KCGJun16 by The Kansas City Gardener

The Kansas City

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

June 2016

Plant Garden Scents

Luna Moths Bird of the Month: American Goldfinch Get Kids in Touch with Nature Country Garden Tour Platte County

It’s Water Garden Season! Make plans To Visit Swan’s Water Gardens, The Only Full Service Water Garden Center In The Entire Kansas City Area. We Carry Everything You Need For That Dream Water Garden. With The Largest Inventory And Selection Of Pond Supplies, Aquatic Plants and Flowers Including The Ever Popular Lotus, Tropical And Hardy Water Lilies With Too Numerous Varieties To List. We Stock Butterfly Koi, Regular Koi, Sarasa Comets, Shubunkins And The Ever Popular Gold Fish. Serving Kansas City For Over 20 Years.

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Site Of Our May Pond Build You won’t want to miss out on this event. You can enjoy watching our experienced crew install a beautiful water feature that you can visualize being created in your backyard. Is It Time For A Water Garden Makeover Or Are You Ready For Paradise In Your Backyard? Call Us Today. Visit Our Website www.swanswatergardens.com For Easy Online Ordering “Like” us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/Swanswatergardens/

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2016

The Kansas City

editor’s notes

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

Picture perfect ... not!

Independently owned and operated since 1996 Publisher Michael Cavanaugh Editor Elizabeth Cavanaugh Contributors Tracy Flowers Nik and Theresa Hiremath Lenora Larson Susan Mertz Dennis Patton Judy Penner Tom Schroeder Diane Swan 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 29.

June 2016 | kcgmag.com

Be pleased with your real garden, don’t pursue the perfection of a picture. What you see in a photo lasted only as long as the shutter snap. ~ Janet Macunovich

eading this quote reminded me of a time when we were making our way home from northwest Arkansas. We spent a lovely weekend with family, where the kids got much needed “Granny time.” Halfway home, it was time for a pit stop, so we pulled in for some lunch. It was the all too familiar fast-food chain that the kids begged, “Hey Dad, please, let’s go there!” Not fans of food-in-a-flash-style menu, we caved to the request. It was somebody’s birthday, so they got to pick, and the siblings were thrilled. With a sign in the window that read, “Buses Welcome,” I figured they were poised to please this traveling family. First things first. Restroom. Here’s where things began to go downhill. No further details required, dear reader. You can imagine this mother’s distress. The six of us stood in line waiting to place our order, glancing at the photos overhead to assist in our decisions. By now, I’ve lost my appetite. A large iced tea will do for me.

Piled high on a tray, we collected food and drink, then headed for a table. Each claimed their meal and began unwrapping the paper to reveal what they had ordered. Or at least what they thought they ordered. With sad disappointment in her eyes, the birthday girl says, “This doesn’t look like the commercial, Dad.” It’s true. Television commercials and larger than life posters displaying crisp lettuce and red, ripe tomatoes stacked on juicy burgers, rarely match the actual meal served. We looked at each other and said simply, “Welcome to the real world, kids.” Sometimes the same can be said about the garden. How often do we make our selections based on the identification tag with a picture perfect photo of the plant? I do it all the time. It’s a good strategy to get started, but cannot and should not be the end goal. Soil conditions,

weather and other variables influence a plant’s performance. And like any investment, “results may vary.” The garden is more than one shutter snap. That picture is one small glimpse of one particular time on one specific day. Nowhere in that photo is reflected the journey, the trials, the frustration, the sweat … all of the elements that went into the success of that one plant. So be pleased with your less than perfect garden. It may not be idealic or what you pictured in your mind. Accept a compliment from neighbors and passersby. Perfection, if reached, cannot be maintained. The variables of the garden are out of our hands. So be pleased with your real garden. I’ll see you in the garden!

In this issue June 2016 • Vol. 21 No. 6 Ask the Experts ........................ 6 Northland Night Tour ............... 7 Powell Garden Events .............. 8 Destination: Butchart Gardens ... 10 The Bird Brain ......................... 12 Luna Moths ............................. 14 Become a Master Gardener ..... 15 Plant Garden Scents ................. 16 Floating Island Filters ................ 18

about the cover ...

Garden Party .......................... 19 Rose Report ............................ 20 Flower Flies ............................. 21 Country Garden Tour ............... 22 Kids in Nature ........................ 24 Upcoming Events ..................... 26 Garden Calendar .................... 30 Professional’s Corner ................ 31 Hotlines .................................. 31

Lilac ‘Sensation’ is a must-have for fragrance in your garden. Learn about other plants with fragrant features beginning on page 16. Photo courtesy of monrovia.com.

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2016

Ask the Experts Readers share their questions about landscape issues, and DENNIS PATTON gives expert tips and advice. CONFUSION ABOUT FERTILIZING GRASS Question: My husband fertilized our yard in April. I believe you said fertilizing in the spring can weaken the grass. Should we fertilize again this summer? Answer: Extension information usually advises against spring fertilization in March and April as

the nutrients are quickly converted to top growth which means you mow like crazy. The other downside is this excess rapid top growth pulls stored food and energy from the crowns and roots reducing its strength. Summer applications really do little more than cosmetic appearances. They help keep the grass a

little greener. Remember the grass is usually only green in the summer if you water sufficiently to prevent heat and drought stress dormancy. If you do not water or only somewhat over the summer then avoid any summer applications. Summer applications increase the turf’s need for water. My personal advice is to skip any summer applications until the all-important September treatment. But if you water on a regular basis and desire the greenest lawn on the block then go ahead and fertilize. ATTEMPTING IMPATIENS AGAIN Question: I would like to try and grow impatiens again. Is there a fungicide I can use to prevent downy mildew? Answer: This is a tough question to answer. The best answer might be how lucky do you feel? In beds where downy mildew has been a problem my answer is probably don’t try your luck. If mildew has not been found in your garden beds then give it a shot. Once mildew is in a location it will remain there for years to come just waiting. The spores of downy mildew are released under cool (63 to 73 degrees) and moist condi-

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June 2016 | kcgmag.com

tions; foliage that remains wet for three to four hours can be infected. Once the plant is infected there is no control. Fungicides should be used as a prevention and the best products are going to be hard to find overthe-counter. If you want to try them I would recommend wider spacing to improve air flow and avoid any overhead, wetting the foliage watering. I fully understand this question as there is really no good substitution for impatiens. HOSTA LEAF DAMAGE Question: While having our house painted, one of the workers stepped on some of my hosta. The leaves are smashed. Will the plant grow new leaves this summer? Should I cut off the damaged leaves? Will fertilizer help promote new growth? Answer: I can feel your pain about damage left by painters. A few years ago they broke several branches on my prized Japanese Maple. Here are my recommendations. Don’t remove the damaged foliage. Even less-than-perfect foliage is better than no foliage at all. We have learned this point from recent

hail storms. Fertilization will not hurt anything and may not provide that much extra push. Usually a well-maintained perennial garden with organic mulch gets all the nutrients it needs from the decomposition. Lastly will it continue to grow? Well, that gets my patented “it depends” answer. Hosta will continue to put on new foliage until it sets a flower scape. Once the plant reaches the point of preparing and showing the flower stock there will be no more growth except that needed to flower. Since varieties bloom at different points over the summer months, it is hard for me to know. Since this appears to have happened in April, I would expect new growth. FADED CLEMATIS FLOWER COLOR Question: When my Crystal Fountain clematis bloomed in April it was pale and washed out, instead of its usual lavender color. I didn’t fertilize it in early March. Could that be the cause for the color to wash out? Answer: You are giving too much power to fertilizer. Fertilizer only provides nutrients for the

plant to turn into energy to promote growth. Fertilizer should have no effect on flower color. My guess is the warmer than normal April is probably the cause. Warmer temperatures can affect the pigment development of flowers. Reds are not as red, blues are pale. Areas where the nighttime temperatures cool down have more intense flower color. My hunch tells me that since April was warm, it washed out the darker lavender color. We see this commonly on clematis. For example the bi-color Nelly Moser should have dark bars across the petals. Plant Nelly in a more shady location and the bars appear. Nelly in a sunny location because of the warmer location will appear more like a pink clematis. Wait and see what happens next year as I’m guessing weather was a factor. Who would have guessed that answer in Kansas City? 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.

A Little Night Garden Tour J

oin the Northland Garden Club at an evening garden event at the home of Sharon and David Cleveland in Liberty. This small garden holds loads of surprises and captures the essence of a small beautifully designed space. Planted primarily with white flowers and silver foliage, the garden comes alive as dusk arrives. Lights cleverly placed, add ambiance and mystery to the scene. Recently added areas keep this garden ever expanding.

Come see how to extend your gardening into the evening hours. Master gardeners will be available to answer your garden questions. Date is June 17, 7-9 p.m. Tickets available by calling Dee West, 816-455-4013. Because of the size of this garden, tickets are limited and are required in advance of the event. Check the website at northlandgardenclub.com for further information, map and directions.

