KCG Jun18 by The Kansas City Gardener

The Kansas City

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

June 2018

Brilliant Beauties bloomers that dazzle and shine

Daylilies ... A Capitol Idea! Taming the Beasts Herb Profile: Cilantro Summer Bird Feeding

Lotus & Lavender Days, June 9 & 10 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 your water garden. We always have a large selection of pond supplies, aquatic plants and flowers, including but not limited to the ever popular Lotus (over 20 varieties to choose from), Tropical Water Lilies (over 15 varieties) and Hardy Lilies. We stock Butterfly Koi, Regular Koi, Sarasa Comets, Shubunkins and the ever popular Gold Fish.

If You Haven’t Been to Swan’s Water Gardens Lately… You Haven’t Been to Swan’s Water Gardens.

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The Swans started their business back in June of 1994. From their humble beginnings as a design build firm specializing in the creation of naturalistic waterfalls, streams and ponds they quickly grew into a leader in the Kansas City area. Through committed service to business and residential customers with their innovative products and artistic craftsmanship, boring backyards are transformed into magical places by designing and building their beautiful water features.

June 9 (9am-4pm) and June 10 (10am-3pm) Overload your senses and enjoy the beautiful sight of the lotus plant while surrounded by the aroma of lavender. Walk among our many gardens to see varieties of lotus then venture to the lavender fields to experience harvesting for yourself!

Swan’s Water Gardens has created a unique experience for all visitors. Arriving at Swan’s is like entering a charming “Water Garden Village” complete with bridges, scenic pathways winding through beautiful water gardens, magnificent waterfalls and peaceful streams.

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2018

The Kansas City

editor’s notes

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

a ‘me’ day

Independently owned and operated since 1996 Publisher Michael Cavanaugh Editor Elizabeth Cavanaugh Contributors Sami Aaron Nik and Theresa Hiremath Sean Holland Lenora Larson Diana Par-Due Dennis Patton Judy Penner Scott Woodbury Distribution Publishers Delivery Solutions, Inc.

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ost mornings I resist the alarm. A night of solid sleep is rare in my world, and the snooze option allows nine more minutes of telling myself “the sun is up, you might as well get up, too. We can try again tonight.” While currently in an effort to return to optimal health, I’m sure the sleep issue will resolve itself in time. With a busy day planned, I did not resist the early alarm today. No snoozing. Just rise and shine. Feed the pets. Brew coffee and wait. While waiting for that critical first cup, through the kitchen window I could easily appreciate the fullness of spring. The trees totally leafed out. Pansies still a riot of color. And the multitude of hosta have emerged fit as a fiddle. Heartened by the glow through the trees, I meandered out onto the deck to catch a glimpse of the sunrise. A cloudless sky offered an ideal canvas for reviewing how tall the viburnum have grown, and the tender new untamed vines of wisteria climbing up and over the arbor. The only sounds were from songbirds welcoming the day. This brief experience had me wondering why I don’t start everyday this way.

A similar “aha” moment occurred while traveling to St. Louis with a group of gardeners earlier this month. This twoday excursion included touring the Missouri Botanical Garden, and visiting three nurseries. Concluding the first day, I enjoyed dinner with new friends, Joyce and Bruce Deering. Among the varied topics of discussion, we reviewed the highlights of our day at the Gardens, comparing our experiences. Of course, around every corner, on every pathway, whether woodland or sun-filled, the gardens were fabulous. Like looking at art on display, often I found myself standing still at times, enraptured by the scenery splendor. Even so, beauty of the gardens aside, the best part of that day was the gift of calm. For me, to have no deadline, no tasks to accomplish, no assignment to fulfill, was profound.

When the kids were growing up, we called this kind of day a ‘me’ day. Sometimes you simply need time to yourself. This is different than the experience of working in the garden. I consider that ‘me’ time too. However, that kind of day usually has an expected result, a start and a finish. Weeding and cleaning up debris, pruning and deadheading, all considered necessary chores, with a beginning and an end. While I genuinely value time in the garden, some days are all about getting the job done. Not the case on this unique day. I toured on my own, moving at my own pace, wandering where the pathways led, and treasuring the solitude. It is a rare adventure, sauntering untethered through nature–one that I will always hold dear. I’ll see you in the garden!

In this issue June 2018 • Vol. 23 No. 6 Ask the Experts ........................ 6 Tour KC Water Campus ............ 7 Daylilies, A Capitol Idea ........... 8 Summer Bird Feeding ............... 10 Visit Native Gardens ................ 12 Brilliant Beauties ...................... 14 Prairie Garden, Pollinator Week . 16 Powell Garden Events .............. 17

about the cover ...

Herb Profile: Cilantro ............... 18 Taming the Beasts .................... 20 Rose Report ............................ 21 Upcoming Events ..................... 23 Garden Calendar .................... 26 Videos on KCGMAG .............. 27 Subscription form .................... 27 Meet an EMG ......................... 27

Clematis ‘Ramona’ is one of those brilliant beauties that will shine in your garden. See more beauties starting on page 14. Photo courtesy of Doreen Wynja at Monrovia.

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Ask the Experts Gardeners have plenty of questions about landscape issues, DENNIS PATTON answers a few of them here. CONTAINMENT TIPS FOR BEE BALM RUNNING IN GARDEN Question: I like bee balm for attracting pollinators. But I do not like that it is a thug in the garden. Do you have any insider tips for containing its runners? Answer: Well, in my own garden I brought it under control. I simply ripped it out of the garden. While a great pollinator plant, I found it too aggressive for my taste. Gardening is about balances and tradeoffs. With that being said here are some tips. Avoid preparing the soil. The higher the organic level and soil quality the faster it spreads. It also loves to move in fresh mulch. When I did have it in the garden, I cut it back each spring and ripped it out. It was somewhat easy to remove in the mulch.

Monarda (Bee Balm) frustrates gardeners when attempting to control runners.

‘Graham Blandy’ Boxwood needs time to develop its natural shape.

Macrophylla hydrangea, like Bloomstruck hydrangea, bloom best on old wood.

Another thought is to try the trick of cutting the bottom out of a nursery container and sinking into the soil to reduce the spread. Best of luck keeping a plant under control where its nature is to spreads.

DIRECTING BOXWOOD GROWTH Question: I have two ‘Graham Blandy’ boxwoods that I want to encourage to grow up, not out. Should I sheer the sides to promote vertical growth? Answer: Sheering will not encourage the plant to grow up. Sheering will simply remove the width of the plant. The ability to grow up is dictated by genetics. But removing some of the width will give the appearance of a more upright plant as it will appear taller than wide. The other question to ask yourself is do you want a sheered looking plant or a more natural appearance? You could hand prune some of the wider spreading branches to reduce the width and make the plant look more upright. The best answer might be to just give the plant time to mature. My hunch is if this is a young plant it needs time to develop its natural

shape as it tends to be a narrow upright variety.

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SIGNS OF LIFE OR DEATH Question: At this time of asking, early May, the branches of my mop head hydrangea are not showing any signs of life. At what point do I conclude they are dead and cut them off? Answer: The plant will tell you if you just watch. With all plants that tend to suffer winter injury such as hydrangeas, crape myrtles and others just wait till it shows signs of life. Where the new growth comes from will tell what is alive or dead. You can also get a sense if a bud is alive is to cut into one. If it is green inside there is hope. If brown throughout it is dead. Macrophylla hydrangea bloom best on old wood. With the cold winter and spring freezes we just had, the stems are dead to the

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ground. That means no spring flowers. This is the second year in a row that the flower buds have been killed on this plant. FESCUE SOD TO FILL BARE SPOTS Question: I have bare spots in my partly sunny yard. I read somewhere where tall fescue is more shade tolerant. I am thinking of buying fescue sod to fill in the bare spots. What should I do to get it established over the summer? Answer: Water! Thank you for your question. On a more serious note, tall fescue does have better shade tolerance than bluegrass. But it is nothing to get excited about. Bottom line is we do not have a grass species that is both shade tolerant and heat and drought tolerant. By the end of the season in a shady location most turf just goes away. The same will happen to sod. Yearly seeding is your best option if you must have grass. Spring sodding does work but the roots are very limited. So this area will need frequent light applications of water to keep the sod layer moist and developing roots to help cope with summer stress. CONFLICTING TREE PRUNING ADVICE Question: I have a young tree, 3 to 4 years old. I am getting conflicting advice. A tree service owner with a K-State hort degree says leave the young trees alone. His foreman says young trees are like kids and need discipline and should be pruned. The internet also has conflicting information. So who is right? Here is my issue. I have upper branches that are as Tesselaar Juneleader. ad_Layout 1 2/12/18 5:21 PM tall as the

Answer: The answer is really somewhere between the two extremes. We do like to reduce pruning on young trees as the more leaf surface the more growth. On the other hand corrective pruning should take place to prevent longer term issues. The basic pruning on young trees would be the following: remove crossing, rubbing limbs, and those that are damaged. In your case it would be a good idea to tip prune the competing limbs. Do not completely remove the limbs. That is to only cut back to a lower bud so that the leader is the tallest branch in the tree. The tallest limb establishes dominance. It is this central leader or single branch that we want to retain in a young tree. As with most tales in life the truth is somewhere in between the extremes. Sorry if that statement sounds very political. AVOID THE DEAD ZONE Question: Do azaleas have a dead zone? I want to prune back to encourage dense growth. Answer: Yes, like most evergreens they have a dead zone. That means if you prune back to a branch point that has no green growth or another shoot it will more than likely die. The best advice is to only prune back to a lower side branch that is healthy. This will help reduce height and create a more compact bush. 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 Page 1 Extension office at 913-715-7000.

