KCG Jan24

The Kansas City

GARDENER January 2024 | kcgmag.com

Houseplants in Bloom Clay-Loving Plants for Landscaping | Kids Ask Dr. Bug Rose Report | Ask the Experts | 8th Annual Garden Symposium

editor’s notes

The Kansas City

GARDENER Independently owned and operated since 1996 PUBLISHER Michael Cavanaugh

If you can dream it ...

EDITOR Elizabeth Cavanaugh

Anyone who thinks that gardening begins in the spring and ends in the fall is missing the best part of the whole year. For gardening begins in January with the dream. ~Josephine Nuese

CONTRIBUTORS Glenn Hodges Dennis Patton Tamra Reall Anthony Reardon Jessica Sharp Scott Woodbury

F

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

or some reason, I’m up earlier than usual this day. I head downstairs, start coffee, then down to the laundry room to sing a “good morning” song to my cats.

Colors of the rising sun paint the eastern sky, and I’m hopeful that the forecasted “mostly sunny” day will come to pass. It’s been mostly cloudy the last few days, and I need a heavy-duty dose of sunshine.

Coffee in hand, I stand at the front window pondering the early winter landscape. Except for the boxwood, holly and arborvitae in their evergreen coats, the garden is mostly brown, naked, and fast asleep. Of course, there is plenty of action below the soil as earthworms and root systems continue doing what they do.

Now that the frenzy of the holidays has passed and the pace has slowed, I’m able to breathe in the garden’s solitude, it’s peaceful state. These are the times I get comfortable and dream of what is possible in my garden.

With paper and pencil, I sketch the garden as it is … or at least as I remember. From there I contemplate “what-ifs.” What if I planted a mass of begonia to edge the street; it seems to do well in areas near parking lots. What if we moved all

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and inspire you to realize your own garden dream.

Based upon the number of notices I have received, there seems to be no shortage of garden-related events. In fact, they are increasing.

From club meetings and workshops to rose programs and symposiums, it appears that gardeners are opening their doors a little wider to rebuild their social network. Like many, I am grateful that we continue to work our way through this post-COVID period of time.

So let’s support local. Local clubs. Local garden centers. Local events. Let’s get together and learn together. Let 2024 reveal your best garden dream yet.

I’ll see you in the garden!

In this issue

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE See details on page 19.

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

of the peonies to a sunny location in the back, and replaced them with Missouri evening primrose, a Kansas native.

What if I went completely crazy and (with an unlimited budget) renovated the entire front garden to be pollinator-friendly? Of course, I would include plants that attract beneficial insects. The wish would be to have multitudes of bees, butterflies and birds. What a scene that would be, and imagine the impact!

What are your dreams for your garden? Do you take time to contemplate its potential? Have you wondered about creating a plot for growing your own vegetables? Or how about a fruit tree? Wouldn’t your neighbors be impressed with your passion for pollinators? Maybe it’s ferns and hosta that fill your dream garden.

If dreams are scant and ideas are big question marks over your head, you might need a little inspiration.

If you have no clue where to start, don’t panic. You’ve come to the right place.

Within these pages are experts willing to share their knowledge with you every month. Within these pages are invitations to attend a class, workshop, or garden-related event that will whet your appetite

January 2024 | kcgmag.com 4 5 6 8 10 13

Ask the Experts Arborist Tree Talk Kids Ask Dr. Bug Rose Report Houseplants in Bloom MDC Events

14 16 17 18 19 19

Clay-Loving Native Plants Gardening By Design Symposium Upcoming Garden Events Garden Calendar Dormant Fruit Tree Care Subscribe

About the cover: Bromeliad Guzmania lingulata makes a warm addition to any home or office space.

Learn about more houseplants in bloom beginning on page 10.

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January 2024 | kcgmag.com

YOUR HOME FOR HAPPY AND HEALTHY

HOUSEPLANTS! A tropical oasis awaits you in our warm greenhouses. Navigate through a robust selection of classic houseplants in a variety of sizes, plus discover new favorites in our Rare and Exotic sections.

Shop our unmatched selection of pottery to add that final touch to your new find.

OVERLAND PARK, KS | SHAWNEE, KS | LIBERTY, MO The Kansas City Gardener | January 2024

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HOW TO SPEED UP LEAF BREAKDOWN Question: I chopped up my yard leaves and put them in the garden as mulch. How can I make them break down faster?

Dennis’ Answer: Think about the leaves in the garden as if they were in a compost bin. The two

Dieback in small shrubs like this boxwood, is likely due to insufficient winter watering.

Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota Extension.

KNOW HOW AND WHEN TO WATER TREES AND SHRUBS IN WINTER Question: I lost some boxwoods last winter because it was so dry. If we have another dry winter, how much water should I put on my trees and shrubs using a five-gallon bucket? I don’t want to have to drag out my garden hose.

Dennis’ Answer: Hose dragging is never fun, especially in winter when they are less flexible in the cold. Plants can be watered anytime during winter as long as the ground is not frozen, and the temperatures are above freezing. It does not matter if it freezes after applied.

If you have read my column before, you know I like “rules of thumb.” This is my rule of thumb for smaller shrubs like boxwood: slowly apply five gallons of water starting at the base of the plant and water several feet around the plant.

Water about once a month for newly established plants. Bigger plants may need a second five gallons.

Young trees, less than five years in the ground, need about five to ten gallons of water for every one inch or so of trunk diameter. Like the shrubs, start at the base and slowly soak the soil out and beyond the drip line.

Usually, this amount is enough to hydrate the root zone. Soil dries slower in the winter. If there is ample snowfall or rain, winter watering may be unnecessary.

Evergreens that succumb to winter drought usually don’t die until the spring growing season. At that point, it is a goner, so it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Photo courtesy of K-State Reseqrch and Extension.

Ask the Experts

Vegetable garden soil prep includes vegetation removal like the method pictured here: a pinned plastic tarp. driving factors for quick breakdown are ample moisture and a constant food supply for the microorganisms that create the compost.

Keep the leaves and soil moist by watering as needed throughout the winter. The next trick is to feed the microbes. Dry leaves have little or no nutrients, so sprinkle a little fertilizer over the leaves and water generously. This combination of feeding lightly and keeping moist is the secret to success. If the leaves remain dry come spring, you will still have chopped leaves instead of compost to enrich the soils for healthy plants.

VEGGIE GARDEN PLANNING TIPS Question: I’m beginning to

plan my vegetable garden for this spring. Any tips on what I should aim to do or what I should aim to avoid?

Anthony’s Answer: One of the first steps you should take when planning a vegetable garden after choosing which plants to grow is to note where your various plants grew last year. Pests and diseases that favor those plants could still be present in those spots within the garden. For this reason, rotating your plants to a new location away from those problems is recommended and preferred.

Remember, the new plant in that garden should not be related to the old one. Abide by this rule, and the pests are much more likely to die

away than persist.

