KCG Jun21 by The Kansas City Gardener

The Kansas City

GARDENER June 2021 | kcgmag.com

New Versions of

Old Favorites

GREETINGS FROM

LOUISBURG, KS

Come with us on an exciting journey and discover the ultimate water garden destination. A place where you can experience first hand what "living in paradise" could be like. Located on 8 acres in Northern Miami County you'll find a quaint village, the water garden destination of your dreams. A place where we live and breathe the "water garden lifestyle" every single day. WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Kevin and Diane Swan’s love for the unique style of water gardening began in 1994 after building their first water garden in their own backyard so they could enjoy the peace and tranquility that accompanies any water feature. After building that single feature they were hooked and “living the water garden lifestyle” became their passion. They took this new inspiration and turned it into a career. Swan’s Water Gardens came to life as they strived to share this lifestyle with the world. For 20 years Kevin and Diane built their business on Padbury Lane in Spring Hill, KS. Eventually the opportunity arose to move to the current location near Louisburg, KS after having rebuilt the previous homeowners water feature years earlier. Story goes the main store building was originally an old bank that was later brought to where it now sits. The history of the building is evident from the outside detail and continues inside with an intricate ceiling and charming accents. All the other buildings are original to the property but with each addition have created a small village making for a special destination visit.

What started as a small design and installation firm 27 years ago specializing in the creation of naturalistic waterfalls, streams and ponds quickly grew to be so much more. Now spanning several departments, Swan’s offers design and installation, pond service, hardscaping, landscape lighting and the retail village, the ultimate water garden destination. What started as one water feature and acres of surrounding grass has grown to be so much more in just 7 short years. Now surrounded by 11 water features, strolling gardens, and even a small lavender field it’s a place unlike any other.

TOUR THE GARDENS

Imagine the breathtaking sights and sounds of a true water garden paradise. Glistening waterfalls catch your eye; a cadence of ripples and waves wash your troubles downstream. A school of fish, painted across a crystal clear canvas, swim about a rainbow of lilies blooming proudly above the surface. The gentle breeze over calm water brings a reflection of sunshine to life. All the senses are at peace. Most people get to experience this scene in one water feature in their own backyard but at Swan’s you can enjoy this many times over as you tour the retail village and surrounding gardens. You’ll find ponds large and small, waterfalls, flowing streams, and bubbling rock fountains. Exploring Swan’s Water Gardens leads to discovering a vast selection of aquatic plants throughout the ponds from the tropical giant Queen Victoria Water Lily that showcases stunning beauty with a hidden defense to the Lotus' showy blooms and leaves standing proud

above the water. Hardy and tropical water lilies in an array of colors dress the water’s surface while countless marginal aquatic plants with intriguing names such as Lizards Tail, Bloody Dock, Society Garlic, Mosaic and Obedient Plant adorn streams and waterfalls.

Though Swan’s specializes in water gardens, they take pride in their landscaping as well. Diane’s love and knowledge of perennial and native plants has led to a large following of plant lovers from all around the Kansas City metro to visit and enjoy the many expanding landscape gardens. The “Secret Garden” is host to many shade plants. The “Kansas Native Garden” is home to a pondless waterfall and stream, a visitor favorite. The “Strolling Garden” path lined with a birch tree tunnel leads to the dainty “Pink and White Garden” that invites you to sit and enjoy the views of the lavender field and large natural pond complete with singing bull frogs. A stroll through Swan’s many gardens will surely leave you more at peace than when you arrived.

THE RETAIL VILLAGE In addition to the peaceful gardens, you'll find so much more at the retail village. Everything you need for your water garden can all be found in one place. Liner, underlayment and an under-gravel filtration system if you're looking to build your own feature. For those water gardeners who enjoy doing maintenance you'll find pumps, aerators and algae control products to ensure your feature always looks its best.

Accent your feature with a variety of aquatics and landscape perennials. Don't forget to take home a new koi or goldfish friend too!

revealed. You can relax and enjoy the peace and tranquility your water garden provides without worry.

AQUATIC PLANTS

The experienced and passionate installation crew will make what were once dreams a reality. We are the only full-service water garden company in the Kansas City Metro area with a five year, leak-free guarantee, and we stand behind it 100 percent. We truly leave a piece of ourselves behind with every project!

Our retail village specializes in aquatic plants so you can add your personal touch and bring more life to your water feature. Available varieties fluctuate throughout the season but we always have a diverse selection of styles and sizes to accent your feature. This includes: hardy & tropical water lilies night blooming lilies miniature lilies hardy & tropical marginals floating hyacinth & water lettuce oxygenators lotus Let us help you bring life to your water feature!

A SWAN'S WATER GARDEN Throughout the Kansas City area we have been building and maintaining water gardens for more than 26 years. Over those many years our pond building techniques have been honed to perfection through hard work and experience. We have a true passion for water gardens and the joy they bring. Not only will you marvel at the precise excavation of your pond but you'll be amazed at how well your finished water garden actually blends into your existing landscape. Once the excavation is complete the true artistry of the building process begins. It's also where our secrets to building ponds that don't leak are

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP

Once a Swan's feature is built the relationship doesn't end there. As a fullservice water garden company spanning several departments, Swan's has the resources and the man-power to assist you with all things water gardening. For those who want all the perks of a flourishing water feature, but just don't have the time, Swan's Water Gardens offers spring cleanouts and maintenance programs for worry free water gardening. We also service ponds on an as needed basis for those who occasionally need extra assistance. Our dedicated maintenance crew works to ensure that your feature will always look its best.

SAVE THE DATE

The changing of the seasons brings a whole new experience to our gardens. Whether it's a ladies night, miniature garden workshop or a snowy Christmas village we love to share our little piece of paradise with you. Save the date for all our upcoming events for the season.

June 16th-19th: Lavender & Lotus Days Friday, June 25th: Ladies Night July 2-3rd: Red, White & BLOOM Friday, July 23rd: Ladies Night August 6th - 7th: Lily Blossom Festival Friday, August 27th: Ladies Night Friday, September 3rd: Night Viewing September 17th - 18th: Mums, Mimosas & Markdowns Friday, September 24th: Ladies Night October 8th - 9th: Fall Festival November 5th - 6th: Christmas In The Village Follow our Facebook page for more information about our events! Visit our retail location to view several display water features, paver patios and landscape lighting. Come see and experience what living in paradise really looks like!

If you are more hands on we also cater to the DIY water gardener. Our pond supply store carries all the necessary materials to build and care for your water feature including pond liner, pumps, plants, product and more. The educated staff can also lend support and direction along the way. We don't stop there. We also offer light packages and paver patio add-ons. Let us help complete your outdoor living space so you can enjoy your water feature 365 days a year.

Visit us anytime Monday-Friday 9am-5pm or Saturday 9am-4pm To gardeners, water gardeners, and lovers of the outdoors we invite you to experience water garden paradise like we do every single day! Follow our Facebook page for water garden inspiration and to stay updated on what's new at the retail village. We can't wait to share our passion with you and we hope to see you soon!

MAKE YOUR PLANS TO VISIT SWAN'S WATER GARDENS IN 2021 AND SHOP IN PARADISE WITH THE POND PROFESSIONALS!

4385 W 247th St. Louisburg, KS 66053 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & Sat 9am-4pm

swanswatergardens@gmail.com swanswatergardens.com 913-837-3510

editor’s notes

The Kansas City

GARDENER

Touring the garden

Independently owned and operated since 1996 PUBLISHER Michael Cavanaugh

I have found, through years of practice, that people garden in order to make something grow; to interact with nature; to share, to find sanctuary, to heal, to honor the earth, to leave a mark. Through gardening, we feel whole as we make our personal work of art upon our land. ~ Julie Moir Messervy

EDITOR Elizabeth Cavanaugh CONTRIBUTORS Nik and Theresa Hiremath Sean Holland Lenora Larson Jason Mispagel Ken O’Dell Dennis Patton Tamra Reall Phil Roudebush Denise Sullivan Scott Woodbury DISTRIBUTION Publishers Delivery Solutions, Inc. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISTRIBUTE the magazine at your place of business, please contact Mike Cavanaugh at mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 NEED MORE MAGAZINES? mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 CONTACT US P.O. Box 8725 Prairie Village, KS 66208 913-648-4728 ADVERTISING Mike Cavanaugh at mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 EDITORIAL Elizabeth Cavanaugh elizabeth@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 HOW TO SUBSCRIBE See details on page 31. SUBSCRIPTION Elizabeth Cavanaugh elizabeth@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 WEBSITE kcgmag.com

very morning the same: a nutrient-rich green smoothie, a piece of toast with a bit of peanut butter, and tea. Sometimes coffee, but always a cup or two. However, Mr. Gardener knows to limit coffee intake. With a high sensitivity to caffeine, it is best (for me) if he steers clear. Then, it’s out to the garden for a review. “Let’s go,” he says. Accompanied by our dog Maggie, “Let’s go see what the garden is showing us today.” You see, Mr. Gardener has committed to appreciating the garden. Not that he has undervalued our landscape in the past. Quite the contrary. He is usually the one to spotlight a thriving plant in the landscape. It seems, though, that we have a tendency to plant and forget. How many times have we planned, purchased, and toiled, then not truly valued our creation? Do we honestly and intentionally see the beauty, or do we merely capture a passing glance? This awareness motivated him to tour the garden daily. Springtime is loaded with recklessly blooming plants. We become intoxicated by the heady display of lush foliage and copious blooms.

So it takes a slower pace and singular vision to examine the pageantry of plants. Nevertheless, what better way is there to start the day? For Mother’s Day Mr. Gardener added three Itoh peonies to the garden, each loaded with blooms, each a different color. These are the hybrid, or intersectional peonies, a cross between the herbaceous and tree peonies. On one of his morning walks, he cut one sunny yellow bloom, paired it with a fern frond, placed both in a vase intended for my desk. Yep, he’s a good one! The wisteria has bloomed exceptionally this year. Only on the arbor for a couple of years, it finally exploded with cascades of fragrant purple flowers. Notably impressed, Mr. Gardener reminded me to take a look for myself. Speaking of vertical gardening, he planted two climbing browneyed Susans, one on each side of the arching arbor in the front garden. His morning walk finds him stopping to attentively guide the vine upward. Every encounter in the landscape is a renewal of our fascination with plants. Whatever the highlight

characteristic, whether foliage or flower (or maybe both), we are impressed by the sheer magic of these gifts of nature. This is why we garden. Like the quote above, we garden to ease our hurried pace, and satisfy our desire to live among botanical beauties. I’ll see you in the garden!