Tour of KC Water Swope Campus Green Infrastructure

Thursday, June 21

parking lot usually means cars and asphalt, but KC Water’s parking lot is a lesson in stormwater management. Join the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City for a tour of KC Water’s Swope Campus Parking Lot, located at 4800 East 63rd St., in Kansas City, Missouri. The project was designed with three benefits in mind. Enhanced Campus Connections: A paved walking trail, an outdoor plaza, an entrance canopy, and optimized outdoor lighting create a “campus feel” that supports healthy living and connects the KC Water and Parks buildings. Plants by the trail vary from mowed lawn areas to natural prairie areas and new trees to provide shade. Parking Lot Improvements: Medians, trees, landscape plantings, and improved traffic flow enhance parking lot safety, sustainability, and appearance, while bringing the lot up to modern parking lot standards. Outdoor lighting uses energy-efficient LED technology to reduce energy costs and light pollution while providing high quality light. Trees and landscape plantings reduce the heat island effect, make the site beautiful, and soak up rain. Storm-water Runoff Reduction: The parking areas and rain gardens are designed to catch, infiltrate, and slowly release stormwater runoff

from the site. This improves water quality in the neighboring Blue River and prevents further erosion of the neighboring Big Blue Battlefield historic sight. Learn how different types of porous pavements, native plantings, and rain gardens are performing and being maintained while enjoying an evening walk along the paved walking trail or sitting in the outdoor plaza designed to promote a healthy work environment for employees. Guided tours of green infrastructure, including native plantings, pervious concrete, porous asphalt, grasscrete, permeable pavers, rain gardens, and bioswales will be conducted by KC Water employees. The tours will be conducted at 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm and 7:30 pm. The event is free, but registration is required and begins on May 25. Visit our website www. mggkc.org and browse MG Events to find the Eventbrite link to register. For more information call 816523-5526 or e-mail chronwall@ umkc.edu.

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Daylilies…..A Capitol Idea!

he American Daylily Society Region 11 summer meeting will be held in Topeka, Kan., June 29 through July 1. Seven gardens will be toured on Saturday and Sunday, Friday night there will be a large auction of daylilies from many hybridizers, and Saturday night’s banquet will feature speaker Dave Mussar from Ontario, Canada. Classes in Exhibition judging and Garden judging will be held for anyone interested in learning more about evaluating daylilies. A boutique will feature assorted vendors and silent auction items up for bid. Saturday gardens: Jim and Helen Fry in Rossville have 500 daylilies in a large country garden. The regional hybridizer’s bed is at this garden. The bed includes new plants not registered and tour members vote for their favorite to receive the Oscie Whatley award. Judie Briggs city garden includes a large selection of perennials in addition to her daylily collection. Maggie and Dale Warren have a

beautifully landscaped garden with 150 daylilies and many perennials and hostas. This garden was on the hosta tour in 2017. The bronze sculptures and the “man cave” at the rear of the property are not to be missed. Lunch on Saturday will be at the Ward-Meade Historic Site which includes a botanical garden of over 500 varieties of flowers, trees and shrubs, an old mansion and Old Prairie Town (a recreated 19th century site). Ward-Meade became a Daylily Display Garden in 2016. After lunch the attendees can chose to tour the Kansas

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Capital or go shopping at local nurseries. Saturday night’s banquet will have an auction of baskets assembled by the participating clubs in the region. Each club is donating a “theme” basket to raise money for the regional newsletter. Speaker Dave Mussar, a life-long gardener, became interested in daylilies in 2000. He began hybridizing with an interest in spotted, specked and striped patterns. He has focused on early bloomers and northern hardiness. Sunday Gardens: Jess and Margaret Danner have a city gar-

den filled with 450 daylilies and 100 hostas. The beautiful back yard features a gazebo, lily pond and fountains. Wakarusa Kansas is home to two large country gardens: Mary Boggs and Rick and Chris Tyler. Mary is new to growing daylilies but has been growing iris, peonies, roses and Siberian Iris for years. She has 500 daylilies but plans to expand to 2000 varieties. In 2014 Rick and Chris built their new home and have worked since to get their gardens “regional ready”. Chris says she grows somewhere between “too many….and not enough”. The weekend will end with a business meeting-lunch on Sunday. Region 11 covers Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma and has 14 local clubs. Anyone wishing to attend the garden tour does not have to belong to a club in order to participate. Any daylily enthusiast is welcome to join us for “A Capitol Idea.” Email legwh85@mokancomm. net for more information.

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Summer Feeding Makes a Difference Local birding expert, THERESA HIREMATH discusses the reasons why summer bird feeding makes a difference.

he end of spring brings questions from customers about suspending their bird feeding for summer. I always tell them to be sure to stop feeding as soon as they no longer experience joy and wonder of the birds’ and other creatures’ funny antics. After all, the joy we get from watching the birds is why we feed them in the first place! Over 100 North American bird species supplement their natural diets with bird seed, suet, fruit and nectar obtained from feeders. Feeding your birds in the summer will not make them too lazy, too dependent, or keep them from migrating on time. So, the answer to the question is: Definitely don’t stop feeding in the summer! Summer is, in fact, one of the most important times of the year to feed birds. With access to a reliable

source of healthy food from backyard feeders, birds benefit greatly from their ability to spend less time foraging for food and more time engaging in activities that enhance their health and safety. Seeds are most readily available in the fall when trees and flowers produce their seeds. During the cold winter months, this supply is depleted through consumption or spoilage. By the time spring comes around and the birds need the most nutrition for nesting, growing babies, and raising fledglings, the natural food sources are harder to find. Providing a steady food source helps in a plethora of ways. Summer feeding allows breeding birds to spend less time searching for food and more time selecting better nesting sites and constructing higher quality nests,

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providing better protection for the baby birds. Research also has shown that birds with access to bird feeders will often lay their eggs earlier than those without feeders. This is significant because earlier broods typically have better rates of survival and fledging success than later broods. Did you know that only about 30% of songbirds survive the first year of life? We can give these babies a better chance of survival simply by continuing the hobby of bird feeding throughout the summer months. When abundant food is accessible to parent birds, it means that more food is provided to their

babies. This extra nutrition can increase the nestling’s rate of growth and reduce aggression among nest siblings. Access to a reliable supply of healthy food at bird feeders also allows breeding females to spend less time foraging which leads to better protection of eggs and nestlings from predators, earlier fledging of the nestlings, and higher survival rates of the brood. Birds are vulnerable to predators while searching for food, and the distraction of foraging results in a reduced ability to focus on dangers and threats from predators. Less time spent foraging means more time spent being vigilant in spotting a predator in time to suc-

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cessfully evade it and get back to the nest to care for the babies. Less time spent foraging, especially during harsh weather conditions, also frees up more time for preening to keep feathers in top flight condition. This, in turn, better allows parents to avoid pred-

birds, the more variety of birds will likely be attracted to your backyard! Beyond the everyday joy that bird feeding brings us, research has confirmed that a constant and reliable source of supplemental bird food helps improve the overall

Only about 30 percent of songbirds survive their first year of life. ators and to insulate themselves from the elements. Molting takes tremendous energy and nutrient resources for birds. An abundant and healthy food supply ensures they obtain the proper pigmentation for molting feathers, and it can reduce defects in feather formation (in both adult and baby birds) such as being weak, frayed or curved. There are many options for summer bird feeding, which can include blends of loose seed and nuts, peanuts, seed cylinders, suet doughs (which can withstand the heat of summer without melting), and dried and live mealworms. The more variety of food you provide

health and body condition of wild birds, no matter the time of year. This game-changing information confirms that backyard bird feeding is beneficial for wild birds! So, go ahead and enjoy feeding your birds year-round. It is really good for them, and great for you! If you have any questions about bird feeding, our backyard bird feeding experts would love to help you get the joy out of year-round bird feeding! 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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Visit Examples of Native Gardens

f you love native landscaping, the Midwest and Missouri in particular are exciting places to be. This has been since the early 1900s when Wilhelm Miller (University of Illinois) wrote The Prairie Spirit in Landscape Gardening. Miller felt that the best landscape design was inspired by nature and land forms like prairie and savanna. His preference for local native plant species is evident. In this publication he wrote “Away with gaudy foreigners and artificial varieties” and “Restore the native vegetation.” Jens Jensen, a landscape architect who worked throughout the upper Midwest also promoted the

use of native plants in landscaping noting that common thought was that “native plants are coarse.” He went on to say “To me no plant is more refined than that which belongs. There is no comparison between native plants and those imported from foreign shores which are, and always will be, novelties.” Jensen created council rings, places where people gather together outside in a garden setting. Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO recently built a council ring in the Whitmire Wildflower Garden that will be a focal point for Native Plant School classes and the upcoming Threatened Plant Garden. The

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Photos by Scott Woodbury.

