KCG 06JUN19 by The Kansas City Gardener

The Kansas City

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

June 2019

Dramatic Annuals

Sing Mockingbird, Sing Herb Profile: Winter Savory Butterflies Searching for Love Native Plants that Merit Attention

The Kansas City

editor’s notes

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

Garden with a sense of humor

Independently owned and operated since 1996 Publisher Michael Cavanaugh Editor Elizabeth Cavanaugh Contributors Abby Byrd Amanda Hager Nik and Theresa Hiremath Lenora Larson Susan Mertz Diana Par-Due Dennis Patton Judy Penner Tamra Reall Ed Reese Chelsea Didde Rice 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 27.

June 2019 | kcgmag.com

t was one of those spring mornings where you feel compelled to get out to the garden. The sky is clear. The temperature is mild. And the soil is workable. Eager to plant new Sunfinity™ sunflower plants, Mr. Gardener announces “I’m headed out to the garden, and I might need your help in deciding where these go.” Since I’m not a “yes dear” kind of gal, I’m never without an opinion about positioning plants. Whether arranging flowers or furniture, I like to try multiple options before making a final decision. So I’m glad to be on standby. Days like these, with conditions ideal, the draw of the garden is strong. The sound of songbirds in the trees, the cool fresh air, and new plants waiting are elements of elation hard to resist. But, alas, bound by work and deadlines, I must redirect my focus. Well into the work at hand, Mr. Gardener calls from the garden, “Babe, can you come take a look?” I answer, “On my way,” as I leave my desk, anticipating that I’ll be quick and then back in. We move the plants around anticipating additional annuals

to come, and he commences with digging the holes. In the meantime, Mr. Gardener mentions the ten Zahara Double™ ‘Raspberry Ripple’ zinnias that I brought home days earlier. “I’m going to plant these now too,” he says. Once we decide where, he gets to work. And because every time I come home with plants, we must discuss (it’s more like a stand-up comedian’s monologue) my plant selection skills. As he removes each from its container, there is a corresponding comment. “Is it possible to select plants all the same size?” “This one looks sick, we’re not a hospital, you know.” “Look! This one can’t stand up!” Consistently and confidently I answer, “Oh honey, they’ll be fine …… if we hurry.” As I grab the hose to water them in, I reassure him, “Don’t worry dear, I’ll take care of them.” By now we’re both laughing so hard, I can’t stand up. I’m barefooted in my pajamas, in the backyard, and I’m sure the neighbor next

door is trying not to watch. You see, Mr. Gardener is an instant garden kind of guy. Only big, lush, full, substantial plant material allowed. Small shrubs and tiny trees aren’t worth the energy of digging the hole. Don’t bring home cell packs of anything. If the plants haven’t grown to the size of a six-inch pot, they definitely aren’t big enough for our garden. For this gardening pair, the banter is part of the experience together. Through it all we are grateful for our sense of humor. Laughter, especially the deep belly kind, is a beautiful compliment to our garden. I’ll see you in the garden!

In this issue June 2019 • Vol. 24 No. 6

Kids Ask Dr. Bug ..................... 4 Sing Mockingbird, Sing ........... 6 Ask the Experts ........................ 8 Rose Report ............................ 9 Bird Facts ............................... 10 Maximize Pollinator Potential .... 12 Seasonal Favorites ................... 13 Dramatic Annuals .................... 14 Gardens to Inspire Tour ............ 16

about the cover ...

Natives Merit Attention ............ 18 Butterflies Searching for Love ... 20 Winter Savory ........................ 21 Upcoming Events ..................... 22 Powell Gardens in June ............ 25 Garden Calendar .................... 26 Hotlines .................................. 27 Subscribe ................................ 27 Meet a Master Gardener........... 27

Be bold by planting dramatic annuals like Toucan dark orange Canna. See more striking annuals starting on page 14. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2019

Kids Ask Dr. Bug Home to more than plants, kids ask DR. TAMRA REALL about the curious things found in the garden. What are antennae used for? Lily, 6 Antennae are like noses – insects use them to smell and sense the world around them. Insects use smell to detect food, find mates, and stay on a trail to find their way home. Some male moths with fancy and sensitive antennae can detect a female moth over a mile away. Insects living in colonies, like ants and honey bees, can sense whether things coming into their nest are from their colony or are an invader. If you watch a beehive (from a safe distance), you may notice guard bees at the hive entrance that check incoming bees to learn whether to attack or keep busy. Insects, spiders, and fungi can be tricky, however. Some critters pretend they belong in a colony by looking or smelling like the insects

they want to eat. In order to not be attacked by ants, some spiders look, smell, and act like ants. Look closely at the “ant” in the picture – how many legs? Eight legs means this is a spider. Another example of mimicry are some fungal spores that look and smell like termite eggs so they are tended by termites along with the termite colony’s eggs. How do insects fly? Lila, 6 I recommend looking up “insect flight in slow motion” on the internet to see insects taking off and flying through the air – it’s beautiful! Only adult insects have wings and while most have two pairs, flies only have one pair. Insects have impressive muscles that power their wings, and they

Count the legs (8!). This is an ant-mimicking spider. also use their antennae, eyes, and sensors on their bodies to get where they need to go safely. Here are some neat insect flight facts: A type of midge (a tiny fly) beats its wings over 1,000 times per second. Sphinx moths can fly 33 miles per hour. Also, painted lady butterflies migrate 4,000 miles from North Africa to Iceland. Do butterflies have blood? Acelyn, 6 Yes, kind of. Like blood, hemolymph is the fluid in insects (and other arthropods, too) and it does many of the same things that blood does for us – it helps the body get oxygen and nutrients and can carry away waste. This yellowish-green fluid goes through an insect’s body very differently, however. You have arteries that carry your blood to all your body parts. Although insects have a heart, called an aorta, they don’t have arteries. Instead,

June 2019 | kcgmag.com

arthropod bodies are full of hemolymph, more like a water balloon. How do insects eat? Jesse, 5 There are so many different kinds of insects, but there are a couple of ways insects typically eat: chewing or sucking. Mosquitoes, squash bugs, and aphids are some of the insects with a straw-like mouthpart that they stick into a plant or animal to suck out fluids. Other insects, such as caterpillars, lady-bird beetles and green lacewings bite and chew their food before swallowing. Dr. Tamra Reall (@MUExtBugN Garden) is the new horticulture specialist for MU Extension in Jackson County. For free, research-based gardening tips, call 816-833-TREE (8733), email mggkc.hotline@gmail.com, or visit www.extension2.missouri.edu.

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2019

Sing Mockingbird, Sing Local birding expert, THERESA HIREMATH educates novice and experienced birders alike, of songbird visitors.

n early March, a Northern Mockingbird joined my flock of birds and I am thrilled, remembering the beautiful repertoire of a mockingbird resident during the time I lived in Memphis, Tennessee. Mockingbirds are well known for their ability to mimic the songs of other birds, as well as human generated sounds around them, and males can have a huge repertoire of songs! They sing to defend their territory as well as to attract a mate, and prefer to sing from high spots, many times from treetops, light posts, and other tall structures. They proceed from one song to the next with an amazing array of diversity and will sometimes sing at night as well as during the day. Mockingbirds continue to learn new songs throughout their lives. Males begin to sing in early spring

and continue throughout the summer, and then may resume robust singing in fall if a separate winter territory is chosen. Females do sing, but not as frequently as the males. Go to https://www.allaboutbirds. org/guide/Northern_Mockingbird/ sounds for a lovely clip of a singing Mockingbird. Tragically, Mockingbird populations declined as they were captured and sold as caged birds from the 1700s to early 1900s due to their lovely song. Their population has rebounded since the Migratory Bird Treaty Act was signed in 1918. Although their current conservation status is listed as ‘low’ on the All About Birds website, Mockingbird populations decreased approximately 21% from 1966 to 2015 according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey.

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Mockingbirds are medium sized birds, primarily light gray with white undersides. They have long tails and a curved black bill. Mockingbirds are year-round residents here. They dine on fruit and insects and are attracted to our grassy suburban lawns and park areas where they hunt for insect prey and feed on fruiting trees and shrubs. My Memphis mockingbird was so fun to watch as he would flash his wings on the lawn and then nab the morsel he had flushed. As they flash their wings, large white wing patches are displayed and they also have white outer tail feathers. Although they are not typical feeder birds, you can offer peanuts, suet, sunflower hearts, and fruit to attract them. Mockingbirds typically form a monogamous bond. The mating dance entails the pair running toward each other flashing their white wing patches, then retreating to cover. During the breeding season, pairs may raise multiple broods – two broods are common but they can have up to four broods. Nests are usually built in trees and shrubs and are an open cup. The male builds the supporting twig foundation and the female provides the lining material. Broods average

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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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four eggs and the female incubates the eggs. Both parents feed the fledglings. Babies fledge the nest after approximately 12 days and may be fed by the male for up to three weeks after fledging. Defense of the nest and fledglings is primarily done by the male. Unsurprisingly, that wonderful Mockingbird vocalization begins quickly after hatching. Initial faint peeps develop into begging calls, and quiet singing occurs between one and two months of age. If you would like to know more about Northern Mockingbirds or any of the lovely birds that may be drawn to your yard, please stop by the store where any of our backyard bird feeding specialists would be happy to share the joy of birdfeeding with you!