Crop rotation aside, remember that it can be very easy to overplant a vegetable garden and then have poorly performing plants. Look to the fully-grown size of the variety of plants you choose and allocate space accordingly. Note how often irrigation and fertilization will be required with the sizes of those plants. While all vegetable gardens should be planted in full sun if one crop is going to shade out another, consider not planting them next to each other.

SOIL PREP FOR A BEGINNER VEGETABLE GARDEN Question: I will start a vegetable garden from scratch this spring. Is there anything I can do to prepare my garden area now?

Anthony’s Answer: After selecting an area for a new garden, your first and most prominent tasks will be removing other forms of vegetation from the location and optimizing the soil composition.

For vegetation removal, tilling and smothering of the current plants will often be required. While the tilling component to this should be left for when the ground thaws, the smothering can be accomplished now by covering the plants with a pinned plastic tarp or burying them in mulch.

If you do not mind using herbicides, these can also be utilized once the growing season resumes.

Apply them to green growth as it reappears in the tilled soil. Repeating this, you will starve the carbohydrate reserves within the root systems.

While fall is the preferred time to make soil amendments to a vegetable garden, you can still perform a soil test now to know where your pH and nutrients stand and what amendments may be necessary.

Applying these amendments now will still be more effective than going without, even with less time to incorporate into the soil.

DENNIS PATTON |Horticulture Agents | ANTHONY REARDON Dennis and Anthony are the horticulture agents for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension, each specializing in ornamentals and edible crops, respectively. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.

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January 2024 | kcgmag.com

Master Arborist Plans Tree Talk Gardeners Connect Speaker Series

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n January, let’s discuss trees – how to care for them and the best ones to select – by taking notice of how trees do it on their own, without a homeowner’s care.

Matt Evans, master arborist with Ryan Lawn and Tree, plans to talk about “Growing Trees as Mother Nature Intended.”

The program is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, at the Merriam Community Center, 6040 Slater St., Merriam, KS 66202. It is across the street from Ikea, which is east of I-35 between Johnson Drive and Shawnee-Mission Parkway.

Evans will cover many basics related to tree care, including mulching, pruning, selection and planting. He has his own unique take on the broad subject. He will compare how trees grow naturally versus how we grow trees in a home lawn setting.

By the end of the presentation, he says you should have a better understanding of what you can do to help your trees thrive from a health and structure standpoint.

Come prepared to engage with Evans during this presentation. He plans to ask the audience questions related to the subject.

Evans has been with Ryan Lawn and Tree for 28 years. Born and raised in Lenexa, Kan., he began working for a lawn and landscape

Matt Evans, master arborist with Ryan Lawn and Tree company when he was 14 years old.

When he turned 16, he worked for Family Tree Nursery. He attended K-State University, studying horticulture with an emphasis on nursery management. After college, he joined Ryan Lawn and Tree.

Over the years at Ryan Lawn and Tree, he has been an arborist in the company’s Plant Health Care Department, Pruning Department, Pruning Sales, and claims administration for Imperialis damage.

Now he is director of arboricultural training. He helps employees grow in their careers through education.

He is a board-certified master arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture and a Registered Consulting Arborist with the American Society of Consulting Arborists. He, his wife and son live in Lenexa.

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The Kansas City Gardener | January 2024

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Kids Ask Dr. Bug Photo by Tamra Reall.

about the curious things found in the garden There are yellow, orange, and red ladybugs; are they all actually ladybugs?

Yes, they are all part of the ladybug family! Ladybugs, also called ladybirds, belong to a big beetle family. Ladybugs are oval-shaped and can be yellow, orange, or red like what you have found. They can also be gray, black, brown, or even pink! Sometimes they have spots, but not always. So, if you see a little beetle with an oval body and different colors like yellow, orange, or red, it might just be a ladybug, even if it doesn’t have spots. Ladybugs come in lots of beautiful colors!

Why can bugs and spiders live inside our house during winter, but there aren’t any insects outside in the cold?

Think of our homes as cozy hideouts for insects and spiders during winter! Just like we find our houses warm and comfy, these critters seek refuge from the freezing cold outside. Those who come indoors may not be built to be active outside in the chilly temperatures, so they move inside where it’s warm and there’s food. Our homes offer refuge for them to stay snug until it gets warmer outside. You might be happy to know that not all arthropods can survive the winter indoors because our homes are usually too dry for them.

Common arthropods that come inside are nonnative ladybugs, stink bugs, or spiders. If you find them indoors, you can gently scoop them up and release them back outside. Or you can use a vacuum.

But watch out—some insects, like stink bugs, can give off a funky smell if vacuumed up! Also, after cleaning, remember to empty the vacuum and take out the trash to keep these uninvited guests from returning!

Two different ladybugs: a nonnative multicolored ladybug (top right) and a native ladybug (bottom left).

How do insects survive when it gets so cold or warm in the same week?

Insects are experts at handling changing weather. As fall and winter arrive, some insects enter a dormant stage called diapause, almost like hibernation, to prepare to survive harsh conditions. Many insects rely on light to let them know what season we are in, rather than the temperature because it can change so much during our winters.

So, even if it warms up for a day or two, they will stay in their dormant stage. Other insects can adjust to the changing temperatures and emerge or become active as the weather is

TAMRA REALL Horticulture Specialist 6

January 2024 | kcgmag.com

favorable. Still, others do not survive when it gets cold enough, so they die off for the winter. Then, either their offspring emerge in the spring, or others of their species migrate here from southern climates as the weather warms up here. Insect abilities to change behaviors, life stages, and even body functions help them handle changing weather without skipping a beat.

How does climate change affect bugs?

Climate change affects insects in some big ways. Because of their short lifespans, many insects are super adaptable, but even they struggle when things get too out of whack. With the changing weather patterns, insects might have to move around more to find food and the right conditions to live in. Unfortunately, some insects can end up causing problems by moving into new places where they shouldn’t be, like invasive pests crashing in where they don’t belong and eating plants we don’t want them to eat.

Brown marmorated stink bugs and Japanese beetles are examples of invasive pests.

You know how some insects and plants work together, such as bees and butterflies that pollinate flowers that create fruit? Well, the changing climate can affect that, too. Pollinators and their favorite flowers might not sync up like they used to, meaning flowers might bloom before the bees or butterflies have emerged to pollinate them. It’s like they’re playing different tunes in a band and it gets confusing!

This is a big issue, and it will take a lot of cooperation between governments, corporations, and organizations. However, we can help!

Planting more flowers is awesome because it gives pollinators more food and we get more beautiful

flowers. Using IPM (that’s Integrated Pest Management, a fancy term for controlling pest insects without using too many chemicals) is very helpful too for the survival of beneficial predators who capture pests, so we don’t have to. Turning off lights at night is good because it helps insects that rely on the stars, moon, or Milky Way at night to navigate. So, creating more bugfriendly places for insects to live is a win-win. We can make a difference by helping our arthropod friends adapt to a changing world!

