KCG Aug22

The Kansas City

GARDENER August 2022 | kcgmag.com

Plants that

Beat Summer Heat

Ask the Experts All about tomatoes | Wild Hops Aeroponic Produce | Plants on Your Plate | Rose Report

editor’s notes

The Kansas City

GARDENER

Watering

Independently owned and operated since 1996 EDITOR Elizabeth Cavanaugh CONTRIBUTORS Stacey Hirvela Lenora Larson Susan Mertz Jason Mispagel Dennis Patton John Riley Denise Sullivan Scott Woodbury DISTRIBUTION Publishers Delivery Solutions, Inc. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISTRIBUTE the magazine at your place of business, please contact Mike Cavanaugh at mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 NEED MORE MAGAZINES? mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 CONTACT US P.O. Box 8725 Prairie Village, KS 66208 913-648-4728 ADVERTISING Mike Cavanaugh at mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 EDITORIAL Elizabeth Cavanaugh elizabeth@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728

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atering is the name of the game for Midwest gardeners now. Whether well-established or newly planted, not many home landscapes can escape the effects of drought and oppressive heat. The combination of triple-digit temperatures and the lack of rainfall can take its toll. With recent additions to the perennial bed and other locations throughout the landscape, we have been vigilant about watering, especially while these young plants get established.

Interestingly, it seems the only money we have not spent on our landscape is for a sprinkler system, which would be so handy right about now. Unlikely that will change anytime soon, we resort to the oldfashioned way of watering—dragging hoses around the yard.

Mr. Gardener and I take turns deciding who does what section and when. No need for rock-paperscissors or the flip of a coin. It’s simple. If I feel like taking on that chore for the day, I’ll step up and claim my section. If Mr. Gardener speaks first, then I yield to him.

And it really is quite easy when you work where you water.

We each have our own method of watering. He is a bit more mechanical using tools and timers, whereas I’m slow and personal with the plants.

Mr. Gardener accomplishes more with tools like oscillating and stationary sprinklers. He will care-

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Mr. Gardener, with his bull-in-achina-shop technique), only half of the plant grew. For the life of me, I could not remember its name, and said I would pull the tag to find a proper identification for him. As time passed, Neighbor John would twice text me a photo from a plant ID app, asking, “Is this the plant?”

It’s False Dragonhead physostegia virginiana, ‘Crystal Peak White’ I finally tell him. Tolerates sun or partial sun and blooms mid to late summer, gets to 16 inches high, ideal for the middle of the garden. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds too. Even in its less than ideal beginning, she is a winner in my book!

Hand watering gives me a chance to stand among the plants I fell in love with. To admire their resilience and beauty no matter the season. Even with sweat dripping from my brow.

I’ll see you in the garden!

In this issue

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE See details on page 23.

SUBSCRIPTION Elizabeth Cavanaugh elizabeth@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728

fully situate the sprinkler so there’s no water wasted on the street or the driveway, then set the timer and walk away. Every 30 minutes or so he passes through the office headed out to move the hose one more time.

Even 9 o’clock at night he’ll say, “I think I have time for one more section.” That’s my getter-dun man!

Watering by hand is my preference, as it allows me to slow down and be present in the garden.

It leads me to notice each plant.

How well is the plant performing?

Has it behaved as expected? Or is it unhappy with its location? With just my thumb on the end of the hose, I can water with one hand and deadhead with the other. And I have seen plants in my garden that I don’t remember planting. For example, where did the three Stokes Asters come from? I didn’t buy them. I’m sure I would remember planting them. Oh Mr. Gardener, where did these plants come from?

“Last season, babe, when you were on the sofa suffering with knee pain, I planted them,” he says. He also planted ‘Midnight Masquerade’ Penstemon, and Stachys monieri ‘Hummelo’ Betony. Well, I’ll be! No wonder the perennial garden looks better than ever.

On the topic of noticing plants, my neighbor keeps asking the name of one in particular. “What’s the name of that tall, spikey thing?

Is it supposed to grow like that?”

Here I explain that because it was damaged when installed (ahem,

August 2022 | kcgmag.com 4 6 8 10 11 12 14

Ask the Experts Plants on Your Plate–Cucumber Tinkering with Wild Hops Butterflies and Climate Change Water Garden Tours Plants that Beat Summer Heat Plant these instead of Bradford Pear

16 17 18 20 22 23 23

Rose Report Call Before You Dig Indoor Gardening–Aeroponics Upcoming Garden Events Garden Calendar Subscribe Hotlines

About the cover: Rudbeckia is one terrific perennial that stands up to the summer heat without fail. Learn about other steadfast favorites beginning on page 12.

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August 2022 | kcgmag.com

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The Kansas City Gardener | October 2020

3

Ask the Experts All about tomatoes

TOO MUCH SHADE Question: I have been struggling to grow tomatoes. I planted too many trees and now I think my garden is too shady. Any suggestions?

Answer: Tomatoes are one of the highest light requiring crops we grow. It takes a lot of energy to produce a fruit. Tomatoes need at least 6 hours of full sun each day.

When light is lacking the result is poor vine vigor, less flowering, and of course less fruit.

No matter how much water or fertilizer you give the plant it just cannot fully function. Your options are limited to removing the cause of the shade, getting creative about where you grow to take advantage of the available sunlight, check out a local community garden or make more trips to the farmers’ market.

If it makes you feel any better, I am in the same boat. The gardener in me planted too many trees and I am now on my third location. My last resort is removing more grass in the yard to find a sunny spot. But do I want more garden area? I am feeling my age but must have my summer of tomatoes.

LEAF CURL Question: I have noticed many of my tomato leaves curling or rolling. What causes this to happen?

Answer: There are two common reasons tomato leaves roll or curl. One is the result of a drift of broadleaf herbicides applied to control spring weeds. Tomatoes are extremely sensitive to the vapor drift. The result is a rolling, cupping, and distortion to the foliage.

The key here is to look at the vascular system. The veins will be misshapen, unnatural. Drift can come from your own backyard or blow in on the wind from up and down the street. In most cases the issues are secondary, and the plants will recover. Just a delay in production.

Second, a true rolling of the leaf is a natural response to changing weather patterns. A mild wet spring results in rapid top growth at the expense of root development, followed by a period of stress. The plants natural defense is to roll its leaf to reduce moisture loss, which

problem. There is not a lot that can be done except provide good care such as even watering. Usually just the first couple of clusters of fruit are affected. The later developing fruit will be just fine.

A few other comments. Since nutrient availability is regulated by

Air movement, mulch and dry foliage lead to healthy tomato plants.

Tomato Septoria leaf spot is a common foliar disease.

limits the stress placed on the roots.

Natural leaf roll is usually shortterm. As the plant develops stronger roots the symptoms disappear.

Since it’s dependent on weather patterns just give it time. Your best defense is even moisture, not overwatering, and reducing stress.

soil pH, test your soil. Make pH adjustments if needed. Proper fertilization is also important, as is even moisture and avoiding deep hoeing around the plant which damages the roots. Adding Epsom salts, eggshells, and other home remedies are not going to help. Epsom salts is magnesium. This is a calcium issue. Eggshells do contain calcium, but they take a long time to break down. They may help in coming years but will make no difference at time of application.

BLOSSOM END ROT Question: Each summer I get excited to pick my first tomatoes.

A lot of the times the bottom of the fruit is black, sunken, and rotted.

What is this issue and how do I stop it?

Answer: Your tomatoes have blossom end rot. This problem happens about every year as it is a result of uneven weather patterns in the spring, and cooler wet soils as the plants are developing. Cool soils restrict the uptake of calcium and this deficiency causes the

DENNIS PATTON Horticulture Agent 4

August 2022 | kcgmag.com

FOLIAR DISEASES Question: Each summer my tomatoes start to lose their lower leaves as they turn yellow. I lose so many it weakens the plant. What can I do?

