KCG May23

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Michael Cavanaugh

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Elizabeth Cavanaugh

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Lenora Larson

Dennis Patton

Tamra Reall

John Riley

Elizabeth Stoakes

Tom Tharp

Grace Wilcox

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Still amazed

What a stunning start to spring! If this season was an orchestral performance, the audience would give a standing ovation. Those “firstchair” performers like blooming crabapple and dogwood trees earn their position of distinction. Leatherleaf viburnum, the 15-foot flowering shrub in my garden, is no slouch. The clusters of creamy white flowers are hard to miss. Rounding out the ensemble are the bedding plants already flowering like hellebore and dicentra. And there is plenty of spring show to come.

Mr. Gardener is having a banner season in the greenhouse. He started from seed several varieties of zinnias and coleus, as well as edibles like kale, beets, and carrots. I wish I could mention that we have tomatoes too, but that was a gardener fail. On one of those unseasonably warm days, it got too hot, and the poor babies simply could not recover. We need a “do over” on tomato seed starting.

The new lighting system finally arrived, along with an exhaust fan to pull the hot air out, and all installed without incident. Also added are handmade cedar boxes (raised beds), where he hopes to grow vegetables without squirrel

interference. When asked about how the kale is doing, he says, “Oh we’ve got plenty of kale, help yourself.” This he says while texting the electrician as they troubleshoot a situation in the breaker box. We are gardeners, not electricians, and are not the least bit shy about calling in professionals when necessary.

Mr. Gardener is the chief operating officer of the greenhouse. From its genesis, he has been the force behind building and utilizing the greenhouse. My role is merely a supportive one. When he calls, “Babe, can you come hold this for me?” I’m there. Need me to sub in for watering duty? Yep, I’m your gal. Even though this is mostly his hobby, we both reap the benefits.

This season, more than those previous, I’ve been amazed. And it’s the little things that fill me with wonder—the way a tree knows exactly when to push a leaf open, how hosta will shoot up through layers of mulch, or the tiniest seed will grow to be an edible plant for me. How we go from naked trees to pollen-laden cars is bewildering.

I’ve discovered that there is no urgency to uncover all of the perennials in our garden by a certain date on the calendar. There are no gardeners managing the forest floor removing fallen leaves so

that the fern can come up. Here’s more good news: plants know exactly what to do and when to do it without our help. I’m reminded of a visit with my friend Lenora Larson, who taught me that plants just want to live. If we learn to give the plant the proper location and decent soil, it will survive.

The botanical world is wonderfilled indeed!

I’ll see you in the garden!

RISE UP

RISE UP ® Garden

Roses

TRIALED & TESTED FOR YOUR SUCCESS

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Look for Rise Up roses in the distinctive white Proven Winners ® container at your local garden centre, or learn more at ProvenWinnersColorChoice.com/RiseUpRoses

Ask the Experts

Question: No mow May, is this something you recommend?

Answer: I am receiving increasing questions about the concept of a no-mow May. For those not in the loop, no-mow May is simply not mowing during the month, so flowering plants in the lawn can bloom and provide pollen and nectar for early-season pollinators.

While the concept is good, and I support pollinator health, I am not sure I can jump on the no-mow May bandwagon in our climate. May is the period of active turf growth. Skipping mowing will result in the thinning of the lawn and once mown, will leave a very stemmy and open appearance to the lawn.

The lawn provides many benefits as a ground cover. If that cover thins out, one of the results is soil erosion, which can move the soil into our local streams and lakes. This causes problems and creates another issue.

The best option for those considering a no-mow May concept is to evaluate the amount of turf really needed. Then reduce the amount of lawn, replacing it with native trees, shrubs, perennials, and other plants which support beneficial insects year-round, not just during the month of May.

TREATING WIND DAMAGED TREES

Question: On one of the windy spring days, a limb broke out of the tree. Do I need to do anything else where it broke off?

Answer: You were not alone, as the wind damaged trees. The good news is that it sounds like your branch fell to the ground. What is hazardous is when a broken branch does not fall but hangs in the tree. So-called hangers are extremely dangerous as we never know when they might fall.

The recommendation is you should make a clean, smooth cut instead of leaving a jagged broken limb. A smooth cut will speed up

the healing process and reduce the chance of rot and decay. Be sure to make a proper cut. Don’t leave a long stub or cut too close to the connecting branch. This is called a flush cut. Leaving a stub allows for rot, and a flush cut increases the size of the wound. Cut at the branch collar. This is an area of raised bark-like growth, which is chock full of cambium tissues, and an area of the tree where new bark forms to seal off the wound. This cut will help increase the life of the tree.

Question: I heard through the grapevine that you have a new vegetable gardening book for local gardeners. Where can I get this book? I started gardening during the pandemic and need to learn more.

Answer: You are probably referring to the newly revised Kansas Garden Guide. This is the best resource for local gardeners as it covers everything you need to know to be successful in the vegetable gar-

den. The guide contains information on soils, fertilization, timing, spacing, and details on each growing crop.

At over 200 pages, you have options. Simply search Kansas Garden Guide, and it will pop up in your search. You can download and save or print off your own copy for free. A printed copy can be purchased through the K-State Extension bookstore, but it is pricy, around $40. The best part about the Kansas Garden Guide is the factbased research-based information. It doesn’t have the misinformation found on the internet. So-called recommendations often found on social media are often a waste of time, energy, and money.

SQUIRRELS DIGGING IN CONTAINERS

Question: I am about ready to give up on planting patio containers. It is so frustrating! No sooner than I plant, the squirrels move in and dig up all my work. Do you have any tips to help keep the squirrels from digging into my containers?

Answer: Cute and often fun to watch, squirrels can be destructive beasts. While there is no silver bullet, try some of these options. Wrap the container with chicken wire. The wire cage will create a barrier and reduce the digging. This is not the most attractive option. Wooden popsicle sticks can be stuck randomly in the open areas of the container. The sticks will reduce the open space and reduce digging. As the plants grow, they will canopy over the sticks, and they will disappear.

Sweet gum balls may have a use after all. Cover the pot’s soil with a layer or two of the spiny balls. This will create a barrier covering the exposed soil. The sweet gum balls are dark with a natural look and will act like a mulch layer. Lastly, the repellent products are rarely effective against digging. If others have suggestions, let me know.

DENNIS PATTON Horticulture Agent

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.

When pruning a tree limb, cut at the branch collar, the raised bark-like growth.

Damaging winds cause serious damage requiring attention.

NEW KANSAS GARDEN GUIDE

Cute and fun to watch, squirrels also can be destructive.

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

Do bugs have allergies?

Itchy, watery, and red eyes, stuffy or runny nose, and sneezing…all the signs that allergy season is here. To answer your question, we need to understand why animals (including humans) even get allergies, so let’s explore our immune system. Stay with me as this gets a little complicated. There are two parts to our immune system: innate and adaptive. Our innate immune system is something we are born with and includes special cells that attack germs. The adaptive immune system learns to recognize and destroy new germs that can make us sick, so that we don’t get as sick next time. While this is great for our health, allergies are caused by an overactive adaptive immune system when it comes across a substance, such as pollen.

Insects have an innate immune system, but they do not have an adaptive immune system. Insects can get sick, and their immune system can sometimes help them get well. However, without an adaptive immune system, they cannot get allergies, stuffy noses, or watery eyes.

On the other hand, insects can cause allergies in humans. Some people are allergic to mosquito bites, bee and wasp stings, and the chitin from insects exoskeletons or their frass (bug poop) that can get in the air. People can even have food allergies to insects and their relatives, sea crustaceans, like lobster and shrimp.

Do all bugs float?

No, not all insects can float. Some species of beetles and flies can float on water due to the presence of small air pockets on their bodies. Some bugs, such as water striders even walk on water due to special hairs on their legs that push water away (called hydrophobic

hairs). Also, because water molecules naturally stick to each other, it creates something like an invisible covering across the surface, called surface tension, that must be broken for things to sink. Insects are small and light enough that many of them will float initially, but if they poke through the surface, unless they have those special tools, such as air pockets or hydrophobic hairs, they will go under the surface of the water.

Do moths chase the moon?