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2016

June at Powell Gardens There is always a lot to do at Kansas City’s botanical garden! Here’s a look at just some of what’s happening in June: National Prairie Day Saturday, June 4 To inspire a national dialogue about prairie conservation, restoration and enjoyment, the Missouri Prairie Foundation founded National Prairie Day, which occurs on the first Saturday of June. This year, Powell Gardens will have two events in recognition of this special day: Prairie Hike with Alan Branhagen 10:30 a.m.-noon   Horticulture Director Alan Branhagen leads this tour of prairie plantings near Powell Gardens’ Island Garden and in the Perennial Garden. Included with Garden admission. Space is limited. RSVP to lburton@powellgardens.org. Prairie Plant Giveaway  Come to the Gardens early for a chance to take home a prairie

plant for your garden. We will be giving away Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides), Rosinweed (Silphium integrifolium), Gray-headed Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) and Sweet Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium/Eupatorium purpureum). Quantities are limited (one per party).   Under a Blue Moon: Garden Party & Rare Plant Auction 5 p.m. Sunday, June 12 The Gardens’ signature fundraiser returns for its 13th year with an incredible selection of plants— including some that are not available at nurseries—for the evening’s silent auction. And that’s just the beginning! The evening continues with a dinner prepared by Lon

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the Kauffman Memorial Garden in Kansas City, Mo. The shuttle departs Kauffman at 11:30 a.m. You’ll have time to explore Jurassic Garden and see a special Father’s Day performance by the Paul Mesner Puppets from 2:00 to 2:45 p.m. The shuttle leaves Powell Gardens at 3:30 p.m. Register at powellgardens.org/shuttle. Rare Plant Auction has an incredible selection of plants; some not available at nurseries. Lane’s Inspired Occasions and a fast-paced live auction. The best part is that it’s all a benefit for children’s educational programs at the Gardens. Prepaid reservations are required: powellgardens.org/ BlueMoon. Dino-Soiree 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, June 17 Enjoy drinks and light bites while you view a fascinating collection of fossils and hear from renowned University of Kansas paleontologist Dr. David Burnham about the unique Dakotaraptor and some of its better known raptor relatives. Prepaid reservations of $30/person or $25/member are required. Must be 21 or older. Visit powellgardens.org/dino-soiree for details. Catch a Free Ride to the Gardens! 11:30 a.m. Sunday, June 19 We’re offering free shuttle service to Powell Gardens from

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Missouri Barn Dinner with Chef Martin Woods 6 p.m. Sunday, June 26 Gather with friends in the openair Missouri Barn for a casual dinner featuring the season’s best flavors. Martin Woods, Executive Chef with the PB&J Restaurant Group, will prepare a multi-course dinner showcasing produce grown in the Heartland Harvest Garden— the nation’s largest edible landscape. Prepaid reservations of $100/person or $80/member are required. Visit powellgardens.org/ JuneBarnDinner for details.

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Tree Tour of Union Cemetery with Alan Branhagen 1-3 p.m. Sunday, June 26 Learn about some of Kansas City’s most magnificent trees during this walk through Union Cemetery, home to three of the area’s champion trees: Kentucky coffeetree, hackberry and sassafras. Fee: $7/person or free for members of Powell Gardens. Space is limited. Register at powellgardens.org/ TreeTours.

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2016

Photos by Susan Mertz.

Destination: The Butchart Gardens Sharing her experience abroad, SUSAN MERTZ points out the highlights of this journey to Vancouver.

hat do you mean there aren’t any rental cars? On one side of the counter at the rental car agency in Vancouver, Canada was a long line of angry people. On the other side, a clerk in tears. My husband and I had just departed a cruise ship and thought we had a rental car lined up for a weekend in Victoria. Instead, the city of Vancouver had no rental

cars. Not a single one. I was not about to be deterred by this turn of events as I was on a mission to see a garden that I once saw on PBS’ Victory Garden. Rather than join in the melee at the rental car company, I took a map of British Columbia and went next door to Starbucks. The barista was well trained in helping customers navigate the menu boards.

Unfortunately, she couldn’t help me with a route out of Vancouver. A gentleman waiting his turn mentioned a bus and a ferry to Victoria. Within minutes, my husband and I haled a taxi and the journey to The Butchart Gardens continued. More than a century ago, Jennie Butchart began the transformation of the rock quarry that provided limestone for the family’s

cement plant into a sunken garden. Cartloads of soil were brought in for the garden floor. Attentive to details, Jennie hung from a bosun’s chair along the sides of the quarry to carefully place ivy plants to soften the walls. Today, the 55 acre property has expanded beyond the sunken garden to include numerous gardens and a million annuals. Yes, one million annuals!

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June 2016 | kcgmag.com

Garden Photography learn to take beautiful pictures of your garden and more

M It was the color that first took my breath away. The color combinations of the beds of annuals were just beautiful. Gradually, I noticed things like the perfect edges of the beds, no noticeable irrigation lines, no weeds, no one tending the gardens. It seemed like magic and left me wondering if the horticulturists and staff worked only worked in the wee hours of the morning. Then, just beyond the picnic tables, I saw the garden walls. Oh, my goodness. Long ago, Gertrude Jekyll’s gardening books were my first exposure to garden walls. Decades later, I was standing next to one carefully sculpted with a doorway and fully appreciating the value of garden walls and the separation of garden rooms. As we walked along the pathway beyond the Japanese Garden, there were dahlias. I consistently fail at growing dahlias because I don’t follow Martha Stewart’s

video on creating a network of bamboo stakes and a spiderweb of twine to hold up the heavy flowers. Dahlias are magnificent flowers and some of them make me think of fireworks exploding in the sky. I love the varying forms and colors. As the sun was setting, the lawn started filling with blankets and visitors. It was time for real fireworks, set to music and reflected in a pond. Simply incredible. As the visit came to an end, there was a last bit of magic with the Night Illumination stroll through the sunken garden. I’m so glad we didn’t give up and found a route to the gardens. If you go, take the ferry and rent a car in Victoria. It’s much easier. Susan Mertz, Garden Writer and Director of Marketing at Loma Vista Nursery. Join her for tours and photographs of gardens at inthegarden.buzz

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any of us would love to consistently take beautiful photographs of our gardens, including close-ups of flowers and the wildlife that visit. How can we move from relying upon luck to being more sure of our skill in capturing the beauty of nature? Bruce Hogle will share his knowledge with us so that we can start capturing the beauty around us, including information on utilizing different lenses, filters and other tools of the art of photography. After having owned some kind of camera all his life, Mr. Hogle took up photography as a serious hobby in 1992. Since then, he has participated

in classes plus more than three dozen workshops in varied parts of the country, learning from some excellent teachers. His images are regularly published in KANSAS! magazine and calendar. This class is being hosted by the Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners on Thursday, July 7, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It will be held at the Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1216 North 79th Street, Kansas City KS. Pre-registration not required. Fee: $5.00 payable at the door (waive for currently certified extension master gardeners). For further information, call 913-299-9300.

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The Bird Brain THERESA HIREMATH shares everything you want to know about Bird of the Month – the American Goldfinch.

o you have American Goldfinches in your backyard habitat? The brilliant yellow color of the male is unmistakable! Their habits of feeding in groups and hanging around at feeders for an extended period of time make them one of the easiest birds to spot. In addition to the male’s eye-catching yellow plumage, they have a cap and wings that are deep black with white wingbars. Their conical bill is great for eating seeds, and they have a pointed and notched tail. American Goldfinches have an interesting flight call consisting of four syllables that can be likened to “po-ta-to-chip.” Goldfinches can be found across the country, and are yearround residents here in the midwest. They roam in small flocks from food source to food source during the winter, sometimes traveling as much as four miles a day! One of the rare birds that is strictly vegetarian, their favorite foods are nyjer and sunflower seeds. You can attract these beauties to your backyard with hopper, platform, tube, or mesh feeders filled with their favorites. Goldfinches are fairly insistent that nyjer, in particular, is fresh and

dry, so keep your feeders full of fresh, dry seed. Female American Goldfinches are dominant over males in the summer and appear to be subservient to them in the winter. See if you can tell a seasonal difference at your feeders. American Goldfinches are dominated by Pine Siskin and House Finch during the winter and play second fiddle to them at feeders. Unlike many birds, goldfinches molt their body feathers twice a year: in the spring before breeding and after nesting in the fall. Their vibrant yellow plumage is one of the many signs indicating that spring is near. The spring molt is a full molt of all their feathers and requires a large amount of nutrients and energy. This process probably diminishes their ability to nest earlier in the season. As a result, they are one of the latest breeding songbirds, waiting to nest until mid-to-late summer. During their fall feather molting, American Goldfinches grow a new set of feathers that are much denser than their summer plumage. These soft feathers provide an additional layer of insulation to help keep them warm throughout the winter. The color of the legs, feet

and bill of the American Goldfinch change with each feather molt. In winter time, their legs, feet and bill are dark grayish brown, whereas other times of the year they are a buffy yellow-orange color. American Goldfinches prefer to nest in habitats with short evergreen trees, saplings and shrubs. They usually place their nest four to ten feet off the ground, often near a water source, and will sometimes nest in a loose colony. American Goldfinches can weave their nest so tightly that it will temporarily hold water! The female American Goldfinch chooses the nest site,

builds the nest and incubates the eggs all on her own. Once the nest is built, she attaches her nest to supporting twigs with spider web, and makes a downy lining using the tufts of seed heads. A typical brood consists of five pale-blue or greenish-blue eggs that hatch in about 12 days. The male feeds the female on the nest throughout incubation and takes on an ever increasing role in feeding the nestlings as they grow older. Nestlings fledge about 12 days after hatching. Young American Goldfinches are dependent on their parents for at least three weeks after fledging. Be sure to watch and listen for their energetic begging as they harass their parents for food at your feeders. Do you want to try your hand at attracting these bright beauties to your backyard? Come see us today for an assortment of feeders and the freshest food in town. Our experts can help you with your Goldfinch enjoyment needs. Nik and Theresa Hiremath own and operate Wild Birds Unlimited of Leawood at 11711 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas. Contact them at 913-491-4887.