What’s something strange about insects?

One incredibly unusual thing about insects is their diversity in communication. While many insects use sounds to communicate, some have really unique methods.

For instance, treehoppers communicate by vibrating stems, honey bees dance to tell their sisters where to find the best nectar and pollen, and fireflies use light to attract mates. Also, many insects use pheromones, which are like special perfumes, to signal danger, attract partners, or create trails to find food and their way home. Their communication methods are exceptionally diverse and fascinating, showing just how creative nature can be!

Did you know that there is a Kids Ask Dr. Bug video series? Check it out! https://bit.ly/KADBvideos Do you have questions for Dr. Bug? Send them to ReallT@Missouri. edu or https://bit.ly/KidsAskDrBug. Please include your name and age.

To help me learn what you learn from this column, consider filling out this survey: https://bit.ly/ KidsAskDrBugSurvey.

Dr. Tamra Reall (@MUExtBugN Garden) is the horticulture specialist for MU Extension in Jackson County. For free, research-based gardening tips, call 816-833-TREE (8733), email mggkc.hotline@gmail.com, or visit www.extension2.missouri.edu.

Discuss how to add

artistic Flair

to your gardens through innovative use of plants, wise plant selection, and the contemplative embrace of native flora!

Symoposium Speakers Irvine Ettiene

Horticulturalist and garden designer at The Garden at Newfields at the Indianapolis Museum of Art

MIDWEST

MOXIE

John Porter

AAS judge, ex-Nebraska Extension educator and Garden Professors blog contributor

Saturday, March 16 @ Rockhurst University Julie Copley

Conservationist who led the transformation of the Susan Lordi Marker Native Plant Garden at Powell Gardens, showcasing the beauty of our region’s flora and formalized landscape design

Holding the line on price again – $99 for six lectures, including lunch

Garden Design Workshop Friday, March 15 University instructor Lisa Nunamker will lead a class on “The Garden Room Method.”

Susie Van de Reit

St. Louis garden designer who focuses on native plants Presented by

The Neighborhood Tourism and Development Fund of Kansas City, Mo., is helping fund the 2024 Symposium.

For more info and to register

GardenersConnect.org/Symposium The Kansas City Gardener | January 2024

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January Rose Report

tips on maintenance and new varieties Photos by Glenn Hodges.

A

lthough there is not much happening in the rose garden in January, there are several important tasks to complete. Roses need about one inch of moisture a month in the winter.

If we don’t receive sufficient rain or snow, drag out the hoses on a warm, sunny afternoon and water your roses. The mulch that was applied in November to protect your roses will settle and shift in the wind. Additional mulch may be needed to maintain a covering of 8 to 12 inches. While settled in for an evening, look at rose catalogues and plan for new additions to your garden.

Did you ever wonder how we get those beautiful new varieties of roses each year? Most are the result of work by amateur and professional rose breeders. It is estimated that only one in 10,000 rose seeds produces a plant of commercial value.

From the time a promising seedling is identified, it takes 7 to 10 years before it is ready to be introduced into commerce. To produce enough plants for commerce, rose are propagated by rooting cuttings or grafting bud wood onto a root stock.

“Own root roses” are produced by starting new plants from stem cuttings from “mother” or “stock” plants. It takes 6 to 8 weeks for a cutting to root. “Own root roses” can be purchased in small pots called bands. These plants need to be grown in a gallon or larger pot for a season before planting in the garden. “Own root roses” can also be purchased in gallon pots. Although these plants can be planted directly into the garden, they often benefit from growing in a larger pot for a season. The main advantage of “own root roses” is that if they die back in the winter new growth will be true to the variety planted.

One disadvantage it that the plants are small and need extra time/care

April 11, the miniflora ‘RBG’ bud wood starting to swell (grow) after grafting onto root stock.

grafted onto a rose that will become the root stock for the new plant. This is usually done late in the growing season, but before the plant goes dormant for the winter. As the plant shows signs of waking up in the spring, the top of the root stock plant is removed. The only bud wood left is the graft. That bud wood will grow into a plant of the desired variety on Typical appearance of ‘Dr. Huey’ root stock after the roots of the failure of a graft. root stock plant.

Two-year fieldto be productive. grown grafted Most roses in commerce are plants are strong and vigorous. propagated by grafting. Buds from They are available online as bare a “mother” or “stock” plants are root plants to be planted in March

GLENN HODGES Master Rosarian 8

January 2024 | kcgmag.com

June 19, the miniflora rose ‘RBG’ first bloom on new growth. in our area or potted plants available at local garden centers starting in late April. The graft needs to be protected from our late winter and spring freeze thaw cycles by planting the graft at least two inches below the soil line and covered with mulch for winter protection. If the plant dies back in the winter, the resulting new growth will be from the root stock. ‘Dr. Huey,’ a once blooming, red climbing rose, is the most common root stock used by commercial growers for roses in our area. So, if the repeat blooming yellow rose you planted is now a once blooming red rose, you know why!

Further information about rose care can be found at kansascityrosesociety.org; information about roses grown in the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden in Kansas City, MO can be found at kcrsroselibrary.com; and questions about roses or rose culture can be sent to kcrosehelp@gmail.com.

Glenn is an Extension Master Gardener in Johnson County, KS, an American Rose Society (ARS) Master Rosarian, and an ARS Accredited Horticulture Judge. He has been growing roses in Lenexa, KS since 1974 and successfully exhibiting roses since 1998.

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January Planting Dates

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SERVING THE KANSAS CITY AREA FOR 30 YEARS

8th Annual Garden Symposium

Gardening by Design

Inspirations:

Why Do You Garden?

February 17th, 2024 9:00 to 3:45 Registration Opens at 8:30 Living Proof Church 32401 Harmony Rd, Paola, KS 66071 Tickets are $45.00 per person.

Seating is Limited!

Pre-registration is required by February 1st This event is open to all!

The registration fee includes: A gourmet boxed lunch, snacks, and all printed reference materials.

Register on line at: https://tinyurl.com/2024MdCEMGSymposium Payment can be made on line or by check.

(Please see details at time of registration.)

For the Love of Growing Food Jennifer Stefanchik

Extension Master Gardener, Kansas State University, Johnson County, KS

Beauty is in the Eye of the Gardener Kathi Mecham

Field Specialist in Horticulture, Missouri University Extension, Northwest and East-central Regions, MO

Integrating Native Plants into Your Landscape Sharon Ashworth, Ph. D.

2024 Cleanout and Maintenance Signups received by January 31st will receive early sign up pricing

If you would like help getting your pond ready for the new season a cleanout is the best way.

We also offer several different maintenance plans to help keep your feature looking perfect all year.

Interested in having a new water feature by next spring? Call or email us to set up a consultation.