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Water Garden Society of Greater Kansas City Presents

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

This year: 14 New Locations and 6 sites with trains. Tickets available NOW at all Hen House Markets, Westlake Hardware stores, and at the following locations: at all Hen House Markets, all Westlake Hardware stores, and all Grass Pads

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 Good Earth Water Gardens, Kansas City, MO Heartland Nursery, Kansas City, MO Homestead Nursery, Leavenworth, KS House of Rocks, Kansas City, KS

Kansas City Pond & Water Gardening, KCMO Merriam Feed and Seed, Merriam, KS 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 Sutherlands/Wornall, Kansas City, MO

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2019

Ask the Experts Gardeners have plenty of questions about soil and plant issues, DENNIS PATTON answers a few of them here. PLANTS TO IMPROVE THE VIEW Question: I need something to screen my air conditioner located on the north side of the house. What can I plant? Answer: Here are a couple of thoughts. Keep in mind that your unit will be most efficient with good air flow. Blocking air movement will cause it to work harder, using more energy. The recommendation is not to plant within at least three feet of the unit. This provides air and space for the unit to be worked on by the technician. Shading from the hot afternoon sun desirable. That is not a concern, in this case, being on the north side. As for what to plant, it really depends on your space. You will need a plant that is shade tolerant. A few quick ideas include an upright boxwood or yew for

year-round screening. Choices are limited with flowering shrubs in the shade. Last word of caution, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t box it in. Unfortunately, at some point the unit will need to be replaced. HERBICIDE DRIFT CAUTION Question: I read your article about herbicide drift. Will I eliminate the drift if I spray lawn weeds in the evening after the winds die down and temperatures start to drop? Answer: Eliminate no, reduce yes. Spraying is always recommended on a calm, cool day as this reduces the water droplet vaporizing and moving in the breeze to harm non-target plants in the landscape. Besides these tips also avoid a fine mist coming from the sprayer nozzle. Larger water drop-

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Strawberry jar may not produce the amount of fruit expected. Upright boxwood work well to block an undesirable view. lets will not drift as much. Lastly, discharge the spray mix as close to the ground as possible. THE LOOK VS THE FRUIT YIELD Question: Can strawberries be grown in a strawberry jar. More specifically, will I get fruit? Answer: Strawberry jars are cute, but not practical. Strawberries in the typical jar might last one season. Rarely do they make it through the winter which means you will need to replant every year. You may get a few fruits, but

my advice is never convert your harvest to the price per pound. You could probably buy a very tender cut of meat for the same price. My advice would be to skip the strawberry jar. IS IT POSSIBLE TO WIPE OUT TWO PESTS Question: Can grub control be used in both my lawn and garden beds to eliminate Japanese beetles? Answer: The word eliminate keeps coming up in this group of questions. Eliminate no, reduce probably not. Commonly available grub control products will eliminate Japanese beetle grubs. As for

a perennial lives for more than two years. As gardeners, we often take that to mean the plant lives forever. When you see a plant listed as a semi-perennial, it means it is short lived. How long it will last in your garden depends on many factors. A few short-term perennials in our gardens include columbine, delphinium, Dianthus, Gaillardia, baby’s breath, coral bells, Shasta daisy and pincushion flower. Enjoy them while they last, then replant.

Columbine is perennial. use in the garden beds, most products are only labeled for turf, not flower or vegetable gardens. They are effective but rarely is the grub population high enough in beds to warrant treatment. There is just not enough root mass with widely spaced plants. Treating for the grubs on your property will have little impact on the number of adults that will feed on your plants. Adult beetles fly into the area and the highest population are coming from open fields or grassy areas. Sorry, there is no silver bullet for ridding your yard of this foe. GARDEN VOCABULARY Question: What does the term “semi-perennial” mean? Answer: Semi-perennial is a term to let you know a plant will probably not stick around in the garden very long. The definition of a perennial plant is one that lives for more than two years. If the plant lived for one year, it’s an annual. A biannual plant lives for two years then dies, where as

DIFFERENTIATE POTTING SOIL AND POTTING MIX Question: What is the difference between potting soil and potting mix? Answer: Great question so let’s briefly dig in. The term potting soil is used when soil or dirt is included in the mix. These mixes are usually heavy, slower draining and best used in larger garden beds. Potting mix is soilless. Potting mix is made from organic materials such as peat moss, pine bark, coir, vermiculite or perlite. These mixes are designed for container gardens. They are well drained and have a high water holding capacity that makes excellent soil for pots. Potting mix is what we should be using in our containers. Unfortunately, they are usually a little more expensive. 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.

Citizen Science Saturday: Bee Spotter Saturday, June 22 1–2:30 PM No registration required (all ages) Join us as we celebrate National Pollinator Week by participating in project ‘Bee Spotter’. We will learn about the importance of native bees as pollinators and then head outside to collect data that will be used to learn about bee populations in our area. Smart phone or camera recommended. Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center 1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs, MO 64015 816-228-3766 www.mdc.mo.gov/burroakwoods For more information email burr.oak@mdc.mo.gov.

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2019

Rose Report

Bird Facts ED REESE talks about the recognizable American Goldfinch.

pon sighting these bright yellow birds, many assume that the American Goldfinch have returned from migration. Actually, Goldfinches live here year round. The males change color prior to mating season, a prime example of color difference between sexes, or Avian Sexual Dichromatism. Goldfinches completely molt usually beginning in September, where both male and female have dull olive colored plumage. Late winter, males develop the signature yellow coloring, while females remains a dull olive. This is a partial molt. The difference is vivid however. Females are attracted to the males’ vivid plumage as well as his flight and song patterns. Goldfinches are late nesters, usually starting in July when

plant sources have matured to provide seed and nesting material, thistles in particular. Females build the nest, assisted by the male gathering nesting material. The nest may hold 7 to 10 eggs, which incubate for 10-17 days. The young leave after 10 to 14 days. Goldfinches are vegetarians, so feeder activity increases during mating and nesting. When breeding and nesting, they may found with two or three other pairs, to communicate foraging information, and for defense. After nesting, they will form up with flocks comprised of house finches and Pine siskins. Contact Ed and Karen Reese owners of Wild Bird House, in Overland Park, KS, 913-341-0700.

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JUDY PENNER talks about benefits of regular deadheading.

ave you ever noticed that when you don’t remove the dead or spent blooms from your rose plants in the summer, they do not bloom very much? That is because the energy that would go into the new rose blooms is going into seed production. This effort stops the production of flowering shoots, a.k.a. blooms. It is necessary to remove the spent blooms, called deadheading which encourages the plant to produce flowering shoots and more blooms! Deadheading or summer pruning can be done in one of two ways. The first is to cut just above a five-leaflet leaf below the spent bloom. Early in the growing season this can be a bit too much pruning especially if we have had to prune heavily in the spring. Trials have shown that the more foliage a rose has the better it performs. So take care not to take off too much of the plant early in the season. The second method of deadheading or summer pruning is snapping or cutting off the spent bloom just below the abscission layer. This is the slightly swollen section in the stem below the bloom where the first leaflet is found and where

Removing dead rose blooms improves flower production. the rosehip naturally would shed. This method retains more plant foliage and would be good to use early in the season when the rose plant is smaller. Remember to Stop and Smell the Roses! Judy Penner is Expert Rosarian at Loose Park, Kansas City, Mo. You may reach her at judy.penner@ kcmo.org.

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2019

Seasonal Favorites Surrounded by inspiration on the grounds of Powell Gardens, SUSAN MERTZ discusses her seasonal favs.

emories of lazy summer days and pushing the kids on swings in the backyard brings to mind one of my favorite plants – daylilies. When I first started gardening, I welcomed all free plants. And, one day my brother showed up with a grocery sack of daylily roots. He had been cleaning up his backyard and wondered if I wanted them. Absolutely! It didn’t matter to me that they were ‘ditch lilies’ (Hemerocallis fulva) as I needed a plant for full sun that didn’t mind being neglected. And, ditch lilies got the job done. Along with those orange oldfashioned ones, the daylily color palette has expanded over the years in my garden to include yellow, purple, and red. Now, many years later, I’m working at Powell Gardens, where over 500 daylily

Daylilies are seasonal favorites of summer.

