The Kansas City
GARDENER October 2021 | kcgmag.com
Growing Up
gardening with a vertical perspective
editor’s notes
The Kansas City
GARDENER Independently owned and operated since 1996 PUBLISHER Michael Cavanaugh EDITOR Elizabeth Cavanaugh CONTRIBUTORS Sean Holland Will Kirsch Lenora Larson Jason Mispagel Dennis Patton Judy Penner Tamra Reall Denise Sullivan Scott Woodbury DISTRIBUTION Publishers Delivery Solutions, Inc. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISTRIBUTE the magazine at your place of business, please contact Mike Cavanaugh at mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 NEED MORE MAGAZINES? mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 CONTACT US P.O. Box 8725 Prairie Village, KS 66208 913-648-4728 ADVERTISING Mike Cavanaugh at mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728
Garden visitors
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n the midst of working on this issue, the doorbell rang. It was a Saturday afternoon and I was not expecting company but the timing was perfect. I needed a break from the computer. “Are you Matt’s mom,” she asked. With pride and curiosity I answered, “I sure am!” Stepping out onto the porch, we introduced ourselves. As it turns out she knows my son from the neighborhood hardware store, and he encouraged her visit. I offered a tour of the garden, revealing a few property details of 25 years ago, compared to what it looks like now and how it has transformed and evolved over the years. My new gardening friend, Amy shared her experiences in the garden, about the frustrations with bunnies, the joys of God’s creations, and everything in between. While walking and talking, I’m distracted by the untidiness of our garden. You see, I’m the detail oriented gardener and because of my inactivity this season, the garden disorder is bothersome to me. Admittedly, Mr. Gardener has certainly done his part, but it is too much for one person. Attempting to refocus, I point out hosta and hydrangea and ferns, but all I see are spiderwebs the size
SUBSCRIPTION Elizabeth Cavanaugh elizabeth@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 WEBSITE kcgmag.com
leaves that have dropped on the containers. And I’m quite sure she didn’t do a fly-by first to inspect the premises before deciding to feed. I’m quite sure our local butterfly expert, Lenora Larson would agree, butterflies are not judgmental. And I’m guessing Amy isn’t either. The nice thing about garden guests, whether expected or a dropin, all are welcome. Anytime. I’ll see you in the garden!
In this issue
EDITORIAL Elizabeth Cavanaugh elizabeth@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 HOW TO SUBSCRIBE See details on page 23.
of baseball gloves. So. Many. Spiderwebs. You know when unexpected house guests arrive, and you offer a glass of ice water? And your biggest fear at that moment is that they will notice the frozen kernels of corn that have spilled in the bottom of your freezer? Or the smudge of pizza sauce on the oven door handle? Or the dirty fingerprints that line the refrigerator door? This was the trepidation that tried to taint my attitude of my garden, leading me to feel awkward and self-conscious. As if I should be embarrassed about the state of my garden. In a split second I decided “no apologies needed here.” This is what real gardening looks like. Besides what garden doesn’t look weary this time of year. Spent blooms on coneflowers, defoliating trees due to summer stress, and evidenced by the lack of water, some of the hydrangea are wilting. Thank goodness gardening is a hobby, not a job. Later, while preparing a snack in the kitchen, I glanced out the window and noticed a Monarch visiting. There she was dancing on the lantana, gathering nectar for the journey. She didn’t mind the messy deck, or the oversized sycamore
October 2021 | kcgmag.com
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Navigation: Steering Ask the Experts Fancy Fronds, Fiddleheads Kids Ask Dr. Bug Growing Up Meditation on Migrations
16 Rose Report 16 Events 18 Indoor Gardening 20 Plants on Your Plate 22 Garden Calendar 23 Subscribe
About the cover: Growing up is easy. The tried-and-true climbing Black-eyed Susan vine is an annual that will bloom until first frost. See more climbing vine varieties beginning on page 12. 2
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Fall in love with your garden, all over again.
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The Kansas City Gardener | October 2020
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Navigation: Steering the Course
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utterflies, like other diurnal creatures, rely on the sun and visual clues to navigate. Their internal circadian clock integrates the information gathered by the eyes, which is then processed by the brain to determine their location. Because the sun is constantly moving, the brain must constantly recalculate the animal’s position relative to the sun. Butterflies can also see polarized light, a visual clue to the flower’s “landing strip” and nectaries. Like us they have two eyes, but while we have but two lens, each butterfly ‘s compound eye has up to 17,000 lens. This creates a visual field of about 340 degrees that allows them to see predators coming from any direction. However, they cannot triangulate to estimate distances as we do. Most amazingly, their brain, which is the size of a pin head, can instantaneously process and act upon the data from the 34,000 lens of the two eyes.
Notes from the Laboratory Scientists have long sought to
The monarch’s migration is unique among insects because the same female flies from North America to Mexico and then returns to the U.S. to lay her eggs. Map courtesy of Monarch Watch. understand the Monarch’s navigational capabilities that allow it to make a round trip journey of up to 6,000 miles. Experiments have included putting migrating Monarchs in dark boxes for a week or two. When released, they fly in the wrong direction. But there is more to navigating than the eyes and the brain. If the antenna are painted with light-blocking black enamel paint or surgically removed, the butterfly is unable to orient to a southern direction. However, Monarchs with clear-painted antenna have no trouble navigating. Also, researchers have discovered that tiny bits of the metal magnetite are embedded in the tissues of the long-distance migrants such as birds, sea turtles, whales and Monarchs. And laboratory experiments demonstrate that if the earth’s normal magnetic field is reversed, then
LENORA LARSON Butterfly Maven 4
October 2021 | kcgmag.com
Photos by Lenora Larson.
Long-Distance Navigation When I moved to Kansas in 1981, a shimmering orange curtain moved across the Kansas sky in September. I ignored it, unaware of its beauty and significance. Now, I sadly search the sky for a glimpse of Monarchs still making their way, but they fly south one by one, rather than millions of individuals. Monarchs are genetically programmed to fly southwest each fall and fly back northeast each spring. The position of the sun tells them when to begin their journeys but how do they know the exact route and the destination? The Monarch’s southern destination, an oyamel fir forest near Mexico City, was not discovered by humans until 1975! A few other North American butterflies migrate, including Painted Ladies, Buckeyes, Gulf Fritillaries and Cloudless Sulphurs. Each species has its own unique route and destination.
In fall Monarchs fly in mass and even find the same nighttime roost trees every year! Monarchs reverse course. If there is no magnetic field present, the Monarchs fly aimlessly, unable to set a course. Obviously, the magnetic field-sensing antennae are part of an entomological global positioning system. The Lepidopteran GPS Current evidence points to butterflies having two clocks! The
The antennae, brain, eyes and microscopic bits of magnetite comprise the Monarch’s navigational equipment. brain-based circadian clock is linked to the sun by the eyes. An antenna-based clock links to the earth’s magnetic field and signals the brain if the insect slides off course by even a percent of a degree. This amazing biological system works more efficiently than our human mechanical GPS system.