Retail Open By Appointment Only 4385 W 247th Street, Louisburg, KS 66053

Horticulture and Natural Resources Agent, Kansas State University, Douglas County, KS

Whispers of the Wild: The World of Native Pollinators Tamra Reall, Ph. D.

MU Field Specialist in Horticulture, Missouri University Extension, Jackson County, MO

You can also find the link on our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/mdcemg Presented by:

Kansas State University is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision, or hearing disability, contact the Marais des Cygnes Extension District at 913-294-4306. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The Kansas City Gardener | January 2024

9

MOTH ORCHID

brighten indoor spaces with

Houseplants in Bloom W

inter in the Midwest is not for the faint of heart.

As temperatures plummet and sunlight is scarce our time indoors becomes lengthy. The following is a list of flowering favorites sure to brighten and warm any indoor space.

MOTH ORCHID

Description: Orchids generally get a bad reputation for being finicky plants. However, if you select the proper orchid for your specific environment they can be surprisingly easy. The most common orchid found in garden centers is the Phalaenopsis also known as moth orchid. In tropical climates moth orchids can be found nestled in tree branches with their beautiful

arching blooms cascading like a waterfall. Blooms last six weeks or longer. At the base of the flower spike you will find large succulent oval leaves supported by thick and fleshy roots that affix to the tree trunk.

Origin: Can be found growing naturally on every continent in the world except Antarctica. The moth orchid in particular is native to southeastern Asia and part of Australia.

Light: Medium to bright indirect.

Will thrive in an east-facing window protected from afternoon sun.

Temperature: Daytime temperature should be 65℉-80℉. To induce your orchid into flowering night temperatures should be about 10℉ cooler than daytime tempera-

JESSICA SHARP Tropicals Enthusiast 10

January 2024 | kcgmag.com

ture. This can be achieved by keeping the plant close to a window in the evenings.

Repotting: Plant your moth orchid in a well-draining pot with an orchid medium (usually bark) every 2 years or when the plant is rootbound. Do not repot while in bloom as buds may drop.

Water: Thoroughly soak when the top 1⁄3 of the medium is dry.

Please, do not water your orchid with ice cubes. Remember, there are none native to Antarctica. Instead, water with room temperature water.

Fertilizer: To further encourage blooming, fertilize with an orchid food at the product recommended rate.

AFRICAN VIOLET

Description: Candy colored blossoms are surrounded by a rosette of fuzzy oval leaves taking shelter under the shade of other vegetation.

A classic in any plant collection.

They are easily propagated by leaf cuttings making them fun to share.

AFRICAN VIOLET

Jessica Sharp is the Tropical Department manager at Suburban Lawn and Garden, on Roe Avenue in Overland Park, Kansas. You may reach her at jessicas@suburbanlg.com.

BROMELIAD GUZMANIA

AFRICAN VIOLET Origin: Eastern Africa Light: Bright indirect natural light, or light from an artificial full spectrum grow bulb Temperature: Average room temperatures, 65℉-80℉ Repotting: Repot annually using an African Violet potting mix. This mix will help maintain moisture without sitting too wet and becoming water logged.

Water: Keep soil slightly moist at all times. Water violets from the bottom by soaking your plant in a bowl of room temperature water and allow the excess to drain.

Avoid letting water sit on the leaves as this may damage them.

Fertilizer: Feed with a high phosphorous African Violet or general purpose blooming plant fertilizer.

BROMELIAD GUZMANIA

Description: The “bloom” is composed of sturdy colorful bracts in a rosette pattern that seem to explode from the plant’s center. Some grow in trees, rock crevices and the forest floor. The most common species found in local garden centers are the Guzmania lingulata. These unique “flowers” come in an array of warm colors such as orange, pink and red.

Origin: Rainforests of South America Light: Medium to bright indirect light Temperature: Average to warm, 65℉-85℉.

Repotting: Repot into a container no more than 2” larger in diameter than the original.

Water: Water when the top 1/3 of the soil is dry.

Fertilizer: Feed with general purpose fertilizer at half strength.

CYCLAMEN

Description: A winter blooming bulb plant with vivid flowers and silver patterns of variegated heartshaped leaves.

Origin: The Mediterranean Light: Bright indirect to direct light in winter Temperature: Tolerant of cool temperatures 40℉-70℉ Repotting: Do not need to repot the first season. Keep them in the same size pot or only a few inches larger in diameter that allows excess water to drain.

Water: During their active blooming period, keep slightly moist allowing only the top 1/3 of soil to dry out.

Fertilizer: Feed with a high phos(continued on page 12)

CYCLAMEN The Kansas City Gardener | January 2024

11

ANTHURIUM

GOLDFISH PLANT

Houseplants in Bloom

(continued from page 11)

phorous general purpose blooming plant fertilizer at product recommended rate late fall-winter. Do not feed dormant bulbs in the summer.

ANTHURIUM

Description: A beautiful heartshaped waxy “bract” surrounds the Anthurium’s true flower. A bract is a version of a specialized leaf.

These leaf-like bracts are typically much longer lasting than soft fleshy petals. The colored bracts can last from two to three months. The most common colors are red, pink and white. However, with modern day breeding practices they can also be found in more exotic colors such as orange, purple and even black.

Origin: South America Light: Bright indirect light Temperature: Thrive in any warm space 65-80℉. Keep away from drafty windows.

Repotting: It is recommended to plant in a well-draining potting mix that is loose and airy. Also keep the plant in a fairly tight container with proper drainage.

Water: Always check your plant’s soil with your finger or a moisture meter before watering. Water your anthurium thoroughly when the top 1/3 of the potting medium is dry.

Fertilizer: It would benefit your plant to be fertilized with a high phosphorus plant food.

GOLDFISH PLANT

Description: A vining plant that is a cousin to the African Violet. Puffy orange blooms resembling the body 12

January 2024 | kcgmag.com

of a well fed goldfish surrounded by small waxy leaves.

Origin: Tropical rain forests of Southern Mexico, Brazil and Costa Rica Light: Moderate to bright indirect.

Thrive in an east facing window protected from afternoon sun.

Temperature: Average room temperatures, 65℉-80℉ Repotting: Use a potting mix that will retain moisture but still allows excess water to drain.

Water: Keep slightly moist spring through summer. In winter, allow soil to become almost dry in between thorough waterings.

Fertilizer: Feed with a high phosphorous general purpose blooming plant fertilizer at product recommended rate.

KALANCHOE

Description: Clusters of tiny flowers in a rainbow of colors sit atop large succulent leaves. Blooms can last up to 8 weeks making this a long-lived option.

Origin: Madagascar and tropical Africa Light: Bright direct sunlight Temperature: Adapt to a wide range of temperatures ranging 50℉ during the winter to 80℉ in the summer.

Repotting: Repot annually in the Spring using a well draining cactus or succulent soil blend.