The peony is a popular spring pick.

varieties are on hand. We celebrate the month of July in the gardens with their beautiful blooms and incredible color combinations. They inspire me to make room in my mixed border at home for some new favorites with much better names than ditch lily.

In the fall garden, the colors quiet down from the bright, bold ones of summer. And, a pass-along hardy garden mum is my favorite. Sheffield Pink (Chrysanthemum ‘Hillside Sheffield Pink’) came from a good friend’s garden in Virginia. Planted at the base of an oakleaf hydrangea in my mixed border, the mum’s apricot color flowers are beautiful next to the hydrangea’s burgundy fall leaves. Best of all, when it flowers, I’m reminded of a fun weekend of sailing the York River, eating fresh crabs, shopping for spring flowering bulbs, and sitting around a table on a back porch laughing and telling stories with wonderful friends. The first snow is quite lovely. However, when it just keeps coming as it did this past winter, I realized how important a bit of color is in the landscape. Outside my office window at Powell Gardens

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is a mature winterberry (Ilex verticillata) that has become my favorite during the snowy season. The snow-covered branches with bright red berries were beautiful. With songbirds coming and going, I was reminded of the importance of including shrubs and trees in the landscape that provide winter food. Hands down, my favorite spring plant is one that came from my grandmother’s garden. Well over 100 years old, it is a wonderfully fragrant blush pink peony. Searching heirloom peonies online, I believe it might be a Lady Alexandra Duff (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Lady Alexandra Duff’). Though it has strong stems, the large flowers get weighed down by heavy rains. I wish I had asked my grandma about the peony and where it came from. Was it from her Aunt Oyse who also gave her surprise lilies that are now in my garden? My hope is that my grandma’s peony will end up in one of my children’s or grandchildren’s gardens and keep going for another 100 years. For now, I’m back to enjoying a lazy summer day. And, considering making changes to my garden and looking for fresh ideas and new favorites. What’s your favorite plant for each season? Susan Mertz, Director of Horticulture, Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s Botanical Garden.

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Maximize Pollinator Potential If your desire to invite pollinators is huge, but garden space is small, ABBY BYRD suggests planting containers.

ollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds have been long appreciated for their beauty. In recent years, though, even pollinators like bees have come onto the scene. Rather than just a source of admiration, we’ve come to realize the important role that pollinators play in our ecosystem. Additionally, we’ve realized that like the earth’s resources, pollinators need to be protected to ensure they continue their role. Simply put, a pollinator is an animal or insect that fertilizes plants by moving pollen. This process allows plants to produce fruit and seeds. A lot of plants that produce food need the help of pollinators, and therefore, we humans need the help of pollinators. If you don’t have the space or time for a large native garden, but still want to admire and help our pollinating friends, you might consider filling your summer containers with perennials, annuals, and herbs that attract pollinators to your view. Take a look at some containers I’ve designed that maximize pollinator potential: I started with a few perennials, most importantly, milkweed, or asclepias tuberosa, the host of the monarch butterfly. As the summer goes on, beautiful clusters of orange flowers will blossom, and monarch caterpillars will feast on their foliage. This is also considered a native. I couldn’t resist the plumes of pink salvia and all its glory. The great thing about adding perennials to your containers is you can transfer them to the ground and enjoy them again next year. Next, I went through the greenhouse and pulled an awesome selection of annuals that butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees can’t resist. Hummingbirds are said to be attracted to red, so I used that color whenever possible. I can’t recommend lantana enough. Its sweet fragrance and clusters of tiny flowers draw in the pollinators. I love that several varieties have up to three colors in one cluster. I tend

Milkweed

Salvia

Lantana

to use lantana as a filler, but it really works as both a filler and a spiller. Heliotrope is another pollinator favorite with an irresistible fragrance and deep violet flowers. I included some pentas in each container. They have clusters of star-shaped blooms in vibrant colors like red and fuchsia. They are an easy-to-grow annual that fill out a container nicely. Salvia is famous for attracting pollinators, and it comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and heights. There are perennial and annual varieties. I took advantage of the annual varieties in vibrant reds and blues. These salvia work well as the height, or thriller in the center or back of containers. I also used some cuphea for height, as it is a favorite of the hummingbird. To finish off the annuals, I used lobularia, a more heat-tolerant and trailing relative to sweet alyssum. It is said to be a favorite of bees and its delicate white blooms add a soft texture to the edges of containers. Lastly, I tucked in some herbs like flat leaf and curly parsley, dill, and bronze fennel. While I love the fernlike texture of the dill and fennel, the chartreuse flowers of dill, and interesting leaf shapes of parsley, they really serve as host plants for swallowtail butterflies. So don’t be upset when their foliage is slowly devoured by these caterpillars as they fatten up before their beautiful transformation. If you’re interested in learning more about pollinators, their preferred plants, and their impact on

pollination, food production and so much more, plan on joining us at Colonial Gardens later this month. From June 17th to June 23rd, we will be celebrating Pollinator Week with special guests and fun educational programming that parents and kids of all ages will enjoy. For more details, check out our

Events page on our website (colonialgardenskc.com) or follow us on Facebook. Abby Byrd serves as the Greenhouse Coordinator at Colonial Gardens, Blue Springs, Mo., and teaches workshops and painting classes at the garden center.

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2019

Dramatic Annuals Sweet Caroline Bewitched with Envy

Abandon the ordinary by planting eye-catching annuals that’ll make a statement in your garden. CHELSEA DIDDE RICE cheers gardeners to be bold and to plant impactful annuals sure to command attention.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

s gardeners, we strive to make our landscapes impactful, unique and just plain beautiful. Gardens often act as an extension of our personalities and our homes, providing a

Toucan Canna Yellow 14

June 2019 | kcgmag.com

glimpse into how we imagine the world at its most beautiful. For dramatic foliage and flowers over the course of a few summer months, annuals are a great choice because they’re relatively inexpensive, easy to care for, fast growing and don’t require a long-term commitment like shrubs, trees or perennials. There are thousands of annual flowers and foliage plants to choose from, but I find that a select few always impress me and have guests and passerby asking for details. All of the plants I’ll cover perform best with at least six hours of full sun per day, but you can plant in part sun — just expect slightly less vigorous results. It is important to note that for the purposes of this article, I’ll refer to all plants as “annuals” if they wouldn’t survive our winter temperatures outdoors. Elephant ears and can-

nas (outlined below) can be dug up each fall, stored indoors where it’s dark and cool (but frost free) and replanted the following spring.

Elephant Ear

Looking to wow your friends and family with enormous eyecatching leaves the shape (and size) of elephant ears? Look no further and behold the aptly named elephant ear plant, which can grow leaves up to and beyond four feet long, depending on the variety. Perfect for the back of a flower bed, use these to add movement to your design since their foliage nods and flaps subtly in the wind like elephants on a leisurely walk. You can purchase elephant ears as dormant tubers (which are less expensive) or potted with foliage. Wait to plant the tubers until the soil is warm — typically in early May in our area. The warm soil will wake the tubers and they’ll grow roots and leaves within a few weeks. Take note that this plant is more tolerant of shade than any other listed in this article.

Canna

If your gardening style tends to have a tropical flavor, find a space in your garden for cannas. These rhizomes produce lush foliage in a range of colors and top it all

off with brightly colored blooms. One especially striking variety is Tropicanna, which has striped foliage full of different colors and bright orange flowers. Depending on the variety, canna range in height from two to eight feet tall, so there’s a size to fit every sunny garden.

Ornamental Grass

My personal favorite annual ornamental grass is by Proven Winners and is called Graceful Grasses® Vertigo® pennisetum. It’s a dark purple plant that grows up to eight feet tall and three feet wide over the course of the summer before producing bottlebrush plumes in fall. Just one of these grasses in a large container or flower bed makes an enormous, eyecatching statement (with very little work on your part). If Vertigo is too large for your space, consider smaller options in the pennisetum family that grow about half the size.