Contrary to popular belief, moths do not chase the moon. The behavior of moths flying around lights or other bright objects, is a result of their natural navigation system getting confused by artificial light sources.

Moths and other insects use the moon and stars to navigate by keeping them at a fixed angle to their bodies as they fly. This allows them to fly in a straight course even

if they come across obstacles or the wind changes direction.

Artificial lights, such as streetlights or porch lights, can confuse the moth’s navigation system by creating a stronger, closer light source than the moon or stars. The moth will fly towards the light, believing it to be the moon, and become disoriented and trapped in the light’s glow.

How do I care for a pet bug?

Caring for a pet insect can vary depending on the insect species, so it’s important to research the specific needs of the type of insect you plan to keep as a pet. Here are some general guidelines:

Housing: Provide a suitable enclosure that is large enough for the insect to move around in and air can get in easily. The enclosure should have a secure lid to prevent the insect from escaping. Depending on the species, the container may need soil or sand to mimic the

insect’s natural habitat.

Food and water: Provide the appropriate food and water for the species of insect you are keeping. Some insects, such as crickets or mealworms, can be fed insect food you can buy, while others may require specific types of plants you will need to find. Water can be provided through a shallow dish with a sponge or cotton ball in it, or through a misting system.

Temperature and lighting: Ensure that the enclosure is kept at the appropriate temperature and lighting for the insect species. Some arthropods, such as tarantulas or scorpions, require warm temperatures and low lighting, while others may prefer cooler temperatures and brighter lighting.

Handling: Depending on the species, some insects may be able to be handled, while others should not be touched. It’s important to research the specific handling requirements for your pet insect to prevent injury to both you and the insect.

Cleaning: Regularly clean the enclosure. Remove any uneaten food and replace with fresh soil or sand as needed.

Overall, caring for a pet insect can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to research the specific needs of the species you plan to keep ensuring that you are providing the best care possible. Check out this website for information about specific insect pets: https:// entomology.ca.uky.edu/content/ kentucky-bugs-care-and-feeding.

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

TAMRA REALL Horticulture Specialist

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

A Luna moth uses the moon and stars to navigate by keeping it at a fixed angle to their body as it flies.

Improving Garden Soils with Compost

It’s early spring, time to plan and prepare for garden bed planting. Unfortunately, while most of us consider what floral plant, colorful shrub, or a variety of vegetables we’d like to try in our garden spaces this year, some gardeners neglect to consider the one thing that helps make a great garden happen—good, healthy soil.

Soil is the common thread between a row of carrots and a row of handsome oak trees lining a drive. Soil supports the plant by allowing its roots to penetrate and draw moisture and nutrients to make plants thrive.

Before the first seed or small plant goes into the garden bed, consider a simple improvement to help your plants perform better. Apply and blend compost into the soil before planting.

Compost contains abundant benefits to soils depleted with last year’s growth and vastly improves poor native soils. Compost contains organic matter, which helps modify

a soil’s structure, allowing moisture and plant roots to penetrate hard, compacted soils. Organic matter affects soil structure by changing the soil particles’ composition. Silt and clay soils, which are predominant in our area, have minute particles of all the same size that lock themselves together, like bricks in a wall. Organic matter helps break up the pattern of the particles, allowing moisture and plant roots to penetrate much more easily.

Additionally, higher organic matter content helps soil work better in both the wet and dry cycles of weather we have here in the Midwest. Organic matter helps moisture better enter the soil and helps it hold more moisture during dry periods. Further, it helps absorb moisture and allows it to pass deeper into soils during those wet periods.

The pro’s tip is to spread 1-2” of compost over the garden bed when the soil is fairly dry, then spade or till compost into the top 6-8 inch-

es of the garden area, breaking up large clumps. Drier soil has less of a tendency to form those clumps, so compost can be blended in more successfully. The ultimate goal of any healthy soil is to achieve at least 5% organic matter. The “Strive for Five” slogan is something to remember when amending your soils.

In addition to providing organic matter, compost contains a wealth of soil microbes. The bacteria and fungi present in compost colonize in local soil, adding the ‘life’ that most poorer soils lack. The microbes help the soil and the plant work together to form strong roots and exchange nutrients, making the plant more vigorous and resistant to soil-borne problems.

Although compost is not considered to be a fertilizer in the conventional sense, compost is a nutrient-rich amendment for soils. While nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N, P, and K) are considered the ‘big three’ of plant

nutrients, there are other plant nutrients present in compost. Minerals like sulfur, calcium, iron, and a host of others needed for optimum plant health and growth, are present in compost. These nutrients help build plant cells and are vital in producing the most healthy and vibrant plants. Conversely, the absence of minor nutrients can cause a number of plant health issues, including chlorosis (yellowing), leaf spotting, leaf tip browning, and curling, etc.

While these nutrients are necessary for the soil, an additional dose of the big three nutrients is often required to push plants to the next level. Organic and non-organic fertilizer solutions are available at all home and garden centers.

In short, compost offers a way to improve the soil and the plants growing in it through its multiple attributes. Improve your gardening success with a bit of preventative action. Improve your soil with compost!

Tom Tharp Industry Professional

Tom Tharp has been a territory sales representative for St. Louis and Kansas City Composting since 2012. With over 20 years of horticultural sales experience, Tom works with commercial nurseries and greenhouses, landscapers and contractors to find ecologically-friendly solutions for professional growing media, landscape and planting soils using compost as a key ingredient.

Christmas in the Springtime

My friend Sherry declares, “Spring migration season is Christmas time for birders.” Like the traditional holiday, it’s greatly anticipated and magical, a feast for your eyes and ears, but all too brief—so enjoy it fully! Songbird migration in Kansas City lasts from mid-April to late May, peaking from April 23 to May 15.

First come Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, feeding at bluebells and other early flowers. Baltimore Orioles eat jelly and fruit and scour budding trees for insects. Begin offering nectar around Tax Day. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks flock to feeders and devour your sunflower seeds! Some remain to breed; others travel on to previous nesting territories.

Wood warblers are our “spring superstars”: tiny, colorful birds that pause briefly to refuel en route to northern boreal forests. Approximately 25 of the 43 eastern U.S. species are routinely recorded here. Water sources, mature trees, and sheltering shrubs in your garden increase your chances of savoring these beauties. Remember, “birds can land anywhere during migration!” One memorable May morning, I discovered a flock of golden Yellow Warblers and olive-drab Warbling Vireos—singing exuberantly from a maple tree between two busy urban parking lots.

All long-distance migrants deserve admiration, not only for their beauty but for their amazing strength and resilience. Hummingbirds and grosbeaks may migrate nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico, a single flight of 600 miles. Warblers fledged during a Canadian summer must migrate thousands of miles to Central or South America, survive the winter, then return the following spring. They endure two hazardous journeys before they even have the chance to breed and perpetuate their species! Sadly, mortality is high for migrants—as much as 50%. Adverse weather, predators, collisions with win-

dows and towers, and insufficient food and shelter all take a toll. To learn more, consult these excellent books:

• Songbird Journeys: Four Seasons in the Lives of Migratory Birds (Miyoko Chu)

• A Season on the Wind: Inside the World of Spring Migration (Kenn Kaufman)

• Living on the Wind: Across the Hemisphere with Migratory Birds (Scott Weidensaul).

Most songbirds migrate at night, preserving daylight hours for rest and foraging. They navigate using the positions of the stars and moon, and cues from the earth’s magnetic field. Birds take off shortly after sunset and often fly all night in favorable weather conditions. Northerly winds and precipitation may “ground” birds temporarily; southerly winds may allow birds to bypass our area. Sometimes “bad” weather days are the best for seeing birds! Go outdoors on spring nights and listen for the vocalizations of passing flocks overhead. How do we know which species are aloft, and which nights will experience the greatest bird movement? There’s a website for that! BirdCast (https://birdcast.info) provides interactive migration maps, bird counts and more.

Bird songs and calls are a highlight of spring. May and June are the most “talkative” months for local birds. Males sing to defend territories and attract mates. (A few females, such as Northern Cardinals, sing too!) Breeding pairs bond and communicate with quieter “chip notes.” Juveniles vocalize raucously to be fed. The first bird to spot a predator emits “distress calls” to warn others. Birds possess a unique two-part vocal organ, the syrinx, that produces their amazing range of sounds. Each side of the syrinx is independently controlled—so some

ELIZABETH STOAKES Birding Enthusiast

birds, like Wood Thrushes, sing both rising and falling notes simultaneously, or notes on two different pitches. They can even switch from using one side of the syrinx to the other, so that they can sing for prolonged periods without stopping for breath!

