GatewayGardener
Joyce Bruno & Robert Weaver
Publisher and Editor
Robert Weaver
Columnists
Abby Lapides
Sugar Creek Gardens
Steffie Littlefield
From the Editor
Your Guide to Enjoyable Gardening and Easy-Care Landscapes ® I’m not a birder by any stretch. I like birds, I’ve enjoyed creating a friendly habitat for birds, and I spend lots of hours pointing my camera at birds in my own yard. I consider the weekly trips to the car wash a small price to pay for their company. But after years of doing these things, I’m still not very good at identifying them by sound, or even often by sight. Oh, I know the usual suspects, and I’ve learned a few new ones in the last decade. But when an LBJ ( little brown job) stops by the feeder or bubbler, it’s a sparrow to me, or it’s pinkish hue might suggest a male finch, but that’s often as specific as my mind allows.
Edg-Clif Winery
Scott Woodbury
Cacalia Native Garden Design and Wilding
Samantha Zale Greenscape Gardens
Printing: Breese Publishing, Breese, IL
The Gateway Gardener® is published 7 times/year by Double Dig Communications, Inc. to promote enjoyable, successful gardening and livable landscapes in the St. Louis greater metropolitan area. The magazine is distributed free to the public at designated garden centers, nurseries, garden gift shops, lawn equipment rental, repair and sales establishments, and other locations supporting sound gardening, lawn and landscaping practices.
Please send letters-to-the-editor, questions, event announcements, editorial suggestions and contributions, photos, advertising inquiries and materials, and any other correspondence to:
The Gateway Gardener Magazine® PO Box 220853 St. Louis, MO 63122 Phone: (314) 968-3740
info@gatewaygardener.com www.gatewaygardener.com
Margy Terpstra is a birder. Maybe not the kind who travels the world chasing exotic species (though she’s done some of that), but the kind who, along with her husband Dan, have created a bird haven (thus the name of her blog, HummerHavenUnLtd. com) right in their own Kirkwood back yard, and in doing so, have brought the birds to them! By the thousands! She knows the birds and she knows what they want and need. Food, water and shelter. Her above-mentioned blog is a platform for her to share the beautiful photographs she captures of birds who visit and often take up residence at what she calls Shady Oaks Sanctuary.
My bubbler water feature frequently coaxes birds from high in the canopy down to a phtographable distance.
She also imparts what she knows about the birds and their needs. I asked Margy to share some of that information—and beautiful photos—with our readers on page 20. The spring migration is underway, so if you want to learn more about birds, now’s the perfect time.
For those with more traditional gardening styles, there’s still plenty to consume in this issue. Steffie Littlefield reflects on why she loves vegetable gardening so, and offers tips to grow that love in others on page 10. Turn the page, and Scott Woodbury gives us reason to give thanks for the relatively harsh winter we’ve endured. It will result, he believes, in even more abundant native blooms this spring! Elsewhere in these pages, you can learn about mulch, epiphytes, products to garden sustainably, and more. Meanwhile, I’m looking forward to those spring blooms and the spring birds April promises. I know you are, too!
Good Gardening!
Plants that glow in the dark are probably not on a bird’s list of must haves. But human plant lovers sometimes have different desires than feathered plant lovers. Abby Lapides acknowledges a gardener’s love of things new and unusual with some examples of the latest “mad scientist” gifts to the gardening world on page 4. Most are not as space-agey as the Petunia ‘Firefly’ glow-in-the-dark example alluded to above, but still offer different twists than one might normally expect from its species. Canna lilies with flowers of gold speckled in orange? Yep! A blue mandevilla? Got it! These and a few more species’ surprises await for the something-new gardeners out there.
By Abby Lapides
lants of unusual colors, unheard of sizes, and even one that glows! No, we’re not on an alien planet. Through clever breeding we get to witness annuals unlike anything we’ve seen before.
Need a little light at night? Try ‘Firefly’ petunia, the firstever glow in the dark petunia! A beautiful white flowering petunia by day, Firefly transforms at night with its mesmerizing luminescence, emanating a soft moon-like glow. You’ll wonder at the magic of the plant, but Firefly petunia is the result of cuttingedge biotechnology. Scientists spliced the petunia’s DNA with that of bioluminescent mushrooms, creating an amazing wonder.
This
Angelonia
‘Berry Sparkler’
‘Bluephoria’ Mandevilla delights with stunning color breakthrough. Coral-pink buds open to periwinkle flowers. The compact form can be left unstaked, allowing it to flow over
the edge of containers and hanging baskets, or it can be trained onto a small trellis for more height. This first-ever blue-hued mandevilla is sure to turn heads.
You can pretend you’re on a tropical island with the major award winner ‘Waikiki’ elephant ears, Colocasia. It creates a fascinating spectacle as its ginormous leaves unfurl and change color. The leaves begin green with a purple back. As the leaves mature, they develop white center markings with pink that spreads into the veins, radiating outward like a starburst. ‘Waikiki’ Elephant Ears’ long stems can grow 3.5′ tall. Plants mature into attractive clumps 3-5′ wide. Cooler weather brings out more coloration. Use it in pots alone or as a showy accent.
Large bicolor spikes create a stunning showcase on ‘Berry Sparkler’ Angelonia. Pink flowers with purple zebra stripes bloom on extra-large spikes all summer long. Angelonia is prized for its strong flower show and ability to thrive in even the hottest of summers. Part of the Guardian Angel series, which is known for having the largest flower spikes of any Angelonia.
‘Golden Leopard’ canna brings the allure of the Caribbean right to your garden with its majestic, banana-like leaves and vibrant flowers. Yellow flowers with dramatic orange flecks look like an exotic animal print. Striking foliage contrasts with the flowers, making them an eye-catching option for mixed containers or inground plantings.
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Enjoy months of periwinkle blue flowers on ‘Monarch Magic’ floss flower, Ageratum. Forming into an almost perfect dome of flowers that are magnets to Monarch butterflies, your garden will come alive with the flapping wings of butterflies. Drought and heat tolerant, Monarch Magic is easy to grow and perfect for containers, hanging baskets, or in the ground. Not to be confused with the aggressive native Ageratum houstonianum, this nonspreading plant behaves itself and dies out once temperatures drop below freezing.
The first bicolor trailing lantana, ‘PassionFruit’ enchants with plump pink, yellow, and orange flowers all summer until frost. Perfect for hanging baskets, mixed containers or on its own, ‘PassionFruit’ attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Though the flowers look delicate, this annual is as tough as nails, thriving in St. Louis summer heat and humidity without breaking a sweat.