In this issue

June 2021 | kcgmag.com 6 Ask the Experts 8 Indoor Gardening – Cool Season 10 Kids Ask Dr. Bug 12 Fledglings Abound 14 Plants on Your Plate 16 New Versions of Old Favorites 18 Butterfly Wings 20 Prickly Coneflower

22 MGGKC Garden Tour 24 Pets & Plants 26 Powell Gardens Events 26 Garden Events 28 Tour the Stous Promenade 30 Garden Calendar 31 Subscribe 31 Hotlines

About the cover: Rudbeckia is an old favorite. There is a new variety resistant to Septoria leaf spot disease. Learn of more favorite perennials that have improved beginning on page 16. 44

June2021 2021| |kcgmag.com kcgmag.com June

Feed your passion.

Osmocote® Smart-Release® Plant Food Outdoor & Indoor. Your partner in a beautiful world. It’s fortified with 11 essential nutrients to feed plants continuously and consistently for up to six full months When perfection matters, why trust anything else? © 2021, The Scotts Company, LLC. All rights reserved

Ask the Experts SPRING LOADED WITH TOADS Question: It felt like my yard was overrun with toads this spring. I found several holes along my foundation where they must have come out of the ground. How do I get rid of them to stop the holes from forming and disrupting the soil? Answer: I am sorry, but I fail to see the problem here. I would love to be overrun with toads. They are beneficial and any damage they cause would negate the good they provide by eating insects, slugs, and snails. By some estimates, one healthy toad can consume over 10,000 harmful guys in the garden. Toads overwinter within the soil in protected locations. If you rake the loose soil, given a little time, it will settle and not be an issue. Honestly, most people would love to be in your position.

Toads are beneficial in the garden.

Bindweed, an aggressive weed.

preferred. If you want to spray the entire landscape, it may be best to target them before hosting an event to help temporarily suppress the population. One of the best tips for making an evening on the patio more pleasant is to move the air by running a fan, creating a slight breeze. Mosquitos are most bothersome on a still, humid evening. Any air movement helps keep them at bay.

tinue to warm. Maybe in another 20 to 30 years, if these projections are correct, then I would say welcome to Zone 7.

MOSQUITO CONTROL SPRAY Question: In the last several years, we hired a company to spray for mosquito control. My neighbors were not happy with these applications. The company says the products are natural, while my neighbor says they are killing beneficial insects along with the mosquitos. Who is right? And what should we do to reduce the mosquitos in our yard? Answer: To the question, “who’s correct,” the answer is both sides. Many pest control companies offer natural products and are considered organic insecticides. But your neighbor is correct as this broadcast applied insecticide also harms the population of all insect species. Even though it is a natural product, it does not mean they are selective and only reduce mosquito populations. They also significantly reduce butterfly larvae, lacewings, and other beneficial insects. Mosquito control is best targeted at the source of the population, like standing or stagnate water. Personal protection, or repellents, are

ZONE HOPPING Question: A few years ago, I know the Kansas City area moved into Zone 6 on the USDA Plant Hardiness map. This past winter, we reached minus fifteen degrees, which is back in Zone 5. So what zone are we in? Will we move back into Zone 5, or will we continue to warm as predicted? Answer: This is a great question and the answer is above my paygrade. The zone maps play the odds, like at a casino. They are projections based on a period of time, 20 years or so. But wild swings occur and are documented in our climate history. My take is we continue to be Zone 6 for the coming years. For those that don’t like to take chances, it is safer to plant Zone 5 plants. Zone 6 plants should be fine, but we are going to see the swings from time to time, which may cause dieback or kill some plants altogether. Will we shift to Zone 7? Again, that question is above my paygrade. If you look at some climate change projections, the KC area will con-

DENNIS PATTON Horticulture Agent 6

June 2021 | kcgmag.com

OUTRAGE OVER BINDWEED Question: Is there any easy way to get rid of the bindweed in my yard? I hate it. Answer: Do you know a good realtor? Moving to a bindweed-free yard might be the simplest. Bindweed is one of the most aggressive noxious weeds in our climate. The root system is enormous, going down ten feet or more and spreading 10 to 20 feet. The plant can send up shoots at will anywhere in its path. It will vine and twist in and around our desirable plants, making control even more difficult. Because the vast root system can store so much energy, it takes persistence to control. Bindweed can pop up in lawns, flower beds, cracks in sidewalks, or just about any location. Choosing which chemical to use depends on the location. Products like glyphosate (Roundup) is your best bet around desirable plants as it only damages what it contacts. This chemical slowly produces desired results on bindweed and repeated controls are needed. It may never kill out a well-established patch. Broadleaf herbicides, such as 2,4-D or triclopyr, are more effective, but they will damage any broadleaf plant. Again, repeated applications will be required. Here is a tip – late July or early August might be the most effective time to

EAB destruction of ash tree. apply any chemicals. As the days grow shorter, it signals a time for plants to start moving more food reserves into the roots. At this stage, the chemical travels into the plant to improve control. EAB FUTURE Question: For the last 5 to 6 years, I have been treating my ash tree for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). This spring, I questioned the tree care service wondering whether I was wasting my money and should stop treating. I was told that if I treated it a couple of more years, the insect would have run its course and I probably could stop treating it as I protected my tree during the outbreak. Is this true? Can I stop treating it in a few years? Answer: From all the research I have done and visiting with my Extension colleagues in other areas, I have never heard anyone indicate that once a peak of EAB moves past, treatments can stop. The bottom line is this pest is not going away. Yes, the numbers may decrease, but there will still be enough ash trees in our woodlands and streets to support a population of insects. Treatments should be considered for the lifetime of the tree. Once you stop, the tree becomes susceptible EAB again.

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.

this summer, MAKE YOUR BACKYARD DREAMS A REALITY At KC Landscapes, we have mastered the art of blurring the lines between inside and outside — and our poolscapes are no exception. Our experts bring together the best design and construction methods to realize your vision, providing your family a place you can enjoy in the privacy of your own backyard for years to come.

913-681-LAND (5263) for a free consult

PLUS

Receive $1,000 of free landscape design when you book your pool with us and mention this ad.

Email info@kclandscapes.com for more information or visit our website.

Kansas City’s custom designed and built luxury pools

WWW.KCLANDSCAPES.COM

The Kansas City Gardener | June 2021

Indoor Gardening

The Constant Cool Season

t could be the middle of August with my A/C whirring non-stop or a frigid February with a foot of snow on the ground – either way, my basement feels like a meat locker. After countless HVAC tune-ups and even entirely new air conditioning and heating units, I’m just resolved to the fact that my basement is going to be cold all the time. Of course, that still doesn’t stop me from performing my semi-annual ritual of opening and closing vents around the house, in a pattern that makes sense only to me, while I mumble, “warm air rises…it rises...” My futile attempts at redirecting airflow aside, the greatest benefit of my surrender to the inevitably cold basement, was that it forced me to rethink how to use it for indoor gardening. I didn’t want to run up my electrical bill trying to raise the temperature with space heaters or high intensity discharge lighting, which left me with one obvious choice – grow cool-season crops. The beauty of a basement that stays cool all year-round is that you can grow some of your favorite edible plants that wouldn’t otherwise survive the coldest parts of winter or that would bolt during the warmest parts of summer. Carrots are a prime example of a cool-season crop that’s perfectly suited for a nice chilly unfinished basement. You can grow them indoors to supplement your outdoor harvests, or you can take full advantage of having complete control over the environment and setup a perpetual harvest cycle, providing a constant supply of sweet, fresh carrots. Grab a pack of seeds from your favorite variety – I like Little Fingers or Danvers Half Longs – and let’s get growing. Carrots are actually herbs with edible roots. In nature, carrot seeds tend to sprout in early spring. They then go through

a period of leafy, vegetative growth, accompanied by significant root development, creating the tender, juicy vegetables we enjoy. Once summer arrives, longer days and higher temperatures induce the plants to bolt and flower aboveground. When this occurs, roots also become fibrous, reducing their culinary appeal. And this is what makes a cool basement prime real estate for growing carrots! You can

June 2021 | kcgmag.com

and planting in tranches, spaced a few weeks apart. This will allow you to create your own “perpetual harvest.” Watering should be performed regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but be careful not to overwater, as carrot roots will rot if the soil is too soggy. Generally, you can follow the guidelines for “number of days to harvest” that are provided with

Carrots are a prime example of a cool-season crop perfectly suited for a chilly unfinished basement. maintain late-spring temperatures and short days even when it’s sweltering outside. LEDs, high-output T5 fluorescents or CFL bulbs, placed within 6” to 12” of the foliage are ideal for giving your carrots the bright, direct light they need to thrive without emitting too much heat. To prevent the plants from bolting, run your lights for no more than 10 to 12 hours each day. Try to maintain daytime temperatures between 60°F and 75°F.

JASON MISPAGEL Indoor Gardener 8

Nighttime temperatures can go as low as 45°F, but even if they stay in the low 60’s, the plants should be fine. You’ll need one or more containers that are at least 12” deep with enough space to have a 2” radius around each carrot’s center, giving them sufficient room to develop. Fill the container(s) with a loose, nutrient-rich soil that drains well. Try to avoid anything that’s

too compacted or contains large rocks or pebbles, as these will impact the proper development of your carrot roots. Seed directly into the containers around ¼” deep. Don’t worry about seeding too heavily. Once sprouts emerge, thin them out by removing all but one every 2” to 3”. If you’re hoping to have fresh carrots ready every few weeks and are using a large individual container such as an EarthBox or 20-gallon pot, consider measuring out equal sections

your seeds. An easy visual indicator that they’re ready to harvest, though, is when you can see the colorful “shoulders” of the carrots protruding about a half inch above the soil. If you like the idea of growing cool season crops indoors, here are a few others to try: Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chard, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Onions, Parsnips, Radishes and Spinach.

Jason Mispagel is the co-owner and operator of Year-Round Garden, a grower’s supply center serving both home and commercial customers since 2016. To contact Jason, call 816-216-6917 or jason@year-roundgarden.com.

CLASSIC STATUARY

Locally Grown • Beautiful Plants Mowing • Trimming Planting • Mulching Seeding • Aeration

Fountains ; Planters Bird Baths ; Benches 14935 Metcalf • Overland Park, KS 913-897-4700 www.classicstatuarykc.com

Fertilization • Clean Up

Shop SMALL!

Barclay Berberian 913-208-5941 LawnsByBarclay.com

Order Online for next-day pickup at halingsgreenhouse.com shophalings@gmail.com Free Delivery (Limited Area) Open Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm Sat. 9am-5pm • Sun. 12-5pm Shop-By-Appointment Times Available

Debbie’s Lawn Busters Custom Designed Landscaping Installation & Maintenance

Established 1975

6303 West 75th St., Prairie Village, KS

FREE

Estimates!

Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed Billy Debbie ♥ 816-714-6117 ♥ 816-392-4433 ♥

Debbieslawnbusters.com

Design/Build • LED Lighting Pond Cleaning Services • Maintenence Repair - Leak Diagnosis • Winterization

816-560-0816 LoyalPond.com LoyalPond@gmail.com

Improving our planet one customer at a time.

Our passion is water and providing an enjoyable outdoor oasis for our customers.

EARTH RIGHT products help you beat the heat. Our conditioner is in all of the plant products. This helps wick water, keeping plants cooler. For bigger roots & lots of blooms use Mushroom Stuff™ & Sure Bloom™ on turf or in gardens keeps roots from burning & soil conditioned. Keep ponds clear with Pond Stuff.

Covers 10K sq ft.

Visit the Laura Conyers Smith Rose Garden & see Earth Right products at work!

Treats 16,000 GA Natural products that work! Covers 20K sq ft.

Often Copied NEVER DUPLICATED Accept only Earth Right Products for the health & beauty of your lawn & garden.®

Contact Tobin Lawn 816-765-5565, or Big Green Turf Management (816) 600-4936 to have our products applied for you.

Landscape Design, Installation and Maintenance Services From trees and shrubs to perennials, mulch and stone, expert Landscape Designers are ready to help with your next project!

Call today for an At-Home Consultation.

7130 Troost, Kansas City, Mo. www.soilservice.com Garden Center • 816-444-3403 Nursery • 816-333-3232 The Kansas City Gardener | June 2021

Kids Ask Dr. Bug

about the curious things found in the garden How do you make an insect collection? Christina, 14 Collecting insects is a great way to study and learn about these fascinating, tiny animals. Depending on why you are making a collection – school, 4-H, FFA, or just ’cause – your collection could take different forms and may be various levels of complexity. Photo collection A photo collection has the advantages of not needing to capture and kill insects, and it can be easy to carry and share. However, keep in mind that insects are small and many are very fast. To get good pictures, you will need patience, perseverance, and a good camera with a macro lens or setting (many smart phones have this capability). Insects are not patient models, so you need to be fast(er). Make sure your image is clear so you can see the characteristics necessary to identify the insect. Specimen collection A specimen collection allows you to study insects in 3D. To capture insects, here are some helpful tools of the trade (see image): a net (A), collecting jar (B), insect pins (C), identification guide (D), and a box to store your collection (E). I also have a pooter to collect tiny insects (F), Styrofoam for pinning (G), featherweight entomology forceps (H), hand lens and/or microscope (I), notepad (J) and a bag (K). You can find or make some of these supplies at home, and you can also purchase supplies at biological supply stores. Capturing insects Insects can be found in nearly every habitat – on and in plants, scurrying along the ground, under the ground, flying through the air, on and in the water, etc. A net is a great way to capture insects, either

by swinging it over flying insects or sweeping the net back and forth through plants as you walk. Traps let the insects come to you. A pitfall trap is made by placing a cup in the ground with the rim of the cup level with the soil, so insects walking along will fall into the cup. Another trap can be made using a plastic water bottle with the top cut off, turned upside down and placed back into the water bottle (L). Hang this trap in a tree to see what flies or crawls in. If you place food into either trap, you will start to see a diversity of insects visiting the traps. Visit your traps frequently and remove them when you have the insects you need so that you don’t unintentionally trap more than necessary. Another way to attract insects is by hanging up a white sheet and shining a black light on the sheet at night. Captured insects are placed in a kill jar, or a bag that is placed in a freezer. Please take care when collecting insects. Some insects sting or bite so you need to handle them carefully, especially if you could be allergic to insect stings. Pinning insects Most insects are pinned on the right side, although there are some exceptions, such as butterflies which are pinned in the middle with their wings spread. Some insects are too small to pin and so they are glued to a tiny piece of paper that is pinned. This site describes the process in more detail: bit.ly/3f4PdkM After pinning, leave the insects

TAMRA REALL Horticulture Specialist 10

June 2021 | kcgmag.com

to dry all the way before storing them. This can take a couple of weeks.

tension (bit.ly/3ezHtZ7). 4-H also has entomology spin-clubs and you can submit your collection in your

Identifying insects How closely do you need to identify your insects? Order, family, genus or species? A dichotomous (2-way) key (example: http:// www.knowyourinsects.org/step1. html) and good field guides are helpful. Label each insect with the date, location found, other interesting information, and your name.

local county fair insect collection competition. Done responsibly, collecting insects is not just a great hobby, but you can learn so much about insects’ life histories and their habitats. As you learn about these tiny animals that are essential to our ecosystems, you can become an advocate for insect conservation.

Storing insects An airtight box is best, ideally with a clear cover for viewing. Airtight is important so other insects don’t get in and eat your collection. An excellent free resource for creating a collection, called “How to make an awesome insect collection” is available from Purdue Ex-

Do you have questions for Dr. Bug? Send them to ReallT@ Missouri.edu or bit.ly/KidsAskDrBug. Please include your name and age. To help me learn what you learn from this column, please consider filling out this survey: bit.ly/KidsAskDrBugSurvey. Thank you!

Dr. Tamra Reall (@MUExtBugN Garden) is the 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.

Visit Town Gardens, Country Gardens, & the Deutschheim Demonstration Area Hermann, Missouri, June 5-6 26th Annual Town and Country Garden Tour

he 26th Garden Tour includes both a walking tour of gardens in downtown historic Hermann and a driving tour to country gardens. The $15 ticket price includes visits to at least four private gardens both in town and in the country and the Garden Demonstration Area where you will see a traditional four-square garden. Garden Tour visits may be spread over Saturday and Sunday. Tickets will be sold online before the tour at Eventeny and at Topiaries (138 E 4th) in downtown Hermann during the tour from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 3pm on Sunday. Gardens close at 5pm on Saturday and 4pm on Sunday. The Hermann Garden Club’s website www.hermanngardentours.com provides up-to-date events, ticket prices, links to the online ticket sale site, 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 Tours.” Go to www.visithermann.com for information about lodging.

According to Garden Tour Chair Alice Calhoun, the gardens on the 2021 Garden Tour will be spectacular: “We have a many new gardens and one much-loved estate garden that has not been on the tour in many years. Town Tour gardens often are either lovely cottage gardens hidden behind historic homes or river-view gardens. Country Tour estate gardens tend to be much larger than Town Tour gardens and have different elements and features.” The ever-popular Demonstration area will return in 2021 at the Deutschheim State Historic Site. There will be information about crop rotation, companion planting, and heirloom plants. This is a not-to-be-missed garden.

We carry Hummert Grass Seed and Fertilizers

Family Owned Garden Center Offering: Annuals • Perennials • Trees Shrubs • Grass Seed • Statuary Fountains • Bulk Material Services offered: Landscaping Retaining Walls • Patios Outdoor Lighting

Fox Farm Soils and Fertilizers WE ARE STOCKED WITH A WIDE SELECTION OF HERBS AND VEGETABLES FROM SULLIVAN’S GREENHOUSE.

1001 S.W. 40 Hwy Blue Springs, MO 64015

(816) 229-2684

www.benslawnandgarden.com

our Y r e t s a M

SPRINKLER waterone.org/smartwatering

The Kansas City Gardener | June 2021

Fledglings Abound reminders about finding baby birds

ust recently I received a Facebook notification about a relative that graduated and was ready to enter the next stage of their life. It occurred to me that maybe we have synchronized our education calendars with the natural cycle of bird calendars. That is to say that when we are watching our children fledge in late spring or early summer, so too are the birds in our backyards. In a way, when we become empty nesters so do our feathered friends. The definition of a fledgling is someone who is inexperienced, immature or underdeveloped. In the bird world, all of these terms apply, and it is the time between hatching and being able to fly. By now, many of you have probably already seen fledglings in your yards. Some will be in your nesting boxes, some on open nests hidden in bushes and evergreens and some perhaps peeking out from holes in the trees or perhaps even some on the ground. If you’ve been monitoring your birds’ nesting activities and doing nest checks, then the following guidelines might help you understand how long the fledgling stage is for the most common birds in our backyard so you know when to expect them to leave the nest. Carolina Wren, 12 to 14 days. House Wren, 12 to 18 days. Eastern Bluebird, 15 to 18 days. Robin, 14 to 16 days. Black-capped Chickadee, 16 days. Goldfinch, 11 to 17 days. Cardinal, 9 to 11 days. Downy woodpecker 20 to 22 days. The most frequent question we get this time of year is what do when you find a bird on the ground which appears to be a fledgling and not flying. The short answer, in most cases, is do nothing. Many birds will push their fledglings out of the nest to encourage them to be more independent and forage for their own food. That probably sounds a little too close

black-capped chickadee

northern cardinal

bluejay to home for some of us who have had the same conversation with at least one of our children, right? As this encouragement is normal bird behavior, finding a fledgling on the ground isn’t that unusual.

NIK HIREMATH Birding Expert 12

June 2021 | kcgmag.com

That said, what are some do’s and don’ts if you do see a fledgling on the ground? Since you’ve already noticed the fledgling on the ground, you’re quite observant and likely have a

caring heart that wants to lend a hand. Without getting too close to make the bird nervous, look to see if the bird has feathers, if it does, it’ll probably be fine. If it doesn’t, then the chances of survival are small and you should call your local rehabilitator for counsel. If it does have feathers, observe more closely for signs of injury like blood, broken bones, wings not held closely to the body. If you see any of these, call your local rehabilitator. Next, from a distance of 20 to 30 feet, look around for the parents. They’re usually nearby in a tree or bush or some other vantage point to keep an eye on their young one. If you see them, that’s a good sign the fledgling hasn’t been abandoned but rather is in training and is being given “tough love.” If you continue to watch the parents long enough, you’ll see them come down and check on the fledgling or maybe even feed them or attempt to entice them into the trees. It is not unusual for fledglings to spend time on the ground for 1 to 2 weeks and take short flights. So check on the fledgling every few days to ensure they’re still safe. If you believe the fledgling is in danger from feral or roaming cats or if you see predatory birds, gently pick them up and place them on a low branch. A few other don’ts are feeding and providing water and placing the fledgling in a nearby nest. While the urge is strong to provide food and water, let the fledgling find its own or let the parents do so. Moving the fledgling to another area and especially a nest could actually expose it to predators and work against your best intentions. The most important thing to do, is to continue to watch all of the amazing behaviors of your birds in your backyard and enjoy the anticipation of knowing that soon, some these fledglings will be visiting your bird feeders and birdbaths.