Sweet Potato Vine

Few plants are as vigorous or showy as sweet potato vines. I have personal experience with varieties like Margarita and Sweet Caroline Light Green growing tendrils up to 10 feet in length over the course of a few months, and they’ll take over

Enjoy colorful blooms all summer and into fall with Supertunias. An improved variety of petunia sold by Proven Winners, this plant is disease resistant and extremely vigorous. When well fed and planted in full sun, Supertunias will grow anywhere from 12 to 30 inches wide and about a foot tall at most. They’re excellent for hanging baskets and containers, but also do well when used for in ground planting. One of the main reasons I prefer Supertunias over traditional petunias is that they’re self-cleaning, meaning no tiresome dead-heading of spent blooms to keep the plant looking presentable. The biggest pest worth mentioning when it comes to Supertunias (and other petunias) is the budworm, a little green caterpillar that enjoys munching on unopened blooms. If you notice your petunias stop blooming all of the sudden, look for inch long caterpillars on the leaves and treat with an organic insecticidal spray that includes BT (bacillus thuringiensis). BT is a naturally found bacteria that does not harm insects other than caterpillars. Additionally, be sure to keep the BT spray away from any butterfly host plants, as it

Elephant Ear

This one’s a new addition to my garden this year, but I’ve seen it mentioned enough in gardening blogs and books to include it here. Often seen as a “budget, annual version of a Japanese maple,” the red leaf hibiscus is a shrub-sized annual in our area and produces striking, deep red foliage that looks extremely similar to that of a Japanese maple. The common variety Mahogany Splendor grows three to five feet tall and three feet wide, which is perfect for sunny, dry areas where you haven’t quite decided on mid-sized perennial or shrub structure yet. This hibiscus is absent of blooms in our climate, but the foliage is so stunning, you probably won’t even miss the flowers! Whether you’re a gardener that appreciates the fruits of a laborintensive landscape or you hardly have time to water plants once a week, there’s a winner or two in this dramatic group for you. Now get out there and plant something that’ll make a real statement this summer! Note: Though Proven Winners is an advertiser with The Kansas City Gardener, these are my own opinions and recommendations. This article is not sponsored.

When Chelsea Didde Rice isn’t at work as a senior communications specialist, she’s an avid gardener who enjoys teaching people how easy it can be to garden.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

Red Leaf Hibiscus

Supertunia Mulberry Charm

Graceful Grasses Vertigo

Photo courtesy of Monrovia.

Supertunia

will also kill desirable caterpillars. Keep treating the affected plant once or twice a week until flowering returns, then every other week as a preventative measure, if you choose.

Tropicanna Canna Photo courtesy of BallHort.

an enormous space if you let them! Luckily, they’re also amenable to pruning and can be kept in bounds, should you choose. Sweet potato vines are available in shades of purple and hues of green, with a few interesting multi colored varieties like Kelly Ray providing both colors. Sweet potato vines are relatively low maintenance except that they require plenty of water in hot climates and may wilt if the soil gets too dry.

Mahogany Splendor Hibiscus The Kansas City Gardener | June 2019

Gardens to Inspire Garden Tour June 7 and 8 Shady Oasis Behind this lovely Tudor Revival style home lie a superb formal shade garden. The artfully clipped boxwood, well-balanced foundation plantings, and stately urns in front of the house foretell the meticulously laid out garden in the backyard. Opening the gate reveals charming pathways that wind around brick-lined, lushly planted beds evoking elegant European gardens brimming with numerous varieties of hosta such as Frances Williams, Guacamole, and Cup of Grace, the beds are also filled with many other shade loving perennials. The visitor will spot Japanese painted fern, pulmonaria, Solomon’s Seal, climbing hydrangea, a Nelly Moser clematis, and hellebore. There is also a delightful groundcover known as chocolate ajuga. English ivy is espaliered in a diamond pattern along one

stretch of the garden fence to add vertical interest and aesthetically placed statuary and containers add a dreamy grandeur to the garden. There are pedestals topped with colorfully planted urns and two intricate wrought iron wall-mounted flower baskets. A stone bench beckons from a lushly canopied niche bordered on each side by a holly bush. The beautiful bronze statue positioned in the center of a fountain encircled by precisely clipped boxwood is entitled “Water Girl” and echoes the serene atmosphere of the garden. An inviting patio area, with handsome wrought iron furniture and topiary potted in elegant urns, looks to be the perfect resting spot from which to enjoy the tranquility of the garden. It’s no wonder the homeowner, a Master Gardener, describes it as “an oasis especially during hot Midwest summers!”

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June 2019 | kcgmag.com

garden abounds with nostalgia and peaceful, meditative qualities making it ideal for tranquil relaxation!

Zen Ambience For many, a close relative or friend instilled the love of gardening. The parents of the homeowner, who is a Master Gardener himself, were members of the Bonsai Society of Kansas City prompting his love of conifers and a MidCentury Modern, Zen ambiance style. The goal of creating a serene, restorative retreat is evident when the visitor approaches the home from the front deck, with its welcoming pair of white foo dogs, representing “yin” and “yang”. A lovely berm graced with a columnar blue spruce and two other conifers that were planted when about eight inches tall and have now reached seven feet. The terrain at the rear of the house is sculpted into graceful curvilinear shapes and cut natural stone blocks define planting beds filled with perennials, boxwood, conifers, and popcorn and red drift roses. Guests are welcomed by a lovely patio area with a fire pit and sleek furniture that meld with the calm aesthetic of the garden. This Asian inspired garden relies on subtle differences in color and texture. The stunning conifers provide soothing shades of green and varied texture for year round interest. Some appear in pyramidal pagoda form while others beckon repose with their low, spreading branches. The visitor will spot an umbrella pine, a whipped western red cedar, a dwarf Serbian spruce, and a recently planted Mugo pine. The well-established dwarf Hinoki cypress, a gift from the homeowner’s mother, reminds him of “clouds you see on Asian scrolls.” This

Birds, Bees and Butterflies A stunning combination of formality, naturalness, and whimsy is found in the beautiful gardens surrounding this attractive Colonial style home, owned by a long time Master Gardener. The front yard features hardscaped terraces filled with dogwood, magnolia, ninebark, rhododendron and hydrangea. These loosely graceful plantings are anchored by eye-catching variegated agave, large iron planters, and formal urns set atop cut stone pedestals. The contrast between the formally laid out and constructed beds and the informal and eclectic plant choices echoes the traditional architecture of the house versus the homeowner’s goal that the gardens be “for the birds, butterflies, bees, native plants and us.” The backyard garden beds brimming with plantings of varied styles, textures, and colors mark the perimeter. Secluded, secret “rooms” encourage the visitor to sit and contemplate this wonderfully appealing garden from various views. Tropical plants and annuals in pots punctuate the garden with pops of color. A gate fashioned of latticework ginkgo leaves, unique ironwork trellises, delightful bird houses and feeders, fanciful wind chimes and bells, and an ornate, viridian green bistro set add interest and personality to this romantic garden. Even in the off-season, this magical urban haven offers colorful appeal with an enchanting progression of blooming flowers— Japanese anemones, hardy begonia, winter jasmine, winter hazel, hellebore, a variety of witch hazels, and early spring bulbs. This garden is a sheer delight! Seven unique gardens will be on display during the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Tour South of the Plaza on Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information go to mggkc.org/gardentour.

Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City present

Horticulture at the Zoo Thursday, June 20 6:30-8:00 p.m. Meet in the Deramus building by the main entrance. Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, MO.

f you love horticulture and zoology, this program is for you! Join us as Crystal Broadus, KC Zoo Horticulture Manager, and Shawn Stuettger, KC Zoo Maintenance Supervisor, take us into their world of safely incorporating plants with animals in the zoo. You will enjoy a 30-45 minute presentation followed by a walking tour. Some of the topics covered will be: • Daily routines of horticulture staff

• “Zoo Manoo” (compost) program

• What goes into design for flower beds, landscaping and new exhibits

• Tour of pollinator garden, polar bear green roof, rain garden, tropics building, monarch way station, Hallmark children’s garden

• How horticulture is used for enrichment of animals • Plants and toxicity to animals • “Browse Garden” used to create limbs/vegetation for eating and stimulation • What plants are preferred by various animals

Attendance is limited to 40 people. 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.

25th Annual Union Hill Garden Tour Sunday, June 9, 10am-2pm

Union Hill is located downtown between 31st Street and Union Cemetery, and bordered by Main Street and Gillham, Union Hill is a walkable, charming historic Victorian neighborhood filled with avid gardeners. Gardens along the walking tour feature everything from spectacular floral displays to container gardens to an urban farm and even chickens! Several businesses local to Union Hill and the Martini Corner entertainment district are offering discounts to garden tour attendees. The tour starts at 31st and Grand then follows a walking path through the neighborhood. Attendees will receive a map and guide to the gardens on the tour. A donation of $10 is requested, with funds going to help with restoration of Union Hill Cemetery and to beautify the public spaces in the neighborhood. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the tour, or in advance at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4210069.

