KCG Nov19 by The Kansas City Gardener

The Kansas City

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

November 2019

BOXWOOD structure in the garden

Create Winter Containers 2020 Kansas City Garden Symposium Side Yard Gardening with Native Plants Ask the Experts about composting, pruning, mulching and more

IT’S THE SEASON TO

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with loved ones to create your own custom, festive décor at Colonial Gardens!

WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP HOLIDAY CONTAINER DESIGN

These two Holiday Home Décor Workshops are in partnership with Powell Gardens, hosted at Colonial Gardens on Saturday, November 30. Each workshop is offered at two times: 10am-noon and 1pm-3pm. Registration required by November 25 at PowellGardens.org; go to Events > Adults > Adult Programs. Fee is $55/person. Powell Gardens members receive a 10% discount. Space is limited to 30 people per workshop.

giveunique, thoughtful gifts from Colonial Gardens this holiday season!

Give a beautiful custom arrangement, or add to their plant squad with a succulent or a tropical houseplant. Make something from scratch at our DIY Winter & Holiday Container stations starting November 23, or at our Handmade Holiday event on November 30 from 4-6pm.

HANDMADE HOLIDAY

Craft your own gifts and holiday décor on November 30 from 4-6pm. Drinks available for purchase and market samples provided. ColonialGardensKC.com | 27610 E Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014

November 2019 | kcgmag.com

Fall in love with your garden, all over again. It’s time to revisit the garden with fall plantings. Don’t forget to nourish

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The Kansas City Gardener | June 2016

The Kansas City

editor’s notes

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

Why garden

Independently owned and operated since 1996 Publisher Michael Cavanaugh Editor Elizabeth Cavanaugh Contributors Abby Byrd Nik and Theresa Hiremath Dennis Patton Tamra Reall Ed Reese Chelsea Didde Rice Denise Sullivan 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

n conversation with green industry professionals recently, the question was asked, “Why do people garden?” My first response was “beautification.” I believe many, whether homeowners or apartment dwellers, want to garden. They want to be good gardeners. Some in the form of well-placed plants, and some simply want a little houseplant. If you were to ask your neighbors, they would likely say the same. The answers may differ in detail, yet the larger theme is probably to beautify. If my neighbors were polled, they might say, “We’re pressured by the Cavanaughs. It’s like a competition with those two.” [Lots of laughter and love on our street.] I also think we are born with a visceral desire to be outdoors. Of course, obvious elements like weather and insects interrupt that enthusiasm persuading us to stay inside. We tackled an indoor renovation project a few months back. To be clear, those with more talent and patience than I did the “tackling,” the real work like removing wallpaper and painting. Anyway, new paint, new furniture and accessories adorn the living room. Only

Submit editorial questions to Elizabeth Cavanaugh at elizabeth@kcgmag.com

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Don’t Miss A Single Issue! Get a subscription for yourself or your favorite gardener. See page 23.

when we added a couple of orchids and a rubber plant did the room feel warm and cheerful. And I’ve noticed our grown children, each with unique housing circumstances, they all live with plants in one way or another. I found this quote from garden writer, David Hobson, “I grow plants for many reasons: to please my eye or to please my soul, to challenge the elements or to challenge my patience, for novelty or for nostalgia, but mostly for the joy in seeing them grow.” Of course there are plenty of research-based studies that report the benefits of living with and among plants, inside home and workplace, as well as exploring and playing outdoors. Don’t you feel better after being outside? Aren’t the kids calmer after they’ve released that energy valve outdoors? As for me, I often wonder how I caught the gardening bug. My childhood memories are not Norman Rockwell in nature, plant-

ing side by side with a parent, grandparent or neighbor. In fact, what I remember most is weeding what seemed like an acre of St. Augustine grass in the relentless Florida sun. Part of Hobson’s quote rings true for me; the part about “to please my eye or to please my soul.” Perhaps this is why I stand longingly among the autumn colors. Frequently this time of year while driving through and around neighborhoods and parkways, I find myself spellbound by the beauty of the colorful tree canopy. Basking in nature’s glow of yellows, oranges, reds, and greens, seems to fill me with a sense of calm. The stormy noise and incessant chatter of the world often leads to uneasiness and angst. When in the garden though, in this place of peace and tranquility, I am completely drawn in to the pleasure of my soul. And I pray the same for you. I’ll see you in the garden!

In this issue November 2019 • Vol. 24 No. 11 Ask the Experts ........................ 6 One in Four Birds Disappear .... 8 Birdscaping ............................ 10 Side Yard Needs Natives ......... 11 Boxwoods .............................. 12 Plants on Your Plate Pumpkin .... 14 Kids Ask Dr. Bug ..................... 15

about the cover ...

Create Winter Containers ......... 16 Upcoming Events ..................... 18 2020 KC Garden Symposium ... 20 Powell Gardens Events ............. 21 Garden Calendar .................... 22 Meet a Master Gardener ......... 23 Subscribe ................................ 23

Boxwood is a terrific foundation plant, offering structure for your landscape. Learn about the varieties and more beginning on page 12.

November 2019 | kcgmag.com

20th Annual Holiday Luminary Walk the tradition continues

he Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens tradition continues as FNBO, Westlake Ace Hardware, and Sarin Energy Solutions present the 20th Annual Holiday Luminary Walk. Thousands of candles illuminate over a mile of pathways through woods and gardens, music fills the air, while holiday lights brighten the trees, buildings and bridges. The Holiday Luminary Walk has become the traditional kickoff of the holiday season for many families. Kids love the Gnome and Fairy Villages, the colorful Children’s Garden and visiting with Santa. Grown-ups appreciate the quiet walk through the winter woods and the many musical performances. And everyone enjoys hot Louisburg Cider around the campfire, served by Boy Scout Troop 222, followed by a horsedrawn wagon ride. We have been delighted each year as the popularity of the Luminary Walk has grown. To ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience, we are continuing to limit the number of tickets sold. Tickets are date-specific, and must be purchased in advance at www.opabg.org. You must present a printed QR code, or have it on your phone, and be prepared to

The Holiday Luminary Walk has become the traditional kick-off of the holiday season. show it or a parking pass (which will also be sent to you) in order to enter the parking lots. We strongly suggest that you purchase tickets for your chosen night IN ADVANCE.

• $3.00 discount for members of Friends of the Arboretum and First National Bank customers, when purchased online with promo code. • No refunds.

Tickets may also be purchased on-site any day in advance at the Arboretum entry kiosk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On event days, we strongly suggest you purchase tickets online to ensure that the event has not sold out. IF there are tickets still available, they will also be sold at the entry kiosk until capacity is reached. More details about the Luminary Walk can be found on the Event Information page (https://artsandrec-op.org/arboretum/luminarywalk/). The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is located at 8909 West 179th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66013. The Luminary is the major fund-raiser for the Friends of the Arboretum (FOTA); all proceeds are used entirely to benefit the Arboretum.

Dates, times, costs Friday, November 29 Saturday, November 30 Friday, December 6 Saturday, December 7 Friday, December 13 Saturday, December 14 • 5-9 p.m. each night (Last admittance is 8:00) • $12.00 per person; free for age 5 and under

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The Kansas City Gardener | November 2019

Ask the Experts Gardeners have plenty of questions about soil and plant issues, DENNIS PATTON answers a few of them here. PLANT PREPARATIONS BEFORE THE MOVE Question: Help! I just found out we are moving after the first of the year. I have several perennials I would like to take to our new home. Since I cannot dig in January, what do I do? Answer: Relax. With a little work now, your plants will be ready to travel to their new home and planted come spring. Simply dig and divide, potting up your division to take with you. Recycle those black plastic nursery pots used for planting. If you don’t have any, check with a local garden center as they may have a stockpile for free. Don’t scrimp on size as a larger soil mass, within reason, is more forgiving. Purchase a good quality potting mix and pot the division.

Water thoroughly and hold the plants in a well-protected area outside. Mulch around the pots with leaves or bagged mulch. When it is time to move, simply pack and treat the same way in your new location, protecting them from harsh winter conditions. Come planting time in the spring, prepare your new garden area and plant. There you have it, your new garden with your favorite plants. TIMELY PRUNING OF LILAC BUSH Question: I have a large overgrown lilac bush that has gotten out of hand. Would it hurt the plant if I cut it back this fall, or do I need to wait until spring? Answer: To answer this question, I need to ask you a question. Do you care about the flowers? If you don’t mind losing your spring

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Lilac blooms on old wood.

