Garden View (January - April 2023)

FEATURE Longtime Donors and Friends of Powell Gardens Give New Machinery

MARK ZIMMERMAN COO | Interim CEO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AMY ECKHOFF, Chair

JAY LONGBOTTOM, Past Chair

ELLEN FAIRCHILD, Treasurer

GARY BARNES, Secretary

SCOTT BURNETT

COREY CASEY

KRISTOPHER DABNER

WES FEHSENFELD

GEORGE GUASTELLO

JIM HOUX

MARK KILLEN

ANN MESLE MARY O’CONNOR

ANNE RIKER POWELL NICHOLAS POWELL JOHN RUFENACHT GUY SWANSON JUSTIN WHITE JULIE WILSON

DEAR MEMBERS,

After six years as the Powell Gardens CEO, Tabitha Schmidt, transitioned to her new role as the Executive Director of the Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS) in Daytona Beach, Florida, in August.

For the past year, I had the privilege of guiding Powell Gardens as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) and now as the Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Having worked and traveled the globe, I believe cultural institutions, like Powell Gardens, are integral to their communities.

During my tenure, I have personally overseen critical infrastructure enhancements, including our recent road paving, refinishing the front doors to the Visitor Center, and organizational development opportunities for staff. I would like to extend a sincere thanks to all our donors, like you, for supporting Powell Gardens’ endeavors to further our mission and steward our land.

These actions set the precedent for a strong foundation on which to enact future projects within the Master Plan. Using the latter as a guide, Powell Gardens is planning strategic upgrades to the north side of the Gardens, including the Heartland Harvest Garden and Children’s Garden. We have also engaged in a Request for Proposals (RFP) process regarding a new glamour camping (glamping) initiative. These plans will provide expanded opportunities for increased visitor engagement.

Through your generous contributions, Powell Gardens has seen tremendous growth. You have aided Kansas City’s Botanical Garden with the extension of our mission and further relevance to our region. If you would like to learn more about Powell Gardens’ future plans or are interested in a visit, please reach out to me at 816.683.4836.

I also encourage you to check out our upcoming evening events Festival of Lights (November 10-December 30, Wed-Sun) and to stay tuned for our 2023 lineup.

I look forward to seeing you at Powell Gardens soon.

Sincerely, Mark Zimmerman COO | Interim CEO

MEMBER UPDATE

IN 2023, a membership price adjustment will take effect starting January 1, 2023, as each membership comes up for renewal. This adjustment—our first since 2017—equates to a membership fee increase of 3%, 5%, or 10% depending on the benefits associated with your chosen level.

Why are we making this change?

As a non-profit botanical garden, Powell Gardens relies on altruism from members and visitors alike to help support our mission. We strive to serve our community by embodying an experience that inspires appreciation for the importance of plants in our lives and the preservation of the Midwest spirit of place.

In 2022, Powell Gardens:

1. Rolled out two new exhibitions—Orchid Delirium and Fortopia.

2. Maintained conservation efforts with key partnerships featuring Ona’s Prairie, Goats on the Go, and enacted the first phase of the Marlese Lowe Gourley Island Garden enhancements.

3. Increased educational opportunities through classes like Native Prairie Series, the new Garden to Glass series, and school field trips.

4. Increased event programming through featured artists like Quixotic and community partnerships.

5. Increased our hours of operation at key seasonal points throughout the year.

Like many organizations, our budget was impacted by the cost-of-living increases. The 2023 price increase allows us to maintain the quality of these initiatives year over year as we enact the next initiatives within the Master Plan, including but not limited to, wayfinding, interpretive planning, and additional garden enhancements.

What does this mean for you?

This pricing change will take effect January 1, 2023, as each membership comes up for renewal. Your membership benefits will remain as outlined on powellgardens. org/membership. Use the chart below to identify the new annual price for the affected membership levels.

or 816.697.2600 ext. 4849.

All of us at Powell Gardens are grateful for your past and continued support. We hope to see you in 2023 for all our new and returning events!

Longtime Donors and Friends of Powell Gardens Give New Machinery

Dennis and Annette Young purchase a new brush cutter for the Powell Gardens team.