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June 2016 | kcgmag.com

It’s about time for you to register for ‘Garden Thyme in Kansas City.’

he Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City are hosting the 21st Annual Master Gardener State Conference September 16-18, 2016, at Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference in Independence, Missouri. We expect an attendance of over 300 MGs from all over the state of Missouri and local garden enthusiasts. From tours and workshops, you will have fun choosing from: • a Lawrence tour to visit Monarch Watch, Pendleton Farms and the Wakarusa Mushroom Farm; • the caves to learn about carnivorous plants from David Bird; or • listening to a mesmerizing speaker, Dr. Ted Cable of K-State, teach how to engage an audience on horticultural topics. These are JUST the Friday choices for this amazing three-day conference.

We kick off the conference at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center with tours of the Kauffman Memorial Garden and the native plants at the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Saturday will be packed with six distinct motor coach tours including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Country Club Plaza with its fountains and beautiful plantings and The Beanstalk

Children’s Garden. The “Looms and Heirlooms” tour will feature the 1870’s Watkins Mill Kitchen Garden, the Woolen Mill with mid19th century textile machinery, and the ever popular Powell Gardens which includes many new features. The keynote speaker on Saturday evening will be our beloved Director of Horticulture at Powell Gardens, Alan Branhagen. Then we will tap our toes to the 5-Star Jazz Band, a North Kansas

City based youth band. Their mission, “teaching others” is a perfect parallel to the University of Missouri Extension Master Gardeners’ mission of “helping others learn to grow”. On Sunday you can join the Osage Trails Missouri Master Naturalists for an early morning bird walk at the Falls of Crackerneck Creek. There will be 12 more classes to choose from that day taught by local experts in the field of horticulture. The weekend will conclude with a famous Kansas City-style Barbeque luncheon, distribution of door prizes and fond farewells to new and long-time friends. You can learn more and register beginning May 15 for “Garden Thyme in Kansas City” hosted by the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City at www.mggkcconf. com. It’s about time.

The Kansas City Gardener | June 2016

Photos by Lenora Larson.

A handsome caterpillar grows to almost 3”.

The Luna overwinters as a cocoon hidden in leaf litter under its host plant.

The eyespots mimic the face of a larger animal to fool predators.

The male finds the female Luna by ‘smelling’ her perfumed pheromones.

Luna Moths LENORA LARSON educates butterfly enthusiasts about the silk moth with wings that reach up to 4.5 inches across.

s I’m presenting workshops on butterflies, I am often questioned about “the large pale green butterfly.” Yes, the unmistakable Luna, one of our native silk moths, embodies the romance of the night with its huge lime-green wings that reach up to 4.5 inches across. A pair of 4 inch tails stream from the end of its hindwings, doubling the moth’s

length. Each wing sports a translucent purple eyespot, which may fool potential predators into thinking that the Luna’s wings are the face of a much larger creature. And the tails serve as auditory deflectors to confuse bats, the chief predator of moths. A fuzzy white body, red legs and feathery yellow antennae complete the Luna’s fashion-forward look.

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June 2016 | kcgmag.com

The Lepidoptera As fellow members of the order of insects called “Lepidoptera”, moths and butterflies have much in common. Both have scales on their wings, although the moths are typically dingy while the butterflies flaunt brilliant colors and intricate patterns. The giant Silk Moths such as the Luna, Cecropia and Polyphemus are exceptions to the moths’ drab apparel with their colorful patterned wings. Like butterflies, moths live their lives in four stages: egg, caterpillar, pupa and adult. All the eating is done by the caterpillar, while the winged adults are solely focused on procreation. The adult silk moths don’t even have tongues for imbibing nectar and only live about 5 days. Luna Love Lunas typically emerge from their cocoons in the morning and spend several hours pumping abdominal fluid into their wings to expand them and prepare for flight. As the sun goes down, the Lunas soar into the night to find mates. The females exude pheromones whose perfume attracts the males which are equipped with huge feathery antennae to catch the alluring scent. Mating occurs after midnight and once the male has dispensed all of his sperm, he dies. The female stores the sperm, then fertilizes each of 400 to 600 eggs as she lays them in clumps of 4 to 7 eggs on the underside of a host plant, which includes White Birch, Sweet Gum, Walnut and Hickory trees. And once all of the eggs are laid, she dies, her destiny fulfilled.

The Caterpillars: Jolly Green Giants A brilliant green caterpillar with red dots emerges from the egg in about a week. They eat almost non-stop for three to five weeks, shedding their skins five times as they grow to 2 ½ inches. They are never a pest since they are limited in number and only eat tree leaves. Once full grown, the caterpillar evacuates its gut to clear out any remaining undigested food and then heads down to the forest floor where it spins a silk and leaf cocoon. The magical metamorphosis takes two weeks in the summer; however, the September Luna remains in its cocoon through the winter, hoping that a homeowner does not remove it along with the fallen leaves under its host tree. Don’t Be too Fastidious! Although rarely seen, Lunas are quite common in the Kansas City area region. The two broods occur in late May/early June and a second in September. The adults are attracted by lights at night and may then spend the next day resting near your porch light. Come fall, please don’t rake the leaves under their host plants, you risk killing this beautiful moon child. Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardener, Idalia Butterfly Society and Kansas Native Plant Society member, Lenora Larson gardens and hosts butterflies in the cruel winds and clay soil of Paola, Kansas. She may be contacted at lenora.longlips@gmail.com.

Johnson County accepting applications to its K-State Extension Master Gardener program

f you enjoy gardening, working with others and having fun while sharing your passion, then the Extension Master Gardener program may be just the opportunity for you. Applications are now being accepted for the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Master Gardener (EMG) 2017 training program. Application deadline is July 15. An informational meeting will be held Wednesday, June 29, from 1–3 p.m. at the Extension office, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Room 1060, in Olathe. Projects and program guidelines will be outlined. You are encouraged to attend this meeting if you have questions about the EMG program or would like more information prior to completing your application. Only 30 applicants are accepted annually into this prestigious program. The EMG program, sponsored by K-State Research and Extension, is designed to teach area gardeners about horticulture and give them the opportunity to share their knowledge through various gardening-related volunteer projects. Applicants who are selected will receive intensive horticulture-related training from university experts. In return, newly-trained recruits will be required to volunteer a minimum of 40 hours each year. EMG volunteers get involved in a variety of projects including maintaining demonstration gar-

dens, staffing a gardening hotline and giving presentations through the speakers’ bureau. Youth programs are also another avenue for volunteer participation. Applicants are selected on the basis of gardening and volunteering experience, ability to attend training sessions and volunteer activities, and, most importantly, willingness to commit long-term to the annual requirement of volunteer service. Gardeners who join the program bring many different experience levels and interests to the program. If you are a novice gardener, do not let the title of Extension Master Gardener intimidate you. Your love of gardening and passion for sharing your garden experience is the basis for success. Training sessions will begin September 13 and run each Tuesday through November 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 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. If you are interested in applying for the program, or would like more information, please contact Johnson County Extension at 913-715-7000 or visit www.johnson.k-state.edu and click on the Master Gardener link for details.

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www.lomavistanursery.com/garden-center The Kansas City Gardener | June 2016

Photo courtesy of waysidegardens.com.

Photo courtesy of davidaustinroses.com.

Above: ‘Zephirine Droughin’ Rose; Below: ‘Northern Hi-Lights’ Azalea

Above: Summersweet; Below: Witch Hazel

Below: Korean Spice Viburnum

Photo courtesy of longwoodgardens.com.

Below: Carolina Allspice

June 2016 | kcgmag.com

Below: Clove Currant

Plant Garden Scents TRACY FLOWERS gathered suggestions of favorite fragrant flowering shrubs to include in your garden.

Korean Spice Viburnum Susan Mertz of Loma Vista Nursery really likes Korean Spice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) for its early blooms and easy care. She says, “They are such a useful plant in the landscape with fragrant flowers in the spring and colorful fall foliage.” Korean Spice Viburnum will grow to six feet tall and wide. If you prefer a more compact form and size they also respond well to a pruning after the bloom time is over. They will tolerate full sun or part shade, where their white to pinkish flowers really pop against a dark background. Northern Hi-Lights Azalea Another recommendation from Mertz are the sweet flowers of ‘Northern Hi-Lights’ Azalea (Rhododendron ‘Northern Hi-Lights’). She likes to pair this shrub with Oakleaf Hydrangea or columbine. Best grown in dappled shade, the flowers of these azaleas will draw you in with your eyes open or closed. Just like other azaleas, ‘Northern Hi-Lights’ prefers acidic soil and is best pruned just after flowering. Lilac Most gardens contain at least one lilac (Syringa) in their collection. Local garden designer Leah Berg grows the varieties ‘Sensation’ and ‘Cheyenne.’ Smelling these perennial favorites takes her back to her school days, walking the lilac-lined sidewalks on her way to class. Whether you

Photo courtesy of monrovia.com.

lose your eyes and follow your nose around the garden. Here are some fragrantblooming shrubs that local gardening gurus plant to stimulate their sense of smell.