To experience a glorious symphony, don’t miss the “dawn chorus.” Early risers such as American Robins begin to sing in darkness; the volume swells as the sun rises and other species join in. A brief sample recording from a Virginia forest, featuring Eastern Phoebes, Carolina Wrens, and Yellowthroated Vireos among the performers, can be found in the Wikipedia article “Dawn Chorus.” According

to ornithologists, species that roost highest in the trees, and birds with the largest eyes, detect daylight first, and sing the earliest. The free Merlin birding app can help you to identify different species in the mix. The concert trails off by full daylight, as birds turn to foraging, nest building and other activities.

For a deep, satisfying dive into bird vocalizations, visit “How and Why Birds Sing” and “Bird ID Skills: How to Learn Songs and Calls” on Cornell’s Laboratory of Ornithology website (allaboutbirds.org).

Every migration season enhances our knowledge and enjoyment of birds, and enriches our springtime beyond measure!

Elizabeth Stoakes is currently President of Burroughs Audubon Society in Kansas City and has been birding for over 25 years. Please contact BAS via mail@burroughs.org or text/call 816-795-8177 with any birding questions.

Butterbutt: Male Yellow-rumped Warbler

Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Male Yellow Warbler

Photo by Gary Richards.

Photo by Terrence Thompson.

Photo by Terrence Thompson.

Visit Lawrence—Garden Tour, Native Plant Sale and Garden Art Sale

Douglas County Extension Master Gardeners invite you to visit Lawrence for a weekend filled with garden inspiration including a Garden Tour, Native Plant Sale, and Garden Art Sale. The beautiful gardens will provide ideas for your garden, and you can take home plants and art to create your own tour worthy garden.

The Garden Tour is on Saturday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, June 4, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $15 online at dgemgks. com, or in person on tour days at the Douglas County Fairgrounds Demonstration Garden at 2110 Harper in Lawrence.

Almost 100 varieties of plants native to western Missouri and eastern Kansas will be available at our Native Plant sale in the fairgrounds Pavilion building on Saturday, June 3, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or until the plants are gone. “Bloom boxes” containing 15 plants can be preordered online at dgemgks.com. The Garden Art sale, also in the Pavilion building, will have clay pot wind chimes, mosaics, painted

gourds, bird houses, outdoor garden pillows and other items crafted by Extension Master Gardeners.

Douglas County Extension Demonstration Gardens

While you are at the fairgrounds, please visit the Douglas County Extension Demonstration Gardens that are free and open to the public. It includes more than 10 themed garden beds designed to inspire and educate. Experienced volunteers will be on hand to answer questions.

Historic Shady Retreat

After decades of developing landscapes in tree-filled yards, Kathy and Mike Delaney knew just what to do when they moved into the well-shaded historic home built in 1867 of Lawrence’s first mayor, Colonel James Blood. This garden is filled with hostas, oak leaf hydrangeas, and other shade-loving plants.

Woodland Oasis

This five-acre tract of mostly virgin woods is a beautiful oasis.

Mary Dillon and Jon Hafker have created a garden that blooms from April through October. Plants were selected for their value to pollinators and birds, especially hummingbirds. It also contains a beautiful water garden that you won’t want to miss.

From Chaos to Zen

The home of Julie and Chad Glazer possesses a breath-taking view from a limestone bluff overlooking the countryside. The garden areas exemplify a “cottage garden” style accented with water features and artwork. A large Kokopelli metalwork hides in the poolside grasses, and numerous metal spiders and insects will delight (or terrify) visitors. Also enjoy the secluded meditative gardens with benches and stone Buddhas.

Mini Gardens and a Memorial John Nalbandian’s yard consists of several “mini-gardens,” each with its own distinct view. Over the years he has enjoyed learning all the aspects of a garden, from the

shapes and colors to the contours and design, and how each complements the others.

Recycled Décor

The décor in Mike Pisani’s garden was collected over years. He searches sites offering secondhand materials and holds onto his finds until the right project comes along. With his style of recycling materials for the landscape, Pisani has created a garden design that he describes as “a cross between a Japanese garden and an English garden.”

Minding Water Use

When purchasing her home 25 years ago, Rosa SalazarPeterson wanted to cut back on the amount of water and maintenance required. That meant ditching the large, grassy lawn. The landscape is now a lush, eclectic mix of flowers, vegetables and herbs. One low water aspect of the landscape is a large collection of potted cacti, euphorbias, succulents and other plants adapted to arid conditions.

Salazar-Peterson

Pisani

Nalbandian

Glazer

Dillon

Delaney

The Rush is on!

Don’t

AQUATIC PLANTS

POND

Mowers,

Mother’s Day Special!

Trying

May in the Rose Garden time to plant, mulch, water and more

Hey John, I did not get any blooms last year. All I got was new growth that looked like it had been singed by a match?

If your new growth has burntends and the new buds are bent over, I am sorry because you are having rose midge problems. Midges are small fly-type insects. It is OK to spray the rose bush for midge when they are active as it will kill the bugs on the plant at the time. The problem with midge is that some of them may hatch every day, and they attack the new growth which may not have product on it. The way to kill them all is to get them when they are in the soil pupating to the adult stage. Apply a granular product to the soil, according to the instructions, with the active ingredient imidacloprid and if possible, also beta-cyfluthrin. You should use the application rate for insects like lawn grubs. One year that rate was not enough in my garden, and I had to use the higher rate indicated to treat carpenter ants. Try to get ahead of them for the season, apply your granules when you uncover your roses in the spring or shortly thereafter.

Hey John, I see people trying to fertilize their roses by spraying the leaves. Isn’t that what the roots are for?

Contrary to what you may think, many plants are more efficient taking in nutrients through their leaves than through the roots. Up to 95 percent of material applied to the leaves may be used by the plant compared to only 10 percent applied to the soil. One university study of roses found the foliar feeding of N-P-K along with micronutrients significantly increased the size of the plant and the number and quality of the blooms. While foliar feeding has shown to be possible and effective, the mechanism and

details are not well understood. For example, how does the use of surfactants affect the results and what is the applicable chemical form of the nutrients? I have no clear advice on how to do it, because there is not enough research to provide guidance. I visited the home garden of one nationally known hybridizer who uses a tablespoon per gallon of water-soluble fertilizer mixed in with his regular fungicide and pesticide spray every week or two. His roses were spectacular. I suggest you join me this season, experiment a little, and let me know your results. Of course, you will also need to follow other good rose growing practices like adequate water and sunlight, plenty of mulch, and regular soil fertilization.

Reference: Gary A Ritchie, PhD, “Some Thoughts on Foliar Fertilization or Roses,” American Rose, Nov/Dec 2022, pp 120-125.

Hey John, What should I be doing for my roses in May?

Spring is a busy time in the rose garden. Your jobs include:

JOHN RILEY Consulting Rosarian

• Planting container roses

• Fertilizing

• Summer mulch

• Spraying for blackspot control

• Disbud for larger flowers

• Water 1 inch per week

Hey John, What should I be doing to get ready for the photography competition at the KCRS Rose Show on June 3?

You should attend Kansas City Rose Society’s Photography Workshop: “How to Photograph a Prize-Winning Rose for the KCRS Rose Show Photo Competition.” This workshop will teach you how to choose the perfect rose, and how to compose and photograph for an award-winning image. Meet in the Garden Center at Loose Park to discuss the photo contest rules and view several award-winning photos from previous competitions,

after which you may head out to the rose garden to learn how to choose your perfect rose. Time will be given for everyone to take several photos. Then you will return to the Garden Center to critique your images and answer questions. The Workshop is Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., cost is $5.00, reserve your place online at kansascityrosesociety.org.

The Ask-a-Rosarian hotline is always available for your specific rose questions at kcrosehelp@ gmail.com. One of the Kansas City Rose Society Consulting Rosarians will send an answer, usually by the next day.