A BOTANICAL GARDEN as large as Powell Gardens requires many different tools—including heavy machinery! Property and Facilities Manager Mark Debrot had a brush cutter on his Powell Gardens wish list for years. “A brush cutter makes maintaining large, naturalized areas of the garden much easier,” he explains. “It can be

used to cut tall grass, brush, shrubs and woody materials quickly.” In the summer of 2022, Debrot’s wish was granted by longtime Powell Gardens donors, volunteers, and friends Dennis and Annette Young. Dennis and Annette Young have been Powell Gardens members since 1996. In the past, they have supported projects like the interactive kaleidoscope sculpture titled Sharing by Robert C. Anderson, the previous Capital Campaign, transportation vehicles for staff and visitors, horticulture initiatives such as the Dennis and Annette Young Magnolia Walk (which contains our certified magnolia collection named in honor of past Director of Horticulture Alan Branhagen), lawnmowers, and events like Under a Harvest Moon, the annual Powell Gardens fundraiser. They are passionate

about supporting Powell Gardens’ staff members through infrastructure and equipment. “When you give to Powell Gardens, you are supporting the community,” said the Youngs. “Whether it’s giving to specific initiatives, becoming a member, or sending a general donation, every bit counts to further Powell Gardens’ mission of bringing nature experiences to Kansas City. This place is a jewel.”

Since receiving the new machinery, Debrot and his team have completed routine maintenance and tackled new projects in record speed. The new brush cutter will keep Powell Gardens’ trails and green spaces in great condition for years to come, as well as free up valuable team resources for other garden projects. This new piece

of equipment also furthers conservation initiatives by assisting with ecological restoration, such as woody encroachment management in grasslands, and enabling access to ecological communities throughout the property for environmental education opportunities.

As a nonprofit botanical garden, Powell Gardens relies on support from members like the Youngs and community supporters. We are grateful for each individual who shares their time, treasure, and talent in support of our mission. By working together, we can continue to share the importance of plants and showcase the #MidwestSpiritOfPlace with our community.

If you’re interested in giving a gift of any size, please visit powellgardens.org/donate.

CONSERVATION CORNER

Overwintering Animals: Strategies and Stewardship

BY THIS TIME OF YEAR, many animals are prepared for the winter season ahead. Animals utilize various strategies to endure winter conditions, such as migration, hibernation, and adaptation. We, as humans, have our own strategies, but how does this season affect a physically small and species rich group of animals, the insects?

A few short months ago, the insect communities across Powell Gardens were bustling among goldenrods and many of the other magnificent blooms fall has to offer. As the transition to winter has begun, consider how insects sustain this season and what you can do to support insect survival in your own garden.

When winter temperatures first arrive in the Midwest, many non-migratory insects enter a state of diapause, a form of dormancy. During dormancy insects infrequently feed and depend on internal reserves of resources for survival. Other known adaptations include, increasing energy resources ahead of dormancy, altering internal chemical composition to produce “anti-freeze” compounds, conserving energy use, and utilizing landscape features for shelter.

As stewards of the landscape, providing a diversity of habitat conditions is important throughout the seasons. Consider acknowledging and supporting the needs of insects during the winter, by including leaves and plant stems in your garden from the previous season. In addition to returning nutrients to your garden, plant materials provide areas of protection and heat conservation for insects and other garden visitors!

Article contributed by Conservationist Julie Copley.

Explore Powell Gardens’ Collections ONLINE

Garden Explorer provides collection information 24/7 digitally.

POWELL GARDENS is a living museum with a rapidly growing collection. With tens of thousands of plants on record by the end of 2022, the Gardens has amassed data that is important for longterm planning and use as a reference tool.

IN SPRING OF 2023, Powell Gardens will give attention to Daffodil Days, a celebration of a favorite cheerful bloom. Look for a mass daffodil planting throughout the Visitor Center landscape in late March and early April. “Daffodils signal the turn of the season,” said Susan Mertz, Director of Horticulture. “Our team is excited to showcase the power of thousands of daffodils in bloom.” Molly Shepherd, Gardener, is leading the daffodil collection display during Daffodil Days. Don’t miss her educational moment featuring twelve daffodil divisions!

Through a grant in 2020, the Powell Gardens’ collection moved to Garden Explorer, a digital platform allowing public access. Managed by Avery Mangiameli, Registrar, Garden Explorer enables visitors to search for a plant by name or location. In addition to physical plant tags, this provides a way to connect more deeply with the plants that make Powell Gardens so special. This search feature is exciting for casual guests and experienced horticulturalists alike!