Native plant guru, SCOTT WOODBURY describes the places where city grasss meets country grass.

Brightside St. Louis Whitmire garden is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary and will be hosting the Native Plant School Fine Gardening Symposium October 19-20. Registration is required. Visit www.shawnature. org for details. The Missouri Department of Conservation has created some of the best examples of native landscapes at each of its Conservation Nature Centers: Powder Valley in St. Louis, Runge in Jefferson City, Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center and Burr Oak Woods in Kansas City, and the Cape Girardeau and Springfield Nature Centers. Each

are outstanding beautiful gardens that are planted with Missouri native plants that attract wildlife and people. Brightside St. Louis (designed by SWT Design) has taken native landscaping to an exciting new level with walkways that flow through displays of showy native plants and literally envelop boulders at the edge, enticing visitors to slightly stray off the path. There is an outdoor seating area shaded by 15-foot tall purple coneflower umbrellas and a distinctive rain garden that captures water off of the building and parking area. The Brightside

Crystal Bridges entrance with little bluestem and turf. garden is the crown jewel of native gardens in St. Louis. The Taylor Twins Memorial Garden in Jackson, Missouri was commissioned by Steve Ford and designed and installed by Cassie Bock Holcomb. It opened to the public in 2017 and is full of native plants per Steve’s request, a perfect fit with Cassie’s passion for native landscaping. This lovely and quaint garden is located at 201 West Main in the downtown area next to one of the oldest houses in town which is being renovated to become a museum. A path resembling an infinity symbol defines the layout of the garden, half of which is shady, the other half in full sun. Prairie Garden Trust is located near New Bloomfield, MO, about 20 minutes from Jefferson City. Open by appointment, this natural area preserves diverse wild habitat and restores and reconstructs habitat that existed before agriculture. Their website states “It is a gem

of place where you can enjoy the beauty of nature. Stroll through woods and prairie, along ponds and streams to see the ever-changing plants and the birds, butterflies, mammals and more that live there.” It is that and much, much more. School groups are welcome to schedule a visit. Also in central Missouri are the Grow Native! native gardens on the Missouri State Fairgrounds, featuring natives for sun including a water garden feature, and the all-native landscaping at the Ashland Branch of the Daniel Boone Regional Library. City Garden, located on Market Street in downtown St. Louis is a sculpture garden and expression of cultural and natural history. The garden is planted heavily with native species, especially the trees. The alleys that once existed in this old downtown area are reflected in the bluestone walkways, and Native American ceremonial mounds are expressed in the river birch mound

in the northwestern corner of the sculpture garden. Located in Bentonville, Ark., is Crystal Bridges, the home of one of the biggest collections of American art. The gardens surrounding the museum and the creek-side walkway linking downtown Bentonville to Crystal Bridges are brimming with displays of native plants and outdoor sculpture. The low-key entrance to the museum has a visually striking marriage of little bluestem and emerald turf-grass; a place where city grass meets country grass. There are a number of community gardens and parks throughout St. Louis that incorporate native plants. The Richmond Heights (the Heights) and new Maryland Heights Community Centers are beautifully designed and maintained and functions for wildlife and storm water. Kirkwood Park’s Walker Lake is one of the showiest demonstrations of native emergent aquatic

plants ringing the lake edge. Forest Park has many native landscaping projects scattered throughout, especially along the waterways. Lockwood Park in Webster Groves has a seeded tallgrass prairie with a novel edging of riverbank sedge. Webster University has an impressive rain garden in front of the East Academic Building and in Old North there is a beautiful and massive native plant rain garden at 1321 Clinton St. Horticulturist Scott Woodbury is the Curator of the Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO, where he has worked with native plant propagation, design, and education for 27 years. He also is an advisor to the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native! program. Find suppliers of native plants and other resources at www. grownative.org, Resource Guide.

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2018

Above: Torenia Magenta Dreams Photo courtesy of Wayside Gardens.

Above: Agastache ‘Mango Tango’

Above: SunPatiens; Below: Clematis ‘Mrs. N. Thompson’

Above: Calibrachoa Chameleon ‘Blueberry Scone’ Above: Flame Series Tall Garden Phlox Below: Superbells ‘Evening Star’ Below: Superbells ‘Hollywood Star’ Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

June 2018 | kcgmag.com

Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens.

Above: Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ Photo courtesy of White Flower Farm.

Above: New Guinea Impatiens

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

Above: Veronica ‘Very Van Gough’

Photo courtesy of White Flower Farm.

Above: Speedwell ‘Royal Candles’

Brilliant Beauties

bloomers that dazzle and shine

SEAN HOLLAND, local plant expert, guides gardeners to his favorite brightly colored, hard working plants.

need more color in my garden, and I want it to last all summer.” This is probably the biggest request that I receive in my work at a garden center next to “I need plants that are low maintenance.” Adding color to your garden can be a challenge, especially when planning a perennial bed. It isn’t in the nature of most perennials to bloom from spring to frost, so careful selection must be made to ensure that there is always something in bloom. I recommend to most color-seeking customers that they establish a bed of longblooming perennials and compliment them in their gardens and containers with some brightly colored annuals. This helps to unify the landscape in the yard and on the patio. The following are a few of my favorite plants that I frequently use to add a splash of color to my landscape. Clematis In looking for color in the yard, we can’t forget about our fences, trellises, and arbors! Clematis can add a nice focal point to the landscape. Two of my favorite varieties are ‘Mrs. N. Thompson’ and ‘Ramona’. If you are looking for a unique flower, then ‘Mrs. N. Thompson’ will wow onlookers with its purple and dark red blooms in May and June, with repeat blooming in late summer. ‘Ramona’ offers a softer color to the palette, with soft purple blooms throughout the summer. Calibrachoa/Torenia When it comes to trailing plants that never stop blooming, Calibrachoa and Torenia definitely stand out! It seems that every year, there are more and more new and exciting varieties of these trail-

ers. ‘Cherry Star’ and ‘Hollywood Star’ add a nice bright pop of color, while ‘Evening Star’ and ‘Blueberry Scone’ add a softer look as they cascade. In areas where you need a spiller like Calibrachoa but don’t quite have the full sun that they require, Torenia makes for a great substitute. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer will help keep these spillers blooming all summer. SunPatiens/New Guinea Impatiens Many gardeners enjoy the tropical look in their yards, and there is no better choice than New Guinea Impatiens. They may be used in containers or as accents in the garden, and also make great mass plantings. Whereas the New Guinea Impatiens won’t tolerate sun, SunPatiens® may be used in sunnier locations. This hybrid, though not officially a New Guinea, looks similar and blooms just as profusely, if not more than the New Guinea. In our hot summer climate, be sure that these plants get enough water or they will quickly wilt in the heat. Veronica Veronica, or Speedwell, is an old favorite of gardeners, and recent breeding of new and improved varieties is making this perennial a must-have in the landscape. Many shoppers like the blooms of Salvia, but don’t like the “tired” look that it brings to the garden when it grows too tall and flops in heavy rain. Veronica offers the same color palette, but with a more “organized” appearance. ‘Royal Rembrandt’, ‘Very Van Gough’, and ‘Perfectly Picasso’ all have sturdy stems with tall spikes covered in blooms that last longer than any variety of Veronica that I’ve grown in the

past. The Magic Show® series by Proven Winners offers similar traits; ‘White Wands’ will make a nice accent of white to your perennial bed. Remove spent blooms to encourage extended blooming that is sure to draw butterflies and pollinators to the landscape! Lantana If you want to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, then Lantana (right) is a must! I am always amazed at how the hummers are drawn to my Lantana. It is a great filler for hanging baskets, combo pots, and even as a bedding plant, especially in butterfly gardens. Available in warm reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks, Lantana adds a bright splash of color to your yard and is very low maintenance with few disease and pest problems. In southern regions, it is actually a woody shrub; in our climate, they are relatively easy to overwinter indoors, giving them a head start for the next season. Flame® Series Tall Garden Phlox A mix of Flame® Series phlox is sure to bring color to your garden! Its fragrant blooms will draw butterflies, pollinators, and even hummingbirds, and the variety of colors (coral, pink, white, purple, and red) make the landscape “pop” up close and at a distance. More compact than old-fashioned varieties, Flame® is disease resistant and only reaches a maximum of 2 feet tall. Phlox also makes a great cut flower and is a great way to enjoy the garden from your front room!