When designing mixed containers or adding bold accents in the garden, think about adding a few of these exciting new plants.
Text and photos by Samantha Zale
Epiphytes are fascinating plants that grow on other plants or objects without taking nutrients from their hosts. Found in diverse environments ranging from tropical rainforests to arid regions, epiphytes have unique adaptations that allow them to thrive independently. Orchids, tillandsias (air plants), and staghorn ferns are three popular types of epiphytes cultivated for their beauty, intriguing growth habits and for being pet friendly. Here, we’ll explore what epiphytes are and how to care for these remarkable plants.
What Are Epiphytes?
Epiphytes derive moisture and nutrients from the air, rain and debris around them. Unlike parasitic plants, they do not harm their hosts. Their adaptations include specialized roots, waterstoring structures and the ability to photosynthesize efficiently. These characteristics make them excellent choices for indoor and outdoor gardening, especially for those seeking unique, low-
maintenance plants. Epiphytes, like many other houseplants, thrive in temperatures ranging from 60-70 °F. Be on the lookout for areas that are drafty like windows or near forced air vents, which impacts their ability to take in the needed humidity. Next, we’ll look at the general care for these 3 epiphytic classes of plants.
Orchids
Orchids, particularly species like Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium, are some of the most popular epiphytes. These plants are admired for their striking flowers and exotic appeal.
Light: Orchids thrive in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so place them near an east or north-facing window or use sheer curtains to diffuse light.
Watering: Water orchids once the bark mix is nearly dry.
Overwatering is a common mistake, as orchids are prone to root rot. Ensure pots have proper drainage to prevent water from pooling. Steer clear of using ice cubes to water as it gives their roots frostbite.
Humidity: Orchids prefer high humidity levels (50-70%). Use a humidifier, pebble tray or mist the leaves regularly to maintain optimal conditions.
Fertilization: Feed orchids with a balanced orchid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during their growing season. Reduce feeding during dormancy, i.e. the winter season.
Repotting: Repot orchids every 1-2 years using a bark-based medium to ensure proper aeration for their roots.
Tillandsias (Air Plants)
Tillandsias are versatile and low-maintenance epiphytes that can be mounted on various surfaces, such as driftwood or rocks. Or even find a unique pot to display them in. Their sculptural forms make them a favorite among plant enthusiasts.
Light: Provide bright, indirect light for air plants. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, which can cause scorched leaves and dehydration.
Watering: Submerge tillandsias in water for 20-30 minutes once a week. In dry conditions, mist them lightly between soakings. Shake off excess water to prevent rot.
Air Circulation: Good airflow is essential for tillandsias. Avoid placing them in enclosed or stagnant areas.
Fertilization: Use a diluted air plant fertilizer monthly to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Staghorn Ferns
Staghorn ferns are named for their antler-like fronds, which add a dramatic touch to any space. These ferns are often mounted on wooden plaques or grown in hanging baskets.
Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal for staghorn ferns. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their fronds.
Watering: Water weekly by soaking the entire plant, including the root ball and fronds. Allow it to dry slightly between waterings.
Humidity: High humidity is crucial for staghorn ferns. Mist them
Samantha Zale has degrees in Horticulture, Anthropology and Biomedical Science. Over the years she has worked at The Missouri Botanical Garden, garden centers and The Webster Groves Parks Department. Now you can find her at Greenscape Gardens, where whe is a content creator as well as Retail Manager.
frequently or use a humidifier to replicate their natural environment.
Feeding: Apply a balanced, watersoluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid overfertilizing, as it can damage the plant.
Mounting Care: If mounted, ensure the base (often sphagnum moss or coconut coir) stays moist but not waterlogged.
Pet friendly epiphytes like orchids, tillandsias and staghorn ferns bring a touch of natural elegance to any space. By understanding their unique needs—such as proper light, watering, humidity and feeding—you can create an environment where these plants will thrive. With care and attention, your epiphytes will reward you with lush growth and, in many cases, stunning blooms or foliage that elevate your home’s aesthetic. Swing by your local garden center to check these out. Happy Gardening!
The Cornucopia Corner
Why and How I Vegetable Garden
By Steffie Littlefield
Everyone knows I’m a huge vegetable gardening addict. From the time I could walk I helped and played in my darling Grandmother’s vegetable garden. It was a classic kitchen garden layout of low raised beds bordered by bricks that were laid on a diagonal, to point their corner up, with crushed stone pathways. It was bordered by white ranch-style fencing with chicken wire attached at the bottom. The perimeter beds were filled with brambles at the back and cutting flowers along the front with a huge white bent wood arbor over the gate for some of her favorite heirloom roses. Strawberries lined the borders of some of the beds. As children it was our magical space and along the way we ate lots of juicy red strawberries. Along the east side of the garden were wooden raised beds with slanted tops of glass, cold frames, for starting seedlings and cuttings for the vegetable garden and her many flower beds. Here we tended small marigold plants that we later helped plant along the walk to the kitchen. All summer we were to pinch the dead flowers off to keep the plants clean and tidy. Every weekend we visited we would “ooh and aah” over the colorful fresh vegetables we helped to harvest. On Sundays we went with her to visit her elderly friends and take them baskets and crates of asparagus, potatoes, tomatoes, squash, peppers, flowers and herbs. It brought so much joy to everyone’s life; who wouldn’t want to make this a life-time hobby and share it with children and grandchildren. As I embarked on my quest to create vegetable and flower gardens big enough to share with friends and family, I ran into the same challenges my grandmother might have, which are also those that my gardening friends and clients share. How do we make our gardens efficient and not so much work that we dread going into the garden. I have followed her example of doing raised beds but even to the next level of filling them with clean compost and worm castings. My aisles are also paved with crushed stone to eliminate mowing, and I have studied companion planting theories to make an environment to promote healthy plants and avoid common pests. Through trial and error I have discovered vegetables that are easy and reliable and have eliminated those that are only marginally successful. I have
also managed to cultivate a lot of plants that are perennial and therefore do not need to be replanted every season.
Here is my list of ‘must haves’ in the vegetable garden:
Broccoli—planted with Kale under row cover to keep the pests away and keep them shaded.
Lettuces—several varieties planted in succession to harvest into late June/early July.
Parsnips—which I let go to seed the first year and now they are perennial in my garden.