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2019

Native Plants that Merit Attention

or two weeks I have noticed that nobody has purchased a single closed gentian at our visitor center plant sale area (Shaw Nature Reserve sells plants at the visitor’s center during the month of April). I asked Mervin Wallace at Missouri Wildflowers Nursery about it and he mentioned that they don’t jump off the sale shelf for him either. This got me thinking about underutilized native plants that merit attention. I admit that bottle gentian (Gentiana andrewsii) is a slow grower, it flops when young, prefers slightly acidic soil, and can easily be overrun by more aggressive plants. With a garden-

er’s attention, however, it is worth the effort. Visually, it is a stunning plant with cobalt blue flowers and is bumblebee pollinated. It grows best in part shade with companion plants like clump-forming star sedge and oak sedge that prop it up and allow it to shine. Another worthy plant relegated to the sidelines is leadplant (Amorpha canescens). It is one of the smallest native woody plants, topping out at two to three feet in height and spread. It prefers dry, well-drained soil and dislikes poorly drained clay soil. It grows in full sun or part shade and is as happy as a mussel in a gravel riverbed when planted in rocky areas. Leadplant

Photo credit to Missouri Botanical Garden.

Native plant guru, SCOTT WOODBURY describes worthy native plants that home gardeners ought to give a try.

Leadplant and Butterfly Milkweed is finicky and grows slowly, which may be why it sits out games on the bench. It is slow to leaf out in spring, which makes it as attractive as a wet cat; it looks scrawny at first, but leafs out nicely by late May. Leaves are silvery gray and contrast nicely with other dryloving companion plants like fame flower (Phemeranthus calycinus), American aloe (Manfreda virginica), and prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa). In three to five years, these plants may grow 2 feet in height and width. They transplant poorly because of stout, deep tap roots. It is said that when early

settlers plowed the original prairie (with mules) through lead plant roots, the ground made snapping sounds, hence the lesser known common name, devil’s shoestring. I see few people using wild onions in the native garden. That’s a shame as there are a several species of wild onions that are showy, and one that is a delicacy—wild leek. At Shaw Nature Reserve, we have attempted to grow wild onions for decades, but plantings often went downhill within a few years after planting. Recently we are having greater success. The onions seem to be responding

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Sat, June 8 BEETLEMANIA everything you need to know to combat Japanese Beetles this summer!

Photos by Scott Woodbury.

Gentiana andrewsii positively to our new practice of adding mycorrhizae to seedlings in the greenhouse (a teaspoon of MycoBloom mycorrhizae to each pot) before planting outside, and planting them in well-drained soils. As a result, our greenhouse production is thriving, and plants are also thriving in the garden. Liz Koziol, owner of MycoBloom, is producing local ecotype strains of mycorrhizal fungi in Kansas City, which produce obviously healthier native plants and gardens. Nodding onion (Allium cernuum), glade onion, (A. stellatum), wild leek (A. triccocum), and meadow garlic (A. canadense) are available commercially. Glade onion and meadow garlic prefer full sun; nodding onion likes part shade; and wild leek grows in full shade. Indian physic (Gillenia stipulata) is another one that sits on the shelf for no reason. It has a unique ferny texture in spring and summer and grows in dry, open woodlands. In midsummer it produces white flowers with a pink blush on two and a half foot-tall stems. It is a well behaved perennial that is clump-forming and long-lived. Its finest moment is in autumn when the foliage turns reddish-purple.

Mountain mint is another one that seems to be shunned. With a name like mint I understand because non-native spearmint and peppermint are aggressive suckering weeds. But native mountain mints are clump-forming and nonaggressive, especially hairy mountain mint (Pycnanthemum pilosum). This one has grayish green leaves that has more menthol than any of the other species, so it makes a fantastic tea. Also the plant is showy in winter when left standing. This is the tallest species of mountain mint topping out at 3 to 4 feet. It can be reduced in size by cutting the leaves back in late April by 50%. It is possible that this next plant seems too good to be true. Could American aloe (Manfreda virginica) truly be hearty in Missouri? Yes, it is, and it blooms at the same time as purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) in early summer. Its flowers open in the evening to attract sphynx moths at night. It does this by producing a sweet aroma attractive to moths and people. Plant this one where you can experience it in the evening or at night. It is the narrowest perennial of all, topping out at 3

Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City

2019

Allium stellatum

American aloe

to 4 feet in height, yet is only 12 inches across at the base so this one fits in tiny spaces and can tolerate extreme drought and part shade though it prefers full sun. It also works well in containers. Why not give it a try? This gardening season, look for the lesser-known native plants that merit attention. Others that are definitely worth trying include feathery blue star (Amsonia ciliata), heart-leaved golden Alexander (Zizia aptera), Robbins plantain (Erigeron pulchellum), Riddell’s goldenrod (Solidago riddellii) and

wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana). Happy gardening! 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 welland lesser-known native plants and native plant services at www. grownative.org, Resource Guide.

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Book your next event in our beautiful event space! Rosehill Gardens 311 E. 135th St. Kansas City, MO. 816-941-4777 RosehillGardens.com In the heart of Martin City

The Kansas City Gardener | June 2019

Butterflies Searching for Love LENORA LARSON talks butterfly territories, behaviors, aromas, and mating in this season of love.

une traditionally is the month for love and marriage, but both human and butterfly males know that anytime is the right time for love. Reproduction is the singleminded purpose of adult butterflies and a male is determined to make the most of his short life by impregnating as many lovely ladies as possible. Then he dies. Meanwhile, females only care about selecting the best father for their children, so the male must impress her. Like many other male animals, a male butterfly uses multiple tactics to win his lady fair, including mating rituals, dance competitions and his aftershave lotion (pheromones). Defending Territories Male butterflies establish a territory, usually near their host plant because all females search out their

Male Cabbage Whites patrol their territory looking for females and repelling rivals. Male Red Admirals perch and wait for females to enter their territory and furiously fight off rivals and intruders. caterpillar’s food plant and usually mate with multiple males. Males select a favorite resting spot, often on a low hanging tree branch or on the ground in a patch of sunlight. Depending on the species, males either perch on that spot and wait for females. Or they patrol the boundaries of their territory, actively seeking females and repelling intruders. I frequently see male Monarchs chasing female Great Spangled Fritillaries. There is no

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sexual intent, but the Fritillaries trespassed when they nectared on a Milkweed flower. These territories are very fluid since males have such short lives and the same territory may be occupied by several males who are active at different times of the day. Is She the Right One? Sexual recognition needs to be quick and sure when you have only a week or two to live. Surprisingly, butterflies do not use the beautiful wing colors and patterns to identify potential mates. These evolved as either camouflage or mimicry to avoid predators, especially birds. Sexual identity is established by behaviors and aromas. The male is initially attracted to movement and will even chase falling leaves. Scented pheromones are stored in special wing pockets and wafted into the air. If the object of his desire responds appropriately to the pheromones, an aerial display ensues. Do they dance well together? If the dance proves that she’s the right lady and he has impressive dance skills, mating proceeds. Mating Males emerge from their chrysalis first and spend about a week drinking nectar with their pals, puddling for minerals, and preparing spermatophores for their brides. The protein coated spermatophore contains sperm as well as carbohydrates, proteins and minerals. When he inserts this package in the female’s vagina, he is not only placing his sperm, he is feeding her through her vagina,

which has a stomach. And if the female judges his sperm as inferior, her vagina will digest them too! Just because a male has mated, he is not guaranteed to be the father because the female selects the “best” sperm to fertilize each egg as she lays it. Consequently, there are no unwanted pregnancies or unworthy fathers. The Third Eye Butterflies mate back to back, but the male can’t turn his head to see if he’s correctly aligned. The solution? Male butterflies have a third eye on the tip of their penis. This primitive eye can only see the presence or absence of light. When the light goes out, he’s in the right spot and employs his claspers to lock it in. The happy couple will stay together for up to 90 minutes. Summary Are you the right species and gender? The pheromones and mating behaviors of male butterflies ensure that he’s not wasting his time with a match that won’t work. Perhaps we humans need a similar system to be sure of true love! 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.

DIANA PAR-DUE, local herb maven, profiles this perennial.

illing an herb garden with perennial herbs creates structure and a healthy environment for pollinators which draw in birds to generate and ecologically sustainable space within a yard. Many perennial herbs have been covered here like thyme, oregano, chives and catmint but today I want to talk about winter savory. Winter savory is a beautiful semi evergreen perennial herb that is an excellent addition to the spice cabinet and even has medicinal properties if one is inclined to use herbal remedies. It’s cousin, summer savory is an annual but has a less sharp flavor and can be planted along with the other important annual herbs here in zone six like rosemary, basil and parsley. However, the draw of winter savory is not just it’s culinary or medicinal value but the way that it stakes its claim in your garden. It grows magnificently in shade or sun and can thrive in poor soil. The deep green leaves remain beautiful throughout the winter months and in the summer it blooms white, in deep contrast to the leaves, with stalks several inches tall that attract beneficial bugs in droves but the smell is off putting to mosquitos.

