KCG Jul21

The Kansas City

GARDENER July 2021 | kcgmag.com

Butterflies

sighting locations abound in public gardens, parks and wildlife areas

editor’s notes

The Kansas City

GARDENER

A Garden of Grands

Independently owned and operated since 1996 PUBLISHER Michael Cavanaugh EDITOR Elizabeth Cavanaugh CONTRIBUTORS Heather Cwach Lenora Larson Jason Mispagel Judy Penner Nadia Navarrete-Tindall Dennis Patton Tamra Reall Denise Sullivan Scott Woodbury DISTRIBUTION Publishers Delivery Solutions, Inc.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISTRIBUTE the magazine at your place of business, please contact Mike Cavanaugh at mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 NEED MORE MAGAZINES? mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 CONTACT US P.O. Box 8725 Prairie Village, KS 66208 913-648-4728 ADVERTISING Mike Cavanaugh at mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728

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ithout a doubt, garden time is my favorite time.

Whether laboring or relaxing, to be in the garden is treasured time indeed!

What could make a day in the garden even better? Grandchildren.

To date, the count is four. The youngest at six months, Baby K is discovering her six-foot-radius world. Smitten with her charm and adorable smile, we are grateful that she lives locally, and look forward to handing her a trowel when the time is right.

The three oldest live two hours away, and now that school is out and vaccinations are complete, we are spending more time together.

When they visit, the family usually stays for the weekend.

Upon arrival, we soak up all of their long we’ve-missed-you hugs, and the newsy chatter begins. Dad tries to wrangle help unloading the car before he has lost their attention completely.

All the duffle bags, backpacks, and varied electronics are retrieved and put away. No discussion. Everyone knows their assignment, and the faster it’s done, the sooner we can “hang at GMO’s and Granddad’s.”

Gathering in the living room, the catch-up discussions begin. There

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

ten minutes in, he’s ready for the promised frozen treat.

It goes without saying, we love it when the grands engage. Their energy and curiosity fuels me. And thanks to their parents, each has an appreciation for the outdoors. Biking, hiking, fishing and rollerblading are just a few activities that stimulate their inquisitive nature.

And little by little, maybe gardening will be added to their repertoire of ongoing pursuits. Especially if there will be a reward of frozen treats.

I’ll see you in the garden!

In this issue

EDITORIAL Elizabeth Cavanaugh elizabeth@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 HOW TO SUBSCRIBE See details on page 23.

is t-ball, summer camps and hobbies, to name a few. Amid the circle of conversations, I notice there’s one missing. Middle granddaughter (13) is not around. She hasn’t gone far. She is outside, alone, meandering through the garden.

Soon enough, she returns to discuss with Granddad (a.k.a. Mr. Gardener) how impressed she is with the hydrangea and the number of blooms this season. She also notes finding one bloom that was half pink and half blue. She also has been known to read a book while seated on a tree branch. This is her method every visit.

The next morning we head out to the garden early before the heat, to accomplish a few chores.

The oldest grand (14) offers, “What can I do to help?” She’s the creative artsy one, a bit reserved, and eager to learn. So I hand over my pruners, and share a few tips on pruning and deadheading. Easy to talk to and easy to be with, this teenager is an extraordinary young lady.

Highly motivated by a reward, the youngest wants to help with watering. Of course, he does. He’s six. With the water wand swaying to and fro, he waters up high and down low. Even the bark of the oak tree benefitted. And naturally, just

July 2021 | kcgmag.com 4 6 8 10 12 14

Ask the Experts Plants on Your Plate – Tomatoes Kids Ask Dr. Bug Plant Natives on Slopes Butterflies: sighting locations Cherished Wild Plums

16 Indoor Gardening – Microgreens 20 A September to Remember 22 Garden Calendar 23 Apply JoCo EMG Program 23 Subscribe 23 Hotlines

About the cover: An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail lingers on a sunflower. Learn of varied area locations where there are butterfly sightings beginning on page 12.