Celery—Red Venture is my favorite, it is fairly winter hardy and easy to sow from seed, few pests.
French Sorrel—perennial, producing wonderful lemony salad greens even in summer.
Sugar snap peas—planted on a fence with Beets at the base, then plant cucumbers for summer.
Okra—pretty flowers, love the young pods for soups, dried stalks for fall decorating.
Tomatillos—they reseed in my garden and are prolific in the heat of the summer.
Malbar Spinach—they reseed on two towers adding height, a delicious summer green for salads.
Yard long beans—a hearty reseeder that produces right through the heat of summer into fall.
Asparagus—perennial, providing years of harvest over two months in spring.
Sweet Potatoes—plant the plants in May and harvest bushels of sweet potatoes to eat all winter.
Bush Beans—Direct sow in late April; green, yellow wax, purple, colorful and good for the soil.
Tomatoes—plant many varieties since not all will do well every year, plant near asparagus.
Cherry Tomatoes—lots of different colors planted with tee-pees close for children to harvest with toy buckets.
Peppers—Hot, sweet and mild, red yellow, green and orange, pest resistant, so versatile.
Horseradish—perennial, prolific, harvest in November, pest control plant for potatoes.
Spaghetti squash-easy to grow and has a great shelf life.
Patty Pan Squash—the most insect resistant of the summer squash, fast growing.
Eggplant—loves the heat, loves to be grown near beans for the nitrogen fixing attributes.
Italian Fennel—reseeds, love to cook the greens, sauté the base and the seeds for soups.
Leeks—buy the plants, very pest resistant, plant early, harvest in the fall for Thanksgiving.
Onions—plant the plants for large onions, cut flowers to keep them from producing seeds.
Shallots/Egyptian Onions—these have hearty bulbs on stalks that make them perennial and the greens are great for cut green onions all summer.
Herbs—dill, basil, cilantro –reseed themselves.
thyme, oregano,, sage, lavender, chives—perennial parsley,—biannual rosemay, bay, taken inside for winter in a pot mint in a cute container like an old wheel barrel or metal cooking pot
pineapple sage for color, teas and salsa
Those who tend even a small, one-bed vegetable garden or a container on a deck, not only harvest fresh, healthy food but also experience the satisfaction of a successful gardening project and the joy of sharing their plentiful crops.
Steffie Littlefield is a St Louis area horticulturist and garden designer. She has degrees from St. Louis Community College at Meramec and Southeast Missouri State and is a member of Gateway Professional Horticultural Association, Missouri Botanical Garden Members Board and past president of the Horticulture Co-op of Metropolitan St. Louis. She is part-owner of Edg-Clif Winery, Potosi, MO. www.EdgClif.com, and teaches a class on viticulture at SLCC-Meramec.
Naturally Natives
A Snowy Winter Brings Spring Blooms
By Scott Woodbury
Wood poppy and Virginia bluebells brighten a spring woodland garden in a residential neighborhood.
One of my customers recently expressed anxiety about the long, cold winter now behind us. She was worried that plants suffered as much as we top-dwellers did. But snow covering the ground and freezing temperatures for weeks on end shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Decades ago this was more common. Every winter I used to skate on ponds. Now it’s rare to find a cold spell long enough to safely freeze a pond. But this year it did. The freezing-cold stretches lasted for many weeks and so did the snow. It’s all as it should be, I told my customer—ground frozen, garden blanketed in snow, and plant roots happily tucked away for winter.
Over the years, I’ve noticed that immediately after steady cold winters, when the ground is frozen solid longer, blooms of spring wildflowers are better. Displays of wood poppies, violets, wild geraniums, wild hyacinth, and Virginia bluebells are all more intense, prolific, and with more stems and flowers pushing up through the ground in April. This spring should be like that.
Scott Woodbury was the horticulturist at Shaw Nature Reserve for 30 years and stepped down from that position in June 2022. He continues to work on contract for Shaw Nature Reserve to carry out native landscaping education and launched his own business called Cacalia: Native Garden Design and Wilding. Find suppliers of native seed and plants to enrich your landscaping all year at grownative.org.
Robert Weaver
Tips and Resources for Growing and Landscaping with Sustainable Native Plants
Jacob’s ladder, blue-eyed Mary and Virginia bluebells, seem to burst with even more spring energy after a cold, snowy winter.
Plant vigor and bloom displays have to do with at least two things. First, the stress derived from the previous year’s excess drought or rainfall, which can set plants back. Last year was a bit rainier than normal. Second, when soil is wet in winter, but
Missouri Wildflowers Nursery
9814 Pleasant Hill Rd Jefferson City MO 65109 www.mowildflowers.net mowldflrs@socket.net 573-496-3492, fax: 573-496-3003
Meet us at one of these locations in St. Louis. Give us your order at least 5 days before a sale, and we will bring it to the location.
Kirkwood Farmer’s Market, 150 East Argonne Dr. Kirkwood MO 63122. Give us your order by Tuesday before a sale, or pick from the selection at the market. April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 31 & June 1. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Shaw Nature Reserve. Admission fee applies to nonmembers, 307 Pineton Loop Rd, Gray Summit MO 63039. Event: “Shaw Nature Reserve Spring Wildflower Market,” May 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Member’s only sale Friday, May 2, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. www.shawnature.org.
Webster Groves City Hall, 4 East Lockwood Ave, Webster Groves MO 63119; Bring Conservation Home Native Plant Sale. May 4 (Sunday), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
not frozen, roots die back (rot) more, causing a plant to retreat, or even die. When it retreats, the advances its roots made in the previous season are lost—they die back, depositing organic
cont’d. on next page
SILVER BELLS ring in spring
Carolina Silverbells (Halesia carolina) are a great native alternative:
• Low Maintenance, High Reward
• Stunning Beauty Year-Round
• Feeds Pollinators and Songbirds
OPEN NOW TO HELP YOU MAKE YOUR GARDEN BLOOM! FIND THIS NATIVE SHRUB ALL-STAR AT
Wild sweet William is another spring bloomer that responds to a blanket of winter snow with bountiful vigor!
Scott Woodbury
Scott Woodbury
The root from a 15-year-old compass plant can extend 8-10 feet into the prairie soil!
matter into the soil. Two steps forward, one step back. Sadly, it doesn’t generate as many spring blooms. This is a normal process, a cycle of life: flourish, wither, die, then back to flourish all over again. Each generation builds on the next. It’s how plants transform poor compacted soil into healthy organic topsoil. Slowly, over time, this transformation happens. I see it especially in older neighborhoods where the disturbances of new home construction have had time to heal.