Lilac ‘Sensation’ prefer the classic lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) or the new ‘Bloomerang’ varieties, their smells have a deep and romantic aroma that will transform your garden. Summersweet Leah Berg is a proponent of gardening with pollinating insects in mind. She says that the summerblooming Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) will nourish the insect population as well as being beautiful in the garden. Their sweetsmelling bottlebrush flowers that bloom in mid to late summer are very attractive to butterflies. Summersweet prefers part shade and average moisture in the soil without drying out completely. They will slowly sucker about six feet wide, so give this shrub a little room to grow. Witch Hazel Garden writer Marty Ross is known for adoring witch hazel

(Hamamelis). These spicy-smelling shrubs are a breath of cool, fresh air in the garden, because most species of witch hazel bloom in the late winter. They offer much needed relief from winter’s grip. In time, these slow growing shrubs have the ability to turn into pyramidal-shaped, small trees.Ross says, “I love Chinese witch hazel (H. mollis) which blooms in January and smells like Tide.” She also likes how the flower petals unfurl like party streamers and curl up again as temperatures get colder. Clove Currant After the witch hazel are done blooming, Ross enjoys the spicy scent of Clove Currant (Ribes odoratum). Their flowers can be enjoyed in the very early spring as a hedge or as a specimen plant. Clove Currant is a fabulous plant for native gardens. Their loose habit provides a backdrop to smaller perennial plants as well as pro-

viding a fruity food source for wildlife later in the season. Carolina Allspice Kansas City Master Gardener, Katherine Hoggard chose Carolina Allspice (Calacanthus floridus) as a favorite fruity-scented shrub, which have been described as combining hints of pineapple, strawberry and banana. She is amazed that the flowers that look so much like wood can have such fragrant blossoms. Carolina Allspice is easy to grow as it will tolerate many different soil types and will thrive and flower in both sun and part shade. Zephirine Droughin Rose A thornless climbing rose, ‘Zephirine Droughin’ (Rosa ‘Zephirine Droughin’) also tops Hoggard’s list. She says, “It smells like a rose is supposed to smell.” Many people plant the ‘Zephirine Droughin’ rose when they need a shrub to climb a wall. These “bourbon roses” will tolerate more shade than others and are known to have repeat blooms throughout the summer season. In the best conditions ‘Zephrine Droughin’ will easily grow six to ten feet tall. Adding fragrant flowering shrubs to the garden is a benefit in so many ways. They provide nectar and pollen to bees and other beneficial insects. Their fragrances lift our spirits and evoke memories. Plant one of these beauties near a garden gate or the front door and you will be greeted with pleasant aromas every year. Tracy Flowers is on the Horticulture staff at Powell Gardens and she works at The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden. You may reach her at 816-932-1200.

The Kansas City Gardener | June 2016

Floating Island Filters Filled with assorted plants, varied textures and flowers, DIANE SWAN describes how floating island filters work.

magine sitting on a lounger, sipping an ice cold drink on a hot summer day. As you sit and relax, you watch an island of beautiful flowers float by. You see your little fishies swim in and out of the floating greenery and a frog hiding among the lush leaves thinking you can’t see him. What a beautiful sight! What makes this possible? Floating Islands…. A concept that is becoming more popular. An island is a process of literally floating aquatic plants. They are held in place usually by a foam form that allows the roots of the plants to dangle in the pond’s water. The plants roots get all their energy from the water which results in helping to filter the water. By taking up these nutrients, the plants usually grow larger and healthier. The healthier the roots, the more

nutrients they will absorb. It’s a win-win situation. Less nutrients in the water makes for less nutrients for the algae to grow on. By placing these aquatic floating islands near your aeration system they become more effective. The increased oxygen levels generated by the aerator diffusers speed up the composition of organic matter on the bottom of the pond, along with beneficial bacteria. The breakdown of debris releases carbon dioxide and nitrates as by-products that are then lifted and released to the surface by the air bubbles created. When an island is located by these surface bubbles (which are a constant flow of nutrients), it enables increased nutrient level intake by plant islands floating nearby.

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The end result is that the islands are able to steal large amounts of nutrients away from the algae group. Filtration is just one of the benefits of floating islands. Others include: • provide shade for the pond during the hot summer months • provide cover for fish from predators • Protect plants from large grazing Koi. • Best of all… they are self-watering! There are sizes available for all types of ponds from small single, rock-like floaters to large planters that hook together to make larger islands. There are a wide variety of plants that you can use. According to studies done by the University of Maryland, in particular, found that Iris and Water Celery rated very high on the absorption rates of nutrients. They also found that floating plants absorb 200-300% more nutrients than the same plants planted in soil pots. However, any plant will absorb nutrients when planted in a float-

ing island. For height you could use Iris, Papyrus, Umbrella palms, Taros, Cardinal plants and more. For medium fillers, you could use Chameleon, Water plantain, Water Celery, Pickerels, Arrowheads, Bluebells and so many more. The edges of the floaters can be disguised when covered by creepers, such as Creeping Jenny, Forget-me-nots, Red Rotala, Creeping Mazus, Variegated Pennywort and others. Also, many moist-loving land plants are ideal options for floating islands. Some that will work are Sweet Potato Vine, Astilbe, almost any Sedge, Blue-eyed Grass, Impatiens and Coleus. Add a floating island (or two) to your pond for color, texture and seasonal interest. 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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Gardeners Connect Garden Party scheduled for June 18

or this year’s Garden Party, Gardeners Connect members are invited to the garden of a plant collector and garden artist, Nancy Erwine. Our annual garden party is planned for 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, June 18. The event is free to members of Gardeners Connect, and nonmembers may pay $10 to view the garden and share in the libations. Her garden is at 900 Hillside, Liberty, Mo. 64068. If you know where the Liberty Family Tree Nursery is, just go north three blocks from there on Dains Street. Nancy and John’s home is on the northwest corner of Dains and Hillside. An alternative route from most of the metroplex is to go east on Highway 152 (it becomes Kansas Avenue east of 291 Highway) to Dains and go south. In her garden, Nancy combines her penchant for collecting plants with her love for collecting antiques for her garden and a penchant for

creating picturesque vignettes with them. There are many places to amble and inspect but also restful places to relax and hear the gurgling of water and watch birds. A pond that you will see as you walk into the back yard is newly installed. There she has taken some mill stones from her collection of them to echo the round shape of a lotus in the background. Mill stones are stacked in the center with water pitter-pattering off the edges and others hold tufts of sedge. Dwarf spruces frame the scene. Behind everything is a mirror that provides a playful glint of sunlight. In another part of the garden another water feature shimmers. A half dozen long copper stems rise from the pool, water dripping from the abstract flowers on the ends. A grate behind the bouquet holds another mirror close to the ground that reflects the falling water drops with sunlight glinting off of them. At night it is lit and has a magical luminosity.

Look for her fairy gardens, the mill stone patio and her many container gardens. Sit in the garden swing. Nancy’s garden has collections of intriguing conifers, hostas and arisaemas, or jack in the pulpits. Nancy not only is a Gardeners Connect member but she also served on the board for more than five years. She also is a member

of the Heartland Hosta and Shade Plant Society, Heartland Peony Society and the Greater Kansas City Iris Society and was a member of the Pines and Needles Conifer Club. If you have questions about the event, please check out GardenersConnect.org or email info@gardenersconnect.org.

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2016

Rose Report Kansas City’s expert rosarian JUDY PENNER shares her methods for spraying the rose garden.

the roses when temperatures are in the upper 80s, so read the entire label on the fungicide or insecticide you intend to use. Pay attention to rain in your area so your spray product does not get washed off. Use a spreader sticker so that the product will stay on the leaves instead of dripping off. My daily garden routine includes inspecting the leaves and blooms on the roses to see what fungus or insect is bothering them. I would recommend getting in the habit of looking at your rose blooms and leaves daily so you can take care of any problems quickly. Black spot is the most common fungus that affects roses in Kansas City. Black spot can be on just a few leaves or it can cover every leaf and defoliate the rose bush. Even if you only have a few

praying roses is a requirement for the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden and is one of my least favorite garden tasks but the rewards of spraying are worth the time and trouble. I spray a fungicide every 10 to 14 days and I only spray for insects when I see them. I recommend wearing a mask, neoprene gloves, rubber boots, and designate a set of clothing for spraying your roses. Wash the clothes you spray in separately from your other clothes. Also spray roses early in the morning so beneficial insects are less likely to be injured. Pay attention to the weather; if it is too windy, do not spray since it can drift to unwanted areas. Watch the outside temperatures when spraying; some products will burn

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We can check on your pond while you’re gone. Daily/weekly. We also offer plant watering services and reptile/bird checks.

Black spot can be on just a few leaves or it can cover every leaf and defoliate the rose bush. leaves with blackspot you should spray regularly because black spot is spread by spores that disperse when water hits them. So prevention is best and consistent spraying is necessary. I have noticed a lot of worm damage to the leaves this year. Worms cause the leaves to look skeletonized. I apply a general insecticide to get rid of the worms. That being said, the damage will not go away on the skeletonized leaves, but the new leaves will look fine. So spray at the first sign of damage to keep your leaves looking good.

don’t know where to start?

Aphids will usually attack roses this month and can be washed away with a strong spray of water or again with a general insecticide. There are many other insects that eat roses but if you check on your roses daily and spray as necessary you should be able to keep your roses healthy and happy. Remember, take time to stop and smell the roses! Judy Penner is Expert Rosarian at Loose Park, Kansas City, Mo. You may reach her at judy.penner@ kcmo.org.

