KCG Mar21 by The Kansas City Gardener

The Kansas City

GARDENER March 2021 | kcgmag.com

Editor’s Choice

Hypericum St. John’s Wort happy sunny addition to the garden

GREETINGS FROM LOUISBURG, KS

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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 as well as a twelve or eight month maintenance program 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. 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.

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editor’s notes

The Kansas City

GARDENER Independently owned and operated since 1996

Desolation and consolation

PUBLISHER Michael Cavanaugh EDITOR Elizabeth Cavanaugh CONTRIBUTORS Tracy Flowers Nik and Theresa Hiremath Lenora Larson Jason Mispagel Dennis Patton Judy Penner Tamra Reall Kevin Riscoe 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 24. SUBSCRIPTION Elizabeth Cavanaugh elizabeth@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 WEBSITE kcgmag.com

t this writing, the garden sleeps beneath several inches of snow, and frozen in time with subzero temperatures not seen for ages. Thick cloud cover obscures the face of the sun, stirring in me that familiar seasonal woe. Putting my mind to work is a strategy that helps to cope, and I know this too shall pass. Maintaining a daily schedule and staying physically active keeps me moving forward. Frigid February days give way to manageable March, and I eagerly anticipate the official first day of spring (March 20). For without winter, there would be no spring. Mr. Gardener experiences the same desolation this time of year. Some winter days when he has had enough of the gray days and icy temps, he’ll shout, “Book me a flight babe! I gotta go!” Teasing of course, that the only remedy capable of easing his funk is a trip to the sunny gulf coast of Florida. This is where the greenhouse he built plays such a vital role, not so much practically, but personally. Whether growing microgreens and lettuce from seed, or overwintering patio tropicals and succulents, the space is certainly functional. More than that however, it is a place of transcendence. Within view of his

office and literally a stone’s throw away, this building is his sanctuary. In a way, the greenhouse mimics his dreamy tropical paradise. It is a balmy spot in the middle of winter’s havoc, with warmth and humidity to permeate your skin and melt away any icy feelings. The only element missing is beach sand. This season’s outrageously cold temperatures have taken a toll though. Returning from a visit to the greenhouse, his forlorn face said it all. “Well, I won’t be going in there for a few days,” he said. “Everything has melted to the ground.” Tropical carnage: philodendron, jade plant, bird of para-

dise, and ferns. All were asked to tolerate too much. And the heater could not meet demand. Mr. Gardener left the scene with one last comment, “All that’s left is dumb lettuce.” Recovery is hard work. With a little retail therapy at his favorite garden center, Mr. Gardener will be consoled and well on his way back to recreating his tropical paradise. I’ll see you in the garden!

In this issue

March 2021 | kcgmag.com 4 6 6 8 10 12 14 16

Ask the Experts Symbols of Hope: Butterflies Kids Ask Dr. Bug That’s a Beat I can Dance to Stratify Native Plant Seeds Indoor Gardening Hypericum St. John’s Wort Naturalize Natives under Trees

18 Plants on Your Plate 20 Tips to Eliminate Fleas 22 Paola Plant Sale 22 Garden Tour 24 Rose Report 24 Subscribe 25 UP CLOSE 26 Garden Calendar

About the cover: Pumpkin Hypericum has orange berries in fall that extend its seasonal appeal. Learn about several Hypericum varieties beginning on page 14. Photo courtesy of Bailey Nurseries. The Kansas City Gardener | March 2021

Ask the Experts Note: My questions this month will follow a theme. I call this theme ‘I Have a Bone to Pick with Dennis.’ I greatly appreciate all the feedback I receive. It is one reason I like to write, knowing people read, follow and sometimes challenge my ideas. As you may know, I can be tongue-in-cheek, which is sometimes not always well received. So, whether you agree or not, here I go. Feel free to give me your feedback again! HOW CAN YOU RECOMMEND INVASIVE PLANTS Question: I see you frequently recommend plants that are considered invasive, such as butterfly bush or vinca. Why do you do this? Answer: Invasive plants become an issue when they escape from our gardens. Many invasive plants are native to Asia, where the growing conditions are similar to the continental United States. My goal is to not recommend plants that can escape from the garden and negatively impact our native areas. What is considered an invasive plant depends on its location. Most invasive plants seem to be found along the coast, specifically the Pacific Northwest and New England states. These areas have higher rainfall and better growing conditions than in the Midwest. The likelihood of seed development, germination, and sprouting is often associated with increased rainfall. Just because a plant is invasive in Seattle or Maine does not mean it will be invasive in the central U.S. I research and check the invasive alerts. I am more interested in what is popping up in Midwest states with similar conditions than on the coasts. Hope that makes sense. The problem is we often don’t know what is invasive until the proverbial cat is out of the bag. WHERE IS YOUR ENTHUSIASM FOR THE USE OF NATIVES Question: Everyone knows native plants provide many benefits

This bumblebee does not care if the chemical to kill is organic.

A thriving lawn is beneficial to the environment and people.

over exotics from other parts of the world. I feel like you have not fully jumped on the native bandwagon. I wish you would write more and promote the use of native plants. Answer: I am on the bandwagon, but you are probably right; I am not the leader of the band. I fully support the use of native plants as they are the lifeline for our local flora and fauna. In fact, my personal goal is to get my own garden to 30 percent or more native plants. Doug Tallamy, the author of Bringing Nature Home, indicates that is what it takes to start supporting native populations. I have taken a more cautious approach in my writing for this reason. Some are players in the band. Then there are those thinking this is not the wagon to hitch to as natives are weeds. I attempt to strike a balance. My goal is to demonstrate it is not an all or nothing idea. You can still have pretty hostas and you can have natives. Some people need to slowly warm up to the idea that a native garden is not a weed patch but can bring beauty and enjoyment. Then they will join the band and together we can make beautiful music.

Answer: K-State Research and Extension Wildlife Specialists have shown me the data of what happens to animals that are lived-trapped and relocated. The result is almost all the relocated animals die within weeks of capture and release. Studies show often is a slow inhuman death dying from starvation, lack of water or protection. With the animal out of sight and mind, we have visions of the cute fluffy animal frolicking with new friends and having a good life. That is not true. Research has shown a more humane death is less stressful and less cruel on the animal. My honest take is if you cannot bear to put an animal down, then learn to live with it. In most cases, if you trap one, then another one will move in. (Side note… I am writing this at my kitchen table as three squirrels are having a party on my birdfeeder!)

ANIMAL RELOCATION NOT A GOOD IDEA Question: I read recently that you recommended to kill the squirrels and rabbits instead of relocating them to a new home. How cruel are you?

DENNIS PATTON Horticulture Agent 4

March 2021 | kcgmag.com

CHEMICALS AS A LAST RESORT Question: Why do you always recommend chemicals to control pests instead of organic methods? Answer: Actually, I talk more people out of applying pesticides than using them to treat an issue. The truth be told, organic insecticides, just like chemicals, can kill beneficial insects. Even though the label says organic, most people don’t realize they are probably just as bad for bees and butterflies. Letting nature run its course is usually the best approach.

