KCG 05May19 by The Kansas City Gardener

The Kansas City

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

May 2019

Peonies

Take Center Stage

Identifying Birds Combine Contrasting Colors Best Apple Tree Varieties in KC Consider Native Sedges

Attention Homeowners! If you’re thinking of adding a water garden this year, here’s why you should call Swan’s Water Gardens.

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After 24 years of researching and installing water gardens, we have refined our building techniques to a level that produces the most naturalistic and easiest maintenance water garden you can have built today.

Located on 8 acres dedicated to building and maintaining water gardens. Make a day of strolling through water gardens and quaint shops of our Water Garden Village.

With so many companies just wanting to sell you their products for a price, then leave you We call it the “Four Season Water Garden” alone to deal with the many costly mistakes that for good reason. It’s the water garden for all first-time pond builders and landscapers make. seasons. From the beautiful flowers of summer, to the magical ice sculptures of winter. We don’t think that’s right! The best part of the “Four Seasons Water Garden” is its guaranteed from leaking for When you entrust Swan’s Water Gardens with your business, you get more than just the 5 full years! The longest guarantee in the materials to build your pond. industry.

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You get over 24 years of pond building experience and knowledge to go with your purchase. We are going to be here to assist you with the step-by-step pond building process from start to finish, or we can build it for you. Your end result, a Water Garden Paradise.

Why do we stand behind our work for so long? Very simple, when you hire Swan’s Water Gardens to build your water garden, it’s the beginning of our relationship, not the end! So if you’re looking for a company you’ll never hear from again, we’re probably not the company you’re looking for.

We also have many more display gardens ranging in price from $2,500 up to $40,000 for a more elaborate feature built by Swan’s Water Gardens. We have many exciting events and classes scheduled for 2019 so be sure to watch for them in upcoming issues of The Kansas City Gardener. We are Kansas City’s only full service water garden company that carries everything you’ll need to complete and enjoy your water garden lifestyle.

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The Kansas City Gardener | May 2019

The Kansas City

editor’s notes

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

Garden moments

Independently owned and operated since 1996 Publisher Michael Cavanaugh Editor Elizabeth Cavanaugh Contributors Abby Byrd Tracy Flowers Nik and Theresa Hiremath Lenora Larson Susan Mertz Dennis Patton Tamra Reall Ed Reese Chelsea Didde Rice Phil Roudebush Scott Woodbury Distribution Publishers Delivery Solutions, Inc.

How to Reach Us ...

P.O. Box 8725 Prairie Village, KS 66208 Phone: 913-648-4728 For advertising information contact Michael Cavanaugh at mike@kcgmag.com Submit editorial questions to Elizabeth Cavanaugh at elizabeth@kcgmag.com

See us on the Web: www.kcgmag.com

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here is an oversized chair in the living room, covered with the most beautiful floral tapestry. Twenty-five years old, it has held up well. Most every morning, this is where I sit to contemplate the day before me. As a prayer chair, my morning ritual of gratitude starts here. Positioned southeast, I’m able to greet the sun as it beams through the treetops, making its way to my garden. I linger in this place for a while to soak in a few garden moments. This time of day, I watch the Mourning Doves gather on the arched arbor as they sound out their soft coo-oo. Down low a Carolina Wren zips across the mulched pathway and lands in the lower portion of the arborvitae shrub, ultimately making way to the nesting box hanging higher up. The Robins have made quick work of remaining fruit on the crabapple tree, much to the dismay of squirrels who are forced to search the ground for their last buried treasure. Frequently, I’ll catch a glimpse of a Robin pair who jump and leap in what looks like a

fight or a love dance. I’m not quite sure. Entertaining all the same. Still another Robin caught my attention when she/he landed in the crook of the weeping Japanese maple, just three feet away from the window where I was sitting. Still attached were leaves, pale and thin as tissue paper, from last season yet to drop away. I watched as she quickly gathered the remaining leaves, then fly away to the nesting site. I’ve collected more of these moments while walking among the plants in a local garden center. A young girl on her bike rode up next to me asking, “Do you know anything about plants?” I replied with a smile, “A little.” She had attended an Arbor Day event and received a free tree. “How big does a red bud tree get?” As we continued our conversation, along came her, and this young gardener was able to confidently share what

she had learned. My guess is that she’s eager to plant and care for that seedling. Reminds me of when my children were small and gung-ho for planting something of their own. Couples in the springtime of life together, navigate the color parade of annuals and perennials, while discussing lawn care chores. She says to her husband, “When do we need to use that big rakey thing?” Verticutter? There was a time I didn’t know the name either. These moments are such a pleasure. Some tender, some humorous. Mostly though, they fill me with a sense of contentment and optimism. Tell me about your memorable moments in the garden. I hope they inspire you to linger a little longer. I’ll see you in the garden!

In this issue May 2019 • Vol. 24 No. 5 Ask the Experts ........................ 6 JoCo hires 2nd hort agent ........ 7 Exploring Possibilities ............... 8 Gems in Master Gardener Tour.. 10 Kids Ask Dr. Bug ..................... 12 Combine Contrasting Colors ..... 14 Powell Gardens in May ............ 16 Do Organic Gardeners kill Butterflies? .............................. 18 Shawnee Garden Sampler Tour.. 19 Peonies Take Center Stage ....... 20 Wild Roses and Tom Cats ........ 22

about the cover ...

Identifying Birds ...................... 24 Douglas County Garden Tour ... 25 Pets & Plants ........................... 26 Consider Native Sedges .......... 27 Best Apple Trees for KC ........... 28 Bird Facts ............................... 30 Become a Missouri MG ........... 30 Upcoming Events ..................... 32 Garden Calendar .................... 38 Hotlines .................................. 39 Subscribe ................................ 39 Meet a Master Gardener........... 39

Peony ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ shines in the early summer garden. Learn more about peonies starting on page 20. Photo courtesy of monrovia.com.

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The Kansas City Gardener | May 2019

Ask the Experts Gardeners have plenty of questions about soil and plant issues, DENNIS PATTON answers a few of them here. HOW TO ATTRACT BUMBLEBEES Question: I attended a seminar last year where the presenter claimed that tomatoes are pollinated exclusively by bumblebees. Is that true? I love bumblebees. How do I entice them into my garden? Answer: The problem with this claim is the use of the word “exclusively.” Tomatoes are considered to be pollinated by the wind. Research by the Xerces Society has shown that native bees, such as bumblebees, produce a vibration that releases pollen. The result can be improved fruiting of tomatoes. I guess, indirectly, bumblebees can have a hand in pollination. Now let me address how to attract bumblebees to your yard. Let’s start with the basics, such as eliminating pesticide use and

planting a diverse plant palette. Bumblebees are most commonly found close to native habitats where there are ample nesting sites. Unlike honey bees, a new colony is formed every year from an overwintering queen that spends the winter in a safe location. Come spring she emerges and searches out a new nest for the colony. Bumblebees formed their nest in cavities in the soil, in rotting logs and other protected locations. They favor unkempt areas which may not be the most desirable for a city dweller. HOLLY GETS MIXED REVIEW Question: I’d like to plant male and female holly shrubs where they would get eastern morning sun and afternoon shade. But the Missouri Botanical Garden Plant

Winterberry Ilex verticillata ‘Winter Red’ Finder is making me rethink my choices of ‘Castle Wall’ (male) and ‘Centennial Girl’ (female) [the Meserve series]. MoBot lists issues with soil pH/chlorosis and pest/disease. Is that only in St. Louis or does holly not do well here in Kansas City? Answer: I have a lot of experience with many plants, but honestly this is one plant I cannot figure out. My take is that this plant is a hit or a miss. In most cases working with fellow gardeners, holly

is a miss. We have many people coming into the Extension office wondering what’s wrong with their holly. There are a number of Meserve hybrid cultivars on the market. It is the most common group available. Hollies like evenly-moist, well-drained acidic soils. They also like sun, but not hot sun. Does this sound like Kansas City conditions? I don’t think so. Before people start calling me and telling me how wonderful their holly grows, please don’t. My take is to give it a try. If you have the right conditions, your plant will thrive and look fantastic. If the plants don’t like your spot, then they will sit there, just begging to either grow or be shovel pruned. WHY PAINT THE INSIDE OF CLAY POT Question: I met one of your knowledgeable Master Gardeners at a local nursery and she was the nicest person! She gave me this tip – paint the insides of my clay pots with waterproof paint. She said this would help the pots retain water in the summer and help against cracking in the winter. Any thoughts before I head to the hardware store?

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Answer: I sometimes give this same recommendation for clay pots and fibrous basket liners. The waterproof sealer slows evaporation. However, I would not agree with the statement that it reduces cracking in the winter. Freezing and thawing of the moisture in the pot causes the cracking. The outside of the pot would still absorb water and cause the crack. So go ahead and make a trip the hardware store, but I would recommend to store your pot dry and out the elements. I think this would significantly increase the life of your investment. WILL NEW GROWTH MATERIALIZE IF I PRUNE Question: Does pruning dead wood out of shrubs stimulate new growth? I pruned out a lot of deadwood in my yews in March and I’m hoping for new growth. Answer: ‘Dead is dead’ is one of my favorite sayings. Deadwood has no energy to shift to another part of the plant. Pruning a live branch does transfer its energy to other plant parts which can result in new growth. If your plant had a lot of dead limbs, then the plant is probably under stress. I would not hold my breath for robust new growth. With that being said, removing dead wood is a good task as it cleans up the plant, reduces potential disease pressure, and overall makes the plant look better. WOOD VS ROCKS AS BED COVER Question: I like the look of wood mulch in my landscape. It is a lot of work hauling around the

bags. I am thinking of replacing the mulch with rocks. What are the pros and cons? Answer: This is kind of like the paper or plastic issue. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Pros for organic wood mulch is it is natural looking and improves the soil as it decomposes. Cons is it needs to be replaced almost every year. As for rock, the pro is long lasting. The con is that it is long lasting. Rock mulch does not build soil or release nutrients for plant growth. The major disadvantage of rock is once it is down it is next to impossible to remove. Over time dust blows into the rock, begins to sink, and weeds start to grow from the trapped soil above the fabric layer. Here may be the better question. If you like to garden and move plants around, then why not go with wood mulch. If you want to plant it and never dig in the soil again then go with rock. Call me jaded but rock, I believe, is more trouble in the long run especially when it comes to renovating the landscape or ridding it of weeds once the silt settles in. I feel your pain with the bagged mulched but once finished there is nothing better than sitting back on the patio sipping a cold one and appreciating my hard work. 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.

Johnson County extension hires second hort agent

achary Hoppenstedt has joined the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension office, located in Olathe, as a horticulture extension agent, specializing in fruit and vegetable crops. Zac earned his master’s degree in Horticulture from Kansas State University and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Kansas. Hoppenstedt was raised in Manhattan, Kan., and brings more than 10 years of experience in management of successful agriculture and environment projects to his new role. Zac will be charged with providing technical support for local farms and educational programs related to fruit and vegetable production for both commercial and home growers in Johnson County. Local extension faculty are jointly employed in a partnership between K-State Research and

Extension, headquartered on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan, and the local Extension board. The role of K-State Research and Extension is to encourage the adoption of research-based information to improve the quality of life for Kansans. More information about K-State Research and Extension Johnson County is available by calling 913-715-7000, or at www.johnson.k-state.edu/.

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The Kansas City Gardener | May 2019

Exploring Possibilities Surrounded by inspiration on the grounds of Powell Gardens, SUSAN MERTZ gives a garden update. Photos courtesy of Proven Winners www.provenwinners.com.

owell Gardens celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2018, a significant milestone for Kansas City’s botanical garden and a cue to evaluate how our gardens have aged. As many of us experience with maturing landscapes, changing conditions require a fresh look at original plantings. And, offer an opportunity to explore possibilities in making updates. An expanding tree canopy may mean that plants intended for a sunny spot are now in the shade. The removal of a damaged tree might leave plants that were once protected at the mercy of the elements! We’re experiencing these natural evolutions at Powell Gardens and have identified several areas in need of updates and redesign. The Perennial Garden at Powell Gardens is an area that will see

Allium ‘Serendipity’

Hibiscus ‘Evening Rose’

Sedum ‘Boogie Woogie’

enhancements in 2019. The first of our core gardens, the Perennial Garden hosts some plants that may be older than the garden itself! This maturity may be fine for a peony but is not ideal for other plants. This garden’s original design utilizes a curved stone wall and winding pathway as a central feature, building themed areas and garden beds. This framework will remain as we remove underperforming

plants, incorporate new areas of interest and add drifts of plants. We are partnering with Walters Gardens, Inc., a national perennial grower, to feature numerous Proven Winners perennials in a mixed border leading to the arbor. Taking advantage of newer genetics, these plants will extend the season of interest in this area. Summerific® ‘Evening Rose’ is a hardy hibiscus with dark foliage and hot pink flowers. ‘Serendipity’ Allium has blue-green foliage and long lasting purple globe flowers favored by pollinators but avoided by rabbits and deer. Spilling over the wall from an upper garden, ‘Stand by Me’ Clematis will mimic the appearance of a waterfall when it’s in flower. ‘Tuscan Sun’ and ‘Tuscan Gold’ Heliopsis will add flowers to the garden in late sum-

mer and into fall. Rock ’N Grow® Sedums are perfect for the front of the border. ‘Boogie Woogie’ has green and cream variegated foliage with bright yellow flowers. ‘Yellow Brick Road’ has dark green leaves with red stems and summer yellow flowers. These are just a few of the new plants planned for the Perennial Garden which will be open during the renovations. We encourage you to make plans to stroll through this beloved garden to learn about the new plants and see the changes as they unfold. And, to visit our Heartland Harvest Garden and see the changes we are making there as we explore those possibilities too.

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Susan Mertz is Director of Horticulture, Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s Botanical Garden.

Heartland Hosta & Shade Plant Society

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9:00am – 1:00pm

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There will be a great collection of newer Hostas and other shade perennials. The public is welcome. For more information check out our web or Facebook pages. www.heartlandhosta.club https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandHostaAndShadePlantSociety/ Or call Riley at 913-638-1184.

