The power of flowers
I’ve always heard it’s good to talk to your plants, but I didn’t realize they could talk back.
But indeed, they’ve got a lot to say, according to Master Gardener Patti Miklos-Boyd.
Boyd, a former Kansas City attorney who now serves as a local municipal court judge, is volunteering her gardening talents to re-landscape the Iola Public Library.
As such, Boyd approaches the task in what I would venture is a more thoughtful manner than most.
“I have a philosophy about every area of life,” she said, be it in her professional world or as a mother, wife, friend or everyday citizen.
In envisioning the library’s outdoor spaces, Boyd considered how her selections could affect people driving by in a car, someone using library, or those simply hanging out on its grounds.
“People who may never even go into the library will still be affected by what they see there,” she said.
Landscaping is more than just making a place pretty, Boyd said. It has a purpose.
In the library’s case, members of its board told Boyd they want the library to have a more welcoming presence.
“And plants do that,” she said. “Plants embrace you. They welcome you into a place. They tell you somebody cares about you.”
Boyd also believes certain trees, bushes and flowers serve as community ties.
“I’m including some of the plants that other community buildings, churches, businesses and homes use in their landscape designs. Plants provide an analogue to the surrounding buildings that yields a cohesiveness,” she said.
Perhaps it’s the viburnum at Community National Bank that ties in with that at St. John’s Catholic Church. Or the redbuds and crabapples at First Presbyterian that tie into the library’s.
Plants can provide a recurring theme of shapes and colors that echoes across a town, Boyd said, tying a community together and creating generational foundations.
As someone who lived many years in Holland, Mich., I can relate.
Its Tulip Time festival isn’t just a successful marketing tool, but a wonderful way for many of the townsfolk to celebrate their Dutch roots and the iconic flower. Come this time of year the town is awash in tulips, creating not only a sense of pride, but extending the warmest of welcomes.
That’s a powerful message.
Susan Lynn
Duane and Judy McGraw’s inviting front yard speaks “welcome.”
It’s not that Mother Nature needs any help, but sometimes a little direction is necessary.
Which is where Master Gardeners come in.
“I look at everything with a philosophy,” said Patti Boyd. Such as a garden’s purpose of providing an experience. How it meshes with the surrounding architecture and seeing that it includes balancing elements of tall and short, light and dark, soft and fluffy and spartan.
As a Master Gardener, Boyd is lending her talents to transform the front lawn of the Iola Public Library. On May 7, the library board approved Boyd’s preliminary plans. The following evening, the Friends of the Library
Decorator Supply
agreed to give $1,750 for its implementation.
“I’M GETTING TO REALIZE my own dream for the library, which I’ve had since I first saw it 30 years ago,” Boyd said.
Sharon Moreland, library director since 2022, is on the same page. In 2024, in fact, she gained the Friends’ permission to pursue a landscaping project but got stalled in its development.
A friendly quip by Bob Henry, a semi-retired landscaper, got the ball rolling, said Moreland. “At our Valentine’s Day Chocolate Sale he commented on our ‘sad tree,’ out front and that it should be put out of its misery.”
Boyd said that in consulting with Moreland about the board members’ and Friends’ vision for the library’s new look, their resounding answer was that it be “welcoming.”
A request tailor-made for Boyd.
“Plants embrace you,” she said. “They welcome you into a place, telling you that somebody cares.
“A building’s plantings also tie it into the community. Some of the plants we’ll have here will be the same flowers and bushes that people have in their own yards or around buildings in town,” Boyd said.
Boyd also intends to make the spaces user-friendly.
“I see people hanging out on the big stones out front, or on the front stoop, or over by the gazebo. Maybe they’re waiting for rides,” Boyd said. “Let’s make those
occasions more enjoyable by being surrounded by friendly and beautiful plants.”
Because Wi-Fi is available outside of the library and it has outside outlets, people frequently “camp out” to use their electronic devices, Moreland said. On the east side is a bench equipped with a solar-powered charging station.
“We have folks that will sit on the dirt outside of the children’s room because there’s an outlet there,” Moreland said.
The south-facing front yard brings its own set of challenges and opportunities.