When it comes to herbicides for weeds, it would be wonderful to have an organic product that really works. I know there are natural products, but they usually only affect young, tender annuals. There is not an organic product that will have any effect on bindweed or poison ivy. My recommendation always has been and always will be to use pesticides, chemical or organic treatments as a last resort, and to be more tolerant as perfect plants only exist in our dream gardens. THRIVING LAWN VS LAWN WARRIORS Question: Why are you so in love with high input and maintenance lawns. Don’t you know how much water, fertilizer, and pesticides they use that are bad for the environment? Answer: I would not say I am in love with high maintenance lawns. What I would say is I am in love with proper lawn care. What chaps my hide is when I see water wasted, fertilizer spread into the streets, grass scalped after mowing, or treatments applied at the wrong time. As I drive around, I often shake my head when I see ‘lawn warriors’ wasting so many valuable resources. I ask myself, why? Why are they doing this? My take is this: everyone can have a thriving lawn. That may include a few weeds, patchy coloration, and other imperfections. Lawns are essential as they absorb heat, cool our cities, absorb carbon, and release oxygen. They are vital after a rain in slowing water movement, reducing flash flooding, and preventing soil erosion. Washing soil clogs our waterways and moves harmful pesticides and needed nutrients into the water, compromising quality. I am pro lawns but healthy turf (ground covers), protecting our soil and providing a surface for family enjoyment. I never said your lawn should resemble a golf course.

Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.

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Symbols of Hope

wenty-twenty was a year of despair. Fortunately, our faithful garden companions, the birds, bees and butterflies, did not know about pandemics, natural disasters or politics and continued their lives as usual. Their beauty and behaviors brought us much needed joy and provided hope for the future. Butterflies in particular have been powerful symbols of hope in many cultures for thousands of years. No wonder, because their biology, the metamorphosis from crawling humble caterpillar into the beautiful winged adult, so dramatically demonstrates the positive power of change. Illustrations of the Butterfly’s Cultural Significance Most cultures regard butterflies with deep reverence as symbols of hope, joy and transformation. Butterflies are often believed to be the souls of the dead. In Central and South America, if you are visited by a butterfly after the recent death of a family member, the butterfly is your departed loved one assuring you that they have gone to heaven and you should not grieve for them. Irish folklore considers white butterflies to be the souls of dead children. When a child dies, a butterfly swoops down to carry their soul to heaven for transference to immortality. Greco-Roman mythology likewise considered butterflies to be embodiments of the soul as typified by the goddess Psyche. For the early Mayan and Aztec mythologies, butterflies served as representations of rejuvenation and purification by sacrifice. Native American cultures also regarded butterflies as powerful omens for hopeful change and a better future. For some tribes, they served as messengers to the Great Spirit. If one caught a butterfly and whispered their wish into its wings, the released butterfly would fly

heavenwards to share the message. Faeries were a common mythology in early European cultures. They united the souls of the dead reincarnated into diminutive human form with the wings of an insect, usually butterflies. While butterflies are not mentioned in the Bible, Christianity has embraced butterflies as representation of Christ’s resurrection. Just as the caterpillar seems dead when it forms a chrysalis, Jesus seemed dead when he was laid in the tomb. Both emerge in glorious transformation. Christianity also uses the butterfly as a metaphor for the transformation of an unbeliever from a sinner to a righteous person when they become a follower of Christ. What does it mean if you see a butterfly in a dream? The most common interpretation predicts that change is in your future and you should not resist. If you have chosen the butterfly as your spirit or totem animal, you should embrace change by withdrawing into yourself like a chrysalis to work on spiritual growth and transform into a better person. Ensuring Hope Butterfly symbolism persists in the 20th century and butterflies are released at festive occasions such as weddings and birthdays. However, butterflies are also indicators of environmental health and balance. Whether as a beacon of hope or proof of a healthy garden, we need butterflies in our lives. You can attract the largest number and variety of butterflies by providing the requirements for all four stages of each species’ life cycle. That includes the unique host plants for the egg and caterpillar, undisturbed shelter for the chrysalids and adults and nectar-rich flowers from March through October. Above all, NO INSECTICIDES. Butterflies and other pollinators will thank you as they bring joy and hope to your garden.

LENORA LARSON Butterfly Maven 6

March 2021 | kcgmag.com

Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardener, Lenora gardens and hosts butterflies in the cruel winds and clay soil of Paola, Kansas.

Kids Ask Dr. Bug about the curious things found in the garden

Are there more ants or butterflies in the world? Brianna, 9 Ants! By Far! Ants are considered the most numerous insect in the world. Although there are about 17,500 species of butterflies in the world (~70 species in Missouri) and “only” about 15,000 known species of ants, ants live in colonies and these colonies can be incredibly large! It is estimated that there could be 10,000 trillion to a quadrillion (a million trillion = 1,000,000,000,000,000) ants with whom we share this earth. Ants live on every continent, except Antarctica, but they have been to outer space as part of an experiment. Additionally, new ant species are still being discovered, sometimes even in a scientist’s own backyard. And here’s another interesting fact: until the 18th century, it’s very possible that the combined weight of all the ants was more than the combined weight of all the humans on earth. How long do insects live? Logan, 9 The answer to this question really depends on the insect species. Some insects, such as fruit flies, complete their life cycle in a little more than a month. Many other insects complete their life cycle in 1-2 years. Some examples of insects that go from egg to adult in 1-2 years include many butterflies, moths, wasps, dragonflies, mayflies, mantises, walking sticks, and ladybugs. In contrast, termite queens and kings, and ant queens, can live for decades. One scientist noted an ant queen lived 28 years in their lab. Another long-lived insect is the periodical cicada. It spends most of its life under-

ground as a nymph, and arises en masse with its siblings and cousins every 13 or 17 years, depending on the brood. The next time this mass cicada emergence happens in Missouri will be in 2024. What do insects eat? Matthew, 10 Again, it depends on the species. Herbivores are plant-eating insects, and predators are insects that eat other animals, such as insects, spiders, and crustaceans. Some insects are parasites and they feed on other animals but don’t kill them. Some insects are generalists and eat anything they come across. Other insects are specialists and will only eat one type of food. Why are ladybugs called ladybugs? David, 9 Ladybugs have a few names today: ladybugs, lady beetles, ladybirds, and ladybird beetles. Of course, the various species of these insects have scientific names and are within the family Coccinellidae. As there are both males and females of this insect, there is an intriguing story behind the name. This beetle is an important beneficial insect that eats small insect pests that can kill crops. Because of this beneficial nature, as well as the bright red outer wings that are similar to the red cloak Mary (also known as Our Lady) often wore in early paintings, ancient farmers named this beetle “Beetle of Our Lady”, which was shortened to what we call it today. Do you have a questions for Dr. Bug? Send them to ReallT@Missouri.edu. Please include KADB in the subject, and your name and age.

TAMRA REALL Horticulture Specialist

Dr. Tamra Reall (@MUExtBugNGarden) is horticulture specialist for MU Extension, Jackson County. For free, research-based gardening tips call 816-833-TREE (8733).

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The Kansas City Gardener | March 2021

That’s a beat I can dance to Photo credit to Missouri Department of Conservation.