Topsoil around a 100-year-old house (with plants) is softer, deeper, and has more organic matter. How do I know this?
When I start a new project, I sink a shovel into the ground and take a look. Soil around old houses is easier to dig and tends to be full of worms and other soil-churning invertebrates. At the microscopic level, these soils are full of bacteria and fungi. These organisms—these little garden buddies—decompose dead plant matter into organic matter (humus) as deep as roots will grow and give soil healthy structure
and tiny pockets of air. A perfect environment for plants to thrive. The soil around old houses also drains water better than around a 20-year-old house. To my chagrin, I can’t sink a shovel to the hilt at my new house. I always hit compacted clay near the surface. I also have drainage problems. On the bright side, it will be a 100-year-old house at some point, and the future owners will perhaps appreciate the gardens and trees we are planting now, and the little garden buddies that will inevitably follow. I choose to dream on!
That said, I’ve seen topsoil transformation happen over a much shorter period of time. It took a mere decade or two for the soil at the grounds of Alberici Corporation in St. Louis to transform from tortured bulldozer clay to decent prairie earth. For the first five years, compass plant and big bluestem were scrawny seedlings. Fifteen years later, they became towering beanstalks reaching up tall, the proof that organic matter deposits were building, year after year, deeper into the ground, and perhaps as deep as the plants are tall (8 to 10 feet). I once dug a compass plant up at Shaw Nature Reserve that I had started from seed. It had a thick root that sank 8 feet deep into the old field soil. It started from a seed, tossed out of a bucket on the ground 15 years earlier. The power plants have to help themselves is remarkable. They survive and thrive in community with other organisms that help them along. Plants are resilient to disruption—they bounce back in spite of the occasional downturn. So, this season, don’t be anxious; don’t let the long, cold winter we have had get the better of you. Spring will be a little brighter, a little fuller, and taste a little sweeter than the new normal.
John Muller
Learn Why (Most) Wasps are your friend!
Partners for Native Landscaping Worshop and Plant Sale
April 5th, 2025
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center FREE with Registration Partnersfornativelandscaping.org
Many people consider wasps to be nuisance pests to kill or otherwise discourage at first chance. But not only do wasps serve as pollinators in the garden, they also perform a very important role in controlling those REAL nuisance pests that do damage to our plants and the beneficial insects we want to encourage.
Heather Holm is a biologist, pollinator conservationist and national author and speaker who specializes in bees and other pollinators, and will share her knowledge of Predatory Wasps in her keynote address at this year’s Partners for Native Landscaping (PNL) Workshop and Plant Sale April 5th at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood, MO. In addition to Heather’s presentation, other speakers and forums will help attendees better understand the benefits and practices of gardening with Missouri native plants. Attendees will also have the opportunity to shop for native plants during and after the workshop sessions.
annual workshops. More recently native landscaping webinars, offered through the St. Louis County Library, have attracted about 6,000 views and counting.
Two of the original five partners are having significant anniversaries this year: Shaw Nature Reserve – 100 years! Missouri Prairie Foundation’s GrowNative! – 25 years! other original partners are St. Louis Audubon Society, Missouri Department of Conservation and Wild Ones St. Louis Chapter.
To learn more about the PNL partners, events, resources go to the website noted at the top of the page.
The first Partners for Native Landscaping (PNL) workshop was held at Powder Valley in 2012. Since then, PNL has provided inspiration and education about native landscaping through
Rolling Ridge Nursery 60 North Gore Ave. Webster Groves, MO 63119
RollingRidgeNursery.com (314) 962-3311
Clover Seed for a “Greener” Lawn Clover lawns are gaining popularity for their environmental benefits, low maintenance and visual appeal. Drought tolerant, nitrogen rich, weed suppressing, and pollinator friendly. Many new options are now available!
Garden Heights Nursery
1605 S. Big Bend Blvd. Richmond Heights, MO (314) 645-7333 GardenHeights.com
Decorative Stone Garden Spirals
We’re excited to now carry Decorative Stone Garden Spirals at Garden Heights! These unique stone accents come in two sizes and
2025ProductEco-Garden Guide
make a fun, natural addition to any outdoor space. Stop by to see them and find the perfect spot for one in your landscape!
Planthaven Farms 6703 Telegraph Rd. Oakville, MO (636) 272-5005
O’Fallon and Olivette, too!
PlanthavenFarms.com
Nature’s Source Plant Food At Planthaven Farms, we use Nature’s Source Plant Food to fertilize all of our plants, ensuring they grow strong and healthy. This allnatural fertilizer is available for purchase, so you can give your plants the same expert care at home.
Greenscape Gardens 2832 Barrett Station Rd. Manchester, MO 63021 (314) 821-2440 GreenscapeGardens.com
Macrame Hangers and Pot Liners
We’re excited to introduce ecofriendly macrame hangers and pot liners from Creation Jute, a small, family-owned business that supports Bangladeshi artisans. These sustainable pieces are made from jute, seagrass, reclaimed cotton, and other recycled materials— helping reduce waste while providing fair wages and safe working conditions for artisans.
Sugar Creek Gardens 1011 N. Woodlawn Kirkwood, MO 63122 (314) 965-3070
SugarCreekGardens.com
Golden Alexander 2025 Native of the Year, Golden Alexander, Zizia aurea, is as beautiful as it is ecologically important. It is a host plant to swallowtail butterflies and a favorite of ladybugs. Plant Golden Alexander in the garden to enjoy the showy yellow flowers, tidy form, and flurry of activity from our friendly neighborhood insects.
O.K. Hatchery 109-115 Argonne Kirkwood, MO (314) 822-0083
My Eco Barrel
Assembles in just a few minutes with no tools, no cutting, and can be stored easily making rainwater harvesting and water storage simple and practical. Superior durability and structural integrity make it the premier residential rain barrel.
Effinger Garden Center 720 South 11th St. Belleville, IL 62220 (618) 234-4600
EffingerGarden.com
FoxFarm Organic Products
Effingers has a complete line of FOXFARM organic soils and liquid plant food: Happy Frog, Ocean Forest, Coco-Loco, Tiger Bloom, Grow Big and Big Bloom. Come see us soon!