2

July 2021 | kcgmag.com

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The Kansas City Gardener | July 2021

3

Ask the Experts UNUSUAL PLANT GROWTH CHARACTERISTIC Question: A couple of my blanket flower plants have developed wide stems and mutated flower blooms. I wonder what is causing it. The plant hasn’t done that before.

Answer: Gaillardia plants are great at attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. From your description, you are experiencing a mutation in the plant world referred to as fasciation. Fasciation causes a flattening or cresting of the meristem growth of the plant. It could be caused by a cell not properly dividing or induced by an insect or other pathogen.

It can occur in just about every species of plants. The crested coxcomb is an example of fasciation, which is prized and easily reproduced. We also see fascinated branches and stems used in floral arrangements. Bottom line it is part of nature. So enjoy your gaillardia, as they will be just fine and can become a conversation piece.

Asian jumping worm

Caladiums

Red potatoes

cy is not tracking reports of jumping worms. We know it is out there but don’t know how widespread.

If you find a rather large earthworm that does not look normal, the recommendation is to destroy it. The good news in states where the worm has been known to reside for years, the fear of destroying soil structure has not occurred.

bring some with them in plants, which could start a colony. Finding fire ants would be rare but not impossible. If you do find an aggressive ant colony, report it to your local Extension office. They will contact the Department of Agriculture to determine the best course of action.

and cooler temperatures, the plant will start to decline. At this time, you can dig the bulbs for storage or just let them freeze.

ASIAN JUMPING WORM FOUND Question: I found this big, weird-looking worm in a bag of mulch I bought from a big box store. Do you think it could be the Asian Jumping Worm?

Answer: Asian jumping worms have been in the news this spring.

There have been numerous reports across Kansas since a television station reported the worm. Yes, what you found probably is a dreaded jumping worm.

These worms can be the size of a pencil and move rapidly. This foreign species has a big appetite for organic matter. It is believed that in high numbers they can devour all the organic matter in a garden, which is the beneficial glue holding together or creating good structure in the soil for plant growth. Without the organic matter, the soil will be less likely to support the growth of our plants.

In Kansas, the regulatory agen-

FIRE ANTS RARE, NOT IMPOSSIBLE Question: Do we have Fire Ants in Kansas City?

Answer: Like the jumping worms, this is another great question that is difficult to answer. Fire ants are a southern species of aggressive ants that swarm and attack their prey with numerous painful bites. They are common in southern states like Texas and can extend into Oklahoma. Over the years, Kansas has found colonies and destroyed them. Missouri has also found cases of fire ants. Kansas officials believe they have controlled their movement into the state. A Facebook post by a gardener in Douglas County posted a photo of what appeared to be fire ants back in May. Fire ants can be easily transported in soil. For example, someone relocating from Texas to Kansas City could unknowingly

DENNIS PATTON Horticulture Agent 4

July 2021 | kcgmag.com

CALADIUM COLLAPSE Question: I planted caladiums and the leaves all curled and fell over. Why is this, and will they recover?

Answer: Interesting question as I have experienced this same issue. My take is this is a normal process for some plants as the foliage transitions from greenhousegrown leaves to the outdoors. Another potential reason is cooler weather. This is a tropical warm loving plant. Planting too early in the spring with cool air and soil may also lead to the decline. My experience is as the new foliage emerges, expect stronger growth which can tolerate the outdoor growing conditions.

It is disappointing to plant and see it decline and slowly recover.

Keep in mind this plant is grown for the colorful foliage and is a heavy feeder. Be sure to fertilize on a regular schedule to keep the plant pushing out new leaves. Come fall

FALL POTATO PLANTING MIGHT BE A CHALLENGE Question: Can I plant potatoes in the fall?

Answer: Potatoes are traditionally considered a spring crop.

St. Patrick’s Day is the traditional planting time for potatoes. Tubers planted by the end of March tend to produce the best crop to be harvested in June.

Potatoes can be grown as a fall crop. Tubers are planted in early to mid-July and are ready for digging in September or October. The issue with the fall crop is access to seed potatoes in summer. Some gardeners will purchase extra pieces in the spring and store or plant the small potatoes from the spring harvest.

