anise Hyssop (Agastache), Butterfly and Purple Milkweed (Asclepias), Raspberry, and Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum). Different bumblebee species favor different flowers depending on their tongue length and body size so it is good to have a variety of flowers.

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Black and Gold Two easy ways to provide nest sites is to have a compost pile and grow clump grasses. Some Bumblebee species nest underground in rodent holes, under a shed or in a compost pile. They prefer relatively undisturbed, shaded areas. Other species nest at ground level in clump forming grasses. Prairie Dropseed is a clump forming native species that is easy to grow. There are other ornamental grasses that would also work. There are many commercial bumblebee nest boxes available but they have been shown to have low occupancy rates. Using as little pesticide as possible in your yard will benefit not only the bumblebees but the other native pollinators that live there. There are many other ways to control pests using Integrated Pest Management. The two common species that visit most Kansas City backyards are the Eastern Bumblebee

(Bombus impatiens) and the Brown Belted Bumblebee (Bombus griseocollis). The Eastern Bumblebee has a mostly black abdomen and the Brown Belted has a brown strip on its abdomen. Less common species you might see are the American (Bombus pennsylvanicus) and the Two Spot (Bombus bimaculatus). The Half Black (Bombus vagans) is associated with woodlands and the Southern Plains (Bombus fraternus) and Black and Gold (Bombus auricomus) are associated with grasslands. If you want to try your hand at Bumblebee identification, get a Bumblebee field guide and visit Jerry Smith Park in south Kansas City in June, July or August. There are several Bumblebee field guides on the Web. The best field guide I have found was through beespotter. org. Jerry Smith Park has a diverse prairie that supports seven species of Bumblebees including three species that have been declining in the United States. Bumblebees are friendly visitors to your garden. They can use your help to increase their numbers. Plant a diversity of flowers, provide nest sites and limit pesticides to provide them a good backyard habitat. Tom Schroeder is a volunteer for Kansas City Wildlands. Kansas City Wildlands is an organization focused on restoring and managing the remnants of original landscape in the Kansas City Metro area. Visit our website at https://www. bridgingthegap.org/kansas-citywildlands/.

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2015

Rose Report

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t the time of this writing in early May, I am still trying to get roses ready for the season. They are trimmed back and most plants are looking pretty good. I thought I had lost my #1 rose, but I looked at her today and she looks great – new growth all around the bud union – WOW! I have lost 4 roses so far – now there’s space for my leftover plants from last year. Insects haven’t been noticed in my garden yet, but don’t worry. They are out there licking their chops. Before you choose an insecticide from the vast available choices, make sure to read the labels. Use the right product for the right pest. And if you still have product at home, check the date. If it’s more than 3 years old, throw it out. Last month I mentioned new rules and regulations coming out regarding bees and other pollinators. Pay attention to what they say. You should see the 1973 movie Soylent Green – about over population and no food! No space left to grow anything! No pollinators either! The most all around fungicide is probably Manco-Zeb when it comes to treating Black Spot, Mildew, rust and Downy Mildew; not related to Powdery Mildew I don’t think. This one is worse.

One day all roses look good, the next day leaves are listless and off green. You touch the plant and the leaves drop off. Consan 20, Alliette, and Manco-Zeb are the only fungicides I can think of that list Downy Mildew. Often in early spring Black Spot spores are waking up, but because of all the rains no one sprays. Do not be fooled. Start spraying to prevent. It is difficult to control after you see it. Make sure you spray underneath the leaves as well. Take

your time – do not be in such a big hurry and do it right. Spray before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. Spend a few dollars extra and save. SpreaderSticker goes a long way and makes your chemicals work much better. See you next month! Charles Anctil has been an active Rosarian since 1958, Kansas City Rose Society, ARS Judge Emeritus, ARS Master Consulting Rosarian. If you need help, call him at Moffet’s Nursery, St. Joseph, Mo., 816-233-1223.

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ith the start of warm spring weather, excavation activity in Missouri begins in earnest. Homeowners, professional excavators and utility companies all begin projects usually involving moving the earth in one way or another. There are over 20 million miles of underground utility lines, over 100 billion feet, buried in the United States. Every six minutes an underground facility is damaged because someone decided to dig without having the line marked. Beginning any excavation without knowing where the underground utilities are located is simply asking for trouble. Striking a single line can cause injury, repair cost, fines and inconvenient outages. With every digging project, no matter how large or small, the excavator always needs to place a locate request. Installing a mailbox, building a deck and planting a tree or garden are examples of projects that should only begin after the utilities have been notified of your impending work and have then marked their lines. If you are planning a job that requires any type of digging, notify-

ing Missouri One Call to have the utility underground facilities marked is essential and is required by law. Here’s how the system works: 1. Notifying Missouri One Call is easy. To have your underground utilities lines marked, simply call either 1-800-DIGRITE (800-344-7483), or 811 or go online to www. mo1call.com. 2. Notify Missouri One Call in advance of your project, allowing the utilities three working days to mark the location of their underground facilities. 3. You will need to provide information describing the location of your excavation and basic contact information. 4. Missouri One Call will notify the utilities that have facilities at your dig site and they will then mark the approximate location of their lines, pipes and cables or notify you that they have no facilities in the dig site area. 5. Once all the underground facilities have been marked, roll up your sleeves and carefully dig around the marked areas. The service is free and only requires 3 to 4 minutes of your time to place the request. To find more information about the Missouri One Call System visit www.mo1call.com.

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June 2015 | kcgmag.com

Korean Spice bud

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Viburnum

for every garden

Susan Mertz

pril’s landscape in Kansas City was filled with the beautiful flowers of crabapples, dogwoods, redbuds and magnolias. All the conditions were right this year for a wonderful display of flowers. However, that isn’t always the case. Gardening here can be quite a challenge and spring especially frustrating when a late freeze nips the flower buds. Fortunately, gardeners can depend on the viburnums to brave wild temperature changes and reward with dependable spring flowers. Plant along a garden path, patio or deck so you don’t miss out on the beautiful fragrance of Korean Spice, Juddi, Pink Dawn and Burkwood Viburnums. “Before lilac, before apple blossom is the dazzling scent of the Korean Spice Viburnum,” says Deb Zahner, Habitat Design. Pink Dawn (V. x bodnantense ‘Dawn’) flowers quite early and has textured maroon-green foliage, matures 8’ x 10’. Juddi (V. x juddii) has bright white flowers and matures 6-8’ x 6-8’. A favorite of Karen Kerkoff, Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Garden, is Conoy (V. x burkwoodii ‘Conoy’). Like many viburnums, Conoy has fruit clusters from midAugust through fall, matures 4-5’ x 7-8’. Mohawk, another burkwood, has a rounded form and matures 5-8’ x 5-8’. The dark red flower buds of Korean Spice Viburnum open to white flowers. The smaller mature size of Korean Spice (V. carlesii) makes it popular with gardeners and designers, 4-6’ x 6’, and the ease in fitting in tighter spaces. Korean Spice has wonderful fall foliage in addition to fragrant spring flowers and colorful fruit.

The larger maturing Burkwood (V. x burkwoodii) is useful for screening with an upright form that matures 8-10’ x 6-7’. “Some of my favorite things about using viburnums in our designs includes the vast variety of viburums available from dwarfs to 15’ tall shrubs along with the textures, fragrances, hardiness and, of course, the berries and flowers,” says Laura Assyia, Earth Expressions. A utility plant for the garden, viburnums combine well with other plants to create beautiful borders for screening. Blue Muffin® Viburnum (V. dentatum ‘Christom’) is an excellent choice with its multi-season appeal. Spring flowers, orange-burgundy fall foliage, and attractive fruit that the songbirds love. Blue Muffin’s fruit production can be increased by including other dentatums such as Autumn Jazz® in the landscape. Blue Muffin® matures 5-6’ x 5-6’ and works well in hedges in residential settings. Along a busy road in Lenexa, a community swimming pool is concealed from the passing motorists with a mixed planting of viburnums, conifers, grasses and perennials. Tough plants, requiring little to no maintenance, were required to keep the subdivision’s expenses in check. Upright junipers, maiden grass, Russian sage, and daisies are included with evergreen Alleghany Leatherleaf Viburnum (V. x rhytidophylloides ‘Alleghany’). Mature size of 10-15’ x 10-15’, Alleghany meets the other challenge of not encroaching into the overhead power lines. Alleghany Viburnum is commonly found in spaces that can handle the mature size and larger, coarse foliage. Though evergreen, Alleghany does have colorful fall foliage. A great alternative to Alleghany is Prague (V. x pragense), matures 8-10’ x 8-10’. Kristopher Dabner, The Greensman, loves its use as

an evergreen hedge. “The glossy green foliage is dynamite all year long and silver undersides give it even more depth.” Prague works well for commercial, residential and public landscapes. At the entrance to a patio home subdivision in Olathe, Prague Viburnum has been pruned into a 6’ hedge to provide an evergreen backdrop to Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass, Home Run Roses and daylilies.

