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Anne Wildeboor
Scott Woodbury
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Anticipation
Still in the clutch of Old Man Winter, the gardens lay ever quiet now. Strong north winds blow the remaining leaves from the oak trees, adding another layer of nature’s mulch. The only activity seen in the garden of late is from wildlife. Birds gather at the feeders for their daily serving of seed and suet, while squirrels and chipmunks are busy gathering nesting materials during these frigid winter days.
At first glance, it seems the Cavanaugh gardens are surviving winter’s grip. The December snowfall was significant, then the rain in January makes this gardener a bit more comfortable. The mixed bag of temperatures this season has been interesting. Some weeks we’ve experienced single-digit wind chills, and other weeks we’ve seen sunshine and 50. That kind of extreme fluctuation is signature Midwest weather, no matter what the season. We take the good with the bad.
Beyond basic garden chores and a walkabout every now and
—Barbara Winkler
then, gardeners are likely to keep most gardening activities indoors. Whether caring for a new Moth Orchid, listing new perennials to try, or visiting a local garden center to soak in the atmosphere, gardeners are planting and planning indoors. With pencil and notebook in hand, the mission is to collect ideas and information in anticipation of a new gardening season.
Part of my daily routine includes looking over all the gardens, making sure they are unharmed and free of broken branches and other debris. Mr. Gardener planted bulbs early winter, so we keep an eye out for the critters that like to dig and destroy those yummy bulbs. And as I walk through my garden, I am struck by the possibility of what awaits. The anticipation builds.
For the most part, gardeners live in the moment. We enjoy and appreciate the actual purpose and performance of each tree and plant, every growing season. Likewise we are known to dream about and have
come to expect a miracle each growing day. It is the dream of a miracle that ignites the gardener’s imagination and hopefulness.
Anticipation is the fuel that keeps us fed until spring. It’s at the heart of the daily vigil we’ll keep until the last chance of frost passes, watching and waiting for that first sign of green pushing up through the thawing earth. May your anticipation for the miracles of a new growing season fuel your imagination and warm your heart during the remaining days of winter.
I’ll see you in the garden!
Ask the Experts
There are plenty of benefits in using a cold frame in the garden. However, it is unlikely to be beneficial for warm-season crops like tomatoes.
POSSIBLE SEASON EXTENSION METHODS
Question: I consider myself an “adventurous” vegetable gardener and like to push the boundaries of the growing season with covers and cloches. Do you have any advice on this? How soon is too soon to plant my tomatoes?
Anthony’s Answer: While it is true that gardening structures, including cloches, row covers, and cold frames, can help you practice some spring season extension, there are limits to the success of this. Just as in the fall, the structures provide broad protection against frosts and temperatures above a hard freeze of 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
The caveat with practicing this in the spring is that the ground will likely be frozen, whereas in the fall, it is still warm from summer heat.
Thus, plants going in will need to have been germinated as a plug indoors and then transplanted. Then they should be kept warm enough to avoid frost damage, and adequately watered and maintained. This can include snow removal on any structure, as piling snow will reduce available sunlight. Plant leaves should also not be allowed to touch the structure edges, as these are not insulated, and the points touching will be subjected to freezing temperatures.
How likely is this to work on warm-season crops like tomatoes?
Not very, but not impossible. Even with hard freeze temperatures somehow avoided, warm-season crops prefer warm soil and will suffer if it is not available. Unless you happen to be among the lucky few with a warm microclimate in your garden
One way to dry flowers is by securing a bundle with a rubber band or string and hanging it upside down in a warm, dry space.
area, the earliest you could try to extend the season with season extension methods would likely be April.
PRESERVING GIFTED FLOWERS
Question: I saw on social media that people were showing off flowers that they received for Valentine’s Day years ago. How can flowers be preserved for so long?
Markis’ Answer: There are several steps you can take to get the most out of your flowers for years to come. If you plan to keep them for months or years, you will need to dry them. Drying flowers is an effective way to maintain much of their original beauty. Traditionally, this is done by securing a bundle of flowers with a rubber band or string and hanging them upside down in a warm, dry space. While flowers can be dried on a flat surface, this
method may alter their shape due to pressure on the petals, which is why hanging them upside down is preferred. Although some color fading may occur, keeping the flowers out of direct sunlight will help preserve them. This process can take up to three weeks, but once dried, flowers can last for years.
Drying also can be achieved by burying flowers. Not in the dirt, of course, but in silica gel. Silica gel works by pulling out the moisture in the leaves and petals. Flowers will maintain their shape better if they are air-dried upside down or on a tabletop. This method requires placing the flowers and gel in an airtight container, and silica gel can be used repeatedly without losing effectiveness.
Another method of preservation is pressing flowers. This technique
ANTHONY REARDON | Horticulture Agents | MARKIS HILL
Anthony and Markis are the horticulture agents for K-State Extension, Johnson County, each specializing in edible crops and ornamentals, respectively. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.
works best for small, thin flowers, as bulky flowers may not press well. To press flowers, first select fresh flowers that can lie flat without curling. Place each flower between two sheets of newspaper, then sandwich this between two pieces of cardboard. Lay this assembly under a stack of heavy books to provide even pressure. Ensure the setup is in a dry, well-ventilated area, as good airflow prevents mold. For flowers with high water content, check and replace the newspaper every few days to keep the flowers dry during the process. Pressing may take one to two weeks. Pressed flowers are ideal for art projects or creating a herbarium, letting you preserve
memories of a flower-filled Valentine’s Day.
EAGER TO WORK IN FRUIT BEDS
Question: I know it’s early, but I’m itching to get out into my fruit beds and work on them. Is there anything I can do right now?
Anthony’s Answer: While most early-season fruit maintenance is ideally tackled in March just before bud development, in February, you can begin looking over your plants and forming a maintenance plan, pruning back grapes and brambles, scouting pomes for signs of overwintering pests, and upgrading any espalier or trellis efforts. Just make sure you find a warm day for it!
Earth Right Super Stuff breaks up clay allowing percolation and deeper rooting! Mushroom Stuff expands root systems quickly and promotes production of buds. Sure Bloom sets the bloom and creates beautiful foliage and blooms. Apply Earth Right and Mushroom Stuff for lush turf and all 3 to containers for beautiful flowers, shrubs, plants & great veggie gardens! None of these will burn the roots, they promote root and bloom growth each in their own way. This spring apply Earth Right to the lawn when you are going to get one inch of rain or more. It works so well with the rain water!
Tune in to the Tobin Home & Garden Show Saturdays at 6 am with your questions.
KMBZ.com Hosted by Mark Tobin! www.tobytobinsbackyard.com
us to inquire about services for the 2026 season. We have many different program options to fit your needs.
Often I’m asked about what actually goes on in the winter months at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Do we still go to work? Actually, winter months are quite busy. There is a slower pace, but there are plenty of chores to fill our days. Weather has an impact as well. If it’s snowing, snow removal replaces garden tasks. We do a lot of planning for the busy garden season ahead. Before you can blink, the crocus is blooming and spring is on the horizon.
Pruning is an important winter task. When deciduous trees and shrubs are bare, you have a much better view of what may or may not need attention. What to evaluate sans leaves? Are there crossing branches, dead limbs, water shoots? Does the canopy need to be raised, does it need to be pruned back to rejuvenate it? All of these are questions to think about. Also make sure that it is the correct time of year to prune (more on that later). Personally, I am a cau-
Time to Prune? Winter Chores in the Garden
tious pruner. I often work on a tree or shrub in multiple sessions. Sometimes, the decision to prune is easy. Other times, I think about it, because let’s be real here, once you prune it you can’t put it back.
Touching on those pruning questions in a little more detail:
• Crossing limbs or branches. Typically these can be weaker, or sometimes just don’t have anywhere to go. So, they need to be removed. The question, thinking long-term, is this branch making the tree healthier or weaker?
• Dead limbs are the easiest of the pruning questions. If it’s dead, remove it, no matter the time of year.
• Water shoots show up on a tree on the branches and at the base of the tree. Some trees are more prone to them than others, so it’s a necessary maintenance task. The ones on the
branches are not strong and can shoot up vertically into good structural horizontal branches. Then cause issues in the desired branches.