“It’s very sunny and hot, which can be somewhat limiting. And it has Bermuda grass, which is its own force,” Boyd grimaced. “We’re going to have to find ways to plant despite it.”
Bermuda is so tenacious that if a lawnmower “contaminated” with the grass is used to mow another patch, it will transplant the Bermuda grass to it.
“So, we’re just going to have to live with it,” she said.
In considering the library’s architecture, Boyd said her goal was to find plants that complement it.
“It’s kind of boxy, but there are some cool details that can be accentuated. You don’t drive by and think ‘architectural genius,’ but it has some strong vertical elements. The entrance is magnificent with lots of possibilities for color,” she said. “I don’t want anything that obscures the views from inside the building.”
Moreland added the plan is to
paint the entrance’s two columns to match the red of its front doors. Boyd suggested replacing the planters at the entrance with some “big jazzy pots.”
The impressive windows also lend themselves for art installations up high, Moreland said, adding the board is considering rotating art installations.
The building’s sandy-colored brick will dictate what not to plant, Boyd said. Definitely no yellows. Pale pink is also out.
“But lots of plums and purples. Any shade of green. Silver colors will look good, as will terracotta. Some orange colors will look good, but not salmon. Reds and magentas will look great.”
The palette should be varied and strong enough to maintain an interest no matter the season, Boyd said.
Because the lawn is not equipped with a watering system, Boyd is aiming for heat-resistant plantings — almost the opposite of the plantings she did for the Bowlus Fine Arts Center across the street from the library in 2006.
That landscaping project was part of her Master Gardener certification process along with fellow
Top photo, Sharon Moreland and Patti Boyd with the library’s redbud tree that will be replaced with a new one. At right, a solar-powered charging bench on the library’s east side. Below, Boyd’s charming sketch of future plantings.
Plans include painting the columns the same color as the front door.
students Nancy Maier and David Lee.
“We’ve all learned a lot since then, but most of our choices have survived,” she said. “And some of those plants will be able to ‘talk’ to each other across the street, as we say.”
Boyd predicts her choices of plants will require regular watering their first year to get established.
As far as Moreland can determine, the library lacks a water spigot. They’ve run a hose from the library’s Flewharty Annex across the alleyway to water the zinnias that are planted each spring.
Moreland hopes once the dirt work begins, they’ll discover an outside water source somewhere along the building’s base.
The library was built in 1966, replacing the Carnegie Library. In 2020, a gazebo was installed on the east side of the library. This year, Iola
High School students under the supervision of special education teacher Doug Kerr, will build a 20-footlong planter box next to the gazebo for dozens of colorful zinnias.
Currently, the library’s front yard consists of the aforementioned time-worn redbud and a few hibiscus and barberry bushes.
Boyd’s list of plants avoids anything “prickly or smelly.” And near the entrance, “I’ve avoided anything that attracts bees. The asters will be planted far enough away from the entrance not to present a problem.”
Her selections are all perennials with only the planters at the entrance reserved for annuals.
Among her plantings are a redbud to “pay homage” to the one that will be replaced. Other items include column junipers, crepe myrtle, spirea, buckthorn, lilacs, grasses, roses,
JOHN F. BROCKER, PRESIDENT
smoke bushes, asters and Russian sage.
Because Boyd’s selections could exceed more than half the budget, she’s donating several of the plants.
Moreland is hopeful locals will step forward if more funds are needed to complete the project.
Catching up
Worried about a new sapling not budding out? Don’t be. According to Master Gardener Patti Boyd, a young tree’s growth spurts frequently exceed its sprouting abilities. “It takes a while for the rest of the process to catch up. So if you see that most of the branch has buds, but not the last 6 inches or so, just wait until next year.”
The therapeutic power of horticulture
There’s something undeniably magical about the experience of digging in the dirt, planting a seed, and watching it sprout and bloom. At Tri-Valley Developmental Services in Fort Scott, this process takes on new significance through a unique horticulture therapy program designed to serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
With a focus on hands-on learning, plant care, and community involvement, the program offers a therapeutic outlet that nurtures both plants and the people who care for them. “It is designed to get the people we serve outdoors and included in nature in a therapeutic way,” said Program Coordinator Austin Bolinger.