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June 2016 | kcgmag.com

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Flower Flies

hen I say the word “Fly”, you probably don’t imagine brightly colored, harmless Flower Flies feeding on flowers in your garden. Their larvae spend the night voraciously eating aphids on your garden plants while you sleep. By modifying a few gardening practices, you can encourage this natural pest control and have some amazing creatures visiting your flowers. Flower Flies are also called Hover Flies, Drone Flies, and Syrphid Flies. They belong to a large family of harmless flies called Syrphidae. Most are colored to mimic bees and wasps. At first glance, it is easy to mistake a Flower Fly for a bee. You can identify a Flower Fly by several characteristics. They have short, knobby antennae. Their eyes look like goggles on the front of their head. They have two wings and each wing has a characteristic fold on the front edge of the wing. Bees have long antennae, eyes on the side of the head, and 4 wings without a fold. Adult Flower Flies live 3 to 9 weeks. They feed on nectar and pollen using their sponge-like mouth parts. Females seek out plants with larva prey to lay their eggs on. Larva hatch out in three days. The grub-like larva consume aphids, spider mites, thrips, scale, and mealy-

bugs. They usually feed at night and have quite an appetite. They can consume as many as 50 aphids in a night of feeding! Once mature, the larva spins a simple cocoon and attaches itself to a leaf or plant stem. In this pupa form it develops into an adult. Flower Flies overwinter under leaf litter or on plant stems as either a larva or pupa. By providing Flower Flies with the proper flower forms to feed on, allowing them to overwinter in the garden, and limiting pesticide use, you can increase their numbers and diversity in your garden. They require open flower forms where the nectar and pollen is easy to access. The Xerces Society recommends Spiderwort, Goldenrod, Mountain Mint, Alyssum, Coriander, and Fennel. In my south Kansas City garden the spring species favor Spiderwort, both the native Tradescantia ohiensis and the hybrid “Sweet Kate”. They also feed on Viburnum dentatum flowers and the native Golden Alexander. The summer Flower Fly species feed on Helenium ‘Dakota Gold’, Rudbeckia flowers of several cultivars and the native Black-Eyed Susan, the native False Sunflower Heliopsis helianthoides, and Panicle Hydrangea blossoms. The fall species feed on the native Rigid Goldenrod, Smooth Aster, and Aromatic Aster. Flower Flies

Photo by Tom Schroeder.

By Tom Schroeder

Their babies eat your aphids.

Flower Fly Syphaerophoria feed on flowers from May to early November. To have a good population of Flower Flies you have to allow them to overwinter. The adults die at the first freeze. The larvae and pupae overwinter under leaf litter or on plant stems. If you remove plant stems and debris in the fall, you remove many of next season’s Flower Flies. Allow some plant litter and stems to persist in your garden until it warms in the spring. If you

want to clean up parts of the garden for appearances sake, place the garden debris in the back of the garden or the back of the yard or under bushes so next year’s adults can emerge in the spring and summer. If you will minimize or eliminate your pesticide use, you will benefit all the wildlife in your garden and allow the natural predators, like Flower Fly larva, to increase in numbers so they can decrease the population of damaging insects. Read the enitre article and see more pictures at KCGMAG.COM. Tom Schroeder is a Missouri Master Naturalist intern and 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 their website at https://www.bridgingthegap.org/ kansas-city-wildlands/.

Cultivate discovery and adventure in every season at Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden ! TM

Booms & Blooms Festival July 2

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816.697.2600 | powellgardens.org The Kansas City Gardener | June 2016

Country Garden Tour Offers Seldom Seen Views of Platte County

rt, whimsey, beautiful flowers and stunning views will be on display in Platte County when the Weston Cottage Gardeners open five country gardens to the public June 24 and 25. The Country Garden Tour takes place only once every four years (two years from now, it will be gardens within Weston), so put these dates on your calendar. As you drive from western Parkville to areas north of Weston, keep a sharp eye out for the T.J. Jenkins carved bear heads watching over the roads, mailboxes and homes of Platte County residents. The “Bear Road” began on Moore Road, but has expanded to more than 100 sites along the highways and back roads of Platte County. The Bear Heads are not the only art you’ll see as you spend the day with the Cottage Gardeners. A garden based on a Pissarro painting, a

fairy garden beside a “She Shed,” his and her inspired gardens, a secret garden and one with repurposed objects that have become art will give you wonderful ideas for your own garden. Cottage Gardeners of Weston Country Gardens Tour Friday and Saturday, June 24 and 25, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance–$12 day of the tour. Available at www.cottagegardenersweston.com, send name and address with payment to: Cottage Gardeners, PO Box 102, Weston, MO 64098, or purchase at Renditions, 522 Main, Weston 816-640-2300. Lura’s Garden 13250 NW 61st St, Parkville, MO 64152; See Bear Head #88 here The inspiration for Lura’s gardens began with her love of birds,

Lura’s garden is filled with plenty of inspiration for gardeners, novice and expert. butterflies, and frogs. Six years ago, she started with one flowerbed and lots of grass. Now the beds cover the hillside and wrap around the house. While gardening on a hill was an undertaking, the resulting effect was worth the challenges. Lura’s goal was to have as little grass as possible. The garden changes every year and she says it will never be finished. There is a garden dedicated to native plants, which Lura calls “The ButterBird Garden”. Another garden, “Julia’s Secret Garden”, was created by Lura and her granddaughter. It features shade plants enclosed by a picket fence. The Blueberry and Gooseberry Patch keeps family and friends in pies, muffins, and jam all winter. Some of the gooseberry plants are family heirlooms coming from Lura’s mother-in-laws’ garden. Lura loves to stop and enjoy the flowers every day. What a gift!

Suzanne’s Garden 112 East St, Farley, MO Suzanne’s is a simple country garden where the needs of local wildlife are as much a part of the garden plan as the plants themselves. She makes sure even the smallest creatures are cared for, providing a watering hole for insects as well as an insect hotel. Food, water and habitat are provided for a wide variety of birds. A hillside evolved into her “reforestation area”. Anchored by a huge American elm, she added evergreens and small groves of native understory trees: Pawpaw and Sassafras. Besides her flower gardens, there are several small vegetable plots. Suzanne’s repurposing philosophy includes an on-going compost area that provides the only nutrients she adds to her soil. A rain barrel takes advantage of rainwater runoff.

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June 2016 | kcgmag.com

Many of the structures come from repurposed objects. Old bricks form a patio, walkways, and garden borders. A wooden structure once used in a live Nativity was “remodeled” into a rustic pot-

ting shed, and old metal garden gates provide a backdrop, trellises and yard art. Pam’s Hillside Garden With a View 16645 Sexton Rd, Platte City, MO The view is stunning from this hillside garden above Bee Creek. Pam started the garden and a kitchen garden from scratch 13 years ago overcoming clay soil and hackberry tree roots. The hillside garden contains conifers, roses, daylilies, coneflowers, sedums and spirea that change with every season. Spring highlights are French lilac and creeping phlox; roses, coneflowers and daylilies in the summer; and sedums and crape myrtle in the fall. The kitchen garden includes Greek oregano, chives, hyssop, sage, thyme, basil, dill, cilantro,

rosemary and parsley. Tea garden plants of lavender, hyssop, bee balm, lemon thyme, scented geranium, lemon balm, rugosa rose and Roman chamomile provide refreshing beverages throughout the season. Enjoy some when you visit the garden! Pam loves that she can see her garden from every window in the back of the house. Garden Tips: Choose plants that are beautiful and easy to maintain. Get them in the ground the day they are purchased. Sharon and Cloyde’s Gardens 22425 NW Co Rd M, Weston, MO 64098 Blue Moon Farm was established in 1999 when a hilly 14-acre plot of farmland was converted from cornfield to modern family homestead. There are seven acres of mature trees and four acres of native grassland surrounding the home in addition to Sharon’s perennial flowerbeds and Cloyde’s large vegetable garden. Each year a few new flower garden varieties are added, flowering trees planted and colorful large pots refilled with annuals. The flower garden’s color theme is a combination of blues, lavender and pinks with an occasional pop of brighter colors. Both the flowerbeds and the vegetable garden are in full sun, which makes growing native mid-western plants ideal. The vegetable garden provides more than enough bounty for the Louk kitchen, their chickens and sharing with friends.

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Sharon and Cloyde’s garden tip is to take some time from weeding and tending plants to sit on the porch enjoying what your hard work and nature have created! Marilyn’s Garden 31185 Fairview Rd, Weston, MO 64098 Art lovers, don’t miss this one! This season Marilyn took inspiration from noted plantsman and designer Roy Diblik to plant a garden based on her favorite impressionist artist, Pissarro, titled Landscape at Pontoise. Marilyn’s garden sits in the middle of 17 acres surrounded by wooded hills and a lazy stream. Its beginnings were a simple border in front of the house continuing around the perimeter of the yard.

Designed for the three B’s ~ bees, birds and butterflies. A few years ago, the garden expanded by six feet, and last year a 90’ x 30’ hillside garden was designed and established. It’s exciting to think where this garden will grow to next. It is difficult to put her garden in a style category, as it is always in a state of ever changing evolution. However, Marilyn recently attended a seminar on Adapting English Design to Kansas City Area Gardens to discover that her garden has many elements of an English garden. Over planted, closely planted, planted in mass, very colorful and little earth showing; creating a feeling of generosity. Garden tip: love your garden and it will love you back.

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2016

Get Kids in Touch with Nature

ne thing is certain this year. Native plants are a hot item at garden centers. Milkweeds are selling out early this season. One nursery owner told me that sales of native plants were up 40% in the first quarter of 2016. That is in line with what I see at Shaw Nature Reserve also. I’m busier than ever responding to requests about gardening with native plants. People come to us wanting to learn how to attract wildlife to their homes and communities. And what better way to do that then to take up gardening with friends and family. It is a great way to get kids away from screens and into the outdoors—and it’s an inexpensive way to exercise. Here are a few ways to attract wildlife at home and perhaps teach them about the food chain…the sun feeds plants, plants feed insects,

and insects feed baby birds and other animals. If I had to start with one plant for children and families, it would be common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). It is perhaps the favored milkweed for monarch butterflies, whose caterpillars feed on the leaves. It is best planted in full sun in large areas where it can spread in its haphazard fashion, popping up here and there, adding an element of surprise each spring. It is also covered with many other butterflies, bees, beetles, bugs, and their predators—spiders, mantises, and wasps. All this from a few native plants you brought home to your garden. You can’t get that much excitement from a box of Pokémon cards. Other milkweeds include swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata); butterfly milkweed

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SCOTT WOODBURY reminds gardeners of celebrating acts of neighborliness and getting children in the garden.