• Evaluating when to take off some of the lowest branches can be subjective. Do you or others run into branches because they are too low? Are they a hazard for you or others? Do you want low branches because it’s the desired shape you prefer for a specific variety of tree?
• Some shrubs benefit from a hard prune refresh. If your shrub seems to just be limping along. Try a pruning refresh before removal, sometimes it’s just what the doctor ordered.
• Let’s talk about flowering shrubs and trees. Make sure you understand when you prune can have an impact on flowers. If it blooms on new growth, pruning in the winter may not affect bloom. Things that bloom on
old wood or last year’s growth can be affected by winter pruning. So, be very careful and understand what shrub you are working with before you attack with the pruners and saw. Do some research if you’re not sure, to see if that shrub blooms on old or new wood. I had a friend that couldn’t understand why her Mophead Hydrangeas hadn’t bloomed since the first spring they moved into their home. The reason? Her husband was pruning them to the ground each spring. They bloom on old wood, which means he was removing her flowers before they ever had a chance to bloom.
Winter pruning is also best done when the temps are consistently cold. Lately, in the Kansas City metro, temps have been all over the place. Snow in the beginning of December, then 70s around the holidays. Waiting until it’s cold means the tree has
Anne Wildeboor, is long-time horticulturist at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. She loves sharing her passion for plants with the public and working alongside dedicated staff and volunteers.
ANNE WILDEBOOR Horticulturist
Prune at an angle so moisture flows away from the tree.
Removing water shoots is a necessary maintenance task.
Some shrubs benefit from a hard prune refresh.
Make sure your tools are sharp.
gone dormant. This gives the tree a chance to recover before it needs to spend energy on leaves, flowers, etc. It also lowers the risk of bacteria and insects being present.
Proper pruning technique is just as important. If you make poor cuts, the tree or shrub cannot properly heal itself. You could be inviting issues with disease or insects, which are far more serious than a low limb or a crossing branch. Prune at an angle so moisture flows away from the tree or shrub. Make sure to prune right above the “collar” on the trunk or branch so it can heal quickly. Make sure your equipment is sharp; dull or dirty tools can lead to poor cuts. Also, make sure you are wearing the proper safety equipment. Personally, I have pruned my finger instead of a branch, I don’t recommend trying it. The K-State Extension, Johnson County website (johnson.k-state. edu) has some great resources on techniques and timing.
In recent years, there has been some interesting talk about garden
clean up in the fall, in the winter, or in the spring. I understand and respect the reasons for waiting for the temps in the spring to be at a certain number before removing garden debris or wanting a little winter interest in your garden. I also understand those who want it cleaned up and put to bed before the winter cold hits. Both practices are utilized here at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. We simply have too much to clean up to do it all in the spring months. So, we clean up some, and leave some for winter interest and for guests to enjoy. Roses are one thing that we absolutely wait until mid April to tackle. Again, I know some folks are very passionate about their way vs. the other. I truly feel you should do what’s best for you and your garden and not worry about the other chatter.
I hope you have the opportunity to get out and evaluate your garden or yard to see if pruning is needed. Have fun with it, take your time, and happy pruning!
HOME & FLOWER SHOW
Kids Ask Dr. Bug about the curious things found in the garden
Spring is still weeks away, but February has a way of making us think about love. Valentine’s Day fills our lives with hearts, cards, and candy, and it’s easy to imagine love floating through the air. If you look closely outside, though, something else is moving through the air too: chemical signals, sound waves, and biological messages insects have been using for millions of years.
Do insects fall in love?
Not exactly. Insects don’t feel romance the way humans do. They don’t daydream, write love notes, or feel heartbreak. Many species only get one shot at reproduction, so what they lack in romance, they make up for in strategy. Since producing eggs requires significant energy, females are usually “choosy.” Males must prove they are worthy partners through strength, stamina, or gifts. And this is where insect communication comes in.
Moths, for instance, rely on chemistry. A female luna moth releases pheromones, chemical signals that act like invisible perfume. A male’s feathery antennae can detect even a faint trace from miles away, guiding him directly to her.
Other insects use sound. When crickets chirp or cicadas buzz, they are advertising their fitness. This is risky; noise drains energy and alerts predators. A loud, steady song tells females: “I am strong enough to sing this song without getting tired or eaten by a predator.”
Then there are insects that believe in gifts. Male hanging flies actually present caught prey to females. If the
gift is big enough, she mates with him while she eats, providing essential nutrients for her eggs.
Are there really such things as “love bugs”?
Yes! These are a type of march fly typically found in the southern US and we don’t have them in Missouri. Lovebugs (Plecia nearctica) fly while attached to each other and their name comes from this behavior.
This isn’t a romantic embrace. It is a survival strategy called mate guarding. By staying attached to the female for days, the male ensures no other males can mate with her, guaranteeing that his genes are passed on.
Why are so many insects red?
As insects start emerging, you might notice a pattern: many of
them are red, orange, or patterned with black. Lady beetles, boxelder bugs, and milkweed bugs all share this bold look.
While most animals in nature want to blend in, if an insect wants to stand out, there is usually a defensive reason. This is called aposematism, or warning coloration. These bright colors send a clear message to predators like birds and lizards: “Don’t eat me. I taste terrible.”
How do insects know when spring is coming?
Insects don’t use calendars. They are biological machines regulated by temperature and day length (photoperiod). This study of timing in nature is called phenology, which looks at when living things appear during the year.
Because insects are cold-blooded, warm temperatures speed up
their bodies. During a “false spring,” which is a warm week in the winter, insects might wake up early as they reacts to the heat.
This creates a risk. Beneficial insects depend on plants or prey that may not be ready yet. If they emerge early without food, they starve. This is known as an ecological mismatch. It affects entire food webs, meaning less food for birds and fewer pollinators for crops.
The Bug Lab: Backyard Science Quests for Curious Kids (and Grown-Ups Too!) Backyard Science Challenge: Build a Bug Phenology Calendar
Want to track the seasons like a scientist? Create a phenology wheel! Draw a circle for the year and mark the date you spot your first robin, your first dandelion, and your first lady beetle. Over the years, you will see how the schedule of nature shifts!
This year, observe the timing in your own backyard.
1. Look for the firsts: When did you see the first bumblebee? The first firefly?
2. Note the weather: Was it unusually warm that week?
3. Start a Journal: Keeping a “nature diary” is actually rigorous scientific data collection.
4. Check out this Bug Lab phenology activity sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/ d/1IPI3dBOBVBdRr6HHW6qN ucxcEUFSZzg0dDdZqMoDZ_k/ edit?usp=sharing
Dr. Tamra Reall (@MUExtBugNGarden) is a horticulture specialist for MU Extension— Urban West Region. For free, research-based gardening tips, call 816-833-TREE (8733), email mggkc.hotline@gmail.com, or visit extension.missouri.edu.
TAMRA REALL Horticulture Specialist
Lovebugs earned their nickname because they are almost always spotted attached together.
Photo credit: Wikifrosch~commonswiki.
HOME & GARDEN SHOW
Boxwood Blight: What to Know and How to Prevent It
Boxwood has long been a landscape staple, valued for its tidy, evergreen structure and year-round beauty. While boxwood blight has made headlines in parts of the country, many gardeners wonder whether it is something they actually need to worry about at home. Even if boxwood blight isn’t widespread in your area, knowing what to look for, and observing smart gardening practices, can keep risks low.
What Is Boxwood Blight?
Boxwood blight is a fungal disease caused by Calonectria pseudonaviculata. It infects boxwood leaves and stems, causing dark leaf spots, black streaking on stems, and rapid leaf drop. Defoliated plants may develop new shoots, but will not fully recover and should be discarded in a landfill – do not compost.
The disease spreads through spores that move on infected plant material, fallen leaves, tools, footwear, and even holiday greenery. It thrives in moderate temperatures paired with high humidity and extended leaf wetness, conditions that can occur regularly in warm, sticky summers.
Is Boxwood Blight Common in Kansas City?
While the fungus has been detected in the Kansas City area, many boxwood problems are more likely to be caused by winter burn, drought stress, poor drainage, or insects such as boxwood leafminer, rather than blight.