The Fort Scott location — one of Tri-Valley’s eight facilities — serves 30 clients. Since its inception in 2007, the horticultural therapy program has grown and now includes around a dozen individuals.
“All of our clients aren’t in the program, but they all have the opportunity to be,” Bolinger explained. “We have about 12 dedicated gardeners. They are eager to help at any time, whether it’s weeding, planting, or simply being part of the process.”
AT TRI-VALLEY, the therapeutic benefits extend beyond the physical act of gardening. Participants engage with nature and take ownership of the plants they grow. The program is designed to foster independence and problem-solving while promoting teamwork.
The program also creates strong connections.
by collaborating with local garden clubs and other community organizations as well as contributing plants and services to beautify the town. As a member of the community garden club, Bolinger also helps partner the two groups. Members of the therapy program often join forces with the Fort Scott Garden Club to tend to public spaces like community gardens and downtown areas.
“We really get involved,” Bolinger said. “The program is more than just the greenhouse. We’re not just a onestop shop.”
The 2,200-square-foot greenhouse is a cherished part of the program, though. It is packed with flowers and plants of all kinds. A fully accessible outdoor garden is right next door, complete with raised beds and tables that are specifically crafted to meet the needs of the in-
Austin Bolinger has been the coordinator of the horticulture therapy program at Tri-Valley Developmental Services in Fort Scott for nearly five years. Bolinger says the program is designed to get the center’s clients outdoors and experiencing nature in a therapeutic way.
Tri-Valley
Developmental Services in Fort
Scott offers a horticulture therapy program to its clients.
ance, and endurance.
TRI-VALLEY’S program also includes vocational training opportunities, where participants can learn how to sell plants to the local community through plant sales held at the center. By collaborating with local plant distributors, the program generates funds that go back into purchasing materials and expanding the program’s reach.
Nothing goes to waste either. The produce grown in the garden is used in the center’s cooking classes, while gourds and other plants are incorporated into craft projects. Each year, program participants showcase their work at local county fairs and farmers markets.
dividuals being served.
“The garden is truly designed with everyone in mind,” said Bolinger. “The raised portion is wheelchair accessible, so people of all abilities can participate. There’s always something to do, whether it’s planting, watering, or simply admiring the progress.”
Gourds hang to dry in the 2,220 square foot greenhouse. Members of the horticulture therapy program will use the gourds in craft projects.
THE THERAPEUTIC
benefits of working in a garden are wellknown. The healing power of nature has been recognized for centuries, with one of the earliest documented cases being that of Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and considered the “Father of American Psychiatry.”
In the 19th century, Rush noted that engaging in gardening activities had a profound positive effect on individuals suffering from mental illness, helping them to regain emotional and mental well-being.
Today, horticultural therapy is widely used across a range of rehabilitative, vocational, and community settings. This form of therapy supports participants in learning new skills, building confidence, and improving overall well-being.
It can enhance memory, cognitive abilities, and promote better socialization and communication. Additionally, it helps individuals in physical rehabilitation by strengthening muscles, improving coordination, bal-
“There’s such a sense of pride that comes with seeing something you’ve nurtured from a seed grow into a beautiful plant,” Bolinger shared. “Our participants truly enjoy showing off their hard work, and it’s a reminder of how much they’re capable of accomplishing.”
By cultivating plants and personal growth, Bolinger hopes that the program will plant seeds of success that will continue to bloom for years to come.
Top photo, several garden beds are on-site for the horticulture program. Bolinger says they are currently preparing for the season and will soon start work on readying the beds for planting. At right, Raised garden beds provide inclusivity to clients in the program. They are wheelchair accessible, allowing people of all abilities to participate.
BBQ
Beauty is in the eye — and sometimes the taste buds — of the beholder.
Take Iola High School sophomore Franklin Kerr, who as part of the Iola Underhogs barbecue cookoff team, had entered a slab of ribs at a state competition in Wichita March 1.
One judge rated Kerr’s ribs a perfect 100 out of 100, declaring they’d be a perfect fit at any restaurant.
A second judge, tasting the exact same slab, gave him a 40, with a much harsher message.