Additionally, Garden Explorer hosts a variety of self-guided walking tours created by staff members. These tours include the Susan Lordi Maker Native Plant Garden, Aquatic Collection, Art in the Gardens, Architecture in the Gardens, Magnolia Tour, Champion Trees Tour, and Orchid and Tropical Collection. To access Garden Explorer, visit powellgardens.gardenexplorer.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Orchid Doctor

March 4, 2023 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Price range | $10-$25

Orchid Symposium

March 18, 2023 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

$80 | 10% less for members

Times and dates are subject to change, for a complete list of upcoming classes and the most up-to-date educational listings, please check powellgardens.org/calendar. For all educational classes, members must register due to capacity limits. Please heed the special member pricing associated with each class.

Orchid Delirium Member Preview

March 1-2, 2023 | During public hours.

Free admission honored for as many as your membership level allows.

Members take a first look at the second annual exhibition of Orchid Delirium! Revel in Powell Gardens’ orchid collection, discover the beauty of these mysterious plants, and enjoy the Gardens in early spring.

Gardening 101

March 4, 2023 | 10-11 a.m.

$15 | 10% less for members

Stay tuned for the March topic of choice as the event draws near! Any updates will be reflected on our website at powellgardens.org

Do you have an orchid pest or fungus, but you don’t know what it is? Or do you need help repotting your orchid? Sign up for a time slot with the Orchid Doctor to cure what ails your amazing orchid!

Horticulture Happy Hour: All About Orchids

March 11, 2023 | 4-5 p.m.

$20 | 10% less for members

Join Education Manager, Caitlin Eckard for a short session about the history of orchid cultivation! then attendees will enjoy a guided tour of the Orchid Delirium exhibit. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included in your ticket.

Join us for our Second Annual Orchid Symposium! All attendees will receive a boxed lunch, non-alcoholic drink, and a mini phalaenopsis orchid.

Book Club

March 25, 2023 | 10-11 a.m.

$15 | 10% less for members

Join archivist and librarian, Savannah Lore, for our quarterly book club. For this edition, we will read The Botanist’s Daughter by Kayte Nunn. Snacks and drinks included with your ticket.

Garden to Glass: Tropical Edition!

March 25, 2023 | 3-4 p.m.

$30 | 10% less for members

Join Education Manager Caitlin Eckard for a pollinator cocktail class featuring the Killer Bee cocktail. This drink is complete with rum, passion fruit, and honey. Attendees will receive two drinks, a Powell Gardens branded glass, and a snack. Must be 21+ to attend.

Work & Learn

March 30, 2023 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

$35 | 10% less for members

Stay tuned for more information as the event draws near! Any updates will be reflected on our website at powellgardens.org

Gardening 101

April 1, 2023 | 10-11 a.m.

$15 | 10% less for members

Stay tuned for the April topic of choice as the event draws near! Any updates will be reflected on our website at powellgardens.org

Garden to Glass: Tequila Edition!

April 8, 2022 | 4-5 p.m.

$30 | 10% less for members

Join Education Manager Caitlin Eckard for this edition of Garden to Glass, where attendees will learn how to make a classic Paloma cocktail with tequila and grapefruit. Each person receives two drinks, a Powell Gardens branded glass, and a snack. Must be 21+ to attend.

Lunchtime Lecture

April 15, 2023 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

$50 |10% less for members

Stay tuned for the April topic of choice as the event draws near! Any updates will be reflected on our website at powellgardens.org

Powell Gardens’ Trail Clean Up

April 22, 2023 | All day

Included with General Admission

Help Powell Gardens maintain our scenic trails!

This opportunity provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes for us to steward the land and support the Midwest spirit of place.

Work & Learn

April 27, 2023 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

$35 | 10% less for members

Stay tuned for more information as the event draws near! Any updates will be reflected on our website at powellgardens.org

Terrarium Workshop

April 29, 2023 | 2-4 p.m.

$40 | 10% less for members

Join Lead Horticulturalist Brent Tucker for a workshop on how to build terrariums and maintain them in your home. Each attendee will make their own terrarium with instructions on how to care for it.

AT POWELL GARDENS we believe developing an appreciation for plants is a lifelong process. We invite you to attend one of our adult programs to deepen your affection for the natural world, learn a new skill, or enjoy a unique activity with a friend. Weekend, evening, and weekday classes and programs are offered year-round. Check our online calendar at powellgardens.org/calendar for the latest listings and updates.