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The Kansas City Gardener | May 2019

Garden Gems Featured in Master Gardener Tour Sparking Garden Diamond This 100-year-old home’s landscape came into its own through the owners’ interest in vibrant colors. The garden is a small space with a place for everything with everything in its place. Shady spots around trees are brightened up with colorful impatiens; trees include Mimosa, Ornamental peach, Japanese maple, and red buds. In the backyard you can enjoy the sights and sounds of a fountain, two ponds, one for koi and one for goldfish, and a gazebo with a seating area. A variety of statues add structure to the plantings. Gargoyles and Easter Island idols guard the fish in the ponds. There are many plants specifically chosen to complement each other and appeal to pollinators. Even the vegetable garden is an attractive addition. These great results are achieved by the gardener’s dar-

ing to experiment and try new things while enjoying the tried and true like the clematis blooming in three colors. Other classics that can be found are Black-eyed Susan, Columbine, Lilies and Phlox. The homeowner credits much of the success of the experiments to a religious use of compost. You will be a compost believer after seeing this beautiful compact garden. Garden Treasure Preservation, restoration and inspiration describe the evolution of the garden in this 1917 built home. Taking on custodianship of a 75-year-old home and garden from the original owner called for a sharp eye and some resolve to preserve history while updating some declining plants and shrubs. Enjoy a dogwood grove lush with under plantings of pinky winky, hydrangeas, astilbe, peo-

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Be inspired by Hydrangea blooming in June. nies and hosta. The Azalea Renee Michelle by the front door is one of the originals plantings at least 75 years old. Also original to the home are the peonies forming a border along the driveway. Spring flowering shrubs and trees outline the backyard under planted with hydrangeas and bordered with daylilies. Boxwood parterres and brick pathways in the back garden provide structure and definition. Take time to enjoy the three fountains and bird baths from seating in the backyard. Do not miss the vintage garden art with local provenance including a carved lime cockatoo from the original KC Zoo building in Swope Park and a cast concrete elf from poolside of the Mary Rockwell Hood home. Look for a Frank Lloyd Wright Midway Gardens sprite along with the other unusual garden art objects. Climbing clematis and wisteria add color to a back fence and a potting shed. To spice it up there is an herb garden outside the back gate. Tree lovers prepare to see some of your old and perhaps some new favorites. Look for weeping crabapple Luisa, Norway maple, dogwoods, Cherokee redbud, and Japanese maple Inabe Shidare. Take your time to soak in the tranquility of this shady parklike gem. Hidden Garden Delight This 1915 built home provided the owner with a blank slate. the garden is designed with the intent to minimize turf, use different lev-

els and incorporate a variety of plants. A visitor to the home is greeted by a Lyman Whitaker wind sculpture in the front yard. The path to the winding front porch and curves in the lawn add softness and interest to the curb appeal of the house. The small shady backyard is especially efficient using tiered terraces, a retaining wall and a dry creek bed while offering interesting shapes and textures. This garden had both part sun and shade exposures. Plants were chosen carefully to thrive in each setting. Some of the favorites to look for are Boxwood, dwarf Korean lilac; other trees include Cloud Nine dogwood, viburnum and an espaliered Anjou pear. You will see many perennial classics such as salvia, daisy, coneflower, aster and columbine. Rudbeckia or Black-Eyed Susan are especially cherished as they were a favorite of the owner’s mother. Elegant Garden Stop and rest your feet in this lovely brick paved seating/dining area before checking out the beautifully manicured beds. You will find a river rock dry creek bed lined with liriope with a whimsically curled iron border. Spheres, columns, flagstone and wrought iron add structure to the beds. Follow the soothing sound to the lovely monolithic Basalt fountain. Boxwoods provide height and definition to the areas. Pots with annuals add color and an element of aesthetic to the garden. One enormous container is made of the trunk of a palm tree imported from Hawaii. Wisteria covered pergolas define the back patio with a burst of spring blooms. Evergreens maintain an element of color year round. Seven unique gardens will be on display during the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Tour South of the Plaza on Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information go to mggkc.org/gardentour/.

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The Kansas City Gardener | May 2019

Kids Ask Dr. Bug Home to more than plants, kids ask DR. TAMRA REALL about the curious things found in the garden. Why do water bugs have so many legs when they just swim around? Asaria, 6 All adult insects have six legs, whether on land or in the water, but that doesn’t mean all legs look the same or have the same purpose. Water striders have special legs and “feet” that help them skate around on the water surface without sinking. The hind legs of whirlygig beetles are made for swimming and turning fast – flat with bristles, like flippers. Their front legs are adapted for catching food. Do bugs live in water? Aliya, 9 Many insects live in water for part or all of their lives and are called aquatic insects. Examples of aquatics that start out in water but are adults on land include mos-

You may have heard that all spiders turn their food into a liquid before eating, but many shred and mash their prey using their jaws. Some spiders “chew” up and down, but most chelicerae are like scissors and move side to side.

quitoes, dragonflies, mayflies, and dobsonflies. Examples of insects that spend their whole life on or in the water are water striders, whirligig beetles, and the aquatic leaf beetle. Because insects don’t have gills, they have interesting ways to breath underwater. Some carry a bubble of air, some have long breathing tubes that reach

the surface, and some take oxygen from underwater plants.

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Dr. Tamra Reall (@MUExtBugN Garden) is the new horticulture specialist for MU Extension in Jackson County. For free, research-based gardening tips, call 816-833-TREE (8733), email mggkc.hotline@gmail.com, or visit www.extension2.missouri.edu.

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How many teeth do spiders have? Lili, 5 Spiders have very different mouthparts than people – they don’t have teeth. Instead, spider jaws are called chelicerae with two fangs, one on each tip. The fangs inject venom to paralyze the prey.

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Are dandelions the same as sunflowers? Kharma, 9 Dandelions and sunflowers have a lot of similarities–they’re both bright yellow and cheerful! It turns out that they are related. Scientists separate living things into groups such as species, families, and kingdoms. These two flowers are in the same family: Asteraceae. However, they are different species with different lifestyles. Dandelions are close to the ground and sunflowers are bigger – some can even reach ten feet tall.

Are mushrooms poisonous? Brett, 10 Mushrooms are a type of fungus. There are over 5000 mushroom species compared to over 2 million species of fungi. Some mushrooms are poisonous, and some are not. Mushrooms from the grocery store are safe to eat. However, mushrooms in your yard may be poisonous. It’s a good idea never to eat mushrooms you find in the wild. Local mushroom experts may be able to identify safe wild mushrooms, but you have to be very careful. Mushrooms are amazing: they can show up overnight, some are very colorful, some smell like rotting meat, some explode, and some glow in the dark. Currently, I’m growing oyster mushrooms in my kitchen from a kit I purchased online. They are delicious with pasta.

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Here’s to the tickle of grass between your toes, games that can be played with a drink in hand, and a fireworks display of amazingly colorful blooms.

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| May 2019

Combine Contrasting Colors ABBY BYRD offers tips for creating an interesting landscape using perennials with colorful foliage and bloom.

his time of year, I’m so happy to see anything green. I won’t turn down any signs of summer, but as the summer rolls along, I find myself getting a little bored with the landscape. Early spring offers us delightful flowering trees and interesting shrubs – with fall foliage that paints beautiful scenery. The summer’s green grass, green leaves and green foliage start to fade to the background and become less impressive. This year, I’ve vowed to brighten up my landscape by sprinkling in some perennials that will offer me some blooms, but more importantly, some contrasting colors. My art background has instilled in me that contrast is essential for giving any work of art dimension and interest. Our landscape is the same way. Multiple colors

‘Dark Towers’ Penstemon of foliage invite your eyes to keep looking. Each plant can distinguish itself and tell its own story when it’s not fighting for attention in a sea of green. Here’s a few of my favorites that I can’t wait to incorporate in my own yard this spring:

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gorgeous plants, wonderful staff, unique garden store 14

May 2019 | kcgmag.com

‘Silver Mound’ Artemesia ‘Dark Towers’ Penstemon A tall, back of the garden perennial, this plant will really ramp up the contrast. Its deep plum foliage sets itself apart from all the green in the garden. While it’s rich foliage will shine for you all season long, you’ll get the bonus of enjoying its soft pink plumes of bell-shaped flowers. You’ll likely notice hummingbirds hanging around, as well. Penstemon enjoy at least a half day of sun or more, preferably in the afternoon. It can tolerate high heat and humidity but requires welldrained soil. ‘Silver Mound’ Artemesia Its name describes it well as this is truly a mound of soft, silver foliage. Also called ‘wormwood,’ its low-growing habit makes it a great border or edging plant. It looks even more impressive when

planted in a row. While it doesn’t produce a significant flower, it aids in breaking up the green and adds an interesting texture to your landscape. When paired with plants like ‘Dark Towers’ Penstemon, you can really get some contrast in your garden. Artemesia grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s fun to feel and the deer don’t share the same affinity for it. ‘Stained Glass’ or ‘Hadspen Blue’ Hosta Both choices add great color and dimension to shade gardens. While still green, ‘Stained Glass’ has vibrant lime foliage with a darker green edging. ‘Hadspen Blue’, as its name suggests, has a muted, blue foliage. All ostas prefer moist but well-drained, compost-rich soil. They can also tolerate a few hours of sun first

‘Stained Glass’ Hosta

Japanese Painted Fern

Carnival Watermelon Heuchera

‘Starry Starry Night’ Hardy Hibiscus

thing in the morning. In addition to the landscape, their colorful leaves make great addition to a bouquet of fresh flowers.

ly turns into a stately bronze-green. While coralbells tend to do best in morning sun to filtered sun, some varieties can tolerate more sun than others.

foliage will ensure that there is always something to catch your eye, no matter what’s in bloom. When you are choosing blooming perennials like coneflower or coreopsis, try choosing a variety of bloom times so that all your color doesn’t come at once. There is no

reason we can’t spoil ourselves with color most of the year!

Japanese Painted Fern Ferns never fail in the texture department. Their small, delicate leaves form serrated edging that complement more traditional leaf shapes well. In addition, their coloring is absolutely stunning. The stem of each frond is burgundy, transitioning to mint green with silver tips. It couldn’t be more different than a hosta in shape, texture, and coloring. Ferns do great in shade, but their coloring can benefit from some direct morning sun. Japanese painted ferns are a rather impressive size, growing up to 36 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Carnival Watermelon Heuchera While I could list every variety of coralbells as my favorite due to the endless options of colors and markings, I tend to lean most heavily toward the Carnival Watermelon varieties. I love the peach-pink toned foliage that slow-

‘Starry Starry Night’ Hardy Hibiscus Another sun-loving perennial (that’s more the size of a shrub) with deep plum to chocolate foliage, this hardy hibiscus really pops against the green landscape. Its flowers are an impressive 8-10 inches wide with pink and white swirling with a red center. Although they are one of the last to emerge in late spring, they are tough plants that are relatively low-maintenance. Their stunning blooms will call in all the pollinators to your garden. All these choices offer an interesting texture or colorful foliage to take your landscape from boring to brilliant. Now don’t hear me wrong, blooms are obviously a great way to add color and interest in your landscape. However, it’s typical for perennials to only bloom for their “moment” during the season, so adding in colorful

Abby Byrd has worked at Colonial Gardens for 12 years. She serves as the Greenhouse Coordinator and teaches workshops and painting classes at the garden center.

Experts trust the #1 brand in organic gardening Laura LeBoutillier grew up working in her parents’ garden center. Since then, she and her husband Aaron have published hundreds of inspirational and educational gardening videos online for over 2.4 million loyal fans. Laura loves her garden and uses only the best products to ensure it looks beautiful. That’s why she trusts Espoma Organic® for her fertilizer and potting soil needs.

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The Kansas City Gardener | May 2019

Powell Gardens in May Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks May 4 – July 28, Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. General Admission Applies Join us this summer for a unique exhibition featuring the LEGO® brick sculptures of artist, Sean Kenney. Explore the Gardens and encounter a dragonfly with an 8-foot wingspan, a six-foot tall hummingbird, or a proud peacock with plumes nearly sevenfeet wide! Nearly half a million LEGO® bricks were used to craft the 13 pieces that will be installed in the Gardens. Plant Sale Preview Party and Plant Auction Friday, May 3, 5:30-8:30 p.m. | $100 (Members receive 25% off) Grab your garden hats on Friday, May 3, for the Plant Sale Preview Party and Plant Auction. This ticketed event offers nibbles,

sips, and live jazz from Kansas City’s very own Hot Club KC! Enjoy the opportunity to receive first-pick at the sale and bid on unique plants in the auction. Annual Plant Sale Member-Only Plant Sale, Saturday, May 4 | 9 a.m.-noon | Free Public Plant Sale, Saturday, May 4, noon-4 p.m. & Sunday, May 5, 9 a.m.4 p.m. | General Admission Applies Mark your calendars for the first weekend in May and join us for the annual Plant Sale in the Powell Gardens’ Greenhouse Complex. This annual event, benefiting garden operations, features unique varieties of perennials, display annuals and edible annuals, and offers plants that are carefully selected for show, non-invasiveness, and resilience in our Missouri climate. There are opportunities all weekend to get the goods to pre-

One free, easy call gets your utility lines marked AND helps protect you from injury and expense. Safe Digging Is No Accident: “Always Call Before You Dig in Kansas” Call 811, 1-800-DIG-SAFE, (800-344-7233) or visit us at www.kansas811.com.

pare your landscape and garden for the season! Fungi & Fermentation Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Gardens open at 9 a.m.) | General Admission Applies Celebrate mushrooms, beer, and all things fermented with a daylong event featuring tastings, chef demonstrations, and classes. Enjoy FREE classes with topics such as growing mushrooms, making kombucha, and more. Live music, vendors, and a ticketed beer garden showcasing regional microbrewers are also part of the fun. A free make-a-mushroom hat activity is available for children. Please visit powellgardens.org/fungi for more information. Beer and food sales begin at 11:00 a.m. Last call for alcohol is 5:30 p.m. Fermentation Dinner: Chef Rick Mullins of Café Sebastienne Saturday, May 4, 7-9 p.m. | $75 (Members receive 10% off) “I like fermenting, pickling and curing as methods of preservation for the trans-formative experience,” says chef Rick Mullins, who serves as executive chef at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Known for his interest in using preservation methods to

reduce food waste and layer flavors, Mullins plans to feature the earthy smell and umami flavor (a taste sensation produced by glutamates) of mushrooms from Grand River Mushrooms, a grower in Chillicothe, Mo., in a three-course, family-style dinner using ingredients sourced from the Gardens and local farms. Local fermented beverages will round out the experience. Drop-In Tour: Frida Kahlo Loved Plants! Sunday, May 5, 2 p.m. | General Admission Applies Join docent, Lennie Medcalf, for an exploration of our featured exhibition Frida Kahlo’s Garden and discover plants that Frida Kahlo and her husband, Diego Rivera, displayed in their courtyard garden and that served as inspiration for Kahlo’s artwork. Participants will also learn about succulents from the Powell Gardens collection that will be featured in this exhibition display. Family Frolic: Backyard Bugging Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | General Admission Applies Dig in dirt, sift through pond sludge, and chase down aerial insects in search of some of the most unique invertebrates found

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in Missouri. Missouri Master Naturalists will guide guests in their search and teach kids how to safely handle the insects. Free hands-on activities for kids include designing insect-themed clothespins to clip onto bags and backpacks, trying tasty edible insects, and playing good bug/bad bug yard games. Watch LEGOLAND Master Builder construct a larger-than-life model of the rarely seen Assassin Bug, and catch the StoneLion Puppet Theatre performance of the “backyard buggin” show. Mother’s Day Sunday, May 12, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | FREE Admission for Moms! All mothers receive Free Admission. A special Mother’s Day brunch will be served in Cafe Thyme (reservations required). Enjoy a cash bar featuring Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s in the Grand Hall of the Visitor Center from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Revive Your Beds! Perennial Planting Design Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | $55 (Members receive 10% off) This workshop will provide you with inspiration for transforming your sun-loving, shade-loving, wet, or drought-prone beds into sure show all season long. Our expert staff will troubleshoot areas of your garden and provide you with design ideas and plant recommendations focused on beauty and easier maintenance. Upon completion of the workshop, participants will have a garden sketch to implement at home and will also receive a tailor-made list of plants and a discount coupon to be used on purchases at Colonial Gardens.