That said, the disease can be introduced through infected nursery stock or contaminated debris, so awareness and prevention are still important.
How to Reduce the Risk in Your Landscape
The good news is that boxwood blight is largely preventable with thoughtful cultural practices.
Start with healthy plants. Purchase boxwood from reputable nurseries that actively monitor for disease. Look for improved cultivars of boxwood such as NewGen, which have been tested to show they are highly resistant to boxwood blight, with proper care.
NATALIE CARMOLLI
Keep foliage dry. Overhead irrigation creates the leaf wetness that fungi love. Instead, water at the base of plants using drip irrigation or a soaker hose. When planting new boxwood, consider spacing them properly to allow for good air circulation.
Practice good sanitation. Remove fallen leaves and plant debris from around boxwood, especially after heavy storms. Clean pruning tools between plants, particularly if you are working in multiple areas of the landscape.
Avoid unnecessary stress. Healthy plants are more resilient. Ensure boxwood are planted in well-drained soil and receive ad-
equate water during dry periods, especially in late summer and fall. Avoid excessive pruning, which can reduce airflow and create dense structures that stay damp longer.
Know the Symptoms, But Don’t Panic
Boxwood blight symptoms include tan or brown spots with a dark edge (often with a yellow halo) on leaves, black streaking along stems, and sudden defoliation starting near the base of the plant and progressing upward. These symptoms can look alarming, but some can also resemble other, less serious boxwood issues.
If you see unusual symptoms, proper diagnosis matters. Resources such as the University of Missouri Extension and K-State Extension can help distinguish blight from more common problems.
A Balanced Perspective
Boxwood blight is a real disease, but it is not a reason to abandon boxwood altogether. With informed plant selection, good sanitation, and smart watering practices, the risk remains low. For most gardeners, boxwood continues to be a reliable and valuable part of a four-season garden.
Being proactive, not fearful, is the key. By understanding the disease and following best practices, Kansas City gardeners can continue to enjoy healthy, beautiful boxwood for years to come.
Natalie is rooted in horticulture, having worked in the family floral business until college, where she earned her degree in fine and theatrical arts. Now, an avid gardener, writer, and public speaker for Spring Meadow Nursery, Natalie delights in sharing her expertise and enthusiasm about the art of gardening, using Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs.
Shrub Expert
for the love of A
s a plant collector, the hunt for unique specimens is ever vigilant and changing. In previous years, aroids have taken center stage in most collected houseplants. Many have discovered, however, these plants are vastly unique but not always the easiest to care for. Aroid collectors often struggle with providing enough humidity for their plants and supplying the space it takes to grow monstrously sized varieties. In pursuit of easier to care for compact plants many enthusiasts have stumbled upon the genus Hoya commonly called “Wax Flowers.”
Hoyas get their common name “Wax Flower” from their fleshy succulent-like leaves and flowers. Both the flowers and leaves come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, colors, and fragrances. This vast category of plants hails from tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and islands of the western Pacific. Many varieties are epiphytic in nature meaning they grow on trees. The growth habits among these plants are fairly similar. Most are trailing or climbing. Due to their epiphytic nature, Hoyas thrive in well-draining chunky soil mixes. Oftentimes soils labeled for cactus and succulents are perfect for Hoyas. These mixes allow for sharp drainage and good air circulation around their roots. You can also mix your own soils by adding lava rock, chunky bark and perlite to a peat- or coconut-based potting mix. Hoyas also like to be pot bound. When re-potting only uppot about 2 inches larger in diameter
Hoya
than the root ball.
Tucked under canopies of foliage, Hoyas are usually protected from the hot afternoon sun in tropic regions. Meaning your indoor plant will thrive best in bright indirect light or direct morning sun only. If placing it outdoors for the warm season, a shady spot would be best. If moving them outdoors in the spring, wait until the night temperatures are a minimum of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. From spring to fall allow the soil medium to dry out at least half way down in between good through saturations. When winter arrives, reduce watering frequency as the plant’s growth will have slowed during this time.
To encourage flowering it is recommended to feed your Hoyas monthly through the growing season with a water-soluble fertilizer. Foods with higher phosphorus content (often labeled for orchids) are preferred. Flowers form when plants are mature and nutrients and light levels are ideal. Sometimes cooler night temperatures are necessary to induce flowering. If your plant fails to flower it may be lacking in nutrition or light. Once your plant starts to form a peduncle, avoid moving the plant, and don’t cut off old flowers once they fade. These peduncles will produce flowers for years to come. Their star-shaped clusters of waxy flowers dangle delicately off of vines. Some varieties emit a sweet fragrance with some scents being amplified in the evenings to attract nocturnal pollinators. Flowers may even secrete a sweet sticky nectar.
If your plant appears sticky and there are no flowers present you may have a pest problem. Many sap-sucking pests secrete a “honeydew” as they feed on foliage. Potential pests can include but are not limited to mealybugs, scale insects and aphids. Immediately separate infested plants to prevent spreading to others in the collection. Common remedies include insecticidal soap, neem oil, diluted rubbing alcohol and pyrethrins. Pests are an unfortunate but realistic element to plant collecting.
Among collectors, propagation of plants is very common. It is by far the most economical way to acquire new plants. Hoyas can be easily propagated by stem cutting. When choosing a piece to propagate look for a healthy stem with at least one node (bump where leaves grow) and a few leaves. These cuttings can then
be placed directly in water. Be sure to change the water regularly. Once roots have formed and are several inches long they can be potted into a well-draining soil mixture. You can also propagate your cutting by putting them into a propagation box with a medium such as perlite or sphagnum moss. A propagation box or “prop box” is a sealed, clear container, like a plastic tote or terrarium, used to create a humid, mini-greenhouse environment to root plant cuttings. Once the cuttings are rooted they can be moved to a regular Hoya friendly potting mixture. This is a great way to share hoyas with your friends and family.
When starting a collection it is most satisfying to collect obscure varieties that possess unique features. The following is a curated list to help get your collection started. Happy collecting!
Hoya carnosa ‘compacta’
Hoya carnosa ‘compacta’
Also called ‘rope hoya,’ this hoya has tightly curled, and twisted leaves that look like ropes. When blooming, their pink or white star shaped blooms emit a sweet smell of chocolate. This slow growing but beautiful variety is very drought tolerant. They are displayed best in hanging baskets or on a shelf where their vines can hang freely.
Hoya linearis
A graceful trailing variety. This hoya is known for its long, delicate, fuzzy, needle-like leaves that cascade in soft strands. They produce fragrant white clusters of star-shaped flowers that dangle elegantly.
Hoya serpens
A miniature, trailing variety prized for its tiny, fuzzy, dime sized round leaves. Exhibiting an unusual pale green fuzzy star-shaped flower with a pink center that produces a sweet nectar.
Hoya kerrii
Also known as “Heart Hoya” for its thick and large green heart-shaped leaves. This variety is displayed best growing on a trellis or pole. Cultivars with cream or yellow variegation are also available, however, are harder to find. Blooms are often pink or white and lightly fragrant.
Hoya retusa
A variety with thin, grass-like green foliage on wispy trailing stems. Flowers appear singly rather than in dense clusters like most Hoyas. The white star shaped flowers with red centers emit a light fragrance, especially at night.
Hoya burtoiae
Leaves are almond-shaped, thick, and cardboard-like. They are olive to deep green with a fine velvety texture. When exposed to bright light, the leaf margins or even entire leaves can develop a beautiful reddish-maroon color. Blooms grow in a rounded cluster where individual flowers are more spread out and do not touch each other as much as in other Hoya species.
Hoya kerrii
Hoya kerrii bloom
Hoya linearis
Hoya serpens
Hoya retusa
Hoya burtoiae
Seven Small Flowering Trees and Shrubs that Come to Life on a Warm Winter Day
It takes little effort for me to make my way outside when winter temperatures creep above 50 degrees. The week of Christmas 2025, it was nearly 70 degrees, and I found myself putzing in the yard, picking up sticks, planting a forgotten bag of hyacinth bulbs, removing plant stakes, and planting an Ozark witch hazel (Hamamelis vernalis). The five-gallon plant was bursting with flower buds. A month earlier, it had been glowing with yellow fall leaf color. I can’t wait until later in winter, when the buds begin to swell, split open, and unfurl their fragrant yellow petals.