Snowflake has lacecap flowers and matures 6-10’ x 5-8’ with redpurple fall foliage. These are only a few of the 100’s of viburnums in production. Building in popularity given the ease in growing and multiple seasons of interest, new varieties of viburnums are introduced every year. In deciding the best viburnum(s) for your landscape, start with an evaluation of your site. Fortunately, viburnums are

Korean Spice flower Head Horticulturist at Kauffman Memorial Gardens, Duane Hoover, appreciates the value that Prague gives to a design, which can be pruned into every shape and form. At the Kauffman Gardens, Pragues have been pruned into a pyramidal form at the entrance of the orangery. Though the flowers aren’t fragrant, they are quite lovely. Viburnum nudum ‘Winterthur’, is a favorite of many gardeners and landscapers thanks to its glossy green foliage all summer. In the fall when the temperatures begin to chill, the foliage turns a spectacular burgundy and holds on for a long period of time. Cut branches of Winterthur can be used in winter container arrangements and combined with other greenery and colorful twigs. Winterthur matures 6-8’ x 5-6’. Summer Snowflake Viburnum (Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Summer Snowflake’) extends the season of flowers beyond spring. A doublefile viburnum, Summer

adaptable to sun/part shade and aren’t fussy about soils. Desired mature size should first be considered. Then, what role will it have in the garden – is it an accent plant, used for screening, part of a mixed border? We are fortunate to have many public gardens to see viburnums in the landscape and help narrow the selection. Powell Gardens, Kauffman Memorial Gardens, Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens along with the Johnson County Extension’s Garden Gallery are great places to start. Or, ask the expert at your independent garden center. Whether you go with the triedand-true or a new introduction, there is a viburnum for every garden. Susan Mertz, Garden Writer and Director of Marketing at Loma Vista Nursery. Join her for tours and photographs of gardens at inthegarden.buzz

The Kansas City Gardener | June 2015

Scott Woodbury

une is the month for garden tours. Gardens are fresh, unscarred by summer drought, and many showy native plants are in full glorious bloom. They include American aloe, Missouri evening primrose, coreopsis, purple poppy mallow, mountain mint, butterfly milkweed, wild bergamot, and royal catchfly to name a few. The centerpiece in June is purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) with its sweet scent of rose, purplish ray petals, and orange disc flowers full of nectar and pollen.

Its nectar is loved by butterflies and bumblebees alike, although the hairy buzzing bees are doing most of the pollinating. Turns out that smooth, slender butterfly legs aren’t as effective as stout hairy bee legs at catching pollen. It also helps if you have a hind leg pollen basket. Yes—bumblebees have these to carry their pollen, nectar, and spit. Who would have thunk it? Purple coneflowers are also visited by skippers, brush-footed butterflies, bee flies, sweat bees, mason wasps, syrphid flies, fireflies, and the predators who love to eat them…hummingbirds and praying mantises. The world is so full of a number of things. A common misconception about purple coneflower is that it is a sun-worshiping prairie dwellers. Not so. In nature they grow in the woods, open woodlands that

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Photo by Scott Woodbury.

Purple Coneflower is a True Woodland Queen

June 15-21, 2015 is national pollinator week. Don’t forget to pull up a beanbag chair for a front-row seat at one of the greatest feeding frenzies on earth. And it’s right in your own backyard. is, or savannas where the trees are widely spaced, limbs are high, and patchy-filtered sunlight reaches the ground floor. That’s why I like to call it queen-of-the woods. In older neighborhoods like Webster Groves in the St. Louis area, gardens with trees like these have what is called high shade. Purple coneflowers thrive in this environment. Gold finches devour purple coneflower seeds in late summer, but a few seeds are missed and sprout the following April. Seedlings develop quickly and are easily transplanted in May or June.

For a list of nurseries and garden centers that sell purple coneflower and other native plants, visit the Grow Native website at www.grownative.org, and click on Resource Guide. Horticulturist Scott Woodbury is the Curator of the Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve, where he has worked with native plant propagation, design, and education for more than 20 years. He also is an advisor to the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native! program.

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Water Gardens 2015 Water Garden Society of Greater Kansas City presents 22nd Annual Water Garden Tour

Saturday, June 27 • Sunday, June 28 9am - 5pm Rain or Shine Bus tours available Saturday only. Contact Connie Halastik 816-419-3245 • www.kcwatergardens.com

Buy tickets early and plan your driving tour. We have 59 gardens on the Tour in Greater Kansas City, nearby communities, Powell Gardens, and the Kansas City Zoo. The Tour includes private gardens and those constructed by the Water Garden Society for schools and nature centers. Tickets are $10 per person (ages 13 and under are free), which includes a tour book with maps, driving directions, and written descriptions of each garden on the Tour.

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Homestead Nursery, Leavenworth, KS House of Rocks, Kansas City, KS Kansas City Pond & Water Gardening, KCMO Planters Seed Co., Kansas City, MO Randy’s Lakeview Nursery, Lee’s Summit, MO Roberts Nursery, Blue Springs, MO Rosehill Gardens, Martin City, MO Rolling Meadows Landscape, Olathe, KS Soil Service Garden Ctr & Nursery, Kansas City, MO Suburban Lawn and Garden, Leawood, KS

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Purchase tickets June 27 & 28 during tour hours only at the following: *1. Liberty, MO … 7913 Scott Ave 2. Liberty, MO … 9708 Lancaster Rd 3. Liberty, MO … 1584 Ridgeway Dr *4. Kansas City, MO … 1405 NE 92nd St 5. Riverside, MO … 4529 NW Apache Dr **6. Riverside, MO … 3009 NW Vivion 7. Kansas City, MO … 6270 NW 136th St 8. Leavenworth, KS … 509 Linn St 9. Lansing, KS … 123 Oak Brook Cl 10. Lawrence, KS … 4712 Carmel Pl *11. Lawrence, KS … 1624 Prestwick Dr 12. Lawrence, KS … 3911 W 14th St *13.** Lawrence, KS … 2104 Greenbrier Dr 14. Lawrence, KS … 2808 Lockridge Pl 15. Lawrence, KS … 944 Lawrence Ave

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2015

Caterpillar Godparents: Hand-raising Cats Lenora Larson

ost people are drawn to an interest in butterflies by the beautiful winged adults. We who remain interested as a hobby or obsession usually prefer the charming caterpillars and often bring them indoors as pets. Hand-raising provides safety from predators and an unlimited supply of the correct food plant. Handraised caterpillars may also capture the hearts of children and inspire a life-long love of insects. Food Plants Before undertaking this responsibility, locate a dependable supply

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MAY 2 Sept. 7

of the host plant. I recommend Black Swallowtails as a first project because members of the carrot family are readily available, even at the grocery store. Beginners may underestimate the quantity of food necessary. The first three instars have modest appetites, but the fourth and fifth instars are ravenous. Caution: a late instar caterpillar may not switch to a different species of host plant, so be prepared to supply sufficient fresh quantities of the original plant host over a three week period. Collecting your Caterpillars Find your caterpillars as early as possible to minimize chances of predation, especially from parasitoid wasps and flies. Your heart will break when wasp cocoons pop out of a doomed fifth instar caterpillar. Collect eggs or adopt an early instar from the host plant.

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A freshly emerged female Black Swallowtail, raised in the Caterpillar Castle™, which is available for purchase online in many sizes. One side is clear for viewing; the rest are mesh for air flow. The zipper allows easy access for cleaning frass and/or refreshing the plant material.