Rarely will you find potatoes at the garden center in summer.

Planting potatoes in the heat of summer will require timely watering to keep the plants healthy enough to produce a fall crop. A few years ago, we planted a fall crop of potatoes in a garden project.

We had a good harvest. The size of the potatoes was smaller than the spring crop, but I must admit they were just as tasty.

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.

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The Kansas City Gardener | July 2021

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Plants on Your Plate Tomatoes temperate seasons allow. California, Florida, and Georgia lead tomato production in the US. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. They are also one of the richest sources of lycopene, a phytonutrient that shows great promise in cancer prevention. It is worth

noting that the amount of lycopene increases when tomatoes are cooked, as in a sauce. Regardless of that fact, salsa is still my favorite way to enjoy tomatoes. This Greek salsa recipe is a twist on the southwest favorite and gives a nod to the Mediterranean region who first accepted tomatoes.

Greek Salsa with Pita Chips INGREDIENTS

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merica’s most popular home garden plant happens to be my favorite (and most successful crop) as well. It doesn’t matter if it is fresh from the garden or prepared into a favorite sauce or salsa, the versatility of the tomato makes it easy to understand why it is America’s favorite.

Tomatoes belong to the Solanaceae family, more commonly known as the nightshade family.

Other members of the Solanaceae family include peppers, potatoes, tomatillos, eggplant, and even tobacco. For centuries, the association with the nightshade family coupled with the strong scent given off by the plant, led to the myth that tomatoes were truly poisonous.

Long before it was considered fit to eat, it was grown only as an ornamental garden plant, sometimes called “love apple.”

Tomatoes are native to the Andes of Peru, where they first grew in the wild as a bright red, marblesized, cherry-type tomato. Gradually, they would spread throughout South America and north into

Central America but then the trail goes cold until Christopher Columbus’ travels to and from the ‘new world’, which would eventually land the fruit in Spain in the mid16th century. Over the next several decades, different cultivars spread through Spain, France and Italy and became a widely accepted food in the Mediterranean region. As the tomato varieties spread north and east through Europe, they were not as widely accepted among the English and German and were thought to be poisonous.

As the colonies established in the United States, the tomato became less feared. One of the earliest notable growers of tomatoes was none other than Thomas Jefferson, a remarkably progressive Virginia farmer as well as a statesman, who grew them in the late 1780s.

By the early 1800s, tomatoes had become a common enhancement in the Creole gumbos and jambalayas of Southern cooking. By 1850, the tomato had made its way into most American urban markets and today is grown world-wide, where the

DENISE SULLIVAN Nutrition Ninja 6

July 2021 | kcgmag.com

2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp. dried oregano 1 tsp. sugar 1/4 c. red wine vinegar 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil 2 c. tomato, diced 2 c. cucumber, diced 1/2 c. pitted Kalamata olives, chopped 1/2 c. red onion, diced 1/2 c. Feta cheese, crumbled 8 pita rounds 1. Wash hands and preparation surfaces.

2. To make dressing, combine garlic, oregano, sugar, red wine vinegar, and olive oil in a small jar and shake to combine.

Set aside.

3. Wash tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion. Dice tomatoes, and onion and place in a large bowl. Add the olives and toss with dressing to coat. Chill for at least 30 minutes. Add feta cheese just before serving with pita chips.

4. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut each pita round in half, then split to separate halves. Cut each pita section into four wedges. (Each pita round will make 16 wedges.) Place wedges on baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Calories: 157, Total Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 262mg, Carbohydrates: 20g, Fiber: 2g, Protein: 4g Recipe adapted from delish.com, analyzed by verywellfit.com.

Denise Sullivan is a Nutrition and Health Education Specialist for MU Extension in the Urban West Region, programming in Jackson and Platte Counties. For research-based nutrition and food safety information and programs, visit https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/jackson.

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The Kansas City Gardener | July 2021

7

Kids Ask Dr. Bug

about the curious things found in the garden

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rood X periodical cicadas are emerging in many eastern states. While these cicadas are not emerging in Missouri and Kansas this year, questions are still coming in about these fascinating insects.