To me, this ritual bloom never gets old, though this Ozark endemic understory tree has been around much longer than me. Fossil records tell us that Ozark witch hazel made its debut along Ozark stream banks
and gravel bars about 7 to 8 million years ago. It arrived from Asia via the Bering land bridge (now the Bering Sea), a narrow gap between Alaska and Russia that dries up periodically during ice ages. From there, it made its way to the Ozark plateau. It is thought that humans crossed the same land bridge into North America a mere 18,000 years ago.
Fortunately for me, Ozark witch hazel, which can grow 10 to 15 feet tall and wide, will bloom this winter in my backyard, on another balmy day like the one when I planted it. Flies will emerge from their wintery slumber, drawn in (like me) by the intense sweet fragrance of the flowers on warm days. Not just ordinary flies, but dainty winter craneflies (midges), minuscule fungus gnats, plump bristle flies, and shimmering hover flies, as well as bees
SCOTT WOODBURY Horticulturist
and wasps that will (hopefully) appear in search of sugary sustenance; probably feeling like I do on early winter mornings, craving a hot sweet beverage.
But witch hazel isn’t the only late-winter-flowering woody plant. Wind-pollinated smooth alder (Alnus serrulata), hop hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), and hazelnut (Corylus americana bloom in late February and March, producing plum and yellow flowers known as catkins. When mature, the male catkins expand into vibrant, pendulous flowers that look like number two pencils. The tiny plum-colored catkins are female (seed-producing). If you catch pollination at the right moment, you
can see yellow pollen streaming through the air, on a journey to pollinate female catkins on other nearby plants.
Smooth alder is a large shrub or small tree that typically is as wide as it is tall (about 10 x 10 feet). It can grow at the edge of a pond in saturated soils, and is a great addition to large rain gardens. In shade, it has a layered open habit, but in full sun, it is more densely shrubby.
Hop hornbeam is a narrow tree that fits nicely in small urban spaces. It can tolerate limestone (i.e., white gravel and concrete sidewalks) and severe drought. And because it typically reaches a maximum of 25 or 30 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide, it works well as
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. Find suppliers of native plants, seeds, and services at the Grow Native! Resource Guide: www.moprairie.org.
Photos by Scott Woodbury.
Hop Hornbeam
Smooth Alder
a street tree or near power lines. Its fall leaf color is pale yellow.
Hazelnut is a thicket-forming shrub reaching 6 to 8 feet tall and wide that spreads to form dense screens. It tolerates very dry and poor clay soils. Its fall leaf color is apricot and yellow.
Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) and river birch (Betula nigra) bloom next with smaller, less conspicuous catkins. What hornbeam (also known as musclewood) lacks in showy flowers, it more than makes up for in showy, smooth bark, and long, muscle-like horizontal branch es (when grown in full sun). Be sure to give it plenty of room to branch outward (it grows 20 to 25 feet tall and wide), and don’t be surprised if it becomes the favorite climbing tree for children. Its branches are evenly spaced like a ladder.
River birch quickly grows into a medium-sized tree (30 to 50 feet tall), tolerating wet and clay soil conditions. It is often sold in multistemmed clumps and looks fantastic in groves. It has exfoliating, whiteand-tan bark. Unfortunately, it pro duces a dense, shallow root system that is difficult to garden under when mature. Perhaps the best use of this plant is on unmanageable steep slopes. It is also a good choice for poorly drained, low wet areas where turf doesn’t grow.
By the balmy end of winter, my attention is finally drawn to a swarm of insects that inevitably gather on blooming prairie willow (Salix humilus) in March. Its flowers resemble pussy willow, but are on a more manageable 5- to 6-foot-tall twiggy shrub. I cut mine back to the ground every other year (called coppicing) just after they bloom to reduce its height to 3 to 4 feet. Similar to boxwood, it can be sheared into geometric shapes or into a hedge, adding structure to a loosely arranged natural garden. Because entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy tells us that willow is a keystone species (one that supports many species of insects and birds), I like to add one to every garden, and I welcome you to do the same. Happy gardening in 2026!
Hazelnut fall color
Smooth Alder
Prairie Willow
Hornbeam
Prairie Willow flowers
Hunters in Your Backyard, Part 2
You’re enjoying birds jostling for seed at your feeders on a cold day. Suddenly they vanish in a flurry of feathers! Your yard remains eerily abandoned for a while, then birds cautiously venture from cover one by one. What happened? A Cooper’s Hawk came silently searching for a meal. Songbirds must be hypervigilant to survive. Sentinel chickadees and titmice disrupt many hunts with alarm calls and lead the flight to safety. Predators must be patient and persistent to survive. The hawk retreats to a distant branch and waits.
An adult Cooper’s Hawk (COHA) is easily recognized by its slim body, red and white barred chest, black cap, red eyes, long yellow legs, and powerful talons. It wiggles its tail, cat-like, before diving swiftly through the trees to snatch and throttle an unsuspecting cardinal foraging on the ground. Within seconds, the hunter perches to consume its hard-won prize. Other birds are captured in flight! Small mammals like mice and bats supplement the COHA’s bird diet. Brush piles and dense shrubs near feeders protect vulnerable songbirds from predators both avian and mammalian.
COHAs remain here year-round, preferring neighborhoods with mature trees. (In winter, they’re joined by Sharp-shinned Hawks, their smaller, almost identical cousins from the north. “Sharpies” are Blue Jay-sized, while COHAs are crowsized.) Surprisingly, the smaller male does most of the nest building, then switches to hunting while the female incubates one clutch of 3 to 6 eggs. Chicks fledge around 35 days of age and remain dependent on
their parents for a month afterwards. Juvenile COHAs, with yellow eyes and brown streaked breasts, haunt feeders all winter, honing their hunting skills. Even with abundant prey, up to 80% of young raptors won’t survive their first year. According to wildlife rehabilitators, many adult COHAs accumulate unmistakable evidence of their perilous lives (and resilience) in the form of healed bone fractures. They often recover from collisions with trees, but windows, cars, and secondary poisonings (from rodenticides and pesticides ingested by prey) cause many fatalities.
COHAs are familiar to backyard birders, but have you seen the “new kid in town”? Red-shouldered Hawks (RSHAs) are rapidly colo-
nizing cities and suburbs, especially near water. These handsome, vocal hawks share the COHA’s red breast, but have chunkier, more compact bodies, shorter tails, and no black caps. They sometimes hunt birds, but prefer to eat rodents, frogs, grasshoppers, and many snakes! Persistent “kee-ah, kee-ah” calls may alert you to a resident pair. Breeding territories span 100 to 150 acres. High in oaks or other sturdy trees, their nests are often reused for years. Their nesting habits are similar, but young RSHAs remain in the nest about 2 weeks longer than COHA chicks and enjoy parental attention for up to 10 weeks after fledging. Fortunately, both species show stable, gradually increasing populations.
Diurnal or nocturnal, urban rap-
Birding Enthusiast
tors are fascinating to observe. Fearless, deadly, agile hunters and dedicated parents, they’re vital to a functional ecosystem, controlling rodents and culling weakened songbirds. Let’s support them by maintaining intact urban forests and water sources, reducing chemical use, and minimizing disturbance of nesting birds.
This is my final bird column for the Gardener. Instead of “goodbye”, let’s say “au revoir” for now. Thank you for this opportunity to share my love of birds and explore their lives and habits. Please don’t hesitate to join me and other BAS members for birding adventures and educational programs throughout the year. Everyone is welcome.
HAPPY BIRDING!
Elizabeth Stoakes is a past President of Burroughs Audubon Society in Kansas City and has been birding for over 25 years. Please contact BAS via mail@burroughs.org or text/call 816-795-8177 with any birding questions.
ELIZABETH STOAKES
Left top: Red-shouldered Hawk with prey; bottom same without prey
Right top and bottom: Adult Cooper’s Hawk
Photo by Terrance Thompson.
Photo by Ron Billinger.
Photo by VJAnderson, Creative Commons-Share Alike 4.0.