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.
The Kansas City Gardener | October 2021
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Ask the Experts FRUSTRATING FUSSY HOLLY Question: I have attempted several times to grow ‘Sky Pencil’ Holly. Its narrow habit is perfect for the spot in my garden. So far, I have not been successful. Do you have any tips for this plant? Answer: Here is my take on ‘Sky Pencil’ Holly, Ilex crenata – it is a dud for Kansas City gardens. I tried to grow it at home and in our Extension Master Gardener gardens multiple times. Each time, the plant slowly declines over a few seasons or just ups and dies. Most hollies are fussy in our climate, but ‘Sky Pencil’ seems to be particularly touchy. My take is this plant has a shallow, weak root system that struggles in our heavy clay soils and uneven moisture patterns. Even under what I would consider good care, the plant hangs on for a few years before experiencing random dieback. No matter how much of a problem-solver it seems to be with its unique shape, I have quit trying to grow this plant. GROWING GARLIC Question: Growing garlic seems to be popular. I understand there are different hard or soft varieties. What is the difference, and which one should I try? Answer: My co-worker, Zac Hoppenstedt, is an avid garlic grower. He produces a few different varieties of both hard and softnecks. Here is his take. There are two main types of garlic to choose from, hardneck and softneck. Softneck varieties have no central seedstalk and usually stores longer after harvesting. Sometimes you will see the tops of the softneck braided. They are less winter-hardy and not as flavorful. Hardneck varieties have a solid central seedstalk. The more uniform cloves are larger and easier to peel. The hardnecks have variations in color, unique flavor differences, and winter hardy. Both are adaptable to our climate, so which to grow might be up
‘Sky-Pencil’ Holly
Tomato Hornworm
Garlic
Fall Armyworms
to you regarding flavor and uses.
planting time provides the necessary cold period and early growth in spring to produce large aboveground growth, supporting new bulb development. The plant will be ready for harvest from late June to early July. Research from K-State in Manhattan shows planting dates ranging from September 24 through November 24. These dates resulted in consistently good bulb size and yield, while plantings from late December through February correlated with decreasing to average bulb size.
MORE GARLIC Question: Garlic – Part 2: I hear September, October, and March is the time to plant garlic, but when is the best time? Answer: Fall planting (October-November) is best for our climate as bulb development is highly dependent on day length and temperature. Plant a single whole clove of garlic for each new plant. It takes about 1-2 months at 40 degrees to stimulate garlic to grow a new plant, producing a nice bulb. This
DENNIS PATTON Horticulture Agent 6
October 2021 | kcgmag.com
DISRUPTIVE ARMY WORMS OUT OF NOWHERE Question: I have never heard of fall armyworms, but suddenly social media gardening groups are filled with people posting their rage about the destruction to their lawn, especially in southern Kansas. Is this a new pest we must deal with in our area? Answer: Fall armyworms appeared to come out of nowhere in August. The Kansas City area did not experience a widespread outbreak like southern and central Kansas. Each year we deal with the
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.
spring version of armyworms that feed mainly on our germinating vegetables, including Kansas wheat and corn. Considered tropical, the fall species will overwinter in regions of Texas and southern Oklahoma. The adult is a small brown-grayish moth. With each generation, they work their way north, moving on wind currents. Why, after one of the coldest winters on record in Texas and a cool spring, did this moth find its way north this summer? That is a good question. The good news is this pest is not new for our area. The last major outbreak in KC was back in 2000. It took 21 years for them to return. The bad news is with climate change and warmer winters, we may have to learn to deal with fall armyworms more frequently. TOMATO HORNWORMS, A VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR Question: What should I do about tomato hornworms? Some say squish the caterpillars, while others say don’t kill them. What is your take? Answer: I understand your confusion. I am also struggling with
this very hungry caterpillar. Here are the pros and cons. Tomato hornworms consume a lot of foliage, reducing photosynthesis and opening the fruit up to sunburn. Their feeding frenzy happens almost overnight. While some defoliation will not set the plant back, several feedings on the same plant will cause stress. The solution for many gardeners is to drop them to the ground to step on them. Chemical control is not necessary. Hand-picking does the trick if you can find them as they are camouflaged. Hornworms are the larval stage of the sphinx moth. This large dusty brown and gray moth is an excellent pollinator. Some even call it a hummingbird moth as they are about the same size. More and more people will tolerate this feeding to save the pollinator. Another option is to plant a sacrificial tomato plant. When you find the hornworms, move the caterpillar to this plant and let them complete the feeding and drop to the ground to pupate over winter. A cherry tomato works excellent for this host. Once you appreciate the adult moth, it makes it much harder to step on them!
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The Kansas City Gardener | October 2021
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Fancy Fronds and Fiddleheads Photos by Scott Woodbury.
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f there is one group of plants that is hard to come by, and therefor underutilized by gardeners, it is native ferns. Although many ferns are easy to grow at home in shade, they are difficult to propagate commercially. Spore production is tricky and root division is a slow process. That makes production expensive. That said, Pan’s Garden (owned Angel Kruzen and her husband, the late Tom Kruzen of Mountain View, MO) used to supply the St. Louis area with a short list of ferns. For over 30 years, they produced broad beach, sensitive, lady, Christmas, purple cliffbrake, common woodsia, narrow-leaved spleenwort, and maidenhair ferns in large outdoor beds at their nursery near the Jacks Fork River. They divided and potted plants in February and March (before fiddleheads emerge). At times, they divided in April, while the tightly curled fronds (fiddleheads) were under 3-4 inches tall (short stem length prevents frond damage). Lastly, they planted small plants back into the original beds, and fertilized heavily with bone meal to stimulate regrowth. By the next spring, plants were big enough to divide again. They sold out of ferns at every plant sale, before Tom got sick and passed away five years ago. Unfortunately, the nursery is no longer operating, and nobody has since filled their shoes. From my experience selling ferns at our spring and fall wildflower markets, there is a native fern market ready to take off. If you are looking for native ferns to purchase, inquire with Grow Native! professional members, who may carry some stock. See www.grownative. org, Resource Guide. Cathy Pauley, owner of Grow Native! Professional member Papillion Perennials in St. Louis, is propagating at least 10 species of ferns native to the lower
Maidenhair fern
Ostrich Fern
October 2021 | kcgmag.com
Ostrich Fern and Red Buckeye
Midwest. Learn more at https:// www.papillonperennials.com/. As with all native plants, digging ferns from the wild depletes their populations, and is prohibited on private land without permission. Digging plants on public land is illegal. Purchasing propagated native plants, including ferns, protects wild populations. The easiest native fern to grow is sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilus). Lucky for us, it is also the most commonly available species. It is sensitive because the leaves die back with the first light autumn frost. It is easy to grow because it tolerates average to wet soils in part shade to shade.