Local birding experts Nik and Theresa Hiremath own and operate Wild Birds Unlimited of Leawood at 11711 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas. Contact them at 913-491-4887.

TREES WORK

health for your

Feeling tired? Spending just 20 minutes outside can give your brain an energy boost comparable to a cup of coffee.

Spending time in nature, conservation areas, woods, backyards, and urban parks may ease stress levels.

Getting away from busy schedules allows people to connect with nature and themselves in a way that brings calm and a sense of well-being.

Taking a nature walk may increase attention spans and creative problem-solving skills by as much as 50 percent.

Exposure to nature contributes to physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.

Get healthy in nature this year. Visit mdc.mo.gov/places-go or download the free MO Outdoors app for ideas on where to go near you. Download for

Android

The Kansas City Gardener | June 2021

Plants on Your Plate Cantaloupe slightly soft. The color should be a creamy, light yellow orange with little to no green. Ripe cantaloupe should smell sweet–especially at the stem end–and a little musky. Because of the high water content, cantaloupe, like most melons, is low in calories. Cantaloupe is an excellent source of beta carotene and Vitamin C, both powerful antioxidants that show promise in cancer prevention and supporting the immune system. It is also rich in potassium, folate, and fiber. Cantaloupe and all melons should be washed well before cut-

ting, as the knife can easily transfer bacteria from the outside to the inside flesh. Cut melon should also be refrigerated after cutting, as it can create a prime environment for bacteria to grow. Cantaloupe is a common ingredient it a fruit salad or it can be served with cheese and meats for a light summer dinner. Cantaloupe can also be pureed for a cold soup or even mixed with juice or sparkling water for a refreshing beverage. For a fun, kid-friendly summer treat, the fruit kebob recipe below is best when served chilled.

Stoplight Kebobs MAKES 6 SERVINGS

favorite fruit from my childhood that my mother grew in her garden that I’ve never had much luck with is cantaloupe. I don’t know if it was the variety she grew or if there was something magical about the soil, but my mom could grow the biggest, sweetest cantaloupe that I had ever seen. Or was is muskmelon, as my grandmother called it? As a young child, this confused me! As it turns out, both my mom and grandmother were right, but my grandmother was more right! All cantaloupes are muskmelons, but not all muskmelons are cantaloupes. A true cantaloupe has a warty looking rind and will not slip easily from the vine when ripe. These are widely grown in Europe. A muskmelon, like my mother grew, has a pronounced netting on the rind, is fragrant, and slips easily from the vine when mature. Despite these differences, the U.S. Department of Agriculture only uses the term “cantaloupe” to describe both true cantaloupe and muskmelon, thus the terms are often used inter-

changeably in U.S. markets. They are a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, along with other viny plants like gourds, squash, and pumpkins. Cantaloupes were first cultivated in the Near East and were growing in areas from Turkey to China, including north-west India, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan. Cantaloupes were cultivated by American Indians near the present city of Montreal in the 1500s and the vicinity of Philadelphia in the 1700s. Commercial cantaloupe production did not begin in the United States until the 1870s and was initially centered in Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. Worldwide, the United States is the eighth largest producer of cantaloupes/other melons. Around 1.5 billion pounds of cantaloupe are grown annually from California, Arizona, Indiana, North Carolina, and Texas, with California and Arizona producing over 80% of the total. When shopping for a fresh cantaloupe, look for one that is somewhat symmetrical and feels heavy for its size with a stem end that feels

DENISE SULLIVAN Nutrition Ninja 14

June 2021 | kcgmag.com

INGREDIENTS 1 cup cantaloupe balls 1 cup honeydew balls 1 cup watermelon balls ½ cup plain Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon chopped mint Wash hands and prep surfaces. Wash outside of melons before cutting. Combine yogurt, honey, lime juice and mint and mix well. Chill in refrigerator. Alternate melons on skewer sticks, leaving 1-2 inches to hold on to. Chill kebobs several hours and serve with yogurt dip.

NUTRITION INFORMATION Calories: 65, Total Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Sodium: 25mg, Carbohydrates: 14g, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 2g Recipe adapted from Seasonal and Simple, analyzed by verywellfit.com.

Denise Sullivan is a Nutrition and Health Education Specialist for MU Extension in the Urban West Region, programming in Jackson and Platte Counties. For research-based nutrition and food safety information and programs, visit https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/jackson.

LOCALLY GROWN

JOHNSON COUNTY TOPSOIL & LANDSCAPE MATERIALS, LLC

PLANTS

TOPSOIL • GARDEN MIXES BULK MULCH • FLAGSTONE Closing for the season June 26th. All of the month of June, all plant material 35% OFF and UP! We will open for our fall festival Oct. 16th and will have a great variety of pumpkins, gourds and all your fall decoration needs!

RIVER GRAVEL • WATER GARDEN ROCK

2 BLOCKS WEST OF US69 ON 199TH ST.

816-848-5044

STILWELL, KS

Just North of Liberty, 107 N. Industrial Park Rd. Beautiful Excelsior Springs, MO

Annuals s Perennials s Hanging Baskets Patio Pots s Herbs s Vegetable Starts Succulents s Tropicals s Bulk Seed Garden Décor s Statuary

WALLSTONE • BOULDERS

913-681-2629 WWW.JOHNSONCOUNTYTOPSOIL.COM

800 E Walnut Raymore, MO 64083 816-322-7333 Mon-Fri 9a-5p • Sat & Sun 9a-3p creekside-market.com

$10 OFF $50 purchase live goods only

Must present coupon. Expires 11/1/21.

FOUR SEASONS FOR EVERY TREE Caring for your trees year-round

$25 OFF

Your First Application of Tree and Shrub Fertilization *Offer valid for new clients only

PLUS

A Complimentary Landscape Consultation with our Trained Arborists! Expires 12/31/21. Davey Kansas City Location

Every season presents new challenges for maintaining healthy greenery. That’s where our custom tree services can help. We’ll develop a plan to keep your trees thriving all year long. Davey is proud to celebrate over 40 years of employee ownership, and 140 years of being a leading tree care company in the green industry.

New Versions of very industry is inundated every year with the “latest and greatest” products that it has to offer and the horticultural industry is no exception. Growers across the nation are always looking for improved versions of ornamental plants. As gardeners, we frequently get held up on the old favorites: plants that prove to us year after year that they are great performers and beautiful additions to our landscapes. Every plant seems to have its problem, however, and this is where the growers come in. Companies like Walters Gardens, Proven Winners, and Terra Nova, to name a few, are always testing new varieties of plants for increased disease resistance, sturdier structure, and improved blooming. Where there is nothing wrong with the old favorite varieties, here are some newer varieties that gardeners may find useful.

Old Favorite: Veronica ‘Royal Candles’ Blue flowers in the landscape are difficult to find, and ‘Royal Candles’ is definitely a favorite of gardeners looking to add a splash of blue in their sunny beds or in a mass along the border. Newer varieties boast a deeper blue color, including ‘Royal Rembrandt’ and ‘Wizard of Ahhs’. Deer & rabbit resistant. Old Favorite: Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ ‘Goldsturm’ is one of the most sought-after summer bloomers, prized for its long bloom season, drought tolerance and deer resistance. However, gardeners frequently find that in late summer, leaves turn black and the plant becomes less of a feature and more of an eyesore. ‘American Gold Rush’ is a hybrid with the same beautiful flowers that are sure to attract pollinators, but with foliage that is resistant to the Septoria leaf spot disease that plagues Black-Eyed Susans late in the season. Most varieties of Rudbeckia are deer and rabbit resistant. Old Favorite: Monarda or Bee Balm If you want hummingbirds as guests at your

garden buffet, then Monarda is a must-have! If you enjoy the blooms of older varieties or the species plant but lament the powdery mildew that appears in our hot and humid Midwest summers, then the Sugar Buzz® series may be a great addition to your pollinator garden. Sugar Buzz® Bee

Veronica ‘Royal Candles’ Balm is just as attractive to pollinators and hummingbirds, but is more resistant to mildews and grows in a more compact habit than other varieties of Monarda. Varieties of this series include ‘Blue Moon’ and ‘Rockin Raspberry’. Though resistant, it will help to plant in areas with good air circulation and where they do not receive frequent overhead watering, especially from lawn sprinklers. Old Favorite: Salvia ‘May Night’ ‘May Night’ Salvia is the industry’s most popular meadow sage for its rich color and sturdy structure. However, at 18-24 inches tall, many gardeners wish there was a smaller variety for their beds and borders. The Bumble Series tops out at an average of 10 inches tall and is currently available in 3 different colors: pink, blue,

SEAN HOLLAND Perennials Manager 16

June 2021 | kcgmag.com

and white. Since it is not as tall as other Salvias, it is less prone to flopping during heat and heavy rain. This one is sure to attract pollinators to your garden!

Photo courtesy of Monrovia.

Old Favorites

Old Favorite: Heuchera, Coral Bells One of the best ways to bring color to a garden in part shade is to add Heuchera. Available in hundreds of varieties and color variations, they look great in masses or as specimens paired with hostas and other shady plants. Many of the cultivars look fantastic, but have a hard time standing up to both the heat that Midwest summers bring, as well as the winter bitter cold. The Northern Exposure Series by Terra Nova holds up well in the heat, and does exceptionally well surviving the cold winter months. This series is available in colors including amber, red, lime, silver, black and sienna. Old Favorite: Hibiscus ‘Lord & Lady Baltimore’ Some of the most popular showstoppers in a garden are the giant blooms of the hardy Hibiscus varieties ‘Lord Baltimore’ and ‘Lady Baltimore’. With blooms of 6-8 inches in diameter, gardeners love to use hibiscus as a focal point in their sunny gardens. The newer varieties of the Summerific® Collection by Proven Winners have even fuller blooms of varying colors and an improved bushy habit and attractive foliage. These are a great way to add a tropical look to your Kansas City landscape. Old Favorite: Perovskia, Russian Sage A favorite of landscapers for its drought tolerance and long bloom time, Russian Sage makes a great “plant and forget about it” plant. It can grow with little care, and gives a light blue-lavender look to the garden. The species plant is pretty, but often flops and can spread like crazy. Newer varieties such as ‘Denim ’n Lace’ and ‘Rocketman’ grow stronger stems on a more compact plant. Pollinators love to visit these heavy bloomers all season.

Sean Holland is Perennials Manager at Suburban Lawn & Garden, 135th and Wornall location, in Kansas City, Missouri. You may reach him at seanh@suburbanlg.com.