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blooms, go ahead and prune the lilac. This plant is very forgiving and fall pruning will not harm the plant. The only loss will be the spring blooms. If you want to enjoy the spring blooms, then wait until after flowering and tackle the overgrown plant. Lilac blooms on old wood, so pruning prior to bloom will remove the flowers. Sometimes when an overgrown lilac is trimmed heavily, it is slow to rebloom as the succulent new growth often is not mature enough to set a bud in the late summer.

green-up as well as root and crown development. While phosphorus (P) is important, it does not have the same fall impact. Additionally, local soils tend to have an ample supply of P naturally in the soil. Loading the soil does not result in more robust growth. Phosphorus fertilizers are only recommended when overseeding a lawn, as research does show the benefits of free P on developing new roots. Trust Extension, as our goal is for your success.

AT ODDS ABOUT FALL LAWN CARE Question: I like to follow your recommendations on lawn care and have embraced the fall fertilization program in September and November. I am confused though. Your recommendation is for high nitrogen with little or no phosphorus in November. A garden center told me I needed the phosphorus in the fall for root development and growth. Who’s right? Answer: You dare to ask me the question of who’s right? {ha,ha} Of course, Extension research is correct. This recommendation for high-nitrogen quickrelease fertilizer in November is well researched. The nitrogen drives the internal processes. In November the nitrogen is utilized and converted to stored food and energy in the crowns. Come spring, the plants use this energy for early

COMPOST PROCESS EXPLAINED Question: I am going to give it one more try and compost my leaves. In the past I have put them in the compost bin and waited, but nothing happened. What can I do to help ensure I make compost sometime next year? Answer: The leaves are just one component of composting. The process is driven by a couple of other factors, some you can control, others not. The microorganisms that breakdown the leaves need a water and food source. Your composting success can increase with these tips. First, as you add the leaves to the bin, water them thoroughly. The organisms will not thrive in dry conditions. Wet leaves also compact so more will fit into the bin before it reaches capacity. The second is to be sure to feed the hungry organisms with a source

Mulch strawberries in winter. of nitrogen. Either add composted cow manure to the wet leaves or throw in a handful of lawn fertilizer every so often when adding the dry, soon to be wet, leaves. This combination of moisture and nitrogen will jump-start the compost bin. The one factor working against this process is cold winter conditions. Come spring turn the pile, rewet and maybe add a little more nitrogen source. Sit back and wait as the process should kick into high gear. Turn and wet as needed until the leaves no longer look like leaves but rich soil. Success is within reach when following these tips. MULCH STRAWBERRIES IN WINTER Question: I planted strawberries this spring and with all the rain, I have runners or new plants everywhere. I was told I should mulch the plants for winter. Why and how should I do this? Answer: Mulching strawberries in for winter is done for a couple of reasons. First, strawberries have shallow root systems. Winter freezing and thawing conditions heave the plants out of the soil, exposing the crown and roots, resulting in winter damage. Second, a layer of mulch not only reduces freeze/thaw patterns but delays spring growth. Strawberries flower early and a

late spring freeze will kill flower buds. The mulch layer slows spring growth, delays flowering and reduces freeze damage. The mulch layer should be a couple of inches deep over the plants. Straw or fallen leaves work great. It should be applied after the plants are fully dormant between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Pull the mulch off the plants when growth begins in spring. The mulch can be left around the plants providing a mulch layer to conserve moisture, reduce weed growth and keep the ripening berries off the ground. Yum, my mouth is already watering. Be sure to bring me a bowl of fresh berries for all the help. BEST TIME TO PLANT GARLIC Question: I had intentions to plant garlic this fall, but between the rains and travels, I didn’t get it in the ground. Can I hold the cloves till spring, still plant them now or should I just make spaghetti sauce? Answer: Great question. I think you have two options. One is you have time to go ahead and plant even in November. Ideally, garlic is planted in September to establish a root system. If November temperatures are warmer than usual, some rooting could take hold getting a jump on spring. If time gets away from you, then hold and plant as early as possible in March. Either spring or fall planting times are recommended; however, fallplanted usually results in the best harvest. Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.

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Happenings at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center Growing Natives from Seed November 2 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10–11:30 AM Do you want to plant native plants at the lowest cost possible? With a little time, planning and patience you can grow your own garden with pocket change. We will share some species-specific techniques for successful seed germination and tips on taking care of your seedlings until they’re ready to plant. As long as supplies last, each family will take home a tray of freshly-sown native plant seed pots. Project Feeder Watch Kick-Off November 9 ∙ Saturday ∙ 9–10 AM Project FeederWatch turns your love of feeding birds into scientific discoveries. Join us as we participate in this citizen scientist project. Your bird counts help the Cornell Lab track what is happening in your own backyard and helps track long-term trends in bird distribution and abundance. Birders of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. Leaf Printing November 23 ∙ Saturday ∙ 11 AM–1 PM Autumn in Missouri is full of wonderful natural color and style. Why not decorate ourselves in this seasonal beauty? We will be learning about Missouri trees and their fall color and using fabric paint, leaf stamps and preserved leaves to decorate an article of clothing (one print per person). Bring in your own shirt (or use fabric pieces provided) and transform it into a colorful forest work of art. Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center 1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs, MO 64015 816-228-3766; www.mdc.mo.gov/burroakwoods For more information email burr.oak@mdc.mo.gov.

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One in Four Birds Have Disappeared Local birding expert, NIK HIREMATH talks about recent news of birds disappearing from North America.

y jaw dropped and my heart sank recently when I read the synopsis of a study which highlighted the decline in bird population. Here are the alarming numbers. Since 1970, we’ve lost about 3 billion birds across North America; a 29% decline, or more than 1 in 4. That causes me great concern for the health of our ecosystems, not to mention our joy of bird watching. The study, by lead author Ken Rosenberg of Cornell, was a large-scale collaborative effort which involved organizations such as Canadian Wildlife Service, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, and The National Wildlife Research Center, to name a few. The group studied over 529 species which covers 90% of the entire bird population. Findings of

Eastern Meadowlark (left) and Common Yellow-throated Warbler (right) are two of the 12 common bird families reporting alarming population decline.

the study as well as suggestions for what we can do can be found on an excellent website: 3billionbirds. org. A finding which is especially alarming is that 90% of the population decline occurred in 12 common bird families including Warblers, Finches, Sparrows, Blackbirds and Swallows. While the average loss

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is very significant, some species fared even worse. For example, species which breed in disappearing habitats like grasslands and arctic tundra showed even more substantial declines. Grasslands posted the greatest declines with more than 720 million birds lost across 31 species, which is more than a 50% decline. One species, the Eastern Meadowlark has had a 75% decline. Conversely, waterfowl showed a population increase, as did raptors. While the study didn’t examine possible causes, there are several factors which are likely contributors. Among them are loss of habitat, use of pesticides, and climate change. Another study showed that low doses of neonicotinoids,

a common pesticide, made migrating sparrows lose weight and delay their migration. The use of pesticides also dramatically reduces insect populations, which are one of the primary sources of food for many birds. As good citizens of ecology and as birding enthusiasts, there are seven things we and all of our friends can do to possibly turn the tide. We have a good history of making concerted efforts to save endangered species such as the Bald Eagle, and there is no reason to think that we can’t rise to the challenge again. A detail underpinning and explanation of the seven things we can do can be found at the 3billionbirds.org site. But I’ll mention them, so you

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November 2019 | kcgmag.com

don’t have to wait to read all the detail to start acting today. 1. Make windows safer by putting up screens or breaking up reflections. By some estimates, window strikes kill about 1 billion birds a year. 2. Keep cats indoors. Cats are estimated to kill 2.4 billion birds a year in the U.S. Other than loss of habitat, this is the number one cause of bird fatalities. 3. Reduce grassy areas in your yard and replace the grass with native plants. There are more than 63 million acres of lawns in the U.S. Lawns don’t provide any habitat for birds, they consume a lot of resources to maintain, and they are likely to have chemicals and pesticides applied. Native plants are part of the millions of years-old ecosystems vital in food webs and require less resources to be vibrant. 4. Avoid pesticides. More than 1 billion pounds of pesticides are applied each year in the U.S., killing insects which are a prime food

source. Pesticides further contaminate the entire food web. 5. Drink bird friendly coffee. Seventy-five percent of the coffee grown in the world is grown on plantations that were once forests that provided food and shelter for birds and wildlife. Over 40 American migratory songbirds such as Orioles, Warblers and Thrushes winter in coffee plantations. Shade grown coffee requires fewer resources including little or no pesticides. Look for the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center certification on the coffee package to be sure it’s truly shade grown and not just one tree on the plantation. 6. Reduce and recycle plastics. Almost 5,000 metric tons of plastics have accumulated in our environment and they take more than 400 years to degrade. Plastics are accidentally and fatally being consumed by wildlife; especially shorebirds. 7. Watch the birds and participate in citizen scientist programs to help report sightings. Great Backyard Bird Count, eBird and Journey North are some of the better-known citizen reported sighting databases. This furthers study of effects on bird populations. We hope you share this information with others and take part in the effort to minimize the negative human effects on bird populations. Nik and Theresa Hiremath own and operate Wild Birds Unlimited of Leawood at 11711 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas. Contact them at 913-491-4887.