A home-made set-up awaits this 5th instar Pipevine Swallowtail: a two-quart Mason jar with mesh insert in the lid-band. To hold host plants, (in this case, Wooly Pipevine) I use spice containers with “sprinkle” lids. The stick will provide a vertical surface for pupation.

Minimize handling by picking the plant leaf or using an artist’s small paint brush to pick up and transfer to your host plant foliage.

will soon signal their readiness to pupate by ceasing feeding. After evacuating its gut, the caterpillar wanders about the cage for hours seeking the perfect spot. Most need a vertical stick to suspend from, although sometimes they ignore my perfect stick and choose the mesh cover. If necessary to overwinter the chrysalis, store outdoors in a weather and rodent-proof container or use your refrigerator. In spring, place the chrysalis in your cage with a stick for the emerged butterfly to climb and dry its wings. Observe daily. The chrysalis will become transparent and darken a few hours before the adult pops out, ready for love and the beginning of a new generation.

Cages and Care Any large, clear container with a tight lid and air flow will work. Locate the cage out of direct sunlight and maintain high humidity. Caterpillars are like young children: susceptible to diseases, so hyper-vigilant hygiene is essential. Always wash your hands before handling and remove frass at least daily. Do not expose the caterpillars to toxic chemicals such as insecticides, air fresheners or soap residues. Once a brood is raised, thoroughly disinfect the container with 10% bleach and rinse well before adding new residents. The plant material must be in water with the container opening securely blocked since caterpillars seem like Shakespeare’s Ophelia, intent on drowning themselves. For the first four instars, I keep the plant as a bouquet on my kitchen counter during the day because caterpillars will not leave their food plant. Beware of this open approach if you have house pets or small children. Mutual harm can occur from rough handling and/ or eating toxic plants and consequently toxic caterpillars. I do keep full-grown fifth Instar caterpillars in cages because they

Summary Being a caterpillar godparent is an awesome experience that goes beyond personal pleasure. You may also contribute to increasing butterfly populations and educating others about the wonderful world of Lepidoptera. Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardener 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.

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Nature in the City Part II

Plant hosts for butterflies and other insects By Dr. Nadia Navarrete-Tindall Editor’s note: Part I of this series appeared in the April 2015 issue, which can be viewed at KCGMAG.COM.

ome of the plants we have established are specific hosts for native butterfly larva. For example, partridge pea and wild Senna provide forage for sulfur butterflies; spicebush leaves are food for spicebush swallowtails and pawpaw for zebra swallowtails. We have several species of milkweeds for visiting monarch butterflies, including common milkweed which seems to be their caterpillars’ favorite. All of our native plants seem to serve a function for our pollinators and other wildlife. In addition to the trees, we have a few woody shrubs and vines including false wild indigo, aromatic sumac, two native grapes and American bittersweet and wildflowers and grasses, some shade tolerant and some not. This plant assortment in our yard brings a diversity of insects and birds, making our yard a vibrant haven for life compared to others with only exotic turf grass and non-native ornamentals. It is important to mention that our lot is near wooded areas. We

are close to a small tributary that connects to Hinkson Creek that passes through Columbia. It is fortunate for bees and other wildlife that part of the tributary’s length was not covered with impervious surfaces as it happens in most new developments these days. Because of that, just about 100 feet from our lot there is a wooded strip with 40 to 60 year old trees that also provide habitat for wildlife such as the occasional owl, red-shouldered hawks, red fox, raccoon, possum and pileated woodpeckers. These woods are formed mainly by native oaks, red mulberry, hackberry and black walnut. With all this vegetation, native pollinators can thrive, and with additional food and cover in our yard chances for their survival increase. Through the years we have observed an increase in diversity in our little refuge, keeping in mind that if we want to bring guests like butterflies to our garden, we have to provide host plants. With many urban areas being developed, natural habitat to sustain wildlife continues to be lost. It is never too late to get started on creating your own. If garden space is not available, anyone can start growing native plants in containers, or

Dwarf crested iris (Iris cristata) is an early source of nectar for pollinators. Use in a container or at the edge of spring-blooming beds. gardens can be established in public areas like schools, universities, parks, roundabouts, community gardens and medians, to name a few. Native bees in particular are very diverse and depend on nectar and pollen. Flowers should be available through much of the year for their survival. They vary in size, from a tiny bee, Perdita minima which is only 1/16 of an inch long to carpenter bees that can be from 3/4 to 1 inch long. Nesting site and nesting materials requirements vary. Ground nesting bees for example need welldrained sunny spots and some, like the leaf-cutters bees, use leaves to build their nests. Some bumble bees produce multiple generations yearly, with the first one produced from a single queen. As the sole survivor from her colony in the fall, the queen hibernates in the

“Got Brown Spots?”

winter under foliage or other vegetation and once the temperatures are warm enough, she looks for a ground nesting spot to start the first generation of the new year. For this new generation, pollen and nectar could be supplied by spring blooming trees. Spring wildflowers and those growing in the northern shady-cooler side of our house can also satisfy the needs of the earliest bumblebees, flies or wasps. For a list of a few plants present in our garden that are easy to grow and attract pollinators, see KCGMAG.COM. Dr. Nadia Navarrete-Tindall is the Native Plants Extension Specialist for Lincoln University of Missouri. For more information contact her at Navarrete-TindallN@LincolnU. edu or visit Facebook page: Lincoln University Native Plants Program.

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armers and gardeners from 30 sites that will be showcased on the 2015 Urban Grown Tour gathered in the Bluford Library in February to kick off their participation in this event. Two themes emerged among the group as each grower introduced themselves – passion and community. These folks have passion for good food. Passion for sharing their knowledge about growing and eating good food. Passion for helping people reconnect with their food. Passion for growing community alongside the food crops. Cultivate Kansas City invites you to experience the passion that drives Kansas City’s urban growers during the Urban Grown Tour June 27-28. This self-guided tour of farms and gardens is your chance to visit folks who are feeding Kansas City; glean ideas for your home garden, learn about keeping chickens in your backyard, understand what it takes to run a farm business in the city, and get inspired by

neighbors working together to feed each other. The Urban Grown Tour is a family-friendly event offering adults and youth alike an opportunity to see how food is grown and reconnect with the people who are growing. This tour is rekindling a connection that has been lost over the last century as people migrated from the country to cities where food was no longer an integral part of the landscape. Over the last decade, Cultivate Kansas City has reintroduced food to the urban landscape, with an emphasis on supporting entrepreneurial farm businesses. This tour celebrates 10 years of tremendous growth, while looking forward to the next decade. To kick off Urban Grown activities, a group of leaders in our local food movement will discuss how Kansas City’s local food system has transformed in the last 10 years and how together we’re building a vision for the next 10.

Photo by Ami Freeberg.

By Ami Freeberg

Nyakong, farmer in the New Roots for Refugees program, shares carrots with a family in her CSA when they visited her during the 2013 Urban Grown Tour. Meanwhile, the fun is just beginning. What better way to celebrate 10 years of cultivating Kansas City than having a picnic with all of you? Join us June 27 for the Urban Grown Birthday Bash on the lawn of the Westport Middle School. Pack or pre-purchase a picnic basket, bring a blanket, and come enjoy the company of urban agriculture and local food enthusiasts. We’ll bring the birthday cake,

music and surprise activities fun for all. The same passion and community that filled the room this winter will be in full bloom come June. Be part of it with Urban Grown! For more information, visit www.cultivatekc.org/urbangrowntour. Ami Freeberg, communications and outreach manager, Cultivate Kansas City.

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2015

pplications are now being accepted for the 2016 Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Master Gardener (EMG) training program. The deadline for applications is July 15, 2015. Training

sessions will begin September 8 and run Tuesday’s through November 10, from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All classes will be conducted at the Johnson County K-State Research and 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. The EMG program, sponsored by Johnson County and Kansas State University 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 for the EMG program will receive more than 50 hours of intensive horticulture-related training. In return, newly-trained recruits will be required to volunteer a minimum of 40 hours of service during their first year after training in order to fulfill program requirements. On average, a typical Johnson County EMG donates more than 115 hours of service yearly. Additional information may be found at www.johnson. ksu.edu or call 913-715-7000.