Photo credit to eBird.org.

the sound of drumming woodpeckers

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

f you happen to be listening to your birds singing these days, you might also be hearing a lot of drumming noises too. Unlike many of your backyard songbirds, woodpeckers chirp and vocalize, but they do not sing. They do however drum. Drumming, or sometimes called tattooing or tapping are the various ways that woodpeckers communicate with each other. Just like songbirds, each species of woodpecker has its own unique drumming patterns which are recognized by their own species. They vary how fast they drum and for how long as well as rhythm. For example, a downy woodpecker will drum 16 to 17 beats per second and for a quarter to one and a half seconds. This spring could provide an opportunity to witness a “Drumline” performance as we are fortunate to have many species of woodpeckers each with their own rhythms. You might hear a Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied, Redheaded, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker,

Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker, Red-shafted Northern Flicker or even the Pileated woodpecker each playing their own drum solos. Woodpeckers use their drumming to communicate sources of food, territories, call for help to the nest, alert about predators, or to attract a mate. They’ll use a variety of substrates for drumming and not just the trunk of a tree. They have been known to drum on fence posts, house siding, chimney caps, gutters, trash cans, and fallen logs to name a few. How is it that all that drumming doesn’t give them a terrible headache? As you might guess, their anatomy is uniquely suited to enable their drumming. Some of these characteristics include an extra thick skull to provide padding. Their long tongues are anchored at the base of the top of their beak, then wraps around their skull and up through the bottom of their beak bone for additional shock absorption. Their beaks are thick, straight

NIK HIREMATH Birding Expert 8

March 2021 | kcgmag.com

and sturdy. Plus, they have stiff bristles at the base of their beak to disperse small pieces of wood and dust to protect their eyes. In fact their anatomy was so intriguing, that it inspired sport equipment manufacturer’s designs of football helmets. One of the unfortunate side effects of their drumming behavior can be damage to our homes. They can leave dents and dings on chimney caps and gutters and flashings but that’s not as bad as when they leave even greater eyesores on the siding or trim pieces when they make holes. But there are ways to deter this behavior without harming the woodpeckers. The simplest and where I would recommend you start, is by hanging something shiny near where they are pecking or drumming. You can use household items like an aluminum pie plate, old CDs or strips of aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can purchase shiny reflective mylar tape which can be hung. Another

technique is to hang a woodpecker decoy near where they are doing damage. Because they are territorial, they will assume that territory is taken and find another place. You will likely have to move the decoy occasionally, so they don’t wise up and figure out it’s just plastic! If the woodpeckers are making a large size hole, you can place a woodpecker nesting box to cover it and hope they use it instead of trying to make one in the side of your home. The most certain and extensive is to install netting which they can’t penetrate in front of the area they’re drumming. The other strategy that has a hit or miss result at best, is to offer bird food for them in the hopes they’re just looking for food on your home and will go instead to your feeders. So, the next time you’re in your backyard or on a walk in nature, see if you can guess what the woodpeckers are saying to one another. Happy birding!

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.

The Kansas City Gardener | March 2021

Cold Stratification of Native Plant Seeds

tarting native plants from seed is an inexpensive way to grow a bountiful garden on a budget. This method also generates more food for local birds and pollinating insects like bees and butterflies. The only hiccup in the plan is that most native Midwest perennial seeds need what is called cold stratification. This extra step often turns gardeners away and in the past I was quite happy to buy all of my native plants from local nurseries. Last year, I gave cold stratifying a try and found out that it’s really not as difficult as it sounds. Firstly, let’s talk about what cold Stratification means. We are really just trying to recreate the natural processes that a seed would go through in their native habitat in order to get them to break dormancy and germinate. For this article we will use our common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) as an example. So in nature this plant’s seed needs a few weeks in a cold (not freezing) environment and they prefer their seeds to stay moderately moist. Why would we cold stratify when we have nature right outside the door? You can certainly disperse seeds straight out into the garden in fall and early winter. Monarch Watch has found that germination rates are higher if you start your seeds indoors. If you have purchased seeds, then cold stratifying will give you more bang for your buck. There are a few ways to cold stratify at home. Last year, I sowed my seeds into tiny seed trays full of damp potting soil in a sealable bag. My germination rates weren’t that fabulous, so this year I am trying the paper towel method. I collected seeds from friends and my own garden and I am wrapping them in paper towels that have been wet and rung out well. Then, I simply place them into a sealable

container, date and label everything, then place in the refrigerator. When picking a date to start the cold stratifying process, count back how many days this seed needs to stratify, plus how many days it will take to germinate in the soil and finally, how many days you think it will grow indoors before finally planting outside.

March 2021 | kcgmag.com

Gardening is a great way to try different things and experiment with all types of growing methods. I have friends starting their native perennial seeds in outdoor controlled environments like raised planter beds and repurposed milk jugs. Every garden and every gardener is different, so give growing native seeds a try!

Discover More

In addition to the valuable information found at local native plant nurseries, discover more about stratifying native perennials with these organizations: Missouri Department of Conservation mdc.mo.gov The Xerces Society xerces.org Monarch Watch www.monarchwatch.org For example, I want to plant common milkweed plants outside on the fourth Saturday of May this year (5/22). The seed needs 30-60 days in the fridge, then about 7-10 days to germinate in soil, and probably another 2-3 weeks to grow strong enough roots for a transplant. So, I will start moist cold stratification of common milkweed

TRACY FLOWERS Plant Guru 10

seeds in the fridge in mid-March, then in mid-April I will take them out and plant them into pots or flats in the garage and gently water until they germinate at the end of April. This gives them most of May to grow some fabulous roots. If everything goes to plan, I’ll have some really nice milkweed to plant by the end of May.

With native plants don’t worry about exact dates, and give yourself some wiggle room on your schedule. I usually move my plant dates a few days later than necessary, to a weekend for example, so I’m not juggling potting soil while trying to make Thursday night dinner. You can always speed things up later on with a heated seed mat and a grow light.

Missouri Botanical Garden www.missouri botanicalgarden.org Grow Native! grownative.org

Tracy Flowers is the owner of Tracy Flowers LLC, a horticultural consultancy that works with local organizations to promote organic urban farming, gardening, native landscapes and education. Her email addresss is kctracyflowers@gmail.com.