Zicks Great Outdoors
16498 Clayton Rd. Wildwood, MO (636) 458-1445
ZicksGreatOutdoors.com
Eco-Friendly Trees and Pine Mulch
Trees help reduce the greenhouse effect. They provide shade and absorb CO2 and other dangerous gases and replenish the atmosphere with oxygen Trees add beauty and create an environment beneficial to our mental health by creating a feeling of relaxation and wellbeing. Hundreds of beautiful, nursery-grown Eco- Friendly native trees can be found at Zick’s Great Outdoors and Landscaping in Wildwood, MO. And Zick’s is St. Louis’ supplier of pine straw mulch, sustainable and renewable.
Timberwinds
54 Clarkson Road Ellisville, MO 63011 636-227-0095
Timberwindsnursery.com
Wormganic Worm Castings
Feed your soil: an ecofriendly way to provide nutrients and improve soil structure. Increases aeration, improves
drainage and enhances moisture retention.
Chalily 14430 Manchester Rd. Manchester, MO 63011 (636) 527-2001
Chalily.com
Chalily Spring Start-Up Kit
Chalily Spring Start-Up is a multi stage system that is specially formulated for use in Spring! Our Spring StartUp is safe for your plants, fish, wildlife, and household pets! All of our ingredients are Eco-Friendly and 100% natural. Our formula only includes Mother Nature’s best to get your pond looking clear. Use the De-Sludger tablets to remove all the built up matter that has accumulated in your pond over Winter. Then use the Kick-Starter liquid to seed your biological filter and get your pond running smoothly in no time!
Forrest Keeling Nursery 44 Forrest Keeling Lane Elsberry, MO 63343 573.898.5029
ForrestKeelingNursery.com
Captain Jack’s Worm Castings
Worm Castings, the nutrientrich castings produced by the earthworm, are a great all natural, organic soil additive. They are a highly valuable soil amendment because they are rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. The odor free castings improve water retention, nutrient release, and they increase soil aeration.
Passiglia Landscape, Nursery & Garden Center 1855 Highway 109 Wildwood, MO 63038 (314) 648-2212 Passiglia.com
Espoma Organic Plant-tone
The original all-purpose plant food for organic gardening. It’s safe for people, pets and planet. The Bio-enhanced formula includes humates and beneficial microbes, with no sludges or fillers.
And it’s sustainably made in a state-of-the-art solar-powered facility right here in the USA.
Hoffmann Hillermann
Nursery & Florist 2601 E. 5th Street, Washington, MO 63090 636-239-6729 | www. hillermann.com
Rain Chains
Not only can rain chains add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space, but they are also environmentally friendly and sustainable as they slow down runoff from a roof or gutter and reduce erosion in your yard and landscape. Rain chains can also be used as an attractive way to direct water into a water storage container or water feature. In addition to these helpful features, they create a visual and auditory attraction. The gentle sound of water flowing through the cups and links creates a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, promoting a sense of tranquility. Various designs and colors are available.
The Power of Mulch More Than Just a Garden Cover
By Sarah Wilcox
Mulch has been a staple in landscapes for decades. It enhances the beauty of flowerbeds and gardens with its fresh colors and textures, but its true value goes beyond aesthetics. Mulch plays a vital role in soil health by enriching it over time. As natural wood fibers break down, they mimic nature’s slow decomposition process, gradually improving soil structure and fertility. This ongoing transformation creates a better growing environment, making mulch an investment in the long-term success of any greenspace.
The Many Benefits of Mulch
Mulch provides numerous advantages for gardens, landscapes, and urban green spaces. One of its most significant benefits is moisture retention. By reducing evaporation, mulch helps keep soil hydrated for longer periods, decreasing the need for frequent watering. It also acts as a natural weed suppressant, blocking sunlight from reaching weed seeds and preventing them from sprouting. Unlike chemical herbicides, mulch offers an eco-friendly way to keep garden beds neat and weed-free.
Beyond weed control and moisture conservation, mulch serves as a protective layer that regulates soil temperature. In hot summer months, it keeps soil cool and shields plant roots from extreme heat. During winter, it acts as an insulator, preventing frost from penetrating deep into the soil. This temperature regulation helps create a stable environment for plant roots, reducing stress and
promoting healthier growth.
Mulch also plays a crucial role in preventing soil erosion and compaction. Heavy rain and strong winds can wash away topsoil, depleting essential nutrients. Mulch helps anchor the soil, reducing runoff and preserving its structure. Over time, as mulch decomposes, it feeds beneficial microorganisms and introduces organic matter into the soil, further improving its texture and fertility.
Choosing the Right Type of Mulch
Not all mulch is created equal, and selecting the right type depends on your landscape needs. One key distinction is between double-ground and triple-ground wood mulch. Double-ground mulch consists of larger, coarser wood pieces that decompose more slowly. This makes it ideal for long-term coverage around trees, shrubs, and large garden beds, as it provides lasting benefits with minimal maintenance. It is particularly useful in high-traffic areas or commercial landscapes where durability is essential.
Triple-ground mulch, on the other hand, is finely shredded and breaks down more quickly. This makes it an excellent choice for flowerbeds, vegetable gardens, and areas where soil enrichment is a priority. Because it decomposes at a faster rate, it integrates with the soil more efficiently, providing nutrients and improving its overall quality.
Bark mulch, which comes in various forms such as shredded or nugget-style, is another popular option. Shredded bark mulch interlocks to create a dense, moisture-retaining layer, making it an
excellent choice for sloped areas where erosion control is needed. Bark nuggets, while slower to decompose, allow for better air circulation and are often used around trees and large shrubs.
Proper Mulching Techniques
Applying mulch correctly is just as important as selecting the right type. A common mistake is creating a “mulch volcano,” where mulch is piled high against the base of a tree. This practice can trap moisture against the trunk, leading to rot, disease, and pest infestations. Instead, mulch should be applied in a doughnut shape, keeping a few inches of space around the trunk to promote healthy root growth.
The recommended mulch depth varies depending on the area being covered. A layer of two to three inches is ideal for most garden beds, providing adequate moisture retention and weed suppression without suffocating plant roots. For larger landscape areas or pathways, a thicker layer of three inches or more may be beneficial.
Mulch should be replenished regularly, as organic varieties naturally break down over time. While finely ground mulch may need to be refreshed annually, coarser mulches can last multiple years before requiring replacement. By maintaining a consistent mulch layer, gardeners can ensure long-term soil health and landscape vitality. Mulching is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to enhance a garden or landscape. From conserving moisture and regulating temperature to enriching soil and preventing erosion, mulch offers a range of benefits that go far beyond its decorative appeal. Choosing the right type of mulch—whether double-ground for longevity or triple-ground for quick soil integration—ensures that plants receive the best possible support. With proper application and regular replenishment, mulch becomes an essential tool for maintaining vibrant, healthy greenspaces for years to come.