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festivities the whole family can othing says summer like enjoy. Starting in the Visitors relaxing in an Adirondack Center, enjoy some birthday cake chair, right? This annual exhibit returns to the Arboretum and learn about the past and future for a third year during the month of of the Arboretum with a historic display of local Kansas history. June, with each solid oak, Amish Then venture outside to enjoy handcrafted chair hand painted by the beautiful gardens, walk the a local artist. These beautiful and unique works of art will be distrails, and see the enhancements played throughout the gardens all made during the winter – the pergola over the Haake Celebration month, and visitors can not only Terrace, the Old Town Overland vote for their favorite chair, they can bid online to take Park exhibit in the one home! Mark your Overland Park Arboretum Train Garden, and the new deer fence to calendars for this keep the flowers in local tradition starting and the forest friends June 6 and continuing through 28, and visit out of the botanical gardens. www.biddingforgood. The Arboretum com/opgardens to see pictures and bid. is located in south Overland Park just and Botanical Gardens off Highway 69 at The Arboretum Celebrates 25 Years the 179th Street exit. Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 7:30 This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Overland Park p.m. To learn more about summer activities at the Arboretum, Arboretum and Botanical Gardens! visit www.opabg.org and click on The celebration will begin on “Classes and Events.” Saturday, June 13 with a day of

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Unique Tropical Lilies Diane Swan

t seems everyone anxiously awaits for the tropical lilies to be available. As soon as the weather gets a little nice we get eager for them to come in. The only problem is they need consistent warm water and warm weather to thrive. Tropical lilies love the heat of the summer and surprisingly actually like shallow water. (Only several inches of water above the pot.) They seem to love that warmer water of the top layers and will bloom their little heads off. Excellent repeat bloomers. Night tropicals open in the evening and stay open all night and into the morning hours. Closing for the day, just to start all over again. Since they bloom at night and don’t need the sun to bloom, they will bloom in shade gardens. They are available in red, pinks, and white only. The white dramatically reflects the moonlight and seems to glow. Day tropicals open early morning and stay open until early evening. They also bloom almost a month later in the season than hardies. When you think of the tropical you usually think of the purple group, which consists of Director T Moore, Panama Pacific, Tanzanite William McLane, Ultra Violet and so many more.

Then there is the blue group which consists of August Koch, Blue Aster, Star of Siam, Woods Blue Goddess and many more great lilies. But some of the least recognized are in the blue/green group of day tropical. This unique group deserves a special spot in your water garden for their unusual colors. Unfortunately the pictures of them never quite do them justice because of their unique blend of colors. Green Smoke: A medium to large lily was hybridized by Randig in 1965. Its petals are chartreuse to light smoky blue. The Bloom is a cup-like shape. The inside of the lily almost has a rainbow effect. Starting with the blues to the outer edges and ending in a pale yellow in the middle. The lily pads are green and bronze speckled. Moonbeam: The name of this gorgeous lily was inspired by the soft hues of yellow and blue that reminded people of moonbeams on a summer night. It was a change seedling and released for sale in 2005. Its unique flower is hues of blue fading into yellow which gives a very soothing effect. Petals have an inward curve that is more pronounced than other varieties. Moonbeam has green leaf pads. Southern Charm: Won second place in the people’s choice award in 2007 at the International Water Gardens Society (IWGS) new lily competition. It was inspired by its founder’s southern heritage. It was a change seedling also and was released to the trade in 2007. The

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Green Smoke blue-fused with yellow created a color not found in other tropical lilies. Beautiful mottled pads surround the blooms making for a very unique lily. So when you are getting ready to add that special tropical lily to your water garden this year, keep in mind the blue/green group. Kevin and Diane Swan own Swan’s Water Gardens, a full service water garden center. You may contact them at 913-837-3510.

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

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Bonner Springs Garden Club Tues, Jun 16, 9:30am. The group will meet at the parking lot on the SE corner of Third St & Cedar St (Hwy 32) in Bonner Springs, KS 66012. From there we will form carpools leaving promptly at 9:35am to caravan to Olathe Veterans Memorial Park, 1025 South Harrison, Olathe, KS 66061. There we will take the self-guided tree identification tour on their 0.2 mile trail. Our next stop will be lunch at a restaurant (to be determined) in that area. After lunch, the group will proceed to Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N Hwy 7, Olathe, KS 66061 for a brief business meeting, after which we will enjoy the opportunity to observe the center’s wildflowers, native plants, birds, butterflies, and native pollinators. The meeting is free and visitors are most welcome to join us. Attendees will pay for their own lunches. For more information, call Andrea Staudenmaier at 913-381-0264. Visitors are encouraged to call Andrea before this date to confirm further details regarding the carpool meeting place or expected time to meet up with the group at Olathe Veterans Memorial Park.

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Greater Kansas City Bonsai Society Sat, Jun 6, 9am-3pm; and Sat, Jun 27, 9am-3pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Workshops. 816-513-8590 Greater Kansas City Gardeners of America Mon, Jun 1, 6-8pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816-513-8590 Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group Wed, Jun 10, noon; in the Rose Room of the Garden Center in Loose Park, 52nd & Wornall Rd. for a Sunshine Potluck lunch. What would you bring to a picnic? Potato salad perhaps, deviled eggs, fried chicken, sandwiches? Bring a favorite picnic dish for everyone to enjoy. Not to worry about repeats-never heard of anyone dying from too much potato salad or chocolate cake! Bring it on! Then get ready for tons of information on gardening from Nancy Chapman. Nancy has been a huge part of the EMG family since 2007. Although a busy professional, Nancy finds peace and relaxation in her garden. Raised by Midwestern parents living in Southern California, Nancy learned early that one can blend modern living lifestyle the natural way, by respecting Mother Nature. Summers travelling the states visiting relatives, she visited nearly every National Park and historical marker shaping her gardening philosophy. Growing your own food can be challenging but with a little patience and knowledge one can be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of the most nutrient dense food on the planet. So please come to hear Nancy speak and take part in yummy picnic foods. Visitors are always warmly welcomed and there is no cost for lunch! You may RSVP to Charlotte vntglady@ comcast.net or Barbara at 816-523-3702. Independence Garden Club Mon, Jun 8, 6:30pm; we will tour a member’s garden. We will meet there at 6:30pm. Visitors are welcome and refreshments will be served. For more information, call 816-373-1169 or 816-812-3067. Johnson County Rose Society Thurs, Jun 11, 7pm; at the Prairie Village Community Center, 7720 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS. Beetles and Fungus and Blackspot, Oh My! If you find yourself walking your garden and seeing notso-beautiful roses, then come to the JCRS meeting. Laura Dickinson, ARS Consulting Rosarian and Johnson County K-Sate Extension Master Gardner will present a program to help identify and treat pests and diseases that might be affecting our roses during the summer. Members and guests are welcome bring sample cuttings of roses that might have a disease or pest problem for help with identifications and treatment. She will also discuss the pros and cons of organic vs. nonorganic treatments. All JCRS meetings are free and open to the public. Refreshments are provided. Members and guests are welcome to take