Photo by Renee Grayson, Creative Commons-Share Alike 2.0.
Kansas City Garden Symposium to explore ‘Big Ideas, Smaller Spaces’
Three horticulture experts from impressive public gardens are bringing inspiration and practical experience to the 2026 Kansas City Garden Symposium.
The speakers will suggest how to take public garden ideas and apply them to home gardens. The theme this year is “Big Ideas, Smaller Spaces.”
The date is Saturday, March 21. The Kansas City Garden Symposium returns to the campus of Rockhurst University. Like last spring, it will be presented in a large science lecture hall set up for note taking and interacting with the presenter.
The price for this event remains the same, $99, as long as you sign up by Feb. 28. After that, the ticket price bumps up to $125.
The ticket price includes lunch, offering a wide variety of entrees, salads, soups and desserts at the university cafeteria. There also will be coffee and snacks at breaks.
The final deadline to sign up is Tuesday, March 12, or until sold out.
Gardeners Connect deeply appreciates the generous support of The Kansas City Gardener.
This year’s speakers:
• David Mattern from Chanticleer, a beautiful public garden near Philadelphia, sharing presentations about “Containers That Create Spaces” and “Noteworthy Plants at Chanticleer.”
• Anne Wildeboor, horticulture supervisor at Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Garden, speaking about “What Makes a Garden Pop Each Season?”
• Leslie Hunter, a horticulture manager at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, speaking about “What’s That Doing in a Rose Garden?”
From Chanticleer
David Mattern is the horticultur-
ist at Chanticleer who cares for the Teacup Courtyards and Vegetable Garden. Famed Chanticleer is a 48acre botanical garden in Wayne, Pa., about 30 miles from Philadelphia.
Describing his program “Containers That Create Spaces,” Mattern says at Chanticleer the gardeners are constantly challenging themselves, creating moments in the garden that changes the experience along the journey. The challenge can be how do you rethink the same space every year? Or improve it?
This is where containers are a creative solution.
“A lot of times we think of the plant combinations and container design within the container. That’s the fun stuff. Where you put them is just as important,” he said.
Mattern plans to discuss the bigger picture, looking at how containers create spaces, the feeling of a space, and how containers fit into the greater context of the home and garden.
He also plans to describe “Noteworthy Plants at Chanticleer.” He invites us to take a journey through a season at Chanticleer as he offers his perspective on the iconic plants at Chanticleer. This curated list highlights woody plants, herbaceous annuals and perennials, as well as tropicals for the home gardener. Emphasis will be placed on how these
plants fit within the garden, and how they can be combined with other plants.
“What’s That Doing in a Rose Garden?”
Leslie Hunter is the horticulture manager at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, where she has been since 2015. During this time, Leslie has managed several garden areas, including the Koehn Perennial Border, The Gardeners’ Show House, and the Wells Fargo Rose Garden.
She has been working in public gardens since 1996 since graduating college. Her love of roses began with her first job out of college at the Dallas Arboretum. There she learned firsthand how tough roses truly are. At the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, she honed those skills and incorporated a more organic approach to the care of roses.
Since 2015, when the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden reopened after an extensive renovation, she has been nurturing the Wells Fargo Rose Garden, or as she calls it, the “Garden WITH Roses.” By applying an organic and sustainable approach of interplanting with perennials, bulbs, vines and reseeding annuals, Leslie has created a garden with all-season interest and better overall health for both plants
and people.
During her talk, “What’s That Doing in a Rose Garden?,” she will discuss garden design and touch on layered gardening, companion planting, the blessings and curses of reseeding annuals, and incorporating bulbs into a garden.
She aims to make a rose garden sustainable and attainable.
“Many people I talk to express how they perceive roses as a lot of work. I try to show them that indeed they are only as hard as you want to make them,” Hunter said.
“What Makes a Garden Pop Each Season?”
Anne Wildeboor is the horticultural supervisor at Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Garden. She joined the staff there in 2014 after several years working at Powell Gardens.
She is a K-State University graduate with a degree in agriculture/ horticulture.
There are some very wonderful gardens at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens (and elsewhere, too). What makes them successful? Why do those garden spaces speak to us? Wildeboor plans to discuss what makes a garden cool and desirable and how can we implement those elements into our own gardens.
Anne Wildeboor
Leslie Hunter
David Mattern
Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City presents Spring Fling 2026
This will be our third year for Spring Fling, and we could not be more excited. Over the last two years, Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City (MGGKC) have been reintroducing ourselves to gardeners in the Kansas City area. We highlighted our wonderful community projects, gardens, and partners. The Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs) of MGGKC loved talking about what we do, but we really enjoyed the great gardening questions we received. This year, we decided to say thank you for the support by focusing on you, the families, and gardeners of Kansas City. Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City wants to help you learn to grow as you have helped our outreach grow.
Spring Fling 2026 will feature six demonstration stations, plus plenty of give and take opportunities for gardeners of all ages. Each demonstration has valuable information for adult gardeners, plus fun educational activities for children. Extension Master Gardeners will teach how to propagate plants, make seed tapes, and seed bombs for participants to take home.
Would you like to “Elevate your Gardening?” At this demonstration
station, you will learn how to build a raised bed that fits your budget and size constraints. A new raised bed may be just what you need to grow your own, or even more, healthy produce.
Have you ever wondered what is the best type of container to use in your garden based on cost and functionality? Do you know the secrets of creating a beautiful garden container? Visit our demonstration station “From Strained to Contained” and discover the possibilities for both vegetables and flowers.
Most gardeners love walking down nursery aisles, looking at all the beautiful plants, and imagining their dream garden. Many gardeners may not feel the same excitement walking down the mulch and soil aisles. Which type of mulch or soil best fits your needs? Do not worry, MGGKC can help. Visit our demonstration “The Power of Mulch” to learn about one of the unsung heroes of the garden. Extension Master Gardeners will show you several types of mulch and how each is beneficial for plants. Are you feeling like your hands are too clean from a winter without gardening? Visit our demonstration “The Dirt on Soil” and dig
into our information on soil types and what kind of soil works best for the kind of gardening you want to do. These two demonstrations will help you create the base your beautiful plants need to flourish.
Gardeners may not miss the Japanese Beatles or mosquitoes during the winter months, but many miss the buzzing of bees and flutter of butterfly wings. How do we attract and support these beneficial pollinators to our home gardens? Visit our demonstration “Pollinator Party—Native Plants in Action” to learn about native plants and the important pollinators we need in our gardens. MGGKC will educate gardeners about essential native plants, and how to integrate them into your existing garden spaces.
As gardeners, we often notice every new bloom, monitor our rain gauge, and worry about temperature fluctuations. However, many of us do not think about the key factor for gardening success, the soil. Do we need to add fertilizer? Do the plants have the proper pH or organic matter they need to support their health? How do you find the answer to these questions? Visit our demonstration “Test – Don’t Guess” to learn about
the importance of soil testing, how to take a soil sample, and where to take the soil sample to send in for lab analysis. Bring your soil samples from home, and EMGs will assist you in filling out the form and sending them to the lab.
MGGKC cordially invites you to throw off the winter blues and get the information you need to grow your best garden. We want to share our research-based information on raised beds, containers, mulch, and soil with you. Please join us for Spring Fling on March 7, from 1 pm to 4 pm, at 501 North Dodgion Street in Independence, Mo., next to ReStore. We hope to see you there.
Mark your calendar for our Dig and Divide Plant/Garage Sale on May 2, from 9 am to 3 pm at 501 N. Dodgion St. in Independence, Mo. We will have perennials, annuals, vegetables, herbs, and houseplants for sale, as well as garden items like pots and gardening tools Proceeds from this fundraiser help us continue to provide the classes, events, and programs that help Kansas City learn to grow. For more information on our fundraiser, and all the gardening resources we have to offer, please visit mggkc.org.
Why do we buy and give so many red roses at Valentine’s Day? Why not a yellow tulip or a pink carnation? There are approximately 400,000 species of flowers in the world, many of which are as beautiful as the rose. However, none has become such a timeless symbol of romance.