Answer: We have two common foliar diseases, early blight and Septoria leaf spot. Each start

low on the plant and cause dark lesions and yellowing. They work their way up the plant as summer progresses. They are spread from spores on the ground or blow in the wind. Both diseases need a damp leaf to develop.

Culture controls are the best place to start. Space plants to allow air movement, mulch, and avoid wetting the foliage. Try removing the lower leaves as the plant grows in the spring. Eventually remove all the foliage from the base of the plant to about a foot off the ground.

It is best to stay ahead of the disease as spores travel up the plant as summer progresses. When cultural practices fail then applications of fungicides will be needed to slow the development. In the fall clean up the old vines and foliage to help reduce the spread.

Note, if the yellowing starts at the top of the plant the most likely cause is spider mites. Another question to address another day.

NO FRUIT SET Question: Why do my tomatoes not set fruit on in the summer?

Answer: There could be several reasons. Most likely is our weather patterns. Tomatoes during the summer greatly reduce fruit set when the overnight temperatures remain above 70 to 75 degrees. They also have reduced fruit set when daytime temps are in the mid-90s. We experience these conditions just about every year.

Under hot conditions the pollen often dries up before the flower can be pollinated which reduces set. I know I sound like a broken record, but the best defense is always good care, and even moisture to reduce stress. There are a few varieties on the market bred for better heat set.

These include Sunleaper, Sunmaster or Florida 91 to name a few. As the climate warms, we may be facing this issue more often.

Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.

The Kansas City Gardener | August 2022

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PLANTS ON YOUR PLATE Cucumber sion.missouri.edu/courses/103256food-preservation-2022 When selecting cucumbers, choose slender, firm, green produce without wrinkles or soft spots. For optimal freshness, store unwashed for up to one week in a moisture proof bag. As with all fresh produce, wash before preparation and serving. Adding white vinegar to water and soaking cucumbers for five minutes prior to a gentle scrub with a vegetable brush can help dis-

C

ucumbers are a popular summer vegetable that many people include in their garden or market basket. Cucumbers are a high-water content member of the squash family and are about 96% water, which makes them a very low-calorie food – about 8 calories per half cup. They are also low in sodium, and are good sources of potassium, magnesium, vitamin K and fiber. Potassium is a nutrient that is important in maintaining healthy blood pressure, while magnesium and vitamin K play a role in bone health. The type of fiber in cucumbers is beneficial in both digestive and cardiovascular health and helps to create a feeling of satiety.

Since most of the nutrients are in the skin, eating cucumbers with the peel provides the most nutritional benefit.

There are two main types of cucumbers: slicing and pickling types. The most common slicing cucumbers are standard garden cucumbers. Theses cucumbers have larger, soft, edible seeds; however, some people choose to remove them. To retain moisture, it is common for food processors to coat the skin of the cucumber with food grade wax. English or Persian cucumbers are also slicing cucumbers and are sometimes referred to as gourmet, ‘burpless’, or seedless cu-

cumbers. These varieties are longer and thinner than standard cucumbers, have seeds that are very small, and are usually shrink-wrapped to seal in moisture. Slicing cucumbers range in size from 7 to 12 inches or longer depending on variety.

Pickling cucumbers tend to be smaller, with a thinner, often bumpy skin. Gherkins are one of the most common pickling cucumbers and their small 3-4 inch size makes them perfect for whole pickles. Kirby cucumbers grow to be 5-6 inches and are good for pickling or snacking whole. Standard garden cucumbers can be used for pickling, particularly for relish, however because burpless cucumbers result in a less desirable finished product, they are not recommended for pickling.

Making cucumbers into pickles can be done with either a quick process, taking just a few hours or a fermentation process, which takes several days to weeks. When choosing a pickling method, be sure to select a process that uses current research methods and food preservation recommendations. If you are uncertain of where to look for canning methods, you might start with print resources and the online food preservation course offered by University of Missouri Extension that can be found here: https://exten-

DENISE SULLIVAN Nutrition Ninja 6

August 2022 | kcgmag.com

solve any wax used in commercial processing. To remove the seeds, if desired, cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and scoop the seeds with a teaspoon.

Cucumbers make a delicious crunchy snack – with or without a dip – and a tasty addition to a salad.

The recipe below combines vibrant colors, textures and flavors and is delicious served with grilled chicken or fish and is a wonderful way to add more plants on your plate!

Cucumber Blueberry Salad MAKES 4 SERVINGS VINAIGRETTE 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons white balsamic (or other) vinegar 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed or bottled 1 teaspoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper SALAD 4 slices whole grain bread 1 cup fresh blueberries 1 medium English cucumber, cut into small chunks 4 cups fresh arugula 1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup crumbled reduced-fat Feta cheese 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted • Wash hands, work surfaces and fresh produce.

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together vinaigrette ingredients.

• Cut bread into cubes and toast in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Set aside.

• In a large bowl mix together all salad ingredients.

• When ready to serve, add vinaigrette to salad and toss.

• Add croutons just before serving.

NUTRITION INFORMATION Calories: 212, Total Fat: 10 g, Saturated Fat: 3 g, Cholesterol: 8 mg, Sodium: 368 mg, Total Carbohydrate: 24 g, Dietary Fiber: 4 g, Total Sugars: 10 g, Protein: 7 g Recipe from USDA Mixing Bowl.

Denise Sullivan (@MUExtJacksonCo) is a Nutrition and Health Education Specialist for MU Extension in the Urban West Region, serving Jackson and Platte Counties. For research based nutrition and food safety information and programs, call 816-482-5850 or visit https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/urban-west-region.

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The Kansas City Gardener | August 2022

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lected wild hop seed, grew seedlings, planted a fifty-foot long hop yard (a tall trellis) and last summer, harvested four bushels of fresh hops. What to do with so many hops? We gave them to Six Mile Bridge Brewery of course (owned

by Lindsay and Ryan Sherring) in Maryland Heights, Missouri, who produced a delicious citrusy saison.

This experimental batch was the first of what we hope will grow into many more tasty beers concocted with Shaw Nature Reserve native hops.

Though they are easy to grow, native hops need a frequent thinning to produce a decent quantity of fruit. Vines need to be trained on a trellis that is at least 8 to 10 feet tall, or even higher. The other thing to keep in mind is that plants are dioecious. That means that male and female plants are separate.

Only female plants produce hops, so it is to your advantage to have more female plants and fewer (or no) male plants.

There are more and more home and craft brewers using specialty hops, and quite a few of them are growing their own. There is also a handful of foragers, looking for hops growing in the wild. Though it is legal to collect seed along roadsides in Missouri, it would be challenging to find enough wild hops for anything but a small home brew operation. I recommend growing them at home on a trellis. If you are interested in acquiring seed of wild hops for your homebrew operation, Shaw Nature Reserve can supply you with starter seed packets. I cannot think of a better way to spend time, than to turn the sun’s rays into a golden pint of beer.

Happy brewing, y’all!

SCOTT WOODBURY Horticulturist 8

August 2022 | kcgmag.com

Photo by Scott Woodbury.

s Doug Tallamy likes to say, plants turn sunlight into food. All life benefits from this, especially you and me.

Attending the Saint Louis Zoo’s Pollinator Dinner annually in June is an eye-opening reminder of the importance of sunlight, pollinators, and native plants. I highly recommend it. The food is creatively prepared and delicious. Each dish is the happy result of pollination of the ingredients of the dishes, by bees or other insects. For example, squash is pollinated by squash bees.