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

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The Kansas City Gardener | March 2021

Indoor Gardening: Beyond The South-Facing Window

t starts with an uneasy, nervous sway, followed by the tiniest smirk. Then a raised brow. Then a widened gaze. And finally, a fullon, giddy smile…bursting with possibility. It’s a pattern that seems almost too predictable, yet it never tires and has the power to energize everyone fortunate enough to be in its presence. Participating in this daily ritual is a gift I count as one of the many blessings in my life. It’s the joy and excitement fueled by

pivoted from growing turf to growing “medicine.” Unbeknownst to me at the time, I was teaching myself to transfer centuries-old horticultural concepts into a small, indoor, production environment. Fast-forward a decade (or two) and factor in some massive technological improvements. What once made sense only for the most dedicated gardeners or cannabis cultivators, has become practical for all of us. We can now grow

plants could afford them. Today, you can purchase an LED grow light for $150 that will last approximately 10 years and cost less than $5 per month to run. That one light can produce two gallon-sized bags of loose-head lettuce every week! Crossing the threshold in lighting was akin to miniaturization in computing that allowed the average Jane or Joe to harness a warehouse full of power in the palm of their hand. It opened the door

tainers, soil, fertilizer, etc. About once a week, someone mentions to me that they were inspired in their youth by the “Living With the Land” exhibit at Disney’s Epcot theme park in Orlando. They light up as they start describing its intricate design and thought-provoking organization. Built in 1982, it’s a 40-year-old testament to soilbased and hydroponic growing methodologies, reminding us that even papaya trees can produce de-

Pictured left to right, Cherry tomatoes, bibb lettuce and yellow squash are just a few of the indoor gardening possibilities. the realization that ANYONE can grow their own food ALL YEAR LONG! Without a doubt, I’m a plant person, but it wasn’t always that way. Growing up in the Denver suburbs, I was spoiled with access to a myriad of outdoor activities, hardly taking a moment to account for their value. It wasn’t until I worked as a golf course greenskeeper and landscaper that I began to develop a true appreciation for the natural world around me. I’ll admit, right up front, that the medical cannabis market in Colorado peaked my youthful interest in two things…plants and money. So, I

edible plants, indoors, anywhere in the world, and not break the bank! Peppers, tomatoes, squash, lettuce, kale, strawberries, dill – whatever your taste buds desire. If you can dream it, you can grow it indoors. Yes, even potatoes or peanuts. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a south-facing window for my houseplants and even for starting seeds before spring planting. Where the world of indoor growing turned a real corner was with improvements to lighting technology. In the “olddays” grow lights were so expensive and electrically inefficient that only a large-scale commercial facility or cultivator of high-value

JASON MISPAGEL Indoor Gardener 12

March 2021 | kcgmag.com

to complete control over lighting spectrums designed specifically for certain types of plants and their different stages of growth. It allowed small bookshelves and closets to become home to happy, healthy microgreens and herbs without worry of prematurely cooking them under a hot bulb. It expanded the universe of potential gardeners to include anyone with an interest and an electrical outlet. It was the one roadblock holding us back from growing our own food all year-round without a greenhouse. Everything else we needed already existed in some form or fashion: quality seeds, well-draining con-

licious fruit indoors. That exhibit has a luxury most of us don’t possess, though; an unlimited supply of Florida sun, bursting through a greenhouse roof, 12 months of the year. But thanks to advancements in horticultural lighting technology, we may have finally found the great equalizer to the Florida sun. The excitement we felt and the possibilities we once only dreamed of at a theme park are now realities in our own home. Aeroponic swish chard, deep water culture cherry tomatoes, watermelon vining its way out of an organic soil – our imaginations are the limit.

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.

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Editor’s Choice Hypericum St. John’s Wort

he perennial bed that welcomes neighbors and passersby has been in the midst of a renovation. The dwarf globe blue spruce, the centerpiece of the garden, had been in decline for years due to utility construction on the street. The iris had succumbed to rhizome rot. And Creeping Jenny had take possession of everything else. The time had come for an overhaul. It is a moderately large space facing southeast, that is sun soaked through early afternoon. As mentioned, it is often admired by visitors, and as my personal project, I wanted a riot of color from early spring through first frost. A glad showpiece for all to revel in. While there is no shortage of perennials to choose from for such a location, I was searching for a shrub that could hold its own when planted with other showy perennials. I was looking for a shrub that would compliment the other plants. Perennials like a wide variety of daylilies, lots of blue salvia, a multitude of coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and coreopsis. While at the garden center, Hypericum St. John’s Wort grabbed my attention. Not Hypericum perforatum, the invasive species. Rather, I came home with Pumpkin Hypericum. The name intrigued me. A short conversation with one of the garden center professionals on duty answered my questions confirming success was mine. Let the planting begin! Pumpkin Hypericum, Hypericum inodorum ‘Kolmapuki’ is covered with pretty yellow flowers from mid-summer to early fall, and beautiful rich green foliage all summer. Then, visual interest continues with a fall display of glowing orange berries, making them the per14

March 2021 | kcgmag.com

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

happy sunny addition to the garden

Sunny Boulevard fect addition to any fresh cut floral grouping. Its rounded upright growing habit makes it ideal used as a specimen plant, as in my garden. It certainly would be impressive planted en masse as a hedge. At 2.5 to 3 feet high, Pumpkin likely will not outgrow the space allotted. Average well-draining soil is suitable, as it seems to be drought tolerant and well-adapted to sum-

mer heat. Mulching is helpful in this regard. Information on plant maintenance indicates some pruning if die back occurs in winter. Luckily, they produce fruits on new growth so I can prune off any dead wood in late winter or early spring. Otherwise, this easy-care attractive shrub is considered low maintenance. Listed here too are just a few other varieties available locally,

with subtle distinctions in foliage or berry color also suited for the Midwest. Hypericum kalmianum ‘Sunny Boulevard’ is slightly smaller and typically grows in a dense mound to 2-3 feet tall. This tightly branched shrub is noted for its long bloom time, beginning in July and continuing until September. The flowers are rich yellow, small but numerous, and the leaves are willow-like. Easy, durable yellow flowers all summer long. Attracts birds and pollinators. Another Hypericum kalmianum is Cobalt-n-Gold™. This mounded grower has blue-silver foliage blanketed with 3/4” sunny yellow flowers in late spring and early summer. In fall, the leaves transform to yellow, orange, and red and reveal an attractive exfoliating bark. This plant thrives in full sun and welldrained soil. Then still another interesting Hypericum kalmianum is Blues Festival®. This summer blooming duo of cool blue willow-like foliage and jazzy yellow flowers is a performance you won’t want to miss. Native to North America and deer resistant, it stays neat and tidy with little to no maintenance. Hypericum Blues Festival® blooms on new wood and the finetextured foliage and flower color of this shrub provides interesting contrast among other perennials. Try using St. John’s Wort in a container. With a mixture of annuals spilling out, the combination could be a stunning display. Remember, your local garden center and nursery employs knowledgeable industry professionals ready to share their expertise. While it’s too early to plant, start planning your new growing season and consider a place for Hypericum.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

Photo courtesy of Bailey Nurseries.