Bird feeders bring birds up close.

Blazingstar can be a butterfly magnet.

(Asclepias tuberosa; for dry sites with clay) and purple milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens; for shady sites). A close second exciting plant for children is eastern blazingstar (Liatris scariosa), which is the butterfly magnet in my garden. It has similar pollinators and predators to milkweed, plus one very interesting surprise that kids tend to see before adults because it’s hidden. It’s called the wavy-lined emerald moth and the caterpillar of this small moth sticks pieces of flower parts to its back to mimic the flower that it loves to eat. When it is on blazingstar it has purple petal pieces stuck to its back. When it’s on black-eyed Susan it has yellow petals or purple anthers. Look for wiggling flower parts and Bingo! You’ve found it. And when the petals fade naturally on the flower, they also fade on the caterpillar in remarkable synchronicity. Pathways through the garden inspire adventure to children, especially when they meander amongst a wide variety of native plants that attract wildlife. Benches and boulders to sit on encourage people to linger in the garden. Locate them in shade and make them comfortable. Bird feeders are terrific at attracting birds up close and help complete the food chain story “… insects feed baby birds.” Our feeder is outside the kitchen window where we sit for meals. When the sun is out there is something at the feeder, mostly birds but an

occasional squirrel. We call out the birds by name: nuthatch, woodpecker, titmouse, cardinal, blue jay, goldfinch and so on. We get excited when rose-breasted grosbeaks show up in spring, and hurry to fill the platform feeder with more sunflower seeds when it is runs empty. Beneath the feeder, juncos and sparrows scratch the ground for fallen seeds. One of my mentors, though she never knew it, was Laurie Otto, founder of Wild Ones. The way she gardened in the Milwaukee suburbs was welcoming to neighbors, much like a “Little Free Library.” Her garden style invited walkers off the street like a public park. It provided views into the natural world and living diversity in an otherwise homogenous neighborhood. Children visited regularly. They walked paths through the native gardens accompanied by friends and parents who felt good about what their neighbor was doing. As a parent I sometimes worry about the world my child will inherit, and so I celebrate acts of neighborliness when they happen, which give me hope. Horticulturist Scott Woodbury is the Curator of the Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve. He also is an advisor to the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native! program. For a Resource Guide of vendors of native plants and native plant services, visit www.grownative.org.

Water Garden Society of Greater Kansas City Presents

Water Gardens 2016 23rd Annual Water Garden Tour Saturday, June 25 • Sunday, June 26 9am - 5pm • Rain or Shine Bus tours available. Buy early to plan your personal driving tour of 30 plus gardens in Greater Kansas City and nearby communities. There are a variety of private gardens and Water Garden Society constructed educational water gardens for schools and nature centers. Tickets are $10 per person (ages 14 and older). A tour book with maps, driving directions, and host written descriptions of the gardens are included. Proceeds benefit construction of educational and restorative water gardens and other educational programs in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Call: 816-305-5963 • 816-861-3449 www.kcwatergardens.com

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at all Hen House Markets, all Westlake Hardware stores, and all Grass Pads Brothers Fish and Pets, Kansas City, MO City Pets & Ponds, Kansas City, MO Colonial Nursery, Blue Springs, MO Creekside Market, Raymore, MO Earl May Garden Center, Shawnee, KS Family Tree Nursery, Shawnee, KS Family Tree Nursery, Overland Park, KS Family Tree Nursery, Liberty, MO Full Features Nursery, Smithville, MO

Heartland Nursery, Kansas City, MO 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 Rosehill Gardens, Martin City, MO Soil Service Garden Ctr & Nursery, KCMO Suburban Lawn and Garden, Leawood, KS

Suburban Lawn and Garden, Kansas City, MO Suburban Lawn and Garden, Lenexa, KS Swan’s Water Gardening, Louisburg, KS Van Liew’s, Kansas City, MO Waldo Grain Company, Kansas City, MO Water’s Edge, Lawrence, KS Wild Bird Center, Independence, MO

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Club Meetings African Violets of GKC Tues, Jun 14, 6-8pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816-513-8590 Bonsai Society of GKC Sun, Jun 11, 9am-5pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Workshop. 816-513-8590 Bonner Springs Garden Club Tues, Jun 21; we will meet in the parking lot on the SE corner of Third St & Cedar St in Bonner Springs. Then carpool to the Home Garden of Chuck Robinson and Brian Chadwick-Robinson in Parkville, Mo. We will tour Chuck’s shade garden and Brian’s sun garden. The group will then have lunch in Parkville. Everyone is welcome. For more information call Nicky Horn at 913-441-8078. GKC Dahlia Society Sun, Jul 10, 1-3pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. There will be a demonstration on topping plants to attain a bushier plant with more blooms. A short business meeting will follow the demonstration. Anyone with questions on growing dahlias is welcome to attend. 816-513-8590

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GKC Herb Study Group Wed, Jun 8, 12-2:30pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816-513-8590 Johnson County Rose Society Thurs, Jun 9, 7pm; at the Johnson County K-State Extension office, 11811 S Sunset Dr, Olathe, KS. The meeting will begin with a tour of the Johnson County Extension Garden Gallery, led by Bud Smith, Master Gardener. An ice cream social will follow the tour. This is a great opportunity to see a variety of rose plants growing in local conditions and to ask questions about the plants and their care. All JCRS meetings are free and open to the public. 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! For more information, www.rosesocietyjoco.org. Kansas City Cactus & Succulent Society Sun, Jul 17, 1:30-4pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st St and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Visitors are welcome. Please note that there will be no club meeting in June. For information on Garden Center events, 816-513-8590. Kaw Valley Herbs Study Group Tues, Jun 14, 7pm; at Unitarian Fellowship of Lawrence, 1263 N 1100

Rd, Lawrence, KS. 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 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. Babies-in-arms and children over 10 are welcome. Information: herbstudygroup@gmail.com Leavenworth Co Master Gardeners Wed, Jun 8, 11am; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Please join us as Chad Gilliland presents “ Designing and Maintaining a Fruit Tree Orchard”. Chad will present an organic approach to choosing and preparing the site, choosing the tree varieties, proper installation, maintenance and long term care. The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more information call Melony Lutz at 913-484-4568 or the Leavenworth Co Ext office at 913-364-5700. Leawood Garden Club Tues, Jun 28, 10:30am; at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS. At about noon, Sandy Wessling, Horticultural Therapist at Crittenton Children’s Center, will present “Horticultural Therapy – What it is and Where it is Used.” The meeting is open to everyone and guests are most welcome. Bring a sack lunch – beverages and desserts provided. For more information, www.leawoodgardenclub.org, send an email to leawoodgardenclub@gmail. com or call 913-642-3317. Mo Kan Daylily Society Sun, Jun 19, 11:30am-3:30pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816513-8590 Northland Garden Club Tues, Jun 21, at 7pm; at Sherwood Bible Church, 4900 N Norton, Kansas City, MO (just south and west of Penguin Park). This month Dee West will present a program on “Simple Flower Arranging”. Please check website for additional information. www.northlandgardenclub.com Overland Park Gardeners of America Mon, Jun 13, 7pm; at a member’s garden, 1004 E Layton Dr, Olathe, KS 66061. Many of us are interested in Larysa’s garden because we have seen the many pictures she posts to our public group on Facebook. She moved to this country with a love of gardening and a thirst for knowledge about our soil, climate and all the other things that go with gardening

in the the midwest. She welcomes input on keeping her treasured plants alive and on making her garden more organized. The public is welcome and we will try to carpool from our regular meeting site, 71st and Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS. For any questions, call Sallie Wiley 913-236-5193. Sho-Me African Violet Club Fri, Jun 10, 11am-2pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816-513-8590

Events, Lectures & Classes June Plant Disease Identification Thurs, Jun 2, 11:30am-1pm; in Sunflower Room of Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1208 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Wyandotte Co Extension Master Gardeners hosting speaker Judy O’Mara who holds a BS in Agriculture Biology and a MS in Plant Pathology. She is a diagnostician and instructor at K-State Univ in Manhattan. Fee: $5.00 payable at the door. Registration not required. The Tomato Whisperer, James Worley Sat, Jun 4, 10-11:30am; at The Gardens at Unity Village, 150B NW Colbern Rd (1/4 mile west of Douglas/Colbern Rds intersection), Lee’s Summit, MO 64086. James will demonstrate the technique for pruning tomato plants this time of year. Also, he will discuss choosing variety of tomatoes, planting tips, picking and care of plants. You will leave with handouts after a digital presentation, questions and answers. Fee:$10/free for members. Cash or check only. Call for reservations: 816769-0259, leave a message. Lawn Edging Made Easy Sat, Jun 4, 9-11:30am; at Powell Gardens. Learn to create and maintain natural dirt edging around trees and flower beds. You will receive the Gourmet Yardener’s manual complete with directions and illustrations. Bring a pair of work gloves and dress for light yard work to participate in the hands-on training portion, if desired. $37/person, $30/member. Registration required by May 30. To register call Linda Burton at 816-697-2600 ext. 209. Or register online at powellgardens.org/AdultClasses. Super Succulent Wreath Sat, Jun 4, 10am-noon; at Powell Gardens. Plant a succulent wreath using an 11-inch-square form with guidance from a seasoned succulent expert. Learn to care for your living wreath and discover new favorite succulent varieties. $44/person, $39/member. Registration required by May 30. To register call Linda Burton at 816-697-2600 ext. 209. Or register online at powellgardens.org/ AdultClasses. Rose Day Sun, Jun 5, 1-5pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st St and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Kansas City Rose Society event. 816-513-8590