Chestnuts are pollinated by common bumble bees (and the wind). Dishes at the 2022 Pollinator Dinner included sumac and cornmeal-crusted catfish, charred wild garlic and sorrel maple brined turkey, bison hand pies, roasted squash with a pumpkin seed pesto, roasted burdock, wild grape dumplings, grape syrup, and chestnut crumble, to name a few. Wow! In recent years I’ve come to appreciate a new native plant for its ability to transform sunlight into golden drops of beer. Wild hops (Humulus lupulus) is native in Missouri along railroads and roadsides.

I first noticed it in Pacific, Missouri, growing along an abandoned railroad at the edge of town. I’ve since seen it growing wild in hedgerows and woodland edges more widely.

It even grows at Shaw Nature Reserve at an undisclosed location. (“Undisclosed” because brewers are collecting wild hops in other parts of the country, but collecting on private property in Missouri is prohibited.)

Wild fresh harvested hops are a sought-after ingredient that makes really great beer.I can confirm this because four years ago we col-

Humulus lupulus Hops

Pouring a glass of golden drops of sun!

Photo by Scott Woodbury.

A

A Golden Drop of Sun: Tinkering with Wild Hops

Wild hops growing on trellises at Shaw Nature Reserve. The female flowers (the hops) from these plants were used to create this special brew crafted by Six Mile Bridge Brewery.

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 has launched his own business called Cacalia: Native Garden Design and Wilding.

The Greater Kansas City Water Garden Society Presents

Turtle Crawl Water Garden Tour 2022

One free, easy call gets your utility lines marked AND helps protect you from injury and expense.

Safe Digging Is No Accident: “Always Call Before You Dig in Kansas” Call 811, 1-800-DIG-SAFE, (800-344-7233) or visit us at www.kansas811.com.

29th Annual Tour Continues Our “Turtle Crawl Water Garden Tour” highlights different locations around the entire metropolitan area. As we celebrate the art of nature, we will continue to host plein air artists during the day at many sites and will conclude with a local business-sponsored evening garden party.

Only 3 tour dates remain

in the 2022 Season of Tours scheduled for the following Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Rain or Shine

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Tour # 3 Aug 6, Kansas North Zone: Merriam, Shawnee, Prairie Village, Wyandotte County and Leavenworth County Tour # 4 Aug 20, Missouri Central Zone: Jackson County North and west of 435, Independence, Blue Springs, and Raytown Tour # 5 Aug 27, Missouri South Zone: Jackson County south and east of 435, Lee’s Summit, Lake Winnebago, Cass and Ray Counties Tickets for all tours are $10. Tour one or all for the same price.

Children under 14 attend free. Purchase tickets through Eventbrite by visiting kcwatergardens.com/tour. Garden Centers and other retail outlets have tour books/tickets available.

Our Turtle Crawl Water Garden Tour is our only fundraiser to build ponds for schools and other nonprofits. To date we have built and sustained over 60 water features. Plan to attend the tour of water features this summer. It’s sure to be turtley awesome!

The Kansas City Gardener | August 2022

9

Photos by Lenora Larson.

Like all 1st instar caterpillars, this freshly emerged ETS (Eastern Tiger Swallowtail) dines on tender young leaves.

Higher early spring temperatures may speed up maturation of the host plant and render it inedible.

Adult ETS depend on nectar which will no longer be available if the area’s flowers have bloomed prematurely.

ETS caterpillars sit unprotected on their host plant’s upper leaf surface where they may suffer death from desiccation if temperatures are too high.

The Impact of Climate Change on Butterflies

H

abitat loss and insecticides have long been significant threats to butterflies. Worldwide, including the United States, local populations have been exterminated and even entire species have been forced into extinction.

A new threat, climate change, is already having deadly consequences for specific populations. Unless climate change is slowed or halted, many more butterfly habitats and species are at risk.

Plant and Animal Disconnects Butterflies and their necessary plants evolved together over the past 200 million years. But the plants have adaptable genomes, able to quickly respond to changes in temperature, moisture, and competition for cooler habitats.

New plant species may be created in as few as three generations in response to stressors! Animals are

not as genetically nimble and may require thousands of years to make genetic adaptations. While butterflies are not as bound to specific flower bloom times as bees, the gravid (egg laden) butterflies have evolved to look for tender new leaf growth that will be appetizing and nutritious for their caterpillars. But when the caterpillar emerges from its egg, climate change may have prompted the foliage to mature earlier and now be tough and less nutritious. If a butterfly evolved in a particular cold zone and its environment is now warmer, the butterfly is no longer in synchrony with the plants that are necessary to its life.

Additional Extreme Weather Effects Butterfly eggs are small and vulnerable, and may dry up in the higher temperatures. Likewise young caterpillars may dry up and

LENORA LARSON Butterfly Maven 10

August 2022 | kcgmag.com

blow away in the hot winds. Or the necessary plant may have died from heat or gone into its usual summer dormancy before the caterpillar has finished feeding. Or preferred flowers may have finished blooming before the butterfly emerges from its chrysalis.

Butterflies need water at all stages of their lives, whether they imbibe directly or through eating living plants. Migrating species are at special risk when droughts occur along their route. In 2020 thousands of Monarchs died on their way to Mexico because the wildflowers had shriveled in the Texas and Oklahoma droughts. Without nectar to fuel their journey, the butterflies also perished.

Storms are more episodic, creating long periods of torrential rain and flooding. Butterflies take shelter from storms by hanging under leaves or under tree bark. Storm

surges can destroy these habitats and kill unprotected butterflies.

Warmer Winters For butterflies adapted to spend the winter in diapause (insect hibernation), the warmer weather may speed metabolism so that the developing butterfly runs out of energy before it has completely transformed. Or the process may go so quickly that the butterfly emerges too soon and is killed by a late frost.

Summary All life forms are susceptible to the changes in our warming environment, including butterflies.

Since we humans are the stewards of this beautiful planet, we need to more aggressively respond to climate change. Our own survival may eventually depend upon our efforts to at least slow the rate of temperature rise.

A Marais des Cygnes Master Gardener, Lenora is a member of the Idalia Butterfly Society and Kansas Native Plant Society. She gardens in the clay soil and cruel winds of Paola, KS. She may be contacted at lenora.longlips@gmail.com.

“Live Life in Full Bloom” Garden Symposium

Sponsored by the Leavenworth County Master Gardeners It all began with, “there was a speaker from Iowa from a Master Gardener conference at K-State that was so interesting I could have listened to him for the entire day. Do you think Ward would be able to find out who he was?” The Committee was sitting around a table brainstorming who to get for speakers for the first Leavenworth Master Gardener Garden Symposium. We were discussing who we wanted and what we wanted to learn about.

We thought, what can we do with the gardens and landscapes at our homes that are established or need refreshing? Can we add to them or do we take out every one of the Barberries and Japanese Yews or the overgrown spiraea that surrounds all the homes in our area? How can we convert our landscapes to native plantings without the dreaded “maintenance”? Now that our weather and seasons are changing how do we adapt with the new shrubs, trees and perennials and annuals that are available? Stop! What about the people who garden with containers only?

Is it possible to change up our plantings as we go from season to season?

Our Keynote Speaker is Kelly D Norris who hails from the Des Moines area and lives on Three Oaks Garden, where he lives where he gardens. His topic for this symposium is, New Naturalism Designing and Planting a Resilient, Ecologically Vibrant Home Garden. (This is also the title of his newest book, which will be available and signed!)

Crystal Miles, is our second speaker and we also snagged her to join our group as a Master Gardener. Crystal spent her 40 plus year career as a Horticulturist and Arborist with design and maintenance in private, commercial and public landscaping. Landscaping with trees and shrubs in our landscapes and gardens is her love and specialty.