Agastache If you are looking to attract bees to your garden, Agastache should definitely be on the menu! In the summer when it is blooming, I see more bees on our Agastache table than the rest of our blooming perennials combined, especially on the ‘Blue Fortune’. Other varieties include ‘Mango Tango’, ‘Peachy Keen’, and ‘Rosie Posie’. These heavy bloomers will thrive in average soils, and are drought and deer tolerant. Sean Holland, Annuals/Perennials Assistant Manager at Suburban Lawn and Garden, Kansas City, Missouri. You may reach him at seanh@suburbanlg.com.

The Kansas City Gardener | June 2018

Prairie Garden and Pollinator Week Master naturalist, SAMI AARON reviews the Pollinator Prairie Gardens and celebration scheduled for June 22.

here’s a unique public native garden in the heart of old Olathe! The Pollinator Prairie Gardens (PPG) are located at 320 South Blake Street in Olathe, Kansas. (www.pollinator.org/pollinator-prairie) The park is free and open to the public sunrise to sunset. The Site’s Checkered History During the 1950s-1980s, a chemical recycling facility operated at this site. They bought chemicals from companies and government agencies, including Rocketdyne, which was briefly part of the Boeing Company. Contamination from these chemicals leaked into soils and groundwater, requiring a comprehensive remediation. Since 1989, Boeing has worked with the Environmental Protection Agency and the local community

in Olathe to clean up the site. Remediation was completed in 2011. The site was returned to the community for reuse in 2012. Boeing has dedicated its resources and enlisted expertise from Monarch Watch, Pollinator Partnership, Wildlife Habitat Council and the environmental consulting firm, Haley & Aldrich, to create an ecological habitat that consists of mostly native plants that provide pollinators like bees, birds, and butterflies, sources of food, shelter, and safe areas for breeding. In 2017, Johnson County K-State Extension Master Naturalists (EMNs) began maintaining the gardens and other natural areas on the property. We offer educational events to support pollinators and teach the public how to plant and maintain native gardens at home.

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Partnership With Extension Master Naturalists This Pollinator Prairie site is an official project of the Johnson County K-State Extension Master Naturalist group. At the PPG we focus on: • pollinator habitat   • native wildflowers and grasses  • management of invasive plants and shrubs   • seed gathering   • bird habitat   • tree and shrub planting   • educational programming   • building community through the love of nature. What will you see? The gardens consist of four rather “formal” native garden sites for birds, bees, butterflies, and Monarchs as well as four native grass areas that show what a typical prairie might look like. KU’s Dr. Chip Taylor, founder and director of Monarch Watch (www.MonarchWatch.org), helped select the plants and design the gardens. The more formal areas show how native plants could look in a home garden in a design that is less wild and unkempt than they might be in nature. The less formal beds show the diversity of native grasses and provide educational opportunities about shelter, overwintering, breeding habitat, and more for people who may have space to create their own “wild” prairie areas. Events at the Pollinator Prairie   • June brings Pollinator Week, an educational event for the public as well as Johnson County Parks & Recreation District day campers. Booths will be set up with presentations on a wide variety of topics and crafts related to pollinators.  Celebrate Pollinator Week at The Pollinator Prairie, 320 S. Blake St.,  Olathe, KS.  This is a Free Family-Friendly event, held  Friday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Caterpillar Petting Zoo, Bat Exhibit, Native Bees vs Honey

Bees, Crafts, Music and more! https://tinyurl.com/y9d7f5b7 • September brings Hasta Luego Monarchs when we celebrate the migration of Monarch butterflies through the Kansas City area on their way to their overwintering home in Mexico. This event is open to the public and is promoted through the public schools, scouts, parks and rec departments, and more. It also includes tents, booths, crafts, music, and more to celebrate and educate the public on Monarchs as well as all pollinators.  • Join us for one of our informal work days, beginning midMarch through October on the 4th Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. No need to sign up in advance – just show up with the whole family during the designated times with your own sun-visor, water, and sunscreen! What Makes The PPG So Special? You’ll experience the depth and nuance of each season as the plants tentatively emerge, insects begin to buzz around, colors burst, and the gardens really take on the movement and activity of a place that is fully ALIVE!! As the season progresses, and blossoms fade, set seed, or drop, you see other plants that start to come into their own glory in the late season and early fall while you garner appreciation for the full cycle of the year for plants and wildlife. Come experience the nurturing relationship between plants, pollinators, nature, and yourself. And learn how you can create a haven like this in your own yard! To learn more about the Extension Master Naturalists, visit https://tinyurl.com/JoCoEMN. Sami Aaron is a Johnson County K-State Extension Master Naturalist and gardener in Olathe. She is passionate about environmental advocacy and exploring the intrinsic relationship between humanity and the natural world. You may reach her at sami@beingontosomething.org.

Powell Gardens in June A Peek in the Perennial Garden Sunday, June 3, 2 p.m. Join Powell Gardens docent Janet Richter or Mary Smead on a walking tour in the Perennial Garden to examine what is in bloom. Dress for the weather. Free with garden admission. Limited availability. “Cooking Out of the CSA Box: Parking Lot Pop-Up” Thursday, June 7, 4:306:30 p.m. FREE Cooking Demo To celebrate the kick-off of Cultivate KC’s Urban Grown Farm Tour, Bryan Sparks, executive chef of The Jacobson, and executive chef Bryant Wigger of Tavernonna in the Hotel Phillips, face-off in a down-and-dirty vegetable challenge using produce from Powell Garden’s CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) subscription box. This pop-up provides the opportunity to learn more about Powell Gardens and its partners Cultivate KC’s and The Giving Grove. The event includes cooking demos and tastings, an on-site tour of the orchards and community garden at Kauffman Legacy Park. Cooks can also purchase copies of former KC Star food editor Jill Silva’s “Eating for Life

Cookbook” and local food advocate Beth Bader’s “The Cleaner Plate Club,” both with plenty of creative recipes featuring vegetables. COST: Free Paint in Your Backyard: Introduction to Plein Air Watercolor Painting Saturday, June 9, 2018, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dip your toe into the basics of plein air painting in this workshop designed for all skill levels. We will discuss the equipment needed to paint outdoors, different ways to look at natural subjects and deal with changing light, and oil painting vs. watercolor. We will venture outside (weather permitting) to sketch subjects from nature. Watercolor techniques inspired by a loose “John Singer Sargent” style will be demonstrated indoors. Participants will work on their own watercolor painting with help from the instructor. Please bring a camera. COST: $85 (includes a box lunch–a materials list will be provided by the instructor upon registration) Second Saucy Saturday Saturday, June 9, 6-9 p.m. Join us in the evening hours for live music, a complimentary wine tasting and the ambience of the

Koi Pond and Water Feature Designs

Gardens at sunset. Included with general admission. Dog’s Day Out Saturday, June 16, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Bring your four-legged friend to Powell Gardens for a romp in our green spaces. Find a new friend with adoptions through the Great Plains SPCA and end the day with a frolic in our interactive fountain! Missouri Barn Dinner: Bryan Zachary Sparks, executive chef of The Jacobson Sunday, June 24, Seatings at 5:00 & 7:30 p.m. Tour of the Heartland Harvest Garden at 7 p.m. Enjoy a farm-fresh dinner, featuring Kenny Barham Farms and seasonal vegetables sourced exclusively from Powell Gardens’ own Heartland Harvest Garden.

Booms and Blooms Saturday, June 30, 6-10 p.m. Celebrate our nation’s independence with explosions of color and texture on the land and in the air at this popular annual event. Plan to arrive early to stake out a seat on the grass with your picnic blanket. Guests can partake of several hands-on activities during the afternoon and enjoy our blooms in the ground. When the sun goes down, the Lee’s Summit Symphony will accompany the booms in the sky. This festival features food and beverage vendors all day. Festival admission and parking fees apply. Powell Gardens members get in free to the festival and receive free parking! For more information on any of these events, see powellgardens.org/ events.