Leavenworth County Garden Tour Sat, Jun 11, 9am–3pm; Leavenworth County Master Gardeners will host six beautiful Leavenworth Co gardens. Tickets cost $10 each (cash or check) and may be purchased at the Leavenworth Co Extension office, The Pot Rack, Homestead Greenhouse or Basehor Public Library. This event will occur rain or shine. Please no strollers or pets. For additional information call Anne Rielly at 913-651-6972 or the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700. Is Seed Saving for you? Sat, Jun 11, 10-11am; at The Gardens at Unity Village 150B NW Colbern Rd. (1/4 mile west of Douglas/Colbern Rds intersection), Lee’s Summit, MO 64086. Dayna McDaniel, founder of the Seed Savers-KC Seed Library will be showing you how to keep those precious seeds to save money in the future. She’ll share information from choosing the seeds to storing. Fee: $10/free for members. Cash or check only. Common Herbs and Their Uncommon Uses Sat, Jun 11, 10-11:30am. Fee $19. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme... we can all sing the lyrics to the song. Those herbs and others are easy to grow in our gardens. People love to use them in cooking, but did you know they also have been used throughout the centuries for healing, magic, beauty, and MORE? You will learn about common herbs, tips for growing and using, and discover some uncommon ways to use them. Information: www.GoodEarthGatherings.com Union Hill Garden Tour Sun, Jun 12, 11am-4pm. The self-guided tour starts at 31st St and Grand Ave. Walk through over a dozen residential and community gardens. Free parking is available in the KCPT lots at 31st St and Grand Ave. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors (over age 60). Kids under 12 are free. Half of this year’s proceeds will benefit the neighboring historic Union Cemetery. This is one of Kansas City’s most unique garden tours in a historic Victorian neighborhood, just south of Crown Center. For more information, visit us at: www.facebook.com/ unionhillgardentour or email: unionhillgardentour@gmail.com Raised Bed Gardening Thurs, Jun 16, 7–8pm; at Leavenworth Public Library; 417 Spruce St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Randy Oberlin, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, will give a presentation on the advantages of and how to Raised Bed Gardening. Free and open to the public. For more information call Melony Lutz at 913484-4568 or the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700. Night Garden Tour Fri, Jun 17, 7-9pm. The Northland Garden Club is hosting a night garden tour. Come see how to expand your gardening enjoyment thru lights and plants. (continued on page 28)

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

(continued from page 27)

Cost is $10 each and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are limited. Call Dee West, 816-455-4013. Check the website, northlandgardenclub.com for further information, addresses and maps. Sharon and Dave Cleveland in Liberty invite you to their white garden from daylight thru dusk.

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• •24.2–31.7 hp Interim Tier 4 diesel engines Bumper-to-bumper 2-year/ • D105 OnRamp™ Drive-over mower deck 120-hour warranty** • compatible 17.5 hp (13.0with up cc)* to 62" decks § Starting atkW, $ 500

1,499

• 42-in. Edge™ Cutting System 0% FOR 60 MONTHS • Bumper-to-bumper 2-year/ AND $1,200 BONUS2C 120-hourIMPLEMENT warranty** § Starting at

for

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• –– 31.1–37.3 Tier 4 diesel engines ANDhp –– • Category One 3-point Hitch compatible OFFof implements with dozens $

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With purchase of 2 implements Native Pollinators Symposium –– AND –– at Monsanto Thurs, Jun 23, 8am-3:30pm; 3 Auditorium, Bond Life Center, for Sciences * Mizzou Botanic financingGarden, Columbia, months MO. National Pollinators Week continues with this daylong symposium. Experts JohnDeere.com/Ag will highlight and share the importance of pollinators including bees, birds, butterflies and bats. Discover new information about native pollinator conservation through lectures, roundtable discussions and Q&A with national experts. Tickets for the symposium are free of charge. Speakers are Doug Tallamy, Roy Diblik and others. More information at gardens. missouri.edu.

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12902 SHAWNEE MISSION PKWY SHAWNEE MISSION Reynolds lawn12902 &SHAWNEE, leisuReKS , i66216 nc. PKWY SHAWNEE, KS 66216 www.reynoldsll.com 913-268-4288 12902 shawnee 12902 Mission Pkwy,MISSION shawnee , ks SHAWNEE PKWY 913-268-4288 913-268-4288 www.reynoldsll.com SHAWNEE, KS 66216 Prices and models may vary by dealer. Manufacturer suggested list913-268-4288 price at $2,499 on S240 Sport, $1,499 on D105 and $2,499 on Z235. Prices are suggested retail Wonders of Discovery prices only and are subject to change without notice at any time. Dealer may sell for less. Shown with optional equipment not included in the price. Attachments

12902 SHAWNEE MISSION PKWY Fri, Jun 24, 10am-2pm; at Pollinator 320 S Blake St, Olathe, KS SHAWNEE, KSPrairie, 66216 66061. The Pollinator Prairie will host a family-friendly event at The Pollinator 913-268-4288

1 and implements sold separately. AvailableMay at participating Offer valid on purchases made between 3, 2016, anddealers. May 31, 2016. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. Fixed rate of 0.0% for 60 2 *The engine and bonus torqueisinformation arelow-rate providedfinancing by the engine manufacturer to be used purposes operating horsepower months. $750horsepower off implement in addition to and requires the purchase of twofororcomparison more qualifying John only. DeereActual or Frontier implements. Offer and will be less. Refer to the May engine manufacturer’s website for Subject additional validtorque on purchases made between 3, 2016, and August 2, 2016. to information. approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. Fixed rate of 0.0% for 60 **Term years or hoursbonus used,on whichever first,and and$1,500 variesoff by implement model. See bonus the LIMITED WARRANTY FORareNEW JOHN DEERE TURF financing AND UTILITY months.limited $1,200tooff implement 2R Seriescomes Tractors on 3E Series Tractors in addition to low-rate and requires C EQUIPMENT andDeere JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty details. John Deere’s yellow color thebe leaping deersosymbol anddealer the purchaseatofJohnDeere.com/Warranty two or more qualifying John or Frontier implements.for Some restrictions apply;green otherand special rates andscheme, terms may available, see your § Prices and models may vary byofdealer. suggested list price at $2,499 on S240*Beginning Sport, $1,499 on D105 and $2,499 on Z235. Prices are suggested retail for complete details and other financing options. Valid only at participating U.S. dealers. January 1, 2016, all compact utility tractors purchased new JOHN DEERE are trademarks Deere Manufacturer & Company. prices and are subject change without notice at anywith time.a Dealer may sell for less. Shown with optional includedSee in the Attachments from only an authorized John to Deere dealer come standard 6-year/2,000-hour (whichever comes first) equipment powertrainnot warranty. theprice. LIMITED WARRANTY and sold separately. Available at participating dealers. FORimplements NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at your dealer for details. John Deere’s green and yellow color scheme, the leaping deer symbol and *The engine and torque information JOHN DEEREhorsepower are trademarks of Deere & Company.are provided by the engine manufacturer to be used for comparison purposes only. Actual operating horsepower A0D03KKCU2A62195and torque will be less. Refer to the engine manufacturer’s website for additional information. A0D030ECU2F67190-00024126 **Term limited to years or hours used, whichever comes first, and varies by model. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com/Warranty and JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details. John Deere’s green and yellow color scheme, the leaping deer symbol and JOHN DEERE are trademarks of Deere & Company.

Prairie in Olathe in conjunction with National Pollinator Week. Public invited to experience the beauty and benefits of birds, bees, butterflies and bats. This is a free event and we wish to invite everyone, especially the kids, to this hands-on event to learn about pollinators and their interactions in the environment. 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; Hands-on kids activities hosted by the K-State Extension Master Gardeners Wildlife Habitat Committee. This event is free and open to the public. Jennifer Kingston 913-693-1905; JKingston@ HaleyAldrich.com Honeybee Keeping 201 Sat, Jun 25, 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 it. We will take a half-hour lunch break. $24/person, $20/ member. Registration required by June 20. To register call Linda Burton at 816697-2600 ext. 209. Or register online at powellgardens.org/AdultClasses. Public reception at Loose Park Monarch Garden Sat, Jun 25, 1-4pm. Come see the newly planted Monarch Demo Garden, right outside the garden center office, at Loose Park, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Learn about the monarch butterfly and what you can do to help. The Monarch demo garden is a joint partnership between the Westport Garden Club, Powell Gardens, KCMO Parks and Recreation, GrowNative! and Burroughs Audubon. Annual Public Water Garden Tour Sat, Jun 25 and Sun, Jun 26; presented by the Greater KC Water Garden Society. This is a self-directed driving water garden tour in Greater KC and the surrounding communities. There are numerous styles of water features, from rustic to formal and anything the owners can create. Imagine walking through a garden gate to see little fishes darting among the colorful water lilies, lotus and exotic water garden plants. Garden trains, fairy gardens and fabulous sculpture are popular with water garden enthusiasts. Feel your cares trickle away in these magical water garden settings awaiting your visit. Tickets for the tour are $10 for both days and children under 14 are free. Included with your ticket purchase is a large tour book filled with maps, driving directions and garden descriptions. Residential gardens dominate the tour