Above: Veronica ‘Royal Rembrandt’ Below: Hibiscus Summerific Cranberry Crush Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens.

Above: Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’ Below: Salvia nemorosa ‘May Night’

Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens.

Heuchera Northern Exposure Purple

Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens.

Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Denim ’n Lace’

Photo courtesy of Terra Nova.

Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens.

Monarda ‘Rockin’ Raspberry’

The Kansas City Gardener | June 2021

Photos by Lenora Larson.

The eye spots on the Buckeye Butterfly’s wings create the appearance of a larger animal’s eyes, complete with a white pigmented spot in the pupil. And even two spots to imitate nostrils! All combine to intimidate hungry predators.

Butterfly Wings

ature lovers embrace the “things with wings”, such as birds, dragonflies and the most beautiful of wings, butterflies. Lepidopterists believe that these brilliant daytime flyers evolved from the drab nocturnal moths about 60 million years ago although the reason is still controversial. Was it to escape bats, the most fearsome of nighttime insect predators? Or to enjoy the nectar of the newly evolving flowering plants? Either way, it was a case of going from the frying pan (bats) to the fire (birds), because birds are the primary daytime insect predators. Birds hunt by sight, so as part of this evolution, butterflies developed many colorful strategies during both the larval and adult stages to avoid being a menu item.

Form Follows Function Butterflies have four wings, arranged in pairs, driven by the powerful flight muscles of their thorax. What functions do the wings serve? Obviously, locomotion. Butterflies have six legs for walking, but wings are the primary mode of transportation. However, the wings serve many other functions: Balance: Butterflies land on flat-faced flowers to sip nectar and use their wings to balance during Midwestern wind gusts. Body heat: The black pigment

(melanin) acts as a solar panel to collect energy from the sun, which is why you see butterflies basking in the sun. Man-made solar panels have about 15% efficiency rating while a Black Swallowtail’s wings have up to an 88% efficiency in converting sunlight to heat. Hearing: Did you know that butterflies have excellent hearing?

June 2021 | kcgmag.com

fooled through mimicry such as mimicking a face with huge eyes, or mimicking the color pattern of a poisonous butterfly, such as Viceroys and Painted Ladies, which both look like the poisonous Monarch. The reverse strategy is camouflage, brown or green to appear like a stick or leaf. There is considerable individual variation in butter-

The Goatweed Leafwing provides an excellent example of wings as camouflage. The unseen top side is a brilliant orange. They will immediately fly at the crunch of a footstep or the snap of a shutter. Their “ears”, two tympanic membranes, are located on the forewing close to the body. Protection: Potential diners are

LENORA LARSON Butterfly Maven 18

Macro-image of Monarch wing showing the scales.

fly wing patterns so that predators do not learn that butterfly’s pattern means a meal. Beginning butterfliers are frustrated when they find a butterfly that doesn’t match the field guides. You have not found a

new species, you are experiencing “disruptive selection”. Surprisingly, most butterflies do NOT use their colors and patterns for sexual recognition because to their eyes, these are not bright colors, rather a uniform ultraviolet glow. Butterflies see color very differently from birds and mammals because their eyes detect ultraviolet and infrared light. Sexual hook ups are facilitated by flight patterns and the aromas of powerful pheromones. How Are the Colors Created? Only butterflies and moths have scaly wings. These pigmented scales are modified hairs, loosely attached to expedite escape from spider webs. Loosing scales isn’t harmful and the wings of older butterflies are usually dull from scale loss during rainfall and mating. The scales are arranged like shingles on a roof, creating the patterns of color. The pigments are from plants eaten by the caterpillar and used in its own defense as well as stored in its body for the chrysalis and adult. Not all colors are pigments. Have you noticed that butterflies are not as colorful on a cloudy day? The structure of some scales creates a prism-like effect, refracting sunlight to create shimmering blues, greens and violets. Butterflies truly are flying rainbows!

A Marais des Cygnes Master Gardener, Lenora is a member of the Idalia Butterfly Society and Kansas Native Plant Society. She gardens in the clay soil and cruel winds of Paola, KS. She may be contacted at lenora.longlips@gmail.com.

AFTER THE PLANTING, CALL US TO MAINTAIN THE BEAUTY. www.greenleafkc.com

816.916.5171

MISSED AN ISSUE? FIND BACK ISSUES AT KCGMAG.COM GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE, SIT BACK AND ENJOY OUR ARCHIVES

KCGMAG.COM

While we all are dealing with the Coronavirus quarantine, we continue our regular business hours of 9-6 Mon-Fri and 9-4 on Sat, and are trying to continue the same customer service we have always given you! We all will get through this!

Mowers, Blowers, Hedge Clippers and Chain Saws are in stock now! All equipment assembled, serviced and ready to go when you buy it. Nothing goes out of here in a box!

▶ Beautiful pavilion with park and trail access ▶ Free and convenient parking ▶ Restrooms

We service what we sell and more! We also carry Lawn & Garden supplies, pet supplies and bird seed.

Northland Feed

4807 N. Brighton, KCMO • www.mowerpartskc.com 816-452-8393 • Mon.-Fri. 9-6 • Sat. 9-4 Serving the Northland for 39 years

SATURDAYS

MAY – SEPTEMBER

7 a.m. TO 1 p.m.

MERRIAM MARKETPLACE

5740 Merriam Drive, Merriam, KS

Summer’s Here! Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Bringing glorious living color to your garden since 1977.

We still have a large selection of perennials, roses, and shrubs. Review our 2021 Plant List available on our website and Facebook. We hope to see you soon.

#NeedMoreFlowers

www.arnoldsgreenhouse.com info@arnoldsgreenhouse.com (620) 964-2463 • 1430 Hwy 58, LeRoy, KS 66857 Open 9a-7p Monday-Saturday, 1-6p Sunday

2021 Garden Tour

7+ gardens June 11-12 9am-4:30pm Blue Springs, MO 64015 Tickets $15 info@ mggkc.org/garden-tour

PLANT SALE!

101 SW 15th Street with Food trucks!

The Kansas City Gardener | June 2021

pollen from the anther (male flower that produces yellow or white pollen) to the stigma (part of the female flower that is sticky to catch pollen). This results in seed production, which is why goldfinches love coneflowers. In over forty years of gardening, I have never seen a straight species coneflower take over a garden from seed. They are short-lived perennials at best. Of the coneflowers, purple coneflower spreads the most. Even though finches seem to eat every purple coneflower seed on every seed head, some seeds are missed and fall to the ground where they produce a few new plants the following April. This is by no means an overwhelming number of plants. They pop up here and there, often in surprising places, probably moved around by mice. Plant breeders, however, endeavor to improve coneflowers by mixing (or crossing) different species together into something new, referred to as a hybrid cultivar. That’s why there are Echinacea cultivars in every shade of purple, red, orange, yellow and even green. And why most of them—but not all— are sterile, producing no pollen or nectar, and therefor attracting no pollinators. Nor do they produce seeds, and attract no seed-eating birds. They are fully non-function-

SCOTT WOODBURY Horticulturist 20

June 2021 | kcgmag.com

Photo by Mervin Wallace.

Photo by Carol Davit.

Glade Coneflowers

Yellow Coneflowers

Pale Purple Coneflowers

Photo by Mervin Wallace.

chinoderms (sea urchins) are spiny crustaceans that live on the sea bottom. Echinaceas (coneflowers) are spiny “asters” that live on dry land. They aren’t actually asters, but are in the aster family of plants, like blazing star, black-eyed Susan, goldenrod, and ironweed. Echinaceas have prickly seed heads that resemble sea urchins. When I collect dried coneflower seed heads, I’m instantly reminded why they are named after a spiny sea creature. Ouch, they are sharp to the touch! But that doesn’t stop various animals from eating them. Mice scale the skinny seed head stems to the top, and, like coconut farmers, cut the seed heads off. When the seed heads are on the ground, mice dismantle them and gather the nutritious kernels of seed to live off of through winter. Goldfinches and other seed-eating birds aggressively shred purple coneflower seed heads in search of the same highly sought-after kernels. White tail deer—which must have tongues like leather—eat the entire seed heads in fall. In the past, humans used the seeds to induce a numbing effect. I don’t recommend you try this, but if you must, a single chewed (and spat out) seed will demonstrate the power of its numbing effect. Wearing leather gloves, gardeners collect the spiny seed heads in order to grow more purple (Echinacea purpurea), yellow (Echinacea paradoxa), pale purple (Echinacea pallida), and glade coneflowers (Echinacea simulata). These are straight species. They all are tap-rooted, clump-forming perennials. The flowers of straight species attract bumblebees, sweat bees, honeybees, moths, butterflies, skippers, wasps, as well as insect predators like wheel bugs and praying mantises that show up to ambush the pollinators. Pollinators eat and gather pollen and nectar from fully functioning flowers, and in the process, inadvertently move

Photo by Mervin Wallace.

Prickly Coneflowers

Yellow Coneflowers ing flowers with one exception. They function for humans, who enjoy looking at them. Of all the straight Echinacea species, glade coneflower is the most finicky, requiring welldrained soil, preferably rocky soil on a south- or west-facing slope, and full sun. It will also survive for a few years along the edge of a driveway or sidewalk with a gravel base. Remember, they need drainage and rocks to thrive. Yellow coneflower and pale purple coneflower are easier to grow than glade coneflower. They do fine in well-drained soils on a slope in full sun. If you have rocky soil with exposed boulders (natural boulders), they will live long and prosper, but most of us aren’t so lucky to have rocks in the yard. In regular garden soil, which has a lot

of clay, they benefit from a mound of topsoil (a berm) or a steep slope. Plant them at the top where the soils are driest—not at the bottom where the soils are moister. And remember, they are short-lived perennials at best. That means that they will live a few years and then die. Learn to look for seedlings that pop up in the garden in April (they look like long, hairy bunny ears), or grow them indoors from seed in a sunny window. Either way, get used to the ebb and flow of certain species that come and go. These short-lived perennials are worth the extra effort, so whatever you do, don’t give up on prickly coneflowers. You will be rewarded by the feeding frenzy that shows up in your yard every summer and fall. Find suppliers of native plants and seeds at www.grownative.org, Resource Guide.

Horticulturist Scott Woodbury is the Curator of the Whitmore Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO, where he has worked with native plant propagation, design, and education for 30 years, and which is supported by the Missouri Dept. of Conservation. He also is an advisor to the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native! program.