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Herb Profile: Cilantro DIANA PAR-DUE, local herb maven, offers growing instructions and touts the versatility of cilantro.

ilantro can be a tricky herb to grow here in Kansas City. This delicate herb is best suited for cool, damp, weather and there is only a very small window for that where the summers are long and hot. However, there is a hope and opportunity in growing this herb with flavor that crosses the world of cuisines from Mexico to Thailand. The first piece of advice I have about growing cilantro is to grow it from seed, direct sow (which means you plant the seeds directly into the ground without sprouting first). Cilantro seeds are cheap and sprout very easily. Because of the small window of weather that this herb loves, it’s important to time your sowing. You can plant them in late fall for an early spring crop that harvests starting in February

on a normal year or you can plant them in September for a fall crop. Find a small patch of earth or a large pot in partial shade and sprinkle your seeds heavily across that space. Give them a good soak and soon a carpet of cilantro will rise up. I suggest using it frequently because once it starts to go to seed the edible leaves disappear. Don’t despair the lengthening of the stalks and shrinking of the leaves! Once the plants go to seed and dry up you can simply sprinkle those seeds in the same spot and have a free cilantro patch in the spring or fall, depending on when your crop was originally planted. Sometimes when winter is very moderate you can have two or more crops in one year. Cilantro is a versatile herb. As I mentioned before the flavor is a

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Although weather restrictions might seem a bit fussy, cilantro is a versatile herb worth growing. part of many different styles of food whether you like salsa, pad Thai or just like it sprinkled on sandwiches, enchiladas or curry. It pairs surprisingly well with meats and can be blended into pesto or chopped up for chimichurri. Many people don’t buy fresh herbs because of the cost and how quickly they seem to go bad but cilantro can last for weeks in the fridge if you put it in a cup of water. Be sure not to store it in the back of the top shelf because it can get freeze damage from the cold air output. When you grow an herb you will almost always have

more than you can use and this should help you find creative ways to implement it! So don’t be scared off by the finicky weather restrictions and try cilantro this year. Diana Par-Due is an avid gardener who, when not raising children, raises plants. She dreams of beekeeping and chickens one day when her town makes it legal. Until then, she spends her time writing, reading, and studying as a mature student at a local college and making garden plans she never actually keeps.

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h t 25 rsary

Water Garden Society of Greater Kansas City Presents

e v i Water Gardens 2018 n n r A Tou 25th Annual Water Garden Tour •

Saturday, July 7 • Sunday, July 8 9am - 5pm • Rain or Shine • Bus tours available. Buy early to plan your personal driving tour of 40 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

New this year are 9 locations with trains. Tickets available NOW at all Hen House Markets, and Westlake Hardware stores, and at the following locations: at all Hen House Markets, all Westlake Hardware stores, and allSutherlands/Wornall, Grass Pads Kansas City, MO Homestead Nursery, Leavenworth, KS

Brothers Fish and Pets, 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 Good Earth Water Gardens, Kansas City, MO Heartland Nursery, Kansas City, MO

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

Water Garden Society of Greater Kansas City

PRIZES! Leave a response card at any tour stop, and you’ll automatically be entered in drawings. Prizes supplied by Union Station, House of Rocks and others.

Purchase tickets July 7 & 8 during tour hours only at the following: 1. 2. * **3. *4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. T 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2018

Taming the Beasts LENORA LARSON reports on strategies and methods used to tame aggressive butterfly host plants in the garden.

Leavenworth County

GARDEN TOUR Hosted by Leavenworth County Master Gardeners

Nine Beautiful Leavenworth Gardens Saturday, June 9 9am to 3pm• Rain or shine Please no strollers or pets

Golden Alexanders, Queen Anne’s Lace (Black Swallowtails) and Rue (Black & Giant ST): Deadheading & Plucking Scrupulous dead-heading is a must for all members of the Carrot family. For example, the beautiful Golden Alexanders flowers should be removed before they set seed, likewise Dill and Fennel. Then patrol in early spring and pluck all errant seedlings before their tap roots head to China. Similarly, that herbaceous member of the Citrus Family, Rue, must be rigorously dead-headed or you will rue the day you planted Rue!

Photo by Lenora Larson.

’ve been actively proselytizing for butterflies since 2005. People tour my garden and leave with plant lists, promising to start planting for caterpillars. Unfortunately, few visitors follow through. Many explain that they fear weedy native host plants and/or the reaction of their Homeowners’ Association. Good Grief! My garden contains the host plants for over 50 species of butterflies and there are no “weeds”. As a gardener focused on aesthetics, I do not allow ugly, weedy plants in my garden. However, since it is a garden, I expect to groom and manage natives just as I do ornamentals. Over the years, I have developed multiple horticultural strategies to tame overly enthusiastic host plants. Consider implementing these strategies in your garden.

Since my Tulip Poplar Tree is kept as a 6-foot shrub rather than a 60-foot tree, I don’t need a ladder to visit my Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillars! Pipevines (Pipevine Swallowtail) and Passion Vines (Gulf and Variegated Fritillaries): Mowing There is no preventing their rampant suckering, but frequent mowing prevents these vines from taking over your entire yard. Plant them on stout trellises surrounded by a 360-degree mowed area. This strategy also works for that hummingbird favorite, Trumpet Vine. Common Milkweed (Monarch): Yanking Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is the bully that gives all milkweeds a bad reputation. I yank the emerging suckers on an ongoing basis except for the few that I allow to grow and bloom for the pollinators. After flowering, I immediately yank out the plants

Trees and Large Shrubs: Whacking Many cat foods are trees that do not fit in a small urban garden and would create too much shade for nectar-rich flowers to grow. Whacking to the ground in late winter solves this problem by maintaining them as shrubs. New stems quickly grow in spring, sporting huge juvenile leaves that are far more beautiful and tender than the leaves of a mature tree. Remember, never prune any tree or shrub in fall and never whack conifers since they do not re-grow from their woody base. Just as I prune my Butterfly Bushes in late February, I routinely cut back Tulip Poplar, Hackberries, Willows, Black Cherry, Prickly Ash, Hoptree, and Spicebush.

before seed pods form, which inspires another round of suckering. This continual yanking guarantees a constant supply of fresh tender milkweed foliage, important since a gravid Monarch will usually deign to lay her precious eggs on an old ratty Milkweed leaf. Violets (Fritillaries): Choose the One Genteel Species Only poets think Violets are shy and shrinking; we gardeners know them as aggressive thugs. However, Birds-foot Violets, Viola pedata, grow as bushy plants with no self-seeding or spreading. Its finely dissected leaves are exceptionally beautiful, so even when not in bloom, this Violet is a garden star.

Tickets $10 (cash or check only)

Tickets can be purchased at the Pot Rack, Homestead Greenhouse and Leavenworth County Extension office. Tickets also available day of tour at the gardens and parking lot of Nettie Hartnett Education Center, 1000 3rd Ave., Leavenworth. Vendors will be available.

For more information

phone 913-364-5700 Facebook @leavenworthmastergardeners web leavenworth.ksu.edu

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Tough Love When butterflies need their particular caterpillar food plant, I will have it, no matter if its reputation predicts rude behavior. With tough love and discipline, both children and plants can be transformed from the wild and weedy into refined, valuable citizens. 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.

d Plants Pets an ts Bouque Native des Nemato neficial ve? Using Be ll in Lo rflies Fa tte Bu Do

Rose Report JUDY PENNER talks about the garden status and next actions.

A Gardener’s Destination 400 varieties of perennials many UNUSUAL and HARD TO FIND

Let’s Welcome Summer June 28-30 during Perennial Days! Herbs, Annuals and Perennials are BOGO

his year the roses in the garden had black canes all the way down to the mulch pile. Having such a cold winter the exposed rose canes didn’t have a chance but underneath the mulch the new shoots were just waiting for some warmth and sunshine to start growing. I hope you were patient with your roses and didn’t pull them out when you saw the black canes. I kept my mulch on a bit longer than normal since we were having up and down temperature swings this spring. We had a winter similar to this in 2014 and the roses had more blooms than ever. I hope the hard pruning we had to do this year will give us more blooms than normal. With all the pretty new growth remember to start spraying for blackspot before it begins and stay

on a regular schedule. Read the labels on your fungicides so you know how much to spray as well as how often to spray. Alternate your fungicides so that your roses do not build up a resistance to the fungicide. I recommend using a spreader sticker when you spray so the product sticks to the rose and doesn’t just run off. Remember to wear spray clothes, only used for spraying, and wash them separately so your other clothes don’t get contaminated. Wear neoprene gloves and rubber boots so your garden gloves and shoes don’t absorb the pesticide or fungicide. Remember to stop and smell the roses! Judy Penner is Expert Rosarian at Loose Park, Kansas City, Mo. You may reach her at judy.penner@ kcmo.org.