Red roses may be the quintessential Valentine’s Day flower because of their association with ancient myths, particularly those linking them to Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. In these stories, red roses symbolize passionate, undying love. Another key reason is the era of the Victorians, when “floriography,” or the language of flowers, emerged. During this period, people used flowers to convey emotions that were otherwise discouraged from open expression. Carefully selected arrangements carried hidden meanings, and in floriography, the rose represented love, beauty, creation, faithfulness, and devotion. The deep red color of the rose came to signify strong emotions, desire, and enduring romance. Other rose colors took on meanings such as friendship, innocence, gratitude, and happiness, and even the number of roses sent could carry a message—for instance, a single red rose symbolized love at first sight. Beyond these symbolic meanings, roses are admired for their unique combination of beauty and fragility, making them a perfect metaphor for love: their soft, velvety petals contrast with sharp thorns, reflecting the highs and lows found in relationships.
The commercialization of Valen-
Rose Report Valentine Love is a Rose
Don
tine’s Day during the 19th and 20th centuries further established roses as the quintessential gift of love, often paired with chocolates. With the rise of mass production and global trade, roses became more accessible, which solidified their popularity as the ultimate expression of love. Today’s commercial roses, often lacking strong scent, are grown in greenhouses for their long stems, classic form, and durability for transport.
In contrast, garden roses tend to feature lush, complex blooms with ruffled petals and intense, varied fragrances. Anyone who has explored the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden at Loose Park in Kansas City can observe the remarkable diversity of garden roses. While you won’t typically find these varieties in a floral shop, you can give a meaningful gift by visiting the Kansas City Rose Society website (kansascityrosesociety.org). There,
you can select the “Love is a Rose” program (under the Support tab) to honor a special person with a living tribute—a rose bush planted in their name. Your Valentine will receive a beautiful card and certificate acknowledging your gift and sentiment, and the donation helps purchase roses for the garden.
As part of the KCRS mission to share information about roses and their care, the Rose Library on the website offers details about the varieties we cultivate and nurture in our award-winning garden. Fact sheets on all the aspects of rose care can be found under the Grow Roses tab, and you can ask rose care questions by clicking on Contact Us and choosing Contact a Rose Expert.
In addition to the website resources, we are hosting a public seminar series this spring for anyone interested in growing roses. This five-part series, “Grow Beautiful
Roses with Ease,” begins in March with a class on selecting and planting roses, followed by a session on how to help roses flourish. Subsequent classes address pests and diseases, and, as the annual Rose Show approaches, there will be a class on showing your own roses and rose photos. This session is designed to demystify rose competition and encourage wider participation. The final class is a guided tour of the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden on Rose Day—a family-oriented event in the garden. Consulting Rosarians will demonstrate grooming and pruning techniques, rose identification, and discuss the growing habits of shrubs versus climbers, as well as answer any questions posed by attendees.
Keep an eye on our website for registration details and class locations. You may attend one or all five classes—they are open to the public and free of charge.
FEATURED ROSE
Mister Lincoln is a classic Hybrid Tea rose. This long stemmed beauty opens to 4” velvety blooms of the deepest red with a strong damask fragrance.
GRETCHEN HUEBERT Rosarian
Gretchen Huebert is a member of the Kansas City and American Rose Societies. She chairs the Garden Committee that organizes over 60 volunteer rose groomers in the Loose Park rose garden.
Darcy Bussell buds open slowly to perfect medium-sized blooms of crimson-pink jewel tones that have a fruity scent.
Juan is one of the finest red climbers, producing scores of dark red cupped blooms with a tea/ fruity fragrance.
Photos courtesy of Lauren English.
Photo courtesy of Lauren English.
Upcoming Garden Events
Kansas City Cactus & Succulent Society Sun, Feb 15, 1:30-3:30p; at Trailside Center, 9901 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO. Discussion topic: Understanding and Using Latin Plant Names. We’ll also exchange experiences with our Purple People Eater Aloe Hybrids members received in Nov: our watering schedules, lighting and planting variances, and how they’ve survived during the past three months. We welcome anyone’s attendance. Refreshments will be served.
Kansas City North Garden Club
Wed, Mar 4, 10:30a-noon; at Kansas City North Community Center, 3930 NE Antioch Rd, KCMO 64117. Join us each Wednesday where we will plant seeds, maintain the raised beds and wildflower gardens, DIY craft projects, and hear from special guests from MU Extension and Platte County Master Gardeners. Each member will receive a free tote bag! Contact Kendra Beaver, 816-513-7740; kendra.beaver@kcmo.org
Leavenworth County Master Gardeners Club
Wed, Feb 11, 11a; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Leavenworth County Master Gardener Cara Kruid will discuss “Houseplants: What you need to know about choosing, caring for, and wintering/ summering your houseplants.” The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700.
Leawood Garden Club
Tues, Feb 24, 10:30a; **NEW LOCATION** at Colonial Church at 7039 Mission Rd, Prairie Village KS 66208. Program: Container Gardening, starts at Noon. Speaker: Nancy Savage. Container Gardening is a wonderful way to beautify our landscape or grow delicious food. The possibilities are endless. Enjoy learning the tips and tricks of container gardening. Nancy is a Master Gardener in Sedgwick County.
Olathe Garden & Civic Club
Tues, Feb 17, 1-2:30p; at Grace United Methodist Church, 11485 S Ridgeview Rd, Olathe KS 66061. Free, open to the public. Join us for a special meeting featuring a presentation from Master Gardener Mary Mathew on preparing your garden beds for
planting and soil analysis.
Raytown Garden Club
Tues, Feb 3, 10a; at Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church, 6429 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO 64133. Program will be “Improve the Well-Being of the Earth by Creating an EcoSystem” presented by Garrett Anderson, Owner of Bluestem Habitat Restoration. Guests are always welcome. For more information please check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/RaytownGardenClub
SHOWS | SALES | SYMPOSIUMS
Cultivate KC’s Annual Farmers & Friends Meeting
Sat, Feb 7, 8a-2p; at Delta Athenaeum, 900 Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64109. Brings together local and regional farmers, food activists, and community members to connect and share ideas impacting Kansas City’s urban farming community. The 2026 gathering centers on the theme Growing in Community, focusing on relationship-building, mutual support, and honest conversations about the challenges and rewards of farming. Join us for fellowship, learning, and plenty of pie. Register at https://www.cultivatekc.org/events/2026annual-farmers-friends-meeting/
MGGKC Spring Fling
Sat, Mar 7, 1-4p; at 501 North Dodgion St, Independence, MO next to ReStore. See all details on page 18 of this magazine. mggkc.org
Spring Open House
Mar 17-21, Hrs Tues-Fri 9a-3p, Sat 9a-5p; at Paula’s Petals, 33607 E 199th St (2nd entrance off the main road), Pleasant Hill, MO 64080. All cool crops will be available along with asparagus, onion starts, potato starts, cool weather flowers, herbs and so much more. www.paulas-petals.com
5th Annual Home & Garden Show
Sat, Mar 21, 9a-3p; at Heritage Event & Arts Center, 109 Delaware St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Join us for a fun-filled and informative event! Vendors, shopping, presentations, 50/50 raffle, and door prizes throughout event. 913-682-2122; www. heritagecenter-leavenworth.com
Kansas City Garden Symposium
Sat, Mar 21; at Rockhurst University. Big Ideas, Smaller Spaces. Knowledgable, professional garden designers with
hands-on experience will share their ideas for creating beautiful, interesting garden spaces. Tickets $99 through Feb 28. Visit gardenersconnect.org/symposium.
Big Idea Garden Show
Sat, Mar 21, 9a-3p; at Douglas Co Fairgrounds, 2010 Harper, Lawrence, KS. Presented by Douglas County Extension Master Gardeners. Informative booths, yard and garden vendors, expert speakers, garden garage sale, garden art sale, raffle, food trucks and more. Details at dgemgks. org.
Central Missouri Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale
Sat, Mar 28, 8a-1p; at Master Gardener Greenhouses, 810 Sandstone, Jefferson City, MO. The Central Missouri Master Gardeners are having a spring plant sale. We will be selling cold crops, including lettuces, broccoli, cauliflower, and more. We will also have a selection of early season annuals like pansy, tulip and hyacinth. The sale will be at the Master Gardener Greenhouses in North Jefferson City by the dog park. Service dogs are welcome, but we ask that you leave pets at home or in the dog park.