Jonah Nelson is widely known as an owner/manager of Family Tree Nursery and will show us hands on how to update your containers with fall and winter coming. It is possible to keep your home and landscapes looking good through the seasons ahead.

Please join us on September 17, 2022 at the Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade, Leavenworth, KS 66048 8:30-4:00 pm. Download and print a ticket at https://www. leavenworth.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/master-gardeners. Questions? leavenworthmastergardeners@yahoo.com; Or Mikey Stafford 913-426-3794 or Anne Rielly 913-683-4646.

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The Kansas City Gardener | August 2022

11

Plants that

Beat Summer Heat

F

ollowing the non-stop heat in July, how does your garden look in August? There are some years I peek out the back window of my house in late summer and quickly close the curtains. It’s easier to ignore the poor plant choices and move on to thinking about all

the great new plants to try next year! That’s an easy garden planning and shopping cycle to get caught up in. And expensive, especially when the newest varieties don’t work out.

There will always be new plants to try and that’s one of the fun things about gardening. But

it’s also nice to have plant options that are proven for our Midwest gardens. I’ve turned to some of the horticulture experts at Powell Gardens to learn about their favorite plants that do well in August. It’s quite a range of plants with something for every style of gardening.

Indian Summer Rudbeckia Rudbecika hirta ‘Indian Summer’ Cut Flower Garden, All-America Selections award winner in 1995 – Casey McNeel, North Gardens

Miss Molly Butterfly Bush Buddleia x ‘Miss Molly’ Visitor Center terraces, vibrant magenta flowers that attract butterflies – Brent Tucker, Visitor Center Gardens

Cardinal Flower Lobelia Lobelia cardinalis Perennial Garden, late season hummingbird favorite – Molly Shepherd, North Gardens

Golden Ghost Red Pine Pinus densiflora ‘Golden Ghost’ Conifer Garden, with variegated tips that look like flowers – Zoe Aber, Core Gardens

Solar Flare Red Hot Poker Kniphofia ‘Solar Flare’ Perennial Garden, handles the heat – Phil Bishop, Assistant Director of Horticulture

Tuliptree Liriodendron tulipifera Native Pollinator Garden, tiger swallowtail host plant – Eric Perrette, North Gardens

Coral Groundcover Aloe Aloe saponaria Vineyard Container Gardens, great contrast with a mix of succulents – Rebecca Carbonell, North Gardens

Sensitive Plant Mimosa pudica Children’s Sensory Garden, leaves fold up when touched – Haze Gaddie, North Gardens

Geisha Gone Wild Japanese Maple Acer palmatum ‘Geisha Gone Wild’ Woodland and Stream Garden, variegated foliage – Tommy Loggins, Core Gardens

Sophistica Lime Green Petunia Petunia x hybrida ‘Sophistica® Lime’ Chapel Container Gardens, lush flowers that trail – Marissa Mills, Greenhouse Production

Blue Fortune Hyssop Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ Visitor Center terraces, bees and butterflies love the flowers – Cassie Callahan, Visitor Center Gardens

Seven Sons Tree Heptacodium miconioides Gatehouse Garden, pollinator favorite with exfoliating bark – Dan Wicks, Core Gardens

Manee Red Waterlily Nymphaea ‘Manee Red’ Island Garden, true red and winter hardy – Matt Hockaday, Core Gardens

Great Blue Lobelia Lobelia siphilitica Butterfly Meadow, late season pollinator plant – Julie Copley, Conservationist

Geisha Gone Wild Japanese Maple

SUSAN MERTZ Plantswoman 12

August 2022 | kcgmag.com

Sensitive Plant

Blue Fortune Hyssop

With over 25 years in the horticulture industry and public gardening community, Susan is Director of Horticulture at Powell Gardens. Married, with grown children and a granddaughter, Susan and her husband love to travel and want to see the world. Or, as much of the world as is covered by their frequent flyer miles. As long as there is a garden or two included in each vacation spot, her suitcase and camera bag are packed.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

Solar Flare Red Hot Poker

Miss Molly Butterfly Bush

Manee Red Waterlily

Sophistica Lime Green Petunia

Coral Groundcover Aloe

Above: Tuliptree Below: Indian Summer Rudbeckia

Seven Sons Tree

Golden Ghost Red Pine

Above: Great Blue Lobelia Below: Cardinal Flower Lobelia

The Kansas City Gardener | August 2022

13

5 Trees to Plant instead of Bradford Pear

A

sure sign of spring is the blooming of the Bradford pear trees. Widely planted as a street tree, in the parking lots, and in home landscapes, they are impossible to miss: oval-canopied trees with a mantle of white flowers so thick that it almost resembles snow.

Properly known as a Callery pear – derived from its scientific name, Pyrus calleryana – it’s commonly known as “Bradford pear,” due to the popularity of the cultivar ‘Bradford’, introduced by the USDA in 1962. Its aesthetic appeal made it an instant success in spite of its notable liabilities.

The flowers have a smell that can be charitably described as malodorous and their branches occur in tight bunches at extreme angles so they readily break due to wind, snow, ice, and even maturity, obliterating up to half the tree at one go.

The popularity – and shortcomings – of ‘Bradford’ encouraged the introduction of additional cultivars, which caused an unforeseen liability to develop: invasiveness.

The new cultivars cross-pollinated with ‘Bradford’ and then with one another, allowing small, corky, rounded pears to develop. Though they aren’t remotely edible to humans, they are relished by birds, which led to the tree spreading into natural areas. In the wild (especially in warmer climates), they form dense communities that outcompete native vegetation and can even make areas entirely impassible.

The good news is there are many other ornamental tree options that offer benefits that Bradford pears do not. And they have none of the baggage. Whether you are looking to plant a new tree or replace a Bradford pear, these five options will look great in your yard – and let you sleep well at night.

Spring Glory Serviceberry

Spring Glory Serviceberry in fall

Crusader Thornless Hawthorn

Crusader Thornless Hawthorn fruit

Sweet Sugar Tyme Crabapple Spring Glory® Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis ‘Sprizam’ How Spring Glory® serviceberry is similar to Callery pear: • Small but abundant white flowers in early-mid spring (flowers have no scent) • Attractive pyramidal/oval habit, more loose and natural than the pear • Stunning fall color

STACEY HIRVELA Horticulturist 14

August 2022 | kcgmag.com

Sweet Sugar Tyme fruit How Spring Glory serviceberry is better than Callery pear: • Native to North America; non-invasive • Edible fruits in June are delicious to humans as well as to birds and other wildlife • Landscape-friendly size and habit: 12’ tall x 6-8’ wide • Tolerates light shade (as few as four hours of sun/day)

Lollipop Crabapple • Hardier than, and equally heat tolerant as the pear Golden Shadows® Dogwood Cornus alternifolia ‘Wstackman’ How Golden Shadows dogwood is similar to Callery pear: • White flower clusters in midlate spring • Striking, dramatic habit and shape

A graduate of the School of Professional Horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden, Stacey Hirvela currently works as the marketing manager for Proven Winners® Color Choice® shrubs.

fragrant • Attractive red fruits • More compact (8’ tall/wide vs. 20’ tall/wide) • Non-invasive Sweet Sugar Tyme® Crabapple Malus ‘Swesutyzam’ How Sweet Sugar Tyme crabapple is similar to Callery pear:

Golden Shadows Dogwood How Golden Shadows dogwood is better than Callery pear: • Species native to North America; non-invasive • Unique yellow and green variegated foliage • Smaller habit as 10-12’ tall/ wide • Hardier than the pear, and nearly as heat tolerant (USDA zone 3-8) Crusader® Thornless Hawthorn Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis ‘Cruzam’ How Crusader hawthorn is similar to Callery pear: • Covered in white flower clusters in late spring • Extremely glossy foliage • Tidy habit, with an upright rounded canopy hovering above a straight trunk • Extremely durable and tolerant of harsh urban conditions How Crusader hawthorn is better than Callery pear: • Native to North America; non-invasive • Ornamental red fruits in summer and fall • Hardy to USDA zone 3 (though not quite as heat tolerant as the pear) • 15’ tall/wide habit is useful in residential, commercial, and urban plantings Lollipop® Crabapple Malus ‘Lollizam’ How Lollipop crabapple is similar to Callery pear: • Covered in white flowers in mid-late spring • Distinctive, tidy habit is like a lollipop on a smooth, straight trunk How Lollipop crabapple is better than Callery pear: • Flowers are delightfully

• Covered in white flowers in mid-late spring • Distinctive pyramidal/oval habit looks striking and neat How Sweet Sugar Tyme crabapple is better than Callery pear: • Flowers are delightfully fragrant • Bright red fruits persist through winter for extra color

• Smaller (10’ tall/wide vs. 20’ tall/wide) • Non-invasive Ask for these Proven Winners ColorChoice Trees at your favorite local garden center. If you don’t have one yet, these retailers provide Proven Winners plants throughout North America.

Take the guesswork out of fertilizing

By Dennis L. Patton, M.S., County Horticulture Agent, K-State Research and Extension/Johnson County

I’m often asked, “Why should I get a soil test?” The first key to lawn and garden success is knowing soil fertility.

A soil test reveals the baseline nutritional values of your soil. A test can determine the type and amounts of fertilizer needed for optimal plant health. A good soil test also determines the pH level of the soil so corrections can be made.

Soil fertility is something that cannot be seen, felt or guessed. It varies from one yard to the next. In many cases the test shows that too many nutrients have been applied and additional chemical elements such as phosphorous and potassium may be harmful.

Phosphorous and potassium levels build up in KC soils. Excess can harm growth, or worse, leach out and pollute streams and lakes. Many garden resources recommend a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-5. Long term use of these products can lead to chemical buildup. Soil testing takes the guesswork out of fertilizing.

A common misbelief is that our local soils need lime. Lime raises the pH, and most KC soils already have high levels. A simple soil test will

determine soil pH. You’ll then learn the correct treatment options, saving you money.

Extension recommends a soil test every three to five years. All local extension offices provide soil testing services. Soil samples brought or mailed to the Johnson County Extension office are sent to the Soil Testing Laboratory at Kansas State University in Manhattan. I analyze the lab results and write a personalized recommendation.

Your report is usually mailed to you in two to three weeks.

August is an excellent time to test the soil, especially if you are planning on a late summer lawn renovation. Save yourself time and money by getting your soil tested today.

It all starts with a soil test!

If you crave that spring green, fertilize this September.

• September fertilization is critical to your lawn’s health • Applying just the right kind and amount of fertilizer saves you money and protects our water quality

Start your lawn off right!

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In p a r t n e r sh i p to ge t h e r The Kansas City Gardener | August 2022

15

Rose Report

Hey John, “Should I fertilize my roses in August?”

Yes, you may use the fertilizer that your soil test recommended.

Although my test results said to add only nitrogen, at this time of year, I go astray and apply an organic fertilizer like fish emulsion or a seaweed-based product. There is time left in the season for the products to break down so the roses can use the nutrients. These are typically a balanced fertilizer (about equal parts of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K)). They also provide micro-nutrients for which you may not have tested. The end of August should be your last fertilizer application for the year. As we get into fall, the roses are preparing to go dormant and do not want to be stimulated. Be sure to keep up your watering schedule of at least an inch per week.

Hey John, “Should I treat my lawn for the $%&@ Japanese Beetles?”

Yes, treat your lawn and all your neighbors’ lawns. Japanese Beetles have about a five-mile range, so you will be treating a lot of lawns.

After the adult beetles feed on your roses and mate (they do this at the same time), they lay their eggs in your lawn. The eggs hatch in July and August, and the grubs begin feeding. At this time of year, they are not deep in the lawn, so an insecticide is effective in killing them. While you can’t really treat everyone’s lawn, I say every little bit helps. Any lawn insecticide that is labeled for grubs will be effective.

Hey John, “What do you mean when you say deadheading?”

Deadheading is the removal of spent blooms. Removal encourages the rose to create a new bloom. If the bloom is left on the plant, the

Photos by John Riley.

What to do (and not do) in the August Rose Garden

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August 2022 | kcgmag.com

Hey John, “What else should I be doing in August?”

Your other late summer jobs in the rose garden include: • Plant container roses that you have been maturing on your patio. You can plant now, but be sure to keep watering. If you plant later than August in our area, there may not be enough time for the roots to establish before winter. Without good roots, the rose may not be able to maintain moisture levels and come out of dormancy in the spring.

• Apply insect controls if needed. Our typical bugs along with the Japanese beetles are rose midge, spider mites, or thrips.

• Continue treating for diseases.

Black spot is most active between 65 F and 85 F. Therefore, during the hot days of summer you can cut back on your spraying schedule.

• Water, water, water.

Sally Holmes

Golden Celebration pollinated flower will produce a hip, which is the rose seed pod.

Making seeds takes away energy from bloom making. For roses with a single bloom, you will want to cut the cane about ¼ inch above an outward facing five-leaflet leaf. You

JOHN RILEY Consulting Rosarian

base of the flower joins the stem.

When the entire spray is spent, cut off the entire spray like you would a single bloom. Continue deadheading through September. After that, as with fertilizing, you do not want to stimulate new growth.

may select the first one below the bloom, or cut a lower one as needed to shape the bush. For a spray of blooms, like you may find on a floribunda, cut the individual blooms as they fade, and leave the remaining nice blooms. Cut where the

For more information on any of these topics, go to the Kansas City Rose Society webpage https:// www.kansascityrosesociety.org/ growing-roses.html. And, don’t forget to visit the Rose Library www.kcrsroselibrary.com.

The Ask-a-Rosarian hotline is always available for your specific rose questions by sending a detailed email to kcrosehelp@gmail. com. One of the Kansas City Rose Society Consulting Rosarians will reply with an answer, usually by the next day.

John Riley is an American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian and is Secretary of the Kansas City Rose Society.

He is a past president of the Johnson County Rose Society and is on the American Rose Society Board of Directors representing the Central District. John is a retired mechanical engineer who is an opera fan and goes to a lot of soccer games.

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When calling 811, homeowners and contractors are connected to the local one call center for Kansas or Missouri, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of their intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both.

Striking a single line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. Installing a mailbox, building a deck, planting a tree and laying a patio are all examples of digging projects that need a call to 811 before starting.

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The Kansas City Gardener | August 2022

17

Indoor Gardening: Aeroponic Produce

O

perating retail stores, especially in a niche space like indoor gardening, comes with a unique and ever-expanding set of challenges. The most significant of which, I’ve found to be raising awareness within the community that such a shop even exists and that there’s a whole world of products, tools, and resources developed specifically for indoor growing. For that reason, our team has put a tremendous amount of thought into the curb appeal of each location, strategically placing the most interesting and eyecatching plants, products and systems front-and-center as window dressing. Without a doubt, the most asked-about of these items is the Tower Garden® by Juice Plus+, an aeroponic, vertical garden with integrated LED grow lights. Many other brands offer equally stylish and similarly functional products, but Tower Garden® happens to be one of my favorites.