For more information on these “Rose Report” topics and the Workshop, go to the Kansas City Rose Society webpage kansascityrosesociety.org.

This photo of a ‘Marilyn Monroe’ rose bloom is no doubt award-winning. If you would like to learn more about how to photograph a rose, plan to attend the workshop offered by the Kansas City Rose Society on Saturday, May 13. Details about the workshop are below.

Rose midge problems causes new growth to look like it has been singed.

John Riley is an American Rose Society Master Consulting Rosarian. He is a past president of the Johnson County Rose Society and past Secretary of the Kansas City Rose Society. John serves on the Board of Directors of the American Rose Society representing the Central District.

Photos by John Riley.

The Garden Chameleon

Watching a new gardener as they encounter coleus for the first time is a sheer delight for me. Their eyes light up and are inspired to learn more. Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides) is the “jack of all trades” of the annual flower garden. There is nothing this plant cannot do—that’s why it is a favorite among many in the plant world! Adaptability is the name of the game with coleus. It brings great versatility to the garden, is easy to propagate at home, and even makes for a colorful houseplant in the gray wintertime.

Using Coleus in Garden and Porch Design

Coleus foliage could be described as a chameleon in the garden. With its multitude of colors and patterns, it can shapeshift into anything to suit your garden design. Since the late 1800s, plant breeders have been creating new hybrids of coleus with new colors, textures, and growth habits. Coleus can be found in a sundry of vibrant colors—lime green, pink, red, magenta, and more. Its lobed/crenate leaf margins and ruffled leaf hairs (called “trichomes”) bring superior texture and brightness to any front porch or landscape. So, what about lighting requirements? Traditional Kong® varieties require full shade to morning sun, while newer hybrids can handle full sun if given adequate moisture. It is not particularly drought tolerant, preferring evenly moist soil.

Use coleus as a mounding filler

in your garden bed or porch pot. Coleus provides stunning stripes or blocks of color in a garden bed. In porch pots, some taller cultivars of coleus may provide height as a backdrop to shorter, flowering annuals like petunias and calibrachoa. Trailing varieties such as Great Falls® Angel look wonderful in porch pots, too!

Propagation

Starting from seed: Coleus is simple and rewarding to propagate. Seeds can be found at any local garden center, and many are available online. Sow seeds in a flat or shallow container filled with a pre-moistened, fine textured potting mix. Broadcast seeds evenly across the soil and cover with a fine layer of more soil. Mist or spray the soil with water and cover the seeding container with plastic wrap or a plastic covering to retain humidity. Place the container in a warm, brightly lit area. Within two weeks, seedlings will begin to sprout. Remove the plastic covering as soon as you see seedlings emerge. At this time, it is important to allow the soil to dry out between watering so that the seedlings’ roots can receive oxygen and be encouraged to search around the tray for water. Strong roots = strong plants! When your baby seedlings have at least one set of true leaves, they are ready to transplant.

Vegetative cutting: Coleus can be propagated from vegetative cutting, too! Take a stem-tip cutting with at least two nodes (growth points), remove the bottom set of

leaves, and stick the cutting into a moist, general purpose potting mix. Ensure at least one set of nodes is beneath the surface of the soil. You may use a rooting hormone to speed up the process if desired, but coleus plants root easily without this. Keep the soil moist. Gently tug on the cutting every few days to check for root development. If you feel resistance, check for visible root development. The young roots are fragile, so be careful not to damage them! Again, as roots begin to develop, allow the soil to dry between watering to encourage root establishment. When you see new leaves developing, the cutting is ready to be transplanted.

For the Patio Garden er: Bringing Coleus Indoors

For the patio or apartment gardeners: don’t dismiss coleus as simply an outdoor plant. With enough bright light (beside a window with southern or eastern exposure), coleus makes for a colorful houseplant. Varieties more suited to shade/low light, like the Kong® coleus, will especially fair well indoors. Bring this plant inside in the fall when temperatures begin to dip below 55 degrees. Ease

back on watering, as the indoor environment is more protected than outside. With less light and air movement around it, your plant will dry out more slowly and require less watering.

Consider incorporating coleus into your flower beds or containers—its multitude of hybrids can morph into whatever suits your design plan, offering a unique and bold look to your yard and home this spring.

Grace is a budding horticulturist and passionate plant enthusiast. Her love for all things botanical began in her mom’s garden and love for the outdoors as a child. Grace attended Kansas State University and earned her bachelor’s degree in horticulture. She currently works in the greenhouse annuals department at Colonial Gardens in Blue Springs, MO.

GRACE WILCOX Plant Enthusiast

Endless™ Illumination Bush Violet with ColorBlaze® Lime Time®

Mint Mocha Coleus

ColorBlaze® Chocolate Drop

ColorBlaze® Rediculous®

Kong® Red

Below: ColorBlaze® Cherry Brandy

Trusty Rusty Coleus

ColorBlaze® Strawberry Drop

ColorBlaze® Golden Dreams™

Below: Kong® Rose

Photo courtesy of Ball Seed.

Photo courtesy of Ball Seed.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

Photo courtesy of Ball Seed.

Photo

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

Photo

Photo

A Tale of Six Swallowtails

Friends excitedly tell me that they see Swallowtails in their yards. With equal excitement I reply, “Which ones?” Their excitement turns to confusion until I explain that we have six species of glorious Swallowtail butterflies, each with its own caterpillar host plant. As always, the more different caterpillar host plants, the more butterflies.

Swallowtails’ Similarities

foul odor of terpenes repel predators like ants, spiders and nosy humans.

We’re Not the Same!

The table illustrates the differences between the six species. Size won’t necessarily be a differentiator because it can depend on the time of year and the quantity/quality of the caterpillars’ food supply. And with six species/genders wearing black and blue, color doesn’t necessarily identify, except for the striking Zebra and the male Tiger Swallowtails.

The female Black Swallowtail is arguably the most common Swallowtail seen in Midwestern yards.

Many consider the Zebra Swallowtail to be our most beautiful butterfly. I agree.

A Tale of Six Swallowtails

Why Black and Blue?

Lenora Larson, May, 2023

Friends excitedly tell me that they see Swallowtails in their yards. With equal excitement I reply, “Which ones?” Their excitement turns to confusion until I explain that we have six species of glorious Swallowtail butterflies , each with its own caterpillar host plant As always, the more different caterpillar host plants, the more butterflies.

Swallowtail s’ Similarities

’

We

re Not the Same!

Over 500 species of the large colorful Swallowtails are found world-wide, mostly in the tropics. Six species are year-round residents of the Kansas City area, including the largest butterfly in North America, the Giant Swallowtail. All Swallowtails share common traits such as their striking tails sweeping down from their hind wings. An adult butterfly only lives about two weeks but all six species have multiple broods. If you have resident breeding populations in your yard, you will see them flying from early spring into early fall. None are migratory like the Monarch. Instead, they spend the winter in your yard as chrysalids attached by silken slings on low-lying stems and twigs. Overwintering Swallowtails are one of the many reasons that we nature lovers implore homeowners to minimize winter clean-up. Another commonality, all Swallowtail caterpillars have a forked smelly osmeterium that emerges from the prothoracic region when the caterpillar feels threatened. The

Many of our swallowtails, especially the females, have black and blue wings. Why? They are copying the black and blue Pipevine Swallowtail, the most poisonous butterfly in North America. If you ate a plateful of Pipevine Swallowtails you would get sick, maybe even die, from kidney failure because they contain aristolochic acid, which is sequestered by the caterpillar from eating the leaves of their poisonous Pipevine host plant. Only one nasty meal may dissuade a bird from eating any black and blue butterfly. We see the same “Batesian Mimicry” with Monarchs, which are poisonous because their caterpillars eat poisonous milkweeds. Many species of butterflies copy the Monarch’s orange and black coloration. Famously, the Viceroy and Painted Ladies do it best.

Add to the confusion when a black and blue Red-spotted Purple joins the party. It too is mimicking the Pipevine Swallowtail.

Why do black and blue colors predominate? Credit the Pipevine Swallowtail, North America’s most poisonous butterfly.