Sunny Boulevard Colbalt-n-Gold

Pumpkin Colbalt-n-Gold

Blues Festival

Colbalt-n-Gold

The Kansas City Gardener | March 2021

Colbalt-n-Gold photos courtesy of Bailey Nurseries.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

Naturalizing Native Plants under Trees Summer and fall bloomers round out the season. They include purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), star coreopsis (Coreopsis pubescens), downy skullcap (Scutellaria incana), showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa), Ohio horsemint (Blephilia ciliata), sweet coneflower (Rudbeckia subtomentosa), American bellflower (Cam-

or March by killing an area of turf grass about 200 square feet (10 x 20). If you are ambitious, double or triple this amount. This can be done by pinning down a tarp or a piece of plastic for 8 to 10 weeks in the shade of medium (40+ feet) to large trees (60+ feet), possibly circling the trunk of one. Then remove the covering, install your plants, lay 2

ample, if your planting area is 200 square feet, and you are planting 18 inches apart, then you will need 103 plants total. At 20 inches apart, you will need 83 plants. If you are planting on a budget, consider buying plugs or small pots and plant 24 inches apart (58 plants). The next year in April, look for new seedlings that will begin to ap-

Photos by Scott Woodbury.

f you are struggling to grow lawn under the shade of trees, then maybe it’s time to unleash a patch of woodland wildflowers. Virginia bluebell (Mertensia virginica), wood poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum), Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium reptans), wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), woolen britches (Hydrophyllum appen-

Jacob’s ladder, wild sweet William, blue-eyed Mary, Virginia Bluebell, and Wood Poppy

Wood poppy and Ostrich fern

diculatum), yellow violet (Viola pennsylvanica), wild sweet William (Phlox divaricata), roundleaf groundsel (Packera obovata), and columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) are all spring-blooming species that work well naturalized beneath the high branches of oak, sweet gum, or black walnut trees. Because many spring wildflowers go dormant by summer, mix in sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis), Maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum), or Ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) to fill in gaps that appear mid-season and provide structure. Shrubs, including smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), and shrubby St. John’s Wort (Hypericum prolificum) are all shade tolerant and help provide year-round structure.

inches of ground leaf mulch on the bare soil, and water immediately. (Avoid cutting medium to large tree roots while planting large container plants.) If it doesn’t rain, water weekly and finally, keep the weeds out. Remove lower tree branches to a height of 15 feet for medium trees and 25 feet for large trees to allow indirect side-light to enter the garden. I like to install plants 18 to 20 inches apart. This way, plants grow in thickly by the following season and work to crowd out some of the weeds. To calculate the number of plants needed, there is a helpful plant calculator at classygroundcovers.com. Plant in a triangular pattern. For ex-

panula Americana) and eastern blazingstar (Liatris scariosa). Don’t forget grasses and sedges. I recommend starting with a few woodland rye (Elymus virginicus), bottlebrush grass (Elymus hystrix), American beakgrain (Diarrhena obovata) or river oats (Chasmanthium latifolium). Sedges like palm (Carex muskingumensis), oak (C. albicans), star (C. radiata), Pennsylvania (C. pennsylvanica), and cattail (C. typhina) add a fine-textured contrast to the wildflowers. Remember that in nature, grasses and flowers are randomly mixed like a tossed salad. This approach will look terrific beneath the trees in your yard as well. Start your project in February

SCOTT WOODBURY Horticulturist 16

March 2021 | kcgmag.com

pear and spread. You may expand the planting area outward to make it bigger or dig up and move seedlings to create new beds. This is what I mean by unleashing woodland wildflowers. They will spread by themselves, especially if you rake up tree leaves in February or March so that new seedlings can germinate in April and grow in the bare spaces, unencumbered by a thick layer of leaves. In February or March, trim spent foliage and stems to a height of 8 to 22 inches. Many species of native bees nest in dead stems. New plant growth in April will hide the stubble. What are you waiting for? It’s time to unleash woodland wildflowers in a shaded space near you. What could be more fun and beneficial to human and wildlife health? Happy gardening!

Horticulturist Scott Woodbury is the Curator of the Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO, where he has worked with native plant propagation, design, and education for 30 years. He also is an advisor to the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native! program. Find suppliers of wildflowers for shade and other native plant resources at www.grownative.org, Resource Guide.

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Plants on Your Plate Collard Greens certain cancers, as well as beneficial to eye health, digestive health, healing damaged tissues and preventing neural tube defects in developing fetus’. Collards can be grown yearround, but the best quality crops appear in the cooler temperatures in early spring and late fall. When selecting collard greens, look for deep green leaves that are sturdy and free of any wilt or yellow areas, indicating lack of freshness. Refrigerate in a plastic bag for up to a week for optimal freshness. Prior to cooking, fresh greens should be soaked and swished sev-

eral times in cold water to remove sandy grit. Collards can be cooked in a variety of ways, and usually starts with trimming out the tough center vein. Leaves can be blanched and stuffed, like stuffed cabbage rolls, or finely chopped and added raw to salads. For a truly southern flavor, greens are cooked ‘low and slow’ for several hours with a smoky meat like ham or bacon. The recipe below has a shorted cooking time and uses a leaner meat choice, but still produces a delicious flavor. I hope you will step outside of your comfort zone and give it a try!

Savory Collard Greens MAKES 8 SERVINGS

decided to take a step away from my comfort zone with this month’s installment of Plants on Your Plate and reached out to some of my southern-rooted friends for some insights. Growing up on a dairy farm in south-central Kansas, green beans, corn, and carrots were the most common vegetables at our table. The only kind of ‘greens’ I encountered happened at school lunch in the form of canned spinach, which I usually tried to sneak into my empty milk carton. Grownup me still isn’t a fan of canned spinach, but I do love a good spinach salad. I have also discovered that my family likes kale and swiss chard, so I decided it was time to try something new…and chose collard greens! In the south, the term ‘greens’ refers to vegetables whose leaves are eaten when cooked until tender

and can include mustard, turnip, beet, and collards. Collards are a member of the brassica family and a ‘cousin’ to cabbage and is sometimes referred to as tree-cabbage or headless cabbage. Most historians agree that collards originated in Greek and Roman gardens around 2000 years ago, though some will go as far back as 5000 years. British settlers brought seeds to the colonies in the 17th century. Today, South Carolina is the top producer of collard greens in the United States and in 2011, declared them the state vegetable. Collards, like most leafy greens, are full of powerful nutrients including vitamins A, C, K, and folate, as well as the minerals iron, calcium, magnesium, and of course dietary fiber. These key nutrients show promise in the risk reduction and prevention of heart disease and

DENISE SULLIVAN Nutrition Ninja 18

March 2021 | kcgmag.com

INGREDIENTS 4 pounds collard greens 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cups low sodium chicken broth 1 smoked turkey leg 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 tablespoon granulated sugar Clean collard greens by swishing in sink to remove dirt and grit, drain well. Trim center vein from leaves and chop into 2 x 2-inch pieces, set aside. Heat oil in heavy Dutch oven and add garlic, onion and peppers and sauté until tender. Add chicken broth and bring to boil. Add turkey leg and red pepper flakes, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add collard greens in bunches, allowing greens to wilt before adding more, until all greens are added. Bring back to boil and simmer covered for 30 minutes. Remove from heat, add vinegar and sugar. NUTRITION INFORMATION Calories: 123, Total Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: .6g, Sodium: 150mg, Carbohydrates: 17g, Fiber: 8g, Protein: 9g 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