Looks aside, aeroponics is actually an extremely efficient method for growing food indoors. In fact, it’s been used by NASA aboard spaceships and space stations since the 1990s due to the minimal need for bulky, heavy resources such as soil and water. It’s also a method of growing that doesn’t have be break the bank. A do-it-yourselfer can build a simple system out of a plastic tote for under $100. So, what is it that allows aeroponics to not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also practical for home growers and astronauts alike? The answer is in the definition.

Aeroponics is a subset of hydroponics (growing plants without soil) where plant roots hang suspended in the air without the need for a grow medium. A water-fertilizer solution is sprayed, misted or dripped along the roots to provide required nutrition. By eliminating soil or other grow medium from the

equation, bulky pots and containers also become unnecessary, freeing up design options unavailable through other growing methodologies.

Regardless of whether you use a pre-fab product such as the Tower Garden® or develop your own, the majority of aeroponic systems operate under the same principals and with a few key components.

Aeroponics is a subset of hydroponics where plant roots hang suspended in the air without the need for a grow medium. A water-fertilizer solution is sprayed, misted or dripped along the roots to provide required nutrition.

The first, a reservoir or tank, must be present to hold and mix your nutrient-water solution. Although I hate to a assume anything, I’m fairly confident anyone reading this article is presently on earth and the rules of gravity apply. Therefore, your reservoir should be placed below the plant roots to catch and

JASON MISPAGEL Indoor Gardener 18

August 2022 | kcgmag.com

recycle any unused nutrient solution.

Each plant is held in place above the reservoir in either a net pot or some type of collar, providing support, allowing the roots to expand below. In the Tower Garden®, a cylindrical column extends above the reservoir with numerous openings, each big enough to hold a small net pot, distributed throughout. A

submersible water pump is then placed in the reservoir, fully submerged in nutrient solution. This pump can be connected to a timer or be set to run continuously. Pipe or flexible tubing runs from the pump to one or more nozzles, controlling the distribution of water in a spray or mist. Many systems will

have these nozzles pointed directly at the plant roots. Others, such as the Tower Garden® utilize a single nozzle at the very top of the tower.

From there, gravity pulls the water through a system of platforms within the column, ensuring its even distribution across plant roots. Excess solution that isn’t used immediately by the plants drips down into the reservoir where it is pumped back up through the system.

Without the hassle of grow media, the entire system can be easily taken apart for cleaning to prevent build up of algae, bacteria or fungi.

With the constant exposure to oxygen in the air, root rot becomes a thing of the past. And with a little imagination, systems can be designed to fit just about anywhere.

Lighting needs are no different than they would be for the same plants grown in soil or hydroponics. Aeroponic systems can also be placed on a patio, deck, greenhouse or garden during the outdoor growing season to soak up the sun’s natural rays. The Tower Garden®, for instance, has options for builtin lighting and heavy-duty castors, allowing it to be easily rolled outdoors on nice days.

There are, of course, limitations on what can be grown aeroponically. While root vegetables are certainly out of the question, aeroponics isn’t just reserved for herbs and leafy greens. Even heavy produce such as cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, squash, tomatoes, peppers, etc., can be grown with the proper support. A trellis, pole or shelf can easily relieve the weight of these fruiting plants as their roots continue to thrive below.

So whether you’re interested in a flashy showpiece for your living room window, an efficient way to produce your own produce, or a little bit of both, I’d highly encourage gardeners of any experience level to give aeroponics a try.

Jason Mispagel is the co-owner and operator of Year-Round Garden, a grower’s supply center serving both home and commercial customers since 2016. To contact Jason, call 816-216-6917 or jason@year-roundgarden.com.

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19

Upcoming Garden Events Raytown Garden Club Tues, Aug 2, 10a; at Connection Point Church, 10500 E 350 Hwy, Raytown, M) 64138. Program will be Planting Fun with Succulents by Eric Perrette, Powell Gardens Lead Horticulturist. Guests are always welcome. For more information please check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RaytownGardenClub.

while focusing on horticultural care and species/varieties. Then, attendees are invited to view the many lotus and water lilies grown at Powell Gardens at the Lotus Pond on the Family Discovery Loop or the Marlese Lowe Gourley Island Garden. Your ticket price includes admission to Festival of Butterflies, a $12 value. No refunds. Registration link can be found at powellgardens.org/calendar.

Healing Herb Garden: Growing Herbs for Optimal Health Thurs, Aug 4, 11:30a-1p; via Zoom. Presented by Lori Trojan, Douglas County EMG. Herbs can heal you, they can comfort you, and they will fill your senses and delight you, but they can also kill you. Learning the properties of herbs and choosing those that will support your particular needs is beneficial to the enjoyment of these extraordinary plants.

Join Lori Trojan and dig deep into the healing properties of herbs and how to plant your own medicinal garden to support the health of you and your family.

The class, sponsored by the Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners, will be presented via Zoom. Register in advance for this class: https://ksu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEscO6oqzgoE9VEHCQ1xBDB1qqWAhXoyu5Z After you’ve registered, you will receive the link for joining the class.

Native Prairie Series: Tallgrass Prairie Tues, Aug 9, 9a-noon; at Powell Gardens. $90 per class | $240 for three-part series | *10% membership discount only applied when signing up for an individual class in this series. Ona Gieschen’s Native Prairie, located just outside of Sedalia, Missouri, is owned and managed by Powell Gardens. The Native Prairie Series, a series of workshops taught at Ona’s Prairie by staff Conservationist Julie Copley, aims to provide participants valuable perspective on this critical Midwest ecosystem. Each workshop will highlight topics surrounding the tallgrass prairie such as biodiversity, management, and conservation, as well as include a discussion of the highlighted prairie plant species for additional community context.

The final workshop of the series will focus on conservation. Participants will learn about the process of prairie restoration and seed collection. The plant of focus for this class is the Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya). Classes will be held outside at Ona’s Prairie, so please wear close-toed shoes, long pants, hats, and bug spray. There will be a picnic area and water available for a break time. Portable toilets will also be onsite.

Registration link can be found at powellgardens.org/calendar.

Native Plants: Native Landscape Chat Fri, Aug 5, 1-2p; at Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Registration required (ages 14+) at: https:// mdc.mo.gov/events?location=1392&c ounty=All&region=All. Enjoy brilliant blooms during the dog days of summer with our native landscape specialists. Together we’ll visit prairie areas at the Discovery Center and discuss end of summer maintenance tips for native gardens.

If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Turtle Crawl Water Garden Tour The 29th annual Greater KC Water Garden Society tour continues with 3 Saturdays in August. Remaining tour dates are Aug 6, 20 and 27. Our “Turtle Crawl Water Garden Tour” will highlight different locations around the entire metropolitan area. Tickets are $10 and are available at Eventbrite.com and in local garden centers. Children under 14 attend free.

Gardening 101: Lotus or Waterlily?

Sat, Aug 6, 10-11a; at Powell Gardens. $20 | $8 for members. Plants in the Nymphaeaceae (Waterlily) family are often confused with plants in the Nelumbonaceae (Lotus) family. In this Gardening 101 class, Matt Hockaday, Horticulturist, will teach you the difference! Hockaday will give an overview of these beautiful and easy to grow plants, briefly covering scientific anatomy and classification

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August 2022 | kcgmag.com

Leavenworth County Master Gardeners Wed, Aug 10, 11a; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Gretchen Manus, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener and 4H instructor, will lead the Master Gardeners in a mini knowledge contest of horticulture knowledge and plant identification based on the Kansas 4H Horticulture Judging Competition. The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome.

For more information contact the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913364-5700.