Want to make sure you never miss a class update from Powell Gardens? Sign up for our email list! Visit powellgardens.org/about/ contact-us to add your contact information. Already receiving emails from Powell Gardens? No need to update. Happy learning!

THE FOUR SEASONS are a staple in the #MidwestSpiritofPlace experience. From seasonal botanic displays and educational classes to exhibitions like Orchid Delirium and Fortopia, there’s always a new (and perhaps a favorite) way to experience the beauty of our landscape.

In January and February, the Gardens will enter hibernation and close to the public. But your membership gives you first access to the Gardens when we re-open again for the spring season in March 2023! Take a look at the fun in store for the new year with more on the horizon.

Valentines Wine & Chocolate Party | February 10, 11

Orchid Delirium | March 3-April 16

Daffodil Days | March 29-April 9

Featured Artist: Rachel Hayes | Opens April 29

Rose and Croquet | May 19

Fortopia | May 25-September 4

Festival of Butterflies | July 20-August 6

Waterlily Wonders | August 12-13

Under a Harvest Moon: Annual Fundraiser | To be announced Dark Forest | October 20-22, 26-29

Festival of Lights | November 16-December 30

Don’t forget, in addition to our larger festivals and exhibitions, Powell Gardens has exciting opportunities such as Dog Days, Second Saturdays, new and returning educational classes, and more! Stay tuned for our operating hours and enjoy all that the seasons have to offer at Powell Gardens.

*Please note, this calendar is subject to change. For up-todate information, view our website and make sure you’re on our membership email list!

THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER at Powell Gardens! Don’t miss a class or workshop at Powell Gardens. Featured classes for spring include Gardening 101, Horticulture Happy Hour, Trail Clean Up, and more! Stay connected to learning opportunities by visiting powellgardens.org/calendar.

Painted Garden to Become New Spring Series

Series will include Orchid Delirium, Daffodil Days, and an installation by artist Rachel Hayes.

IN 2021, Powell Gardens introduced Painted Garden amidst uncertain times. The spring festival aimed to unite Kansas City’s art community to Kansas City’s botanical garden, as well as to provide our community with a safe outdoor space for relaxation and rejuvenation. A partnership with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and featured artists John Rufenacht and Peregrine Honig gave color and joy to the spring event in 2021 and 2022.

This year, Powell Gardens staff members have reimagined the festival into a spring series that builds on the key components from years past. The unifying theme will continue to focus on art in the gardens and building and making connections, as well as provide space to enjoy the natural world in a new season. The Painted Garden series

will include Orchid Delirium, Daffodil Days, and an installation by artist Rachel Hayes.

• Orchid Delirium returns as Powell Gardens’ premier orchid display. Immerse yourself in the colors and signs of this special collection (March 3-April 16, 2023).

• Daffodil Days will showcase the vibrancy and power of a mass planting in the Visitor Center landscape. We welcome you to the Gardens (March 29-April 9, 2023) as a new season emerges! (We anticipate daffodils to peak in late March and early April, but this event is weather and bloom dependent).

• Finally, artist Rachel Hayes will display Kindred Spirits, starting April 29, 2023. Hayes, resident of Tulsa,

Oklahoma, but native of Kansas City, Missouri, received her BFA in Fiber from the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI). She went on to complete her MFA in Painting from Virginia Commonwealth University. Hayes utilizes fabric to craft large-scale works with an interest in inserting color and form into both built and natural environments. Read more about Hayes and her work at www. rachelbhayes.com. Learn more about Painted Garden by visiting powellgardens.org. General admission will be charged for nonmembers during each of the listed events above (March 3-May 21, 2023). Members receive free admission and parking for as many as their membership allows.

1609 NW US HWY 50 Kingsville, Missouri 64061-9000 816.697.2600 | powellgardens.org

WE’VE INCREASED OUR HOURS OF OPERATION!

Check out our website powellgardens.org/visit for the full schedule. Celebrate Your Life Milestones at Powell Gardens

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT LOCATION for a retirement party, anniversary celebration, corporate event, or wedding? Look no further than Powell Gardens! At Kansas City’s Botanical Garden, every season provides the perfect backdrop for your special occasion. Special rates are available for January and February and limited spots are still available for March and April. To inquire about space availability, locations, etc., please contact our Private Events team at events@powellgardens.org or call 816.697.2600 ext. 4847.