Over 500 species of the large colorful Swallowtails are found world -wide, mostly in the tropics Six species are year-round residents of the Kansas City area , including the largest butterfly in North America, the Giant Swallowtail. All Swallowtails share common traits such as their striking tails s weeping down from their hind wings. An adult butterfly only lives about two weeks but all six species have multiple broods If you have resident breeding population s in your yard, you will see them flying from early spring into early fall. None are migratory like the Monarch. Instead, they spend the winter in your yard as chrysalids attached by silken slings on lowlying stems and twigs. Overwintering Swallowtails are one of the many reasons that we nature lovers implore homeowners to minimize winter clean-up. Another commonality, a ll Swallowtail caterpillars have a forked smelly osmeterium that emerges from the prothoracic region when the caterpillar feels threatened. The foul odor of terpenes repel predators like ants, spiders and nosy humans

Resolving the Identity Crises

Most beginners are unaware that there are six different Swallowtails, but once they know, they may be even more frustrated by the challenges of identification. A good field guide such as A Photographic Field Guide to Butterflies in the Kansas City Region, authored by Betsy Betros and available on Amazon, provides multiple

photographs of each species of butterfly, including by spring or summer, by male or female and the anterior (underwing) view. With these many clues and practice, you can identify with confidence. You may also realize that you need to plant host plants other than parsley, which only serves Black Swallowtails. Five other Swallowtail species await your host-plant invitation to your yard.

The table illustrates the differences between the six species . Size won’t necessarily be a differentiator because it can depend on the time of year and the quantity/quality of the caterpillars’ food supply And with 6 species/genders wearing black and blue, color doesn’t necessarily identify, except for the striking Zebra and the male Tiger Swallowtails.

Primary Upper Male

Wing Colors Female Black & Yellow Black & Yellow Yellow & Black Black & White Black & Blue Black & Sage Black & Yellow Black & Blue Black & Blue or Yellow & Black Black & White Black & Blue Black & Blue

Host Plant Family Citrus Carrot (and Rue) Rose, Magnolia Custard Apple Pipevine Spicebush

Favorite Host in KC

Area (my opinion) Prickly Ash Rue Fennel Parsley Tulip Poplar Cherry Paw Paw Pipevine Spicebush

Source: A Photographic Field Guide to Butterflies in the Kansas City Region , authored by Betsy Betros

Why Black and Blue?

LENORA LARSON Butterfly Maven

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

swallowtails, especially the females , have black and blue wings. Why? They are copying the black and blue Pipevine Swallowtail, the most poisonous butterfly in North America . If you ate a plateful of Pipevine Swallow tails you would get sick, maybe even from kidney failure because they contain aristolochic acid, which is sequestered by the caterpillar from eating the leaves of the Pipevine host plant Only one nasty meal may dissuade a bird from eating any black and blue butterfly We see the same “Batesian Mimicry” with Monarchs, which are poisonous because their caterpillars eat poisonous milkweeds . Many species of butterflies copy the Monarch’s orange and black coloration. Famously, the Viceroy and Pa inted Ladies do it best.

Resolving the Identity Crises

Photos by Lenora Larson.

Enjoy A Garden Tour, Speakers, and Marketplace Open to all during the International Master Gardener Conference

Gardening enthusiasts are invited to attend events open to the public at the International Master Gardener Conference on June 18 to 22, 2023, in Overland Park, Kansas. They include a tour of private gardens, three renowned speakers, and a gardening marketplace.

“We designed these public events for anyone who wants to expand their gardening knowledge but cannot attend the entire conference,” said Dennis Patton, Kansas State University Research and Extension horticulture agent. “They offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities in our area since they’re also part of the international conference, which will be attended by more than 1,100 people.”

The tour of private gardens takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 17 and 18. It features six of the most exquisite private gardens in the Kansas City metro area. Most will never be open to the public again. The self-guided tour ticket includes all information required to visit the gardens.

Sessions by the three internationally renowned speakers start with snacks at 6:30 p.m., with presentations beginning at 7 p.m. at the Overland Park Convention Center. They include:

• June 18 — Leigh Hunt, from the Royal Horticultural Society in England;

• June 20 — Sara Dykman, winner of the 2021 Outdoor Book Award; and

• June 21 — Daniel J. Hinkley, best-selling author, and plantsman.

Tickets are available, and more information can be found at www.johnson.ksu.edu.

The Garden Thyme Marketplace will feature over 75 booths with garden and nature-inspired creations. Admission is free. It is open from noon to 7 p.m. on June 19 and from 10 to 7 p.m. on June 20 and 21 at the Overland Park Convention Center. A list of vendors can be found at www.johnson.ksu.edu.

About 1,100 people from 43 states, Washington DC, England, and Canada, have registered to attend the International Master Gardener Conference. Hosts are the K-State Extension Master Gardeners of Johnson County, Kansas.

Union Hill neighborhood will hold 28th Annual Garden Tour

Sunday, June 4, 2023, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Located downtown between 31st Street and Union Cemetery, and bordered by Main Street and Gillham, Union Hill is a walkable, charming historic Victorian neighborhood filled with avid gardeners. Gardens along the walking tour feature everything from spectacular floral displays to container gardens to an urban farm and even chickens!

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. There will also be live music on porches throughout the neighborhood, two food trucks, as well as an activity map for kids.

Tickets for the tour can be purchased on the day of the tour for $15, with funds going to help with restoration of Union Hill Cemetery and to beautify the public spaces in the neighborhood. Advance purchase tickets are just $10 through the Union Hill Garden Tour Face-

book page: @UnionHillGardenTour or by visiting unionhillkc. com.

Small group guided Tree Tours or Historic Cemetery Tours of Union Cemetery are also available on June 4th for an additional $15. Union Cemetery Tours are limited to 20 people each and will operate two times each: Tree Tours will be at 10am and 12pm, while Historical Tours will be at 11am and 1pm.

Founded in 1857, the cemetery is the oldest public cemetery in Kansas City, MO. It’s the final resting place for over 55,000 souls and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You will be guided through the cemetery to see the many beautiful trees that live there, some of which are champions! Combo tickets include both the Garden Tour and Union Cemetery Tree Tour. Tickets are available on the Union Hill Garden Tour Facebook page. Combo tickets will not be sold on the day of the tour.

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For information on products call us at 913-492-2992. If you want to have our products applied contact Tobin Lawn & Landscape at 816-765-5565 or Big Green Turf Management at 816-600-4936.

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Shawnee Garden Tour

After a four-year hiatus, the Garden Club of Shawnee will be hosting its popular biennial Garden Sampler Tour. Mark your calendars to visit five unique neighborhood gardens June 10, 2023, 9 am to 5 pm, rain or shine. This year’s tour features gardens exhibiting creative ideas for extended outdoor family living areas, child-friendly play areas in whimsical themes, and gardens specializing in organic gardening and native plants. Whether you are interested in flowers or veggies and herbs, sun gardens to shade gardens, wooded gardens to smallspace gardens—you will see it all!

Three of the gardens feature lovely water elements, including ponds, bubbling streams and waterfalls. Some of the ponds are home

maintenance perennials as well as potted plants for additional color and flare. It is also a must see!

Across the five gardens, visitors will enjoy seeing a variety of plantings suited for sunny beds and shaded beds, semi-sun and semishade areas, woodland gardens and water gardens, big spaces and not so big spaces. One of the gardens even features a banana grove! And new this year, the Geib’s garden will share the works of a local artist who shares her enthusiasm for nature through watercolor, oil and pencil creations of sunsets, cloudscapes, birds and other creatures.

Tour tickets are $15 each and can be purchased in advance from Family Tree Nursery (Shawnee and Overland Park locations), Wild Birds Unlimited (Shawnee

Become an Extension Master Gardener

Are 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 an Extension Master Gardener (EMG)!

Extension Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City are volunteers for MU Extension. They share MU Extension’s mission of improving the quality of life for all Missourians, providing research-based horticultural information, and “helping others learn to grow.”

EMGs volunteer with children’s gardening programs, historic gardens, community gardens, wildflower gardens that benefit pollinators, the Gardeners’ Hotline, Speakers Bureau, #TuesdayTip videos, and many other exciting and worthwhile programs and activities.

We are offering EMG training this fall.

When: Thursdays, starting August 17; 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. via Zoom, plus optional in-person field trips.

What: The 15-week EMG training course includes intensive horticultural training taught by University faculty and local experts, and individual or group projects.