Three Seasons of Color in Your Garden Wed, Aug 10, 6:30-7:30p; at Basehor Community Library, 1400, 158th St, Basehor, KS 66007. Joseph O’Neill, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, will give a presentation to guide you through the selection of plants to provide color in your garden from Spring thru Fall. This will include the selection of shrubs, perennials, annuals and bulbs.

Questions will be welcomed throughout the presentation. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information

contact the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700.

Greater Kansas City Iris Society Plant Sale Sat, Aug 13, 10a-3p; at Trailside Center, 9901 Holmes, Kansas City, MO. Bearded iris in a variety of classes will be available for sale. Come early for best selection as last year was a sell out! www.kciris.org Birds: Hummingbirds 101!

Sat, Aug 13, 10a-2pm; at Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center.

Walk-in (all ages). Register at: https:// mdc.mo.gov/events?location=1392&co unty=All&region=All. The ruby-throated hummingbird is one of Missouri’s most intriguing birds! Would you like to learn how to attract these unique birds to your yard or garden as they begin moving south for the fall migration! Join us as we learn about the native plants, sweet nectar and insects loved by this tiny creature, also known as nature’s helicopter!

If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Three Seasons of Color in Your Garden Thurs, Aug 18, 7-8p; at Leavenworth Public Library, 417 Spruce St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Joseph O’Neill, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, will give a presentation to guide you through the selection of plants to provide color in your garden from Spring thru Fall. This will include the selection of shrubs, perennial, annuals and bulbs.

Questions will be welcomed throughout the presentation. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700.

KC Cactus and Succulent Society Sun, Aug 21, 1:30-3:30p; at the Trailside Center, 9901 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO. We welcome visitors and value your attendance.

Dog Days Sun, Aug 21, 9a-5p; at Powell Gardens.

Included with general admission | Admission is free for members. Dog Days allows you to bring your dog(s) for a stroll through Powell Gardens*. Enjoy seasonal blooms and sunshine with your furry friend! Dogs must have current vaccinations and remain on a leash at all times. (Retractable leashes are not allowed.) Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pooch. *Please note that marked areas of the Heartland Harvest Garden are inaccessible during Dog Days because they are dedicated to food production. Otherwise, dogs and their humans are free to explore our 175 acres.

Sho-Me African Violet Club Monthly meetings: Sep 9, Oct 14, Nov

10, Dec 9; 11a-1pm; at Jacob L Loose Park Garden Center, 51st & Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Visitors Welcome.

Renaissance in Bloom: Reimagining and Revitalizing Horticultural Therapy Sep 9-10, Marriott Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, MO. American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) Annual Conference. The AHTA is excited to be back in person and to have the opportunity to re-connect, re-vitalize, and re-imagine the work of horticultural therapy. The Keynote Speaker will be Abra Lee, author of the forthcoming book “Conquer The Soil: Black America and the Untold Stories of Our Country’s Gardeners, Farmers, and Growers.” The Plenary Speaker will be Kansas City’s own Rob Reiman, CEO for The Giving Grove. Visit https://www.ahta.org/ for more information and registration.

Idalia Butterfly Society Sat, Sep 10, 6p; at Prairie Village City Hall, 7700 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS. Butterfly Garden Design and Maintenance: Paula Diaz. A well-designed butterfly garden considers the needs of not only our lepidopteran friends, but also its caretaker and its neighbors whether in a urban, suburban or rural setting. This includes planning for maintenance over the years as the garden matures. In keeping with the current “Leave the Leaves” movement, a balance between minimal maintenance and neighborhood aesthetics will be described.

Photographs of Paula’s client butterfly gardens at various stages of maturity will be presented. Paula Diaz is the principal of GardeNerd Consultations, providing education on incorporating native flora into traditional home and business landscapes. She volunteers with MU Extension Master Gardeners, GrowNative! and Deep Roots KC and is a member of the Missouri Prairie Foundation and the Missouri Native Plant Society.

Kansas City Rose Society’s Wine and Roses Thurs, Sep 15, 5:30-7:30p; at Loose Park. Annual cocktail garden party benefits the rose gardens at Loose Park.

Missouri Master Gardener Association (MOMGA) Annual State Conference Sep 16-18; at Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Center, Jefferson City, MO. Register for conference, hotel and conference sportswear at momga.org. Visit momga.org to register or download conference brochure for more information.

Garden Symposium Sat, Sep 17, 8:30a-4p; at Riverfront Community Center in Leavenworth, Kansas. Leavenworth Co Master Gardeners will host, “Live Life in Full Bloom.” The speakers are Kelly Norris,

Crystal Miles and Jonah Nelson. Tickets are $45 and are on sale June 1-August 31. A box lunch is included in the price.

To purchase tickets, contact leavenworthmastergardeners@yahoo.com or call the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700. Or download a mail-in form at https://www. leavenworth.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/ master-gardeners/. For more information contact Mikey Stafford at 913-4263794 or Anne Reilly at 913-683-4646.

ics: Tim Moloney – The Art of Plunking; Lenora Larson – Be A Butterfly Bartender; The Artistic Garden; Carol Davit – Grow Missouri Natives. $35.00 includes Breakfast pastries, Lunch, and snacks. Check in registration 8:00. Vendors 8:00 – 3:00. Welcome/Keynote 9:00. Seating is limited. Send $35.00 check payable to University of Missouri Extension, 4125 Mitchell Ave, St Joseph, MO 64507. Call Extension Office for questions 816-279-1691.

Northwest Missouri Master Gardener’s Garden Symposium Sat, Sep 24, 8a-4p; at Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art, 2818 Frederick Ave, St Joseph, MO 64506. Speakers/Top-

Promote plant sales, club meetings, classes, and other gardening events for FREE! Send details to: elizabeth@kcgmag.com.

Deadline for publishing in the September issue is August 5.

Live Life in Full Bloom Garden Symposium

Hosted by the Leavenworth County Master Gardeners

Saturday, September 17 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost is $45.00 per person. Box Lunch included.

Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade, Leavenworth, KS Tickets on sale June 1 to August 31. Download and print a ticket to mail in: https://www.leavenworth.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/ master-gardeners/. Payments accepted: check, Visa or Mastercard.

Purchase tickets by contacting Leavenworthmastergardeners @yahoo.com or calling the K-State Research and Extension Leavenworth County office at 913-364-5700.

Keynote Speaker:

Kelly Norris

New Naturalism: Designing and Planting a Resilient, Ecologically Vibrant Home Garden Kelly is one of the leading horticulturists of his generation. An award-winning author and Plantsman, Kelly’s work in gardens has been featured in the New York Times, Organic Gardening, Better Homes and Garden, Martha Stewart’s Living, Fine Gardening and Garden Design.

Join our Loyalty Program

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Scan the QR Code to sign up for free

Kansas City (Watt’s Mill)

Lee’s Summit (Deerbrook Plaza)

1225 W 103rd Street Kansas City, MO 64114 (816) 216-6917

1201 NE Rice Road Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 (816) 600-2300

Store Hours Mon - Sat: 9am - 8pm Sun: 9am - 4pm

Store Hours Mon - Sat: 9am - 8pm Sun: 9am - 4pm

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and become instantly eligible for giveaways, discounts and more

Crystal Miles

Selecting Trees and Shrubs For Urban Living

Crystal is a 40 plus year Horticulturist and certified Arborist with design and maintenance experience in private, commercial and public landscaping.

Jonah Nelson

Fall Container Design

Jonah is the 3rd generation owner and store manager of Family Tree Nursery. He has a degree in Horticulture with an emphasis in landscape design.

For more information, contact Mikey Stafford at 913-426-3794 and Anne Rielly at 913-683-4646.

OUR SPONSORS

@yrroundgarden www.year-roundgarden.com

Family Tree Nursery

Jet Produce

Z&M Twisted Vines Wines

The Kansas City Gardener | August 2022

21

GARDEN CALENDAR August list of what to do in the garden.