The plant grows in a similar mound as thyme but when the flowering stalks rise up it changes shape to be more architectural. Each year the plant increases in size somewhat and is not invasive. The flavor is peppery and compliments other pot herbs such as sage, parsley and oregano. It can be used on meats, raw in pesto or seasoning for roasted potatoes. Winter savory has another special use in the culinary realm that makes it stand out. It is called a bean herb which means that adding it to cooking beans reduces the gassy effect beans can have. Several places in Kansas City carry winter savory in the spring and I recommend it for every herb garden. 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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Wonders of Discovery 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.

When:

Friday, June 21, 2019, 9:00 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where:

Pollinator Prairie 320 S. Blake Street • Olathe, Kansas 66061

Contact:

Mariruth A. Gruis 913-636-3497 or Marilyn Jordan 913-693-1906

Exhibition Participants:

• K-State Extension Master Gardeners Wildlife Habitat Committee & Master Naturalists • Johnson County Environmental • Northeastern Kansas Beekeepers • Olathe Public Library • Operation Wildlife • Monarch Watch • United States Environmental Protection Agency

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Winter Savory

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It’s Summertime!

Upcoming Garden Events places to go, things to do, people to see Club Meetings African Violet Club of Greater Kansas City Tues, Jun 11, 6-8pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Auction of African violets, gesneriads and related items. Bonsai Society of GKC Sat, Jun 8, 9am-12pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Workshop. www. bsgkc.org; 816-513-8590

Lenexa Field and Garden Club Tues, Jun 11, 7pm; visit the garden at the Evergreen Community and Hospice Care Facility located at 11875 South Sunset Dr, Olathe, KS. This garden is maintained by the Evergreen Community and the K-State Master Gardeners and is not normally open to the public requiring visitors to be guided. Learn more about the club at www.lenexafieldandgardenclub.org.

Greater Kansas City Dahlia Society Sun, Jun 9, 12:30-3pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO. Membership.

MoKan Daylily Society Sat, Jun 15, 11:30am-3:30pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO. Membership.

Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group Wed, Jun 12, noon. This month the members will meet at Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Garden at 4800 Rockhill Rd. At this botanical Garden, we will be enjoying the dance of the fountains, the beauty of the Lilies and many flowering bulbs and perennials. Members will pack a lunch to enjoy while visiting the garden which promises to be bursting with color and fragrance during this beautiful June day. Facebook: check us out at Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group. Friends and visitors are always welcome.

Raytown Garden Club Tues, Jun 4, 10am; at Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church, 6429 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO. We will have a brief bird presentation at the beginning of the meeting entitled “Killdear.” Our program PowerPoint and lecture is entitled “Planting Iris for Beauty”, presented by Jim Hedgecock, owner of Comanche Acres Iris Gardens in Gower, MO. They have over 2,000 varieties of irises, and this presentation is sure to inform and wow you! Refreshments will be served, and visitors are always welcome! Come meet our group, we would love to get to know you! Check out our Facebook page at Raytown Garden Club or visit our website at https://sites.google.com/site/ fgcmwestcentral/clubs/raytown

Greater Kansas City Gardeners of America Sun, Jun 2, 2:30pm; at 11311 Jarboe St, Kansas City, MO 64114. Annual Picnic for Members only. Please RSVP to Margaret Singer at 816 942 8889. KC Cactus and Succulent Society Sun, Jun 23, 1:30-4pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st St and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. For information on the Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society, visit our website: kccactus. com. Visitors are welcome to join the fun; please call 816-444-9321 or email evaal@att.net for more information.

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June 2019 | kcgmag.com

welcome. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094.

Kansas City Rose Society Sat, Jun 15, 2-4pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, KC, MO 64112. Poetry Reading. All are welcome. www.kansascityrosesociety.org Leavenworth County Master Gardeners Wed, Jun 12, 11am; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Gretchen Manus, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, and her 4-H students will present “Demonstration of Horticulture Competition”. Gretchen and her students will give a hands-on demonstration of what they do at a horticulture competition. The meeting is free. Visitors are

Sho Me African Violets Sat, Jun 14, 11am-1pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO. Membership. End of year meeting.

Events, Lectures & Classes June 25th Annual Town and Country Garden Tour Sat and Sun, Jun 1 and 2, 10am; Hermann, MO. The Garden Tour includes both a walking tour of gardens in downtown historic Hermann and a driving tour to gardens in the hills around Hermann. This year’s feature will be three artists’ gardens where you will find plein air artists at work. The $15 ticket price includes visits to at least five private gardens both in town and in the country and the Garden Demonstration Area where you will see historic bee skep making and a four square garden. Garden Tours may be spread over Sat and Sun. Ticket Sale Site is the Hermann Welcome Center on the Market Street Plaza; tickets are sold from 10am-4pm on Sat and 10am-3pm on Sun. Gardens close at 5pm on Sat and 4pm

on Sun. There is also a Garden Party/ Silent Auction on Friday evening, May 31st from 6-9PM at the Historic Hermann Rotunda. The Hermann Garden Tours website www.hermanngardentours.com provides 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 the Hermann Welcome Center at (800) 932-8687 for questions about lodging or go to www. visithermann.com. The Garden Tour is always the first full weekend in June. Kansas City Rose Society Rose Show Sat, Jun 1; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. All rose growers are invited to bring roses between 8:30am and 12:30pm. No entry fee. Classes for all varieties of roses from miniatures to shrubs. Photography classes for rose photos. All you need to know is the name of rose you wish to exhibit. Helpers are available for new rose exhibitors. Douglas County Garden Tour Sat, Jun 1, 9:30am-5pm and Sun, Jun 2, 11am-5pm. Douglas Co Master Gardeners are hosting a garden tour. There are seven gardens on the tour. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Douglas County Extension Office on the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2110 Harper St, Lawrence, KS. Native Plant Sale Sat, Jun 1, 9am-2:30pm, or until all plants are sold. The sale will be held in the Deal Six room at the Douglas County Extension Office on the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2110 Harper St, Lawrence, KS. Approximately 40 different species of natives will be available, with plants selling for $4 each or 3 for $10. All plants for sale are native plants. Hosted by Douglas County Master Gardeners. Rose Day Sun, Jun 2, 1-5pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, KC, MO 64112. Rose Garden event by the Kansas City Rose Society. Rose Show winners will be on display. Japanese Beetles Tues, Jun 4, 4pm; at Lansing Community Library, 730 Terrace, Suite1, Lansing KS 66043. Patrick Paden, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, will lead a discussion on the life cycle of the Japanese Beetle and determining the control method that suits your gardening goals. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094. Drip, Soaker, or Sprinkler Wed, Jun 5, 6-7pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence, KS 66047. Not sure of the best watering method for you? We will talk about the pros and cons of the big “3”; drip irrigation, soaker hoses and sprinklers. FREE, but seating is limited, so please RSVP either by clicking on “going” on our Facebook page or call 785-842-3081.

Handouts provided. This workshop in held in conjunction with the Farmers Market at Clinton Parkway Nursery which runs each Wed from 4:30 to 6:30 from mid May to the end of September. Garden Sampler Tour Sat, Jun 8, 9am-5pm (Rain or Shine). The tour features 6 wonderful gardens, all from the Shawnee area. Presented by Garden Club of Shawnee. Proceeds from the tour are used for the club’s grant program, which provides funds to schools, churches, museums and other non-profit organizations projects to support their gardening projects which help fulfill the club’s objectives. Tickets are for sale for $15. Tickets will be available at several locations throughout Shawnee, from club members and on our website, www.gardenclubofshawnee.orgor visit us on Facebook at “The Garden Club of Shawnee”. MGGKC Garden Tour Jun 7 & 8, 9am-4:30pm. Tour Seven Beautiful Gardens. The Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City tour featuring seven unique gardens south of the Country Club Plaza. Tickets are $15 each, rain or shine. Tickets can be purchased 1) the day of tour at all of the seven garden locations 2) by mail by using PayPal 3) and beginning May 1 at all Family Tree Nurseries, Suburban Lawn and Garden at the 105 and Roe and 135 and Wornall locations, Planter’s Seed and Spice Company, and Heartland Nursery and Garden Center. Proceeds from the tour will support Master Gardener Educational projects across Jackson, Clay and Platte counties. Beekeeping 101–Gr 8-12 Fri, Jun 7 & 14, 8am-noon; at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. You will be introduced to the fun and exciting world of beekeeping. In today’s world, there are many beekeeping opportunities and challenges. Gain a good understanding about beekeeping and learn about the many products that come from bees, like honey, pollen and wax. You will also visit the JCCC Bee Yard and explore a working hive. Identify the honey, baby bees, pollen and find the Queen! This course is for students between the grades 8-12. Instructor: Robert Hughes. Fee: $99. To enroll go to https://ce.jccc.edu or call 913-469-2323. 25th Annual Union Hill Garden Tour Sun, Jun 9, 10am-2pm. Union Hill is located downtown between 31st St and Union Cemetery, and bordered by Main Street and Gillham, Union Hill is a walkable, charming historic Victorian neighborhood filled with avid gardeners. Gardens along the walking tour feature everything from spectacular floral displays to container gardens to an urban farm and even chickens! Several businesses local to Union Hill and the Martini Corner entertainment district are offering discounts to garden tour attendees. The tour starts at 31st and Grand then follows a walking path through the neigh(continued on page 24)