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The Kansas City Gardener | November 2019

Birdscaping – gardening for the birds ED REESE identifies plants that attract birds to your garden and cover their basic seasonal needs.

hat is birdscaping? It’s gardening for the birds! No pun intended. Birdscaping is the planning and working on projects that will move a landscape toward a more natural environment and one that will entice birds into that space. The best part of birdscaping is that you can plan and work on projects that will cover the basic needs of birds, year round. Fall is a great time to start. Before going further, let’s review bird basics. Birds require cover, food, a nesting area and water. Birds crave and go to natural sources of food before going to other available foods. Having plants providing natural foods is great place to start a birdscape. There are also two types of birds enjoyed in this area, migratory birds, and the ones that stay year around. Hummingbirds, Orioles,

and Summer Tanagers are good examples of migratory birds usually arriving in mid-March and staying till mid-September. The other type, stay year around. Examples are Cardinals, Goldfinches, Chickadees, Nuthatches, and Woodpeckers. Birds that are here all year primarily do so to keep their “stake” on territory. Planting perennials, shrubs, and trees to provide cover and food will certainly be a plus for birds watching over their space. While it might be difficult to find plants that will bring all the birds you might want to have on your landscape, there are native plants that provide favored natural foods for certain birds. Plants also can be categorized by the time of year they flower, fruit, and seed. Plant fruiting time typically takes place during three periods, late

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November 2019 | kcgmag.com

Firethorn

Cedar Waxwing on Serviceberry

spring to mid-summer, late summer into fall, and winter into early spring. Plants providing fruit or seed through the winter are essential, since most other natural food sources are usually exhausted. On the question of non-native plants, care needs to be taken because birds will vector non-native seed to other areas, especially when those nonnatives may be invasive. Russian olive, and Japanese Honeysuckle to name two, are species that you might want to avoid. Non-native species like Firethorn aren’t invasive, and provide an attractive fruit not typically found by area birds. There’s a plethora of native plants/shrubs that provide a source of food for the three time periods. Here are a few that cover the respective fruiting periods. Oregon Grape Holly, and Northcountry Blueberry fruit in mid-summer. Blackhaw Viburnum and Shubert Chokeberry fruit in late summer. Flowering Crab, and Northern Bayberry produce fruit in the fall,

and usually retain the fruit through winter. What about those mentioned migratory birds? Goldflame Honeysuckle will draw hummingbirds. Serviceberries are great for Cedar Waxwings, and make a fine addition to other plants providing fruit during mid to late-summer. When planning your birdscape, consider the size of the planting area, how much sun and for how long, and which planting style, natural or manicured, you prefer. Once you’ve gathered this information, visit with a local garden center professional with assistance in plant selection. Thanks to Family Tree Nursery of Overland Park, Kansas for their assistance. For additional information, visit the K-State Research and Extension (ksre.ksu.edu). Ed and Karen Reese own and operate Wild Bird House, Overland Park, KS. Contact them at 913341-0700.

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Side Yard Needs Right Native Plants Native plant guru, SCOTT WOODBURY describes how gardening in the side yard requires just the right natives. Photos by Scott Woodbury.

ide yards can have confusing shade and sunlight patterns, creating native landscaping challenges. Side yards may be mostly shady with only a few hours of direct sunlight, which can perplex gardeners who ask: should I plant sun or shade-loving plants, or both? The answer depends on how much direct sun you get. If you have fewer than three hours of direct sunlight (based on mid-summer sunlight patterns), select open woodland species of plants like purple coneflower, downy skullcap, red buckeye, and palm sedge. These plants are native to open woodlands (sometimes called savannas) where trees are widely spaced. These areas are mostly shady with shafts of direct sunlight shining on the ground in the gaps between big trees. At home you may be able to increase the amount of direct sunlight by limbing up the lower branches of large shade trees. If removal of tree branches doesn’t provide more direct sunlight, it will increase the amount of indirect (reflected) sunlight that comes into the garden from the sides. This is called high shade and will increase performance, making plants fuller and encouraging more flower and fruit production. There are many great plants for open-shade side yards. My favorites include Indian physic; goatsbeard; little-flower alumroot; American spikenard; garden phlox; zigzag spiderwort; Indian pink; roundleaved groundsel; Pennsylvania, cedar, and oak sedge; wild geranium; rose turtlehead; purple milkweed; orange coneflower; cardinal flower; cliff goldenrod; purple daisy, and Solomon’s seal. All of these plants are tried-and-true performers for Missouri and are longlived perennials or sedges.

Purple Milkweed

Pagoda Dogwood

Red Buckeye

Consider also adding small understory trees like hop hornbeam, downy serviceberry, Ozark and common witch hazel, pagoda and flowering dogwood, wild plum, and rusty black haw. These are showy, flowering trees that look great positioned just outside a kitchen or living room window. Shrubs like spicebush, wild hydrangea, winterberry holly or beautyberry, and vines like yellow honeysuckle, passion flower, cross vine, and bittersweet make nice additions to open-shade light conditions often found in side yards (and at times, front and back yards). Incorporating perennials, sedges, shrubs, small flowering trees, and canopy trees makes a balanced and visually attractive landscape design. For more ideas and inspiration, look for the Front Yard Formal (For Shade) sample landscape design at the Grow Native! website.

grownative.org, Resource Guide. The Front Yard Formal landscape designs, conceived by Scott Woodbury, are available at the

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The Kansas City Gardener | November 2019

BOXWOOD structure in the garden

CHELSEA DIDDE RICE shares the benefits of boxwoods as structural elements in every garden.

here are a few foundational, easygoing plants that I insist on in every landscape I have and recommend to anyone who asks. For shade, hostas. For dry, sunny areas, sedum. And for year-round structure in the garden, boxwoods. Boxwoods are do-it-all, foundational shrubs that thrive in sun to part shade and, depending on the variety and pruning, serve a multitude of uses when it comes to garden design. The genesis of the boxwoods we know today is quite interesting. There are about 90 species and more than 360 different cultivars, including Korean and Japanese varieties. Many of the popular varieties on the market today are hybrids created by combining desirable features of multiple species. Different boxwood species and varieties vary widely in shape, size, growth rate, leaf appearance and hardiness. The key to succeeding with these versatile evergreens is selecting the best variety to fit your growing conditions and design vision. After considering experience in my own garden and consulting Jocelyn Hall, nursery sales manager at Suburban Lawn and Garden, here are my top picks for best performing varieties for the Kansas City area. Recommended Varieties of Boxwood for Kansas City Wintergreen Commonly called Korean littleleaf boxwood, this variety is a

slow grower that’s best used for a short, wide hedge. Green Velvet Naturally grows to a rounded sphere and matches Green Mountain well. Green Mountain An upright, cone shaped variety that’s ideal for flanking a walkway or entrance to a home. One of boxwood’s most valued characteristics is how well they take to pruning. Whether you prefer tightly squared hedges, perfectly cylindrical spheres or artistic topiary designs, boxwoods won’t skip a beat as long as you prune correctly. The best times to prune are spring and early summer when the weather conditions are gentle and won’t scorch freshly cut foliage, which might happen in the heat of summer. Avoid pruning in late fall since pruning stimulates new growth that may not have time to harden off, or “toughen up” in time for frost. To prevent cross-contamination when pruning, it’s always a best practice to quickly sanitize your pruning blades between hedges or plants. Boxwoods have a number of places in the garden. First, there’s the classic boxwood hedge, created by planting a line of boxwoods close enough to each other that the edge of one plant intertwines and grows past the edge of the neighboring plant. This crisp and formal design element is a mainstay in English garden styles and,