advantage of the “Consulting Rosarians Corner”a free individual consultation with a Consulting Rosarian. Bring your questions and concerns about any aspect of growing and caring for roses! The Consulting Rosarians will also give timely tips about caring for roses “This Month In The Rose Garden”. For more information about the meetings, programs and other activities of the Johnson County Rose Society, visit their website at www.rosesocietyjoco. org. You can also find them on Facebook at www. facebook.com/JoCoRoses. Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society Sun, Jun 21, 1-4pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816-513-8590 Kaw Valley Herbs Study Group Tues, Jun 9, 7-9pm; at Unitarian Fellowship of Lawrence (1263 N 1100 Rd). We meet monthly to learn about herbs. We explore all aspects of an herb: growing and harvesting, historical lore, culinary virtues, medicinal merits, and aromatherapy, household, and cosmetic applications. Our gatherings are fun and educational, and jam-packed with useful information, including relevant demonstrations. Everyone with an interest in herbs is welcome. There is a $2 charge to cover costs (KVHSG is a non-profit group; no charge for students). No pets. Nursing babies and children over 10 are welcome. Information & Monthly Newsletter: herbstudygroup@gmail.com. Leavenworth County Master Gardeners Wed, Jun 10, 11am; at the Riverfront Community Center; 123 South Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Meg Mallett, Johnson County Extension Master Gardener, will give a presentation on Gardening with Pollinators. The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more information call Brianna Terrell at 913-240-4571. Lenexa Field and Garden Club Tues, Jun 9, 7-8pm; at Hope Lutheran Church, Quivira and Shawnee Mission Pkwy, 6308 Quivira Rd, Shawnee, KS 66216. How to grow hostas in Kansas presented by Made In The Shade. www. lenexafieldandgardenclub.org Northland Garden Club Tues, Jun 16, 7pm; at Sherwood Bible Church, 4900 N Norton, Kansas City, MO (just south and west of Penguin Park). The Garden Club will feature a presentation by Debbie Hughes on “Iris Varieties – Care and New Ones.” Please check website for additional information, www.northlandgardenclub.com. Orchid Society of Greater Kansas City Sun, Jun 14, Beginners Group for new growers 2 pm, General meeting and presentation at 2:30; at Lenexa Senior Center, 13420 Oak St. Presentation: Leon Glicenstein: “Jewel Orchids”. Open to the public. Ribbon Judging of locally-grown orchids. Come join the fun. www.osgkc.org Overland Park Gardeners of America Mon, Jun 8, 5:30pm; at the grounds of Linda Hall Library, at 5109 Cherry, Kansas City, MO. Parking is available at the SE corner of the building and on the west side of the building on Holmes from 51st to 52nd. We will take a self guided tour of the grounds created by a forester who worked for the Library. He has retired, and that’s the reason for the self guided tour. This tour is open to the public and any questions can be directed to Sallie Wiley 913-236-5193. Join us to see this unique forest in the middle of the city. Raytown Garden Club Tues, Jun 2, 10am; at Raytown Christian Church, 6108 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO. The program will be “Preparing Horticulture for a Flower Show” presented by Stephanie Dareing, Master Gardener. Visitors are welcome and refreshments will be served. For more information, visit our website at www.sites.google.com/site/fgcmwestcentral/raytown or call 816-257-0049. Santa Fe Trail Garden Club Wed, Jun 10, 10am; at 8204 Country Club Dr, Apt 9, Overland Park, KS. We will have a brief business meeting and light lunch followed by the program; learning to make your own insecticides and alternate

ways to protect plants and humans. RSVP to 913908-8815 Jean

Events, Lectures & Classes June Native Plant and Bird Walk Tues, Jun 2, 7-8pm; at Anita B Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City MO 64110. Walk-in (Adults; 14+ are welcome to attend with adult participant) Join Burroughs Audubon members for an evening fun at the Discovery Center. Following a short business meeting at 7pm, small groups will be escorted through the gardens to see what plants, insects, birds and other creatures may be found. For more information email discoverycenter@mdc.mo.gov Growing Grapes in the Home Garden Thurs, Jun 4, 11:30am-1pm; at the Sunflower Room, Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1208 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Presented by Marlin Bates, Douglas County Extension Horticulture Agent. Small fruit can be one of the most rewarding food crops to grow at home. Grapes stand out as a particularly interesting home garden prospect for several reasons. Gardeners get creative with grapevines as they train them to fit into the landscape. However, there is a science to producing high-quality grapes, whether you’re interested in table grapes or growing grapes for home winemaking. Marlin Bates joined K-State Research and Extension this year after serving as a Horticulture Specialist for Univ of Missouri Extension in Kansas City, MO. Marlin has also served as an Adjunct Professor for Johnson County Community College. In his work in extension, Marlin works toward strengthening local food systems by assisting specialty crop producers and regularly works with people who are interested in vineyard establishment. Registration is not required. Free admission to active Master Gardeners. $5.00 per person, all others. Hot Summer Days Fri, Jun 5, 10am-noon; Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W 179th, Overland Park, KS. Kids can run through the ‘kid car wash’, use frozen sidewalk chalk, toss water balloons and more. A lot of wet fun. Dress the kids in their swimsuit and bring a towel. No registration required. Included with admission. 913-685-3604 Kickin’ Back in the Adirondack Jun 6–29; at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W 179th, Overland Park, KS. Ten local artists will display their work on a lifesize, handcrafted Adirondack chair. The chairs will be nestled in the gardens – enjoy their work and then vote on your favorite. Included with admission. www.opabg.org, 913-685-3604. Douglas County Master Gardeners Tour Sat, Jun 6, 9am-4pm and Sun, Jun 7, 11am-4pm. Start at the Extension Office at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2110 Harper St, Lawrence, KS where you will find a huge sale of neonicotinoid-free native plants on Sat, Jun 6 9am-1pm. Purchase tour tickets at the plant sale on Sat morning, in advance at the Extension Office, online at douglas.ksu.edu, at local nurseries and garden centers, or at any of the private gardens during the tour. The tour consists of six private gardens plus a public sensory garden. Tickets are $10 per person. Carried infants are free. No strollers. For more information, visit website at www.douglascountymastergardeners.com or like us on Facebook at facebook.com/douglascountymastergardeners. Hermann, MO Annual Garden Tour, Plant Sale Jun 6-7, 9am-5pm. Two Tours in 2015: the popular Town Tour, a walking tour of gardens in downtown Hermann, and a Country Tour, a driving tour to country gardens. Each tour is $10; ticket price includes visits to at least four private gardens and the Garden Demonstration Area. Town & County Garden Tour Combo ticket for $15. Garden Tours may be spread over Saturday and Sunday and, except for groups of 10 or more, do not need to be reserved ahead of time. Garden-themed Flea Market at the Plant Sale. Special Ticket By-Reservation-Only Luncheon/ Silent Auction on June 5. Visit the Hermann Garden Tours website at www.hermanngardentours.com for up-to-date events, ticket prices, contact numbers and photographs of past tour gardens. Visit the FAQS page on the website for answers to all your questions. Like us on Facebook at ‘Hermann Garden Club Tours.’ Call Hermann Welcome Center at (800) 932-8687 for questions about lodging/restaurants or

go to www.visithermann.com. Dates for 2016 are June 4th and 5th.

KANSAS CITY’S

Under a Blue Moon: Garden Party and Rare Plant Auction Sun, Jun 7; at Powell Gardens. Join supporters of Powell Gardens for an evening under the stars and the chance to acquire rare botanical finds plus garden art and decor. The party begins at 5pm with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a silent auction, followed by a short live auction during dinner and dessert. All proceeds benefit educational programming for children. Learn more at www.powellgardens.org/ bluemoon.

LARGEST SELECTION OF FOUNTAINS. Add an Outdoor Accent to Your Garden Plan.

25th Anniversary Celebration Sat, Jun 13, 8am–7:30pm; Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W 179th, Overland Park, KS. Celebrate at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. There will be activities throughout the day. Details online at www.opabg.org, no fee. 913-685-3604 Straw Bale Gardening Sat, Jun 13, 10-11:30am; at The Gardens at Unity Village 150-B NW Colbern Rd (1/2 mile west of the Douglas/Colbern intersection), Lee’s Summit, MO 64086. Come join Ellen for a ‘hands on’ Straw-Bale Gardening workshop ‘an interesting option if you have limited soil and/or space (or if you just prefer to garden standing up)! Fee: $10/FREE to Garden members. NOTE: This is an ‘in the Garden’ demonstration so wear appropriate shoes/clothes! Call 816769-0259 and leave a message to make a reservation, check for workshop updates, etc.

Bronze • Sundials • Bird Baths Concrete Urns • Home Decor Gazing Balls • Statuary • Fountains Cast Aluminum • Furniture

St Joseph Pond Tour Jun 13 and 14, 1-5pm. Sponsored by St Joseph Water Garden Society. Tickets are available at St Joseph only nurseries. Mann’s Nursery, Earl May, Westlake Hardware. Also available in Savannah MO at Thompson Nursery. $7 each. For more information, call 816-233-2026 or 816-364-3442. Springfield Water Garden Tour Jun 13 and 14, 9am-6pm. 20th anniversary of the Springfield Watergarden Society and will be the 20th public tour conducted by SWS. Gardens will be located in Springfield, MO and surrounding area. Tickets may be purchased at the Springfield Botanical Center, Garden Adventure’s, Maschino’s and Wickman Gardens. Tour booklets will give specific directions to each garden. Tickets are $10 per person covering both days. SWS members will have free admission. (Yearly membership fee is $15 per family.) Painting with the Sun Sat, Jun 13, 10am-noon; at Powell Gardens. In this hands-on class, you will use botanical elements and solar-activated dye to create unique designs on fabric. Create a solar-dyed canvas tote bag in class. You may bring one cotton shirt to dye, as well (white or light colored, recommended). Wear walking shoes and dress for messy creativity. $29/person, $22/ member. Registration required by Jun 8. To register call Linda Burton at 816-697-2600 ext 209. Or register online at powellgardens.org/AdultClasses.