SCOTT WOODBURY Horticulturist 8
Athyrium pycnocarpon, Iris cristata and Sen obovatus
Royal Fern It can even tolerate part sun to sun if growing in permanently wet soil (like at the edge of a pond or lake). It works well in shady rain gardens
and swampy woodlands. It colonizes into a dense groundcover in part shade, but is more open in denser shade. It performs well with other
Horticulturist Scott Woodbury is the Curator of the Whitmore Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, Missouri, where he has worked with native plant propagation, design, and education for 30 years. He also is an advisor to the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native! program. Find suppliers of native plants and seeds at www.grownative.org, Resource Guide.
shade-loving species like wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), Virginia knotweed (Polygonum virginianum), and Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum biflorum). Another easy-to-grow species is ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris). This one prefers greater moisture, so water in summer when it’s dry. This species also spreads by underground runners to form small colonies. The fiddleheads (coiled leaves that emerge in early spring), picked in early April when they are 1-2 inches tall are edible. Steam or sauté them in butter and add to a cream sauce and your favorite pasta. Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) is the other commonly eaten fern, though it prefers swampy wooded areas. My favorite ornamental fern is narrow-leaved spleenwort (Athyrium pycnocarpon). This one is a clump-forming fern that grows 2 to 3 feet tall and has clean foliage all summer. It prefers shade or part shade (with little or no direct sun) and moist soil. It tolerates summer drought better than most ferns, but I water during dry periods to keep it looking good. This one combines well with little-flower alumroot (Heuchera parviflora) and golden groundsel (Packera aurea). Maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum) has delicate, fine textured fronds. In nature it grows on north-facing slopes, and prefers good drainage, plenty of shade, and regular moisture. Maidenhair mixes well with spring ephemerals (plants that flower in spring and go dormant by early summer) like celandine poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum), Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium reptans) and Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica). One of the most drought-tolerant species is Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides). Christmas fern is semi-evergreen, staying green through most of winter. By late winter the leaves turn brown, just before new spring growth emerges. In nature it grows on steep dry banks along creeks where leaf litter blows away, and will tolerate growing in well drained garden soil. In gardens, remove tree leaf litter from Christmas ferns during winter months to prevent smothering. Broad beach fern (Thelypteris hexagonoptera) is a slow colonizer that prefers wooded slopes where soils are sandy, acidic, and dry. Get a soil test to determine your pH.
Acid soils (an indicator of sandy or cherty soils) are in the range of 4 to 6, whereas soils above 7 are alkaline (indicating limestone soils). If you have an acidic woodland, you will be able to grow lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium vacillans), mountain azalea (Rhododendron roseum), dittany (Cunila origanoides), and cream wild indigo (Bapti-
sia bracteata) to name a few. Nothing beats the shade in summer, and a patch of ancient ferns. They add graceful beauty and a sense of wonder because they appeared on earth three hundred million years ago, well before the flowering plants (around half as old). Most ferns need regular watering in summer, but in general,
shade gardens are easier to maintain than sunny ones. Ferns don’t spread from seed, unlike flowering plants, because ferns produce spores that rarely germinate or spread in gardens. If they do germinate, consider yourself lucky to have the perfect place for native ferns. Wishing you many fancy fronds and fiddleheads!
Take the guesswork out of fertilizing By Dennis L. Patton, M.S., County Horticulture Agent, K-State Research and Extension/Johnson County
I’m often asked, “Why should I get a soil test?” The first key to lawn and garden success is knowing soil fertility. A soil test reveals the baseline nutritional values of your soil. A test can determine the type and amounts of fertilizer needed for optimal plant health. A good soil test also determines the pH level of the soil so corrections can be made. Soil fertility is something that cannot be seen, felt or guessed. It varies from one yard to the next. In many cases the test shows that too many nutrients have been applied and additional chemical elements such as phosphorous and potassium may be harmful. Phosphorous and potassium levels build up in KC soils. Excess can harm growth, or worse, leach out and pollute streams and lakes. Many garden resources recommend a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-5. Long term use of these products can lead to chemical buildup. Soil testing takes the guesswork out of fertilizing. A common misbelief is that our local soils need lime. Lime raises the pH, and most KC soils
already have high levels. A simple soil test will determine soil pH. You’ll then learn the correct treatment options, saving you money. Extension recommends a soil test every three to five years. All local extension offices provide soil testing services. Soil samples brought or mailed to the Johnson County Extension office are sent to the Soil Testing Laboratory at Kansas State University in Manhattan. I analyze the lab results and write a personalized recommendation. Your report is usually mailed to you in two to three weeks. Soil amendments made this fall will help you get a jump-start next spring. Save yourself time and money by getting your soil tested today.
It all starts with a soil test! If you crave a spring green lawn, fertilize this fall • November fertilization is critical to your lawn’s health • Applying just the right kind and amount of fertilizer saves you money and protects our water quality
Start your lawn and garden off right! Johnson County Residents, get one FREE soil test. Learn more at johnson.k-state.edu | 913.715.7000
• JoCo Residents: Get one free soil test and a personalized recommendation for your lawn or garden Funding provided by the Johnson County Stormwater Management Program. Limit one per Johnson County household.
Johnson County
In pa r t n e r sh i p to ge t h e r
The Kansas City Gardener | October 2021
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Kids Ask Dr. Bug
about the curious things found in the garden Halloween edition: Toads, Exoskeletons, and Zombies . . . read at your own risk. Toad bugs! Whaaaat?! Trish, 12 For real! This is one of the most unexpected and charming bugs (in my opinion) to find outside. This tiny bug is a true bug (order Hemiptera) and it looks remarkably like a tiny toad – warty, bumpy skin and all. And, just like a toad, it has big, protruding eyes and it hops. Found near streams, ponds, and lakes, this insect captures smaller insects by hopping onto them, capturing them with their raptorial forelegs, and using their beak-like mouthpart to eat their prey. There are over 100 species of toad bugs, although there are only eight species in North America, and we only have one species in Missouri – the big-eyed toad bug. Another interesting fact, the family name for these insects is Gelastocoridae which means “laughing bug.” It seems as if the entomologist who named this order was entertained by these tiny, toadlike critters, too. What is the spookiest insect? Anne, 13 For some people, all creepy crawlies are spooky, even if they are beneficial and essential to our wellbeing. For others, it’s the “worm” found in a partially eaten apple. For me, a frightening insect is an infected mosquito that can vector diseases such as malaria, West Nile virus, chikungunya, and many other terrible diseases. Another sinister insect is the kissing bug, aka triatomine bug. This insect comes out at night and can feed near the eyes and lips, as if giving a kiss to an unsuspecting, sleeping people. As it feeds, it poops and the frass may contain a parasite that causes Chagas disease. While we have the triatomine bug here in Missouri,
Exoskeleton of a cicada. we do not have the parasite (Trypanosoma cruzi) in our area, so you can still sleep well at night without worrying about getting the disease. For more information about the triatomine bug and its parasite, check out this website: https://www.cdc. gov/parasites/chagas/gen_info/vectors/index.html. I found the shell of a big insect on a tree. What was it? Maggie, 13 This is likely the exoskeleton of a cicada. Like us, insects have muscles, body fluids (hemolymph), organs, and a skeletal support system. Unlike us, they wear their skeleton on the outside and this hard shell can’t grow as they grow. So, when it is time for an insect to have a growth spurt, they shed their old exoskeleton. Cicada nymphs spend most of their time underground feeding on tree roots. When it is time for them to become adults, they emerge from
TAMRA REALL Horticulture Specialist 10
October 2021 | kcgmag.com
the ground, climb up something tall such as a fence post, tree, or other tall plant. They latch on and then an interesting process begins. Their outer skin separates from their inner skin, their back splits open, and a soft, light-colored, winged cicada emerges. It takes a while before the adult cicada’s new skin becomes hard and can protect it again. If you look closely at an exoskeleton, you can see all the parts of the nymph’s outer body – the main body, the legs, the spines on the legs, the eyes, and even the antennae. Are there zombie bugs? Justin, 12 A future human zombie apocalypse may be disputed, but for insects, becoming a zombie is a very real possibility. There is a fungus called cordyceps that causes insects and other arthropods to act strangely. If the spores from this fungus get inside an insect, they take control of
the insect’s mind and body. The insect is forced to climb up to a high place and cling to the surface where it dies. Then, a mushroom grows out of the insect and the spores can fall or be blown by the wind to infect even more insects. To see how this fungus affects ants in the jungle, see the video at this link (https:// youtu.be/XuKjBIBBAL8) or scan the QR code. Do you have questions for Dr. Bug? Send them to ReallT@Missouri.edu or bit.ly/KidsAskDrBug. Include your name and age. To help me learn what you learn from this column, please consider filling out this survey: bit.ly/ KidsAskDrBugSurvey. Thank you!