Memorial Garden Program Tour & Open House Sunday, May 19, 1-3 p.m. | Garden Admission Applies Join Powell Gardens staff for a walking tour of the Memorial Garden, located near the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel, to learn about plantings and the design of this peaceful space. Following the tour, complimentary refreshments will be available in the nearby Miller Hammond Chapel Study and staff will be on-hand to answer questions about ways in which the Powell Gardens Memorial Program can help you honor a loved one. Dog’s Day Out Saturday, May 25, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | General Admission Applies Join us for this special day allowing visitors to bring their furry friends for a stroll through designated areas of the Gardens. Dogs must have current vaccinations and remain on a leash at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pooch. Goats in the Garden! Tour Saturday & Sunday, May 25 & 26, 2-3 p.m. | General Admission Applies Meet a Powell Gardens docent in the Grand Hall of the Visitor Center to find out more about the use of goats to help manage the diversity of plants in our prairies. In 2018, our “Goat Fund Me” initiative was launched on Giving Tuesday and raised much-needed funds to engage ‘Goats on the Go’ to help with prairie management. This walking tour will offer the wildflower meadow, where ‘Goats on the Go’ will be grazing, as a backdrop. Watercolor Works by Barbara Neth and Ellie Behrman May 31 - July 21 | General Admission Applies This special exhibition in the Visitor Center showcases the beautiful potential of watercolor. Barbara Neth and Ellie Behrman are inspired by vibrant color and light, and skillfully relate familiar images found in nature and the landscape. Join both artists for an opening reception Sunday, June 2, from 2-4 p.m. www.powellgardens.org

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1-800-DIG-RITE or 811 The Kansas City Gardener | May 2019

Do Organic Gardeners Kill Butterflies? LENORA LARSON discusses the problems with using so-called organic insecticides.

The Many Meanings of Organic To a chemist, “organic” is any substance containing carbon molecules. In our modern world, “organic” has become a marketing term, synonymous with “natural” and “safer” and “pesticide-free”.

Photos by Lenora Larson.

he term “organic” is so confusing, so political, so emotional that I’ve avoided writing about this topic. But when I recently cautioned a beginning butterfly gardener against insecticides, she replied, “That’s not a problem, I only use organic insecticides.” Arghhh! Time for some truth. First, there’s no such thing as an “organic insecticide”. Rather, there are insecticides labelled for use in certified organic gardening. And they are no less toxic to insects than the conventional synthetic insecticides. Poison is poison and dead is dead.

This Ladybug larva specializes in eating aphids, but can’t do its job if you kill it by spraying poisons.

Organic-approved insecticides kill bees and other pollinators.

Bt will kill this Monarch caterpillar just as surely as it kills Hornworms.

Despite much hope and hype there isn’t yet scientific evidence that organically grown/processed foods are necessarily healthier or safer. An organic product could still have pesticide residues or be high in the evil trinity of sugar, salt and fat. “Organic farming” is an alternate method of producing crops

that avoids using synthetic insecticides and fertilizers and follows the principles of sustainable agriculture. Only insecticides created from scratch in the laboratory are forbidden. The allowed “natural insecticides” are manufactured from plant and bacterial sources. “Certified organic” refers to the USDA’s program requiring expensive ongoing documentation of organic methods of production and processing. In our gardening context, “organic” refers to how a plant is grown, that is, “without the use of synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilizers”. Is this a meaningful distinction? Not to me because both plant-based and purely synthetic insecticides are made of chemicals that are highly processed to create the always toxic substance. And plant-based insecticides can be even more toxic to insects than laboratory-produced synthetics because plants don’t want to be eaten and have been creating effective insecticides for about 200 million years. The claims of “less toxicity” refer to mammals, especially humans.

Diatomaceous Earth. Bt is of special concern because it specifically kills caterpillars by exploding their guts. Bt doesn’t differentiate between Hornworms, Cabbage Worms and Monarchs. If you use any so-called “natural insecticides”, you will kill beneficial insects, which means that you guarantee a lifetime of plague and pestilence in your garden because you’ve killed your chief allies in the fight against pests. I have not used insecticides on Long Lips Farm for over 30 years because I don’t need them. My employees, the beneficial bugs and birds, do an effective job of pest control.

It’s a great time to add nutrient-rich compost for a better planting season and a more beautiful yard. Compost improves soil structure, helps retain moisture and protect plants.

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May 2019 | kcgmag.com

Beware: Insecticides Allowed for Certified Organic Use Examples include Bt (from spores of Bacillus thuringiensis), Neem Oil (from the Neem Tree), Pyrethrins (from Chrysanthemums), and Spinosad (from a soil bacterium). Organic practices also allow the use of Insecticidal Soaps (potassium fatty acids), Horticultural Oils (vegetable or petroleum oils) and

Organic Gardening: The Best of Intentions Back to our original question, the answer is “YES, you are likely killing butterflies” if you routinely use any insecticides, including those allowed for organic gardening. Fortunately, in my experience, most home “organic gardeners” avoid all insecticides because we care about pollinators and other beneficial insects. And we value the emphasis on sustainability and protecting our soil, water and air for ourselves and future generations. Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardener, Idalia Butterfly Society and Kansas Native Plant Society member, Lenora Larson gardens and hosts butterflies in the cruel winds and clay soil of Paola, Kansas. She may be contacted at lenora.longlips@gmail.com.

Shawnee Garden Sampler Tour Saturday, June 8

he Garden Club of Shawnee will present the Garden Sampler Tour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2019, rain or shine. The tour features six unique and beautiful gardens, all from the Shawnee area. One of gardens has several water gardens and the entire pond area is beautifully landscaped and surrounded with a custom fence that has a sea turtle gate to enter the paradise. Upon walking through the custom gate, you will notice another large sea turtle carved of tortoiseshell limestone embedded in a 200-square-foot mosaic rock rug. You will also be greeted with an LBG train running around a raised garden bed. This is a mustsee destination! Another garden features a nomow work in progress without grass in the back yard, but beautifully landscaped with a pond and is registered with the National Wildlife

Federation as a certified Habitat. It is also a must see! The other gardens are unique as well, with Fairy Gardens, lots of perennials, shade gardens, and vegetable gardens with sitting areas and lots to enjoy. Join us for a great day! Proceeds from the tour are used for the club’s grant program, which provides funds to Shawnee schools, churches, and other non-profit organizations to support their gardening projects, as well as scholarships. Tickets for the tour will provide maps and directions to all the gardens, are $15 and may be purchased on our website: www.gardenclubofshawnee. org or at any of the gardens on

the tour. You may also buy tickets ahead of time from the Johnson County Family Tree Nursery locations, Wild Birds Unlimited, Earl May Garden Center, or Hartman & Sons Hardware, all in Shawnee.

You will also have the opportunity to win great prizes donated by local merchants by purchasing raffle tickets at any of the gardens. You may also visit us on Facebook: “The Garden Club of Shawnee.”

Water Garden Society of Greater Kansas City Presents

Water Gardens 2019

26th Annual Water Garden Tour Sat, July 6, 9am-7pm • Sun, July 7, 9am-5pm Rain or Shine • Bus tours available. Buy early to plan your personal driving tour of 40 plus gardens in Greater Kansas City and nearby communities and Lawrence. There are a variety of private gardens and Water Garden Society constructed educational water gardens for schools and nature centers. Tickets are $10 per person (ages 14 and older). A tour book with maps, driving directions, and host written descriptions of the gardens are included. Proceeds benefit construction of educational and restorative water gardens and other educational programs in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

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

Tickets available the first of June at these locations. KANSAS

MISSOURI

Kansas City, House of Rocks Lawrence, Water’s Edge Leavenworth, Homestead Nursery Leawood, Suburban Lawn and Garden Lenexa, Suburban Lawn and Garden Merriam, Merriam Feed and Seed Overland Park, Family Tree Nursery Shawnee, Earl May Garden Center Shawnee, Family Tree Nursery

Blue Springs, Colonial Nursery Independence, Wild Bird Center Lee’s Summit, Randy’s Lakeview Nursery Liberty, Family Tree Nursery Kansas City, Brothers Fish Kansas City, Good Earth Water Gardens Kansas City, Heartland Nursery Kansas City, Kansas City Pond & Water Gardening Kansas City, Planters Seed Co.

Kansas City, Soil Service Garden Ctr & Nursery Kansas City, Suburban Lawn and Garden Kansas City, Sutherlands/Wornall Kansas City, Van Liew’s Kansas City, Waldo Grain Company Martin City, Rosehill Gardens Raymore, Creekside Market Smithville, Full Features Nursery Spring Hill, Swan’s Water Gardening

Tickets also available at all Hen House Markets and all Westlake Hardware stores.

The Kansas City Gardener | May 2019

Peonies Take Center Stage in the Early Summer Garden CHELSEA DIDDE RICE introduces the long-lived peony, highlighting popular varieties and maintenance.

Types and care While there are some 20 different species of peonies, the most familiar type to home gardeners is the herbaceous peony, which grows in a green, bushy mound of foliage, reaching about three feet tall and wide at maturity. Herbaceous peonies die back to the ground each winter and regrow new foliage and flowers each spring. Even though it takes a lot of energy to die back and regrow each year, few blooming perennials have the lifespan of peonies. When well cared for and planted in the proper sunny location, herbaceous peony plants can live for over 50 years and produce offshoots that survive even longer. They’re also rabbit and deer resistant. One of the keys to longevity is a proper planting site. Peonies thrive in full sun or part shade and rich, well-drained soils. Once established, they only need supplemental water during extremely hot and dry periods.

Photo courtesy of Monrovia.

fter the tulips and daffodils are finished brightening our spring gardens, but before summer perennial workhorses like daylilies, black-eyed Susans and hollyhocks take over, there’s a brief window where peonies steal the stage. Let’s get to know these early summer superstars!

Coral Charm large, double flowers in fresh, pastel pink. Introduced back in 1906, this longtime beloved plant blooms reliably year after year and accompanies the flowers with a healthy amount of shamrock green foliage, which provides added interest to the garden even after the flowers fade.

mom’s favorite. It’s a stunning, red hybrid with double, bombshaped blossoms held on strong stems, an irresistible fragrance, and impressive heat tolerance, which is essential for Midwest gardens. It’s not surprising that Red Charm received the prestigious American Peony Society Gold Medal.

Popular picks From the hundreds of different peony varieties, a handful consistently rise to the top as the most reliable, disease-resistant and beautiful varieties. All of these are excellent for cut flowers, so feel free to bring a piece of your garden indoors to enjoy!

‘Coral Charm’ One of the first varieties to bloom each spring, this award winner boasts large, semi-double, coral blossoms that open into a bowl shape as they age, revealing orange stamens in the center. It’s also a popular choice for spring brides looking to add fresh, spring color to their wedding bouquets.

‘Festiva Maxima’ Rounding out this list of favorites is an award-winning, double flowered white variety whose petals are occasionally dappled with scarlet red flecks. The huge, five to seven inch blooms are deliciously fragrant and stand tall atop strong stems, even in rough and stormy spring weather.

‘Sarah Bernhardt’ The first variety that comes to my mind when thinking of peonies is this fragrant one with

‘Red Charm’ After years of bringing freshly cut peonies to my grade school teachers, I know this one is my

Other popular varieties If you’re partial to the semidouble bloom type (like that of ‘Coral Charm’) but shy away from

May 2019 | kcgmag.com

the coral color, there are countless varieties to choose from including a butter yellow type called ‘Sunny Boy’ and ‘Roselette’, which has gentle pink blooms. For more of a showy stamen, check out the single bloom type like that of ‘America’, which has hot pink petals. Support and maintenance Speaking of weather, our Midwestern spring thunderstorms can be torrential at times, resulting in gardens flattened by wind and rain. Prevent your beautiful peony blooms from suffering a muddy fate by providing support in the way of wire peony rings, available at local garden centers. If placed over the plant in early spring, the foliage and flowers will grow up through the middle and rest on the wire rings during windy days. In terms of fertilizing, peonies appreciate two applications of fertilizer per year – in the spring right before new growth appears and again in the fall after cutting the foliage back. Most experts, including the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City, recommend using three to four tablespoons per plant per application of a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10, spreading the fertilizer in a circle around the plant about 10 inches from the center of the plant. The only other annual maintenance peonies require is to cut the tattered foliage to a few inches above the ground each fall. This prevents pests or diseases like powdery mildew (which happens often in our humid summers) from overwintering as easily. Because they are so long lived, peonies may benefit from dividing every 10 years. To do this, wait until after you’ve had a few light frosts but about three to four weeks before the first really hard frost in the fall. Cut the foliage down to about three inches above the soil,

Photo courtesy of Monrovia.