SUNDAY, MAY 4TH 9AM TO 4PM
Spring Birding 101
text and photos by Margy Terpstra
April is prime time for spring migration! Ducks, geese and shorebirds are well on their way to their northern breeding grounds from their southern winter homes. Sixty percent of North American songbirds use the Mississippi Flyway, which includes the St. Louis area. These migratory songbirds drop in overnight, rest a while, then sing their unique songs along with resident birds as the dawn chorus fills the air. They will spend 1-3 days foraging and feeding in good stopover habitat. Warblers, vireos, kinglets and other small songbirds are attracted to yards with chickadees and titmice because their presence indicates habitat with plenty of available food. Studies show that migratory birds return to these same stopovers, having encoded the locations onto maps in their DNA. Wow, isn’t that an amazing survival tool?
Did you know that birdsong is the primary indicator of habitats that support our health, too? So, everything we do to restore habitat is also good for us!
The very best way to ensure our native birds will find the insect food they need to breed and raise their young is to provide native habitat. Aim for 70% native plant diversity with keystone plants such as oaks, cherries and sugar maples. Add smaller natives to the understory such as hazelnuts, viburnums, and serviceberries. Find a spot for plants like golden currant, buttonbush, and cliff goldenrod. Be sure to leave the leaves in the fall, and add native wildflowers, ground covers, grasses and ferns. This layered diversity supports life—ours and birds as well as butterflies, moths, bees and other beneficial insects. Another vital ingredient to add is water, because all birds need fresh water for drinking
A Kentucky Warbler sings its rapid rolling chant, “churry churry churry churry”. Common, though ten are heard for every one seen.
Two uncommon Golden-winged Warblers join two abundant Tennessee Warblers to bathe. Our bubbler has attracted 127 species of birds to date.
An uncommon Blue-headed Vireo ruffles its feathers before a bath in the bubbler.
An uncommon Yellow Warbler grabs a caterpillar on American Elm. Learn its song with the mnemonic sweet sweet sweet I’m so sweet.
Summer Tanagers specialize in eating bees and this a female red morph. Listen for a staccato pik-i-tuk-i-tuk.
and bathing.
So, now that the birds have come, how does one begin to identify these colorful beauties that are singing their hearts out? One can learn from the many resources available, though I freely admit after decades of birding, there’s always more to learn about birds. Jump in and accept that it may sometimes be overwhelming and frustrating, but also loads of fun, especially with a like-minded friend. Go on a bird walk with mentors from the St. Louis Audubon Society. Check this link for the latest information: https://stlouisaudubon.org/bird-walks/
Pick up a free booklet entitled, Enjoying Missouri’s Birds, available at Missouri Department of Conservation offices, like Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood, MO. It contains charts which show the months of the year that birds are here in their preferred habitats and how abundant or rare they are. Some of these birds do stay in Missouri to breed. To download an annotated checklist of Missouri’s 442 species of birds, use this link from the Missouri Birding Society: https://mobirds.org/ Birds/MOChecklist.aspx
Download a free app called Merlin from The Cornell Lab to help you identify the birds you are hearing. As you use it, it lights up with the name of the bird. It is not always 100% correct, so do
Another warbler, a Northern Parula found a caterpillar wiggling on a rock. Its song is a rising trill zeeeeeeeee-up.
Eastern Phoebes returned to our yard in March to nest. Last year, cicadas were abundant and fed to this chick. They sing their name, phoe-be or fi-bree.
your best to confirm what you hear with what you see. Need a pair of binoculars? Take a look at this site with options for every budget: https://www.audubon.org/gear/binocular-guide
Two of my favorite paperback field guides are Peterson’s Field Guide to Eastern Birds and the National Geographic Society Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern North America.
For a mobile field guide, Audubon, Sibley and iBird Pro work well. At some point, you may want to use eBird by The Cornell Lab to make checklists of what you see with the ability to add photographs for documentation.
Happy Spring Birding!
To see more of our beautiful native birds, visit our website! https://hummerhavenunltd.com/ Margy and Dan Terpstra have created a native oasis in the midst of suburban Kirkwood, where they garden with native perennials, trees and shrubs, many selected specifically to attract and nurture the wildlife and songbirds that frequent them. Margy has frequently contributed her articles and photos to The Gateway Gardener, and publishes a blog on her website at hummerhavenunltd.com.
Upcoming
Events Meetings, Classes, Entertainment and More
Updates to this information are often posted on our online events calendar at www. GatewayGardener.com, so check there for the latest details.
Give us the details of your upcoming gardening, lawn or landscaping event and we’ll add it to our website and include it in our next issue. Deadline for printing in the June issue is May 1st.
How to reach us:
Mail: PO Box 220853, St. Louis, MO 63122
Email: info@gatewaygardener. com
GARDEN CLUBS AND PLANT SOCIETY MEETINGS
Interested in Joining a Garden Club or Plant Society? We have meeting dates, locations and contact information on more than 50 area garden clubs on our website at www.GatewayGardener.com. Don’t have access to the internet? Just call us at (314) 968-3740, or write us at PO Box 220853, St. Louis, MO 63122, and we’ll get the information to you. So share your joy for gardening and join a garden club or favorite plant society today!
FUN FOR KIDS
April 5th
9am-Children’s Garden Club. Edible Bowls. FREE. Pre-registration is required on the St. Louis County website at https://tinyurl.com/yc3v3pfj or by calling 314-615-4386. Sponsored by St. Louis County Parks Department. Planthaven Farms, 6703 Telegraph Rd., 63129.
Upcoming Events
May 3rd
9am-Children’s Garden Club. Planter with Annuals and Planting the Garden. FREE. Pre-registration is required on the St. Louis County website at https://tinyurl.com/yc3v3pfj or by calling 314-615-4386. Sponsored by St. Louis County Parks Department. Queeny Park – CGC Nursery, 1675 S. Mason Rd. (Queeny Park East Entrance), St. Louis 63131.
PLANT SALES, GARDEN TOURS AND SHOWS
April 5th
8:15-1pm—Partners for Native Landscaping Workshop and Plant Sale. Registration opens in March. Visit partnersfornativelandscaping. stlouisaudubon.org/2025-workshopplant-sale.