Water: Allow the top 2/3 of the soil to dry all the way before watering.

Fertilizer: Feed during the growing season with a well balanced water soluble plant food.

KALANCHOE

Local Events offered by MDC Native Landscape Chat Fri, Jan 5, 1-2p; at Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110; 816-759-7300. Walk-in (ages 12+) Bold textures and subtle colors fill the landscape this time of year.

Bundle up and take a nature walk with our native landscape specialists to discover winter beauty and the benefits of native gardens year-round.

This program is in partnership with Deep Roots KC. Birds: Crazy Cool Birds Sat, Jan 13, 10a-2p; at Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110; 816-759-7300. Walkin (all ages) Birds do a lot of weird things. Why do they move their head up and down? Why do they change colors? Come and learn about bird behaviors and adaptations and maybe even pretend to be one!

Nature Rx: Coffee with the Birds Sat, Jan 20, 9:30-11a; at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64015; 816-228-3766. Enrich your life by nature immersion! Warm up with some complimentary coffee or tea indoors and enjoy the relaxing sights and sounds of our winter bird visitors. Then, weather permitting, join the Naturalist on an optional birding hike out on the trail. Register at mdc.mo.gov/events, click on event title, then Register.

Registration is required unless otherwise noted. Register at mdc.mo.gov/events, click on event title, then Register. Learn about more events offered by Missouri Department of Conservation at mdc.mo.gov/events.

If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program. Email address found on the Event page.

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The Kansas City Gardener | January 2024

13

Photo by Mervin Wallace.

Monarda fistulosa

W

Clay-Loving Native Plants for Landscaping

hen I visit a new garden site, I bring a spade or soil knife to play, I mean dig, in the soil. The first thing I look at is how easily the tool sinks into the ground, or not. Does the blade pierce deeply with little effort—a sign of good soil structure, organic matter, and fertility (one can dream)? Or does it go nowhere; likely due to the presence of gravel, concrete, rock, or severely compacted clay soil? Note: Bone-dry soil does not dig at all, so sampling when the soil is moist (not wet) is important.

Next, I remove some soil to see how it looks and feels. If the color is dark brown, the soil has organic matter, which is a key ingredient in good topsoil. If it’s crumbly and

loose, it has good structure, aeration, and is not compacted (at least at the surface).

Gardens with great soil have a deep topsoil layer (10 inches or more). I see this at times in neighborhoods with very old houses (75-100 years) that have had time to recover from the initial soil compactions that come with house construction. If the soil sample is ochre, more like potter’s clay than peat moss, and is sticky and plastic, then you are in good company.

My wife and I live in a relatively new house with horrid clay soil, flattened to oblivion by a bulldozer 20 years ago. Fortunately, a couple of garden areas had 6-8 inches of topsoil brought in—a practice well worth the expense, if you can af-

ford it. If not, here’s another option.

Three to six inches of compost mixed into the soil with a shovel, or lightly with a tiller, will jumpstart a new planting. It will shallowly aerate the soil and provide microorganisms, nutrients, and organic matter to lifeless compressed soil. It will provide an environment where new plantings will begin to grow. Their roots will move down in the soil, and slowly, over time, will loosen compacted clay deeper and deeper in the ground.

Every year as roots grow a little deeper, they deposit organic matter

as they go. Plants are kind of like people, they are constantly growing and shedding off tissue like we lose skin and nails. Portions of roots grow and die annually. As roots grow, they open up the soil.

As their tips die back, they deposit organic matter.

Studies have shown how prairie plants alone can transform lifeless, tortured, agricultural soil into a rich, deep, growing environment.

It takes time—at least a decade. After all, that’s how the Midwest became the bread basket of the world. That and eight thousand years, with the advent of modern prairie.

Scott Woodbury was the horticulturist at Shaw Nature Reserve for 30 years and stepped down

SCOTT WOODBURY 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 Horticulturist Garden Design and Wilding. Find suppliers of native plants, seeds, and services at the Grow Native! Resource Guide: www.moprairie.org.

14

January 2024 | kcgmag.com

Photo by Mervin Wallace.

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TELL ADVERTISERS YOU SAW THEIR AD IN THE KANSAS CITY GARDENER.

Photos show soil with crumble (above), a sign of good aeration and organic matter. The photo with the soil knife (below) shows a layer of mulch on top of the topsoil. Mulch needs to be scraped away to get to the soil beneath.

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Though it’s Still Winter; Plan Now for Spring, Summer. www.greenleafkc.com

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Read Our Blog

Above: Chelone obliqua

Here are a few plants that work well in clay soils.

These plants will survive the initial harsh soil environment, and over time, will transform compact clay soil into a soil you will look forward to sinking your shovel into. Happy Gardening ya’ll.

Shining bluestar (Amsonia illustris) Marsh milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) Rose turtlehead (Chelone obliqua) Brown fox sedge (Carex vulpinoidea) Mist flower (Conoclinium coelestinum) Purple Joe Pye (Eutrochium purpureum) Blue flag iris (Iris versicolor) Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana) Orange coneflower ( Rudbeckia fulgida var. umbrosa) Wild senna (Senna marylandica) Compass plant (Silphium laciniatum) Wrinkle-leaf goldenrod (Solidago rugosa)

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15

8th Annual Gardening By Design Symposium Inspirations: Why Do You Garden?

“Gardening Inspirations” will be the theme of the Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardeners’ Symposium on February 17, 2024; 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Living Proof Church, 32401 Harmony Road, Paola, KS 66071.

G

ardening is tough, dirty, sweaty work. Why would anyone endure such pain? Each gardener is driven by their own powerful inspirations. Four Extension Horticulturists will describe their garden inspirations with topics ranging from Growing Food and Garden Beauty to Native Plants and Native Pollinators. Participants will then complete a self-assessment to explore their own reasons for gardening.

Keynote Speaker: Beauty Is in the Eye of the Gardener Kathi Mecham, Field Specialist in Horticulture, MU Extension Kathi operated a landscape business in Springfield, Missouri before joining MU Extension in 2014 and is now located in the Carroll County Extension office to serve 9 counties in the northwest and central regions.

She works with commercial and consumer clients to provide horticultural information about landscaping, conKathi Mecham, Field Specialist in tainers and small space gardens, and Horticulture, MU Extension community gardens. Design trends change, ranging from simple minimalism to unrestrained naturalism. But the goal of creating beauty remains and is guided by design principles. Kathi focuses on the pragmatic: what is the garden’s function? What do the plants need? And how can the gardener create a cohesive beautiful space?

For the Love of Growing Food Jennifer Stefanchik, Extension Master Gardener, Johnson County, KSU Extension From her grandmother’s farm in Haysville, KS to balconies in Chicago to her own large backyard garden in Gardner, Kansas, Jennifer has been growing vegetables for over 20 years.