Above: Sarah Bernhardt, Below: ‘America’

The Kansas City Gardener | May 2019

Photo courtesy of Jim Murrain.

Above: Red Charm; Below: Roselette Photo courtesy of Jim Murrain.

Above: Festiva Maxima; Below: Sunny Boy

Photo courtesy of Monrovia.

Yumi™ (Beauty) Itoh Peony Photo courtesy of Monrovia.

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

Photo courtesy of Monrovia.

New trend on the horizon I believe the traditional herbaceous peonies will always be popular. After all, it’s a classic spring

flower for good reason! However, about 60 years ago, hybridizers shook the market with a new cross between a herbaceous peony and a woody tree peony (which does not die back to the ground each year). This new type, called an Itoh peony, is definitely on my must-try list because they tend to have a longer blooming period than herbaceous peonies and also produce a larger number of flowers per plant. Whether you enjoy them for the impressive color they add to your landscape or the fresh bouquets they provide, peonies are a relatively low-maintenance perennial that, in my opinion, should have a spot in every Midwestern garden!

Photo courtesy of Jim Murrain.

then dig up the entire plant’s root ball. Carefully separate the plant into sections, making sure there are at least three eyes (the pinkish white sprouts) in each division. Then replant the divided plants right away so they have time to begin rooting in before the ground freezes. These divisions may take a year or two to start really putting on growth and bloom, but it’s a great way to pass on an “heirloom plant” of sorts. For example, my late grandmother planted peonies in her Emporia, Kansas yard in the 1950s. When her plants needed dividing, she gave divisions to my parents, who planted them in their yard. Those plants were eventually divided, so I now have divisions growing in my yard.

Thoughts on Wild Roses and Tom Cats Native plant guru, SCOTT WOODBURY describes his self-proclaimed love affair with wild roses. Photos by Scott Woodbury.

hat do feral tomcats and native roses have in common? To begin with, both are prickly, difficult to handle, and considered worthless by most. After all, who likes being pricked with needles or bitten by cats? Nobody. But that didn’t stop me from catching the last tom that came around. My wife thought he should have been euthanized, and perhaps she was right because he truly was wild. For years I endured scratches and bites, and for years he lived inside the guest-room box spring mattress. But he eventually came around, is content living indoors, and is the soft and cuddly love of our lives. I have a similar love-affair with wild roses. I love the herby-sweet fragrance of their single pink flowers, and apparently so do bumble-

Rosa setigera, Lilium michiganense

Rosa setigera

bees who seek their nectar and buzz them to shake out pollen. Buzz-pollination (sonication) is a mesmerizing dance and the nextbest thing to Sufi dancing. I highly recommend adding both to your

bucket list. Wild roses produce hips—deep red fruits that are eaten by bluebirds in late winter, unless I get to them first. They are high in Vitamin C and make a tart warm tea on a cold winter day. Simply split open the hips, remove the seeds and steep the pulp and skin in water. Freeze whole rose hips to store. To propagate, place seeds in a Ziploc® by adding moist sand and store in the fridge for three months. Then sow the seed/sand mixture in a pot or on the ground, cover with an eighth of an inch of potting soil or topsoil, water, and wait and water two weeks for the seeds to sprout. Wait another four weeks before transplanting to their final home. Carolina rose (Rosa carolina), suckers in the garden and is a good

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companion with wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana). Both are equally aggressive, but together they are steadfast and make good companions. This one- to two-foot tall rose has stems that are far apart, and when growing alone are poor at keeping weeds out. Wild strawberry fills the gaps and covers the soil in a way that prevents weeds, like a green mulch. Additionally, dried strawberry leaves make a lovely yellow tea, especially when added to rose hips. Be sure to notice the fall leaf colors of red, orange, and yellow on both. The tiny, flexible thorns are tolerable though I recommend handling them with garden gloves. Prairie rose (Rosa arkansana), also suckers but slowly and densely so, preventing weeds. It has single fragrant rose-pink flowers

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Rosa palustris with bumblebee

Rosa arkansana fruit

and pure-yellow stamens that bees adore. It has lustrous-red stems that are especially noticeable in winter and slightly prickly thorns. It grows well in average clay garden soils. Next on the scale of “more prickly” is swamp rose (Rosa palustris). It is similar to prairie rose in flower and size, but suckers more aggressively. Now would be a good time to discuss protective clothing. Stout canvass pants and long sleeves are a must while pruning this rose and, need I say, so are thick leather gloves. You will want this equipment anyway if you ever you go blackberry picking. You won’t be pruning to remove dead stems after winter because they are completely hardy, but you may choose to reduce their size and spread. Swamp rose grows three to four feet tall and inhabits wetlands and wet prairies in nature. In the landscape, they tolerate wet clay soils. Lazy teenagers and dogs would not attempt to cut through a hedge made of this. Finally, climbing rose (Rosa setigera), is a clump-forming shrub with long arching canes that grow about eight feet long and may be trained on a trellis. It has clusters of single pink flowers and hence, clusters of cherry-red rose hips. It also has very stout, sharp thorns.

We discovered a thornless plant in the wild and grow it on a trellis in the Whitmire Wildflower Garden. It literally has no thorns so is easily handled, but must be grown from layering or cuttings. Layering is easiest. In June, scrape a branch one or two feet from the tip with a sharp knife, pull the branch over and lay the branch, wound side down on bare soil and weigh it down with a big rock. Scar tissue and roots will emerge from the scrape in summer and can be transplanted in September. Stem cuttings are most easily rooted when taken in June. I enjoy a challenge, so I enjoy wild roses and tom cats. Some things in life are worth the extra effort. Horticulturist Scott Woodbury is the Curator of the Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO, where he has worked with native plant propagation, design, and education for 27 years. He also is an advisor to the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native! program. Find suppliers of native roses, wild strawberries, and other native plants and native plant services at www.grownative. org, Resource Guide.

Saturday, May 11, 8a to 2p

eady to start a butterfly garden or improve the one you have? If so, come visit us at Monarch Watch for our annual Spring Open House & Plant Fundraiser. We will have more than 10,000 butterfly plants, annuals and perennials, including seedlings of 11 milkweed varieties. These plants are ideal for starting butterfly gardens or adding to established gardens. Monarch numbers have been declining and we need to plant milkweeds to sustain the monarch migration. A list of available plants is posted on our website (http:// monarchwatch.org/openhouse/). Learn about creating Monarch Waystations and see the magnificent butterfly and pollinator garden maintained by the Douglas County Master Gardeners. There will be games

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for the kids inside and out and they can make “seed balls” containing seeds of milkweeds and other butterfly plants that can be used to create habits for monarchs and other butterflies. They can also see lots of different insects and spiders, watch videos, or complete a variety of activities. All are welcome to tour our garden and lab space. We will have live demonstrations, and, of course, monarch butterflies! Refreshments will be provided. We’d love to see you so mark your calendars! If you can’t make it in person, be sure to check us out online – we plan to post photos and broadcast some LIVE video throughout the day (www.monarchwatch.org ). Monarch Watch is located at 2021 Constant Avenue on the West Campus of the University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047.

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The Kansas City Gardener | May 2019

Tips for Identifying Backyard Birds Local birding expert, THERESA HIREMATH highlights the distinguishable characteristics when identifying birds.

atching your backyard birds can be a pleasantly relaxing and nearly meditational activity. But what about that burst of energy and excitement when you spot a new bird? You know the situation… you’re casually watching the feeder, drinking a nice beverage, mentally checking off your usual visitors to be sure all is ok in your slice of birdland. Then all of a sudden you notice ‘Hey, that bird looks a little different!’. You have attracted a NEW VISITOR!! Hooray! So now, how do you figure out what species your new guest is? A good way to start is to note how the new bird differs from your usual

visitors, and to remember what it is doing and/or choosing to eat and where it is feeding (from the ground, at a feeder, etc.). From this starting point, here are a few tips to help you, by looking more closely at your visitor from the top down. Number one, look at the bird’s silhouette. What is its overall size, shape, and posture? Is it the size of something familiar like a sparrow, robin or crow, or somewhere in between? How does it sit, perch, or fly? What is the size, shape, and color of the bill? Is it curved or straight? Number two, check out the head markings. Does the bird have a colorful or striped cap, also known as

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May 2019 | kcgmag.com

Song sparrow a crown? Is there a stripe above or through the eye, or does it have an eye ring or “spectacles?” Look for cheek patches or a mustache. Is there a white throat patch? Number three, consider any body markings. What are the overall back, breast and belly colors? What’s on the chest: a patch, spots, streaks, or is it clear? Are the flanks (sides of the body) clear or streaked? Is there a white or yellow rump patch? Number four, determine if there are any identifiable wing markings. Are the wings a different color than the body? Are there wing bars or spots? Number five, give the tail shape and markings some attention. Is the tail long or short compared to the body? Is it forked, squared, pointed, or another shape? Are there certain colors or vertical or horizontal stripes? It can be challenging to nail down all of the above distinctions when you first spot your visitor but identifying even one or two items can help you narrow the possibilities. Then during subsequent visits, you will be able to look for exact characteristics to provide a definitive identification. Having a pair of binoculars handy will provide clear views of

your guest, as well as enable you to spot essential identifying details. After you’ve gathered the above information, you are ready to reference your bird guide of choice to figure out who your guest is. My favorite basic bird identification books for birds at my feeders are the Birds of Kansas and Birds of Missouri books by Stan Tekiela. They allow you to quickly search by the color of the bird. One of my favorite apps for bird identification is Merlin Bird ID. It narrows the possibilities of birds as you enter information related to location, size, color, and the bird’s activity when you saw it. It is also fun to keep a list of birds you’ve seen! The eBird app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology makes it easy to keep a digital checklist of your birds. Of course, you can always keep a paper list. If you have any questions about identifying your birds or backyard birdfeeding in general, our backyard birdfeeding experts would be happy to help! Nik and Theresa Hiremath own and operate Wild Birds Unlimited of Leawood at 11711 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas. Contact them at 913-491-4887.

Douglas County garden tour, native plant sale

he 2019 Garden Tour hosted by the Douglas County Extension Master Gardeners is planned for Saturday, June 1, from 9:30am to 5pm and Sunday, June 2, from 11am to 5am. Also, Douglas County Master Gardeners are hosting a native plant sale on Saturday, June 1, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2110 Harper Street, Lawrence, from 9am to 2:30pm. Plants are $4 each or three for $10. There are seven stops, briefly described here, on the tour to provide inspiration for your own garden: Monarch Meadow Remnant Prairie: This unique rock home is situated on three acres of land that includes two acres of remnant prairie. The view encompasses rolling hills, grasslands and small ponds down to the valley of the Kansas River. Wander through the prairie and identify unusual spring native forbs, including varieties of puccoon, delphinium, spiderwort and prairie violet. Eclectic Perennial Urban Garden: This is a must-see for inspiration on how to transform a traditional urban yard into a garden paradise, with both sunny and shady garden spots. The gardener prefers native plants that are friendly to butterflies and birds, and favors drama in how artwork, including obelisks, statues and ironworks, is displayed amongst the plants. If you love whimsy, you won’t want to miss a mound of dirt that has been transformed into a gnome-like creature. It’s a must-see! The Hidden Gem: This is a smaller, private garden where family and friends enjoy time together.

Dealing with drainage problems due to a sloping back yard, the owners have created a pea gravel patio area to absorb excess water runoff. A yard with an area of full sun, as well as one of shade, has been planted with a backbone of perennials appropriate to each zone. To add pops of instant, long lasting color, the owners like to use bright annuals in lots of pots for beauty that lasts all season. The Secret Gardens: The owners bought their Lawrence home in the winter of 2015, seeing the potential even though the garden was in a state of neglect. They have been consistently working to improve their outdoor spaces and enjoy working in eight different garden vignettes. Each of these areas is separated by wonderful hardscaping, evergreens and specimen trees and shrubs. This garden has shade, sun, perennial, annual and vegetable plantings for all to be inspired. The Dragonfly House Garden-A Naturalistic Approach: From spring through fall, varieties of dragonflies hover over water features in the garden and flit around the prairie meadow in front of the house. House and garden are situated on old pastureland at the edge of native hickory-oak woods, and the gardener has developed a naturalistic style of gardening that favors grasses and forbs native to this part of Kansas. The gardener’s aesthetic sensibility has a slight Japanese influence, with a definite penchant for the funky. It manifests itself in the arrangement of naturalistic plant-created vignettes and vistas; in the choice of metal

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garden art; and in the choice of materials, shape, and placement of “hardscaping,” like paths, patios, and dividers between garden areas. Blooms, Blossoms and Bubbles: This garden boasts a vibrant display of perennials, annuals and tropicals. A backyard stream with upper and lower ponds is fully integrated into the home and landscape. Each distinct area of the yard (from full sun, shade and berms) reflects a color palette from

early spring to late fall. The garden offers lotus, canna, hydrangea and garden phlox as well as tropical plants like majestic palm, banana plant and sago palm. The final garden was designed from scratch 20 years ago. Natural stone and custom wrought iron hard-scaping define this formal garden surrounding a swimming pool. Many varieties of evergreens are used as natural screens and accents. The gardener uses unusual perennials to add color and texture along with bright annuals in large containers to add color. Purchase tour tickets at the plant sale on Saturday morning, in advance at the Douglas County Extension Office located at 2110 Harper Street in Lawrence, online through PayPal at www.douglas.kstate.edu, and at various Douglas County garden centers. Tour tickets are $10 per person. Carried infants are free. Please, no strollers. For more information, visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ douglascountymastergardeners.