Cost: $200. A limited number of scholarships are available. Information on scholarships is available upon request.

Extension Master Gardener Training includes:

• Basic plant science

• Maintaining healthy soil

• Fruit and vegetable gardening

• Tree, shrub, and lawn care

• Insects – beneficials and pests

• Integrated pest management

• Landscape design

• Ornamental annuals, perennials, and native plants

• And more!

to koi, shubunkins and goldfish, and all are beautifully landscaped with a variety of plantings—calla lilies, cannas, papyrus, taro and elephant ears, to name just a few. Additionally, two of the gardens display the end result of 30 years of experimentation and learning what grows best in our Kansas rockfilled, heavy clay soil. Here visitors will find yards transformed by native flowers and grasses, and other lower maintenance perennials that attract birds, butterflies, bees and other pollinators.

To round out the tour, the Thowe garden reveals that you don’t need a huge yard to make a big impact! To make the most out of every inch of their property, the Thowe’s have extended their small home to include a beautiful outdoor living space. Hosting frequent outdoor parties, guests enjoy a fire pit surrounded by a variety of low-

and Olathe locations), Shawnee’s Earl May Garden Center or via Eventbrite at www.thegardenclubofshawnee.org. Tour tickets will provide maps and directions to all the gardens. Visitors accompanied by a ticket holder can also purchase a ticket at any of the gardens.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to win great prizes donated by local merchants by purchasing raffle tickets ($2 each or 3 tickets for $5) at any of the gardens. Proceeds from the tour and raffle fund the club’s grant program, which supports gardening projects for local schools, churches and other non-profits.

Come enjoy these outdoor sanctuaries, see how to use space creatively, take photographs and make lists! Take your time, sit among the birds and butterflies—join us for a great day!

After training, Year 1 EMGs become interns and volunteer 30 hours in locally approved projects to become certified EMGs. Years 2+ EMGs offer 20 hours of volunteer service and 6 hours of continuing education to recertify.

Applications are now available. Go to www.mggkc.org and click on “How to Join’’ to access the application. Applications are due by July 31, 2023. If your application is accepted, payment for EMG Training is due by August 14, 2023, 5 p.m.

For more information, contact Tamra Reall (ReallT@Missouri.edu) or Cathy Bylinowski (BylinowskiC@missouri.edu).

MU Extension via the Columbia campus also offers two online EMG training sessions each year – spring and fall. Online graduates join their local chapters to fulfill volunteer requirements. More information can be found at https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/master-gardener.

For a more concise gardening training without the internship, consider the Extension Garden Steward course: https://sites.google.com/umsystem. edu/garden-steward/home.

Apply now for Johnson County

K-State Extension Master Gardener program

If you enjoy gardening, working with others, and having fun while sharing your passion, then the Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program may be just the opportunity for you. Applications are now being accepted for the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Master Gardener Class of 2024 training program. The application deadline is June 30, 2023.

Training sessions are held every Thursday from September 7 to December 14, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All classes will be conducted in-person and or online. In-person classes will be conducted at the Johnson County Extension office, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite 1500, in Olathe. There is a $125 administration fee for those accepted into the class. Class members must be Johnson County residents.

Only 30 applicants are accepted into this prestigious program. Applicants are selected based on gardening and volunteering experience, ability to attend training sessions and volunteer activities, and, most importantly, willingness to commit long-term to the annual volunteer service requirement. Gardeners who join the program bring many different experience levels and interests to the program. If you are a novice gardener, do not let the title of Extension Master Gardener intimidate you. Your love of gardening and passion for sharing your garden experience is the basis for success.

An orientation session to learn more about the program will be held on Monday, May 15th, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Extension Office. Preregistration is

required for the orientation. Please contact Heather Cwach, Horticulture Office Professional, at Heather.Cwach@jocogov.org.

The EMG program, sponsored by K-State Research and Extension, is designed to teach area gardeners about horticulture and allow them to share their knowledge through various gardening-related volunteer projects. Applicants who

Miami County Farm Tour May 13-14, 2023

Miami County farms will welcome visitors from across the region May 13-14 for a fun look at rural life in Eastern Kansas.

The event offers an inside look at farm life with interactive educational opportunities set within the region’s natural beauty. The tour is free and consists of 14 farm stops, including one recently returning to the tour.

• NightHawk Winery & Vineyard: This 20-year-old winery boasts a beautiful vineyard and 100-year-old walnut grove. Visitors will get an educational look at the vineyard and learn about growing grapes and the wine-making process.

The farm tour offers families an opportunity to spend time outdoors enjoying the more rural aspects of Miami County. Each site offers educational activities. Animals range from alpacas to Hereford cattle and bison. Most stops offer picnic and rest area amenities. Those on the lookout for the perfect photo should keep an eye out for selfie stations.

Returning to the tour this year is a digital scavenger hunt. Registration is free. Participants should look for the QR Code at each location or find it on the tour website, www.MiCoFarmTour.com. As visitors explore the farms, they will be given a clue that leads them to identify something special at each site. By snapping a picture of the item and uploading it to the app, families enter for door prizes.

are selected will receive intensive horticulture-related training from university experts. In return, newly trained recruits must volunteer a minimum of time each year.

EMG volunteers get involved in various projects, including maintaining demonstration gardens, staffing a gardening hotline, and giving presentations through the speakers’ bureau. Youth programs are also another avenue for volunteer participation.

If you are interested in applying for the program or want more information, please contact Johnson County Extension at (913) 7157000 or visit www.johnson.k-state. edu and click on the Extension Master Gardener link for details.

Weather plays a big role in the weekend, so visitors are encouraged to watch the forecast. Warmer weather may limit the activity level of some animals, so visitors may want to schedule those stops earlier in their day. Bees and other flying insects are important to nature’s cycle. Many of the farms intentionally feature plants that encourage pollination. Visitors with allergies are encouraged to be prepared.

Several stops will have products for sale that may require refrigeration. As a result, participants are encouraged to bring a cooler. Products include cheese, pecans, fresh vegetables, honey, wine and several types of meat.

This self-guided tour celebrates the county’s diversity and highlights local farm products found on the back roads of Miami County. Watch for directional signs the day of the tour and visit as many of the tour stops as you like. Parking areas are designated at each stop. Please be aware that weather and terrain may create some physical challenges.

Although this event is child friendly, each site is a working farm. Visitors are asked to encourage to respect for the farm’s operations, plants and animals. Pets should be left at home.

For more information about the farm tour or to receive a map of the sites please call 913-294-4045. The tour’s web site, www.MiCoFarmTour.com, features a map of the sites and information about their location.

Visitors at Timber View Farm Alpacas, home to 24 Hucaya alpacas, llamas and many other farm animals.

Garden Tour

Native Plant Sale

Garden Art Sale

Sat,

Upcoming Garden Events

Olathe Garden & Civic Club

Annual Plant Sale Fundraiser

Tues, May 2, 4-7p and Wed, May 3, 8a-noon; at 18505 W 114th St, Olathe, KS. It’s time for the Olathe Garden & Civic Club’s Annual Plant Sale! Come get some great new plants for your outdoor and indoor spaces while helping us raise money; this fundraiser supports all our charitable giving and educational activities throughout the year! You may find: perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables, flowers, pollinator-friendly plants, shade plants, sun-loving plants, house plants, and even garden decor and art! Come meet the members of Kansas’ oldest garden club; established in 1929. Plant love and knowledge will be freely shared! *Credit & Electronic Payments Accepted in addition to cash/check!*

Raytown Garden Club

Tues, May 2, 10a; at Connection Point Church, 10500 E 350 Hwy, Raytown, MO 64138. Program will be “The History of the Rose,” presented by Glenn Hodges, JOCO Master Gardener, ARS Master Rosarian and Horticulture Judge. Guests are always welcome. For more information please check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ RaytownGardenClub

Growing Vegetables in Small Spaces: Pots & Plots

Wed, May 3, 6:30p; at Basehor Community Library, 1400, 158th St, Basehor, KS 66007. Do you want to grow vegetables, but don’t think you have the space for a vegetable garden? This presentation is just for you! You will learn how easy it is to grow your favorite vegetables in very small spaces—on your deck, in a narrow space along your home or mixed in amongst your flowers. The presenter is Joseph O’Neill, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700.