April 12th
10am-2pm—Missouri Prairie Foundation Native Plant Sale. A wide variety of native wildflowers, grasses, sedges, vines, shrubs and trees supplied by Grow Native! Vendors include Gaylena’s Garden, River City Natives, Ozark Soul Native Plants and Papillon Perennials. professional members available for purchase. World Bird Sanctuary, 125 Bald Eagle Rd., Valley Park, MO 63088. $12 entry fee to World Bird Sanctuary. Cash or checks at all vendors, some also take credit cards.
April 25th-26th
Friday 6:30-8:30, Sat. 9am until sold out (usually early)—Olivette in Bloom Native Plant Sale and Workshop. On Friday, April 25th, OIB is sponsoring a From Seed to Seed Workshop. Hear Michael Hoyle of Missouri Wildflower Nursery speak on harvesting, cleaning, storage and treatment of perennial seeds. Workshop registration at https://www. olivetteinbloom.org/presentationsworkshops/html. At the Saturday sale, the organization’s Master Gardeners and members will be available to answer questions about care of plants as well as provide general gardening tips. Proceeds help fund Olivette In Bloom, a not-forprofit and completely volunteer entity, with resources for planting materials for the public gardens it tends throughout Olivette. Visit www.olivetteinbloom. org/native-plant-sale.html for more info. Five Oaks on Warson, 1200 N Warson Rd, Olivette, MO 63132.
April 25th-26th
Webster Groves Garden Club Annual Plant Sale. Webster Groves Recreation Complex, 33 E. Glendale, Webster
Groves.
April 26th
10am-1pm—Seven Pines Garden Club Annual Plant Sale. Seven Pines Pool parking lot, 2115 Seven Pines Dr., 63146. Rain date April 27th
April 26th
8:30am-2pm—Webster Groves Her Society Spring Herb Sale. Featuring a variety of culinary, ornamental and medicinal herbs, full size and cherry tomato plants, hot and sweet peppers, and Missouri native plants, including coneflowers, bee balm, yarrow and mildweeds. Also, member-grown herbs and plants and packets of member-grown seeds. First Congregational Church of Webster Groves. 110 W. Lckwood (corner of Lockwood and Elm) Webster Groves. Cash, check, debt and credit accepted. Free admission and parking.
April 26th
8am-1pm—Lincoln County Master Gardener Plant Sale. Perennials, natives, annuals, herbs, vegetables, bulbs, and houseplants. Lincoln County Extension Center, 880 W. College, Troy, MO. Master gardeners will be on site to help you with your gardening questions.
May 2nd-3rd
Fri. Noon-8pm, Sat. 9am-5pm—The Gardeners of Florissant Annual Spring Plant Sale and Garden Bazaar. Perennials, annuals, shrubs, shade plants, vegetables, herbs, hanging baskets and more! Indoors and climate controlled for your comfort. Easy loading from multiple doors. NEW LOCATION! Florissant Elks Lodge 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd., Florissant, MO 63031.
May 2nd-3rd
3-7pm Fri. (members only), 9am-1pm Sat.—Spring Wildflower Market. Shop from a wide selection of Missouri native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, vines, sedges and trees suitable for all conditions and grown by local nurseries in the region. Talk to native plant experts and enjoy beer, wine, spirits, cheese, honey, crafts and more. Shaw Nature Reserve, 307 Pineton Loop Rd., Gray Summit, MO.
May 2nd-3rd
Fri., 2-7pm, Sat.7am -noon—O’Fallon (MO) Garden Club Plant Sale / Rummage Sale. Native plants and perennials from member’s gardens. Also, gently used gardening items, books and tools. Experienced gardeners will be available. There will also be gently used/ clean household items. 46 Spangle Way Dr. , O’Fallon, MO 63366.
May 3rd
8:30am-noon—Webster Groves Women’s Garden Association Plant Sale. Hundreds of homegrown sun and shade perennials from Webster Groves Women’s Garden Association gardens, plus small container arrangements ready just in time for Mother’s Day. Stop by for plants AND expertise from our master gardeners. Cash, check, debit or credit. Rain or shine, we’ll be there to help you with your spring planting needs. Profits go to support horticultural programs at WG schools and other community projects. parking lot of WG First Congregational Church located at Elm and Lockwood.
May 3rd-4th
7am-3pm Sat, 9am-4pm Sun—Kress Farm Garden Preserve Plant Sale. We will have a large selection of native plants propagated at Kress Farm and many varieties of perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables, trees, shrubs and more. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your questions. Located a short drive from St. Louis at 5137 Glade Chapel, Hillsboro, Mo. 63050. Call 314750-6490 for more info.
May 4th
10am-2pm—Bring Conservation Home Native Plant Sale. Webster Groves City Hall, 4 East Lockwood, 63119.
May 4th
9am-4pm—Native Plant Garden Tour. Featuring 10 Webster Groves gardens with information stops and a native plant sale at Webster Groves City Hall. Sponsored by Bring Conservation Home, Wild Ones and City of Webster Groves. $20. Register at stlouisaudubon.org.
May 10th
9am-noon—Longview Farm Park Plant Sale. Plants are collected from the gardens at the park and members’ gardens. Deer resistant perennials and native plants available. Cash or checks only. All proceeds benefit the Longview gardens and St. Louis charities. 13525 Clayton Rd., Town and Country 63131.
CLASSES, LECTURES AND EVENTS
April 2nd
2pm—Virtual Program: Community Care and Conservation: How to Tranform Vacant Lots into Neighborhood Green Spaces. Presented by Partners for Native Landscaping and coordinated through St. Louis County Library’s Adult Programming. Registration required. For more details of the talks and for registration links, go to partnersfornativelandscaping. stlouisaudubon.org/2025-webinar-series.
April 3rd
6-7:30— Compost 101—Indoor Composting: Vermicomposting and Bokashi. Part of the Composting Class Series hosted by Seed St Louis, Table to Garden, Good Dirt Composting Collective, and Willoughby Heritage Farm. Explore two strategies for indoor and small spaces that keep food scraps out of the landfill. Learn how worms can eat your garbage and turn food scraps into a powerful soil amendment. And, learn how small-scale bokashi fermentation can work in your home to enrich soil. Class includes handson demonstrations. Class will be held at the Compost Demonstration site at Willoughby Heritage Farm, 631 Willoughby Lane, Collinsville, IL 62234 The price for each class is $15. Visit https://bit.ly/3GE34ws for more information and to register.