“Said it was disgusting, and shouldn’t be fed to people,” Kerr muttered with a soft chuckle. “There was a wide range of opinions.”
Such is life for fledgling pitmasters such as Kerr and his IHS classmate Alston Nelson, who have taken a family pastime and turned it into a passion.
The sophomores are gearing up for a national competition in Gardner in June as part of the IHS Underhogs, the competition barbecue grilling team completing its
second season of existence.
Kerr and Nelson spoke briefly about their affinity for all things smoked.
Kerr prefers the ribs; Nelson the brisket.
They’ll be rated on those meats as well as chicken, chili and grilled cheese sandwiches.
THEIR interests in cooking took root long before now.
Both had been helping their fathers in their respective backyards before either was in middle school.
Nelson said his father, Rick, is a wizard behind the grill.
Franklin Kerr measures the temperature of a slab of ribs prior to the smoking process.
“He’s really good at pork chops, steaks, chicken, things like that,” Nelson said. “But he wanted me to learn how to use the smoker because he never had much luck at it.”
Kerr’s father, Doug, is well-versed in backyard culinary arts, and often competes in a family cookoff, in which each brings a plate of ribs.
Last year was to be Franklin’s initial foray into the competition, but it was canceled.
He’s hoping to try his luck this summer.
PREPARING a brisket takes hours on end. The “low and slow” cooking method can keep the meat inside a smoker for upwards of 24 hours, Nelson noted.
Cooking for competition means smoking at a much higher temperature, where care must be taken to ensure temperatures stay consistent. A spike or drop-off could either char the food, or even worse, leave portions raw.
Iola High School sophomores Alston Nelson, left, and Franklin Kerr have been smoking meats for years already.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DOUG KERR
Same goes for the ribs, but with a much shorter prep time. Most slabs take about 2½ hours, Kerr said.
“I’ve just always enjoyed working with ribs,” he said. “They’ve always been fun.”
Nelson tries to fire up the smoker once a month, either for a family event, or just to keep his skills sharp for competition.
He’s experimented through the year with various rubs. His favorite is one available at the famed Buc-ee’s store chain.
“It gives it a good traditional flavor,” Nelson said.
AND WHILE both would happily grill something up every day if they could, there are limits, both with their other after-school commitments — jobs and athletics, primarily — as well as the cost.
A single brisket slab may cost up to $80.
“We do what we can,” Nelson said.
Both youngsters also remained mum when comparing their culinary skills with their fathers.
“I’m close, but Dad has a lot more experience,” Kerr said. “He’s helped me a lot.”
“I’m just focused on general improvement,” Nelson added with a grin.
Iola High school students Rohan Springer, from left, Joe Holding, Franklin Kerr and Alston Nelson are members of the IHS Underhogs, a barbecue competition team.
Photo below, Franklin Kerr prepares a slab of ribs at a recent competition.
Don Erbert never faces the question as to what he’ll do when he retires, because it’ll be the same thing he does for a living: He builds things.
It’s a lucky man whose career matches his passions.
Erbert, 66, is a contractor whose work primarily consists of building fast-food restaurants across the Midwest.
In his spare time, he puts those same talents to creating a personal getaway that serves a dual purpose of highlighting his second love — hunting.
to birds. “I haven’t killed a deer in nine years,” he said. His favorite sport is bow hunting.
Erbert’s wife, Mary, also has become an avid bow hunter, having achieved a Grand Slam, meaning she’s conquered the four most common subspecies of wild turkey — the Eastern, Rio Grande, Merriam’s and Osceola (Florida) turkeys.
Don Erbert has built he and his wife, Mary, a cozy getaway cabin where wildlife is aplenty.
A former board member of the National Wildlife Turkey Federation, Don often hosts fellow bow hunters.
With hunting and woodworking as his favorite things to do, Erbert said southeast Kansas has all he needs to be happy.
“My friends thought I was nuts,” to invest so much time and labor into his place. But for Erbert, it’s a labor of love.
He especially enjoys repurposing wood and other
things from old barns and homes. He takes pride in that he builds around trees, rather than hew them down. Most recently he’s favored using local pecan and walnut for projects. His son Jason, who’s an electrician, frequently helps him on projects.