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gorgeous plants, wonderful staff, unique garden store The Kansas City Gardener | June 2019

Easy Container Gardens for your outdoor space

he dental office where I work includes outdoor space for patients to enjoy the scenery and relax. There is a lovely fountain and containers filled with beautiful plants. For five years, as this space has evolved, I’ve been able to garden and have established an easy recipe for success. I love to garden! I love to watch things grow! I love to tend to the Patio! If I can do this, so can you! Let’s start with the basics. Drainage is important. Select a container with a couple of good size holes in the bottom. This is so when the rains come, your plants don’t drown. Then add a layer of fist-sized rocks on the bottom. After drainage, find nutritious potting soil. Moisture control is nice. Voila! You’re ready to plant! If you’re using one of last year’s pots with soil already in it (as long as nothing died from disease in the pot), freshen up the soil by replacing about a third of it with new potting soil, and add just a bit of organic fertilizer. Mix it well. My basic pot method is one up, three down and three pudgy. The spike is a tall guy. He is my up. I plant him in the middle. Since his roots were all wrapped around each other, I gently unraveled them and placed him in the middle hole in the soil. Add more soil around him and tamp firmly. (If the soil isn’t snug around the roots, the plant will die.) This vinca will flop over and be my down; he kind of connects the pot with the ground, making the pot become more of the landscape. These short dahlias are pudgies. They add color to fill out my pot. Be sure to know your sunlight requirements when choosing your plants. All of these plants tolerate our very sunny patio. Remember to support your plant well when transplanting. Cup the main stalk when tamping it out of its original pot. Disturb the roots as little as possibly unless they are strangling each other like above. Place each in a hole you already made and firmly press the soil securely around them. Next, give them a nice drink of water and put your pot in a shady spot for a week or so until you know they are recovering well from the transplant. Adjusting to the sun a little at a time will prevent sunburn. Water when the soil is dry to touch. Most plants don’t like to be too soggy. After about two to three weeks, I fertilize every other week with half strength Miracle Grow®. It really works! So there you have it. Come enjoy my patio garden at TLC Dental Care…and Happy Gardening! Amanda Hager cares for patients as a dental assistant, and cares for plants as a patio container gardener, both at TLC Dental Care, Kansas City, Mo.

June 2019 | kcgmag.com

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

(continued from page 23)

borhood. Attendees will receive a map and guide to the gardens on the tour. A donation of $10 is requested, with funds going to help with restoration of Union Hill Cemetery and to beautify the public spaces in the neighborhood. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the tour, or in advance at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4210069. Horticultural Therapy Garden Tour Tues, Jun 11, 7pm; at Evergreen Community and Hospice Care, located at 11875 South Sunset Dr, Olathe, KS. Parking is by the main entrance. You will be met in the lobby on your left as you enter. Horticultural therapy uses a garden to provide emotional, mental, physical, spiritual and intellectual well being. It’s all about interaction. Imagine living in an Extended Care environment where such a garden is right in the middle of your home. Evergreen Community of Johnson County and the Kansas State Research and Extension Master Gardeners work together with the residents of Evergreen to care for this garden. It’s for being in the moment, digging or just looking, snacks and flowers, watching birds, fish, and butterflies, sharing earlier life memories, or ones from just a few minutes ago. Because this garden is in the middle of resident’s home, it is not normally open to the public. As a special treat, the Lenexa Garden Club is going to be given a tour. Visitors are welcome this one evening. Japanese Beetles Wed, Jun 12, 7pm; at Basehor Community Library, 1400 158th St, Basehor KS 66007. Patrick Paden, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, will lead a discussion on the life cycle of the Japanese Beetle and determining the control method that suits your gardening goals. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094. Indoor Garden/Urban Farming Classes Sat, Jun 15, 11am-Noon (Entry level Class), 1-2pm (Advanced Class); 117 S Mur-Len Rd, Olathe, KS 66062. Classes are FREE but seating is limited so please sign-up via our website year-roundgarden.com. Learn tips and tricks of how to grow a successful garden indoors, new topics every month, and discounts offered to class attendees. 913-397-0594 Horticulture at the Zoo Thurs, Jun 20, 6:30-8pm; at Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Dr, Kansas City, MO. Meet in the Deramus building by the main entrance. Sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City. If you love horticulture and zool-

ogy, this program is for you! Join us as Crystal Broadus, KC Zoo Horticulture Manager, and Shawn Stuettger, KC Zoo Maintenance Supervisor, take us into their world of safely incorporating plants with animals in the zoo. You will enjoy a 30-45 minute presentation followed by a walking tour. Attendance is limited to 40 people. 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 816-523-5526 or e-mail chronwall@ umkc.edu. Japanese Beetles Thurs, Jun 20, 7pm; at Leavenworth Public Library, 417 Spruce St, Leavenworth KS 66048. Patrick Paden, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, will lead a discussion on the life cycle of the Japanese Beetle and determining the control method that suits your gardening goals. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094. Wonders of Discovery Fri, Jun 21, 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, and much more. Contact Mariruth Gruis 913-6363497 or Marilyn Jordan 913-693-1906. Pollinator.org Stems: A Garden Soiree Sat, Jun 22, 7-11pm; at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park invites you to the premier event of the summer! $250 Patron Ticket, $150 General Admission Ticket. Tickets are all-inclusive–food, beverages, entertainment and fun! Visit stemssoiree.org or call 913.322.6467 for all ticket and event information. Midwest FlowerFest Public Day Fri, Jun 28 and Sat, Jun 29, 8am-5pm; at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Field Trials are the industry’s way of measuring how a particular variety will behave in our area. The Midwest FlowerFest for 2019 will showcase over 250 containers and in ground trials planted with over 100 established and trial varieties. Trials will be on display in the gardens for the month of July. During that time, we will be measuring how well they perform in our environment. Be sure to check out the display, as well

as the rest of the gardens and trails. See how they perform and take note for your own garden. Thank you to Family Tree Nursery and McHutchison Distributors for being great partners in this event. Included with admission. Koffee at Kauffman Memorial Gardens Sat, Jun 29, 9am; at Kauffman Memorial Gardens, 4800 Rockhill Rd, Kansas City, MO. A tour of the gardens will be given by a staff member and light refreshments will be provided. The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden draws inspiration from the couple’s journey through life and their commitment to share with others. Hosted by the Greater Kansas City Gardeners of America. Please make a reservation by calling Margaret at 816942-8889. Train Garden Tour Sat, Jun 29, 10am-4pm and Sun, Jun 30, noon-4pm. Adults and kids are invited to tour the unique train gardens at homes in the greater Kansas City area. They are like a miniature world with model trains running through garden landscaping, with small houses and buildings, trees, plants, water features, bridges and tunnels. Hosted by the MO-KAN Garden Railroaders, the admission cost for this self-guided tour to all gardens is $10 per car. Fifty percent of the proceeds go to Harvesters Food Network. For tickets and tour guide, go to www.mokangardenrailroaders.org.