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SPEAKERS’ BUREAU Need a speaker for your church, civic group or garden club? The Johnson County Extension Speakers’ Bureau have the speakers you are looking for on just about any topic like environmentally safe lawn care, or perennial flower gardening. We can adapt to meet your group’s needs, from a short 20-minute presentation to a longer format, if needed. While there are no fees for a volunteer speaker, a donation to Extension or the chosen volunteer organization is appreciated. To schedule a speaker for your group, please contact the office. For more information on this service, call 913-715-7000. The Kansas City Gardener | May 2019

Pets and Plants:

Summer Youth Gardening U

niversity of Missouri Extension Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City is conducting a summer gardening program for youth ages 9-13. In the Garden ’N Grow Program, youths learn not only vegetable gardening, but also “cultivate” other science, math, and language arts skills and have fun! The goals of this program are to experience the fun of gardening, to enjoy a feeling of success, and to have the satisfaction of sharing harvested food with family and/or local food banks. The development of the whole child is emphasized as well as team building as they garden. Master Gardeners use cooperative teaching skills to educate youth about seeds, transplants, garden planning and design, site preparation, soils, plant growth and development, costs of production,

garden pests, plant health care, human nutrition, food value, food needs in the local community, and horticultural career opportunities. Each Master Gardener is trained by University of Missouri Extension specialists. The Garden ’N Grow Program will be held on Mondays and Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. from June 6 through August 15, 2019 at Fairview Christian in Gladstone. Cost of the 10-week program is $45 per single child or 2 siblings at $70. Enrollment fees include student workbooks, games and crafts, and some vegetable garden supplies. For more information on the program contact the Jackson County University of Missouri Extension Center at (816) 252-5051 or go on Facebook to copy enrollment form.

Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City

2019

Garden Tour Friday and Saturday

June 7-8

Lantana

By Phil Roudebush, DVM, DACVIM

antana or shrub verbena (Lantana camara) is an upright frost-tender shrub that is native to Central and South America. It has naturalized in parts of the southern U.S. including southern Florida, the Gulf Coast, southern California and Hawaii. In other parts of the country it is grown as an annual ornamental bedding plant or in containers. Many cultivars are available and flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators. Lantana contains a number of potentially toxic compounds that are found in the leaves, flowers, berries and roots. Most toxic effects in animals and people are likely due to lantadene A, a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound found in the leaves. Other toxic compounds found in the plant include taxa and oleanic oils (roots), icterogenin (leaves), bisabolene (flowers) and sesquiterpenes (flowers). A recent report documented 69 cases of lantana toxicosis in dogs in the state of Texas. These cases occurred over an 18 year period starting in the year 2000 – nearly 800 cases of lantana ingestion in children were also reported over the same time period. Ingestion of leaves, berries or flowers were reported most often in these canine cases. The most commonly reported initial signs were

vomiting, diarrhea and drowsiness or lethargy. Other less frequent clinical signs included abdominal pain, nausea, oral irritation, tremors, incoordination and fever. No canine deaths were reported and most cases were not considered to be potentially serious. Treatment of lantana toxicosis includes purging any remaining plant material and supportive care. Pet owners and caregivers should be aware that lantana can cause mild to moderate clinical problems in dogs and animals should be monitored closely if they are prone to ingesting plant material. Phil Roudebush is a retired veterinarian, specialist in small animal internal medicine and adjunct faculty member in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University. He is an Extension Master Gardener in Shawnee County, Kansas. He can be reached at philroudebush@ gmail.com.

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May 2019 | kcgmag.com

Consider Native Sedges

ative plants provide many advantages for Missouri gardeners. A plant is designated as native when it occurs naturally in the environment, not as the result of human intervention. A simple definition of a native plant is one that existed within the state boundaries before the intervention of settlers. Native species have evolved over the millennia to adjust to growing conditions in the Midwest. Native plantings allow the creation of more sustainable gardens that are low maintenance and have built in resistance to pests and diseases saving money and effort. Gardeners can get in on the cutting edge of native sedges to realize the benefits of native perennial ground covers. One genus to explore is Carex. The genus, Carex, is derived from the Latin “to cut”. Sedges should not be confused with grasses. “Sedges have edges, rushes are round, grasses have nodes all the way to the ground.” Native sedges complement Missouri wildflowers while providing ground cover for those particularly difficult spots, either too wet or too dry. Like other natives, sedges will meet the some needs of game, song birds and small mammals. They are also deer resistant. Carex bicknellii and Carex pensylvanica are two interesting native sedges. Carex bicknellii’s specific epithet is named after Eugene Pictard Bicknell, an early 20th century botanist and ornithologist. It can also be called Bicknell’s Sedge. This perennial will produce tussocks earlier than warm season grasses to provide a fresh splash of green at the beginning of the growing season. It has silvery-brown to

Carex bicknellii

Carex pensylvanica

green flower spikes from May to June. Tussocks may reach 2 feet tall with flower spikes up to 3 feet tall. Flowering seed stalks contain brown fruit/seeds. It may also be known as Copper Oval Sedge due to the coppery brown seed heads that appear in June and July. The seed heads are not showy, but are prized by game birds and song birds. Plants spread by rhizomes and will grow in sand, clay, or loam in full sun or partial shade. While this plant is drought tolerant it may die back in extremely hot summers. C. bicknellii is plucky native sedge adaptable to dry meadow environments and wet river bottom prairie. Other sedges thrive in moist soils and woodlands, but this is one that adapts to dry conditions. Versatile Bicknell’s Sedge is used for rain gardens, bio-retention areas, slopes, sedge meadows and garden plantings. Carex penslyvanica derives its specific epithet from its roots in woodland areas of Eastern North America. Commonly known as Pennsylvania Sedge, it is grows locally north of the Missouri River

in forests and shaded areas. It is often found around oak trees, hence the common name of Oak Sedge. It is low growing sedge with a creeping growth pattern spreading through rhizomes. This perennial plant grows in clumps up to 8 inches tall. Leaves are narrow and grass-like with somewhat taller flowering stems. Flowers bloom in late spring with hints of green tinged with reddish/purple. It is low growing sedge with a creep-

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ing growth pattern spread through rhizomes. Pennsylvania Sedge is drought tolerant and prefers dry, well drained soils but will grow in moist to average conditions in full sun to partial shade. The plant’s fine texture and fountaining look create a soft under planting for bolder colorful native perennials or as a shade lawn on its own. The finely leaved Pennsylvania Sedge paired with a butterfly milkweed or a tall, robust grass will pop in the garden. The use of natives can prevent or solve many gardening problems. An intentional combination of native wild flowers and sedges can result in an attractive, responsible, low maintenance garden spot in harmony with the local flora and fauna. These hardy sedge plants and other complimentary natives will be available “Under the Tent at Independence Center” on Friday, May 3rd from 2:00 pm until 7:30 pm and Saturday, May 4th from 8:00 am until sold out. The tent will be on E. 39th Street on the north side of the mall.

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The Kansas City Gardener | May 2019

Best Apple Tree Varieties for KC If you have room for fruit trees in your landscape, TRACY FLOWERS focuses on selecting apple trees.

hoosing the right apple tree variety can be a rewarding decision. A well-managed home orchard can yield hundreds of pounds of homegrown food for many years. Our location in the middle of the country means that we are host to every pest and disease that blows in with the wind. Familiar to Kansas City like fire blight, cedar apple rust and apple scab are serious threats to our fruit trees. Let’s take a look at some apple varieties that you can grow at home that also have a high resistance to these nasty diseases. ‘Liberty’ The fruit of the ‘Liberty’ apple is a deep dark red and its juicy crisp flesh is best used for applesauce, baking and other desserts. Ripening in early to mid-September, this vigorously growing variety is known for being very resistant to most apple diseases. ‘Enterprise’ This variety has a high disease resistance and a long refrigerator shelf life; up to six months after a late September/ early October harvest. The fruit has a thick red skin and pale yellow to cream-colored

Enterprise apple tree has a high disease resistance. flesh that can be described as tasting spicy, rich, juicy and of very good quality. The only problem we can find with ‘Enterprise’ is that its flavor is at peak after being in storage for one to two months, which doesn’t sound like much of a problem at all! ‘Freedom’ ‘Freedom’ was introduced in 1986 and named because of its “freedom” from apple scab. The large, red fruit is ripe in midSeptember and is another type that can last until January in refrigerated storage. ‘Freedom’s’ cream colored flesh is firm, tender and juicy with many uses. You can eat them fresh or turn them into sauce, juice or cider.

‘Goldrush’ This variety was bred from the popular grocery store apple ‘Golden Delicious’, and just like mom, the fruit will have a golden color that ripens in mid-October. The taste of ‘Goldrush’ is a complex, rich spicy flavor with both acidity and sweetness. Even after 7 months in cool storage, the flesh should remain tart, crisp and firm. ‘Sundance’ Another yellow apple bred from ‘Golden Delicious’ is ‘Sundance’. In early to mid-October it will ripen with a moderate pink blush and cream-colored flesh. When you take a bite, it will be very crisp and juicy, with mild acidity and full of flavor. ‘Sundance’

is a variety that is recommended because of a long storage life and high resistance to disease. It is also a vigorous and leggy grower, so sharpen your pruners. Some final words of wisdom on growing apple trees in Kansas City: Proper pruning, fertilizing and occasional organic pest sprays will ensure that your gardening efforts don’t go to waste. When selecting apple trees, choose more than one variety. Apples perform better when they can cross-pollinate with another variety within 50 feet of each other. Pay attention to the words dwarf and semi-dwarf. This will keep the mature size between 8-15 feet tall and your picking will be a lot closer to the ground. For small formal gardens and spaces, consider pruning your apple into an espalier form. The more you care for your apple trees, the more they will take care of you. Feel free to visit the Giving Grove website (http://www. givinggrove.org/) for lots of great information about growing apples and other fruit trees in the Kansas City area. Tracy Flowers is a Horticulture Assistant at The Giving Grove.

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May 2019 | kcgmag.com

The Kansas City Gardener | May 2019

Become a Missouri Master Gardener

Bird Facts ED REESE talks about the pluses of feeding birds in the summer.

s it okay to feed birds during the summer months? My research on the topic found just one valid reason not to: Full bird feeders are inviting targets for hungry bears. Consequently, for us in the Kansas City area, it amounts to personal preference. There are a lot of pluses for having bird feeders up and ready in summer. One is witnessing migratory birds. Spring to early Summer is the time that migratory birds that headed south last fall, are now headed north. It’s a great time to see Red-breasted Grosbeaks as they pass through looking for a traveling snack. It’s also a good time to see those brilliant orange Baltimore Orioles, and their cousin Orchard Orioles (pictured). Summer allows more

outdoor time for us, and birds get accustomed to sharing outdoor time, as they go about their feeder visits. Summer is also a bit stressful for birds when they have offspring. If conditions are ideal, several species may have up to three sets during the summer months. Most song birds go from hatching to almost full adults in a little over 20-21 days. Bird feeders provide a convenient and easy place for the parents to feed while parenting. What a thrill to witness adult birds teaching their young to feed at our feeders. Ed and Karen Reese own and operate the Wild Bird House in Overland Park. Contact them at 913-341-0700.

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re you interested in learning more about gardening, the outdoor environment, and best practices in horticulture? Are you interested in helping others become better gardeners? If the answer is yes, consider becoming a Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City (MGGKC)! • MGGKC are volunteers of University of Missouri Extension and share Extension’s goals and mission of improving the quality of life for all Missourians. Missouri Master Gardeners’ motto is “helping others learn to grow” • In 2019, Master Gardeners receive 8 weeks of intensive training, 2 classes per session, taught by University faculty, local experts, and experienced Master Gardeners • Master Gardeners help educate the public by providing research-based horticulture information MGGKC volunteer with children’s gardening programs, historic gardens, community gardens, wildflower gardens that benefit pollinators, the Gardeners’ Hotline, and many other exciting programs and activities. In-person Master Gardener training starts this fall, 2019. Classes will be on Saturdays at the Southeast Community Center, KCMO. This year, you will be able to finish Master Gardener Training by participating in 8 weeks of intensive training. The cost is $175. If you are taking the course for personal enrich-

ment and do not plan on volunteering, the cost is $350. In Year 1, MGGKC provide 45 hours of volunteer service for local Master Gardener projects and programs. In Year 2, Master Gardeners do 25 hours of volunteer service and 6 hours of continuing education. Master Gardener In-Depth Training includes: • Basic Plant Science • Maintaining Healthy Soil • Fruit and Vegetable Gardening • Tree, shrub, and lawn care • Beneficial Garden Insects and Insect Pests • Organic Gardening • Landscape Design • Ornamental Annuals, Perennials, and Native Plants • And more! Applications will be available on April 29, 2019. Go to www. mggkc.org and click on “How to Join” to access the application. You may also contact the University of Missouri Extension office at 816-252-5052, to have an application emailed or mailed to you. Applications are due by June 15, 2019, 5pm. If your application is accepted, payment for Master Gardener Training is due by August 10, 2019, 5pm. Contact Cathy Bylinowski, Horticulture Educator, bylinowskic@missouri.edu or Sara Hill, Receptionist and Secretary, hillsara@missouri.edu, University of Missouri Extension, 1600 NE Coronado, Blue Springs, MO 64014, 816-252-5051 more information.

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Lenexa Gives Gardeners a Local Choice

enexa’s newest nursery and greenhouse at K-7 and Prairie Star Parkway offers the customers of Suburban Lawn and Garden an opportunity to shop much closer to home. Modeled on Suburban’s 40-acre Martin City store, the new Lenexa nursery offers a selection of hardy plants suited to our harsh prairie environment, as well as traditional favorites. “So many of our customers came from Lenexa and even Desoto and Lawrence, that we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to reach out to this important market,” says Matt Stueck, son of founder Bill Stueck and Bo Stueck. The original Suburban in Overland Park was built in the ’60s and has been expanded and remodeled over the years. Most of Suburban’s shrubs and trees are grown on their local farms in Gardner, Kansas and Belton, Missouri. Locally grown plants have a better chance of surviving our harsh Midwestern weather, and are closer to transport, too.