F LO W E R S TREES

27610 E Wyatt Rd. Blue Springs, MO 816.229.1277 colonialgardenskc.com

P RODU CE

garden with us

The Kansas City Gardener | June 2021

Discover creative gardens on MGGKC Garden Tour June 11 & 12

June 2021 | kcgmag.com

daylilies, bee balm, and vegetable gardens fill up the sunny spots. There is always something blooming in this happily reclaimed and rejuvenated garden.

Photos by Scotty Moore.

An Urban Secret Garden With Historic Provenance! Even from the street, this garden offers breathtaking views of mature trees and evergreens; however, like a secret garden reminiscent of Frances Hodgson Burnett, the real treasures lay within the garden walls. Roses are the gardener’s favorite bloom, but the garden is also decorated with a variety of pollinator favorites, including coneflowers and orange milkweed—bright patches of color beneath the dappled shade. The garden is harmonized with formally clipped evergreen hedges that dictate order and neatness, while rowdy pink phloxes vie for attention from the borders. A container of impressively large red and green caladium sits regally near a water bath for birds, but a rustic bench with inviting pillows beckons the visitor to rest in the shade and observe the butterflies and other wild garden visitors. This garden proves that one need to live in the country to steward a patch of ecological diversity—even within an urban area, secret gardens can flourish and grow. This garden belongs to a house designated a historic landmark in Blue Springs. Built in 1908, the renovations were completed just ten years ago (the owners purchased the home in disrepair after the former tea house had been abandoned and used afterward for disreputable purposes). The owners explain, “We removed the parking lot, added a two-car garage, a patio, and an outdoor fireplace. Our goal was to keep the integrity of the 1908 home but modernize it for today’s living.” Somewhat restricted by the requirements of living in a historic landmark, the owners are not to change the outside of their home without formal approval, but the garden has been a place to make their own. When they first arrived, only mature maples, pines, elms, and a family of ancient yews lived on the grounds. Birds and wildlife were scarce. The owners first removed the yews to make room for transplanted specimens from

their former garden: “Initially, our goal was to insulate the front and side yard of our corner lot from the busy street. We discovered that our soil was amazingly rich and black. As time went on, we added more beds and more plants, leaving enough room for our two dogs and our grandchildren to run and play. We now have dozens of birds that nest in our Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae and our bushes. We have hundreds of bees and insects to help pollinate the yard.” As for advice that the owner has for others look-

ing to start their own urban secret gardens: “Google is your friend: learn all you can about the plant you’ve selected and don’t be afraid to break the rules about placement. That said, always be cognizant of sun and water needs.” When you visit the garden, look for surprising places where lilies sprout up out of rose shrubs as well as inventive plantings that play with color texture. Hostas, turtlehead, toad lilies, peony trees, and ferns dress the shady parts of the garden, while coneflowers, lilies,

A Thriving Garden in Both Sun and Shade—In Spite of Clay Soil! Twenty-five years ago, the grounds of this garden consisted of sun-baked clay and rock, fully exposed to the elements and the summer heat. Over time, however, the determination and hard work of these homeowners have transformed this space into a refuge with both shade and sunshine, populated with plants that are tolerant of the Missouri clay. The garden has been an invitation for foxes, raccoons, possums, and many, many birds that visit the trees and blooms from the wild spaces bordering the garden. A fish pond—complete with a waterfall and koi—provides soothing sounds of trickling water. When you come for a visit, notice how the Boston ferns soften the shady borders and the tricolor beech that provides interest year-round. If you are fortunate enough to see the garden in the springtime, you can also appreciate the bright orange azaleas that provide contrast to the greens around it, as well as the pink and white dogwoods and yellow magnolia that imbue the new year with a profusion of early color. Advice that these home gardeners have for others? One word: “Patience!” Visitors are invited to tour these gardens and more on June 11th and 12th from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Blue Springs, MO. Tickets are $15, and children under 12 can come for free. This year’s garden tour will also coincide with a Dig-and-Divide Plant Sale (Garden Tour tickets are not required for the Plant Sale). Tickets for the June 11th and 12th Garden Tour are on sale at most lawn and garden centers as well as at the gardens on tour days. For more information and locations of gardens, please go to mggkc.org/ garden-tour.

We carry a large selection of domestic and imported koi from the best suppliers! THE METRO’S ONLY FULLY STOCKED, DEDICATED POND STORE! With the most diverse selection of equipment and livestock, we have products for all levels of pond hobbyists and the knowledge and experience to help you create and maintain your pond paradise!

Welcome Lawrence Hobbyists! Scheduling pond cleanings now. We have the friendliest, knowledgeable staff and serve the entire Kansas City metro! Pond maintenance and builders inquiries welcome.

816-842-5012 • pondskc.com 1557 Swift Ave., KCMO

Check our website and Facebook for more information.

Tufted Titmouse

LARGEST SELECTION

of wild bird supplies in the KC area, including bird seed, feeders, houses and hardware. Providing Expert Advice without a Membership Price. Family-owned & operated since 1990.

6979 WEST 75TH STREET

4480 SOUTH NOLAND RD

OVERLAND PARK, KS

INDEPENDENCE, MO

913•341•0700

816•924•4924

HOURS:

MON-SAT 10A-5P | CLOSED SUN

WildBirdHouseStore.com

Find us on Facebook! The Kansas City Gardener | June 2021

Pets and Plants An Update on the dangers of Grapes and Raisins

arious types of grapes (Vitus species) and raisins are common food items consumed by people and available to be eaten by pet animals as well. Pets are exposed to grapes and raisins in many ways. Frequently, dogs will eat grapes off the vine, steal from plates or be offered fruit as treats. Grapes and raisins have been recommended as treats and training aids because they are tasty and relatively low in calories. Unfortunately, dogs and possibly other pet animals can have serious, lifethreatening reactions to ingestion of grapes and raisins. Adverse reactions to consumption of grapes and raisins have been well documented in dogs with anecdotal reports of problems in cats and ferrets. Affected dogs have eaten grapes and raisins purchased from grocery stores, as well as grapes found in the garden and even grape pressings from wineries–both seedless and seeded grape varieties have been implicated. The toxic component and mechanism involved with the adverse effects have not been identified previously but a new report suggests that the toxic substances may be tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate. Two dogs were reported to suffer acute kidney damage when exposed to cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate) and the lesions in their kidneys were identical to those caused by grape and raisin toxicosis. Tartrates are considered to have a wide margin of safety in people. In dogs, grape and raisin toxicosis cause acute kidney failure, which can be a life-threatening condition if not treated early and aggressively. As few as 1 to 2

grapes per kilogram body weight (10 to 14 grapes for 20-pound dog) may cause problems. Luckily, not all dogs develop problems after consuming grapes. For raisins, consumption of greater than 3 grams per kilogram body weight is potentially toxic (¼ cup raisins for 25-pound dog). Vomiting is one of the initial signs of grape or raisin poisoning and can begin within 3 to 6 hours after eating the offending material. Other initial signs that can occur within the first several hours of

PHIL ROUDEBUSH Veterinarian 24

June 2021 | kcgmag.com

exposure include diarrhea, lethargy and excessive thirst. Signs of kidney failure (loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors) may develop within 24 hours or be delayed several days after exposure. Reports of vomiting and acute kidney failure have also been reported recently in dogs following large exposures to tamarind fruit, which are also uniquely high in tartaric acid. Treatment includes early decontamination (induce vomiting within a few hours of exposure)

and aggressive therapy for acute kidney failure with intravenous fluids and appropriate drugs. All cases of grape, raisin, tamarind or cream of tartar ingestion should be considered potentially serious in dogs. Do not feed grapes, raisins, tamarind fruit or products made with large levels of cream of tartar (for example, homemade play dough) to dogs for any reason and keep them away from grape plantings where they might help themselves to a tasty but dangerous treat.

Phil Roudebush is a retired veterinarian and specialist in small animal internal medicine. He was an Extension Master Gardener in Shawnee County, Kansas before moving to western North Carolina five years ago, where he is an Extension Master Gardener in Buncombe County. He can be reached at philroudebush@gmail.com.

Planters Seed Co.

Your source for

BEAUTIFUL PLANTS! New plants arriving weekly • Annual flowers • Perennials • Vegetable starters • Shrubs & trees • House plants • Large selection of new pottery • Full line of fertilizers

• Since 1927 •

Retail • Wholesale Lawn • Garden • Farm 513 Walnut, KCMO • 816-842-3651

Mon-Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 9am-3pm

Large selection of wind chimes, gnomes, toads and garden art décor. Flowers & Vegetable Seed ~ Largest Selection in the Area Grass Seeds • Fertilizers • Mulches • Bulbs • Bird Supplies • Pottery

Best Quality of “Locally Grown” Bird Seed! June Planting Dates Plant Above-Ground Crops: 12, 13, 19-22 • Plant Root Crops: 25, 26, 29, 30 Transplant: 19-22 • Plant Flowers: 12, 13 • Control Plant Pests: 4-6, 9, 10

Koi Pond and Water Feature Designs Make us a tradition 436 W. 85th St., Kansas City, MO • office 816-444-7661 waldogreenhousekc@gmail.com facebook.com/waldogreenhousekc

Serving Kansas City

New Installations, Remodels Upgrades, Repairs and

for Over 25 Years

Maintenance Services

5 locations to serve you

Compost

Nature Wise Compost Nature Wise Select Compost (OMRI) Green Frontier Compost Composted Forest Products (OMRI) Composted Pine Fines (OMRI)

Soil

Organically Enriched Top Soil (pulverized) Garden Soil Blend (top soil/compost) Custom Mixes Raised Bed Mix MARC BMP/Rain Garden Blend

Mulch

Erosion Control Mulch Pine Bark Mulch Premium 1 Mulch Hardwood Chips Cedar Mulch Colored Mulches (Red/Brown/Black)

Sudden Gardens

Creating a ready-to-plant garden bed, planter box or high tunnel greenhouse. BBB-Big Bag Beds.