July Summer Perennials Wed, Jul 3, 6-7pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence, KS 66047. We will discuss some of our favorite sun and shade perennials for summer. Workshop lasts an hour plus time for questions. FREE, but seating is limited, so please RSVP either by clicking on “going” on our Facebook page or call 785-842-3081. Handouts provided. This workshop in held in conjunction with the Farmers Market at Clinton Parkway Nursery which runs each Wednesday from 4:30 to 6:30pm from mid May to the end of September. Daylily Open House Thurs, July 4 and Fri, July 5 from 9am1pm; at Hart’s Daylilies, 7460 W 255th, Louisburg, KS. 900 varieties of daylilies. 913/837-5209 for information. Water Gardens 2019 Sat, Jul 6 and Sun, Jul 7, rain or shine. The Water Garden Society of Greater Kansas City proudly presents its 26th annual self-directed water garden tour in

Kansas City, Missouri and surrounding metropolitan communities. Tickets for the tour are $10 per person 14 years and over, and can be purchased at garden centers throughout the community as well as Hen House and Westlake Hardware in the Kansas City area. Proceeds benefit construction and maintenance of educational and restorative water gardens and other educational programs in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Purchase your tickets early to plan your driving tour. For groups and bus tours visit us at www. kcwatergardens.com. For Information on discounted tickets at $8 per person for groups of 10 or more call 913-599-9718 or tour@kcwatergardens.com Sustainability Leadership–Gr 8-12 Fri, Jul 19, 8am-3pm; at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. Do you want to make a difference at your school and in your community? Learn best practices for starting a small and manageable recycling, composting, gardening and farming program. Ideas for mitigating storm water runoff and planting bio swales will also be discussed. In addition, discover how easy it is to implement alternative energy options while enjoying bike blender smoothies and solar smores. This course is great for students in environmental clubs, scouts, etc. This course is for students between the grades 8-12. Instructor: Kristy Howell and Deb Williams. Fee: $79. To enroll go to https://ce.jccc.edu or call 913-469-2323. Indoor Garden/Urban Farming Classes Sat, Jul 20, 11am-Noon (Entry level Class), 1-2pm (Advanced Class); 117 S Mur-Len Rd, Olathe, KS 66062. Classes are FREE but seating is limited so please sign-up via our website year-roundgarden.com. Learn tips and tricks of how to grow a successful garden indoors, new topics every month, and discounts offered to class attendees. 913-397-0594

August Fall Vegetable Gardening Wed, Aug 7, 6-7pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence, KS 66047. A whole new season of vegetable garden awaits this fall. Learn what you can plant this fall. All workshops last an hour plus time for questions. FREE, but seating is limited, so please RSVP either by clicking on “going” on our Facebook page or call 785-842-3081. Handouts provided. This workshop in held in conjunction with the Farmers Market at Clinton Parkway Nursery which runs each Wednesday from 4:306:30pm from mid May to the end of Sept.

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

elizabeth@kcgmag.com

Deadline for publishing in the July issue is June 5.

Powell Gardens in June Species Spotlight: Wonderful Water Lotus Saturday, June 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m. | FREE with Garden Admission Join a Powell Gardens docent for a family-friendly walk to the lotus pond located on the Byron Shutz Nature Trail. After investigating the unique features of the water lotus, families will use watercolors to paint pictures of the green giants. This experience is suited for families with kids aged five to twelve. This guided experience is less than one mile in length and covers forested terrain. Insect Identification: Good Bug? Bad Bug? Saturday, June 15, 9 a.m.-noon | $45 (Members receive 10% off) Spend the morning with Tamra Reall, Field Specialist in Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension, Jackson County, who will present in-depth information about identifying insects in the garden (both good and bad bugs!). Tamra has a PhD in entomology and a BS in horticulture, and will share her scientific expertise during this class. Part of the morning will be spent in the classroom and the rest in the field, so dress appropriately to explore outdoors, locate insects in the garden, and identify them. An advanced education certificate is available for Master Gardeners who participate. Integrated Pest Management Saturday, June 15, 1-4 p.m. | $45 (Members receive 10% off) Need some ideas for handling pest problems in your garden? Spend the afternoon with Cory Creed, Field Specialist in Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension, Platte County, who will present in-depth information about developing a plan for monitoring and controlling insects in your garden. Gather ideas for dealing with insects such as Japanese beetles and learn techniques to keep overall pest populations low. An advanced education certificate is available for Master Gardeners who participate. Garden of Eating Sunday, June 16, noon-4 p.m. | $20 per adult, $5 per child (Includes hearty bites for all, one beer for dad, live music and Garden Admission) Grab your dad and your appetite and join us on Father’s Day for this special ticketed event in the Heartland Harvest Garden. Hosted under the eaves of the Missouri Barn, this special salute to fathers features fresh, hearty bites prepared by Kansas City’s Urban Cafe. Enjoy dry-rubbed Wingz, Elvis sliders, and corn and black bean quinoa salad while you listen to the music of Ernest James Zydeco. Dads with ID also get one free beer! A cash bar featuring wine, beer, and soft drinks is also available. Family Frolic: Buzzed About Bees Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | FREE with Garden Admission Bring the family out to Powell Gardens to get buzzed about bees during National Pollinator Week. The Heartland Beekeeping Association will be in attendance with an active beehive to teach families about beekeeping. Make native plant seed bombs to take home and start your very own pollinator gardens, create pollinator origami art, embark on a garden-wide search of active pollinators, and plant an eco-pot with an important butterfly host plant. For an additional fee kids can paint and take home their own flower pots, and families can learn how to make tasty treats with a local chef. Planting for Pollinators: Container Design Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | $55 (Members receive 10% discount) Celebrate National Pollinator Week and learn what plants are best to support various pollinator species and make a portable pollinator garden. Participants will learn the basics of attracting and sustaining pollinators through gardening and will workshop with Master Gardener Lenora Larson to plan, design, and plant their own container to take home. Nectar plants are provided by Colonial Gardens. Participants will receive a coupon for a percentage off plant purchases at Colonial Gardens. Booms & Blooms: 25th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, June 29, Gardens open at 9 a.m. fireworks begin at dusk | Festival Admission & Parking Applies (Members are Free) Rain Date: Sunday, June 30 Join us for the 25th and final installment of this popular Independence Day celebration! Enjoy a beautiful palette of floral color on land and a fantastic display in the air provided by our new fireworks partner, Premier Pyrotechnics. Plan to arrive early to check out the summer exhibition, Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks and then stake out a lakeside seat to watch the fireworks. Guests can partake in hands-on activities and enjoy the musical stylings of the Lee’s Summit Symphony. The Kansas City Gardener | June 2019

June

garden calendar n VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

• Harvest spring vegetables until the end of the season then remove. • Plant squash, cucumbers, sweet corn, green beans and other summer vegetables. • Treat tomato leaf disease with a fungicide if needed. • Watch for development of squash bugs as they multiply rapidly. Control as needed. • Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and control weeds. • Harvest herbs to keep bushy and fresh with new growth. • Apply 1 inch of water per week if there is no rain. • Fertilize strawberries regularly to promote new growth. • Renovate June bearing strawberry beds. • Continue a regular fruit disease and insect control program. • 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 after it dies naturally. • 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. • Apply 1 inch of water per week if there is no rain.

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 TREES AND SHRUBS

• Check for bagworms and control. • Prune elongated new growth of pines and spruces to shape/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 producing a balanced plant. • Prune and shape plants.

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

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Meet Extension Master Gardener, Don Crim

What first drew you to the hobby of gardening: I grew up in a small town in a central Iowa farming community. Naturally, my exposure to gardening occurred with my dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

vegetable garden. As I grew, so did my interest in gardening. Going to the county and state fairs where vegetables and flowers were on display continued to nurture my curiosity. By the time teenage years came around, I was growing flowers. How long have you been an Extension Master Gardener: I am a 1961 Graduate of Iowa State University specializing in Animal Nutrition. I grew up working at our local co-op where I learned a lot about agriculture. A fellow co-worker Carl Graham who was a Master Gardener in Johnson County encouraged me to take the Master Gardener training in Wyandotte County. So in 2001 I became an Extension Master Gardener. I wanted to share my training with the residents of Wyandotte County. I quickly became the chair of the Wyandotte Annex Demonstration garden where we had eight different gardens. Favorite tool: My fellow Master Gardeners might say my weed eater and lawn mower are my favorite tools. I use them on our demo plots. Favorite plant type: Some of my favorite plants are flowering perennials such as Old Fashioned Lilac, Lily of the Valley and Honeysuckle Vine. I also like spring flowering trees.

Do you have a specialty: My specialty is Turf Grasses, Public Speakers Bureau and Answering the Master Gardener Hotline. I really enjoy talking with residents of the county about various gardening topics and helping them solve gardening questions. I also like photography and take lots of pictures of Master Gardener activities, plants and insects. What are you paassionate about: The K-State University training information and Advanced Training Classes that help to keep up with new plant varieties, pest problems and gardening techniques. What challenges do you face: I want to help Wyandotte County residents improve their lawns, vegetable garden and flower beds. Also how to deal with the various insect and pest problems we have in the landscape. Advice to share: New gardeners, do not be afraid to try new plants. Gardening is like cooking; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a trial and error process. There will be successes along with failures. Who has inspired you: Throughout the years, the people who have inspired me the most are my father, my co-worker Carl Graham, and all of the Horticulture Agents who have encouraged me to become a speaker. Now I am comfortable to speak before large groups of people.

The Kansas City Gardener | June 2019

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