Suburban’s own growers are also responsible for producing annual and perennial flowers. “They work long hours, especially in spring, turning out thousands of plants for both our retail and wholesale customers,” Matt says. Unlike national chain stores, Suburban sells plants year round, but spring is the most demanding time. “But spring is also the most fun. We love seeing customers find what they’re looking for and discovering things they didn’t expect, too,” says general manager Pam Agnew. And the staff at all three Suburban stores enjoys helping customers find what they need and helping with solutions to gardening problems. Shopping should be fun. Bill Stueck has always thought so. That’s why golf carts are an important feature for customers shopping the acres of trees and shrubs. “It’s such a big area that golf carts are a necessity, but it’s also fun,” Bill says. Fun is also why fresh popcorn is served free every weekend.

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Shoppers choose from the area’s biggest selection of decorative pots. Suburban buys by the shipping container so customers save.

Customers are sure to find the right annual and perennial flowers for their gardens or containers, and can shop, comfortably rain or shine.

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Upcoming Garden Events places to go, things to do, people to see Club Meetings African Violet Club of Greater Kansas City Tues, May 14, 6-8pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. A round-table discussion on popular Gesneriads including a show and tell moderated discussion.

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Bonner Springs Garden Club Wed, May 15, 12-4:30pm; at United Methodist Church, 425 W Morse, Bonner Springs. We are hosting a flower show, titled “Holidays in Bloom”. The show will be open to the public. All are welcome. For more information email bonnerspringsgardenclub@gmail.com. Bonsai Society of GKC Sat, May 25, 9am-12pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Workshop. www.bsgkc.org; 816513-8590 Garden Club of Shawnee Thurs, May 2, 7pm; at the Town Hall at Shawnee Town 1929, 11600 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS. Our speaker will be Miami County Master Gardener Lenora Larson, “The Butterfly Lady.” Lenora will talk about Caterpillar Defense Strategies. This will be a fascinating presentation as anyone who has visited Lenora’s Long Lips Farm near Paola knows. Guests are welcome, and we will serve snacks, drinks, and hand out door prizes. Please visit our website gardenclubofshawnee. org and our Facebook page for information about our club as well as our Garden Sampler Tour, Saturday, June 8. Greater Kansas City Gardeners of America Mon, May 6, social and refreshments 6pm, program 6:30pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Special presentation by Judy Penner, Director of the Loose Park Garden Center & Rose Gardens. Judy will demonstrate proper care and trimming of roses, as well as exploring the rich history at Loose Park. Judy is an avid gardener and can be seen working with the crews and volunteers around Loose Park. Guests welcome, no charge to attend. Questions, contact Margaret Singer, 816-9428889. AND The Greater Kansas City Gardeners of America will hold its Annual Picnic for Members only, Sun, Jun 2, 2:30pm, at 11311 Jarboe St, KCMO, 64114. Please RSVP to Margaret Singer at 816 942 8889. Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group Wed, May 8, noon; at Rose Room, Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. This month the members will be working in the Club’s Herb Garden located between the Adam & Eve stone statues. Members will bring herbs to add to the Garden. We plan to enjoy a picnic lunch in the warm sunshine. Facebook: check us out at Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group. Friends and visitors are always welcome. Questions: Call Lynn at 816-308-5450. GKC Water Garden Society Tues, May 21, doors open 5pm for snacks and setting up all the plants for the exchange, so plan to come a little earlier than usual; at Our Lady of Sorrows Church lower level meeting room, 2552 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108. This annual plant exchange extrava-

ganza is a member only meeting. If ever there was a good time to join this is it! Single memberships are $35, and a 2-person household is $45. A monthly newsletter, tickets to the public tour, 9 months of educational speakers on many topics are a few of the benefits of membership. At the plant exchange members bring a huge assortment of plants they have divided or want to share. These often include Hostas, banana trees, cannas, hibiscus for the water garden and your flower beds, herbs, perennials, ornamental trees and about anything you can imagine. Please label your plants with size and color. Bring bags, coolers and some water for water garden plants to make the trip home safely. After the plant exchange, we come inside from the parking lot for refreshments and the 2nd portion of the evening. Deb Spencer, co-owner of Water’s Edge in Lawrence, Kansas will be our featured speaker. “What’s New” is her topic. Deb will update us on the IWGS Symposium in Paris, France, share some new pond accessories and equipment, along with some new fabulous plants for the water garden. Whatever you do, don’t miss the most fun and information packed meeting of the year! Heart of America Gesneriad Society Sat, May 18, 10am-noon; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. DVD on Streptocarpus. Heartland Hosta & Shade Plant Society Sat, May 11, 9am-1pm; at First Lutheran Church, 6400 State Line Rd, Mission Hills, KS. Annual Spring Plant Sale. There will be a great collection of newer hostas and other shade perennials. The public is welcome. For more information check out our website or Facebook pages, www. heartlandhosta.club; www.facebook.com/ HeartlandHostaAndShadePlantSociety/ or call Riley at 913-638-1184. Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society Sun, May 19, will hold annual potluck picnic lunch at a member’s garden. Visitors are welcome to join the fun; please call 816-444-9321 or email evaal@att.net for more information. Members, watch your email for directions and other details. Also on Sun, May 12, KCCSS will have a small “mini” sale 9am to 4pm at Powell Gardens, Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO. Powell Gardens regular admission charge applies. See you there! The next regular club meeting will be Sun, Jun 23, 1:30-4pm at the Loose Park Garden Center, 51st St and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. For information on the Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society, visit our website: kccactus.com. Kansas City Garden Club Spring Luncheon Mon, May 6; at Colonial Church, 7039 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS 66208. The public is welcomed to attend. A bargain plant sale, two different delightful garden programs AND a delicious lunch. You, too, can be a part of the Annual Kansas City Garden Club Spring Luncheon. Browse a selection of annuals, vegetables and perennial plants in addition to other garden items at the plant sale beginning at 9:30am. Then at 10:30, after a very short business meeting, “The Fountains of Kansas City”, will be presented by Joanie Shields, a member of The City of Fountains Foundation. She will enlighten you with photos and information about some of Kansas City’s first fountains, what inspired certain fountain creations and the history of

many fountains. Next, we will enjoy a yummy lunch cooked, baked and served by the church ladies. At 1pm Ferrell Richardson, owner of The Cottage Rose, will thrill you with “Everything Is Coming Up Roses”. She will create and discuss fresh floral designs, both traditional and contemporary styles. Her shop, The Cottage Rose, is a boutique floral and event design studio. Tickets are $25, and may be purchased by sending a check made out to the Kansas City Garden Club and mailed to Lee Ann Bergin, 10119 W 66 Terr, Merriam, KS 66203, or call her at 913-677-6750. The deadline for buying tickets is Apr 30. Kansas City Rose Society Sat, May 11, 2-4pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, KC, MO 64112. Poetry Reading. Thurs, May 16, 9am-noon; at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, KC, MO 64112. Groomers Training. All are welcome. www.kansascityrosesociety.org Leavenworth County Master Gardeners Wed, May 8, 11am; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Please join us as Kathy Schlesinger, a board member and officer of the Bonsai Society of Greater Kansas City, will present, “Miniature Trees”: an Introduction to the Ancient Art of Bonsai. The emphasis of the program will be on the botany and horticulture importance of Bonsai. The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094. Mid America Begonia Society Sat, May 18, 1-3pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, KC, MO 64112. Propagating begonias from seeds. Orchid Society of Greater Kansas City Sun, May 19, Beginner’s group 1:30-2pm; Speaker 3pm; at Lenexa Senior Center, 13420 Oak St, Lenexa, KS. Speaker is Jeanne Kaeding, Growing Tolumnias. Open to the public. www.osgkc.org or on Facebook. Overland Park Gardeners of America Mon, May 13, 7pm; at Colonial Church, 7039 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS. We will be potting up various combinations of plants from our plant sale. Bring pot, we will provide the soil. Everyone welcome. Contact Holly Ramsay 913-302-2014 for more info. Raytown Garden Club Tues, May 7, 10am; at Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church, 6429 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO. We will have a brief presentation at the beginning of the meeting entitled “Clematis”. Our program PowerPoint and lecture is entitled “Planting to Feed & House Wild Birds”, presented by Ed Reese, owner and operator of The Wild Bird House in Overland Park, KS. Refreshments will be served, and visitors are always welcome! Come meet our group, we would love to get to know you! Check out our Facebook page at Raytown Garden Club or visit our website at https://sites.google.com/ site/fgcmwestcentral/clubs/raytown Sho Me African Violets Sat, May 10, 11am-1pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO. Presentation: Micro Nutrient Toxicity by Brent Scheuerman.

Events, Lectures & Classes May Annual Plant Sale to Benefit Cross-Lines Wed, May 1, 4-7pm; Thurs, May 2 & Fri, May 3, 8am-7pm; Sat, May 4, 8am-1pm; at Shawnee Presbyterian Church, 6837 Nieman Rd, Shawnee, KS. The sale will be held rain or shine under a tent. New varieties of perennials

and annuals along with hostas, herbs, tomatoes, and peppers will be available. There will be a large variety of sun and shade hanging baskets & patio planters, as well as flowering pots. There will also be a large selection of individual and pots of succulents. Volunteers available to custom design pots. Bring yours or buy at the sale. Proceeds benefit CrossLines Community Outreach Inc. Questions, call Kelly Carpenter at 913-281-3388.

Now Hiring for Spring

Annual Dahlia Tuber/Root Sale May 3-4. Presented by the Greater Kansas City Dahlia Society. Contact Randy Burfeind for details at 913-451-3488. OPA Spring Plant Sale Fri, May 3, 9am-7pm, Sat, May 4, 9am-3pm and Sun, May 5, 11am-3pm. The 21st annual Overland Park Arboretum plant sale opens with this preview opportunity for Friends of the Arboretum members. Special emphasis on native, butterfly and pollinator plants with knowledgeable gardeners on hand to assist shoppers. Support the Arboretum as you choose the perfect plants for your 2019 garden. Sale is open to the public, rain or shine. The Arboretum is located a half mile west of Hwy 69 at 179th and Antioch. 913-685-3604. MGGKC Annual Plant Sale Fri and Sat, May 3 and 4. TENT at Independence Center, East 39th St S, Independence, MO. The Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City began the Annual Plant Sale in 2010 and it has “grown” every year. If you have attended one of the sales in the past, you know that we have built a solid reputation for offering great plants at reasonable prices. If you have not attended in the past, you will want to make it a point to come this year. Come early for best selection, quantities limited. Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners Plant Sale Fri, May 3, 9am-5pm and Sat, May 4, 9am2pm; at Wildcat Room, 1200 N 79th St, Kansas City KS. Annual and perennial flowers and ornamental plants, and vegetable and herb plants will be available for purchase. Proceeds fund WCEMGA educational programs offered through demonstration gardens, youth education programs, and adult outreach programs. For more information, 913-299-9300. Central Missouri Master Gardeners’ Annual Plant Sale Sat, May 4, 7am-noon; at the Jaycee Fairgrounds, 1445 Fairgrounds Rd, Jefferson City, MO. The indoor plant sale features tomatoes, vegetables, peppers, herbs, annuals, perennials, natives, hanging baskets, container plantings, shrubs, and trees. Proceeds from sale fund scholarships, community garden projects, and River City Gardens. Topeka Plant Sale Sat, May 4, 9am-noon; at Agriculture Hall located on 1 Expo Dr (at the corner of 17th and Topeka), Topeka, KS 66604. Sponsored by Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners, 11th annual fundraiser. Are you ready to grow? Stock up on your favorite vegetables, perennials, annuals and herbs! All plants are raised by our Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners and are proven to produce, even in extreme weather. Pick up special items, including Mother’s Day baskets, and discover hidden gems in the Garden Shed Thrift Shop. Cash, check or cards accepted. Farmers’ Market and KC’s Local Food Movement Sat, May 4, 9am-12pm; at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. Do you love shopping the local farmers’ market, but get overwhelmed deciding who to support, who are the real (continued on page 34)

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SeedSaversKC Spring Plant Exchange May 4 ∙ Saturday ∙ 9:30 AM–Noon at Anita B Gorman Discovery Center 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110 It is time to swap your plants! All plants must be potted, labeled and in good health-no wilted plants allowed. Please consult invasive plant species of MO lists and do not bring invasive species. Herbs, vegetables, annuals, flowers, biennials, perennials, vines, shrubs, trees, fruit bearing seeds and extra garden tools you don’t need are permissible. Trade five plants you bring for five new ones-no limits on amount you can bring. Check in at the sign in desk to have your plants checked for approval to trade. Plants that are not approved do not receive trade credit, please understand our rules and abide by them. It is best to pot the plants up at least two weeks prior to the event. Experienced gardeners may be able to bring wilted plants back to life, but many coming don’t have those talents. Let’s get some dirt under our nails. Seed Savers KC is about all things seeds. We save seeds, share seeds, and plant seeds. We make friends, share gardening stories, share plants and bulbs, share recipes, and we share encouragement. We educate the community on the importance of preserving our seed varieties. We have a seed library. We help community gardens. We are a community. Learn more at http://www.seedsavers-kc.org. The Kansas City Gardener | May 2019

Volunteer to be a Rose Garden Groomer G

arden groomers snip spent blossoms, prune, assist the Loose Park garden staff and greet visitors in the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden. The hours are flexible, but most people work on Thursday mornings starting at 8:30 a.m. This year, training will be by Kansas City Rose Society Garden Groomer Chair and American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian John Riley and Loose Park Director and Rosarian Judy Penner. Grooming training will be held from 9 a.m. to noon in the Loose Park Garden Center (5200 Pennsylvania, KCMO 64112) on Thursday, May 16. Groomers then meet weekly in the rose garden on Thursdays through most of September. We start snipping at 8:30 a.m., groom for a couple of hours, then meet under the shade trees for refreshments, socializing and a mini-class on roses. Benefits • Opportunity to learn from and train with Rosarians • Community service in a beautiful setting, visit groomer friends during teatime!

farmers, how and what to buy? Learn how to shop the market wisely and what to know about the vendor guidelines. Farmers’ markets are just a part of the active local food and farmer movement. Also look at the city’s historical farming roots and discover the myriad of resources that connect us to our local food growers. Discover farm to table, organic, urban and local trends. Learn about KC organizations collaborating to feed our city on many levels and key programs that are training our next gen farmers. Instructor: Sherri Thomas. Fee: $39. To enroll go to https:// ce.jccc.edu or call 913-469-2323.