Celebrating our 88th year in business 816-523-1760 74th & Prospect, Kansas City, MO

www.vanliews.com

Backyard Retreat! Creative | Exterior | Design

Garden Tour Sat, Jun 13, 9am-3pm. Johnson County Missouri Master Gardeners will be having their annual Garden Tour. Please contact Jennifer Bradford at 660-8649888 or Rhonda Frazelle at 660-747-5703 for additional information. Herbal Maker Market Sat, Jun 13, 9am-3pm; in the Missouri Barn at Powell Gardens. Learn how to grow a variety of herbs and find innovative ways to use them. Members of the Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group will have plants and herbal products for sale and offer demonstrations at 11am and 2pm. Throughout the day, Garden Interpreter Barbara Fetchenhier will have tastings of herb-based drinks—from purple basil lemonade to herb-infused teas. ReFresh snack shop will offer herb-infused popsicles like lavender lemonade or cucumber basil and visitors can vote for their favorite basil varieties in the Authors’ Garden. 3rd Annual Renditions Polish Pottery Festival Sat, Jun 13, 10am-5pm; at Short & Main in downtown Historic Weston, MO. The only festival of its kind outside of Boleslawiec, Poland. Visitors will be immersed in all things Polish and Eastern European. Free admission. Performers will include folks dancing and the popular The Alpen Spielers, a dynamic and energetic polka band from the Kansas City area. Local and regional artisans will be demonstrating and selling their art. Always popular, is the Polish Pottery

(continued on page 28)

• Screened Porches • Sunrooms • Decks • Pergolas

archadeck

Custom outdoor living spaces since 1980 913.851.3325 • 816.228.3325 • kansas-city.archadeck.com The Kansas City Gardener | June 2015

Shrub Trimming Weeding of Bedding Areas Seasonal Color for Beds & Containers Decks & Pergola Installs & Repairs

Landscaping

Digital Design • Installations • Mulching Seasonal Color • Container Planting • Grading Deck and Fence Restoration • Staining

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Plant a Bounty of Bright Blooms & Live Summer in Style! We have oodles of plants to complete your own outdoor oasis!

Prairie Star Flowers that bloom & flourish in the heat & humidity! (Arnold’s is the premier grower of Prairie Star Flowers!) Long blooming Perennials that will return year after year! Trees and Shrubs to provide structure. Fruit Trees & Berry Bushes Easy Care Roses that bloom all summer!

All Trees, Shrubs, Berries and Roses, Buy 3, get 1 FREE* during the month of June! *Mix & Match; FREE tree, shrub, berry, or rose is of equal or lesser value.

Arnold’s Greenhouse • 1430 Hwy. 58 S.E., LeRoy, KS 66857 620-964-2463 or 2423 www.arnoldsgreenhouse.com May hrs: Mon-Sat , 9am-7:30pm. Jun-Oct hrs: Mon-Sat , 9am-5pm. Closed Sundays. Only 1-1/2 hours from Southwest Kansas City • I-35 to Hwy 75, South 23 miles to Hwy 58, then East 1-1/2 miles (Located 4-1/2 miles West of LeRoy, KS on Hwy 58)

places to go, things to do, people to see

Ground Maintenance

Shrub/Tree Trimming • Bedding Maintenance Mowing, Seeding & Aeration Gutter Cleaning • Buried Downspouts

Affordable Landscaping

• • • • • •

Upcoming Garden Events

June 2015 | kcgmag.com

(continued from page 27) Exchange. Traditional Polish food such as pierogi, golabki, bigos and kielbasa, as well as, assorted traditional breads, cakes and desserts. Whether you are a true Polonia or just Polish at heart, Renditions Polish Pottery Festival is an exceptional celebration of the food, music, language, customs, tradition and the culture that is uniquely Polish and Eastern European. It is a perennial favorite. Come have fun with us! renditionsweston.com; 816 640 2300 Union Hill Tour Sun, Jun 14, 11am-4pm; The public is invited to experience the beauty of one of Kansas City’s oldest neighborhoods during the 2015 Union Hill Garden Tour as community and private residents’ gardens will be open for viewing. The self-guided tours will begin at 31st St and Grand Ave. Admission: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (60 years and up), children under 12 are free. Tickets can be purchased at the time of the event, as well as online: uchskc.org. Parking: Complimentary parking will be available in the KCPL lots at 31st St and Grand Ave. Missouri Barn Dinner Series Sun, Jun 14; at Powell Gardens. Taste the full experience of the Heartland Harvest Garden during the Missouri Barn Dinner series, in which guest chefs present multi-course dinners with garden-fresh ingredients and drinks in a relaxed setting. The series opens on June 14 with Cody Hogan, Chef de Cuisine at Lidia’s in Kansas City. Although the 2015 series is sold out, interested guests may contact lburton@ powellgardens.org to be placed on a waiting list. Learn more about the series at www.powellgardens. org/dinners. Tree Walks Sponsored By Powell Gardens and Grow Native! Sun, Jun 14, 1-3pm; Union Cemetery, 227 E. 28th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64108. Meet at the main entrance. Led by Alan Branhagen, Director of Horticulture at Powell Gardens. Union Cemetery has premier examples of old growth native white oaks, and its champion trees include Kentucky coffeetree, hackberry, and sassafras. This ‘Central Park’ of Kansas City dates back to 1849 and is an unexpected greenspace of spectacular trees with a backdrop of high rises at Crown Center and downtown to the north. The site is 27 acres and will require the least amount of walking of the tree tours. Port-a-potty facilities. Designed to cover approximately two miles so guests should wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather. Adult Summer Camp: Discover a Prairie Tues, Jun 16, 5:30-8:30pm; at Anita B Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City MO 64110. Registration required at 816-759-7300 (adults) Discover and explore a Kansas City original. Meet at the Discovery Center and we will take a van to south Kansas City to explore Jerry Smith Park — Kansas City’s last remnant of original tallgrass prairie. June is the best month for prairie wildflowers. For more information email discoverycenter@ mdc.mo.gov Identifying Common Weeds Wed, Jun 17, 6:30pm; at Paola Extension Office, 104 South Brayman, Paola, KS 66071. Some define a weed as a plant growing where it is not wanted. With that definition, every plant could be a weed! Instead we will focus on annual plants that prefer disturbed soil. Some perennial and woody invasive plants will also be covered. We will work with fresh specimens of plants. Everyone should bring a few specimens of weeds they would like to identify. Be sure to include the roots. Store them in a plastic bag in a refrigerator to keep them fresh. Jeff Hansen is a board member of the Kansas Native Plant Society and has been a gardener all of his life. He landscapes with native plants, makes paper from them, and leads wildflower walks around the state. His website at www.kansasnativeplants.com is an online guide to Kansas plants, both native and introduced, containing over 800 species and over 4000 images. He is an enthusiastic teacher and loves sharing his knowledge with others. Contact: Lenora Larson 913-284-3360. Sponsor: Marais des Cygnes Extension District Master Gardeners.