Northwest Missouri Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale

Fri, May 5 & Sat, May 6, 8a-3p both days; at the University of Missouri Extension office, 4125 Mitchell Ave, St Joseph, MO. Unique varieties of tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and

herbs are featured. Master Gardeners on hand both days to answer questions. Cash/check only please. 816279-1691 for questions.

CMMG Plant Sale

Fri, May 5, 9a-6p and Sat, May 6, 8anoon; at CMMG Greenhouses, 801 Sandstone Rd, Jefferson City, MO. Central Missouri Master Gardeners plant sale: tomatoes, peppers, herbs, perennials, hanging baskets and more. Cash and credit accepted.

Annual Plant Share

Sat, May 6, 8a-noon; at the Liberty Rotary Plaza, 100 West Franklin St, Liberty, MO. All plants are free to everyone who attends our yearly community outreach. Sponsored by The Town & Country Garden Club of Liberty, MO.

The Garden Club of Shawnee

Thurs, May 6, 7p; at Shawnee Town 1927 Town Hall, 11600 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS. Meeting topic will be Landscaping with Nancy; Colors, Shrubs, and Water, presented by club Vice-President and professional landscaper Nancy Hammond. This meeting will also be our spring plant, seed, and bulb exchange. Visitors are welcome. Our first garden tour since 2019 will be held June 10. Visit our website gardenclubofshawnee.org for information about the tour and where to buy tickets. We also have a Facebook page, The Garden Club of Shawnee, with updated information about the tour and meetings.

Shawnee County Extension Master Gardener Plant Sale

Sat, May 6, 9a-noon; at Agriculture Hall, 1 Expo Dr, Topeka, KS. All plants Master Gardener grown. Plants for sale include impatiens, petunias, coleus, zinnias, vinca, red salvia, pollinator plants, native plants, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, perennials.

Leavenworth County Master Gardeners

Wed, May 10, 11a; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Dr. Robert Schuck of Midwest Chiropractic Care will be speaking about back care and exercises to help keep us active and well while gardening. The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact

the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700.

Thinking Outside the Arbor: Clematis Varieties, Uses and Care Thurs, May 11, 11:30a. Presented by Linda Beutler, via Zoom. Register here: https://ksu.zoom. us/meeting/register/tJYsce2qrjsoE903aEkXyvz0Ao8ZBS4XlUcb

The international clematis community has been rewriting the script on clematis cultivation. Previously untried species are being used in hybridizing, garden designers are using clematis in new ways, and long-outmoded pruning groups have been scrapped in favor of an easier, common-sense approach to getting the most out of your clematis. Let’s be honest: judging any plant by when or how you prune it is a lousy way to assign garden-worthiness. Join clematis aficionado and “popularizer” Linda Beutler for all the latest clematis advice. If we bust a few myths along the way, so much the better. Linda Beutler is a heedless gardener who grows a great variety of plants on a simple, flat 50’ x 100’ city lot in Portland, Oregon. Her first love was growing flowers and foliage for cutting. That focus changed when Linda purchased her first clematis as a misnamed plant. Linda has been the curator of the Rogerson Clematis Collection at Luscher Farm outside Lake Oswego, Oregon since July 2007. She has been an instructor of horticulture at Clackamas Community College since 1996. Linda lectures internationally on numerous gardening topics, and travels widely to visit gardens and study clematis in the wild. She is the author of Gardening with Clematis (Timber Press, 2004), Garden to Vase (Timber Press, 2007) and Plant Lovers Guide to Clematis (Timber Press 2016). Linda has been President of the International Clematis Society (2013-18) and continues to serve on the governing council. In 2017 she chaired the Clematis Cultivation & Classification Working Group, tasked with redefining clematis pruning advice and restating how the various clematis are classified based on flower type and bloom time.

Kansas City Rose Society’s Rose Photography Workshop Sat, May 13, 9:30-11:30a; at Loose Park Garden Center, cost $5.00,

learn how to photograph a prize winning rose. Please reserve your place online at kansascityrosesociety. org or contact JJ Jensen at jusJustjjnKC@gmail.com.

Idalia Butterfly Society

Sat, May 13, 5p; at Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St, Overland Park, KS 66204. Doors open at 5p; beverages and light snacks will be served. Meeting begins at 5:45p with the program immediately following a brief session of business and announcements. Lenora Larson will present “Caterpillar Defense Strategies.” Butterfly caterpillars are Nature’s perfect fast food for many animals, especially birds. However, despite being simple bags of yummy nutrition, they are not defenseless. A multitude of fascinating strategies keep them off the predators’ menus. See tactics including camouflage, mimicry, silken leaf nests, and eating poisonous plants to become poisonous themselves. Lenora writes about butterflies for three publications and is a frequent presenter to gardening and nature groups. The meeting is free; visitors are welcome. Call/text 816-795-8177 with any questions.

Miami County Spring Farm Tour

May 13-14. This is a free event and sites will be open from 10a to 4p daily. 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 information about their location.

Mother’s Day Self-Care Faire

Sun, May 14, 10a-6p; at Waldo Greenhouse, 436 W 85th St, Kansas City, MO. Botanical Bus; The Sundry Modern & Meaningful SelfCare; The Healing Lab; Waldo Thai Massage & Bodywork; Food Truck; Tea Market; Elated Earth; The HOLISTIC Key. 816-444-7661; facebook.com/waldogreenhousekc

Bonner Springs Garden Club

Tues, May 16, anyone interested in gardening is invited to join in our fun at our next meeting. We’ll be going on a tour of a Bonner Springs Private Garden at 10a. Following our tour we’ll be going to a local restaurant for lunch and business meeting. For

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Missouri Wildflowers Nursery

573-496-3492, fax: 573-496-3003

www.mowildflowers.net

mowldflrs@socket.net

9814 Pleasant Hill Rd Jefferson City MO 65109

Meet us at one of these locations in the KC area. Send your order by Tuesday before a sale, and we’ll bring it to the location.

Shawnee Indian Mission Foundation - Native Plant Sale at 3403 W. 53rd St, Fairway KS 66205. Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. shawneeindianmission.org

Missouri Prairie Foundation Native Plant Sale at Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City MO 64110. Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shopping at our Brazito (Jefferson City) location: Our retail store is open for you to make selections. You can also place an order and pick it up at the nursery.

Hours: Weekdays: Year-Round: 9 AM - 5 PM

Weekends: March 18 - July 2 & August 26 - October 15

Saturdays: 9 AM - 5 PM, Sundays: Noon - 5 PM We can ship your order! We ship plants on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays all year. UPS usually delivers the next day to Missouri and the surrounding states. Shipping charges apply.

Upcoming Garden Events

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further information about our club and upcoming programs, contact bonnerspringsgardenclub@gmail.com.

Plant This, Not That!

Thurs, May 18, 7p; at Leavenworth Public Library, 417 Spruce St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. You don’t have to stay with the same old plants your neighbors have. Many different choices are available for shrubs, trees, perennial and annuals. Be brave and change it up! Mikey Stafford, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, will be bringing new ideas and lots of suggestions to help you do just that. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700.

Straw Bale Gardening Demo

Sat, May 20, 8a-1p; at The Gardens at Unity Village, 150 B Colbern Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086. Join us at our opening 2023 Farmer’s Market at the historic Unity Village white barn for a free demonstration on creating a raised bed container garden within a biodegradable container—a bale of straw! You can tuck a single bale garden into a small space or use several bales together wherever you like with this economical and ecologically friendly method of growing vegetables or flowers. You will receive an instruction flyer and we will have some giveaways to get you started on your gardening adventure! For more information please check out our FaceBook page: https://www. facebook.com/wediggardening

Northwest Missouri Master Gardeners Garden Tour

Sat, May 20, 10a-4p. Six local gardens are diverse in their scope and educational topics include lasagne gardening, creative mulching, iris cultivars, organic and low maintenance ornamentals, rain barrels, and home composting. We will feature herb, finch, pollinator and vegetable gardens as well. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from any of the NWMMG members, the MU Extension office at 4125 Mitchell Ave, St Joseph, MO, or at any of the six locations on the day of the tour. Locations may be found on the Northwest Missouri Master Gardeners’ Facebook page.