CLASSES
K-State Garden Hour Webinar: Honey Bee Colony Management and Key Floral Resources in Kansas Wed, Feb 4, Noon-1p. FREE, virtual Webinar. Honeybee behavior is influenced by the seasons and the availability of flowering plants. Beekeepers must perform various tasks throughout the year to raise healthy and productive colonies. Join Ryan Engel, Golden Prairie District Horticulture Agent, to learn more about standard beekeeping management practices and essential food sources for honeybees in Kansas. Go to hnr.k-state.edu to find the registration page for K-State Garden Hour.
Victory Gardens
Thurs, Feb 5, 11:30a; at WYCO Extension Office, 1208 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Presented by Alleen VanBebber, Johnson County Master Gardener. These gardens were a reality that captured our entire nation and upon which the government, our military, and those at home depended while we fought two world wars. Charge: Free to Master Gardeners, $10 Charge to everyone else.
Seed Starting
Thurs, Feb 5, 6:30-7:30p; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS 66047. Learn how to start your own seeds, what seeds work best to start indoors, and when to start them. Typically, we focus on starting annuals and vegetables from seed. FREE but space is limited, RSVP 785-842-3081.
Healing Gardens with Native Plants: Curious by Nature webinar
Thurs, Feb 5, 12-1p. Registration required (adults) [www.deeproots.org/curious-bynature] Whether you’re designing for a school courtyard, senior living community, or your own backyard refuge, this webinar offers practical guidance for creating landscapes that restore and regenerate. Join Deep Roots and Maria Landoni, founder of SUR Landscape Architecture, as we explore how native plants create therapeutic spaces that heal both people and ecosystems. Discover design principles for healing gardens that support your wellbeing as well as that of your local fauna and stick around for the live Q&A where you can ask your native gardening and therapeutic design questions.
Winter
Wonders: Native Landscape Chat
Fri, Feb 6, 1-2p; at Anita B Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110. Registration required: www.deeproots.org/guided-nature-tour (ages 12+) Winter is in full swing and yet there’s life abound in the landscape! Join Deep Roots and Missouri Department of Conservation for our monthly garden walk. Winter is a great time to plan your native garden, and this walk is a great opportunity to have your native gardening questions answered by the experts.
DIY Native Gardening: Planting for Success
Sat, Feb 7, 11a-1p; at Anita B Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110. Registration required: www.deeproots.org/get-involved (adults) Winter is the perfect time to plan your native gardens before spring arrives. Join Cydney Ross of Deep Roots as she leads you through a crash course on planning (and planting!) your native gardens for success. Learn the fundamentals of native gardening in this in-person presentation. Topics include selecting the right plants, designing with intent, how to remove your lawn, and seasonal garden maintenance
Upcoming Garden Events
practices. Following the presentation, meet local native plant nurseries and experts who can aid you in your native garden plans!
Houseplants
Thurs, Feb 12, 6:30-7:30p; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS 66047. Learn what plants work in what type of situations and how to care for them. FREE but space is limited, RSVP 785-842-3081.
Dig Your Dinner: Perfect Plums and Peaches
Wed, Feb 18, noon-1p; Virtual. Learn how to grow peaches and plums at home with Anthony Reardon, Horticulture – Small Farms agent, and Chelsea King, Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health agent. They’ll share practical tips for planting, harvesting, and storing these fruits, along with their nutritional benefits. www.johnson.kstate.edu; then click on Classes and Events to register.
Wilder by Design: Hacks for Habitat Four-Part Series
Wed, Feb 18, 6:30-8p, Virtual. From planting to thriving–design your space for wildlife, community and resilience. Want to see more bees, birds and butterflies in your yard? Find out what it takes in this series. Geared for those interested in gardening with native plants. While focused on typical urban/suburban-sized lots, the principles are applicable to any size landscape. Join Anna Graether, board member of The Resilient Activist, Extension Master Naturalist and Deep Roots KC Nature Adviser as she guides you through preparing, planning, planting and maintaining a native landscape. Dates are Feb 18, Mar 4, Mar 18 and Apr 15. Sessions will be recorded and shared with registrants. A donation of $10 per session is requested. Register for each session separately at theresilientactivist.org/events.
Edible Native Landscapes: Curious by Nature webinar
Thurs, Feb 19, 12-1p; Registration required [www.deeproots.org/curious-bynature] (adults) Growing native foods is a delicious, sustainable practice that connects us to nature. Discover the beauty and benefits an edible landscape provides at Prairie Birthday Farm in Kearney, MO. Meet farm steward, Linda Hezel, who transformed a degraded fescue lot into a thriving farm where science, art, and food
converge. Stick around for the live Q&A where you can ask your native edible plant questions.
Beginning Vegetable Garden
Thurs, Feb 19, 6:30-7:30p; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS 66047. Learn how to start a simple and manageable vegetable garden. FREE but space is limited, RSVP 785842-3081.
Produce Safety in the Home Garden
Tues, Feb 24, 6p; at Johnson County KState Research and Extension, 11811 S Sunset Dr, Olathe, KS 66061. Join Anthony Reardon, Horticulture – Small Farms Extension Agent, for Produce Safety in the Home Garden. Learn how to keep your fruits and vegetables safe from contamination while growing, harvesting, and handling them. This session covers clean harvest practices, proper tool sanitation, and post-harvest handling techniques to ensure your produce stays fresh and safe. $3.00 www.johnson.k-state.edu; then click on Classes and Events to register.
Vegetable Gardening Cold Crops
Thurs, Feb 26, 6:30-7:30p; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS 66047. How to grow cold season vegetable (think broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, potatoes, kale). Which ones depends on a vote from the workshop attendees. FREE but space is limited, RSVP 785-842-3081.
Seed Blocking
Thurs, Mar 5, 11:30a; at Sunflower Room, Wy Co Extension Office, 1208 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Presented by Jane McDonald, Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardener. Soil blocking is a method of starting flower or vegetable seeds in individual soil blocks. Seeds grown with this method tend to be more vigorous and more resilient during transplanting. The increased oxygen between blocks “air prunes” the roots, which prevents them from becoming root-bound and reduces the risk of transplant shock. A demonstration will be given. Pre-registration is not required. A $10 (cash or check) class fee will be collected at the door.
Seed Starting: Peppers, Broccoli, Greens
Sat, Mar 7, 11a; at Vinland Valley Nursery, 1606 N 600 Rd, Baldwin City, KS 66006. At this workshop you will learn all about
starting 8 week vegetables. VVN staff will show you all the steps to give your seeds the best start possible, along with tips on how to care for them as they grow. Mix and match a tray of 24 pots from the seed selection provided. $30 per person. Base price includes potting supplies and a dome, plus a variety of seeds to choose from. Additional potting supplies and premium seeds available, priced per piece. 785.594.2966, vinlandvalleynursery.com.
Beginning Beekeeping Classes
Sat, Mar 14, 8:30a-4:30p; at Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1216 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. The class will be repeated on Mar 21, at the Johnson County Extension Office, 11811 S Sunset Dr, Olathe, KS 66061. Classes will be given by experienced beekeepers from the Northeastern Kansas Beekeepers Association. Topics will cover everything you need to know to start beekeeping in NE KS. The $50 registration fee includes snacks, beverages, and lunch. Visit http://www.nekba.org for more details and registration.
Cactus & Succulent Class
Mar 13, 14 & 15, 9-11a; at Paula’s Petals, 33607 E 199th St (2nd entrance off the main road), Pleasant Hill, MO 64080. Learn how to propagate and grow several kinds of cactus and succulents. $8 per person. Indoor/outdoor event dress for the weather. This is a single class so you get to choose which class you would like to attend. You must sign up for this class. Just pick the date. Call Paula 816-929-0522 or paulaspetals2022@gmail.com, www. paulas-petals.com
farmers who pledge to meet high standards for growing plants and mushrooms, beekeeping and raising animals. Sign up for weekly farm shares, buy transplants for your garden and get the freshest early spring products our region has to offer!