• Annual Volunteer Recognition and Awards for service Responsibilities • Work at the direction of Judy Penner and the Loose Park garden staff. • Wear Kansas City Rose Society apron or cap for identification. • Act as a Rose Garden Ambassador. For further information, contact John Riley, Chair and ARS Consulting Rosarian, at 913-341-2853, or via email at rileyj@asme. org.

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places to go, things to do, people to see (continued from page 33)

LOCALLY GROWN PLANTS

Upcoming Garden Events

Woodworking for Wildlife: Wren Houses Sat, May 4, 10-11am or 12:30-1:30pm; at Anita B Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110. Registration required (ages 10+) Missourians welcome the energetic and exuberant house wren each spring. This small summer resident is a common backyard bird and will utilize abandoned woodpecker holes, bird boxes and other cavities for its habitat. Building your own wren box is a rewarding nature experience. Make plans to take part in one of these woodworking sessions where you will construct your own wren box and learn where to place it in your backyard. For more information email discoverycenter@mdc.mo.gov; 816-759-7300 SeedSavers–KC Plant Exchange 2019 Sat, May 4, 9:30am-Noon; at Anita B Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110. Walk-in (all ages) It is time to swap your plants! All plants must be potted, labeled and in good health-no wilted plants allowed. Please consult invasive plant species of MO lists and do not bring invasive species. Herbs, vegetables, annuals, flowers, biennials, perennials, vines, shrubs, trees, fruit bearing seeds and extra garden tools you don’t need are permissible. Trade five plants you bring for five new ones-no limits on amount you can bring. Check in at the sign-in desk to have your plants checked for approval to trade. Plants that are not approved do not receive trade credit, please understand our rules and abide by them. It is best to pot the plants up at least two weeks prior to the event. Experienced gardeners may be able to bring wilted plants back to life, but many coming don’t have those talents. Let’s get some dirt under our nails. For more information email discoverycenter@mdc.mo.gov; 816-759-7300 Rose Care Workshop Mon, May 6, social and refreshments 6pm, program 6:30pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Special presentation by Judy Penner, Director of the Loose Park Garden Center & Rose Gardens. Judy will demonstrate proper care and trimming of roses, as well as exploring the rich history at Loose Park. Judy is an avid gardener and can be seen working with the crews and volunteers around Loose Park. Guests are welcome, no charge to attend. Questions, contact Margaret Singer, 816-9428889. Microgreens Tues, May 7, 4pm at 730 1st Terr, Ste 1, Lansing KS 66043. Mark and Donna Olson, both Leavenworth County Master Gardeners, will give a presentation on the growing and healthful benefits of microgreens. The meet-

ing is free and open to the public. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913240-4094. Wild Edibles! Weeds, Seeds and More! Tues, May 7, 6-8pm; at Anita B Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110. Registration required (adults) The spring flora and fauna will be our backdrop for this unique dining experience as we savor the bounty of a wild spring harvest, sip wild native tea and enjoy a sweet wild edible dessert. Join us for an evening of fun learning more about the habitats around us that provide delicious culinary opportunities. Registration is not complete unless we received your $20.00 refundable deposit within one week of registration. For more information email discoverycenter@mdc.mo.gov; 816-759-7300 Tour of the Trees Wed, May 8, 10-11am; at Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, a mile west of US Hwy 69 on 179th St. Our knowledgeable volunteers will lead this informative and interactive talk about the unique trees that live at the Arboretum. As you walk with them, learn about the trees uses in history, interesting facts and growing patterns. 18 and up. FREE. 913-685-3604 Monarch Habitats Wed, May 8, 7pm; at Basehor Community Library, 1400 158th St, Basehor KS 66007. Patti Davis, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, will give a presentation on how to make your backyard a Monarch Butterfly habitat. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094. Design Dilemmas & Solutions Thurs, May 9, 11:30am-1pm; at Sunflower Room Wyandotte Co Extension Office, 1216 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Will be an interactive class focusing on basic landscape principles and suggestions for improving your home landscape. Bring photos of your design dilemmas and we will offer guidance on what to do to improve your landscape. Class moderated by Lynn Loughary, K-State Research & Extension Horticulture Agent, sponsored by Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners. Fee: $5 (waived for currently certified EMGs). For info, 913-299-9300. National Public Gardens Day Fri, May 10, 10am-noon; at Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, a mile west of US Hwy 69 on 179th St. Celebrate by touring and learning about the many amazing gardens at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Our knowledgeable volunteers will give free tours. Open to everyone. While no reservations are required, space is limited. Tours are approximately one hour in length. Bring a friend and meet at the kiosk to start get started. Annual Spring Plant Sale Sat, May 11, 9am-1pm; at First Lutheran Church, 6400 State Line Rd, Mission Hills, KS. Presented by Heartland Hosta & Shade Plant Society. There will be a great collection of newer hostas and other shade perennials. The public is welcome. For more information check out our website or Facebook pages, www.heartlandhosta.club; www.facebook. com/HeartlandHostaAndShadePlantSociety/ or call Riley at 913-638-1184.

Miami County Farm Tour Sat, May 11 and Sun, May 12, 10am-4pm both days. For more information about the farm tour or to receive a map of the sites please call 913-294-4045. The tour’s website, www. MICOFarmTour.com, features a map of the sites and a copy of the tour’s brochure. Spring Open House & Plant Fundraiser Sat, May 11, 8am-2pm; Monarch Watch is located on the West Campus of the University of Kansas at 2021 Constant Ave, Lawrence, KS 66047. Ready to start a butterfly garden or improve the one you have? If so, come visit us at Monarch Watch for our annual Spring Open House & Plant Fundraiser. We will have more than 10,000 butterfly plants (both annuals and perennials), including seedlings of eleven milkweed varieties. These plants are ideal for starting butterfly gardens or adding to established gardens. Monarch numbers have been declining and we need to plant milkweeds to sustain the monarch migration. A list of available plants appears below. At the Open House you can learn about creating Monarch Waystations and see the magnificent butterfly and pollinator garden maintained by the Douglas County Master Gardeners. There will be games for the kids inside and out and they can make “seed balls” containing seeds of milkweeds and other butterfly plants that can be used to create habits for monarchs and other butterflies. They can also see lots of different insects and spiders, watch videos, or complete a variety of activities. All are welcome to tour our garden and lab space. We will have live demonstrations, and, of course, monarch butterflies! Refreshments will be provided. If you can’t make it in person, be sure to check us out online–we plan to post photos and broadcast some LIVE video throughout the day. https:// monarchwatch.org/openhouse/ Floatation Gardening Sat, May 11, 10am; at Water’s Edge, 847 Indiana St, Lawrence, KS. Learn about Islands and Cork Floats, how they improve pond balance, beauty and habitat. 20% off Island and Cork Floats. 785-841-6777 Container Gardening Sat, May 11, 11am; at Water’s Edge, 847 Indiana St, Lawrence, KS. Everybody needs a friend or two, and your plants do too! Come see which combos can jazz up your pond, or, put together a charming bowl garden or two, or more, for high drama on your patio. 20% off Decorative Pots and Water Bowls. 785841-6777 Tour of the Trees Wed, May 15, 10-11am; at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, a mile west of US Hwy 69 on 179th St. 18 and up. Our knowledgeable volunteers will lead this informative and interactive talk about the unique trees that live at the Arboretum. As you walk with them, learn about the trees uses in history, interesting facts and growing patterns. Free. 913-685-3604 Changing Global Weather Patterns Thurs, May 16, 7pm; at Leavenworth Public Library, 417 Spruce St, Leavenworth, KS

66048. Ken Lassman will give a presentation on changing global weather patterns. How is it affecting Kansas? What to expect? The meeting is free and open to the public. For more info contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094. Idalia Butterfly Society presentation Sat, May 18, 5:30pm Pot-luck Dinner & 6:45pm Presentation; at Prairie Village Community Center, 7700 Mission Rd. Free to the public. Are you interested in butterfly gardening? Join us for a presentation on “New Hosts for Old Friends”, a discussion about some uncommon host plants for familiar butterflies. For instance, three tropical species of milkweeds, the host plant for Monarchs, will be presented by Lenora Larson, columnist for The Kansas City Gardener. Lenora has a 2-acre certified butterfly garden in rural Miami County and is a frequent presenter to gardening and nature groups. She belongs to the Idalia Society, Kansas Native Plant Society and North American Butterfly Association. Native Plant Sale Sat, May 18, 9:30am-2:30pm; at Anita B Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110. Walk-in (all ages). The Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) will be on site to offer a native plant sale. Grow Native! vendors will be on hand with a wide selection of native flowers, grasses, sedges, shrubs and trees for a variety of growing conditions. Vendors will contribute a percentage of plant sale proceeds to benefit MPF’s prairie conservation in Missouri. Visit https:// www.moprairie.org for participating vendors and information about preordering. www. mdc.mo.gov/discoverycenter, for more information email discoverycenter@mdc.mo.gov, 816-759-7300 SPECIAL EVENT: Get Outdoors! Sat, May 18, 10am-3pm; at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64015. Walk-in (all ages). There are numerous opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy nature in Blue Springs! The Missouri Department of Conservation partners with Blue Springs Parks and Recreation and Jackson County Parks + Recreation to offer this celebration of the outdoors in our community. This event will be held at Lake Remembrance. Activities include: kayaking, fishing, wild edible plants, birding, outdoor yoga, archery, the unlovable in nature (snakes, spiders and insects) and so much more! There will be something for all ages. Call 816-228-3766 for more information. www.mdc.mo.gov/burroakwoods 7th Annual GHF Spring Native Plant Sale Sat, May 18, 9am-1pm; at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1011 Vermont St, Lawrence. The 2019 sale will include over 50 species of native wildflowers, grasses, and sedges! At least 10 species are new or have not been offered at a GHF sale recently. All plants are locally-grown Kansas natives and are neonicfree. Plants will be $4.00 each on the day of the sale. Discounts are available for GHF members who order ahead of time and pick up at the event. Email us at ghfplantsale@gmail. com for ordering instructions and to verify your membership. Not a member? Join online at http://www.grasslandheritage.org/supportprairie-protection. New Garden to Go kits will be available! Kits contain pre-selected plants for shade, sun, or containers, a sample diagram, and planting instructions. Available to everyone for pre-order only. The sun and shade kits each contain 16 plants and are available for $56.00. The container kit contains 5 plants and is available for $17.50. All plants in the container kit are perennials and can be planted in your garden/yard at the end of the summer. Again, email ghfplantsale@gmail. (continued on page 36)

Planters Seed Co. • Since 1927 •

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May Planting Dates Plant Above-Ground Crops: 4, 5, 9, 10, 15-18 • Plant Root Crops: 18, 22, 23 Transplant: 15-18 • Plant Flowers: 4, 5, 9, 10 • Control Pests: 2, 3, 29-31

WATER’S EDGE

Bird Walk Sat, May 11, 8:15-11am; at Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, a mile west of US Hwy 69 on 179th St. Whether a backyard birder, a serious bird nerd, or you just enjoy a walk in the woods, you’ll love this bird walk led by Arboretum volunteers. Look for and listen to a lively mix of the nearly 100 different species of birds that have been identified at the Arboretum. Ages 12 and up. Closed toe shoes and long pants are recommended, and bug repellent and binoculars are encouraged. $10 non-members/$9 members, plus admission. 913-685-3604

Find the oasis from the ordinary

Visit the water garden specialists

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The Kansas City Gardener | May 2019

Ancient Art of Bonsai Exhibit Sat, May 18, 10am-3pm at Anita B Gorman Discovery Center 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110

he Bonsai Society of Greater Kansas City presents its 2019 Annual Spring Exhibit in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Conservation. The translation of Bonsai simply means pot or tray planted. However, bonsai is one of the oldest forms of ‘living’ art as trees and plants are grown in containers and artistically designed for the viewers’ enjoyment. This formal display will include over 25 plants, from the quite small (under 8 in.) to large (over 24 in.) and potted in specialized ceramic containers. There will be deciduous and evergreen plants representing various genera, plants from different growing environments, as well as natives to our area. Hopefully the spring weather will also be cooperative which will mean several should be in bloom. Stop by the Lewis and Clark rooms to view this unique display and visit with the members of the society or watch ongoing work demonstrations.

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

(continued from page 35) com for ordering instructions and with questions. Gardening experts will also be on hand during the sale to answer questions and make suggestions for what to plant in your yard. www.grasslandheritage.org; 785-840-8104 Liberty Plant Exchange Sat, May 18, 8-10am (or until out of plants); at Rotary Plaza, corner of Gallatin and Franklin St, Liberty, MO. If you want to share something from your garden or you want to pick something up at no cost to you (free), then come to Liberty. Sponsored by Liberty Town and Country Garden Club. Contact Gail Pruett at gail.pruett7@gmail.com. Indoor Garden/Urban Farming Class Sat, May 18, 11am-Noon (Entry level Class), 1-2pm (Advanced Class); 117 S Mur-Len Rd, Olathe, KS 66062. Classes are FREE but seating is limited so please sign-up via our website year-roundgarden.com. Learn tips and tricks of how to grow a successful garden indoors, new topics every month, and discounts offered to class attendees. 913-397-0594 Herbs for Beginners Sat, May 18, 9am-12pm; at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. May is the perfect time to plant more herbs! Become more familiar with growing herbs and their many culinary and medical uses with this hands-on class. Learn which are perennials or annuals and how best to grow each in your garden. In addition, learn about medicinal uses, useful recipes for the kitchen and the many ways to preserve the herbs you grow. Instructor: Sherri Thomas. Fee: $39. To enroll go to https://ce.jccc.eduor call 913-469-2323. “Miniature Trees”: An Introduction to the Ancient Art of Bonsai Sat, May 18, 11am-Noon; Anita B Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110. Walk-in (ages 14+). The translation of Bonsai simply means pot or tray planted. However, Bonsai is one of the oldest forms of ‘living’ art as trees and plants are grown in containers, artistically designed, but emphasizing its natural habitat qualities for the owners’ enjoyment. And whether you have a yard or a small apartment you can enjoy multiple plants in your environment. Any plant, that will produce a woody stem can be used, which of course includes native material and local nursery offerings. This presentation will provide a general overview. Topics discussed will include Chinese and Japanese origins, US Collection in DC and descriptions of Bonsai styles, tools, general horticulture procedures, pot selection and the design process. We will wrap up with a review of the various styles using slides featuring examples of different plants used in this unique art. For more information email discoverycenter@mdc.mo.gov; 816-759-7300 Exhibit–Ancient Art of Bonsai Sat, May 18, 10am-3pm; Anita B Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110. The Bonsai Society of Greater Kansas City presents its 2019 Annual Spring Exhibit in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Conservation. The translation of Bonsai simply means pot or tray planted. However, bonsai is one of the oldest forms of ‘living’ art as trees and plants are

grown in containers and artistically designed for the viewers’ enjoyment. This formal display will include over 25 plants, from the quite small (under 8 in.) to large (over 24 in.) and potted in specialized ceramic containers. There will be deciduous and evergreen plants representing various genera, plants from different growing environments, as well as natives to our area. Hopefully the spring weather will also be cooperative which will mean several should be in bloom. Stop by the Lewis and Clark rooms to view this unique display and visit with the members of the society or watch ongoing work demonstrations. Advanced Beekeeping – Equipment Wed, May 29, 6:30-8:30pm; at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. Learn how to assemble and review all the woodware, clothing and hardware needed for your beekeeping hobby. This includes everything needed for your bees, the beekeeper and your honey harvest. Instructor: Robert Hughes. Fee: $29. To enroll go to https://ce.jccc.eduor call 913469-2323.