She writes a popular bi-monthly food gardening column for Gardener’s Connect Newsletter and is a soughtafter speaker on raising food in your Jennifer Stefanchik, Extenown backyard. Learn how and why sion Master Gardener, Johnson she selects the vegetables, herbs and County, KSU Extension fruits that she grows each year and how she extends the growing season.

She will share stories behind the newest varieties, growing tips for beginners and seasoned pros, and even a few tasty recipes.

Integrating Native Plants into Your Landscape Sharon Ashworth, Ph.D, Horticulture and Natural Resources Agent, Douglas County, KSU Extension Sharon Ashworth received her Ph.D. in ecology in 2003 from the University of Kansas and has worked for the Douglas County Extension since 2011. She became the Horticulture and Natural Resources agent in 2022. Since native plants are growSharon Ashworth, Ph.D, Hortiing in popularity with home gardenculture and Natural Resources ers, Sharon will discuss the ecologiAgent, Douglas County, KSU cal benefits and how to successfully Extension integrate natives into your landscape.

Learn the definitions, which native plants work best, and what maintenance is required. Our native ecosystems continue to disappear so what you plant can make a difference. Sharon is not a native plant purist, but wants to inspire people to explore the tremendous beauty and diversity of our local flora.

Whispers of the Wild: The World of Native Pollinators Tamra Reall, Ph.D, Field Specialist in Horticulture, Jackson County, MU Extension Tamra holds degrees in horticulture and entomology and specializes in horticulture, food security, urban entomology, and environmental stewardship. She is the author of “Kids Ask Dr. Bug” column in the monthly The Kansas City Gardener and the coordinator for the Extension Tamra Reall, Ph.D, Field SpeMaster Gardeners of Greater Kansas cialist in Horticulture, Jackson City, plus other volunteer programs County, MU Extension for community gardening and environmental projects throughout Kansas City metro. Native pollinators are the unsung heroes in our ecosystems with remarkable diversity, intricate behaviors, and a crucial role in supporting biodiversity. They co-evolved with native plants but are now severely threatened. Learn how these enigmatic creatures impact gardening and agriculture and how you can be part of their conservation.

Please follow the link to the online registration: https://tinyurl.com/2024MdCEMGSymposium. Preregistration is required by February 1st.

Payment may be online with a credit card, or by check via mail or in-person at the Extension Office, 913 N. Pearl Street, Paola, KS 66071. Don’t delay, as we always sell out early!

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January 2024 | kcgmag.com

Upcoming Garden Events Good & Bad Bugs Found in Kansas Environments Thurs, Jan 4, 11:30a; at Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1208 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Presented by Don Crim, EMG. There are about 15,000+ insect species found in Kansas but only about 5% are harmful in some way. The rest of the insects are beneficial or neutral. He will cover some of the most common beneficial insects and harmful insects. He will explain what characteristics that make each insect beneficial or harmful. He will also give some tips on how to protect yourself from injury or damage that harmful insects cause. Spiders are not insects, but Crim will discuss various spider species as well. For more info, call 913-299-9300; wyandotte.ksu.edu.

Gardeners Connect Speaker Series Tues, Jan 9, at 7p; at the Merriam Community Center, 6040 Slater St, Merriam, KS 66202. It is across the street from Ikea. Matt Evans, master arborist with Ryan Lawn and Tree, plans to talk about “Growing Trees as Mother Nature Intended.” The free program is presented by Gardeners Connect.

Leavenworth County Master Gardeners Wed, Jan 10, 11a; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. A couple of our own Leavenworth County Master Gardeners will be presenting “Indoor Gardening for Nutrition.” Find out how easy it is to garden indoors year-round and supercharge your diet with delicious nutrient powerhouses, microgreens and sprouts. The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700.

Winter Sowing: Starting Natives from Seed Sat, Jan 13, Morning Session 10-11:30a, Afternoon Session 1:30-3p; at George Owens Nature Park, 1601 S Speck Rd, Independence, MO 64057. Winter sowing is a simple, low-care way to provide the best conditions for native seeds to germinate into seedlings using a process called stratification. In spring, you will need to transplant the seedlings into small pots to grow them larger before they go into the ground. Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Sara Scheil will help you create and plant an outdoor native seed-starting container to take home. All materials and tools will be provided; a modest collection of native plant seeds will be available.

You are welcome to bring your own collected native seeds as well. FREE; registration necessary at 816-325-7115. (George Owens is closed on Sun and Mon.) This workshop is appropriate for ages 14 and older. Class limited to 12 persons or families per session. You will be able to take home 2 containers of winter sown seeds. Sponsored by Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City.

Olathe Garden & Civic Club Tues, Jan 16, 1-2:30p; at Grace Church, 11485 S Ridgeview Rd, Olathe, KS. Please join us for our monthly club meeting and a presentation from Bill Nix of the Lenexa Historical Society. *Free to attend and open to the public, club membership not required.* Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society Sun, Jan 21, 1:30p; at the Trailside Center, 9901 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO. Meetings are open to the public, so please join us.

Leawood Garden Club Tues, Jan 23, 10:30a; Cure’ of Ars Catholic Church, 6401 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS 66206.

Bob Lane, Extension Master Gardener, will be speaking on the topic of: “Native Plants Made Easier.” Native plants are easy to use, and shows how they can be used in all styles of gardening, and gives practical advice. Bob can help you select just the right plants for the right places. (Be advised that we follow the Shawnee Mission Cancellations Announcements concerning any inclement weather plan.)

Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners Thurs, Feb 1, 11:30a; at Sunflower Room, Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1208 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Hosting Karen Pendleton, owner of Pendleton’s Country Market, Lawrence, KS, who will present a class about using dried flowers in arrangements. Pre-registration is not needed.

For further information, call 913-299-9300.

Terrariums of Love Sat, Feb 3, 10a; at Colonial Gardens, 27610 E Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014. Learn the dos and don’ts of making and caring for a terrarium while building your own. This activity is perfect for couples or gal pals, and takes place at Colonial Gardens Plant Bar. For more information visit colonialgardens.com or call 816-229-1277.

Raytown Garden Club Tues, Feb 6, 10a; at Connection Point Church, Raytown, MO. The program scheduled will be “Improving the well-being of the Missouri Gardens: Invasive vs. Nuisance Plants”, with guest speaker Nikki King, CIG, Naturalist, Missouri Department of Conservation. Guests are always welcome. Check out our Facebook page: https:// www.facebook.com/RaytownGardenClub.

Terrariums of Love Wed, Feb 7, 5p; at Colonial Gardens, 27610 E Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014. Learn the dos and don’ts of making and caring for a terrarium while building your own. This activity is perfect for couples or gal pals, and takes place at Colonial Gardens Plant Bar. For more information visit colonialgardens.com or call 816-229-1277.

Terrariums of Love Sat, Feb 10, 10a; at Colonial Gardens, 27610 E Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014. Learn the dos and don’ts of making and caring for a terrarium while building your own. This activity is perfect for couples or gal pals, and takes place at Colonial Gardens Plant Bar. For more information visit colonialgardens.com or call 816-229-1277.