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Three Simple Tips to Eliminate Fleas

pringtime! After the cold and snow of winter, many of us are excited and ready to see the world come alive again. Green grass, leaves on the trees, birds chirping, and everyone enjoying time outdoors once again. One activity I personally enjoy, along with many others, is taking my dog for a walk. Along with our pets and us enjoying the outdoors, so are unwanted pests. The spring season brings the warmer weather that pests enjoy and thrive in. One pest in particular that we all need to be aware of, regardless of being pet owners, are FLEAS! Fleas — what are they? First, let’s talk about what fleas are, what they look like and what they do. In Kansas City, there is only one type of flea we see – the “Cat Flea.” Do not be fooled by the name, these fleas can be found on all mammals and birds, and can survive in households. Fleas are rather small, only measuring in size of up to 3/16 of an inch as an adult. They do not have wings but can jump at the blink of an eye, appearing as if they flew. Fleas have a tough hard body and feed off the blood of mammals to survive. Typically, when fleas are active, their population is very large. How to spot fleas? There are two easy ways to help determine the presence of active fleas. You may notice your pets constantly biting and scratching certain areas. You may be walking through a lawn or landscape and spot very small and quickly jumping insects near belt buckle height and below. These are both strong indicators of possible active fleas. Can people get flea bites? People often wonder if, aside

Treat your lawn and landscape to keep fleas under control. from their pets, they too can be bitten by fleas. The answer to this question is “yes.” When the population is severe enough, even people can be at risk. Keeping control over fleas will help provide a healthy outdoor experience and more enjoyable moments. So, how do we control fleas? It’s as simple as 1-2-3! • Regular cleaning • Treated pets • Treated lawn The first rule in pest control is sanitation. This means regular cleaning and vacuuming inside

KEVIN RISCOE Pest Control Manager 20

March 2021 | kcgmag.com

your home. Doing this not only promotes a healthy living environment but will also reduce the risk of any active fleas or eggs establishing residence inside your home. With proper cleaning also comes treating your four-legged companions. These treatment methods can include oral tablets, liquid gels, soaps/shampoos, and/ or protective collars. Please discuss with your local vet to find the safest treatment option for your pet. Lastly, the final step is treating your lawn and landscapes. There are several different ways of doing this. There are granular and

liquid materials that have been designed specifically to combat fleas. Through experience, we have seen that in active flea situations, liquid treatments tend to provide the most effective results. I recommend discussing with your pest control expert regarding the options they provide and what option best suits your property and needs. A clean home, protected pet, and treated lawn/landscape are all excellent and effective methods to keep fleas under control. It is absolutely essential that these three steps are all completed in order to ensure the best protection possible for your family.

Kevin Riscoe is one of Ryan Lawn & Tree’s Pest Control Managers with just under five years of experience. He has always had a passion for the outdoors and wildlife. You can reach Kevin directly at kevinriscoe@ryanlawn. com or 913-267-3684.

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SAVE THE DATE 2021 Garden Tour June 11, 12

pring is coming and soon it will be time to get outside to enjoy beautiful weather—perfect opportunity to stroll gardens on June 11 and 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The MU Extension Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City are hosting their 2021 Garden Tour with 7+ gardens to tempt your senses. In upcoming issues, we will highlight the gorgeous gardens you can visit, and provide more details about the tour. Garden #1: Shady, Peaceful Retreat This garden reminds us that a shady garden need not be a colorless garden—to the contrary, colorful dragonwing begonias and coleus plants provide warm and cheerful color among the deep green shadows. A thriving family of hostas fills the garden with shades of greens and blues, their white flowering stalks floating above the foliage as if in conversation with one another. Caladiums blushing pale pink, deep crimson, and cream provide interest and diversity beneath the trees and the hanging baskets of impatiens and more begonias. When the owners began their garden five years ago, they were met with a series of setbacks, including heavy shade and standing water. These features did not deter them from their gardening dreams, however, and they worked with the landscape by adding a French drain and modifying the grade of their yard. The homeowners recall, “When we moved in, one of the things we loved was the stand of mature shade trees. However, it was difficult to keep the grass growing and to find plants that were shadeloving. This led to expanding the back area to include a large hosta garden as well as along the side. We also added a water feature to assist in occupying the shaded area. We expanded the patio and added a fireplace and gazebo.” The resulting effect is a cool, calming retreat full of color, scent, and interest. Dappled shade reigns. The stone fireplace flanked by large ferns invites conversation and provides an organic gathering place. Other plants you will find drowsing in

March 2021 | kcgmag.com

the peaceful shade include oakleaf hydrangeas, torenias, mandevilla, Japanese maples, and trumpet vine. In the sunnier patches are succulents, lantana, wisteria climbing the gazebo, and zinnias. Garden #2: A Garden Planted with Nature in Mind Trees, shrubs, hostas, and ground covers dominate this wildlife-friendly garden. Vinca and lilyof-the-valley now blanket what had once been a challenging rocky rise with very little exposure to light. “We preferred to plant as many perennials as possible, leaning toward native plants and those that provide food for pollinators and birds,” the homeowners explain. While this garden invites wildlife visitors, it is not completely wild. There is a balance between formal and informal areas, with plants selected so that something is always in bloom. The lot had been a wooded pasture prior to being developed, and the homeowners were met with several challenges as they designed their garden, including rocky soil, steep slopes, and a healthy population of deer and wildlife who were eager to eat almost anything planted in the ground. However, the homeowners adapted and embraced these features, particularly with regards to the wildlife who coexist on the property and who had long used the property as a trail between two county parks. Reflecting on their approach of working with—rather than against—the natural environment of their property, the homeowners advise, “Don’t fight nature; some of our best plant solutions are natives.” Beyond the stone patio and the cedar arbor, mature trees on the higher elevation of the yard have been pruned high to allow for light to filter through while also keeping the garden cool on hot summer days—like a woodland “ballroom,” as the homeowner describes it. A circular stone raised bed creates a focal point in the sunny area of the yard, brimming with tropical elephant ears. Visual layers of plants and stone features add perceptions of depth.

Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale in Paola

Eco-friendly plants for garden sustainability

he trend toward gardening for wildlife and eco-sustainability shows no sign of letting up, so the annual plant sale in Paola will once again feature native plants, butterfly host plants and pollinator plants in addition to the ever-popular annuals and perennials. The sale will be held from 9 to 5 on May 6-7-8 in the parking lot in front of our new Extension Office at 913 N. Pearl (Old KC Road) in Paola. The timing is perfect for home gardeners who are ready to get outside and begin working in their 2021 gardens. The plants have been  grown by a local grower  who does not use harmful  chemicals, including Neonicotinoids. As always, Paola Plant Sale shoppers can be confident their eco-conscious purchases are safe for beneficial insects, and appropriate for our Midwest clay soil and unpredictable weather conditions. Butterfly expert Lenora Larson will be on hand during the sale to answer questions and guide shoppers toward the best selections. Natives and Host Plants Steal the Show “We’ll have ten different varieties of Milkweed to host your Monarchs,” says plant sale chair Sondra Dela Cruz, “and Swallowtail host plants such as Spicebush, Pawpaws, Dutchman’s Pipe Vines, and so much more.” In addition to host and pollinator plants, shoppers will also find other native plants and perennials; colorful annuals for containers and bedding; tropicals and succulents; herbs and vegetable transplants for unbeatable homegrown taste; and gorgeous hanging baskets and planters for instant beauty and Mother’s Day gifts. Mark your calendar now, and save May 6-7-8 for the Paola Plant Sale. For more informa-

tion contact the MdC Extension Office at 913-294-4306. Visit the website at www.maraisdescygnes.ksu.edu and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/mdcemg. Pollinator Gardens A pollinator garden and a butterfly garden are usually not the same! Flowers meet all of a bee’s needs, since the adults eat nectar and pollen and feed this mixture to their larvae. All butterflies need particular host plants for their caterpillars to eat. However, some plants (such as Milkweeds and Sennas) are both great pollinator nectar sources and specific butterfly host plants (Monarchs and Sulphurs, respectively). Also of major importance in a pollinator garden is the avoidance of plants that will poison your pollinators! The nectar and pollen of plants containing systemic insecticides called Neonicotinoids will poison your bees and butterflies. Most of the plants sold at big box stores are poisonous. Even large nurseries may be selling plants treated with systemic insecticides, so you need to ask! If the store manager doesn’t know or can’t assure you that their stock is grown organically without systemics, do NOT purchase their plants, as you risk poisoning your pollinators.—Lenora Larson