Why do so many periodical cicadas come up all at the same time? Chelsea, 9 These magnificent ¾ - 1 ½ inch long insects, black-bodied with red wings and eyes, have one of the longest developmental times in the insect world. From the time eggs are laid–followed by hatching, falling to the ground below, burrowing in and feeding on plant roots 2-18 inches underground, and then emerging to finish life as an adult– takes 13 or 17 years depending on where they are in the Midwest to Eastern United States. Periodical cicadas are different than the annual cicadas that we see and hear each summer.

Even though there are a few species of periodical cicadas, all the eggs are laid during the same 6- to 8-week period and the nymphs develop at the same time and rate, so it makes sense that they all emerge at the same time. This happens with other insects, too. For example, if you watch a cluster of stink bug eggs in your garden, they hatch approximately at the same time.

Periodical cicadas are nymphs for so long, they need to emerge with others of their same species so the species will continue. So much can happen in 13 or 17 years–where were you (or your parents) 13 or 17 years ago?

day-length, or a certain temperature in the soil, that lets them know it is time to come up. Whatever the cue, cicada nymphs emerge from the ground and find something to climb–a tree, a house, a pole, etc.

This is a slow process, so you don’t have to worry about them climbing up on you. Then, they pause, and just like out of a horror film, their back splits apart and the winged adult slowly slides out. New adults are white and very soft for an hour or so until they darken and harden. These big, fleshy insects are a tasty treat for many animals–birds, squirrels, skunks, raccoons, turtles, and perhaps even your dog!

People even eat them! However, because there are so many, billions in fact, animals can’t eat them all and many cicadas will survive to start the next generation. Resting in trees, male cicadas “sing” to attract females and when all the bugs sing together, it can get very loud–over 100 decibels! After mating, females lay eggs in tree twigs and the cycle starts again.

Why are periodical cicadas’ eyes red? Will, 9 Red compound eyes are a genetic feature of most periodical cicadas.

However, some periodical cicadas have mutant eye colors–blue, white, grey, or multi-colored. Cicadas actually have five eyes–two large compound eyes and three tiny ocelli found on the top of their head.

Do periodical cicadas hurt people or animals? Pat, 9 No, rather many animals love feasting on cicadas–they eat so many they can’t eat anymore! Cicadas may land on people, but they won’t eat you–you don’t taste, feel, or smell right to them. That said, brush them off if they land, just in case the cicada is curious about what you might taste like!

Cicadas are sometimes called locusts, but this is not correct. Locusts are a type of short-horned grasshopper that swarms and consumes plants, while cicadas are true bugs and are related to aphids and leafhoppers. Cicadas feed on plant

juices, but the impact on plants is small. As adults, females lay their eggs in small twigs in trees. Some twigs may die back, but this doesn’t harm large healthy trees. Mosquito nets or cloth can protect young trees.

When will we have periodical cicadas in Missouri again? Andy, kid-at-heart The next periodical cicada emergence in Missouri will be in 2024. This will be Brood XIX and will cover most of Missouri. Visit this site (https://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/docs/CicadaBroodStaticMap.pdf) to see a map of all the different broods in the US. Do you have questions for Dr. Bug? Send them to ReallT@ Missouri.edu or bit.ly/KidsAskDrBug. Please include your name and age. To help me learn what you learn from this column, please consider filling out this survey: bit.ly/KidsAskDrBugSurvey. Thank you!

How do they know when to come up? Annalise, 8 This is still a mystery! After the long 13- or 17-year developmental period, these cicadas are at the end of their nymphal stage and ready to become an adult. Perhaps it’s the

TAMRA REALL Horticulture Specialist 8

July 2021 | kcgmag.com

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.