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$500 off the purchase of a new X700 Signature Series lawn tractor; $300 off the purchase of a new X300 Select Series lawn tractor when purchased with a qualifying MulchControl Kit from an authorized John Deere dealer between May 1, 2018, and July 5, 2018. Lawn tractor and MulchControl Kit must be purchased at the same time in order to receive the dollars off. Offer valid at participating John Deere dealers in the U.S. 3 Offer valid May 1, 2018, through July 5, 2018. Receive 15% off the purchase price of one or more field-installed bumpers, blade guards and light kits for riding lawn tractors to be applied to the total before applicable taxes, shipping rates and delivery charges. Maximum discount of $200. Not applicable to factory-installed attachments/packages and cannot be combined with any other attachment offers. Offer is valid at participating John Deere dealers in the U.S. and Canada. 4 Offer valid from May 1, 2018, through July 5, 2018. Get $200 off a new S240 Lawn Tractor. Offer, prices and savings are in U.S. dollars and available in the U.S. only. Ask your dealer for details. *The engine horsepower and torque information are provided by the engine manufacturer to be used for comparison purposes only. Actual operating horsepower and torque will be less. Refer to the engine manufacturer’s website for additional information. **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. John Deere, the leaping deer symbol, and green and yellow trade dress are trademarks of Deere & Company. 1,2

14935 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS - 913-897-4700 www.classicstatuarykc.com

The Kansas City Gardener | June 2018

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

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We have oodles of plants to create your own outdoor oasis! Arnold’s Greenhouse • 1430 Hwy. 58 • LeRoy, KS 66857 620-964-2463 or 2423 www.arnoldsgreenhouse.com e-mail: retail@arnoldsgreenhouse.com June to October hours: 9am til 5pm, Monday through Saturday We are Always Closed on Sundays

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Greater Kansas City Dahlia Society Sun, Jun 10, 1-3pm; at Fern Room, Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO. A demonstration on getting your plants fed and tended for the bloom season will be held, followed by a short business meeting. 816-513-8590 Greater Kansas City Gardeners of America Mon, Jul 9, 6pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Program: Exercise Therapy for Gardeners. Gardening does not have to be a painful hobby. Travis Perret’s lecture will show exercises that gardeners can perform to improve flexibility, decrease pain and improve posture without the use of drugs. Travis’ passion is helping people get back to doing what they love to do without the limitations of chronic pain. For any questions, please contact Margaret at 816-942-8889. Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group Wed, Jun 13, noon. Field trip to Powell Gardens, no meeting at Loose Park this month. See details in EVENTS section.

KC Cactus and Succulent Society Sun, Jul 15, 1:30-4pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st St and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Visitors are welcome. For information on the Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society, visit our website: kccactus.com.

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June 2018 | kcgmag.com

Bonsai Society of GKC Sat, Jun 30, 9am-5pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Master Weekend (rsvp). Learn more at www. bsgkc.org. 816-513-8590

Heartland Hosta & Shade Society Sat, Sep 8; Check-in and Hospitality at 9:30, Meeting at 10am; at First Lutheran Church, 6400 State Line Rd, Mission Hills, KS 66208. Speaker Don Dean was introduced to hostas in 1984 and has spent years growing them from seed and has registered over 50 unique hostas. Don will share his presentation “Darn Right I’ve Got the Blues”. The Club will provide grilled and baked chicken for a potluck at noon, bring your favorite dish to share. Come for great information, food, door prizes, and great raffle options. Everyone is welcome! For more information, please visit our website www.heartlandhosta. club, our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ HeartlandHostaAndShadePlantSociety/, or email drileycook@aol.com.

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African Violets of GKC Tues, Jun 12, 6-8pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816-513-8590

Leavenworth County Master Gardeners Wed, Jun 13, 11am; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. We will have a presentation by Johnson County Master Gardeners called “Success in Garden Blooms Every Season”. The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094. Leavenworth Garden Club Thurs, Jun 7, 10am; at the home of Janette Holdeman, 820 4H Rd, Lansing, KS. This is a garden meeting. Contact Mary Sue Winneke, 913-682-7480. Come join us! Leawood Garden Club Tues, Jun 26, 10:30am; at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS. At about noon, Koji Morimoto will speak about Japanese gardening. The meeting and our membership is open to everyone and guests are most welcome. There will be a potluck luncheon with

beverages and desserts provided. For more information, please visit our website www.leawood. org/committees/lgc or send an email to leawoodgardenclub@gmail.com. Mo Kan Daylily Society Sun, Jun 10, 11:30am-3:30pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816-513-8590 Olathe Garden & Civic Club Tues, Jun 19, 11am; at 22200 West 178th Terrace, Olathe. Cynthia Gillis will lead us on a tour of Gillis Landscape and Gardens, followed by lunch at Minsky’s at 18359 S Bradley Dr, Olathe. The public is welcome. For information, email Cathy at fraucathya@gmail.com Overland Park Gardeners of America Mon, Jun 11, 6pm; meet at Colonial Church, 7039 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS, for carpooling to the cactus and succulent gardens of Judy Pigue. Judy is a lifetime member of the Cactus & Succulent Society and should have very interesting gardens to explore. We will return to the Church before dark. Call Holly 913-302-2014 with questions. Sho Me African Violets Club Fri, Jun 8, 10:30am-2pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816-513-8590

Events, Lectures & Classes June Kansas City Rose Show Sat, Jun 2; at Loose Park Garden Center. Anyone can enter their roses in the show. For entry information: www.kansascityrosesociety.org Beekeeper’s Funday Sat, Jun 2, 8:30am-5pm; at Douglas County Fairgrounds. Presented by The Northeast Kansas Beekeepers Association. This year NEKBA is honoring KU’s Dr Chip Taylor. Eight notable protégés of Dr Taylor will be providing compelling information and demonstrations all day long. The cost is only $55 in advance and $65 at the door. Come and see a swarm demonstration, enjoy home-made honey ice cream, and many other fun and educational activities. Fees include lunch, beverages, and snacks. Vendors will be available for purchasing beekeeping related equipment. A silent auction will also be included to raise youth and veteran scholarships. For more information or to register visit http://www.nekba. org/bee-funday.html. Fermentation/Cultured Veggies Sat, Jun 2, 10-11:30am; at Gardens at Unity Village, 150B NW Colbern Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO. Presented by Stephanie Novacek. Join us for this interactive workshop that will provide you with the how’s and whys of fermented foods. We will create an amazingly delicious and nutritious jar of fermented garlic dilly carrot sticks and/or green beans, chock-full of probiotics. Workshop fee: $20 (we will provide veggies and canning supplies). Pre-registration required 816-682-9725. 24th Annual Town and Country Garden Tour, Hermann, MO Jun 2-3, 10am-5pm. Garden Tour includes both a walking tour of gardens in downtown Hermann and a driving tour to several country gardens. The tour is $10; ticket price includes visits to at least four private gardens and the Garden Demonstration Area. Garden Tours may be spread over Sat and Sun, but the Country Gardens are only open on Sat. Except for groups of 10 or more, tickets do not need to be reserved ahead of

time. Ticket Sale Site is the Hermann Welcome Center on the Market Street Plaza; tickets are sold from 10-4 on Sat and 11-4 on Sun. There is also a By-Reservation-Only Luncheon/Silent Auction on Sat, June 2 at the Historic Hermann Rotunda. Visit the Hermann Garden Tours website at www.hermanngardentours.com for up-to-date events, ticket prices, contact numbers and photographs of past tour gardens. Visit the FAQS page on the website for answers to all your questions. “Like” us on Facebook at “Hermann Garden Club Tours.” Call Hermann Welcome Center at (800) 932-8687 for questions about lodging/restaurants or go to www.visithermann.com. Kansas City Rose Day Sun, Jun 3; at Loose Park Rose Garden. FREE public event. Family-friendly activities and rose show display. www.kansascityrosesociety.org Tallgrass Prairie Birding at Dunn Ranch Sun, Jun 3, 6am-4pm. If you want to take a step back in time and see what northern Missouri looked like before European settlement, this is trip for you. Dunn Ranch is a 3,258-acre property owned by the Missouri Chapter of The Nature Conservancy in northern Harrison County and protects the largest remaining track of unplowed deep soil, tallgrass prairie remaining that we know of. We will see a herd of genetically pure bison roaming the treeless landscape and many unique species of birds native to the tallgrass prairie. We should easily find Bobolinks, Eastern and Western Meadowlarks, Upland Sandpipers, Sedge Wrens and many, many more. Pack a sack lunch and snacks. We will meet at the Liberty Park and Ride Lot just north of the Liberty Hospital at 6am. We should be back to town around 4pm. Sponsored by Backyard Bird Center, 6212 NW Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO 64154, 816-746-1113. Landscaping 101 Tues, Jun 5, 4pm; at Lansing Community Library, 730 1st Terr, Ste 1, Lansing, KS 66043. Mikey Stafford, a Leavenworth County Gardener, will give a presentation on the basics of landscaping. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913240-4094. Monarch Butterflies Thurs, Jun 7, 11:30am-1pm; at Sunflower Room, 1208 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Monarch butterflies are known for their annual migration between Mexico and Canada. During their journey they lay their eggs on milkweed, the only food source for Monarch caterpillars. But monarch populations have decreased significantly over the past two decades, in part because of the decrease in native plants, including milkweed, on which their caterpillars feed. Learn how we can help bring back the Monarchs in this class taught by Leavenworth County Extension Master Gardeners Candy Dials and Charlotte VanWormer. Sponsored by the Wyandotte County EMGs. Registration is not required. Fee: $5 payable at door (waived for certified Extension MGs). For more information, call 913-299-9300. Leavenworth County Garden Tour Sat, Jun 9, 9am-3pm. Leavenworth County Master Gardeners will host 9 beautiful gardens in the city of Leavenworth. This event will occur rain or shine. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at The Pot Rack, Homestead Greenhouse and Leavenworth County Extension office. For more information contact the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700. Little Sprouts Workshop: Build A Scarecrow Sat, Jun 9, 10-11:30am; at Gardens at Unity Village, 150B NW Colbern Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO. This workshop is for our younger gardeners to build their own scarecrow. Bring old clothes for covering scarecrow, we will provide the straw and stand. One Child $5.00, 3 or more $10.00. Adults please accompany your child. Call for reservations: 816-682-9725. Johnson County Missouri Master Gardeners Garden Tour Sat, Jun 9. Please contact Jennifer Bradford at 660-864-9688 for more information. Tickets are $5.00 for adults/children under 12 are free and