Missouri Wildflowers Nursery 9814 Pleasant Hill Rd Jefferson City MO 65109 www.mowildflowers.net mowldflrs@socket.net 573-496-3492

Meet us at one of these locations in the KC area. Give us your order by Tuesday before a sale, and we will bring it to the location. Plants purchased at events away from the nursery cost 10% more, which covers sales tax and shipping. Event sales cost less than having them shipped by UPS from the nursery. Burr Oak Woods Cons. Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Rd. Blue Springs MO 64015. ‘Ask the Expert Expo’ & Native Plant Sale. Pre-Orders & On site shopping . March 13, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prairie Village Pool Parking Lot, 7711 Delmar Street, Prairie Village KS 66208 Deep Roots Native Plant Sale. April 10, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. sarah@deeprootskc.org. Pre-Orders plus limited in-person shopping. See deeprootskc.org Anita B Gorman Cons. Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave. KC MO. Missouri Prairie Foundation Native Plant Pre-Order Sale. April 17, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Shawnee Indian Mission, 3403 West 53rd St, Fairway KS 66205. Shawnee Indian Mission Native Plant Sale. Pre-orders only. April 24, 11a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Backyard Bird Center 6212 NW Barry Rd, KC MO 64154. Burroughs Audubon Native Plant Sale. Pre-Orders only. April 24, 10 a.m. - 12 noon. New Mark Middle School Parking Lot. 515 NE 106th St, KC MO 64155 Backyard Blowout Sale (includes our native plants). Pre-Orders & On site shopping. May 1, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Kansas City Community Gardens, 6917 Kensington Ave, KC MO 64132.

Westport Garden Club native plant sale. Pre-Orders only. May 1, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Are you our next great employee? The difference between Wild Birds Unlimited and other retailers goes far beyond what we sell. It’s who we are. Enthusiasm, professionalism, informed advice and superior customer service are the hallmarks of our staff. We are seeking a Sales Associate with great retail and service skills. Working at your locally-owned Wild Birds Unlimited store is an opportunity to support and educate our friendly customers about birds and nature. Our Sales Associates work with other staff, including the owner, to bring to life the store’s mission – “We Bring People and Nature Together®…And We Do It With Excellence!” To that end, we provide training with regard to backyard bird feeding, bird watching and product knowledge. Requirements: • Previous retail experience preferred, but not required. • Ability to lift and carry seed for our customers – a foundation of our service! • Will consider both full-time and part-time applications that meet the needs of the business, but a flexible schedule and the ability to work weekends are required. Our goal is to provide quality products, service, expertise and a high energy shopping experience. Help customers bring nature into their own backyards and lives. Come join our team! Call us at 913-491-4887 or email us at wbuleawood@att.net for an application.

of Leawood, KS

11711 Roe Avenue (NE corner 119th and Roe) • 913-491-4887 Store Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun noon-4pm

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For All Seasons Lawn Food Plus Crabgrass and Weed Preventer Apply in early spring or fall 2 to 3 weeks prior to seed germination to obtain control of grassy and broadleaf weeds. Coverage: 5,000 sq. ft. Have a lawn and garden question for the Gard’n-Wise Guys? Go to Facebook and ask them your question. NOW AVAILABLE AT: Jacksons Greenhouse & Garden Center, Topeka v Doctors At the Lake, Lake of the Ozarks v Manns Lawn & Landscape, St. Joe v Gronis Hardware and Seed, Leavenworth v Clinton Parkway Nursery, Lawrence v Barnes Greenhouses, Trenton, MO v Soil Service Gdn. Center, Kansas City, MO v Loma Vista North, Kansas City, MO v Skinner Garden Store, Topeka v Full Features Nursery, Smithville v Springtime Garden Center, Lee’s Summit v Heartland Nursery, Kansas City, MO v Planter’s Seed, Kansas City, MO v Penrod’s Greenhouse, Kearney v North Star Garden Center, Liberty v Grimm’s Gardens, Atchison v Moffet Nursery, St. Joe v Suburban Lawn & Garden, Kansas City, MO

The Kansas City Gardener | March 2021

Rose Report

to prune or not to prune, that is the question

arch is a great time to prune your roses but frequently gardeners are intimidated about when and how to prune roses. It is not as complicated as it may seem when you follow a few simple steps. In our area when the forsythia blooms that is the time to prune roses. You will see the bright yellow blooms of forsythia blooming in March before many other plants in our area. Make sure you have good tools that are sharp. I like to use a Felco #2 bypass pruner. Bypass pruner blades bypass with a clean cut when closed as opposed to an Anvil pruner that smashes the stem. A

good pair of bypass loppers is needed for larger canes and a folding saw is great for large old canes. Be sure to have a pair of leather gauntlet gloves to protect your hands and arms as well. Prune your roses bushes. First prune out the dead wood in the rose since dead wood is easiest to see and it builds your confidence knowing you can’t make a mistake pruning out dead wood. Second, prune away any thin or weak growth since this will not support blooms and only takes energy from the entire rose bush. Third, look for canes that are crossing each other and remove them. The crossing canes are typi-

JUDY PENNER Expert Rosarian

Extension Master Gardeners are ready to answer your gardening questions.

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

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JOHNSON COUNTY, KS

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JOHNSON COUNTY, MO

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

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913-299-9300; Mon, Wed, Fri, 9am-4pm Ask a Rosarian; kcrosehelp@gmail.com; www.kansascityrosesociety.org

March 2021 | kcgmag.com

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

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QUESTIONS ABOUT ROSES?

ing bud eye. New growth grows to the direction of the bud eye, so this is an important step to keep canes from growing into the center of the bush. Don’t worry if you don’t get this step correct you will still have roses and you can prune after the first bloom to an outward facing bud eye. I will have a YouTube video demonstrating how to prune roses and plant bare root roses in Mid to late March. You can find the video on https://www.kansascityrosesociety.org/ or go to my YouTube channel Judy Penner and please push like if you like the video. Remember to stop and smell the roses.

Judy Penner is Expert Rosarian at Loose Park, Kansas City, Missouri. You may reach her at judyssecretgardens@gmail.com.

Hotlines for Gardeners

cally growing into the center of the rose bush and are touching each other. Fourth, decide what height you would like the rose bush. Long canes will produce many smaller blooms while shorter canes will produce larger blooms on longer stems. Many rose exhibitors prune the canes lower but, in the garden, I like to have many blooms so I will prune the canes between 2’-2 ½’. Remember in our area we have years when the canes die back to the mulch pile and that is ok since the roses are alive under the protective mulch. The final step in pruning your rose is cutting to an outward fac-

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.