Terrariums of Love Wed, Feb 14, 5p; at Colonial Gardens, 27610 E Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014. Learn the dos and don’ts of making and caring for a terrarium while building your own. This activity is perfect for couples or gal pals, and takes place at Colonial Gardens Plant Bar. For more information visit colonialgardens.com or call 816-229-1277.

Desert Retreat in the Winter: a Cactus and Succulent Workshop Wed, Feb 21, 5p; at Colonial Gardens, 27610 E Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014. Enjoy the warmth of the greenhouse at the Colonial Gardens Plant Bar. You will learn how to make stunning cactus and succulent combos, using your choice of plants and incorporating colored rocks and other objects for a truly unique to you Cactus Combo Planter. For more information visit colonialgardens.com or call 816-229-1277.

Desert Retreat in the Winter: a Cactus and Succulent Workshop Sat, Feb 24, 10a; at Colonial Gardens, 27610 E Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014. Enjoy the warmth of the greenhouse at the Colonial Gardens Plant Bar. You will learn how to make stunning cactus and succulent combos, using your choice of plants and incorporating colored rocks and other objects for a truly unique to you Cactus Combo Planter. For more information visit colonialgardens.com or call 816-229-1277.

Homestead Gardening 101—Your backyard greenhouse Sat, Feb 24, 11a; at Colonial Gardens, 27610 E Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014. From growing garden to saving money on the grocery bill, greenhouse manager Kevin Kielig will take you through how to have a successful vegetable gar-

den. For more information visit colonialgardens. com or call 816-229-1277.

Succulent Container Workshops Fri, Feb 9 and Sat, Feb 10. Hosted at Family Tree Nursery three retail stores (Overland Park, Shawnee, Liberty). At this event, you will choose from stylish containers and various healthy succulents to make a lovely combo—a fun Valentine’s Day gift idea. Registration is required for this event.

Registration opens on Jan 12; visit familytreenursery.com.

Gardeners Connect Speaker Series Tues, Feb 13, 7p; at the Merriam Community Center, 6040 Slater St, Merriam, KS 66202. It is across the street from Ikea. Jen Stefanchik, regular Gardeners Connect newsletter writer focused on growing vegetables and fruit and a Johnson County Master Gardener, plans to talk about “Techniques to Boost Your Harvest in Any Size Garden”. The free program is presented by Gardeners Connect.

Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Gardeners’ Gathering Thurs, Feb 15. Time and location to be announced. Watch mggkc.org/public education/ education for details! All area gardeners are invited! Free of charge. Program: “Safeguarding Greenery: Insights from a State Plant Inspector.” Join Mandy Tizon, a Plant Inspector from the Missouri Department of Agriculture, as she unravels the secrets of plant diseases and pests lurking within nursery stock. Get insider tips on detecting trouble before it invades your own garden, safeguarding your green haven!

Paola Spring Symposium Sat, Feb 17, 8:30a-3:45p; at the Living Proof Church, 32401 Harmony Road, Paola, KS 66071.

“Gardening Inspirations” will be the theme of the Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardeners’ Symposium. People garden for many different reasons. Four Extension Horticulturists will describe their garden inspirations with topics ranging from Growing Food and Garden Beauty to Native Pollinators and Native Plants. Then participants will complete a self-assessment to explore their own reasons for gardening. Please follow the link to the online registration: https:// tinyurl.com/2024MdCEMGSymposium. Preregistration is required by Feb 1st. Payment may be online with a credit card, or by check via mail or in-person at the Extension Office, 913 N Pearl St, Paola, KS 66071.

Helping You Learn to Grow – Intro to Pollinators Sat, Feb 17, noon-3p; at George Owens Nature Park, 1601 S Speck Rd, Independence, MO 64057. Free of Charge. George Owens Nature Park Naturalists and Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City invite your family for an afternoon of learning about our pollinators, their role in our environment, how we depend on them for our survival, and how we can take care of them. The event includes a program by Jeremiah Coomes, naturalist–Intro to Pollinators (1-2p). Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs) will have free researched-based information and demonstrations about attracting and taking care of our pollinators.

EMGs will be happy to take your questions for the MGGKC Hotline. MGGKC Children’s Program will have pollinator activities.

Leawood Garden Club Tues, Feb 27, 10:30a; at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS 66206.

Steve Hess, designer/gardener and business owner of From the Summer’s Garden, will be speaking about ‘Berried Treasure.’ He will discuss the celebration of homegrown berries for your yard and landscape. We hope you will join us! New guests are always welcome! Be advised that we follow the Shawnee Mission Cancellations Announcements concerning inclement weather plan.

Desert Retreat in the Winter: a Cactus and Succulent Workshop Sat, Mar 2 10a; at Colonial Gardens, 27610 E Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014. Enjoy the warmth of the greenhouse at the Colonial Gardens Plant Bar. You will learn how to make stunning cactus and succulent combos, using your choice of plants and incorporating colored rocks and other objects for a truly unique to you Cactus Combo Planter. For more information visit colonialgardens.com or call 816-229-1277.

Homestead Gardening 101—Your backyard greenhouse Sat, Mar 9, 10a; at Colonial Gardens, 27610 E Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014. From growing garden to saving money on the grocery bill, greenhouse manager Kevin Kielig will take you through how to have a successful vegetable garden. You’ll leave feeling empowered and with a few seed starts to get you moving in the right direction. For more information visit colonialgardens.com or call 816-229-1277.

Kansas City Garden Symposium Sat, Mar 16; at Rockhurst University, 1100 Rockhurst Rd, Kansas City, MO 64110. $99. Four Speakers. Six Presentations. Lunch. Gift Bag. Workshop and Presentations for the Gardener in All of Us! A Day of Gardening Delight You Won’t Want to Miss. For more info and to register, gardeners connect.org/symposium.

Homestead Gardening 101—Your backyard greenhouse Sun, Mar 17, 11:30a; at Colonial Gardens, 27610 E Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014. From growing garden to saving money on the grocery bill, greenhouse manager Kevin Kielig will take you through how to have a successful vegetable garden. You’ll leave feeling empowered and with a few seed starts to get you moving in the right direction. For more information visit colonialgardens.com or call 816-229-1277.

Spring Open House Event Mar 15-17. Join us exclusively at Family Tree Nursery, Overland Park store for a fantastic event, including food trucks, live music, kids activities, and some unbelievably creative garden displays.

This event is FREE and open to the public.

Spring Container Workshops Mar 22-24. Hosted at Family Tree Nursery three retail stores (Overland Park, Shawnee, Liberty).

At this event, we supply all the materials needed to create a beautiful combo perfect for adding early spring color to your front porch, balcony, or patio.

Registration is required for this event. Registration opens on Feb 22; visit familytreenursery.com.