can be purchased at any of the four gardens on the tour in Warrensburg MO. Time is 9am-3pm rain or shine. More details including garden addresses can be found on the Facebook page for Master Gardeners of Johnson County Missouri as the date gets closer. North Riverside Garden Stroll Wichita Kansas Sat, Jun 9, 10am-4pm. Tour 5 gardens for $5.00. Our 7th biennial tour will feature gardens large and small, shaded and sunny, and homeowners will be present to welcome you and answer questions. Proceeds support neighborhood landscape and improvement projects. North Riverside Neighborhood is just west of Wichita North High School, north of 13th Street and between the Little Arkansas and Arkansas rivers. Tickets are available at Johnson’s Garden Centers, at Seasonal Decorating, 2828 W 13th, and the day of the Stroll at the neighborhood gardens. Happy Birthday Gardeners Connect Sat, Jun 9, 6:30-8pm; at Loose Park Pavilion, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO 64112. Gardeners Connect has been helping to educate and inspire Kansas City gardeners for 60 years. We may be 60 but we still like to party, so join us. We will be in the large Pavilion on the Wornall Side of the park. Come for cake and to play games, enter contests, win prizes, take home a Gardeners Connect souvenir and swing and sway to the music of the Hot Club KC jazz band. The Hula-Hoop, which became a huge fad across America, was first marketed by Wham-O in 1958, same year that Gardeners Connect came into being. So, we plan to have a Hula-Hoop contest. Come join in the fun. The year before Gardeners Connect was founded, Wham-O’s cofounders bought the rights to the “Pluto Platter” and in 1958 renamed it “Frisbee.” For Gardeners Connect’s 60th, we plan to have commemorative Frisbees to give away. It’s been 60 years, and we are look forward to another 60. www.gardenersconnect.org Urban Grown Farms and Garden Tour Jun 9-10. The Urban Grown Tour is an opportunity for you to celebrate the inspirational farms and gardens throughout our community. We have 24 farms and gardens on this year’s tour, all within 30-miles of the city center. This self-guided tour is your chance to visit and learn from the farms, gardens and food projects that are in your backyard and changing the way our city eats! Ticket prices $15/person, $10/person in groups of four or more. For all the details, go to cultivate.org and click on the Urban Grown Tour tab. 23rd Annual Union Hill Garden Tour Sun, Jun 10, 11am-3pm; in the historic Union Hill neighborhood. The self-guided walking tour of over 20 residential and community gardens will begin at 31st St and Grand Ave. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Union Cemetery Historical Society, helping to maintain Union Cemetery–Kansas City’s oldest public cemetery. Tickets are $10 for adults and can be purchased online at http://www.unionhillkc.com/gardentour or at the time of the event. Free parking will be available in the KCPT lots on the North side of 31st St and Grand Ave. Follow us on facebook. com/unionhillgardentour. Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group Trip to Powell Gardens Wed, Jun 13, noon. Field trip to Powell Gardens, no meeting at Loose Park this month. Wear your favorite attire for a warm stroll through the beautiful grounds of Powell Gardens. Member of our group and employee of Powell Gardens, Haley Drake, will take us on a tour of the Heartland Harvest Garden and the herbal kitchen garden where we can see first-hand how vegetables and herbs are grown. There are also plenty of flowers, fountains, and an indoor plant display. There is also a gift shop. Ride: If you need a ride: Please contact us early to get a ride from Loose Park. Cost: If you are not a member of Powell Gardens: $10 per adult, $9 (60+). Lunch: Bring your own lunch and drink. There are machines and a café available. We invite anyone interested in Herbs to join our group. We meet the 2nd Wed of each

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2018

Top Soil • Mulch • River Rock • Sand • Gravel Fireplace Materials • New & Used Brick • Pavers

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

(continued from page 23)

9108 W. 57th Merriam, KS 66203 (1 blk E. of Merriam Dr.) Hrs: Mon.–Fri. 7am–5pm • Sat. 8am–12pm

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June 2018 | kcgmag.com

month. Dues are $15, we have an Herb garden at Loose Park we maintain, and have wonderful classes and luncheons to learn all aspects of herbs and how to use them in our lives. We sometimes take field trips so be sure to check with us for each meeting. We hope you will join us. We have membership in Gardeners Connect and are looking forward to Spring and the many connections to classes available to sign up for beyond our own group. Facebook: check us out at Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group. Friends, visitors are always welcome. Questions: call Nancy at 816-478-1640. Landscaping 101 Wed, Jun 13, 7pm; at Basehor Community Library, 1400 158th St, Basehor, KS 66007. Mikey Stafford, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, will give a presentation on the basics of landscaping. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094. Lasagna Garden Class Sat, Jun 16, 10-11am; at Gardens at Unity Village, 150B NW Colbern Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO. According to by Elizebeth Parker gardening is solace and therapy from a career as a healthcare worker. She earned a Permaculture Design Certificate in 2016. Now she designs sustainable ecosystems for community gardens and private yards. We will provide container, and other ingredients to allow you to plant your own vegetable in a pot., i.e. tomatoes, green beans, etc. Workshop fee: $20.00 pre-registration. Call for reservations: 816-682-9725. How to Attract and Nurture Bluebirds Mon, Jun 18, 6:30pm; at the Clinton County Youth Building, 251 E 116 Hwy, Plattsburg, MO. Program sponsored by Clinton County Master Gardeners and presented by Larry Dobson, President of the Missouri Bluebird Society. Everything you need to know to attract bluebirds to your yard, and provide them with what they need to become long-term residents. Session will include a set of plans for constructing a Bluebird House. Free. For more information, contact the Clinton County Extension Office at 816-539-3765. Creating and Maintaining a Naturalistic Garden Wed, Jun 20, 10-11am; at Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2110 Harper Street, Dreher Bldg, Lawrence, KS. Douglas County Master Gardeners Class. Presented by Jill Kleinberg, Douglas Co EMG. Following the presentation there will be a garden tour of Jill’s home gardens. Open to the Public. 785-843-7058 Landscaping 101 Thurs, Jun 21, 7pm; at Leavenworth Public Library, 417 Spruce St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Mikey Stafford, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, will give a presentation on the basics of landscaping. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094. Tour of KC Water Swope Campus Green Infrastructure Thurs, Jun 21. A parking lot usually means cars and asphalt, but KC Water’s parking lot is a lesson in stormwater management. Join the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City for a tour of KC Water’s Swope Campus Parking Lot, located at 4800 E 63rd St, in Kansas City, MO. The parking areas and rain gardens are designed to catch, infiltrate, and slowly release the 10% probability storm (that’s 5.25 inches of rain in less than 24 hours!) to reduce stormwater runoff from the site. Learn how different types of porous