November 2019 | kcgmag.com

in my mind, will always be a great choice. Another popular use is for “punctuation”, like planting two matching boxwoods on either side of a pathway or front door. Having weighty, year-round interest gives the viewer’s eye a place to rest and balances out the business of surrounding plants. Finally, for a low maintenance container design, plant a boxwood in the center of a large container and surround it with seasonal annuals like pansies for spring, petunias for summer, ornamental cabbage in fall and pinecones or cut greenery in winter. By just swapping out the ring of plants around the boxwood, you’re not only saving yourself money, but also time. If you are feeling inspired to add boxwoods to your landscape, hang tight! The best time to plant broad leaved evergreens like boxwoods is in the spring, so they have plenty of time to root in before winter. When planting, add some soil conditioner and be sure that the top of the root ball is about half an inch above the surrounding soil level since boxwoods and other evergreens have a tendency to rot if water collects around the main trunk of the plant. Apply root stimulator at planting and once a month for the first year,

and top with two to three inches of mulch to conserve water and keep the roots cool during the summer. When fall arrives, consider preventing bronzed leaves on your boxwood by spraying the foliage with an antidessicant like Wilt Pruf, a natural pine oil emulsion that’s non-hazardous and biodegradable. Antidessicants cover the leaves with a waxy coating and slow the evaporation of water from the leaves. Vapor Gard, a commercial product available on Amazon, is ideal for large scale gardens with many plants. If we don’t get measurable snow or rain for a few weeks during the winter, experts recommend providing supplemental water to make sure the plants don’t suffer from losing too much moisture. Enduring dependability and the ability to fit in nearly every garden make boxwoods my evergreen foundation shrub of choice. Hopefully, you’ll add some to your garden as a backdrop to flowers or a focal point near a walkway or door. Happy planting! 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.

Variety

Mature Height

Mature Width

Wintergreen Green Velvet Green Mountain

2-4’ 3-4’ 3-5’

3-5’ 3-4’ 2-3’

Green Mountain

Green Velvet All photos (except Wintergreen) credit to Monrovia.com.

Green Mountain

Above: Wintergreen Below: Green Mountain Above: Green Mountain Below: Green Velvet

The Kansas City Gardener | November 2019

Plants on Your Plate – Pumpkin DENISE SULLIVAN talks about nutritious food and preparing healthy meals, including seasonal pumpkin.

e carve them into jack-olanterns and make lots of pie, but the versatility of the pumpkin goes far beyond these common uses. From muffins to soups, adding pumpkin can give a boost of nutrition a variety of recipes. This bright orange member of the squash family is loaded with an important antioxidant, betacarotene. Beta-carotene is one of the plant carotenoids, that, when converted to vitamin A in the body, performs many important functions in overall health. When beta-carotene is mentioned, we often think of eye health, and rightfully so, as Vitamin A is key to how the retina absorbs and process light. Current research also indicates that a diet rich in foods containing betacarotene may reduce the risk of

Pumpkin Chili Calories: 193, Total Fat: 8 g, Saturated Fat: 2 g, Cholesterol: 41mg, Sodium: 242mg, Total Carbohydrate: 17 g, Dietary Fiber: 6 g, Total Sugars: 5 g

developing certain types of cancer and offers protect against heart disease. Beta-carotene offers protection against other diseases, as well as some degenerative aspects of aging. As a high fiber vegetable, pumpkin also helps to lend a feeling of fullness and satiety, and aids in maintaining digestive health.

Swan’s Water Gardens “Creating Paradise ... in Your Backyard”

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Come and experience true paradise! Tour 9 water features of various size and styles then browse the retail store ﬁlled with all your pond accessory and maintenance needs. Choose from our vast selection of aquatic and land plants plus take home a beautiful Koi or Goldﬁsh as a perfect addition to any pond. For over 24 years we’ve helped transform boring backyards into magical places by designing and building water features while providing the tools necessary to maintain your little piece of paradise. Make your vision a reality today, visit Swan’s Water Gardens!

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Living and Loving The Water Garden Lifestyle! 14

November 2019 | kcgmag.com

2 teaspoons olive oil 1 small yellow onion (chopped) 1 green bell pepper (cored, seeded and chopped) 2 jalapeño peppers (seeded and finely chopped) 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder) 1 pound ground turkey 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (or 2 cups frozen) 1 cup water 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon smoked paprika salt and pepper (to taste, optional) 1 can kidney beans (or other beans if desired)

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat. 2. Add onion, bell pepper, jalapenos, and garlic and cook, stirring frequently until tender, about 5 minutes. 3. Add turkey and cook until browned. 4. Add tomatoes, pumpkin, water, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. 5. Reduce heat to medium low then add beans. 6. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes more. 7. Ladle chili into bowls and serve.

Makes 8 (1 cup) servings. Recipe adapted from the USDA Mixing Bowl.

It’s important to remember that the pumpkin you choose for a jacko-lantern won’t be the best pumpkin for cooking. When selecting a pumpkin for cooking, look for a “pie pumpkin” or “sweet pumpkin.” These are smaller than the typical jack-o-lantern pumpkins and the flesh is sweeter and less watery. Look for a pumpkin with 1 to 2 inches of stem left. If the stem is cut down too low the pumpkin will decay quickly. Avoid pumpkins with blemishes and soft spots. It should feel heavy and shape is unimportant, so a lopsided pumpkin is not necessarily a bad pumpkin. Figure one pound of raw, untrimmed pumpkin for each cup finished pumpkin puree. To prepare your pumpkin, start by removing the stem with a sharp knife and cut pumpkin in half. Scoop out the seeds and scrape away all of the stringy mass. This is a messy job, so work on a newspaper covered surface for an easy clean-up. Separate the seeds for roasting for a tasty snack. Remove any pulp from the seeds with several cold water rinses and drain on paper towels. Toss seeds with a small amount of olive oil and season with your favorite spice…I like garlic powder and cumin. Roast on a foil covered pan at 250 degrees for 30-45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Pumpkins seeds are a tasty, high fiber snack. Oven roasting is a common and easy way to prepare pumpkin and

I feel that it really brings out the flavor. Place pumpkin, cut side down on a foil lined pan at 350 degrees for one hour or until fork tender. When the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, remove the peel using a small sharp knife and your fingers. Put the peeled pumpkin in a food processor and puree or use a food mill, ricer, strainer or potato masher to form a puree. Pumpkin puree freezes well for later use. Measure cooled puree into one cup portions, place in ridged freezer containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace or pack into zip closure bags. Label, date and freeze at 0°F for up to one year. For complete canning instructions, visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation website at: https://nchfp.uga.edu/tips/fall/ pumpkins.html. The pumpkin is the inspiration for all kinds of seasonal spicy concoctions, often on the sweeter side of the spectrum. Consider this savory recipe as a way to give a nutrition boost to another fall favorite…chili. You’ll never even know it’s there! Denise Sullivan (@MUExtJackson Co) is a Nutrition and Health Education Specialist for MU Extension in Jackson County. For research-based nutrition and food safety information and programs, call 816-482-5850 or visit www. extension2.missouri.edu.

Kids Ask Dr. Bug I noticed stickers on some Monarch butterfly wings. Why would someone put stickers on a butterfly? Ryan, 10 That is a great observation! Citizen scientists, who are people like you, are part of a large project to learn about the amazing migration Monarchs make every autumn. They capture a Monarch, put a special tag on a wing, note the unique tag code, date, and the butterfly’s gender, and let the butterfly go. The information is sent to the Monarch Watch database to be used in research. These sticker tags are made specifically for Monarchs and do not hurt the butterflies or interfere with flying. Go to https:// monarchwatch.org/tagging/ to learn how you can help out! What are some good bugs? Lucy, 7 Insects don’t think of themselves as good or bad, they just ARE. They are born and then they do what their instincts guide them to do. As people, we measure “good” as in how the insects benefit us. So, if an insect eats our food, it may be considered bad. If an insect helps us, for example, by making food, eating bad bugs, or by recycling nutrients from poop or dead animals and plants, we think of it as good. Using this definition, most insects are good! Some of my favorites are bees, butterflies, dragonflies, and many flies and beetles.