Dr. Tamra Reall (@MUExtBugN Garden) is the horticulture specialist for MU Extension in Jackson County. For free, research-based gardening tips, call 816-833-TREE (8733), email mggkc.hotline@gmail.com, or visit www.extension2.missouri.edu.
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@yrroundgarden www.year-roundgarden.com The Kansas City Gardener | October 2021
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Growing Up
gardening with a vertical perspective
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raceful twining tendrils climb their way to the top of an arbor, covering it in fragrant blooms that invite pollinators and hummingbirds to your gardens. Vines are versatile and varied, and there is a variety for almost any garden. Vigorous growers by nature, vines evolved many different methods for attaching themselves to fences, arbors, or trellises. Some prefer to twine around an object, while others use tendrils to reach out and “tie” themselves to a fence or trellis. Clematis reaches out with its leaves and uses them to hook onto a trellis and some more robust vines, as well as ivy plants, grow aerial roots that attach themselves to wood and concrete. Care must be taken on vines of this type to keep them from overtaking an ornamental tree or even your house! Vines must have support to thrive and grow, or they will just sprawl aimlessly along the ground and may choke out desirable plants in the garden. This makes for a great opportunity to add landscape interest by creating focal points with a trellis or using an arbor to frame a walkway or piece of statuary. Many gardeners use vines to dress up ordinary chain-link fences. Pergolas are a great way to create shade on a patio, especially if you don’t want to wait for a tree to mature to get that shade. Larger, woodier vines are better suited to this use while smaller vines should be avoided as they may not give the desired coverage. Grapevines give a nice, classic look to a pergola on a patio, as do annual Hyacinth Bean Vines. Most vines planted on pergolas need a bit of assistance to reach the top, which can be done by
using a wire to train them or using a strategically placed trellis or lattice work which may also double as a screen. Some gardeners find success in wrapping the vine around the support beams and using twine to tie them down as they climb. Plentiful growers, it is in the nature of vining plants to reach and grow towards the light. Some varieties can tolerate part shade conditions, but the majority of ornamental vines prefer to get some sun. Too much shade may cause wimpy, sparse plants, as well as hinder blooming. As with most perennial plants, ornamental vines benefit from fall planting. Temperatures are usually perfect for growing, and there is generally more rain, which puts less stress on establishing plants, as well as the busy gardener as there is less watering to be done. By planting in autumn, plants have time to establish deeper roots before facing the heat of summer. Deeper roots mean better drought tolerance. Gardeners should be mindful that there can be fall and winter droughts, which can cause just as much stress on plants as a summer dry spell. Long periods without precipitation will require supplemental watering. Working in a retail garden center, I find that most complaints of perennials that “didn’t come back” after winter are from lack of winter water, and not freezing temperatures. Vines are innately tough plants and most varieties tolerate average soils. Poor soils can be amended with compost, and the area around the base should be mulched with a two-inch layer of hardwood mulch to protect and insulate the root zone, as well as help keep it moist. Blooming vines usually don’t re-
SEAN HOLLAND Perennials Manager 12
October 2021 | kcgmag.com
quire much feeding and can suffer from over fertilization; a low-nitrogen fertilizer can be used to give them a little boost if necessary. Animals sometimes like to nibble at the base of a vine, which can create long, unsightly dead sections that need to be picked out of the plant. Avoid this problem by placing a small wire cage around the base of the plant to keep curious animals from snipping stems off at the base. Because vines are such aggressive growers, it is important to select non-invasive varieties. Many types of vines commonly found in garden centers come from native species, but it is always good to make sure before you plant something in your garden that is likely to take over the neighborhood as it grows. Honeysuckle is among the most popular of vines. They perform well on trellises, arbors, and are great at covering fences. ‘Major Wheeler’ is a native variety (Lonicera sempervirens) that attracts butterflies, pollinators, and hummingbirds throughout its long bloom season with very fragrant blooms. When choosing honeysuckle, it is important to avoid Japanese species. Though it is a very attractive and fragrant bloomer, it can overtake a yard, and even encroach on natural areas. Campsis radicans, or Trumpet Vine, is another hummingbird magnet, native to parts of Missouri. Though this is a native, it can quickly get out of hand if planted in an area where it doesn’t have room to spread out. Campsis is perfect for a sturdy pergola or arbor and can tolerate part shade, but may not bloom as heavily as it would with more sun. Prune in early spring to
help keep it in check. Climbing hydrangeas are great for those who want a vine in a shady location. It attaches to structures by aerial roots and blooms with fragrant flowers that may be cut and dried. Exceptionally versatile, climbing hydrangeas even bloom in heavy shade. Bittersweet is a popular plant among florists, as they produce brilliant orange berries used in arrangements. A twining vine that can grow up to 25 feet tall, make sure to give it plenty of room and a sturdy structure for support. Native Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) is deer and drought tolerant. Make sure to plant a male and female vine in order to get berries in the fall. Avoid planting the invasive Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), as it can become a beast and spread uncontrollably throughout naturalized areas. ‘Autumn Revolution’ is a variety on the market now that reportedly does not need to have male and female plants to produce berries. Annual vines are great for those who don’t want to keep having to worry about vines taking over, or like a changing look every year. Annual vines, like annual bedding plants, bloom all summer, but may reseed heavily in some areas. Moonflower, Cardinal Climber, Dutchman’s Pipe, and Black-Eyed Susan Vine all are low-maintenance and easy to grow from seed or small starter plants. Cleanup is very easy, plant in spring and remove after the first frost! Whether gardeners have a pergola they need to cover, or simply a trellis they want to highlight, no landscape is complete without a vine.