Gardeners Gathering: Tour Kauffman Memorial Garden and Gorman Discovery Center Garden Thurs, Jun 18, 6:30pm; Convene at the Kauffman Foundation parking lot, 4801 Rockhill Rd, KCMO. The Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City present these tours. Built on adjoining blocks but miles apart in structure and approach, these two gardens demonstrate the range of gardening possibilities in Kansas City. The professional staff of the Kauffman Garden will serve as our guides to this walled, European-style garden with its 7000 plants, glass and limestone conservatory, pools and fountains. At the Discovery Center, Master Naturalist volunteers will guide us through the native plant gardens, including examples of upland and lowland forests, prairies, ponds and wetlands. Join us and see that, as a Kansas City gardener, your gardening style can truly follow your heart. Free and open to the public. No registration required. For further information call 816-6654456 or visit our website www.mggkc.org . Wonders of Discovery, National Pollinator Week Fri, Jun 19, 10am-2pm; at The Pollinator Prairie, 320 S Blake St, Olathe, KS. The Pollinator Prairie will host a family-friendly event at The Pollinator Prairie in Olathe in conjunction with National Pollinator Week. People of all ages are invited to learn about pollinator species with activities including: Honeybee demonstrations by Ron Post, The Beekeeper; Birds of Prey exhibit by Operation Wildlife; Caterpillar and butterfly exhibit by Monarch Watch; Handson kids activities hosted by the K-State Extension Master Gardeners Wildlife Committee. This event is free and open to the public. Questions? Call Jennifer Kingston, 913-693-1905. BUZZ! A Celebration of Pollinators in the Garden Sat, Jun 20; at Powell Gardens. Find out why pollinators and other bugs are so important in a backyard sanctuary and for our food supply during this day-long celebration of pollinators—including honeybees, butterflies, birds, moths, bats and other creatures. Throughout the day, visitors can meet beekeepers, see an observation hive, try on beekeeping suits, get recipes and learn ways to support pollinators in their own gardens. Members of the Midwestern Beekeepers Association will be on hand from 11am to 3pm. Garden Interpreter Barbara Fetchenhier will give a talk about native bees at 11am and at 2pm the Missouri Honey Queen will share a honey-based recipe. All activities are included with regular Garden admission. Secret Garden Tour - Fort Scott, KS Sat, Jun 20, 9am-3pm, rain or shine, $10. Six diverse gardens are featured. These include a country garden that borders a native prairie, an established¬†garden that compliments a Victorian house, and small scale patio gardens with big impact. All gardens focus on plants that flourish in our demanding Midwestern climate. Tickets are available at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce and at Country Cupboard, both in downtown Fort Scott. For more information, check fortscott.com or call the Chamber of Commerce at 800-245-3678. Make Your Own Fairy Home Sat, Jun 20, 10am-noon; at Powell Gardens. Learn how to create a fairy house out of ordinary household objects and a few craft supplies. Make and take a fanciful fairy house to place in your fairy garden. Leave with the inspiration and imagination to make more. $39/person, $44/member. Registration required by Jun 15. To register call Linda Burton at 816-6972600 ext 209. Or register online at powellgardens. org/AdultClasses. Growing Growers Workshop on Tree Fruits Production Sat, Jun 20, 9am-2pm at the University of Missouri Extension, 105 E 5th Street, Suite 2000, Kansas City, MO 64106. Come and learn about site selection and growing of tree fruits such as apples, pears and peaches. Also learn concepts of high density tree fruit orchard and new insect pests such as Spotted Wing Drosophila, Japanese beetle and Marmorated Stink Bug. Fee $30.00 per person includes lunch and handouts etc. Contact Lala Kumar, e-mail: kumarl@ missouri.edu or Sara Hill, e-mail: hillsara@missouri. edu or phone 816-252-5051 for more information and registration. Class size 30 participants only.

Betty Mahan Memorial Miniature Flower Show, “Through the Looking Glass” Sat, Jun 20, 1-5pm; at Rose Estates Assisted Living, 12700 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS. Presented by Santa Fe Trail Garden Club. Admission is free to the public. Honeybee Keeping 201 Sat, Jun 20, 10am-3pm; at Powell Gardens. Learn how to install bees, use a bee smoker and maintain the hive. Discover the proper way to inspect a hive and how to identify and treat common diseases. Find out how to extract honey and how to store your “liquid gold.” Come even if you missed Honeybee Keeping 101. Includes half-hour lunch break. $24/ person, $20/member. Registration required by Jun 15. Call Linda Burton at 816-697-2600 ext 209. Or register online at powellgardens.org/AdultClasses. Firefly Experience Sat, Jun 20, 7:30–9:30pm; at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Rd, Blue Springs MO 64015. Registration required at 816-228-3766 (all ages) Blinking and dancing in the evening sky, the magic and beauty of fireflies is breathtaking. Use this evening to learn more about this favorite insect. Then hike into the darkening forest and watch the fireflies appear. For more information email burr.oak@mdc.mo.gov Water Garden Society Annual Tour Sat and Sun, Jun 27 and 28. The Water Garden Society of Greater Kansas City proudly presents its 22nd annual self-directed driving water garden tour in Greater Kansas City, Lawrence, and surrounding communities. Tickets are good both days. Ponds are open to the public from 9am to 5pm, rain or shine. Ticket purchases include a tour book with maps, directions and garden descriptions. Residential gardens dominate the tour offerings along with WGS built educational ponds at schools and non-profit agencies. Proceeds from the tour are used for education, building ponds, and supporting teachers at area schools and non-profit groups. Tickets are $10 per person (ages 14 and older). Tickets will be available at area garden centers and Hen House Markets or on our website: www.kcwatergardens.com. For information on discounted tickets at $8 dollars per person for groups of 10 or more call 913-599-9718 or tour@ kcwatergardens.com Topeka Annual Pond Tour Sat, Jun 27, 9am-4pm and Sun, Jun 28, Noon-4pm. Come on over to Topeka and join in on the 24th Annual Topeka Area Water Gardens Society Pond Tour as our pond Hosts show off their water feature creations and lovely flora. Many shapes and styles are on this year’s tour and our Pond Hosts have worked hard at bring you a variety of plants and fish that make the tour a relaxing and enjoyable experience for all ages. Listen to the tranquility of the moving water and enjoy the beautiful flora abound. Bring your cameras and smart phones. Visit www. TAWGS.org for a list of Sponsors and ticket outlets. All You Need to Know About Roses, But Were Afraid to Ask! Sat, Jun 27, 10am-2pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, KCMO. The Kansas City Rose Society presents a seminar on how to grow beautiful roses! Topics: the best roses for Kansas City; how to plant and maintain terrific roses; how to identify, treat common pests; and choosing great companion plants for roses in your landscape. Free. Open to the public. Registration required. Call 816803-5653 or register online at www.kansascityrosesociety.org. Refreshments and snacks will be served. Rhyme in the Roses Sat, Jun 27, 4-5pm; at the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden at Loose Park, 5200 Pennsylvania, KCMO. A Poetry Reading in the Rose Garden sponsored by the Kansas City Rose Society. Free and open to the public. Please see www.kansascityrosesociety.org for more information.

July Daylily Garden Open House Fri, Jul 3 and Sat, Jul 4, 10am; at Hart‚Äôs Daylilies, 7460 W 255th, Louisburg, KS (1/4 mile east of Metcalf). Free garden tour showcasing 900 varieties of daylilies, plus a large assortment of hosta. Many Asiatic, Oriental and Orienpet lilies. 913-837-5209 New Volunteer Orientation Thurs, Jul 9, 8:30-10:30am; Consider spending part of your leisure time volunteering at Overland Park’s 300-acre Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Whatever your interests or skills, gardener or not, we’ll explore many opportunities available. Requirement is 40 volunteer hours annually. No Fee. Register online at www.opabg.org. 913-685-3604 Wine Tasting on the Terrace Thurs, Jul 9, 6-8pm; Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W 179th, Overland Park, KS. Join us and Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery and Green Dirt Farm for the third wine tasting of the season. They will showcase some of their locally produced wine in our lovely garden setting. $25 per person. Register online at www.opabg.org. 913-685-3604 Hot Summer Days Fri, Jul 10, 10am-noon; Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W 179th, Overland Park, KS. Kids can run through the “kid car wash”, use frozen sidewalk chalk, toss water balloons and more. A lot of wet fun. Dress the kids in their swimsuit and bring a towel. No registration required. Included with admission. 913-685-3604 Healing Herbs and Foods in the Kitchen Sat, Jul 11, 1-4pm; at Powell Gardens. Discover how to fortify your diet by cooking with herbs. Take a walk in the garden to identify and harvest culinary herbs and return to the kitchen to taste examples of healing food. $42/person, $37/member. Registration required by Jul 7. To register call Linda Burton at 816-697-2600 ext 209. Or register online at powellgardens.org/AdultClasses. Homemade Pickles Can Be Easy! Sat, Jul 11, 10-11:30am; at The Gardens at Unity Village 150-B NW Colbern Rd (1/2 mile west of the Douglas/Colbern intersection), Lee’s Summit, MO 64086. Join Lou and learn how to create your own pickles using just a few ingredients and less than half an hour of your time. Only limited by your imagination – pickling isn’t just for cucumbers anymore! Fee: $15/$5 to Garden members. Call 816-769-0259 and leave a message to make a reservation, check for workshop updates, etc. Quick and Tasty Herbal Jam Sat, Jul 18, 10am-noon; at Powell Gardens. Learn how to make three tasty jams using herbs and fresh or frozen fruit without pectin. Help make one of the three recipes in class. Choices include raspberry with hints of cardamom, lavender-peach with vanilla, or double-mint blueberry. Taste them all and take a half-pint sample of one flavor and recipes to make all three at home. $39/person, $34/member. Registration required by Jul 13. To register call Linda Burton at 816-697-2600 ext 209. Or register online at powellgardens.org/AdultClasses.