20% off Mulch

3 or more yards

Ask about our Missouri Organic Organic Resource Management

Wendy Hix • 913.481.5416 Tate Foster • 913.406.6804 www.hixandsonaquatics.com

products in bags

7700 E. 40 Hwy Kansas City, MO 64129

816.483.0908

www.missouriorganic.com

Experience a grow shop for everyone! Seeds | Live Plants Propagation Supplies Soil | Nutrients & More Mention code KC15 and get 15% off your purchase

Store Hours Mon - Sat: 9am-7pm Sun: 9am-4pm 1225 W 103rd Street Kansas City, MO 64114 (816) 216-6917 www.year-roundgarden.com The Kansas City Gardener | June 2021

Online Extension Master Gardener Training Available G

ardeners in the Kansas City Region, who want to get an introduction to gardening basics and volunteer, can participate in online Extension Master Gardener training this year. The 14-week long training begins in August and will be facilitated by University of Missouri Extension Horticulture Faculty on campus. Please watch this website for registration information–https:// extension.missouri.edu/programs/master-gardener. People who graduate from the training can fulfill volunteer service requirements with the Master Gardeners of Greater

Work & Learn: Aquatic Gardening Friday, June 11 | 9 a.m. – noon $35 | Members less 10% Tickets: https://25043p.blackbaudhosting.com/25043p/Work--LearnAquatic-Gardening-11Jun2021

Join aquatic plants horticulturist, Matt Hockaday, to learn how to grow and care for water lilies. Participants will re-pot, groom and fertilize tropical water lilies and marginals and maneuver through the Marlese Lowe Gourley Island Garden’s pools to place the pots of water lilies. Participants should bring plenty of water and dress for the weather (sun-protection clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and closed toe shoes). Tools and waders will be provided. Work & Learn Programs allow participants to roll up their sleeves for a hands-on lesson in the Gardens with Powell Gardens horticulture staff. Work & Learn participants will go home with a new skill that they can apply in their own gardens and occasionally with a cutting, cocktail, or other treat related to the day’s lesson.

Kansas City chapter. This chapter has a wide range of volunteer opportunities available. Our goal is “helping others learn to grow”. We hope you will consider joining us. If you have questions about Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City, contact us at Jacksonblsp@missouri.edu, 816-252-5051.

Garden Events

Heartland Hosta & Shade Plant Society Annual Spring Plant Sale Sat, Jun 5, 9am-1pm; at Connection Point Church, 501 NE Missouri Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO. The sale features over 60 unique cultivars of hosta and shade/part-shade perennials suitable for gardens of all sizes. Many of the cultivars are new for 2021 and can only be found locally at this sale! The sale is open to the public. Members of the local hosta society will be on hand to answer questions and assist shoppers. Pictures and descriptions of sale plants will be available on the Society website prior to the sale. For more information please visit www.HeartlandHosta.club or www. Facebook.com/HeartlandHostaAndShadePlantSociety/.

Kansas City Rose Society Rose Show and Rose Day Jun 5-6. Activities will be based on the current status of COVID regulations. For updated information, check website www. kansascityrosesociety.org. Douglas County EMG Garden Tour Jun 5-6. Douglas County Extension Master Gardeners will provide beauty and inspiration with our New Beginnings Garden Tour of seven gardens. Tickets can be purchased for $10 online at dgemgks.com, or in person on tour days at the Douglas County Extension Demonstration Gardens at 2110 Harper St in Lawrence. To add

June 2021 | kcgmag.com

What’s Happening at Powell Gardens in June

beauty to your garden, you can also preorder bloom boxes with three native plants of six different varieties (18 plants) for $60. You can see the varieties available, and pay online, at dgemgks.com. Orders will be available for pick up on June 5th. All plants are native to Kansas, locally grown and pesticide free. Any remaining plants will be sold at the Demo Garden the morning of June 5th. Hermann MO 26th Annual Town and Country Garden Tour Jun 5-6. The $15 ticket price includes visits to at least four private gardens both in town and in the country and the Garden Demonstration Area where you will see a traditional four-square garden. Tickets will be sold online before the tour at Eventeny and at Topiaries (138 E 4th) in downtown Hermann during the tour from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 3pm on Sunday. www.hermanngardentours.com. MGGKC Garden Tour Jun 11-12, 9am-4:30pm; Blue Springs, MO. Seven-plus gardens. Tickets $15. For more details, visit mggkc.org/garden-tour. Promote plant sales, club meetings, classes, and other gardening events for FREE! Send details to: elizabeth@ kcgmag.com. Deadline for publishing in the July issue is June 5.

Pond Management Workshop Saturday, June 12 | 9 a.m. – noon $10 | Free for members Tickets: https://25043p.blackbaudhosting.com/25043p/Pond-Management-Workshop-12Jun2021

Presented in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation, this workshop will help you better manage your pond and its watershed. Learn about fish management, aquatic plant identification, plant management and control, as well as how to avoid and control aquatic invasive species. Please bring nuisance aquatic plants from your pond for MDC staff to identify and recommend control options. Registration is required by June 9.

Gardening 101: Butterfly Garden Management Saturday, June 19 | 11 a.m. – noon $15 | Members receive 10% off Tickets: https://25043p.blackbaudhosting.com/25043p/Gardening101-Butterfly-Garden

Join Eric Perrette, Native Butterfly Habitat Horticulturist, for a short tour of the Native Butterfly Habitat to learn about plant selection, garden design, plant care, and pest management in the butterfly habitat. Eric will highlight the aesthetically pleasing plants that provide food and nectar for spring, summer, and fall. Bring your questions and come prepared for a walking tour. Gardening 101 classes are great for all gardeners interested in establishing new gardens or improving existing ones. Powell Gardens’ staff share their expertise about topics such as what to consider when designing a garden, how to select and start seeds, how to successfully care for plants’ specific needs, what diseases and pests to look for, and/or how to properly fertilize. Participants are encouraged to ask questions about their own gardens and arrive prepared for a walking tour of the Garden in focus.

Family Frolic: Nature’s Playground Saturday, June 26 & Sunday, June 27 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Included with admission | Members receive free admission

Experience Powell Gardens’ fascinating pollinators through play and exploration in the Gardens. Kids will zig and zag, float and flutter, and creep and crawl to learn about bees and butterflies during National Pollinator Week. All activities are included with admission.

Gardening 101: Organic Pest Management Saturday, June 26 | 11 a.m. – noon Heartland Harvest Garden at Powell Gardens $15 | Members less 10% Tickets: https://25043p.blackbaudhosting.com/25043p/Gardening101-Organic-Pest-Management

Join Haley Drake, Heartland Harvest Garden horticulturist, for a tour of our edible landscape. Learn how Powell Gardens manages all kinds of pests, from beetles to rabbits. Haley will share tested and proven techniques you can use in your garden to treat and prevent pest populations. Don’t let pests interrupt another year of bountiful fruit and vegetable harvest! Bring your questions and come prepared for a walking tour.

A Gardener’s Destination

Large variety of beautiful Proven Winners® flowering shrubs!

The Greater Kansas City Water Garden Society Presents

Puddle Jumping Water Garden Tour 2021

Annuals & Perennials Clematis & Roses Garden décor pottery, statuary and planters

112 E Green St • Clinton, MO 64735 • 660-885-3441 • Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 8-4

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

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

913-432-8092

28th Annual Tour, Spanning 6 Saturdays throughout the Summer Plan your personal driving Water Garden Tour on six Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., highlighting locations around the entire metro including Lawrence, KS. A new feature for 2021 is the addition of unique builder-sponsored garden parties from 6 to 10 p.m. with lite refreshments and night lighting for a magical view of Water Gardens.

The 2021 Season of Tours are on the following Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Rain or Shine

Come see what’s blooming at Enright ...

We have everything you need from Azaleas to Zinnias. NOW BLOOMING AT THESE 3 LOCATIONS

2351 N. 400 Rd. • Edgerton, KS • Hours: 9am-6pm, Mon.-Sat. • Sun. noon-4pm 2 miles west of Edgerton on Hwy 56 to County Line, 2 miles north 1/2 west Turner Community Gardens • 55th & Klamm Street • Turner, KS Mon.-Sat. 9am-6pm • Sun. noon-4pm KCMO Farmers Market Location • 3rd & Walnut, Saturday only Stall 50 across (west) from the Arabian

Enright Gardens No Ordinary Gardening Adventure gorgeous plants, wonderful staff, unique garden store

www.enrightgardens.com

Tour # 1 June 26, South KC, Cass County, MO and Southern Jackson County, MO Tour # 2 July 10, Central KC and Northern Jackson County, MO Tour # 3 July 24, Central Johnson County, KS Tour # 4 August 7, Southern Johnson County, KS Tour # 5 August 21, Lawrence, KS Tour # 6 September 11, Northern KCMO, Wyandotte County, KS and Leavenworth, KS Tickets are $20 for a season pass for all 6 Water Garden Tours and $5 for individual tours. Children under 14 attend free. Proceeds benefit the building and maintenance of restorative and educational water gardens for schools, nature centers and other non-profits. Treat yourself to a summer of beauty and fun! To purchase tickets NOW through Eventbrite, visit kcwatergardens.com/tour. Garden Centers and other retail outlets will have tour books/tickets available in June. The Kansas City Gardener | June 2021

Tour the Stous Promenade

ach year thousands of visitors pass through the Stous Promenade on the west side of the visitor center at the Overland Park Arboretum. The Stous Promenade was a wonderful gift from John and Irma Stous and is today one of the finest parts of the arboretum. We invite you to come see these beautiful trees of which a few are described below. More then 80 trees of 46 species or varieties make up the Stous Promenade. Markers in front of the trees give the common name, the scientific name, country of origin. Students, homeowners and future homeowners frequently study the trees in Stous Promenade to help with their selection of trees to be planted in their yards. The Overland Park Arboretum is located on 179th Street, about 1/2 mile west of Highway 69 in south Overland Park. There are three very interesting Korean Mountain Ash growing on the east end of Stous Promenade. Not a member of the ash family but the rose family. Slow to medium growth rate to 40’ tall and 25’ wide. Does not grow well south of Wichita or Tulsa as it does not like hot, humid weather. Four inch wide clumps of creamy white flowers in spring followed by gorgeous pinkish red to red berries in clumps. The history of our stunning Pacific Sunset Maple goes back to China where one of its parents, the Shantung Maple came from Europe where the other parent, Norway Maple came from. This is a hybrid of Shangtung Maple (Acer truncatum) and Norway Maple (Acer platanoides). Four of these trees are growing in Stous Promenade. Yellow spring flowers are very noticeable. The trees are heat and drought tolerant with good green leaves all summer and brilliant reddish-orange fall foliage. Expect 30+’ in height and at least 25’ spread at maturity. Prefers full sun.