GARDEN MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE HARVEST:

ABOUT MY GARDEN-

WATER S

M T

BUGS/ DISEASE-

FERTILIZING:

T F

W S

GROW NEXT YEAR:

NOTESDON'T GROW AGAIN:

WEEDING:

27610 E Wyatt RD. Blue Springs, MO | 816.229.1277 | colonialgardenskc.com The Kansas City Gardener | July 2021

9

W

hat can I grow on a steep slope that is difficult to mow?” This is a question I frequently get asked by homeowners. And for good reason—working on slopes is uncomfortable, dangerous, and requires extra effort.

An alternative to maintaining and mowing turf on these areas is to establish aggressive plants that are allowed to seed and sucker freely to fill gaps quickly, keep weeds out, and potentially cover large areas.

When plants are allowed to meander, they look natural, like a tossed salad, so it’s a good idea to surround these areas with a split-rail fence or mowed turf walkway (if possible) to make them look as intentional as you can. It’s also best to include various species that bloom in spring, summer, and fall that also have attractive seed heads in winter.

Densely planted, naturalisticstyle gardens don’t require mulching after being fully established (this is called green or living mulch), unlike conventional gardens where wood or leaf mulch is repeatedly applied.

Mulch may wash away in heavy storms, so green mulch gardens work well on slopes. That said, mulching newly planted perennials and grasses is recommended during establishment (usually two growing seasons). The plants recommended below are long-lived and densely leafed to shade out weeds. When slopes are greater than six-to-one (about 15% slope), a biodegradable erosion blanket is recommended.

These are made of biodegradable plastic mesh, woven with natural fibers like straw, wood shavings or shredded coconut hull. When planting into erosion blankets, the smaller the plant, the easier it is to install. Deep plugs work best for this application and will save you time and money. Plant them close,

Photos by Scott Woodbury.

Plant Aggressive Native Plants on Steep Slopes: An Alternative to Mowing Grass

Prairie dropseed (above) and little bluestem (below) easily adapt to slopes.

Blue wild indigo, golden alexander, and shining bluestar work well together. about 15 inches apart, and use an online plant calculator to determine the quantity (like the one at classygroundcovers.com).

There are many native plants that work well on full sun slopes.

Solid-performing perennials include (in order of bloom) golden Alexander (Zizia aurea), blue wild indigo (Baptisia australis), shining blue

SCOTT WOODBURY Horticulturist 10

July 2021 | kcgmag.com

star (Amsonia illustris), wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), Ohio spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis), Texas green eyes (Berlandiera texana), common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), gray-headed prairie coneflower (Ratibida pinnata), wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana), sweet coneflower (Rudbeckia subto-

mentosa), willow-leaved sunflower (Helianthus salicifolius), stiff goldenrod (Solidago rigida) and aromatic aster (Aster oblongifolius).

These are medium to tall plants (3 to 5 ft.). The best companion grasses and sedges in this height range include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), switch grass, (Panicum virgatum), prairie sedge (Carex bicknellii), Short’s sedge (Carex shortiana), Bush’s sedge (Carex bushii), and yellow-fruited fox sedge (Carex annectans).

In part shade, the best perennials to colonize on a slope (in order of bloom) include Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium reptans), common violet (Viola sororia, which may already exist on your property), wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), star coreopsis (Coreopsis pubescens), purple Joe-pye (Eupatorium purpurea), woodland knotweed (Polygonum virginianum), garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), rose turtlehead (Chelone obliqua), and showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa). The best grasses and sedges to include are river oats (Chasmanthium latifolium), American beakgrain (Diarrhena obovata), palm sedge (Carex muskingumensis), bur sedge (Carex grayii) and brown fox sedge (Carex vulpinoidea).

Steeply sloped areas are infrequently used, frequently neglected, and often out of sight in the side or back yard. Instead of mowing or planting a conventional garden on it, why not consider a natural alternative. It’s a perfect place and time to tinker with a natural style of gardening. Remember to start small, build on your successes, cut plants back in March, cut spent stems high for the bees (10-12 inches) and make stem clippings that are small that fall to the ground with no need to rake up. This should make for happier gardening!

Horticulturist Scott Woodbury is the Curator of the Whitmore Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO, where he has worked with native plant propagation, design, and education for 30 years. He also is an advisor to the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native! program. Find native plants and seeds suppliers at grownative.org.