In a tour of the small cabin, the master bedroom has a decidedly outdoor look, that began with forest-themed wallpaper. From there, Erbert “went out back” to bring in a tree.
Don Erbert on the front porch of his “retreat.”
“Mary liked it so much, I brought in another,” he said. To that, Erbert added a menagerie of stuffed animals and even a couple of hornets’ nests.
A flip of a switch, and rose-colored lights give the effect of a sunset over the forest scene.
On the headboard is perched a
bobcat. Above that, an elk.
In the kitchen, a mountain lion sees what’s being served.
Around the cabin appear to be dozens of mementos.
“Naw. Most things are gifts from friends when they come to visit,” he said.
ERBERT HAS been in the construction business for 26 years, primarily building and renovating Sonic Drive-Ins.
Asked how he learned the tools of the trade, he replied, “Just by doing and learning. I’ve made a lot of mistakes along the way.
There have been some jobs where I didn’t make much of a profit, but I’ve never lost money on them either.”
His expertise has earned him the designation as a preferred builder for Inspire Brands, the company that now owns Sonic Drive-In and Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants.
Erbert’s other son, John, also works in construction for Inspire Brands.
“He’s as busy as I ever was,” Don said.
If he’s lucky, he’ll be just as happy.
Forest-themed wallpaper inspired Erbert to make it more realistic by bringing inside a few small trees as well as his family of stuffed animals. At left, a mountain lion looks down on the kitchen and a bobcat is perched on his bed.
Gathering around the table
Jenni Ware’s love of cooking is anchored to a deep belief in getting people around the table.
“Cooking for me is a kind of love language,” said Ware. “When someone invites you into their home and fixes you a meal, they’ve done a lot of work on your behalf. They’ve planned a menu, made a grocery list, gone to the store, maybe prepped ingredients a day or two before. They’ve cleaned their house, set the table. And they’re doing all of that for your satisfaction. I think people forget how special that is.”
In sharing a meal with family and friends, insists Ware, there’s an intimacy that’s hard to replace.
Ware would know – she does an awful lot of cooking.
Ware and Sarah Stogsdill are the owners of Simply Delicious, a catering and concession trailer company founded in 2015. Over the years, it has gained a loyal following; their pulled pork sandwiches, peanut butter pies, and loaded Suzy Q’s are local favorites.
Ware grew up in the kitchen. “Mom cooked a lot,” Ware said. “And I grew up in a big family. My mom was one of six children.” Whenever family gathered, food was present. “I learned to cook by always being around the kitchen. And I’m still learning. I love to try new recipes.”
When it comes to hosting, Ware has learned her lessons over the years.
Her first piece of advice? Relax a little. “When I was young-
er, I used to run around the house like a crazy woman during the holidays,” she said. “Everything had to be perfect.” She was so tied to the kitchen she couldn’t enjoy time with her guests. In fact, she’d be exhausted before they even arrived.
Now, she’s a lot freer. “If you forget something, no one will notice,” she says with a smile. “You’ll be the only person who knows.”
She picks a menu with the guests in mind. What are their favorite foods? What’s something simple that will allow her to enjoy time with them and avoid stress?
Beforehand, Ware always makes sure there are enough seats and table space. She insists on setting the table before guests arrive – and on using real plates.
“That doesn’t mean you need to use china or crystal,” Ware said. “But good food needs to be presented. You put your time, energy and love into something that you’re sharing with others.”
Serving dishes and platters can help elevate a dish, Ware notes, rather than serving it out of what it was cooked in. A table that’s set tastefully helps people understand you’re taking care of them and happy they’re your guests.
That seems to be a central reason Ware cooks at all: gathering around a meal does real good.
“When my children were young, we always ate at home because we had to,” said Ware. “But even then, we always set the table and talked with each other.” Between Ware’s three children, Emily, Danielle, and Buddy, and husband Danny, there were plenty of antics. But they’re memories she cherishes now.
“When I was younger, I didn’t understand it, but eating together is important.”
Lately, she’s noticed a change in her youngest daughter, Danielle, who has three young children. “She cooks a lot more now,” said Ware. “I sure hope that gets passed on.”
With food as good as what Ware whips up, and recipes sure to be passed down, how could it not?