Photos by Ken O’Dell.

review trees found thriving at the Overland Park Arboretum

Seeds, Sweetbay Magnolia

Japanese Pagoda tree in bloom in July

Korean Mountain Ash leaves, green fruit, and ripened fruit The great Kentucky Coffee Tree, Gymnocladus dioicus, is native in Kansas and Missouri as well as most of the Eastern US. Greenish white flowers appear in May and June. The leaves of the Coffee tree are the largest of all of the woodland tree leaves frequently growing to 3’ in length and 2’ wide with dozens of smaller leaflets making up this large area we call a leaf. Coffee tree is very tolerance to pollution and will grow in most soils. Full sun is best but it will grow in dappled shade with less foliage. Another gorgeous tree in Stous Promenade is the Japanese Pagoda

KEN O’DELL Expert Plantsman 28

June 2021 | kcgmag.com

tree. A medium to large tree to 60’ tall and 40’ wide with attractive green foliage all summer. Each leaf is made up of 9 or more smaller leaflets. The leaves stay clean and green all summer. You will be rewarded with large 12” clusters of creamy white to very light yellowish white flowers in July and these flowers will turn into short neckless shaped seed pods. Strange that the Japanese Pagoda is not from Japan but from China and Korea but the Europeans first saw it in Japan hence the common name. In her book The World of Magnolias, Dorothy Callaway describes

Above, Lacebark Elm ‘Glory’ in June and a closeup of its signature bark below.

Magnolia acuminata as growing to 100’ tall. Commonly called Cucumber Tree or Cucumber Magnolia. It gets this name from the odd shape of the seed pod. We have a nice ten foot tall youngster of a Cucumber

Ken O’Dell is the Kansas City Regional Leader of the Kansas Native Plant Society, a lifetime member of the Friends of the Arboretum, and long-time volunteer at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Garden. You may reach him via email at Ken@springvalleynursery.com.

Nikko Maple in June Magnolia growing at the far east end of Stous Promenade. It has flowered in past years and should do so each year with 5” greenishyellow flowers. Two Sweetbay Magnolias grow in the Stous Promenade. These make lovely multi-trunk trees with 4 to 5” white flowers and great fragrance. Colorful red seed pods and showy red seed add interest in late summer and fall. Will grow to 20 to 25’ here in the Kansas City area. The leaves are shiny dark green on top and silvery beneath. Magnolias were named for the French botanist Piere Magnol. Sweetbay Magnolia is a very popular tree and is frequently used in area landscapes. In the Stous Promenade we have a superb Persian Hazelnut also known as Turkish Hazel or Turkish Filbert. The scientific name for this jewel is Corylus colurna. Native in southeast Europe and west Asia our tree at the OP Arboretum does well in this Kansas City climate. Karen Kerkhoff, Park Supervisor at the arboretum is growing this specimen as a single trunk tree. Most of the Persian Hazelnuts are grown as very low branched trees with multiple trunks and branches sitting on or near the ground. The nut like fruit is edible. The leaves are a grey-green all summer with little to no autumn colors. This is a slow growing, hardy tree. Whoever thought we would be interested in a hybrid catalpa tree?! The world already has northern catalpa, southern catalpa and Chinese catalpa. I for one love the catalpa trees. There is a hybrid between the southern catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides) and the Chinese catalpa (Catalpa orientalis). The Morton Arboretum has information about a catalpa hybrid with the scientific name of Catalpa erubescens and most likely the common name of Purple Leaf Catalpa. This is a cross between our native Southern ca-

talpa and the Chinese catalpa. We have a young purple leaf catalpa growing in the Stous Promenade just west of the amphitheater. The new growth this past spring was slightly purple and should increase each year as the tree grows. Large clusters of orchid like white flowers with yellow and purple stripes in the throat and long bean seed pods. This tree should get at least 40 to 50 feet tall in the next 30+ years. Most of us are familiar with the pink flowering mimosa tree with light green lacy foliage but have you seen the chocolate mimosa tree? The foliage on chocolate or summer chocolate mimosa tree is a deep burgundy color. The fragrant flowers are a brighter pink and have some white in them. Carl Maximowicz was a botanist who traveled much of the world looking for new trees for Europe. In 1860 he saw an unusual maple tree growing in Nikko, Japan and gave it the scientific name of Acer nikoense which we call Nikko maple. The scientific name has since been changed to Acer maximowiczianum in honor of Carl Maximowicz. This tree grows next to the Haake terrace in Stous. It is a small, multi-stem tree which will grow to 40’ tall and 30’ wide. A three leaflet leaf with reddish coloring on the new growth and frequently brilliant coppery red coloring in the autumn. Full sun or dappled shade. The 30-foot tall lacebark elm growing on the west end of Stous has very interesting bark as the name implies. A lacy apearance that grows even more beautiful with age. We have a selection of lacebark elm that is called Glory. Small elm shaped leaves and flowers that adorn the tree in late summer and early autumn. A lacebark elm older then Glory is growing on the west end of Margaret’s pond just past Byrd’s Grove.

Above: Persian Hazelnut in June; Below: Chocolate Mimosa foliage

Puddle Jumping Water Garden Tour Kick-off

he 28th annual KC Water Garden Society’s “Puddle Jumping Water Garden Tour” kicks off a summer of fun with its first of six Saturdays on June 26th, 9am to 5pm. The first tour takes place in Southern Jackson County and Cass County. With cameras ready, you will be awe-struck to see the extensive garden train displays, majestic waterfalls and ponds brimming with lilies, lotus, and exotic fish. From 6 to 10pm the fun continues at our new evening garden party, sponsored by Gradex Company in Peculiar, MO, featuring a swim pond with magical night lighting and music. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served while you have plenty of time to ask questions and learn more about this new concept–swim ponds. Tour tickets are available at local garden centers or follow the link at kcwatergardens.com/tour/.

This event is the only fundraiser for the Greater Kansas City Water Garden Society to continue building and maintenance of water features for schools, nature centers and other non-profits in the Greater KC area.

The Kansas City Gardener | June 2021

GARDEN CALENDAR June list of what to do in the garden.

Lawn

• Mow bluegrass and tall fescue 3 to 3½ inches to improve drought stress. • Avoid fertilizing tall fescue and bluegrass during summer. • Mow zoysia to a height of 1 to 2 inches all season. • Fertilize zoysia with high nitrogen fertilizer, such as 27-3-3, 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; let 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.

Vegetables and Fruits

• Plant squash, cucumbers, sweet corn, green beans and other summer vegetables. • Harvest spring vegetables until the end of the season, then remove. • Pinch herbs to keep bushy and fresh with new growth. • Watch for development of squash bugs as

they multiply rapidly. Control as needed. • Start fungicide treatments to prevent tomato leaf disease. • Conserve moisture and control weeds with mulch. • Apply one inch of water 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.

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.

Flowers

• Pinch chrysanthemum tips for development of bushier plants. • Remove, or 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. • Apply one inch of water per week if there is no rain.

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.

My Garden (Use this space to list additional tasks to accomplish in your garden.) • • • •

Johnson County K-State Research and Extension recommends environmentally-friendly gardening practices. This starts by identifying and monitoring problems. Cultural practices and controls are the best approach for a healthy garden. If needed, use physical, biological or chemical controls. Always consider the least toxic approach first. Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000. 30

June 2021 | kcgmag.com

Now Hiring for Spring

We are looking for friendly, enthusiastic people to fill positions at our Growing Farm, Lenexa, Overland Park and Martin City locations.

Apply on our website: suburbanlg.com

Nesting season is in full force – our Nesting Blend and SuperSuets are chock full of the protein, calcium, and fats that growing birds and parents need right now!

Send your resume to Cashiers cynthiam@suburbanlg.ddns.net Phone Operators or call (816)550-7022 Hardgoods Sales Full and part time positions are Plant Sales a plus but not a Truck Drivers, (CDL & non-CDL) available. Bilingual requirement. Equipment Operators Landscape Maintenance Trimming, Mowing, Planting Customer Service Representative

of Leawood, KS

Locally Owned and Proudly serving Kansas City for 33 years 11711 Roe Avenue (NE corner 119th and Roe) • 913-491-4887 Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun noon-4pm www.wbu.com/kansascity

Join us at www.facebook.com/wbuleawoodks

BIRDSEED • FEEDERS • BIRDBATHS • OPTICS • GARDEN ACCENTS

Hotlines for Gardeners Extension Master Gardeners are ready to answer your gardening questions.

CASS COUNTY

816-380-8494; Wed, 9am-noon

DOUGLAS COUNTY

785-843-7058; dgcogardenhotline@gmail.com; Mon, Wed, Fri, 1-4pm

GREATER KANSAS CITY MISSOURI AREA

816-833-8733 (TREE); Mon-Fri, 9am-noon; mggkc.hotline@gmail.com

JOHNSON COUNTY, KS

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

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

th ly G ui de to Su A Mon thly cc es Guid e to Suc October 2014 sf ul cess ful Gard Garde ning G ar de enin g to Succe ssful August 2015 ni ng A Mont hly Guide

For convenient mail delivery, complete the form below and send with your check for $25.00. You will receive a one-year subscription to The Kansas City Gardener.

Address:

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY

Phone:

MIAMI COUNTY & LINN COUNTY

E-mail: Where did you pick up The Kansas City Gardener?

913-364-5700; Leave a message. A Master Gardener will contact you. 913-294-4306; Thurs, 8am-noon

WYANDOTTE COUNTY

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

QUESTIONS ABOUT ROSES?

Ask a Rosarian; kcrosehelp@gmail.com; www.kansascityrosesociety.org

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

July

2015

r Garden

for the Octobe

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

Name:

JOHNSON COUNTY, MO

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

GAR G A RENEDREN E R N D E D R A G ER Beyon The K T ty K an sa Cihe s C it y a n s a s C Th e Ka ns as ity A M on

City, State, Zip:

Please enclose your check payable to The Kansas City Gardener and mail with this form to: P.O. Box 8725, Prairie Village, KS 66208 The Kansas City Gardener is published monthly Jan. through Dec.

The Kansas City Gardener | June 2021

Coral Bells

A great perennial for the shady garden. Choose from our many varieties of blooming and pollinator-friendly perennials.

Finishing Touches

Annual Hanging Baskets Combo Pots and hanging baskets will add summerlong color to your porch, deck or patio.

TROPICAL PLANTS Summer-Long color for your deck or patio! • Hibiscus Trees • Palms • Ferns •Ti Plants • & More!

Unique Gifts

Statement Pieces

Colorful Containers

The finishing touch to bring color and elegance to your garden or deckIs it a colorful pot, a cooling fountain, an elegant statue? You’ll find hundreds of choices at Suburban. Your outdoors will look fabulous!

105th & Roe (913) 649-8700

K-7 & Prairie Star Pkwy (913) 897-5100

135th & Wornall (816) 942-2921

#suburbanlg // suburbanlg.com

KCG Jun21

Articles inside

Prickly Coneflower

Pets & Plants

MGGKC Garden Tour

Fledglings Abound

Butterfly Wings

Tour the Stous Promenade

Kids Ask Dr. Bug

Indoor Gardening – Cool Season