April 5th
10am—Gearing up for Gardening. Information and FAQ touching on all things planting, including up-potting seedlings, hardening off garden plants, and direct sowing seeds. $5. Sign up at hillermann.com or call HoffmannHillermann Nurser & Florist at 636-2396729.
April 5th
10am—Vegetable Gardening/ Preparing Seasonal Vegetables. Learn to grow in your backyard, container or vegepod taking soil, light requirements, and ground space into consideration. Then get cooking with recipes provided and samples given of some of our most popular veggies. Passiglia Landscape, Nursery & Garden Center, 1855 MO109, Wildwood, MO 63038. (636) 458-9202, passiglia@passiglia.com. Passiglia.com.
April 6th
1-3pm—Sustainability Series— Container Gardening. Learn about the practice of growing plants in containers instead of the ground. Willoughby Farm, 631 Willoughby Ln., Collinsville, Illinois 62234. $15/person. Register at https://tinyurl.com/s4kp47jm.
April 12th
9am-noon—Controlling Moles and Planting Natives. St Charles County Master Gardeners is offering an “In The Garden” class for the public, 9AM-noon on Saturday, April 12 at the MU Extension, 260 Brown Road, St Peters. The topics are controlling moles and planting natives. The cost is $20. For details, visit stcharlescountymastergardeners.com
April 12th
10am—Open Top Terrarium. Create your own unique, low-maintenance open top terrarium with a suspended trailing plant. $5. Sign up at hillermann.com or call Hoffmann-Hillermann Nurser & Florist at 636-239-6729.
April 12th
10am—Easter Basket Dish Garden.
Create a fun Easter inspired live centerpiece dish garden. $5. Sign up at hillermann.com or call HoffmannHillermann Nurser & Florist at 636-2396729.
April 12th
10am-3pm— Spring Porch Pot Drop In During these hours a patron can stop into the front desk, pay the fee for the porch pot and have one-on-one instruction to make your personalized planter insert just in time for Easter! Passiglia Landscape, Nursery & Garden Center, 1855 MO-109, Wildwood, MO 63038. (636) 458-9202, passiglia@ passiglia.com. Passiglia.com.
April 19th
3-6pm—Brews & Blooms. Visitors are invited to speak with native plant, songbird, and pollinator experts over a pint of local beer, while enjoying a free native plant giveaway (one per household, while supplies last) and a display of inspirational container gardens with native plants. Grow Native! merchandise will also be for sale, including native plant garden signs manufactured near St. Louis, Missouri. Sponsored by Missouri Prairie Foundation and Grow Native! Hosted by Civil Life Brewing Co., 3714 Holt Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116. No registration or ticket required.
April 24th
6-7:30— Compost 101—Outdoor Composting: Bins and Tumblers. Part of the Composting Class Series hosted by Seed St Louis, Table to Garden, Good Dirt Composting Collective, and Willoughby Heritage Farm. Explore how to make or buy bins and tumblers, set them up and manage them so you can transform food scraps, yard trimmings and garden waste into a nutrient-rich amendment for your soil. Class includes hands-on demonstrations. Class will be held at the Compost Demonstration site at Willoughby Heritage Farm,
NEED A
631 Willoughby Lane, Collinsville, IL 62234 The price for each class is $15. Visit https://bit.ly/3GE34ws for more information and to register.
April 25th
4pm—Arbor Day Event. Recognize the importance of trees! Kids can pop by after school to learn about trees and what they do for our environment. Help plant a tree on sight at the Nursery and take home a sampling to plant at home. Passiglia Landscape, Nursery & Garden Center, 1855 MO-109, Wildwood, MO 63038. (636) 458-9202, passiglia@ passiglia.com. Passiglia.com.
April 26th
10am – Walk in the Garden Saturday! Start your day by reducing stress, improving your mood, getting physical activity and enjoying the sights and smells, potential for vitamin D and a general sense of well-being due to the calming effects of being outdoors in green space. Passiglia Landscape, Nursery & Garden Center, 1855 MO109, Wildwood, MO 63038. (636) 458-9202, passiglia@passiglia.com. Passiglia.com.
April 26th
10am—Painted Herb Garden. Paint and plant your own personalized kitchen herb garden and learn how to grow fresh herbs right in your own kitchen $45. Sign up at hillermann.com or call Hoffmann-Hillermann Nurser & Florist at 636-239-6729.
April 26th-27th
St. Louis Earth Day Festival. Earth Day is back with great food, music and activities. Learn about sustainable products and practices from local businesses and organizations. Forest Park on the Muny grounds. Free and open to the public. Visit earthday-365. org for details.
April 27th
1pm—Plant Bingo. Enjoy the popular
SPEAKER
for your Garden Club or Group?
Master Gardener Speakers Bureau volunteers are available to speak to garden clubs, church, civic and other groups. Choose from 53 programs, including A Dark Side to Winter Damage, Backyard Composting, Soil Preparation, Daylilies, Orchids, and more.
Explore the complete list of topics at www.stlmg.org. Look for the Speakers Bureau tab in the top margin.
(A $50 fee funds Master Gardener programming in our community.)
game with a twist—it’s all about plants. Winners will take hope plants as prizes. This event is sponsored by the Madison County Extension Educaton Foundation. Madison County Farm Bureau Auditorium, 900 Hillboro Avenue, Edwardsville, IL 62025. $20 at the door.
April 27th
1pm—Gardening for Butterflies, Hummingbirds and Bees!. Pollinator friendly plants for your porch, patio or garden. Free, no registration required. Bring a friend and your questions! Effinger Garden Center, 720 South 11th St., Belleville, IL. (618) 234-4600.
May 1st
6pm—Spring Fashion Show. Passiglia Landscape, Nursery & Garden Center, 1855 MO-109, Wildwood, MO 63038. (636) 458-9202, passiglia@passiglia. com. Passiglia.com.
May 10th
10am-5pm—Washington County in Bloom Flower Festival. Seed and plant swap. Craft and Plant booths, expert speakers presenting workshops, food trucks and more. Forshana Farm, 16270 W. State Highway 8, Potosi, MO. Visit WashCoFlowerFestival.com for more info.
May 2nd, 12pm-8pm and Saturday, May 3rd, 9am-5pm Florissant Elks Lodge 16400 New Halls Ferry Rd. Florissant, MO 630331