LAWN

• Apply about 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week to Bluegrass to remain spring green.

• Apply about 1 inch of water per week to a tall fescue lawn.

• Apply the last application of fertilizer to zoysia by mid-month.

• Be on the lookout for grubs and apply proper control methods.

• Plan for fall renovation projects such as aerating and seeding.

• Check sharpness of mower blade and repair.

• Mow turf as needed depending on summer growth.

• Treat unwanted zoysia and Bermuda grass.

• Take a soil test to determine fertility program.

FLOWERS

• Apply 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week to gardens.

• Divide iris and daylilies during dormant period through early August.

• Make last application of fertilizer to roses by mid-month.

• Control black spot and other rose diseases.

•F ertilize mums, hardy asters, and other fall-blooming perennials.

•D eadhead annuals to encourage late season blooms.

•C ut back and fertilize annuals to produce new growth and fall blooms.

•S ow hollyhocks, poppies, and larkspur for spring blooms.

•P repare for fall bulb planting by making orders or researching varieties.

• Take cuttings from geraniums and begonias for wintering indoors.

VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

• Water about 1 inch per week.

• Plant a fall garden, beets, carrots, beans, and turnips for autumn harvest.

• Plant transplants of broccoli, cauliflower, or cabbage for fall production.

• Harvest crops regularly for season-long production.

• Ease fruit loads on branches by propping with wooden supports.

• Net ripening fruit to protect from hungry birds.

• Fertilize strawberry beds for flower bud development, improving yields next spring.

• Turn compost pile and add water when dry.

•K eep weeds under control to reduce problems next year.

TREES AND SHRUBS

• Water young trees every one to two weeks by deeply soaking the root system.

• Prune and shape hedges.

• Check mulch layer and replenish if needed.

• Prune broken, dead or crossing limbs for healthier plants.

• Check young trees and shrubs for girdling wires and ropes before planting.

• Avoid fertilizing ornamentals now, so they harden off before winter.

• Remove bagworms by handpicking.

HOUSEPLANTS

• Water summered houseplants regularly and fertilize to promote growth.

• Check plants for insects such as scales, aphids, and spider mites.

• Wash plants to remove dust layer.

• Make cuttings and repot plants before summer sun slips away.

MY GARDEN (Use this space to list additional tasks to accomplish in your garden.)

• • • • •

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

22

August 2022 | kcgmag.com

1601 Tudor Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO (816) 525-4226

Greater Kansas City Iris Society Plant Sale Saturday, August 13 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Trailside Center 99th & Holmes, KCMO Bearded iris in a variety of classes will be available for sale: TB, BB, IB, SDB, MTB Come early for best selection as last year was a sell out!

Bring this coupon to our sale to receive one FREE Median Iris.

No purchase necessary.

MARIA’S FAMOUS BELGIAN MUMS ARE BACK!

Beautiful, Big Mums On Sale Now It’s time for lawn renovation and aeration

MISSED AN ISSUE? FIND BACK ISSUES AT KCGMAG.COM GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE, SIT BACK AND ENJOY OUR ARCHIVES

www.kciris.org

KCGMAG.COM

Hotlines for Gardeners Extension Master Gardeners are ready to answer your gardening questions.

CASS COUNTY

816-380-8494; Wed, 9am-noon

DOUGLAS COUNTY

785-843-7058; dgcogardenhotline@gmail.com; Mon, Wed, Fri, 1-4pm

GREATER KANSAS CITY MISSOURI AREA

816-833-8733 (TREE); Mon-Fri, 9am-noon; mggkc.hotline@gmail.com

JOHNSON COUNTY, KS

913-715-7050; Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm; garden.help@jocogov.org

Water Garden Tours in August T

he Greater Kansas City Water Garden Society continues its 29th annual Turtle Crawl Water Garden Tour with three Saturdays of beauty. On August 6th is in North Johnson County, Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties, August 20th MO central including Kansas City, Raytown, Blue Springs and Independence, and our finale August 27th in MO South in Lee’s Summit, Belton, Raymore, Peculiar and Lake Winnebago. Check out a 100-year-old cistern converted into a Koi Pond, see a creative way to re-purpose a large hot tub into a water feature and see unique over-the-top approaches to challenging landscapes as you tour these backyard sites.

If you have been on our tour before, share your passion with friends, co-workers, or family. Plan to stop at new restaurants for lunch and make a day of it OR tour in the morning and take the kids to the KC Zoo in the evening. (Admission to the KC Zoo is free with each tour ticket on each Saturday of the tour.) Do not forget to attend the free night garden parties from 7 to 10 p.m. sponsored by local businesses with light refreshments as you experience how a water feature changes at twilight. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased on Eventbrite or at local garden centers, Hen House Markets, and select Westlake Hardware Stores. This event is our only fundraiser to support the building and maintenance of ponds for schools and other non-profits. To date we have built over 60 water features and continue to maintain them.

Follow us on Facebook or visit kcwatergardens.com for more information.

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th ly G ui de to Su A Mon thly cc es Guid e to Suc October 2014 sf ul cess ful Gard Garde ning G ar de enin g to Succe ssful August 2015 ni ng A Mont hly Guide

For convenient mail delivery, complete the form below and send with your check for $25.00. You will receive a one-year subscription to The Kansas City Gardener.

Address:

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY

Phone:

MIAMI COUNTY & LINN COUNTY

E-mail: Where did you pick up The Kansas City Gardener?

913-364-5700; Leave a message. A Master Gardener will contact you.

913-294-4306; Thurs, 8am-noon

WYANDOTTE COUNTY

913-299-9300; Mon, Wed, Fri, 9am-4pm

QUESTIONS ABOUT ROSES?

Ask a Rosarian; kcrosehelp@gmail.com; www.kansascityrosesociety.org

d the W ate Butterflies and Bee s Love These rlilies Spooky Plants

July

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ity with Grasses Beauty and Divers een Not Just for HallowCall 811 Orange and Black: Lemon rd of Digth Control BeforeBiYou Daylily: Beau Park eM ty for fy Weeds for Better Identi Decis ThanBu ion Time: ShouSeeded Lawn More a tte Dayrfl onth: Blue In the bird y Ask andExpe Feeding of Newly ld You Remove YourGaAsh rdenTree Conserva rts about weed Proper Carethe with tories control, oozin g sap and more Marvin Snyder

Name:

JOHNSON COUNTY, MO

660-747-3193; Wed, 9am-noon

GAR G A RENEDREN E R N D E D R A G ER Beyon The K T ty K an sa Cihe s C it y a n s a s C Th e Ka ns as ity A M on

City, State, Zip:

Please enclose your check payable to The Kansas City Gardener and mail with this form to: P.O. Box 8725, Prairie Village, KS 66208 The Kansas City Gardener is published monthly Jan. through Dec.

The Kansas City Gardener | August 2022

23

Summer

Treasures Miss Molly Butterfly Bush

Rose Sale Color your landscape with the beauty of roses, now up to 25% off!

Knock Out Drift & More

While supplies last.

Hardy Hibiscus

Caryopteris

Crape Myrtle

Butterflies, especially our treasured Monarch visitors will bring color and action to gardens in August and September. Greet them with some of their favorite flowering shrubs and perennials available at all of our store locations.

Many varieties and sizes to choose from.

®

™

Main Attraction

• Black-eyed Susan • Coneflower • Bee Balm Invite our Monarch visitors to your garden in August with these blooming perennials.

105th & Roe (913) 649-8700

K-7 & Prairie Star Pkwy.

(913) 897-5100

135th & Wornall (816) 942-2921

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