Sean Holland is Perennials Manager at Suburban Lawn & Garden, 135th and Wornall location, in Kansas City, Missouri. You may reach him at seanh@suburbanlg.com.
Trumpet Vine
Dutchman’s Pipe
Climbing Hydrangea
Cardinal Climber
Above: Clematis Below: Bittersweet
Moonflower
Above: Honeysuckle ‘Major Wheeler’ Below: Hyacinth Bean Vines
Below: Black-Eyed Susan Vine
The Kansas City Gardener | October 2021
13
Meditation on Migrations
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wo winters ago, my dad and I walked to the top of the hill near the headquarters of the Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge. As we approached the top and peered out across the vast floodplains, one thing was clear. From the hill we could make out a large clump of white among the blue water. We continued to watch this large white clump, everything seemingly still and predictable. But, out of nowhere, an eagle flew, gradually approaching the white clump. Madness ensued. Thousands upon thousands of snow geese flew out of the water, revealing their bold black wings and growing progressively louder each moment. After a few minutes, the activity died down. The geese settled back into their previous rhythm, and the eagle left, perhaps successful or perhaps not, I do not remember. But what I do remember from that winter day was the absolute chaos of the moment, one that characterizes Loess Bluffs and one that never gets old. Nestled in the Loess Hills in northwest Missouri, the humble Squaw Creek flows. It, as well as a few other nearby streams, empty out into a flat area on the eastern edge of the Missouri River bottoms, and the result is spectacular. Thousands of acres of prime wetland habitat are created and maintained in the process, conveniently placed in between two major bird migration highways: the central and Mississippi flyways. These factors culminate to create one of the most important stopover sights for birds in North America. Loess Bluffs’ significance as a stopover site is perhaps most evident during October and November, as hundreds of thousands of snow geese cycle through the refuge, making their way from their breeding grounds in the high arctic down south to their wintering grounds throughout the Midwest. On some occasions, over a million geese congregate on the wetlands in the area. Joining them are thousands
Bald Eagle of various waterfowl, hundreds of Trumpeter Swans, and dozens of Sandhill Cranes. They pit stop here to stock up and rest before they disperse throughout the middle of the country; some, however, will be at the refuge for the duration of the winter. During the early winter months, Bald Eagles also utilize the refuge as a migratory chokepoint, and at times, hundreds can be seen patrolling the wetlands, terrorizing those in its path. It is not uncommon to see an eagle snatch a goose, and sometimes eagles and other birds of prey will leave geese carcasses throughout the wetlands as a sign of their success. However, as winter progresses, the chaos slowly subsides and many birds return to their wintering grounds throughout the Midwest. In the spring and fall, the bird scene is quite a bit different. By April each year, thousands of shorebirds begin to arrive. Loess Bluffs is by far the most reliable place around Kansas City to see waders such as the charismatic Hudsonian Godwit, the tuxedoed Blacknecked Stilt, and flocks of the boldly patterned American Avocet. The hills and the wetlands are also dotted with hundreds of warblers, especially later in the spring. On some days, Yellow, Blackpoll and Tennessee Warblers can be heard
WILL KIRSCH Birding Expert 14
October 2021 | kcgmag.com
Flock of Snow Geese
Sandhill Crane at nearly every stop throughout the refuge. Joining them in the spring chorus is a myriad of Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, as well as Dickcissels and Eastern Kingbirds that surround the refuge’s grasslands. On a good day in mid-May, over 140 species can be observed at Loess Bluffs.
As fall turns into winter, things will once again begin to pick up at Loess Bluffs. The geese will return, and so will thousands of their friends. The ducks will also return, as will the swans. And the eagles. Loess Bluffs is simply a glimpse into this ancient migration, a wild place where birds can roam free.
Will has been an avid birder for five years and has worked at the Wild Birds Unlimited in Leawood, Kansas, for three years. His father introduced him to the hobby and ever since then he has been hooked. He enjoys sharing his extensive bird knowledge with anyone who asks and is very well informed about birding specific to our region. His favorite spots to bird in the Kansas City area are Roe Park, Shawnee Mission Park, Clinton Lake, and Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge.
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15
Rose Report
Garden Events Harvest Days: Gather in the Garden September 23 – October 3 Thursday-Sunday| 10am-3pm This fall, Powell Gardens presents Harvest Days: Gather in the Gardens. Yurts on the East Lawn, styled by local designers, create outdoor living rooms where you can gather with loved ones to enjoy the crisp autumn air, changing colors of the season, and the bounty of the Heartland Harvest Garden. This inaugural fall festival invites visitors of all ages to celebrate the harvest and welcome a new season. Grab a hot apple cider and take a stroll through autumnal displays and shop Powell Gardens’ artisan market (Sept 25-26 and Oct 2-3). Join other festival-goers in harvesting fresh produce from the edible landscape of the Heartland Harvest Garden. Listen to live music while playing larger-than-life lawn games. After a hayride, cozy up to a fire pit with a glass of wine, s’mores kit, and better conversation. Wander the Villandry Garden and enjoy the colorful fall foliage as you settle in for shorter days and cooler weather. Kaw Valley Farm Tour Oct 2 and 3; The Kaw Valley Farm Tour is an opportunity to visit local farms and learn about farm practices directly from the farmer. For more information and tickets, go to kawvalleyfarmtour.org. Native Plant Symposium Sat, Oct 2, 10am-3pm; at Powell Gardens, Visitor Center, Multipurpose Room. $20; Members receive 10% off. Curious about native plants? Speakers include: Dr. Nadia Navarrete-Tindall for Native Edible Plants for Wildlife and People; Dr. Linda Hezel for Integrating Native Plants into Food Production for Soil, Pollinators and Human Health; and Matt Lebon for Creating a Native Edible Landscape. A boxed lunch and non-alcoholic drink is included in your ticket price. Purchase tickets by going to powellgardens.org/ calendar, or at: https://25043p.blackbaudhosting.com/25043p/page.aspx?pid=213& tab=2&txobjid=49a70f52-c9f1-443c-97fe810d6d740c6a Garden to Glass: Hard Cider Edition Sun, Oct 3, 3-4pm; $25 | Members receive 10% off. Learn all about the difference between ciders and other beer styles. Participants will then taste 4 different cider flavors from Austin Eastciders. A Powell Gardens branded pint glass is also included with your ticket purchase. Must be 21+ to attend. Tickets: http://25043p.blackbaudhosting. com/25043p/tickets?tab=3&txobjid=a5f4ecc 4-01b5-45bb-a54f-c3af3c78aa88 Fall Native Plant Sale benefiting the Shawnee Indian Mission Foundation Pre-Shop and Pre-order through Oct 6, from Green Thumb Gardens (Pre-order online: https://store.dtekc.com) and Missouri Wildflower Nursery (Pre-order online or call: www.mowildflowers.net; Phone: 573.496.3492). Both vendors have online catalogs. Please join us again for our fall sale on Oct 9! In-person shopping and/or pre-order/pre-pay & pick-up. Please note/mention that you are ordering for the Shawnee Indian Mission Sale when you order. Your purchase benefits the Mission as each vendor makes a contribution based on sales. Sat, Oct 9, 10am-2pm; at Shawnee Indian Mission East building parking lot, 3403 W 53rd St, Fairway, KS 66205. Thank you!