KCRS Spring Rose Program Sat, Mar 23, 10a-noon; at the Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO. “Easy Care Backyard Rose Gardening,” presented by Jerry Dreyer, American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian with the Kansas City Rose Society. Jerry will discuss basic steps for success in growing roses in Kansas City, along with a review of roses that thrive with minimal care.

Homestead Festival Sat, Mar 23 and Sun, Mar 24; at Colonial Gardens, 27610 E Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014. Join us for any or all of this 2 full day festival to learn more about the basics of homesteading. You will hear from speakers on orcharding, edible trees, permaculture, cheesemaking, small container vegetable gardening, regenerative growing, beekeeping, foraging and more. With option to join our VIP speakers on A Foraged Culinary Experience, Mushroom Growing, and/or Whole Hog Breakdown. This is perfect for everyone that is interested in growing more on their own, from backyard gardens to full homesteading. For more information colonialgardens.com.

The Kansas City Gardener | January 2024

17

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

LAWN

• Avoid walking on frozen lawns as it may injure the grass.

• Rake fallen leaves that pile up on the lawn to prevent the grass from suffocating.

• Proper mower maintenance is essential; tune-up now.

• Scatter snow instead of piling up on the lawn next to drives and walks.

• Talk with the lawn service company now about summer contracts.

• Dormant seed following a light snow or rainfall.

FLOWERS

• Scan nursery catalogs for new introductions.

• Still have bulbs to plant? Get in the ground now.

• Start seeds throughout the winter, depending on growth requirements.

• Water fall-planted perennials as needed to prevent desiccation.

• Watch for signs of frost heaving and cover tender roots.

• Replace mulch layers as needed.

• Check stored bulbs for rot and decay and discard damaged ones.

• Curl up with a good book and learn more about gardening.

TREES AND SHRUBS

• Gently brush off heavy snow from tree and shrub limbs to reduce damage.

• Prune storm-damaged limbs quickly to reduce damage and prevent tearing of the bark.

• Allow ice to melt naturally from limbs.

• Bring twigs of flowering trees and shrubs indoors for forced spring blossoms.

• Avoid the temptation to prune on a warm winter day.

• Water fall-planted trees and shrubs when soil is dry and not frozen.

• Watch out for rabbit damage to bark of trees and shrubs.

VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

• Peruse seed catalogs and prepare orders.

• Check stored seeds for decay.

• Soil test and prepare for spring planting by making required additions.

• Start vegetable transplants for the garden under grow lights.

• Order fruit trees.

• Pick up fallen fruit before spring arrives and discard.

• Be on the lookout for rabbit and rodent damage to fruit tree bark.

HOUSEPLANTS

• Wash the dust off of plant leaves to allow more sunlight to reach the leaves.

• Water plants with room temperature water.

• Insecticidal soap sprays can be used to remove pests.

• Mealy bugs and scales can be wiped off with a swab soaked in rubbing alcohol.

• Rotate plants to develop a well-rounded plant.

• Keep new plants separated to be sure they do not harbor insects.

• Reduce fertilizer use until spring when more sunlight is available for growth.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Repair garden tools.

• Sand and seal tool handles to prevent splinters.

• Apply brightly-colored paint to tool handles to make them easier to spot in the garden.

• Keep bird feeders and water supplies filled for feathered friends.

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.

18

January 2024 | kcgmag.com

Dormant Pruning and Sprays for Fruit Trees from the experts at K-State Horticulture

L

ate February through March is the ideal time to tackle annual pruning on fruit trees in Johnson County—as long as the wood isn’t frozen. Despite the old adage about the best time to prune being whenever your blade is sharp, heavy pruning of fruit and most deciduous trees is best saved for late winter before bud swell. It’s a uniquely perfect time to remove the wood damaged from the previous growing season (heavy fruit loads, diseases, insect damage) and winter storms (high winds and ice).

Pruning speeds recovery and prevents further damage along with the following benefits: • Promotes a strong tree structure. Pruning is especially important when trees are young.

• Allows light and air to penetrate the canopy. Sunlight is needed to produce fruit buds for the following year and for the fruit to color properly.

• Control tree size. A small tree is easier to thin, harvest, and prune than a larger tree. Pest and disease control is also easier and more effective.

General Pruning Recommendations • Take out broken, damaged or diseased branches.

• If two branches form a narrowangle, prune one out. Narrow angles are weak angles and tend to break during wind or ice storms.

• Take out all suckers. Suckers are branches that grow straight up. They may originate from the trunk or from major branches • If two branches cross and rub against one another, one should be taken out.

PLANT PROFILE

‘Jolly Good’™ Clematis A truly easy-to-grow clematis!

Abundant light purple flowers with magenta undertones cover this clematis all summer long. Creamy white stamens provide charming contrast. This Jackmanii hybrid is a vigorous grower, yet maintains a nice compact size that is perfect for training on fences or trellises. It flowers on new wood so you simply prune it back to two feet each spring.

• Cut back or remove branches that are so low they interfere with harvest or pruning. If cutting back a branch, always cut back to another branch or a bud. Do not leave a stub.

• Cut back branches to reduce the total size of the tree, if necessary.

• Thin branches on the interior of the tree.

Follow the steps above in order but stop if you reach 30% of the tree. Follow this link for more recommendations from K-State on pruning fruit trees including more specific instructions by species and tree maturity: http://www.ksuhortnewsletter.org/newsletters/category/pruning.

Dormant sprays Selecting resistant varieties along with good sanitation, pruning and fertilizing (done in early spring at bud break) should be the first line of defense against pest and disease. But if you have observed excessive damage in the past then certain chemical treatments (both natural and synthetically derived) can be an effective tool and some spray applications should be made before visible tree growth. Generally speaking, dormant oil sprays are used to control scale insects, aphids and mite eggs. Fungicides and bactericides applied during the dormant period are used to control diseases such as peach leaf curl and fire blight in apple.

For more information on spray schedules and recommend treatments for common fruit pests and disease please follow this link: https://www.maraisdescygnes.kstate.edu/lawn-garden/popular-lawn-garden-publications/ plant-and-pest-problems/Fruit_ Pest_Control_for_Home_Gardens_C592.pdf.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

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The Kansas City Gardener | January 2024

19

January 2-21

20% Off All regularly priced

Houseplants & Ceramic Pottery

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Selection and availability vary by location (A) Ginny Peperomia & WVG cylindrical pot (B) Neon Philodendron in Lotus Exeter Grey pot (C) Burgundy Rubber Tree in Lotus Tall Taper planter (D) Red Bromeliad in Lotus Atlantis Diamond pot

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January 2024 | kcgmag.com

(E) Brazil (spilling over) & Golden Crocodile (upright) Philodendrons in Lotus Indo planter (F) Maidenhair fern in Michael Carr Cathedral planter (G) Umbrella Tree in Sullivan Ribbed pot

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