Photo by Katja Schulz.

Home to more than plants, kids ask DR. TAMRA REALL about the curious things found in the garden.

Tagged Monarch Butterfly When an insect eats hole in a plant, will the hole close up on the plant? Charlotte, 9 When you get an injury, such as a cut or bruise, your body heals the damaged cells or grows new cells. Plants are very different than people. They seal around the injury to keep an injury from spreading. The damage will stay there. This is why carved initials in a tree can be seen years later (Please don’t do this to trees!). However, plants have another tool to help them recover from injuries – they grow many more new leaves so the plant can still get the energy it needs to live. How do bees make honey? Ellie, 10 Older bees, called foragers, drink nectar from flowers and store the sugary liquid in their honey stomach, called a crop. After returning to

the hive, bees regurgitate the nectar to other bees who take the nectar to the honey storage cells near the top of the hive. A special enzyme from the crop helps turn the nectar into honey. In the honey cells, the

nectar has to dry out because there is too much water in it. Other bees fan their wings to help evaporate the water. Bees make honey for their food. They store a lot of extra honey to make it through the winter when it is too cold to fly and there aren’t many flowers. It’s a lot of work to make honey. A single bee may only make 1/12 teaspoon of honey in her entire life. To make a pound of honey, bees will have to visit around 2 million flowers. 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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Yes! You can Create Winter Containers ABBY BYRD offers tips for creating a colorful outdoor space and how to create winter containers.

t wasn’t until just a few years ago that I even knew winter containers were a thing. I just assumed everyone planted flowers in the spring, let their pots sit empty all winter, and started all over again the following year. I am so glad I discovered this concept – now my pots are full and beautiful through all four seasons, even winter! To prep my containers, I pull out what annuals are done for the season in mid-November. Occasionally some pansies and ornamental kale are still looking great. I might leave some of these to transition from Thanksgiving to winter, as ornamental kale and cabbage can look great paired with live greens and their colors tend to intensify the cooler it gets. I even leave some gourds or pumpkins from my fall arrangements and pull

them out once December arrives. I never worry about replacing the soil in these containers-the more roots, the better to help hold stems in place. The soil level may need topped off; in that case I use leftover potting soil or topsoil.

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. To schedule a speaker for your group, please contact the office. For more information on this service, call 913-715-7000.

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November 2019 | kcgmag.com

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Like spring and fall container design, winter containers can have a thriller, filler, and spillers. I generally always start my container design with a spruce tip for a thriller. These look like mini Christmas trees and come in several different shapes and sizes. I either place it in the back or the center and situate birch logs around it. For small containers, I might just do one birch log; for larger containers. I might do up to three in varying heights. There are several different options for fillers in winter containers. Although they might all just seem like evergreens, they vary quite a bit in color and texture. Some have long needles like pine,

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others are a feathered texture like cedar. Spruces tend to have shorter, thicker, blue needles. Golden arb can add a splash of golden amongst the green. I like to work in a circle around the height in my containers, equally dispersing each type of green for balance. In our workshops here at Colonial, we give everyone a bundle of greens and pruners to get them the right heights for their container. One branch may be able to be pruned into several different stems. I always recommend cutting off the lower needles or branches on each stem so that it can pushed deep into the soil and stay in place all winter.

Many types of greens can be used as a spiller in winter containers. One of my favorite tricks is to turn silver fir upside down and place at an angle to where it falls over the edge of the pot. The underside is silver, giving your container a frosted effect. Incense cedar is another great option for the edges. It has tiny yellow buds

at the end of each needle, causing it to hang. Once I’ve got my greens where I want them, I like to fill in any gaps with more fillers like Port Orford Cedar. Its wispy nature adds fullness to any container. I’ll also go back with other branches like red twig dogwood or curly willow. Pinecones are another great way to fill in holes and give your container more depth and texture. We carry large sugar cones that are up to 8-10” long. There are also small and medium sizes to disperse throughout the container. Use a stiff floral wire to attach the cones so they can be placed into the soil.

Let your creativity take over the rest. You can go all out for Christmas and add other festive picks like ornaments and bows. You can also take a more winterthemed approach and add faux cardinals or blue jays or snowflake pick. Or start with Christmas and remove the holiday embellishments in January. After “planting” your winter container, be sure to thoroughly water the soil and place it outside where it can stay refrigerated. The freshly cut stems will continue to drink moisture from the soil. If it stays relatively cold, you may only need to water a few times a month, especially if your container is in the shade. The more sun it gets, the more moisture it will need. My containers live on my front porch all winter and only receive a few hours of late afternoon sun. I generally don’t need to replace them until March when it’s time for pansies. If you’ve not jumped on the winter container train, be sure to this year. It helps take the edge off our cold, barren winter landscapes when you see something fresh and beautiful on your doorstep. Not to mention, a fresh dusting of snow doesn’t bother them at all! Be sure to check out our workshops this holiday season if you want some help with design or if you want to design yours with friends. Abby Byrd serves as the Greenhouse Coordinator at Colonial Gardens, Blue Springs, Mo., and teaches workshops and painting classes at the garden center.

Happenings at Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center Partner Program: ECOS Urban Nature Discovery Every Saturday through November 23 9:30 AM–Noon (4th and 5th grades) 1–3:30 PM (6th, 7th, and 8th grades) Youth will explore nature on the Discovery Center campus and in nearby neighborhoods, take nature field trips and meet neighborhood leaders and career professionals creating healthy places for nature and people. This program is a partner program hosted by GreenWorks in Kansas City and the Discovery Center. Registration is required at https://www.greenworkskc.org/programs or 816-490-6434. Native Landscape Chat November 1 ∙ Friday ∙ Noon–2 PM Do you have questions on how to utilize and care for native plants on your landscape? The Discovery Center Landscape Specialists will be available to answer your questions and provide education on various aspects of working with native plants. Winter Bird Watch November 9 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10 AM–2:30 PM Learning to become a birder is a unique experience that can begin in your own backyard! As winter approaches would you like to discover how you can attract a variety of native birds to your backyard, including making a simple homemade feeder? Once you know more about their nesting habits, eating behaviors and favorite foods it’s a sure bet you’ll have them as guests for your viewing pleasure throughout the winter! Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center 4750 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64110 816-759-7300; www.mdc.mo.gov/discoverycenter For more information email discoverycenter@mdc.mo.gov.

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Poinsettias, fresh wreaths and greens, porch pots, grave blankets

Come visit our Lego Christmas Train Display

powellgardens.org/lights | 816.697.2600 Illuminated by:

The Kansas City Gardener | November 2019

Chapel Concerts Coming! Saturdays: November 30 and December 7, 14, 21, 28 | 6:00-7:00 p.m.

places to go, things to do, people to see

Club Meetings

For More Information go to: powellgardens.org click on Events, Programs, and Exhibitions then click on Calendars

African Violets of GKC Tues, Nov 12, 6-8pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Membership. After show critiques and preparing plants for short and long vacation. Visitors welcome. 816-513-8590

SIBLEY ORCHARDS & CIDER MILL

Bonsai Society of GKC Sat, Nov 2, and Nov 16, 9am-12pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Workshop. www.bsgkc.org; 816513-8590.

It’s Apple and Pumpkin Season! For the best in Apples, Berries, Cider, Peaches, Pumpkins, Vegetables, Catering, Hayrides & Bluegrass Concerts sibleyorchards.net • 816-650-5535 • 3717 Buckner Tarsney Rd., Sibley, MO 64088

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Upcoming Garden Events

November 2019 | kcgmag.com

Garden Club of Shawnee Thurs, Nov 7, 7pm; at the Town Hall at Shawnee Town 1929, 11600 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS. We will plant paperwhites at this month’s meeting. Members need to bring a 5-8 inch planter 3/4 filled with potting mix. The club will provide other supplies including pre-ordered bulbs. This will also be a soup supper; members will provide soup and bread while we view a slide show of the garden tour. Please visit our website gardenclubofshawnee.org and our Facebook page for information about our club. Call Janet or Don at 913-962-5221 for info about this meeting. Greater Kansas City Gardeners of America Mon, Nov 4, 5-8pm; at Loose Park, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO. Refreshments will be served. Membership. 816-513-8590 Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group Wed, Nov 13, noon, at the Rose Room, Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. We have grown many wonderful herbs through the summer months and have harvested and put away much to be shared. This month members will bring an idea, recipe or directions on making holiday gifts from the Garden, which we will share with each other. The holidays are a wonderful time to make and share herbal treasures and gifts with friends and family.