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October 2021 | kcgmag.com
Preparing for Winter
Leavenworth County Master Gardeners Wed, Oct 13, 11am; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Lenora Larson, a Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardener, will give a presentation about Moon Gardens. Learn how to maximize your enjoyment of your nighttime garden. The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700. Prairie Village Annual Fall Tree Seminar Introduction to Gardening in the Shade Come join the Prairie Village Tree Board on Wed, Oct 13 at 7pm via zoom to learn about shade gardening presented by Evan Mills, Lead Gardener for the David T. Beals III Woodland and Stream Gardens at Powell Gardens. Evan started as an intern in Powell’s Heartland Harvest Garden in 2018, helping operate a successful CSA program. He earned his Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree with an emphasis in Horticulture in December of 2019 at the University of Central Missouri. He started his full-time position as a gardener at Powell Gardens the following January and has worked there since. There will be presentations by the Tree Board recognizing Kansas State Champion Trees within Prairie Village, What’s Bugging Your Trees, and the new City Tree Ordinance. The zoom access number is posted on the city Event Calendar for October at pvkansas.com. KC Cactus and Succulent Society Sun, Oct 17, 1:30-4pm; club meeting at a NEW LOCATION: Trailside Center, 9901 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO. Visitors are welcome to attend. For more information on the KCC&SS see our website: www.kccactus.com or visit us on Facebook. Huge Peony Sale Sat, Oct 23, 9am-3pm (or until sold out); at Asbury United Methodist Church, 75th & Nall Ave, 5400 W 75th St, lower level, Prairie Village, KS 66208. Presented by Heartland Peony Society, featuring “Lemon Chiffon” and “Bartzella”, beautiful yellows, and an extensive selection of choice, hard-to-find colors, Japanese tree peonies, and a wonderful selection of Herbaceous and Intersectional peonies. www.peonies.org. African Violet Club of Greater Kansas City 69th Annual Show & Sale “Violets on the Riverside” Sat, Nov 6, 9am-3pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st St and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64112. Face Masks are Required. NO ADMISSION FEE. 2021 Holiday Sale Heaven & Nature Sing From the Summer’s Garden presents The 12 Days of Christmas. 12 Days Over Three Weekends in November; at 8601 Barkley St, Overland Park, KS 66212. Find all details at fromthesummersgarden.com; 913-579-5395; summersgarden@everestkc.net.
Promote plant sales, club meetings, classes, and other gardening events for FREE! Send details to: elizabeth@kcgmag.com. Deadline for publishing in the November issue is October 5.
W
hen I am asked, “Should I protect my roses for the winter,” my answer is always “Yes, absolutely!” Kansas City winters frequently are mild, but almost always have drastic fluctuations in temperature throughout the season, which can quickly kill an unprotected rose bush. Understanding why we protect roses in the winter, is just as important as the steps taken to protect them. Anything that encourages new growth, like feeding and pruning, heading into winter, is not recommended. When plants are actively growing, they contain cells that hold a lot of moisture and because of this moisture, they are more susceptible to damage from freezing. The last time to fertilize roses is six to eight weeks before the first freeze, which is usually during the month of November. In 2020, the first freeze was on November 30. This discourages the roses from actively growing during the winter, and cues a time for dormancy and rest. Discontinue pruning spent blooms, by mid- to late-September, signaling the rose to stop producing new growth. When it comes to pruning roses for the winter, wait until the first freeze to slow down or eliminate new growth.
Sanitation also is a very important step for the winterization program. Roses that have had a blackspot problem will benefit from removing all the leaves from the bush and the surrounding soil. Spray fungicide on the rose canes and ground before mulching. This strategy reduces the likelihood of disease in the next year. Deeply water the roses before mulching for the winter. Also, during dry winters, remember to water the roses as needed. The actual mulching of roses for the winter is best done after a hard freeze. This way rodents do not make a home in the rose beds. I apply six to eight inches of compost at the base of each rose; we find this works well. Leaves or hardwood mulch are also good mulches for protecting roses. The Kansas City Rose Society website offers more information on caring for your roses in winter. Read more at www. kansascityrosesociety.org; click on Rose Info. There you will find access to an instructional video as well. Carrying through with these few crucial steps to winterize your rose plants will make all the difference when spring reveals healthy, thriving plants. Remember to Stop and Smell the Roses!
JUDY PENNER Expert Rosarian
Judy Penner is Expert Rosarian at Loose Park, Kansas City, Missouri. You may reach her at judyssecretgardens@gmail.com.
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The Kansas City Gardener | October 2021
17
Indoor Gardening: Never Stop Growing
A
s the days grow shorter and summer temperatures begin to subside, it’s easy to begin feeling a sense of gardening finality. Most warm-season crops have been harvested and planning is already underway for next year’s bounty. Your aunt’s famous salsa, adorned with holiday ribbon and all, rests in the pantry awaiting its future home under the Christmas tree. Houseplants and tropicals work their way indoors, situating themselves beneath south-facing windows. For most of us, winter is a time of gardening dormancy where we enjoy the fruits of the previous year’s labor and focus on protecting our plants from the frigid elements until the sun shines a little longer and brighter on the other side of the seasons. What many don’t realize, though, is that retreating indoors doesn’t have to mean a retreat from growing our own food, all year-round. While it’s one thing to bring your favorite Croton or Majesty Palm into the living room, there’s no doubt that growing edible plants indoors is a different animal. While horticultural principals remain the same, the inputs necessary to produce a consistent supply of healthy tomatoes in your house vary dramatically from the infrequent feedings required by your typical houseplant. Regardless, the opportunity presented by growing indoors is that you can replicate the ideal conditions for any plant of your choosing. Keep in mind, plants follow the same rules whether they are grown indoors or out. For instance, if the life cycle of lettuce is to germinate in early spring when temperatures are still cool, go through a period of vegetative growth into early summer, then bolt and go to seed when temperatures start to peak, that’s exactly what it will do when grown indoors. If basil goes through its
vegetative growth period during short days with more than 12 hours of darkness each night and then begins to flower with longer days, it will do the same under artificial lighting. In previous (and upcoming) editions of The Kansas City Gardener, we have discussed both the required environmental conditions for particular edible plants (i.e. peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, basil, etc.) and the specific methodologies commonly employed to grow them indoors. But with winter rapidly approaching, we may not yet have covered your favorite variety. Therefore, let’s take a look at a few of the most important questions to ask when determining how to setup your indoor environment for any type of edible plant. These primary factors tend to have the greatest influence over the success or failure of an indoor grow. What temperature and humidity levels does the plant prefer? Whether you are starting seeds or working with a mature plant, temperature and humidity can have a significant impact. Are there ranges that induce the plant to bolt and go to seed? Are there ranges that improve the quality of fruit/ flower production? What type of lighting does the plant require? True vegetables like lettuce that are harvested before they produce seeds, tend to prefer a cooler/bluer spectrum of light with much less intensity than plants like peppers where flowering and fruit production occurs in the late summer when light intensity is much higher and the sun’s spectrum is warmer/redder.