June and July 25th Annual Town & Country Garden Tour Sat and Sun, Jun 1 and 2, 10am; Hermann, Missouri. The Garden Tour includes both a walking tour of gardens in downtown historic Hermann and a driving tour to gardens in the hills around Hermann. This year’s feature will be three artists’ gardens where you will find plein air artists at work. The $15 ticket price includes visits to at least five private gardens both in town and in the country and the Garden Demonstration Area where you will see historic bee skep making and a four square garden. Garden Tours may be spread over Sat and Sun. Ticket Sale Site is the Hermann Welcome Center on the Market Street Plaza; tickets are sold from 10am-4pm on Sat and 10am-3pm on Sun. Gardens close at 5pm on Sat and 4pm on Sun. There is also a Garden Party/Silent Auction on Friday evening, May 31st from 6-9pm at the Historic Hermann Rotunda. The Hermann Garden Tours website www.hermanngardentours.com provides upto-date events, ticket prices, contact numbers and photographs of past tour gardens. Visit the FAQS page on the website for answers to all your questions. “Like” us on Facebook at “Hermann Garden Club Tours.” Call the Hermann Welcome Center at 800-932-8687 for questions about lodging or go to www. visithermann.com. The Garden Tour is always the first full weekend in June. Kansas City Rose Society Rose Show Sat, Jun 1; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. All rose growers are invited to bring roses between 8:30am and 12:30pm. No entry fee. Classes for all varieties of roses from miniatures to shrubs. Photography classes for rose photos. All you need to know is the name of rose you wish to exhibit. Helpers are available for new rose exhibitors. Douglas County Garden Tour Sat, Jun 1, 9:30am-5pm and Sun, Jun 2, 11am5pm. Douglas Co Master Gardeners are hosting a garden tour. There are seven gardens on the tour. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Douglas County Extension Office on the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2110 Harper St, Lawrence, KS.

Native Plant Sale Sat, Jun 1, 9am-2:30pm, or until all plants are sold. The sale will be held in the Deal Six room at the Douglas County Extension Office on the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2110 Harper St, Lawrence, KS. Approximately 40 different species of natives will be available, with plants selling for $4 each or 3 for $10. All plants for sale are native plants. Hosted by Douglas County Master Gardeners. Rose Day Sun, Jun 2, 1-5pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, KCMO 64112. Rose Garden event by the Kansas City Rose Society. Rose Show winners on display. Drip, Soaker, or Sprinkler Wed, Jun 5, 6-7pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence, KS 66047. Not sure of the best watering method for you? We will talk about the pros and cons of the big “3”; drip irrigation, soaker hoses and sprinklers. FREE, but seating is limited, so please RSVP either by clicking on “going” on our Facebook page or call 785-842-3081. Garden Sampler Tour Sat, Jun 8, 9am-5pm (Rain or Shine). The tour features 6 wonderful gardens, all from the Shawnee area. Presented by Garden Club of Shawnee. Proceeds from the tour are used for the club’s grant program, which provides funds to schools, churches, museums and other non-profit organizations projects to support their gardening projects which help fulfill the club’s objectives. Tickets are for sale for $15. Tickets will be available at several locations throughout Shawnee, from club members and on our website, www.gardenclubofshawnee.org or visit us on Facebook at “The Garden Club of Shawnee”. MGGKC Garden Tour Jun 7 & 8, 9am-4:30pm. Tour Seven Beautiful Gardens. The Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City tour features seven unique gardens south of the Country Club Plaza. Tickets are $15 each, rain or shine. Tickets can be purchased 1) the day of tour at all seven garden locations; 2) by mail by using PayPal 3) and beginning May 1 at all Family Tree Nurseries, Suburban Lawn and Garden at 105 and Roe and 135 and Wornall locations, Planter’s Seed and Spice Company, and Heartland Nursery and Garden Center. Proceeds from tour will support Master Gardener Educational projects across Jackson, Clay and Platte counties. Beekeeping 101–Gr 8-12 Fri, Jun 7 & 14, 8am-noon; at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. You will be introduced to the fun and exciting world of beekeeping. In today’s world, there are many beekeeping opportunities and challenges. Gain a good understanding about beekeeping and learn about the many products that come from bees, like honey, pollen and wax. You will also visit the JCCC Bee Yard and explore a working hive. Identify the honey, baby bees, pollen and find the Queen! This course is for students between the grades 8-12. Instructor: Robert Hughes. Fee: $99. To enroll go to https:// ce.jccc.edu or call 913-469-2323. Indoor Garden/Urban Farming Classes Sat, Jun 15, 11am-Noon (Entry level Class), 1-2pm (Advanced Class); 117 S Mur-Len Rd, Olathe, KS 66062. Classes are FREE but seating is limited so please sign-up via our website

year-roundgarden.com. Learn tips and tricks of how to grow a successful garden indoors, new topics every month, and discounts offered to class attendees. 913-397-0594 Stems: A Garden Soiree Sat, Jun 22, 7-11pm; at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park invites you to the premier event of the summer! $250 Patron Ticket, $150 General Admission Ticket. Tickets are all-inclusive– food, beverages, entertainment and fun! Visit stemssoiree.org or call 913.322.6467 for all ticket and event information. Midwest FlowerFest Public Day Fri, Jun 28 and Sat, Jun 29, 8am-5pm; at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Field Trials are the industry’s way of measuring how a particular variety will behave in our area. The Midwest FlowerFest for 2019 will showcase over 250 containers and in ground trials planted with over 100 established and trial varieties. Trials will be on display in the gardens for the month of July. During that time, we will be measuring how well they perform in our environment. Be sure to check out the display, as well as the rest of the gardens and trails. See how they perform and take note for your own garden. Thank you to Family Tree Nursery and McHutchison Distributors for being great partners in this event. Included with admission.

ocated downtown between 31st Street and Union Cemetery, and bordered by Main Street and Gilham, Union Hill is a walkable, charming historic Victorian neighborhood filled with avid gardeners. Gardens along the walking tour feature everything from spectacular floral displays to container gardens to an urban farm and even chickens! Several businesses local to Union Hill and the Martini Corner entertainment district are offering discounts to garden tour attendees. The tour starts at 31st and Grand then follows a walking path through the neighborhood. Attendees will receive a map and guide to the gardens on the tour. A donation of $10 is requested. Purchase tickets the day of the tour, or in advance through the Union Hill Garden Tour Facebook page.

Train Garden Tour Sat, Jun 29, 10am-4pm and Sun, Jun 30, noon4pm. Adults and kids are invited to tour the unique train gardens at homes in the greater Kansas City area. They are like a miniature world with model trains running through garden landscaping, with small houses and buildings, trees, plants, water features, bridges and tunnels. Hosted by the MO-KAN Garden Railroaders, the admission cost for this selfguided tour to all gardens is $10 per car. Fifty percent of the proceeds go to Harvesters Food Network. For tickets and tour guide, go to www.mokangardenrailroaders.org. Summer Perennials Wed, Jul 3, 6-7pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence, KS 66047. We will discuss some of our favorite sun and shade perennials for summer. Workshop lasts an hour plus time for questions. FREE, but seating is limited, so please RSVP either by clicking on “going” on our Facebook page or call 785-842-3081. Handouts provided. Water Gardens 2019 Sat, Jul 6 and Sun, Jul 7, rain or shine. The Water Garden Society of Greater Kansas City proudly presents its 26th annual self-directed water garden tour in Kansas City, Missouri and surrounding metropolitan communities. Tickets for the tour are $10 per person 14 years and over, and can be purchased at garden centers throughout the community as well as Hen House and Westlake Hardware in the Kansas City area. Proceeds benefit construction and maintenance of educational and restorative water gardens and other educational programs in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Purchase your tickets early to plan your driving tour. For groups and bus tours visit us at www.kcwatergardens.com. For Information on discounted tickets at $8 per person for groups of 10 or more call 913-599-9718 or tour@kcwatergardens.com.

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

sai Tree Send details to:

25th Annual Union Hill Garden Tour scheduled for June 9, 10am to 2pm

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Deadline for publishing in the June issue is May 5.

JOIN US! Nearly half a million LEGO® bricks were used to craft thirteen amazing pieces which will be installed in the Gardens from May 4-July 28. powellgardens.org | 816.697.2600 The Kansas City Gardener | May 2019

May

garden calendar n LAWN

• Core aerate zoysia to reduce thatch layer. • Sod or sprig zoysia lawns. • Fertilize zoysia with high nitrogen fertilizer to promote green up and summer growth. • Mow zoysia at 1 to 2 inches tall. • Fertilize bluegrass and tall fescue if watering regularly in summer with a slow-release product. • Mow bluegrass and tall fescue around 3 inches. • Withhold early summer watering to encourage more drought-tolerant lawns. • Let clippings fall to return needed nutrients to the turf. • Keep mower blade sharp for a clean cut. • Spot-treat summer broadleaf weeds such as spurge or clover. • Sweep walks and drives after applying fertilizer and pesticide to reduce runoff.

n VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

• Plant tomato, pepper, and eggplant transplants in early May. • Seed sweet corn, cucumbers, squash, beans, and other warm-season vegetables. • Cultivate soil lightly with a hoe to control weed growth. • Mound soil around potato plants to encourage tuber formation. • Harvest fresh asparagus until the spear size decreases. • Remove rhubarb seed stalks to promote leaf growth. • Plant kitchen herbs for summer use in dishes or food preservation. • Treat fruit trees with needed pesticides to control insects and disease. • Thin heavy fruit set on apples to increase fruit size and next year’s crop. • Harvest salad crops and enjoy. • Keep broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage well fertilized for big yields.

n TREES AND SHRUBS

• Plant new trees and shrubs. • Water young ornamentals as needed.

• Prune spring flowering shrubs after bloom to shape plant and encourage flowers next year. • Mulch around young trees and shrubs to conserve moisture and control weed growth. • Remove tree wraps for summer growth. • Remove tree stakes that have been in place more than one growing season. • Fertilize trees to help increase growth rates. • Use caution with line trimmers around trees and shrubs to avoid damaging tender bark.

n FLOWERS

• Plant annual flowers for summer color. • Continue to plant and divide perennials. • Mulch perennial and annual gardens for weed control and moisture retention. • Begin pinching chrysanthemums and other perennials for a more compact plant. • Do not remove foliage from spring bulbs until it dies down naturally, developing stronger blooms for next year. • Plant container gardens and hanging baskets using a good quality potting mix. • Keep a garden journal for permanent reference. • Watch for weed growth; control weeds while they are small for ease of removal.

n HOUSEPLANTS

• Move plants outdoors for summer by gradually increasing the exposure to sunlight. • Fertilize plants to promote summer growth. • Rotate plants to develop a well-rounded plant. • Wash dusty leaves in the shower under room-temperature water. • Start new plants with a four to six-inch cutting. • Repot plants into a one-inch larger pot. • Check for insects.

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

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Meet Master Gardener, Frank Newkirk

What first drew you to the hobby of gardening: I was raised on a farm in the Missouri Ozarks. A large garden was a summer long

project as we expected our produce to last through the entire fall and winter seasons. Gardening was a duty and I must admit I was fed up with it by the time I left the farm for college. How long have you been a Master Gardener: I have been a Missouri Master Gardener for eight years, since 2012. I chose to become a MG when I learned of the program through a neighbor. My interest in things horticultural had renewed after completing college, getting married and the purchase of our first home. I assisted with my family garden on the farm and was active in 4-H and FFA programs which taught great practices. With the exception of college years and military service, I have done some form of gardening all my life. Most valuable information learned: Know the nutrient level of the soil via soil testing. This is important regardless of any type gardening, from lawn and landscape to flower and vegetable. Favorite tool: My favorite tool was a hoe made from a mowing machine section but that has been replaced by a Rogue hoe made from recycled farm disc sections. I also love my Mantis tiller.

Favorite tree: The Oak tree (any variety) is my favorite because it is beautiful and fairly resistant to disease and weather damage. Do you have a specialty: I would guess my specialty might be vegetable gardening especially with heirlooms as that is my primary project with Master Gardeners and the Gladstone Atkins-Johnson garden. I also take pride in a nice lawn at my residence. What are you paassionate about: My gardening passions are to learn the best varieties to plant for our location and those that provide the best flavors and sharing that information with those who are interested. Other passions would include food preparation and game bird carving. What challenges do you face: Primarily Missouriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weather variation. Also some insects such at Japanese beetles and Squash Bugs. Advice to share: Never quit learning and realize you do not know everything. Always listen to the advice of others, then judge what is accurate based on your ability to research. Who has inspired you: I would have to say my father who was a very progressive farmer and always studied and followed practices approved by the Missouri Extension Service. The Kansas City Gardener | May 2019

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