July

2015

Up Close

with Anthony Williams DAVEY TREE district manager

THERE ARE GREEN INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS DEDICATED TO THEIR CRAFT, MADE OBVIOUS BY THEIR CAREER CHOICE. WE ARE CURIOUS ABOUT THE INFLUENCES TOWARD THEIR CAREER, AS WELL AS OTHER INTERESTING ASPECTS OF THEIR LIFE. Job Job Description: Description: The District Manager position demands the ability to switch between multiple roles effectively and efficiently at a moment’s notice. First and foremost, I am a team member of the Kansas City Office. Some of my responsibilities include (but are not limited to) ensuring that Safety is our top priority, providing on the job training, the supervision of all services, ensuring Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance, providing consultations, and working in the field with the team. My adventure with Davey Tree began about 17 years ago in 2004 with our N. Detroit office. In 2008, I transferred to our Charlotte office. Then, I took a sales position in Cleveland in 2016. Finally, in 2019, I moved here to run the Kansas City office. Services offered: We offer a wide variety of services and can be helpful with just about anything in the landscape. Our core services include tree pruning and preservation, tree removal and stump grinding, plant health care services, fertilization, and pest management. We even offer lawn care services such as fertilization, weed and grub control, disease treatments and seeding options. How you came to work in the green industry: I first began working with plants and soil when I attended a trade school back in Michigan. It was not long before I knew I wanted to be a part of the green industry in one way or another. One day a recruiter came to the school to tell us about his company, The Davey Tree Expert Company. The long history of the company and the employee ownership really hit home for me coming from a proud union family. Over the years I have had the pleasure of working my way up the ranks with some really great people. It is hard to say who

inspired me the most. Every day I’m reminded of something someone has taught me along the way and I value all the experience this company has shared with me. Favorite tree: My personal favorite is the Live oak. Next in the running would be the American Elms and Swamp white oaks, but there are so many others. The shade they provide, the wildlife they shelter, and the stories they tell are just some of the reasons why the trees speak to me. No doubt COVID-19 has affected your company and operations: In the tree care industry, safety must always come first. COVID-19 prevention immediately became another safety program within our company. We quickly implemented safety policies to keep our teams and clients safe. I long for the day when I can have a face-to-face consultation without a mask again, but for the time being it is just too risky (even outdoors). As an industry professional, what what do you see trending on the home gardening scene? Pollinator and environmentally friendly methods and products to help better control pests like emerald ash borer, Japanese beetle, and bagworm are becoming increasingly more common. The single rope technique of tree climbing is also exciting for us. It has brought a new level of safety to our tree climbers. What every homeowner and gardener should know: I wish more people were aware that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Having your tree inspected by a certified arborist regularly to stay informed on their condition helps keeps your trees healthy; and healthy trees are resistant trees. A great way to keep them that way

is with annual fertilization. Proper cultural practices like mulching correctly and watering during hot dry weather is sometimes overlooked and could cause more damage than homeowners realize. Your evergreens will benefit from watering prior to winter. When the work is done, how do you spend your free time? Since I am still fairly new to the area, I

like to get out and explore. Taking my dog to the lake for a swim or the woods for a hike are favorite outdoor activities. I wish more things were open this year, but this too shall pass. Contact information: www.davey. com; 913-451-TREE (8733)

The Kansas City Gardener | March 2021

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

LAWN

• Spot spray for dandelions, henbit, and chickweed. Prevent drift by applying on a calm day, using larger water droplets, and spraying close to the ground. • Apply crabgrass preventer in late March through mid-April. • Seed the thin areas in bluegrass and tall fescue lawns. • Apply fertilizer to bluegrass and tall fescue if no fall application was made. • Lower mowing height about one-half inch to remove winter debris, do not scalp. • Mow bluegrass and tall fescue at 3 inches for best growth. • Take a soil test to determine fertility needs. • Tune-up lawn mowers for another season. • Sharpen blades for a quality cut.

TREES AND SHRUBS

• Remove all broken branches from stormdamaged trees by pruning to the next lower branch or fork. • Prune trees, except birch, maple and walnut which are best pruned after they leaf out. • Prune spring flowering shrubs after they bloom. • Prune summer flowering shrubs now to promote new growth and more blooms. • Mulch tree and shrub plantings, up to 3 inches deep, avoiding trunk contact. • Fertilize young and establishing trees and shrubs.

• Remove tree stakes after one year. • Plant new trees in the landscape. • Remove tree wraps from young trees for summer growth. • Rake and clean ground cover plantings.

FLOWERS

• Plant pansies, snapdragons, calendulas and other cool-loving annuals. • Delay spring perennial clean up until after several days in the 50’s, allowing overwintering beneficial insects time to emerge. • Clean up dead perennial growth by cutting back foliage and removing winter mulch. • Take a soil test if one has not been done in the last five years. • Prepare soil for annual planting by adding organic matter such as compost. • Fertilize gardens as growth begins. • Start seeds under lights indoors for transplanting to the garden. • Remove winter mulch from roses and prune as needed, late month. • Cut ornamental grasses back to within 3 to 5 inches of the ground. • Plant new roses. • Divide and plant perennials. • Fertilize spring flowering bulbs such as tulips and daffodils before flowering. • Cut seedpods from spent bulbs. • Help control iris borers by destroying old foliage before new growth begins. • Unwrap mail-order plants. Keep cool and moist until planting.

VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

• Prepare soil for spring planting. • Take a soil test if needed. • Fertilize gardens before planting with 3 to 4 pounds of fertilizer with numbers similar to 27-3-3 per 1,000 square feet. • Plant broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage in mid to late March. • Plant potatoes, peas, onions, lettuce and other salad crops. • Plant asparagus, rhubarb and strawberries. • Start seeds of tomatoes, peppers and other warm-season vegetables. • Sharpen garden tools and repair. • Apply dormant oil to fruit plantings to reduce scale and mite insects. • Control peach leaf curl with a fungicide application while the tree is dormant. • Prune fruit trees, grapes, raspberries and blackberries. • Remove mulch from strawberries. • Turn the compost pile.

HOUSEPLANTS

• Fertilize to encourage rapid spring and summer growth. • Repot crowded plants in a 1-inch larger pot. • Shape plants by pruning and trimming. • Remove winter dust from leaves with a damp cloth or by placing in a warm shower. • Check for insects. • Take cuttings or divide overgrown plants.

Johnson County K-State Research and Extension recommends environmentally-friendly gardening practices. This starts by identifying and monitoring problems. Cultural practices and controls are the best approach for a healthy garden. If needed, use physical, biological or chemical controls. Always consider the least toxic approach first. Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000. 26

March 2021 | kcgmag.com

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www.missouriorganic.com The Kansas City Gardener | March 2021

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KCG Mar21

Articles inside

Tips to Eliminate Fleas

UP CLOSE

Naturalize Natives under Trees

Indoor Gardening

That’s a Beat I can Dance to

Plants on Your Plate

Stratify Native Plant Seeds

Ask the Experts