JASON MISPAGEL Indoor Gardener 18
October 2021 | kcgmag.com
How many of hours of darkness does the plant require each day? Also referred to as “photoperiodism,” some plants exhibit behaviors in accordance with the number of consecutive dark hours they receive. Understanding this is vital to preventing or forcing those
level is too high or low. Considerations like airflow, grow media, container size, water quality, etc., are important in their own right but offer much more flexibility to the grower. If the primary issues aren’t properly addressed, the ancillary factors are of
behaviors indoors. Other plants are day-neutral, and the length of dark hours has little-to-no impact on their behavior. What type of nutrition does the plant require? Are there different stages in the plant’s lifecycle that require different fertilizer levels? For instance, a pepper plant goes through a period of vegetative growth where it requires significant amounts of Nitrogen, but when it begins to flower, excessive Nitrogen can actually prevent fruit production. What pH level does the plant require? Potential of Hydrogen, or pH, measures the level of acidity in a solution. Plants are only able to absorb nutrients when the water in their grow media is at the proper level. Depending on which nutrients a particular variety requires, they may not be available if the pH
little concern since the plant will be starting in a no-win situation. When you garden indoors, you are essentially recreating your favorite plant’s ideal growing environment in the comfort of your living room, kitchen, garage or basement. You are taking into account the same variables, albeit through a different lens, as you would if you were planting in your backyard garden bed. Instead of thinking “seasons” or “calendar months,” you are taking the time to understand what it is about those units of measure that influences how your plants grow, whether that is temperature, length of day, or otherwise. With that perspective, you never have to stop growing, no matter the temperature or how many inches of snow may cover your outdoor garden plot just a few feet away.
Jason Mispagel is the co-owner and operator of Year-Round Garden, a grower’s supply center serving both home and commercial customers since 2016. To contact Jason, call 816-216-6917 or jason@year-roundgarden.com.
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www.hixandsonaquatics.com The Kansas City Gardener | October 2021
19
PLANTS ON YOUR PLATE Cauliflower bright green intact leaves. No matter which color variety, there should be no discoloration on the florets, also called ‘curds’. Cauliflower wrapped in sealed plastic can hasten mold and spoilage, so it is recommended to transfer to a loosely sealed bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture for storage up to seven days. For maximum flavor, nutrition, and color retention, choose steaming, sauteing or roasting over boiling. A bit of acid such as lemon juice also aids in keeping white cauliflower from darkening. Because of its neutral flavor, cauliflower can
be easily combined with other vegetables in a mixed sauté and is also commonly used in curry dishes. It has also become a popular replacement for rice when finely chopped or as a main ingredient in low carb pizza crust. A favorite preparation at my house it to mix with mashed potatoes, which reduces the carbohydrate count and increases the fiber content (and no one will really notice). Because this involves boiling the vegetables to get them soft enough to mash, I like to save the cooking water and freeze for use in soup or stew. I hope you will give this recipe a try!
Cauliflower and Potato Mash-Up MAKES 6 SERVINGS
W
hile we are accustomed to finding cauliflower year-round in the grocery store, it is also a favorite cool season vegetable that can be found as farmers markets are winding down for the season. Many people might find this vegetable bland on its own, but cauliflower is rapidly gaining attention and popularity for its versatility. Cauliflower is member of the Brassica family, making it related to broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. The word cauliflower literally means ‘cabbage flower’. It originated from the island of Cyprus in the 13th century before making its way to western Europe in the 16th century and eventually to the United States in the 1900s. Today, California is the top producer of cauliflower, as well as Arizona, Florida, and Texas. The cooler climate states of Michigan, New York, Washington, and Oregon also make the list of top producing states. Cauliflower is a good source
of vitamins C, K, B6 and folate, as well as the minerals potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. While white cauliflower is most common, selective plant breeding has also produced green, orange, and purple varieties. The various color varieties also supply unique phytonutrients found in their color families: beta carotene in orange, anthocyanins in purple and chlorophyl in a green variety also known as broccoflower. Even the standard white cauliflower provides the phytonutrient sulforaphane, which is found in the colored varieties as well. Sulforaphane is the compound that gives a bitter taste to vegetables in the Brassica family, particularly when overcooked. With this rich nutrient profile, cauliflower joins the list of vegetables that provides protection against diabetes, heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and other inflammation related health conditions. When selecting cauliflower look for heavy, dense heads that are four to six inches across, with
DENISE SULLIVAN Nutrition Ninja 20
October 2021 | kcgmag.com
INGREDIENTS 2 pounds potatoes, cut into cubes 1 head cauliflower (about 1 pound) chopped 2 Tablespoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup skim milk ½ cup reduced fat sour cream Wash hands and food preparation surfaces. Wash potatoes and cauliflower with water prior to cutting. In a large pot, combine cauliflower and potatoes. Cover with water and bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender. Drain water from vegetables. Save water to use in soup or stew. Heat oil in skillet and sauté garlic until golden, watching closely as not to burn. Place potatoes and cauliflower in a large bowl and mash with a masher or mixer until smooth. Add garlic, oil, milk, and sour cream and mix until combined. Serve. NUTRITION INFORMATION Calories: 199, Total Fat: 7.5g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 46mg, Carbohydrates: 30g, Fiber: 4.5g, Protein: 5.5g Recipe adapted from Seasonal and Simple.info, analyzed by verywellfit.com.
Denise Sullivan (@MUExtJacksonCo) is a Nutrition and Health Education Specialist for MU Extension in Jackson County. For research based nutrition and food safety information and programs, call 816-4825850 or visit https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/urban-west-region.
Gear Up for a Great Fall! Euston Hardware 6955 Tomahawk Rd Prairie Village, KS 66208 (913)262-1405 Euston Hardware 453 E Red Bridge Rd Kansas City, MO 64131 (816) 216-7197 Packs Hardware 116 N 169 Highway Smithville, MO 64089 (816) 532-0525
P ACK’S HARDWARE
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Shawnee Indian Mission October 9, 10 am - 5 pm. 3403 West 53rd St, Fairway KS 66205 Shawnee Indian Mission Fall Native Plant Sale. Pre order or pick from our selection at the sale. Info: shawneeindianmission.org.