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The Kansas City Gardener | July 2021

11

Butterflies

sighting locations abound in public gardens, parks and wildlife areas

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utterfly watching excels in our area with over 60 species of native butterflies. Private butterfly gardens abound as containers on balconies, in backyards in urban and suburban neighborhoods and as prairie ecosystems on rural farms. But where to go see butterflies in public places?

Meeting the Needs of Butterflies and Humans A “pretty garden” is not enough for the idiosyncratic butterflies. The best public spaces have deliberately planted the unique host plants eaten by the caterpillars of the various species of butterfly. You must feed the children to see the winged adults. For example, Milkweed feeds Monarch caterpillars. Black Swallowtail caterpillars depend on plants in the carrot family.

Great Spangled Fritillary caterpillars eat only violets, etc. The more different host plants in a garden or park, the more different adult butterflies will be seen nectaring on flowers. The garden must also be managed for butterflies by rejecting insecticides, maintaining wild areas and avoiding fall clean-up. Butterfly sightings also depend on whether the time of year coincides with the butterfly’s adult stage, the weather (sunny and above 65 degrees), time of day (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and whether a resident population lives at that site. And most of all, LUCK! Humans also have needs when in public spaces, such as a safe area with ample parking and restrooms. Use trails for easy access and protection against poison ivy and ticks. You will need close-focusing binoculars or a macro-lens camera, and a butterfly field guide. Go with friends! A team approach improves the opportunities for sightings and accurate identifications.

The Best Butterfly-watching Destination: Powell Gardens Members of our local butterfly club, the Idalia Society, unanimously recommended Powell Gardens, which has benefited from the legacy of Alan Branhagen, former Director of Horticulture.

LENORA LARSON Butterfly Maven 12

July 2021 | kcgmag.com

During his 21-year tenure at Powell Gardens, his comprehensive knowledge produced one of the first public butterfly gardens and the nation’s largest annual butterfly festival with the conservatory of tropical butterflies and native butterflies in their habitats.

This focus on butterflies continues under the leadership of CEO/President Tabitha Schmidt, who says: “Powell Gardens showcases the importance of butterflies not only through its annual Festival of Butterflies, but also throughout the year by drawing attention to the ecosystems necessary to supporting them.” Director of Horticulture, Susan Mertz, echoes this message: “Powell Gardens wants our visitors to be inspired to add both butterfly host and nectar plants to their gardens. During the height of butterfly season, visitors can follow the Monarch’s journey in the Butterfly Meadow and see all stages of the butterfly’s life cycle in the Native Butterfly Tent.”

Other Outstanding Butterfly Gardens

n The Pollinator Prairie in Olathe was formed

by a partnership of government, industry and community groups which restored the CCI toxic dump site and planted five pollinator gardens representing Kansas’ original Tall Grass Prairie habitat. Each garden has paths and comprehensive signage. The gardens are maintained by the Johnson County Master Naturalists. n The Overland Park Arboretum was an “ac-

cidental butterfly garden” since many of its native trees coincidentally serve as butterfly host plants. A designated butterfly garden has now been added with educational signage to enhance the visitor experience. n Kauffman Gardens has a butterfly garden in a very formal setting. The nearby Anita Gorman Discovery Center has native plants in a very informal setting. Both are full of butterflies. This juxtaposition demonstrates that butterflies don’t care about your gardening style as long as you have the “right” plants.

Local Parks and Wildlife Areas Many parks serve area residents but not all meet the needs of butterflies. The parks listed below have been recommended by Idalia Butterfly Society members because of the multitude of diverse species observed. Many groups combine bird watching and butterfly sighting. They arrive at a wildlife area starting at 5 or 6 a.m. for bird watching. As the day warms, birds retreat to the shady foliage and butterflies emerge to dance in the sun until dusk when the birds reemerge. n Big Bull Creek, 2060 acres in Edgerton, Kansas, has areas of trails and restored prairie and focuses on nature-based learning, play and restoration. n Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary in Liberty, MO has a Nature Center with restrooms, a library and gift shop. The 100 acres include four miles of trails that wind through a variety of planted gardens and wild areas. n The 1,600 acre Shawnee Mission Park includes Ogg Prairie whose wild flowers attract clouds of pollinators on a sunny day. Trails, shelters and a 120-acre lake provide amenities for both humans and butterflies. n Jerry Smith Park (south Kansas City, MO).