Cooking from the Garden

Thurs, Jun 1, 11:30a; at Wyandotte County Extension Office, Sunflower Room, 1208 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Lori Wuellner, Wyandotte County Extension FACS Agent, will be discussing techniques and recipes that will make our home-grown vegetables the stars of the dinner table. Free and pre-registration not required. 913-299-9300

Train Garden Tour

Sat, Jun 3, 10a-4p and Sun, Jun 4, Noon-4p. 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.

Kansas City Rose Show

Sat, Jun 3; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Free and open to all rose gardeners with assistance provided for first-time exhibitors. Classes for live blooms and rose photographs. Entries accepted from 8-11a. Visit https:www.kansascityrosesociety. org for the show handbook with class lists and show rules. Also find links to tips on how to grow and show prize-winning roses.

Heartland Hosta & Shade Plant Society Annual Spring Plant Sale

Sat, Jun 3, 9a-2p; at Woods Chapel Community of Christ Church, 500 NE Woods Chapel Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064. The sale features over 1200 plants including 68 varieties of Hosta and plenty of shade/part shade perennials! Prices start at $10 and we have all sizes of Hosta from mini to giant to suit all size gardens. This sale is open to the public. Sale list with pictures and descriptions will be available on the club website prior to the sale. For more information please visit www.HeartlandHosta.club or the Facebook page www. Facebook.com/HeartlandHostaandShadePlantSociety/.

Kansas City Rose Day

Sun, Jun 4, 1-5p; at Laura Conyers Smith Rose Garden in Loose Park. View the results of the Rose Show in the Garden Center with hundreds of blue-ribbon winners and gleaming trophies. In the garden, enjoy family activities, live entertainment, and an afternoon of beauty in this worldrenowned rose garden. Free to everyone. Visit https://www.kansascityrosesociety.org for further information.

Union Hill Annual Garden Tour

Sun, Jun 4, 10a-3p. Located downtown between 31st St and Union Cemetery, and bordered by Main St and Gillham, Union Hill is a walkable, charming historic Victorian neighborhood filled with avid gardeners. 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. There will also be live music, food trucks, activity map for kids. Tickets for the tour can be purchased on the day of the tour for $15, with funds going to help with restoration of Union Hill Cemetery and to beautify the public spaces in the neighborhood. Advance purchase tickets are just $10 through the Union Hill Garden Tour Facebook page: @ UnionHillGardenTour or by visiting unionhillkc.com.

Garden Sampler Tour and Raffle

Sat, Jun 10, sponsored by the Garden Club of Shawnee. Our Club sponsors a biennial tour of the private gardens of Shawnee and surrounding cities. Proceeds from the tour and raffle are used to fund a Grant Program for local schools, churches, and notfor-profit organizations to beautify and educate about gardening. Tour tickets will be available to purchase in advance via Eventbrite at www. thegardenclubofshawnee.org and at area business starting mid-April. Also plan to purchase raffle tickets (cash only) for chances to win great prizes donated by community merchants and generous citizens. COME JOIN US! Enjoy a day filled with the beauty our featured gardens offer on Jun 10, 9 am to 5 pm (rain or shine).

Vegetable Gardening Presentation

Sat, Jun 10, 10a; at The Gardens at Unity Village, 150 B Colbern Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086. Join us at

the Unity Village Farmer’s Market at the historic white barn for a special presentation to learn about the challenges of vegetable gardening, both for warm and cool seasons! You will receive tips and resources to support your vegetable gardening success from presenter Michele Livergood, of the Kansas City Master Gardeners Speakers Bureau. This presentation is free and open to the public. For more information please check out our FaceBook page: https://www. facebook.com/wediggardening

International Master Gardener Conference

Jun 18-22; see ad on page 29. Open to the public.

Leawood Garden Club

Tues, Jun 27, 12-1p; at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS 66203. “GMOs in the Garden” by Sidney Platz, A Douglas County Master Gardener, Sidney became a Master Gardener and Hobby Beekeeper in 2016, after her retirement from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Both hobbies have enabled her to continue to utilize her degree and career experience in genetics, specifically molecular population genetics. Her primary interest is the genetic research being performed in the development of Varroa destructor mite resistance in bee colonies, as well as the genetic techniques used in the development of genetic modified organisms. Her presentation will cover topics on GMOs, What does it mean, what are they, how are they made GMO-Good Bad and Ugly GMO Examples and Uses.

Save the Date!

Marais de Cygnes Extension Master Gardeners will host its “September to Remember” garden tour Sep 8 and 9. Five unique private gardens will be feature in the Louisburg and Paola area along with the Miami County Courthouse garden and Monarch Way station. Watch this space for more information.

Promote plant sales, club meetings, classes, and other gardening events for FREE!

Send details to: elizabeth@kcgmag.com.

Deadline for publishing in the June issue is May 5.

GARDEN CALENDAR

May list of what to do in the garden.

• Verticut or core aerate Zoysia to reduce thatch layer.

• Sod or sprig bare areas of Zoysia.

• Fertilize Zoysia with a high-nitrogen product to promote green-up and summer growth.

• Mow Zoysia at 2 inches tall.

• Spot treat broadleaf weeds on a day without wind.

• Apply a slow-release fertilizer to bluegrass and tall fescue if watering during the summer.

• Mow bluegrass and tall fescue at 3 to 3 ½ inches.

• Withhold early summer watering until needed to promote more drought-tolerant lawns.

• Let grass clippings fall to return needed nutrients to the turf.

• Keep the mower blade sharp for a clean cut.

• Don’t blow grass clippings into the street. Discharge back onto the lawn to keep our streams clean.

VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

• Plant tomato, pepper, and eggplant transplants in early to mid-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.

• Harvest salad crops and enjoy.

• Keep broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage well fertilized for big yields.

• Treat fruit trees with needed pesticides to manage insects and diseases.

• Thin dense fruit set on apples and peaches to increase fruit size and next year’s crop.

TREES AND SHRUBS

• Plant new trees and shrubs.

• Prune spring flowering shrubs after bloom to shape the plant and encourage flowers next year.

• Mulch around young trees and shrubs to conserve moisture and control weed growth.

• Water young ornamentals as needed.

• Remove tree wraps for summer growth.

• Remove tree stakes that have been in place for more than one growing season.

• Fertilize trees to help increase growth rates.

• Use caution with line trimmers around

MY GARDEN (Use this space to list additional tasks to accomplish in your garden.)

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trees and shrubs so as not to damage tender bark.

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 for bushier plants.

• Allow foliage from spring bulbs to stay until it dies down naturally. This develops stronger blooms for next year.

• Plant container gardens and hanging baskets using a good quality potting mix.

• Keep a garden journal for permanent reference.

HOUSEPLANTS

• Move plants outdoors for summer by gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight.

• Fertilize plants to promote summer development.

• Rotate plants to develop a well-rounded plant.

• Wash dusty leaves in the shower under room temperature water.

• Start new plants with 4 to 6-inch cuttings.

• Repot plants into a 1-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.

LAWN

CASS COUNTY

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

DOUGLAS COUNTY

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

GREATER KANSAS CITY MISSOURI AREA

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

JOHNSON COUNTY, KS

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

JOHNSON COUNTY, MO 660-747-3193; Wed, 9am-noon

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY

913-364-5700; Leave a message. A Master Gardener will contact you.

MIAMI COUNTY & LINN COUNTY

913-294-4306; Thurs, 8am-noon

WYANDOTTE COUNTY

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

QUESTIONS ABOUT ROSES?

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

Let the Good Things

Bloom

Take home the blooms of Spring and watch the season unfold in your garden. Stop in to any of our locations for a selection of annuals & perennials. (Many grown on our own farms.)

Spring Shrub & Tree

Sale

Now is a great time for planting, and Suburban Lawn & Garden has a huge selection of trees and shrubs— many locally grown on our own farm so they’re already acclimated to our Midwestern weather. In fact, we guarantee our trees & shrubs for two years. (Shop for sale trees at Martin City and Lenexa.)

pictured: Tropical Hibiscus, 10” $24.99, 11” Cobalt Planter $52.99

Double Play Candy Corn Spirea 2 Gal starting at $22.99