June 2016 | kcgmag.com

A0D03KKCU2A62195-

* Offer valid 2/3/2015 through 4/30/2015. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. Implement bonus is in addition to Low Rate financing and requires the purchase of 2 or more qualifying John Deere or Frontier Implements. 1$3,000 OFF or Fixed Rate of 0.0% for 60 months and $1,000 OFF implement bonus on MFWD, 2015 model year 5045E and 5055E Tractors. 2 $1,000 OFF or Fixed Rate of 0.0% for 60 months and $500 OFF implement bonus on 1023E and

offerings along with WGS built educational ponds at schools and non-profit agencies. Proceeds from the tour benefit construction of educational and restorative water gardens and other educational programs in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Tickets are available at most area garden centers, Hen House Markets and Westlake Hardware stores. Get your tickets early to plan your water garden adventure. www.kcwatergardens.com Cottage Gardeners of Weston Country Gardens Tour Fri and Sat, Jun 24 and 25, 9am-4pm. Enjoy a drive through rural, Western Platte County as you visit five, beautiful country gardens. Tickets are $10. More information at http://cottagegardenersweston.com/ Breakfast & Blooms at the Bingham Breakfast & garden tour! Sat, Jun 25, 8am-3pm; at Bingham Waggoner Estate, Independence, MO. Between 8am to 10am, enjoy the simple pleasures of a home style breakfast – eggs, sausage, country potatoes and all the trimmings. Homemade baked goods will be available at the Bake Sale, so plan to take some home! Come hungry and leave well fed! Garden tours begin at 10. The grounds of the Bingham will look lovely and will be the start of the tour. The tour will feature private local gardens, all of which will be a pleasure to visit! Tickets for Breakfast & Blooms are $25 – this ticket includes breakfast, the garden tour and a tour of the Bingham Waggoner Estate to be used the day of the garden tour or any day by Oct 31, 2016. If you’d like to come for breakfast only, tickets are $11. For tickets please call Shireen at 816-461-3491. MagnifiSCENT Mints Sun, Jun 26, 1:30-4:30pm; at Hoot Owl Hill, 30750 Osawatomie Rd, Paola, KS 66071. Fee $55. Learn about the magnifiSCENT Mint family, filled with aromatic, beneficial plants that stimulate and warm. Come and see, smell, taste, and learn about the many uses of mints in teas, bath and body, cooking, and medicinal health benefits. Mints are wonderful to have on hand during cold/flu season; they are helpful for respiratory ailments, sore throats, cough, sinuses, fighting bacteria and germs, and lowering fever. Our mint adventures will include peppermint and spearmint, basil, sage, horehound, lavender, thyme, marjoram, oregano, bee balm, skullcap, motherwort, hyssop, catnip, lemon balm. An oxymel drink will

be available for your enjoyment, and we’ll make a remedy for soothing tired muscles for you to take home. Make your class reservations and payment by contacting brenda@hootowlgardens.com. 913-271-7451 Night Garden Tour Fri, Jul 15, 7-9pm. The Northland Garden Club is hosting the second night garden tour. Come see how to expand your gardening enjoyment thru lights and plants. Cost is $10 each. Call Dee West 816-455-4013. Or check the website at northlandgardenclub.com for further information, addresses and maps. Kathy and Larry Barnhart welcome you to their Gladstone garden from daylight thru dusk.

Visit or Call Your Local MU Extension Office Plant Disease Identification  Lawn & Garden Maintenance  Soil Samples

Insect Identification  Master Gardener Hotline  Landscaping

River Market 105 E. 5th Street Kansas City, MO 64106 816-482-5850

Healing Power of Nature Workshop Fri, Jul 15, 9am-3pm; at Powell Gardens. Discover the healing qualities of essential oils, common weeds and more. The program is approved for 5 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) valid in both Kansas and Missouri by the Kansas State Board of Nursing and the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board. $59/person, $52/member (Add $10 for CEU’s). Registration required by July 11. To register call Linda Burton at 816697-2600 ext. 209. Or register online at powellgardens.org/AdultClasses. Cooking from the Gardens: Culinary Classes Fri, Jul 22, 6-9pm; at Powell Gardens. Join us for a new series of culinary classes focusing on cooking from the garden. Tonight, Craig Jones, owner of Savory Addictions, will demonstrate how to grill fresh produce from the Heartland Harvest Garden and more to create tasty dishes. Come hungry as there will be lots of sampling. $74/person, $69/member. Registration required by July 15. To register call Linda Burton at 816-697-2600 ext. 209. Or register online at powellgardens.org/culinary-classes-2016. MO Master Gardener State Conference Sept 16-18: Three days of trips, tours, advanced and continuing education highlighting horticulture in the Kansas City metro. Conference is hosted by the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City and held at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, Independence, MO. It is open to all garden enthusiasts. Registration opens May 15. Website has conference details-www.mggkcconf.com

Clay County 1901 N.E. 48th St. Kansas City, MO 64118 816-407-3490

Eastern Jackson County 1600 NE Coronado Dr. Blue Springs, MO 64014 816-252-5051

Platte County

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d the W ate Butterflies and Bee s Love These rlilies Spooky Plants

July

2015

r Garden

for the Octobe

ity with Grasses Beauty and Divers een Not Just for HallowCall 811 Orange and Black: Lemon rd of Digth Control BeforeBiYou Daylily: Beau Park eM ty for fy Weeds for Better Identi Decis ThanBu ion Time: ShouSeeded Lawn More a tte Dayrfl onth: Blue In the bird y Ask andExpe Feeding of Newly ld You Remove YourGaAsh rdenTree Conserva rts about weed Proper Carethe with tories control, oozin g sap and more Marvin Snyder

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Promote your gardening events! Send information to: E-Mail: elizabeth@kcgmag.com Deadline for July issue is June 5.

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.

The Kansas City Gardener | June 2016

June

garden calendar 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 there is 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 FLOWERS

• 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 one inch per week.

n LAWN

• Mow bluegrass and tall fescue 3 to 3½ 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 as 27-3-3, 1 to 2 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.

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. EST.2007

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HART’S DAYLILIES TOURS AND SALE

900 varieties, Louisburg, KS Call 816-769-4600 to arrange tours 6/14-23 and 7/5-17. Selected daylilies available for sale.

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

816-380-8460; 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-noon; mggkc.hotline@gmail.com River Market, 105 E 5th St, KCMO, 1st and 3rd Sat, May-Sep, 8am-noon

JOHNSON COUNTY, KS

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

JOHNSON COUNTY, MO

Meet Jeff Welch, owner and operator of Landworks Inc.

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

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY

913-364-5700; Apr 4 thru Sep 29, Mon 10am-1pm, Thurs 1-4pm

MIAMI COUNTY

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

WYANDOTTE COUNTY

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

Dig for more at kcgmag.com GAR RENEDREN GAR DGEANRED ER Beyond The K Th e Ka ns as Ci ty C ity a n s a s C Th e Ka ns as ity A M on th

ly Gu id e to A Mon thly Su cc Guid e to SuccOctober 2014 es sf ul essfu l Gard Garde ning Ga rd enin g to Succe ssful en August 2015 in g A Month ly Guide

the Wa te Butterflies and Bee s Love These rlilies nts Pla ky oo Sp Garden

July

2015

for the October

ity with Grasses Beauty and Divers een Not Just for HallowCall 811 Orange and Black: Lemo rd of Digth Control BeforeBiYou n Park ly: Beau for Better WeedsDayli eM ty for More Identif Decisyion Time: ThanBu a tte Dayrfl onth: Blue ShouSeeded In the Newly ld You Lawn bird of g y Remove Ask andExpe Feedin YourGaAsh rdenTree Conserva rts about weed Proper Carethe with tories control, oozin g sap and more Marvin Snyder

Magazine archives

• Find a Professional for the next project • See where to pick up the current issue • Hotlines to answer your questions • Weather report and planting dates • Look for garden clubs • Upcoming events

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Plant Profile: Thrift Sea Pink Armeria maritima Splendens Commonly called thrift or sea pink, is a compact, low-growing plant which forms a dense, mounded tuft of stiff, linear, grass-like, dark green leaves (to 4” tall). Learn more at KCGMAG.COM

Established: 1995 About: I have been in the land care industry for 32 years and have proudly owned Landworks for 22 years. I am a Landscape Industry Certified Manager with the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). Landworks management team has over 100 years of lawn, landscape and irrigation experience. We have proudly received several Landscape Improvements Awards for residential design and installation projects. We are members of several landscape industry organizations, our key employees are certified specialists, and we participate in charitable events in our community. Services offered: Landworks, Inc. is a full service grounds management company, including landscaping design/install, irrigation design/install/repair, paver patios, outdoor lighting and mowing/ mulching/trimming/fertilization programs. We are a family owned and operated business striving to give our customers the highest quality services at a competitive price. Inspiration: When a homeowner is proud of their yard or outdoor living space, it inspires me to do great work. For someone to find serenity and peace relaxing in the backyard with friends and family… all of us at Landworks are proud to make that happen. Favorite project: My favorite projects are those that start with a blank slate, a clean canvas. Keeping in mind the customer’s objective, our design team and install crews build a complete outdoor kitchen/living space that is an extension of the home. Favorite tree: The wonderfully unique Crimson Pointe™ Plum. It has a strong columnar shape, and is a perfect specimen for smaller landscapes or massed to line expansive drives. This underused tree provides beautiful flowering pink spring color followed by showy, glossy, bronze-to-maroon foliage. What every gardener should know:I have two tips to share. First, create a design and installation plan before starting any project. Second, and just as important, always make room for plant and tree growth as they mature. This avoids future overcrowding in the landscape. Other interests: I compete in barbecue competitions! You will find me at the Shawnee BBQ and the VFW BBQ every year, competing against many other skilled barbecue pit masters for the grand prize. It’s a tasty way to relax. Contact information: Landworks, 9317 Woodend Road, Edwardsville, KS 66111. 913-422-9300; www.landworks-inc. com; E-mail: contact@landworks-inc.com; www.Facebook.com/ LandworksKansasCity The Kansas City Gardener | June 2016

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