Healthy Yards Expo 2026
Apr 11, at Shawnee Civic Centre in Shawnee. FREE. Learn simple, eco-friendly lawn and garden practices through educational seminars, expert advice, and interactive activities.
Overland Park Arboretum Plant Sale
Apr 23-26. Johnson County Extension EMGs will be on hand to assist and answer questions.
Thyme for Kids Plant Sale
Apr 24-25, Cornerstones of Care, Ozanam Campus Greenhouse, 421 E 137th St, KCMO 64145
Paola Spring Plant Sale
April 23, 24, 25, at Miami County Fairgrounds Bldg #2, 401 Wallace Park Dr, Paola, KS. Features pesticide-free locally grown plants. In addition to the usual selection of butterfly host plants, pollinator flowers and native perennials, there will be ornamental annuals, perennials, herbs, succulents, hanging baskets, and veggies.
Wy Co EMG Plant Sale
May 1 and 2; at the Wildcat Room of the Wy Co Extension Office, 1200 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Annual flowers, and vegetables, herbs and perennials grown by the EMGs, will be featured.
Central Missouri MG Plant Sale
Utilizing A.I. in the Garden
Thurs, Apr 2, 11:30a; at Sunflower Room, Wy Co Extension Office, 1208 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Presented by Dylan Parsley, Wyandotte County Extension Horticulture Agent. Join us for this hands-on workshop that introduces learners to practical ways Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) can support garden and crop planning.
Eat Local & Organic Expo
Sat, Apr 4, 9a-1p; at Lenexa Old Town Activity Center (9301 Pflumm Rd, Lenexa, KS 66215). Kick off farmers market season at the Eat Local & Organic Expo! Shop with more than 30 KC Food Circle
May 2 and 3; at Master Gardener Greenhouses, 810 Sandstone, Jefferson City, MO. We are selling plants, including tomatoes, peppers and hanging baskets, perennials, including natives.
EMG of Platte County Plant Sale
May 2 and 3; at Greenhouse behind Northland Career Center, 1801 Branch St, Platte City, MO. 1000’s of Native, Annual and Perennial Plants, Herbs, Tomatoes and Peppers.
List garden events, club meetings, plant sales, and more for FREE!
Send details to: elizabeth@kcgmag.com
Deadline for the March issue is February 10.
GARDEN CALENDAR
February list of what to do in the garden.
LAWN
• Rake fallen leaves carried by the wind into the yard to prevent suffocation.
• Review lawn service contracts and make changes.
• Tune-up and repair lawnmowers before the spring rush.
• Avoid damage to the grass. Keep foot traffic to a minimum when soil is frozen.
FLOWERS
• Check fall-planted perennials and water if needed.
• Watch for frost heaving of tender perennials. Push back into soil and water.
• Replenish winter protective mulch around hybrid tea roses, protecting the graft.
• Check bulbs in storage for decay and discard.
• Prepare orders for mail.
• Start seeds for transplanting.
• Obtain a soil test and make needed improvements.
TREES AND SHRUBS
• Check for rabbit damage on young trees and shrubs.
• Water fall-planted trees and shrubs.
• Water evergreens if the soil is dry and not frozen.
• Apply dormant oil for control of scales and mites.
• Begin spring pruning on warm days.
• Delay pruning spring-flowering trees and shrubs until after bloom; enjoy the full flowering effect.
• Force twigs of spring shrubs into blooming indoors, adding a splash of color.
• Remove snow carefully from limbs with a broom.
VEGETABLES AND FRUITS
• Create garden layouts to assist with the planning process.
• Order seeds.
• Obtain a soil test and make needed improvements.
• Start broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage transplants.
• Prune apple, pear, and cherry trees.
• Prune peach and nectarines just prior to bloom time.
• Select varieties and order new fruit trees.
• Check for rabbit and rodent damage on trees.
• Apply manure or compost to garden areas and incorporate for soil improvement.
• Prepare garden soil for early planting.
• Avoid working the soil when wet.
• Check stored seeds and discard old supply.
• Prune grapes, raspberries, and blackberries.
• Jumpstart the compost bin. Turn and add water.
INDOOR PLANTS
• Rotate plants in sunlight to produce a balanced plant.
• Withhold fertilization until spring light arrives.
• Check plants for insects, mites, and other problems.
• Remove dust from plants by placing them in the shower under room temperature water.
• Give a plant to a friend for a winter pick-me-up.
• Repot root-bound plants in a 1-inch larger pot.
• Take cuttings of plants to make new ones for friends.
• Shape plants for spring growth to produce a more balanced and attractive plant.
K-State Extension, Johnson County 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. Markis Hill is the horticulture agent for K-State Extension, Johnson County. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.
Nature, Science, and Garden Design Symposium
The Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardeners (MdC EMG) are hosting their biennial symposium on Saturday, February 28, with doors open at 8:30 a.m. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/53hk3y7c – advanced registration is required and closes on Feb. 13, so act now!
The full day symposium will cover need-to-know garden topics, starting in the morning with sciencebased sessions on both soil and water. The afternoon sessions will then delve into the practical application of sound gardening principles. Leading the symposium sessions are four superb specialists, sharing their expertise to provide you with deeper understanding and know-how to grow better.
Start off with MdC EMG Lenora Larson leading you on a Safari into your garden’s soil to maximize plant health. Lenora is a proud “science geek” with a degree in microbiology from Michigan State University,
a career in molecular biology, and a life-long interest in wildlife. She writes for several publications and is a frequent presenter to gardening and nature groups. Your safari with Lenora will bring you to understanding the “why” of horticultural practices that improve soil health.
Next, you’ll be guided from Water Worry to Water-wise with Dr. Jonathan Aguilar, K-State Professor and State Irrigation Specialist. Along with his expertise in water management, particularly in limited irrigation strategies, soil and plant sensing technologies, improved irrigation management practices, and water assessment, Jonathan has been involved in multidisciplinary research projects here and abroad.
In the afternoon, you’ll explore Natural Elements in Garden Design with Kristopher Dabner, President and Creative Director of The Greensman, Inc. Kristopher combines design and energy to create
Hotlines for Gardeners
Extension Master Gardeners are ready to answer all your gardening questions.
CASS COUNTY
816-380-8194; Wed, 9am-noon; casscomg@gmail.com
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
JOHNSON COUNTY, MO
660-747-3193; Wed, 9am-noon
LEAVENWORTH COUNTY
913-364-5700; Leave a message. A Master Gardener will contact you.
MIAMI COUNTY & LINN COUNTY
913-294-4306; Thurs, 8am-noon
WYANDOTTE COUNTY
913-299-9300; Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm
QUESTIONS ABOUT ROSES?
Ask a Rose Expert; rosehelp@kcrosesociety.org; www.kansascityrosesociety.org
unique gardens for clients across the region, taking a full-picture approach and incorporating plans for the future environment. Kristopher’s designs have been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Country Gardens, Kansas City Home Design, KC Magazine, and the Kansas City Star. Your exploration with Kristopher includes real-world examples from the Kansas City region to inspire unique gardens that can work for you and reflect your own personal style.
In the final session, Anne Wil-
deboor, Horticulture Supervisor for the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, will take you through Informed Plant Selection and Placement. Anne, a K-State graduate, has spent the majority of her career in public horticulture, including over a decade at the OP Arboretum, where she is responsible for plant design and selection, greenhouse production, and maintenance of all display gardens. Anne is a frequent presenter to gardening groups and contributor to gardening publications. You’ll get to see Anne’s examples of the mantra, “right plant, right place,” as she provides useful explanations of successful (and unsuccessful) plant selections.
The Nature, Science, and Garden Design symposium will be presented by the MdC EMG on Sat, Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Town Square Events, 15 West Wea Street, Paola, Kan. Visit MdC EMG on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mdcemg.
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Water is a natural element with alluring design potential.
Terrarium & Fairy Garden
Create something magical this February at our Terrarium & Fairy Garden Workshops. Visit suburbanlg.com for event info. Workshops
Love
Warm your hearts with our huge selection of blooming tropical flowers and colorful indoor plants.
Birds of Winter
Bird feeding is especially magical in late winter. Encourage more visitors by offering the right foods in squirrelresistant feeders— available in-store and online, along with resources and advice for this colorful winter