Facebook: check us out at Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group. Friends and visitors are always welcome. Questions: Call Lynn at 816-308-5450. Heart of America Gesneriad Society Sat, Nov 16, 10am-noon; at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO 64112. Membership. 816-513-8590 KC Cactus and Succulent Society Sun, Nov 17, 1:30-4pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st St and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Visitors are welcome! For information on the Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society, call 816-4449321 or visit our website: kccactus. com or Facebook page. Kansas City Garden Club Mon, Nov 4, 10am; at Loose Park Garden Center Building, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO 64112. Program is “Landscaping with Low Maintenance Plants” by Will Gibson, owner of Down to Earth Landscaping located in Belton, MO. He will also discuss plants with a long blooming season in addition to some of his favorite plants. Bring a sack lunch and join us after the meeting for drinks and dessert furnished by the club. 913341-7555 Leawood Garden Club Tues, Nov 12, 10:30am; at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS 66206. Program “Enjoy Ikebana Floral Design” by Sue Looney, Member Ikebana International, Expert Ikebana Designer. Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement that dates back several hundred years. It is a discipline art form in which nature and humanity are brought together. Sue will make various ikebana arrangements for us during her presentation. Meeting and membership are open to everyone; guests are welcome. Mid America Begonia Society Sat, Nov 16, 1-3pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania,

Kansas City, MO 64112. Membership. 816-513-8590

us. There is plenty of free parking behind the church.

Orchid Society of Greater Kansas City Sun, Nov 10. Beginners Group for new growers 1:30-2pm; at Lenexa Senior Center. General meeting and presentation at 2:15pm. Speaker at 3pm. Edgar Stehli, Windswept in Time Orchids, Cleveland, OH speaking on the plant family of Angraecums. Come join the fun. Open to the public. For more on the KC Orchid Society: www.osgkc. org. And find us on Facebook.

Events, Lectures & Classes

Raytown Garden Club Tues, Nov 5, 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 “How To Garden When You’re Older.” Our program Lecture is entitled “Planting In 2019 Local Review: What Worked & What Didn’t Work?”, a Round Table Discussion by members Jennifer Barnes, Cerise Harris*, Mary Monnin, and Mary Wood* (*Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City). Refreshments will be served, and visitors are welcome! Please 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 Fri, Nov 8, 11am-1pm; at at Loose Park Garden Center Building, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO 64112. Membership. Visitors welcome. 816-513-8590 Water Garden Society of Greater Kansas City Tues, Nov 19, Doors open at 5:30pm for snacks and fellowship with the meeting starting at 6:30pm; at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 2552 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO. We are excited to have a panel of builder/contractors, Good Earth Water Gardens, Blue Stone Aquatic Designs and Anything Aquatic to lead a question answer forum so anyone may get expert advice on design, construction or maintaining a beautiful pond. This is sure to be an informative session if you have ever considered a water garden for your home. Our meetings are open to the public and we hope you will join

November An Old Time Christmas Village Fri, Nov 1 from 9am-5pm and Sat, Nov 2 from 9am-4pm; at Swan’s Water Gardens, 4385 W 247th St, Louisburg, KS 66053. Experience Swan’s Water Gardens like never before as we celebrate the Christmas season. You’ll find one of a kind holiday decorations and gifts, limited edition seasonal features, and traditional Christmas treats as lights shine down from the many buildings that make up the Old Time Swan’s Village. Join us, and several other boutiques and antique shops in Louisburg as we welcome in the new season this weekend! Gardeners Connect Speaker Series Sat, Nov 2, 10am; in the Auditorium of the Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost, Kansas City, MO 64110. Duane Hoover, horticulturalist at Kauffman Memorial Garden, plans to lead us in reminiscing about the gardening challenges we overcame in 2019 as well as some gardening accomplishments. Expect him to inspire us and offer wry commentary and along the way offer tips to consider for next year. Free. Open to the public. All are welcome. Plants that Add Interest in the Winter Thurs, Nov 7, 11:30am-1pm; at the Sunflower Room, Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1208 North 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Plants that Add Interest in the Winter: Does the winter and its gloominess get you down? Come learn from Lynn Loughary, K-State Research & Extension Horticulture Agent, about the many plants that will add interest to your landscape, particularly in the winter months. This presentation, sponsored by the Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners. Registration is not required. Fee: $5.00 (waived for certified master gardeners). Please call 913-299-9300 if you need further information. (continued on page 20)

Holiday Home Décor: Holiday Container Design Saturday, November 30 Morning Session: 10 a.m.-noon or Afternoon Session: 1-3 p.m.

$55 (Powell Members receive 10% off) per two-hour workshop Location: Colonial Gardens, 27610 E. Wyatt Road, Blue Springs, MO 64014 (Instructor: Colonial Gardens Staff) Get your greens going and get inspiration for decking your halls for the holiday season. Colonial Gardens staff will lead a workshop in which participants will learn how to arrange greenery and other festive elements to create a show stopping outdoor container Enjoy Mimosas while you work. Materials provided will accommodate a 14” container. You can bring a container from home, or purchase one in the shop. Additional greens and decor items are available for purchase as desired. Make this a full day of design by registering for Holiday Home Décor: Wreath Making. Eat lunch at the Colonial Gardens cafe and do some holiday shopping in the Colonial Gardens garden center/gift shop. Please register by November 25. Morning Session Registration: https://25043p.blackbaudhosting.com/25043p/ holiday-home-decor-holiday-container-design-am-session Afternoon Session Registration: https://25043p.blackbaudhosting. com/25043p/holiday-home-decor-holiday-container-design-pm-session

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Annual Truckload Sale Saturday, November 16th 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

(This is a one day, in-store only event)

Literally tons of birdseed, all on sale, loaded right into your vehicle! Our promise:

We only sell high qualty NONGMO seed from Des Moines Feed Co. and vitamin-mineral enhanced seed from Wild Delight®

Store Hours:

Mon.-Fri. 9:30am - 6:00pm Saturdays 9:00am - 5:00pm Sundays Noon - 4:00pm

“Come By and Let’s Talk Birds!”

Boardwalk Square Shopping Center (I-29 & NW Barry Rd near Hobby Lobby) Saturdays at Noon 6212 NW Barry Rd. KCMO * 816-746-1113

www.backyardbirdcenter.com and www.shopbackyardbirdcenter.com The Kansas City Gardener | November 2019

Enjoy a Day of Garden Education and Inspiration With Friends

or ideas to adopt or concepts to inspire you, come to the 2020 Kansas City Garden Symposium. The theme, “Grow Your Own Way,” is meant to be a license to be creative. Four speakers with national recognitions but focused on the climate and environment of Kansas City-area gardens will suggest ideas to adopt or concepts to inspire us to be creative. The 2020 Kansas City Garden Symposium will be March 7 in Arrupe Hall at Rockhurst University. The speakers presenting programs at the 2020 Kansas City Garden Symposium are garden designer Nick McCullough; foodscaping revolutionary and author Brie Arthur; Jeff Epping, director of horticulture at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wis.; and Alan Branhagen, former horticulture director at Powell Gardens. Symposium tickets cost $99 through Feb. 15 and $119 after Feb. 15, and include lunch of lasagna, salad, bread, drinks and dessert on campus. The Symposium Banquet, featuring a program by foodscape revolutionary Brie Arthur, will be March 6. The venue will be Lidia’s Kansas City near Union Station. The cost is $79 through Feb. 15 and $99 after Feb. 15. The Implement the Design workshop taught by garden designer Nick McCullough on Friday, March 6, will cost $49 through Feb. 15 and $69 after. The Speakers Nick McCullough, an APLDcertified designer and owner of his own landscape and design company, has earned accolades enough to be cited in the Wall Street Journal. Nick was named Young Professional of the Year from Perennial Plant Association and Ohio Nursery and Landscape