The Nursery Is Open at:
9108 W. 57th Merriam, KS 66203 (1 blk E. of Merriam Dr.) Hrs: Mon.–Fri. 7am–4:30pm • Sat. 8am–12pm
9814 Pleasant Hill RD, Jefferson City MO 65109. Weekdays Year-Round: 9 am - 5 pm, Fall Weekends: August 28 - October 10, Saturdays: 9 am - 5 pm, Sundays Noon - 5 pm
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Are You Seasonally Savvy?
It’s all about adjusting your bird feeding program to match the needs of the birds through changing seasons.
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For example, it’s migration time, so add some running water and maybe a little Bark Butter® smeared on a tree to attract numerous migrating song birds, including warblers and thrushes.You can also add a little millet to your bird food menu to attract juncos and other cool sparrows like the White-throated, White-crowned, Fox and the American Tree Sparrow.
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BIRDSEED • FEEDERS • BIRDBATHS • OPTICS • GARDEN ACCENTS
The Kansas City Gardener | October 2021
21
GARDEN CALENDAR October list of what to do in the garden.
LAWN
• Recommended mowing heights for bluegrass and tall fescue in the fall is around 3 inches. • Core aerate to loosen heavy clay soils and break down thatch. • Fertilize now if not already done so once this fall. • Control dandelions, henbit, and chickweed in the fall. Treat as needed. • Sharpen the mower blade if it is not making a clean cut or after every 10 hours of use. • Rake leaves falling on the turf to avoid winter suffocation. • Mulch mown leaves back into the lawn as long as debris does not cover the surface.
FLOWERS
• Plant tulips, daffodils, and other springflowering bulbs. • Clean up faded annuals. • Tidy perennial stems by cutting back to keep disease and insects in check. • Be pollinator-friendly and avoid cutting back and removing all stems. Many native insects overwinter on dead plant material. • Pot bulbs for winter forcing. • Dig tender bulbs such as glads and cannas and store in a cool, dry place over the winter.
• Update the garden journal for successes and failures while fresh in your mind. • Take advantage of fall sales and plant new perennials. • Divide overgrown perennials.
TREES AND SHRUBS
• Plant new trees and shrubs. • Water establishing plants over the winter during dry spells. • Transplant seedlings of trees and shrubs once dormant. • Prune damaged and dead wood from trees and shrubs. • Wrap the bases of young trees and shrubs to protect from rabbits. • Rake leaves and compost or use as garden mulch. • Remove tree stakes if in place longer than one year.
VEGETABLES AND FRUITS
• Store unused seeds in a cool, dry location. • Pick up and discard fallen fruit to reduce disease and insects for next year. • Plant garlic in the fall to get a jump over spring planted garlic. • Dig sweet potatoes and cure for a week or two in a warm location, then store for winter. • Harvest peanuts and roast.
• Harvest apples and pears and store them for winter use. • Store winter squash and pumpkins in a cool, dry place. • Till garden soil to get a jump start on spring. • Make notes of successes and failures. • Test soil and make improvements.
HOUSEPLANTS
• Begin long night treatments for poinsettia re-blooming. • Check plants for insects and treat as needed. • Wash dust from leaves by placing in a shower or wiping with a damp, soft cloth. • Reduce or stop fertilization over the winter months. • Keep plants away from hot and cold drafts of winter.
MISCELLANEOUS
• Drain and store garden hoses and sprinklers for winter. • Spruce up the compost pile for winter by adding new materials promoting decomposition. • Clean, sharpen, and oil garden tools for winter storage.
MY GARDEN (Use this space to list additional tasks to accomplish in your garden.)
• • • •
Johnson County K-State Research and Extension recommends environmentally-friendly gardening practices. This starts by identifying and monitoring problems. Cultural practices and controls are the best approach for a healthy garden. If needed, use physical, biological or chemical controls. Always consider the least toxic approach first. Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000. 22
October 2021 | kcgmag.com
Landscape Design, Installation and Maintenance Services
Now Hiring for Fall
From trees and shrubs to perennials, mulch and stone, expert Landscape Designers are ready to help with your next project!
Call today for an At-Home Consultation. We are looking for friendly, enthusiastic people to fill positions at our Lenexa, Overland Park and So. Kansas City locations.
7130 Troost, Kansas City, Mo. www.soilservice.com Garden Center • 816-444-3403 Nursery • 816-333-3232
Cashiers Carryout Laborers Merchandising Horticulturist
Truck Drivers (Non-CDL) Equip. Operators Lawn Maintenance Tree Planting Crews Plant Sales
Fax resume to 816-941-3838 Email resume to suburban@suburbanlg.com Apply in person at our Corporate office. 13635 Wyandotte // Kansas City, MO 64145 Questions? Contact Human Resources at 816-941-4700. suburbanlg.com // facebook.com/suburbanlg
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GAR G A RENEDREN E R N D E D R A G ER Beyon The K T ty K an sa Cihe s C it y a n s a s C Th e Ka ns as ity A M on
th ly G ui de to Su A Mon thly cc es Guid e to Suc October 2014 sf ul cess ful Gard Garde ning G ar de enin g to Succe ssful August 2015 ni ng A Mont hly Guide
HUGE PEONY SALE by Heartland Peony Society www.peonies.org
Saturday, October 23 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or until sold out)
LOCATION: 75th & Nall Ave. Asbury United Methodist Church 5400 W. 75th St., LOWER LEVEL, Prairie Village, KS 66208 Featuring “Lemon Chiffon”and “Bartzella”, beautiful yellows, and an extensive selection of choice, hard-to-find colors, Japanese tree peonies, and a wonderful selection of Herbaceous and Intersectional peonies.
For convenient mail delivery, complete the form below and send with your check for $25.00. You will receive a one-year subscription to The Kansas City Gardener.
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Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Phone: E-mail: Where did you pick up The Kansas City Gardener? Please enclose your check payable to The Kansas City Gardener and mail with this form to: P.O. Box 8725, Prairie Village, KS 66208 The Kansas City Gardener is published monthly Jan. through Dec.
The Kansas City Gardener | October 2021
23
Fall is for Gardeners Hardy Mums
Locally Grown - Frost Resistant - Long-Lasting Blooms
starting at $4.99
Fall Shrub Sale Select Varieties and Sizes Up to 25% Off Now Through 10/31/21 Shrubs on sale at all three locations. While supplies last.
Pansies Various Varieties
Hardy Asters
Ornamental Peppers
Fall Colors That Last Add flair to your landscape this season with the long-lasting colors of pansies, mums, ornamental cabbage and kale. They are prized as colorful additions to home gardens and are cold hardy down to 20� F!
Fall Decor
At all three stores! • Corn Stalks • Indian Corn • Pumpkins • Specialty Gourds • Straw Bales • And Many More!
105th & Roe (913) 649-8700
K-7 & Prairie Star Pkwy (913) 897-5100
135th & Wornall (816) 942-2921
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