Hotlines for Gardeners Extension Master Gardeners are ready to answer your gardening questions. Get your garden growing. CASS COUNTY

660-380-8460; Wed, 9am-noon

DOUGLAS COUNTY

785-843-7058; mastergardener@douglas-county.com; Mon-Fri, 1-4pm

GREATER KANSAS CITY MISSOURI AREA

816-833-8733 (TREE); Mon-Fri, 9am to noon

JOHNSON COUNTY, KS

913-715-7050; Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm; garden.help@jocogov.org

JOHNSON COUNTY, MO

660-747-3193; Wed, 9am-noon

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY

913-364-5700; Apr 15 thru Sep 24, Mon 10am-1pm, Thurs 1-4pm

MIAMI COUNTY

913-294-4306; Thurs, 9am-noon

WYANDOTTE COUNTY

913-299-9300; Mon, Wed, Fri, 9am-4pm

June Weather Report

Send information via email to: elizabeth@kcgmag.com

Deadline for July issue is June 5.

Avg temp 75° Avg high temp 84° Avg low temp 66° Highest recorded temp 107° Lowest recorded temp 44° Nbr of above 70° days 29

Clear or Cloudy Avg nbr of clear days 10 Avg nbr of cloudy days 10

K-State Field Day Sat, Jul 25, 8am-3pm; at 35230 W 135th St, Olathe, KS 66061. Admission: $5.00. See the latest research in flowers and vegetables at this annual event. www. johnson.ksu.edu

Promote your gardening events!

Highs and Lows

Rain and Snow Avg snowfall 0 Avg rainfall 4.8” Avg nbr of rainy days 10 Source: WeatherReports.com

From the Almanac Moon Phases

Plant Above Ground Crops: 1, 17-19, 25-28

Full Moon: June 2

Plant Root Crops: 4-6

Last Quarter: June 9

Control Plant Pests:

New Moon: June 16

Transplant:

First Quarter: June 24 Source: Harris’ Farmer’s Almanac

11, 12, 15, 16 1, 17-19, 27, 28

Plant Flowers: 17-19

The Kansas City Gardener | June 2015

June

garden calendar n FLOWERS

n VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

• Plant squash, cucumbers, sweet corn, green beans and other summer vegetables. • Tomato leaf disease reduces yield, treat with a fungicide if needed. • Mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds. • Harvest spring vegetables until the end of the season then remove. • Pinch herbs to keep bushy and fresh with new growth. • Squash bugs multiply rapidly, watch for development and control. • Keep garden evenly watered, apply 1 inch per week if no rain. • Continue a regular fruit disease and insect control program. • Fertilize strawberries regularly to promote new growth. • Renovate June bearing strawberry beds. • Treat peach trees for borers. • Remove sucker growth from the base of trees and along branches. • Turn compost pile and keep moist to hasten breakdown.

n LAWN

• Mow bluegrass and tall fescue 3 to 3 1/2 inches to improve drought stress. • Avoid fertilizing tall fescue and bluegrass during summer. • Mow zoysia to a height of 1 to 2 inches all season. • Fertilize zoysia with high nitrogen fertilizer such 27-3-3, one to two more times this summer. • Repair dead spots and bare areas in zoysia by sodding or plugging. • Core aerate zoysia to control thatch and improve water and nutrient uptake. • Spot treat for summer broadleaf weeds. • Fertilize naturally by letting grass clippings fall. • Water the turf sparingly to increase drought tolerance during the heat of summer. • Begin grub treatments with preventive type insecticides. • Keep mower blade sharp for a clean cut.

• Pinch chrysanthemum tips for development of bushier plants. • Remove (deadhead) spent flower blossoms to keep plants flowering. • Remove flower stalks from peonies and irises. • Fertilize roses and trim spent blossoms. • Check plants for insects. • Remove dead foliage from spring bulbs. • Water and fertilize container plantings regularly to encourage growth and flowering. • Maintain a 2 to 3 inch mulch layer to reduce moisture loss, control weeds and cool the soil. • If there is no rainfall, water about 1 inch per week.

n TREES AND SHRUBS

• Check for bagworms and control. • Prune elongated new growth of pines and spruces to shape and control size. • Prune spring flowering shrubs. • Water newly planted trees and shrubs. • Check for spider mite damage by shaking branch over white paper. Mites look like small dots. • Clip hedges to maintain shape. • Maintain mulch ring around young trees and shrubs. • Prune dead or damaged limbs to correct structure and maintain health.

n HOUSEPLANTS

• Water and fertilize on a regular basis to promote summer growth. • Repot overgrown plants, shifting up to a 1 inch larger pot. • Rotate pots to provide sunlight on all sides, which produces a balanced plant. • Prune and shape plants.

Johnson County K-State Research and Extension recommends environmentally-friendly gardening practices. This starts by identifying and monitoring problems. Cultural practices and controls are the best approach for a healthy garden. If needed, use physical, biological or chemical controls. Always consider the least toxic approach first. Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.

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For convenient mail delivery, complete the form below and send with your check for $25.00. You will receive a one-year subscription to The Kansas City Gardener. Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Phone: E-mail: Where did you pick up The Kansas City Gardener? Please enclose your check payable to The Kansas City Gardener and mail with this form to: P.O. Box 8725, Prairie Village, KS 66208 The Kansas City Gardener is published monthly Jan. through Dec.

A forester at heart, Jeff Newborn has found his calling as a tree expert. Name: Jeff Newborn Company: The Davey Tree Expert Company Job title: District Manager for Kansas City, Kansas and Missouri Length of service: Eight years with Davey Tree and about 35 active years in the green industry. I started with Davey in June of 1996 in St. Louis, Missouri, working as a plant health care technician until 2000. After a brief absence, I returned to Davey Tree in 2011 in the Menlo Park, California, office. I was promoted to my present position of District Manager of Kansas City in January 2015. What inspired this career choice: After the Navy I worked for several companies as a heavy equipment operator, but I saw no future in that career path. I was always interested in forestry and plants, so I decided, along with my wife and kids, to go for a degree in forestry. At HSU I met a Davey recruiter and couldn’t believe that someone could make a living working with and saving trees instead of cutting them down.The rest is history, as they say. I found my calling in life. What makes a Davey Tree professional different: Davey has a strong foresight for training to increase our knowledge and thus our ability to pay attention to detail and safety. At Davey, we are constantly striving to be on the cutting edge of arboriculture. Favorite tree: The Redwood tree is my favorite. It’s awe-inspiring to be in the presence of a tree that has been around for over 4,000 years, and to think of the history since it was just a sapling. Favorite garden destination: I love to roam the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens admiring our native plants and the spring flowers. What every gardener should know: Amend your yard (trees and shrubs ) with an organic fertilizer. What we do as a society is, remove the leaf and twig litter so our garden and lawns look good, but that is the plants future food. After years of doing this the plant has a diminished nutrient supply and now is vulnerable to insect and disease attack. By performing a deep-root fertilization with an organic based fertilizer that is low in salts, we can maintain a tree or shrub’s health so it can fight off insect and diseases. Little known secret about trees: If one is a truly good arborist, they will know how to understand what a plant is trying to tell you. Trees and shrubs will tell you what is wrong with them, you just have to learn to listen to them and read the signs. Contact information: The Davey Tree Expert Company, 15720 S. Keeler., Suite 200, Olathe, KS 66062; 913-451-8733; www.davey.com; jeff.newborn@davey.com The Kansas City Gardener | June 2015

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