Association. He is passionate about perennials and how plants thrive in the Midwestern climate. Get a glimpse of his style through his blog, “Thinking Outside the Boxwood.” He will teach a workshop on “Implementing the Design,” and during the Symposium he will discuss “How to Choose Sustainability in your Everyday Decisions.” Brie Arthur has a passion for growing food. In her 2017 book “The Foodscape Revolution,” Brie encourages everyone to “think outside of the box” and learn how pairing edibles in a traditional ornamental landscape increases biodiversity and adds purpose to everyday spaces. During the Kansas City Garden Symposium, she will delve into some of the best edible and ornamental plant combinations. She will weave into her talk information from her newest book, publishing in 2020, “Gardening With Grains.” Jeff Epping has been director of horticulture at Olbrich Gardens in Madison, Wis., since 1992. Olbrich is a 16-acre garden with a grand conservatory and at least 15 garden areas. He has some ideas about stylish, attractive gardens that require less maintenance than traditional gardens. Jeff will offer tips for growing a meadow garden and ideas to keep in mind no matter what style of garden we plant. Alan Branhagen is director of operations at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. He has been there since 2017. Before that, from 1996, he was director of horticulture at Powell Gardens in the Kansas City area. Alan is author of “The Gardener’s Butterfly Book” (2001) and “Native Plants of the Midwest” (2016). Alan plans to present two programs during the Kansas City Garden Symposium: “Garden Visions, Native Shade Perennials” and “Pathway to a Joyous Landscape: Native Plants.”

November 2019 | kcgmag.com

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

(continued from page 19)

Volunteer to plant trees in Kansas City Sat, Nov 2, Manheim Neighborhood, Kansas City, MO. Help the Heartland Tree Alliance plant more trees in the Kansas City metro area by becoming a volunteer this fall. Planting shade trees along the street provides environmental and social benefits to the neighborhood and community. No prior experience is needed, tools are provided and proper planting instructions will be given before work begins. For more information about volunteering, visit the Heartland Tree Alliance sign-up at Bridging the Gap (https://bridgingthegap.org/ heartland-tree-alliance/). Succulent Pumpkin Pie Plate Workshop Sat, Nov 9, 10-11:30am; at Colonial Gardens, 27610 E Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014. Looking to spruce up your table for the season? Join our workshop to create a beautiful fall centerpiece. We’ll use a pumpkin, succulents, stems, burlap and more! The $45 fee includes all supplies needed. Register online at https://colonialgardenskc.com/ event/succulent-pumpkin-pieplate-workshop-11-9/. 816-2291277 Kansas City WildLands Restoration Workday at Jerry Smith Prairie Sat, Nov 9, 9am-noon; at Jerry Smith Park Prairie, E 139th St and Prospect Ave, Kansas City, MO 64146. Come on out and meet the prairie! This is a great day to get out on Jackson County’s only remnant prairie and work to restore its health and resiliency – what a wonderful, beautiful way to enjoy a fall day! We’ll hand-cut and stump-treat invading woody plants that threaten the beauty and health of this Kansas City remnant wild land, allowing the native grasses, flowers and wildlife to thrive. Training, tools, gloves and supplies will be provided. Please wear long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. All volunteers must: Register online in advance (https://www.

tfaforms.com/4767760). Minimum age of 11 years. Volunteers 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Agree to electronic liability waiver if 18 or over. All volunteers under 18 must bring a hardcopy of the waiver signed by a parent. Bring a water bottle and wear long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes (no sandals). A long-sleeve shirt and hat are also recommended. Be physically able to walk on rough terrain and bend or kneel. Please be sure to read the email you will receive after registering for more detailed information on what to wear and bring with you to have a successful work day! Do you have questions? Contact Linda Lehrbaum at linda@bridgingthegap.org or 816-561-1089. Waterfowl Migration Second Sundays at Smithville Sun, Nov 10 and Sun, Dec 8, 1-4pm; at Jerry Litton Center, 16311 County Rd DD, Smithville, MO 64089. Because fall and early winter are such great times for waterfowl migration, we will be visiting Smithville Lake each month to keep tabs on what is coming and going. We should see great diversity as the gulls, loons, grebes, ducks, geese and raptor populations constantly change during the course of this season. Questions? Contact Backyard Bird Center, 816-746-1113, info@backyardbirdcenter.com; backyardbirdcenter.com Lake Quivira Holiday Bazaar Fri, Nov 22, 1-8pm and Sat, Nov 23, 9am-4pm. Fifty local vendors featuring boutique home décor, jewelry, gifts, pet items, clothing/accessories & more! Monster community bake sale, raffle, wine pull. Holiday entertainment Friday evening. Bar open during shopping hours; dining available. All in our festively decorated 1930 stone clubhouse overlooking Lake Quivira. Free and open to the public. Cash, check and credit cards are accepted. Lake Quivira is located 1 mile East of I-435 on Holliday Drive (Exit 8A). The Clubhouse is located at 100 Crescent Blvd.

Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge (formerly Squaw Creek) Sun, Nov 24, 7am-4pm; at Backyard Bird Center, 6212 NW Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO 64154. Join us on our annual trip to see the eagles! We should see many species of waterfowl, hawks and of course, eagles. This is an all day trip with the departure time greatly influenced by the number and diversity of birds we see. Pack plenty of snacks and your favorite warm beverage. We will take a lunch/ restroom break at McDonalds in Mound City around noon. Meet at the store at 7am or the refuge at 8:45am. Questions? Contact Backyard Bird Center, 816-7461113, info@backyardbirdcenter. com; backyardbirdcenter.com Holiday Home Décor Workshop: Wreath-Making Sat, Nov 30, 10am-noon AND 1-3pm; at Colonial Gardens, 27610 E Wyatt, Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014. Join guest instructor David Breedlove, Powell Gardens’ seasonal display specialist, for a hands-on workshop that will provide ideas for integrating a variety of materials into a wreath you can display on a door or use as a focal point of a centerpiece. All materials are included in the $55 fee. This workshop is in partnership with Powell Gardens, hosted at Colonial Gardens. Powell Gardens members receive a 10% discount. Registration required by Nov 25. Space is limited to 30 people per workshop. https://powellgardens. org/homepage/events-programsexhibitions/adults-2/adults/ Holiday Home Décor Workshop: Holiday Container Display Sat, Nov 30, 10am-noon AND 1-3pm; at Colonial Gardens, 27610 E Wyatt, Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014. Learn how to arrange greenery and other festive elements to create a show-stopping outdoor container. Enjoy mimosas while you work! Materials provided will accommodate a 14” container. You can bring a container

from home or purchase one in the store. Workshop cost is $55; additional greens and decor items are available for purchase if desired. This workshop is in partnership with Powell Gardens, hosted at Colonial Gardens. Powell Gardens members receive a 10% discount. Registration required by Nov 25. Space is limited to 30 people per workshop. https://powellgardens. org/homepage/events-programsexhibitions/adults-2/adults/

December Kansas City Garden Club Annual Holiday Auction Fundraiser and Luncheon Mon, Dec 9, live auction begins at 10am; at Central United Methodist Church, 5144 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64112. Everyone is invited to join in on the fun and bargains. Up for sale are a wide range of garden items, baked goods, and a grand selection of merchant donated items and gift certificates. We usually have over 200 lots-of-fun items to bid on and buy. After the auction at 12:15pm there will be a potluck luncheon with the club furnishing meats, drinks and tableware. Park on the southwest corner of the church parking lot off of Brookside Boulevard, and come in the west entrance. 913-341-7555

SAVE THE DATE IN 2020 The 2020 Kansas City Garden Symposium will be March 7, in Arrupe Hall at Rockhurst University. Central Missouri Master Gardeners’ Annual Plant Sale Sat, May 2, 2020, 7am-noon. Indoor plant sale at the Jaycee Fairgrounds, 1445 Fairgrounds Road, Jefferson City, MO. The sale features tomatoes, vegetables, peppers, herbs, annuals, perennials, natives, hanging baskets, container plantings, shrubs, and trees. Proceeds from the sale fund scholarships, community garden projects, and the River City Gardens.