pavements, native plantings, and rain gardens are performing and being maintained while enjoying an evening walk along the paved walking trail or sitting in the outdoor plaza designed to promote a healthy work environment for employees. Guided tours of green infrastructure, including native plantings, pervious concrete, porous asphalt, grasscrete, permeable pavers, rain gardens, and bio-swales will be conducted by KC Water employees. The tours will be conducted at 6:30pm, 7:00pm and 7:30pm. The event is free, but registration is required and begins on May 25 and closes Jun 15. Visit our website www. mggkc.org and browse “MG Events” to find the Eventbrite link to sign up sign up for your preferred tour. Sign up early to get your preferred time; space is limited. Wonders of Discovery Fri, Jun 22, 9am-2pm; at Pollinator Prairie, 320 S Blake St, Olathe, KS 66061. The Pollinator Prairie will host a family-friendly event at the garden in Olathe in conjunction with National Pollinator Week. This event is free and open to the public. People of all ages are invited to learn about pollinator species with activities including: Caterpillar Petting Zoo, Bat Exhibit, Caterpillar and Butterfly Exhibits, Birds of Prey Exhibit, Native Bees vs Honey Bees, Building Native Bee Houses, Bringing Nature Home, “Get Your Fingers in the Dirt”, Arts & Crafts, Coloring Books and much more. Contact: Nancy Chapman 913-710-0623 or Marilyn Jordan 913-693-1906. Daylily Show Sat, Jun 23, 10:30am-3:30pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816-513-8590 Stems: a garden soirée Sat, Jun 23, 7-11pm; at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Garden. invites you to the event of the summer. Tickets $150 General Admission Ticket, $250 Patron Ticket. Visit stemssoiree. org or call 913-322-6467 for all ticket and event information. Breakfast & garden tour! Sat, Jun 23, 8am-3pm. Anytime between 8-10am, enjoy the simple pleasures of a home style breakfast: eggs, sausage, country potatoes and all the trimmings. The American Legion Band of Greater Kansas City will provide entertainment during breakfast. 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 October 31, 2018. Tickets for breakfast only are $11. Tickets for the gardens only are $20. Tickets may be purchased by calling Shireen at 816461-3491. It Ain’t Easy Being Green – What Makes Your Garden Grow? – Gr 8-12 Fri, Jun 29, 10am-4pm; at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. Acquire the knowledge and skills required to grow plants from seeds, cuttings, leaves, runners and slips. Propagation techniques such as air-layering and serpentine layering will be covered. Additional hands-on activities will include growing microgreens and herb gardening indoors. You will study basics of setting up hydroponic and aquaponic systems and observe existing systems in the Horticultural Sciences Center at JCCC. You will also learn about soilless growing media, potting methods, liners, fertilizers, plant growth regulators and much more. Fee: $79. To enroll go to https:// ce.jccc.edu or call 913-469-2323.

Daylily Open House/Garden Tour Jul 4 and 5, open from 9am-1pm; at Hart’s Daylilies, 7460 W 255th, Louisburg, KS. The garden has 900 varieties of daylilies. Call 913837-5209 for more information. All About Succulents Thurs, Jul 5, 11:30am-1pm; in Sunflower Room, Extension Office, 1208 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Succulents and Cactus have been growing in popularity for the last few years. There are so many varieties, and some are even hardy in Kansas City! Jesse will be showing us how to arrange them in containers and how to care for them. Each class participant will be given a succulent to take home. This class, sponsored by the Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners, will be taught by Jesse Nelson from Family Tree Nursery. Registration is not required. Fee: $5 payable at door (waived for certified Extension MGs). For more information, call 913-299-9300. 25th Annual Water Garden Tour Jul 7 and 8. Sponsored by Greater Kansas City Water Garden Society. Plan to visit the greater Kansas City area to tour over 40 stunning water features. Many of the sites have never been on tour before and there are numerous gardens with working trains, fairy and sculpture gardens. Visualize water sparkling like diamonds, as koi and goldfish play among the exotic water lilies and native plants, while dragon flies dance on top of the stately blooming lotus. There will be featured artists and musicians to celebrate art in the garden at several locations. A feast for all the senses, beneficial to the environment and wildlife, and a place to get answers to many of your questions. Tickets for the 2-day tour will be available at all garden centers in the greater Kansas City area, Hen House Markets and Westlake Hardware. Prices for the self-directed driving tour is $10 for both days. Children under 14 are free with an adult. For information on discounted tickets at $8 per person for groups of 10 or more, email us at tour@kcwatergardens.com. Visit our website at www.kcwatergardens.com and on Facebook. For further inquiries, call Linda H. at 816-305-5963. The Water Garden Society of Greater Kansas City is a not-for-profit charitable and education society. Exercise Therapy for Gardeners Mon, Jul 9, 6pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Gardening does not have to be a painful hobby. Travis

Perret’s lecture will show exercises that gardeners can perform to improve flexibility, decrease pain and improve posture without the use of drugs. Travis’ passion is helping people get back to doing what they love to do without the limitations of chronic pain. Travis graduated from the University of Kansas and received his degree in Exercise Science with an emphasis in pre-physical therapy. He was a decathlete on the University of Kansas track and field team. After graduating, he was hired by The Egoscue Method and worked for Pete Egoscue for seven years. He then returned to the Midwest to open Exercise Therapy of Kansas City. He is a speaker, author, and has owned and operated Exercise Therapy of Kansas City in Overland Park, KS for 13 years. For any questions, please contact Margaret at 816-942-8889. Sustainability Leadership – Gr. 8-12 Fri, Jul 20, 8am-3pm; held at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. Do you want to make a difference at your school and in your community? Learn best practices for starting a small and manageable recycling, composting, gardening and farming program. Ideas for mitigating storm water runoff and planting bio swales will also be discussed. In addition, discover how easy it is to implement alternative energy options while enjoying bike blender smoothies and solar smores. This course is great for students in environmental clubs, scouts, etc. Fee: $79. To enroll go to https://ce.jccc.edu or call 913-469-2323.

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Edible Landscaping Sat, Jul 21, 10-11:30am; at Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2110 Harper Street, Dreher Bldg, Lawrence, KS. Douglas County Master Gardeners Class. Presented by Sherri Thomas, Johnson Co EMG. Open to the Public. 785-843-7058 MPF Kansas City Native Plant Sale Sat, Sep 15, 9:30am-2:30pm; at Anita B Gorman Discovery Center’s Monarch Mania event, Missouri Wildflowers Nursery. Pure Air Natives, Gaylena’s Garden, and Green Thumb Gardens will sell a variety of natives, donating a portion of proceeds to support MPF’s prairie conservation work. Customers may place pre-orders with some of the vendors. Some vendors accept credit cards; some only cash or check. Mizzou Botanic Garden Walkabout and Plant Talk Sun, Sep 23. Univ of Missouri, Columbia. More details to come.

More must-see events are posted on our website, KCGMAG.COM click on “Events.” Promote meetings, classes, and other gardening events! Send details to: elizabeth@kcgmag.com Deadline for publishing in the July issue is June 5.

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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 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 27-3-3, one to two more times this summer. • Repair dead spots and bare areas in zoysia by sodding or plugging. • Core aerate zoysia to control thatch and improve water and nutrient uptake. • Spot treat for summer broadleaf weeds. • Fertilize naturally by letting grass clippings fall. • Water the turf sparingly to increase drought tolerance during the heat of summer. • Begin grub treatments with preventive type insecticides. • Keep mower blade sharp for a clean cut.

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 1 inch per week.

n TREES AND SHRUBS

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

n HOUSEPLANTS

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

Johnson County K-State Research and Extension recommends environmentally-friendly gardening practices. This starts by identifying and monitoring problems. Cultural practices and controls are the best approach for a healthy garden. If needed, use physical, biological or chemical controls. Always consider the least toxic approach first. Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000. EST.2007

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Meet Extension Master Gardener, Carol Fowler

How long have you been an Extension Master Gardener: I have been a Johnson County Extension Master Gardener since 2012. Over the years, I have performed in various volunteer capacities in the organization including working at the Shawnee Indian Mission and Garden Gallery demonstration

gardens. I have worked on the hotline one morning each week from March through October; have been a mentor to new Master Gardeners for the last three years; am a member of the Advisory Board; and was a co-chair of last year’s Midwest Region Hosta Society Convention, which was hosted by the Johnson County Master Gardeners in conjunction with the Midwest Region Hosta Society. What first drew you to the hobby of gardening: I was first drawn to gardening by following my grandfather around when I was a little girl. He grew vegetables, roses and peonies. I remember his worm and compost pile. When I look back at how my grandfather gardened, I realize that organic gardening is not new; it’s simply the way gardening was done by older generations. I have gardened since the time I was in high school, first at my parents’ house and then in every apartment and home I have lived in if it had green space. If it didn’t, I tended houseplants. Most valuable information learned: Although it may sound strange, the most valuable bit of information I have learned is how to properly water newly planted shrubs and trees. In years past, I had many failures even though I had properly planted them. Proper watering is critical to establishing bushes and trees.

Favorite plant type: My favorite shrub is the Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’. I call it my “ever reliable grandma’s hydrangea”. It may be old-fashioned, but it’s tried and true. Since it blooms on new wood, our late cold snaps don’t affect it. It will grow in fairly deep shade, lighting up the area with its white flowers. The flowers slowly change color from white to brown and I keep them up through the winter for interest in the garden. What are you paassionate about: I am passionate about sharing research-based information we learn as master gardeners with the public, which is why I love working on the hotline. There is so much information available on the internet today that is just inaccurate. As part of talking to the public, when possible, I let them know about the fabulous online horticultural resources available through the extension program. Advice to share: Be aware of the sun/shade/ general moisture conditions of the planting area, and choose plants for that area. Although Kansas City is now zone 6, I don’t recommend buying expensive zone 6 plants if you aren’t prepared to lose them during one of our periodic frigid winters. If you are in doubt about whether a plant will work in an area, don’t hesitate to call or email our hotline.

The Kansas City Gardener | June 2018

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