More events are posted on our website, KCGMAG.COM, click on “Events.” Promote club meetings, classes, seminars, plant sales, regional conferences and other gardening events for FREE! Send details to: elizabeth@kcgmag.com Deadline for publishing in the December issue is November 5.

Powell Gardens in November After the Harvest: Canning/Storing/Preserving (Instructors: Melissa Cotton, County Engagement Specialist in Health & Nutrition, MU Extension Cass County & Allene Gremaud, County Engagement Specialist in Health and Nutrition, MU Extension Ray County, Chef Michael Foust, Horticulturalist Haley Drake) Saturday, November 16, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. | $60 (includes a box lunch crafted by chef Michael Foust and recipes provided) Midwestern winters can be challenging for lovers of fresh produce, but there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the fresh flavors of summer year-round. Learn from Lead Horticulturist of the Heartland Harvest Garden, Haley Drake, on how to properly harvest and store harvested fresh items such as potatoes, squash, onions, garlic, herbs, and apples to keep them for winter months. Get expert information provided by MU Extension Health and Nutritionists about the safe and proper way to can and watch a demonstration for making a simple fruit spread. Powell Gardens chef-in-residence Michael Foust of Black Sheep + Market will be in attendance to provide ideas on how to use all these pantry items to create delicious meals. Advance registration is required. Please register by November 11. Register: https://25043p.blackbaudhosting.com/25043p/after-the-harvest-canningstoringpreserving Festival of Lights: Member-Only Preview Night Tuesday, November 26 | 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Come enjoy the magic of the Festival of Lights with lighter crowds on this exclusive members-only preview night before opening to the public on November 29. This annual holiday favorite allows guests to experience the magic of Kansas City’s botanical garden during the holiday season with a one-mile walk through a beautiful themed light display featuring magical moments along the trail lit with over 30 miles of light strands. This year’s display takes on a new twist as it guides visitors through the Heartland Harvest Garden. Festival of Lights: Luminosity November 29 through January 5, 2020, Thursday-Sunday | 4-10 p.m. Mark your calendars for the third annual Festival of Lights, a holiday lighting exhibition, artfully curated by Powell Gardens’ staff and partners. This year’s display takes on a new twist as it guides visitors through the Heartland Harvest Garden and follows the theme of Luminosity, offering a dazzling wonderland of color installed in special moments throughout the mile-long walk (paths are accessible). Enjoy children’s activities, roving carolers (on select evenings), and grab a hot chocolate (spike or original) for your stroll through this festive garden display. More Info: https://powellgardens.org/homepage/events Holiday Home Décor: Wreath Making Location: Colonial Gardens, 27610 E. Wyatt Road, Blue Springs, MO 64014 Saturday, November 30, Morning Session: 10 a.m.-noon or Afternoon Session: 1-3 p.m. | $55 (Powell Members receive 10% off) per two-hour workshop Get your greens going and get inspiration for decking your halls for the holiday season. Join David Breedlove, Powell Gardens’ seasonal display specialist, in the classroom at Colonial Gardens for a hands-on workshop that will provide ideas for integrating a variety of materials into a wreath you can display on a door or use as a focal point of a centerpiece. All materials are included. Make this a full day of design by registering for Holiday Home Décor: Holiday Container Design. Eat lunch at the Colonial Gardens cafe and do some holiday shopping in the Colonial Gardens garden center/gift shop. Please register by Nov 25. Morning Session Registration: https://25043p.blackbaudhosting. com/25043p/holiday-home-decor-wreath-making-am-session Afternoon Session Registration: https://25043p.blackbaudhosting. com/25043p/holiday-home-decor-wreath-making-pm-session The Kansas City Gardener | November 2019

November

garden calendar n FLOWERS

n LAWN

• Rake fallen leaves from the lawn to prevent winter suffocation. • Fertilize bluegrass and tall fescue with a high nitrogen fertilizer to promote root development and early spring green-up. • Provide turf with ample moisture as it goes into winter. • Control dandelions, henbit and chickweed with a broadleaf herbicide. • Mow as needed into the fall at 2–3 inches. • Drain gas or add a stabilizer to the lawn mower engine for winter storage. Make any needed repairs.

n VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

• Plant new trees and shrubs. • Water newly planted trees and shrubs during dry spells of winter. • Water evergreens, whether young or old, to supply ample moisture during winter. • Protect young plants from rabbit damage by wrapping or making a wire screen. • Protect trees from deer damage, either by fencing or timely applications of repellents. • Check mulch layers and replace with a 2 to 4-inch layer. • Prune dead or hazardous limbs. • Do not prune spring flowering trees and shrubs until after bloom.

n TREES AND SHRUBS

• Sort apples in storage and remove any spoiled fruit. • Clean and remove fallen fruit from around trees to reduce insects and disease next year. • Remove all debris from the garden. • Take a soil test and make needed adjustments this fall. • Till garden soil and add organic matter. • Mulch strawberries after several hard freezes. • Review garden notes about successes and failures in the garden. • Start planning the garden for next year.

• Clean up rose beds to help reduce disease next season. • Mulch grafted roses with a mound of soil 6–8 inches. • Remove frost killed annuals. • Till annual flowerbeds and add organic matter to improve soil tilth. • Continue to plant spring flowering bulbs. • Dig and store tender bulbs, cannas, glads and others in a cool, dry area. • Cut back tall rose canes to 24 inches to prevent winter breakage. • Cut back perennial stocks to 4–6 inches. • Remove peony foliage to reduce disease. • Mulch perennials after several hard freezes.

n HOUSEPLANTS

• Check plants for insects such as aphids and spider mites. • Keep plants away from heat vents and cold drafts. • Locate plants away from windows approximately 1 foot to protect from winter cold. • Stop fertilizing until spring. More fertilizer does not mean more growth. • Water as needed and avoid letting roots stand in water. • Rinse to remove dust from leaves. • Continue dark treatment of poinsettias for holiday re-blooming. • Plant and water amaryllis bulbs for Christmas bloom.

n MISCELLANEOUS

• Clean and oil garden tools, sprayers and other equipment for winter storage. • Drain garden hoses and sprinklers and store indoors for increased life. • Use fall leaves to start a compost pile. • Turn compost pile to hasten breakdown. • Start a garden wish list for the holidays.

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

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Meet Extension Master Gardener, Gloria Sturges

What first drew you to the hobby of gardening: I have loved the adventure of growing plants from seeds and digging in the soil. I

also wanted to have fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers for my family and friends. I have loved gardening from a child, working in them on my parents’ farms and homes. Their parents homesteaded in Kansas in the 1800s. They gave all of us a love for the land, and instilled in us the pride to care for it. How long have you been an Extension Master Gardener: This is my 16th year as a Leavenworth County Extension Master Gardener and my 10th year as chairman of the Herb-Heirloom garden at Carroll Mansion in Leavenworth, Kan. My goal has been to learn about different plants and their properties. Most valuable information learned: There are plants that adapt and produce well in all areas of the country. Favorite tool: Some of my favorite tools are: the fork, which is great to lift plant roots easily when transporting them from one area to another; also the Walnut picker is great for picking up walnuts off the ground. Favorite plant type: My favorite flowering shrub is the crape myrtle because it blooms late summer. I also love to grow blueberries and black berries. My favorite plants from the medicinal garden are comfrey and Bee balm. They date back to Colonial and Civil War

times. My favorite perennials are lemon lilies and Grape Kool-Aid Iris. They do well in almost any garden. Do you have a specialty: My specialty is Herbs and Heirloom plants that are native to Kansas and Missouri. What are you passionate about: I am passionate about learning and teaching native plants for medicine and health. I also enjoy the color palette to inspire placement in the garden. What challenges do you face: Like many gardeners, we are confronted with multiple types of soil, temperature, drought, and animals, all of which test our patience when gardening. For me personally, aging hands sometimes makes garden chores a difficult task. Advice to share: You can always find a solution for growing plants if you seek advice and research them. Who has inspired you: My parents, Aunt June, students at First Baptist Church, the “Y”, garden tours at the Herb-Heirloom Garden, and my grandchildren continue to inspire my gardening efforts. I never tire of sharing knowledge with others. After retiring from 35 years of teaching school, this has become my favorite passion.

The Kansas City Gardener | November 2019

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