Contains 360 acres with a restroom and picnic area. The well-maintained walking trails wind through a combination of prairie and forest habitat.

Summary These gardens, parks and wildlife areas represent just a few of the available butterfly watching opportunities in our area. Look for baby butterflies (caterpillars) on host plants and the winged adults on flowers. Please do not touch or capture butterflies. Today’s butterfly lovers catch butterflies with their cameras and maintain their collections digitally.

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

Photos by Lenora Larson.

Members of the Idalia Butterfly Society on a field trip.

Powell Gardens’ signage at the entrance to the Native Butterfly Tent

Loose Park includes a butterfly garden among the roses!

Our native citrus tree, Prickly Ash, grows in the Overland Park Arboretum’s woods and feeds the Giant Swallowtail’s caterpillars. The spectacular adults (6” wingspread!) nectar on flowers in the gardens.

Most public gardens plant Tropical Milkweed as the surest way to attract Monarchs.

Great Spangled Fritillaries are 30% larger than Monarchs and are found nectaring in areas that violets, their caterpillar’s host plant, are allowed to grow.

Planting Common Milkweed will attract Monarchs to lay their eggs and then sip the nectar.

This Zebra Swallowtail was found at Powell Gardens because Paw-paws grow there and feed its caterpillars.

The Kansas City Gardener | July 2021

13

Cherished native fruits, the wild plums of Missouri

W

ild plum or Prunus americana is one of the most abundant native trees in the state and across its range but it usually goes unnoticed as it grows along roadsides on major highways and smaller roads. It can be found in the most unexpected places, sometimes forming thickets, and has fruits that are just larger than blueberries and their flavor is far more desirable than introduced plums.

Like many fruit trees, it blooms early in the spring and matures its fruit in late summer. It blooms at the same time as the invasive Bradford pear, so one way to tell them apart is that Bradford pear trees are taller, the flowers have a stronger and unpleasant smell and the fruits are green, very small and inedible.

Wild plum’s aromatic flowers can be used to produce perfumes and are very attractive for pollinators in the spring. The fruits of wild plums are red at maturity and round to oval. Wild plums can naturally be found in thickets in prairies, glades and open woodlands but can be trained to have a single stem which makes it easier to harvest the bright red fruits.

Wild plum is a fast-growing tree, it can produce fruits within four or five years after established and can reach up to 20 ft. but has an average size of about 10 ft. Wild plum, like introduced plums, pears and apples, belongs to the rose family.

The Missouri Department of Conservation recommends wild plums for quail habitat in combination with brambles like blackberries and other small trees and shrubs like gray dogwood and false wild indigo (Amorpha fruticosa), all good for pollinators in the spring and/or early summer.

Native plums are adapted to dry and poor soils and do not require watering once established. The

Wild plum tree in spring bloom.

Wild Plum Jam Ingredients 4 cups of wild plum pulp 4 cups of sugar 2 cinnamon sticks fruits are consumed by bobwhite quail, turkey and mammals. Don Kurz in his book Trees of Missouri describes two other less common, but equally tasty, native plums: Chickasaw plum (Prunus angustifolia) and Mexican plum (Prunus mexicana).

According to Kelly Kindscher, Professor of the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Kansas, wild plums have been used extensively and are still used

by Native Americans. A study conducted by Katherine Phillips et. al. on wild plum and nine other native

NADIA NAVARRETE-TINDALL Native Plant Specialist 14

July 2021 | kcgmag.com

Lots of harvested American plums.

calling for plums and have an unbeatable flavor! Other recipes can be found in Kay Young’s Wild Seasons: Gathering and cooking wild plants of the Great Plains and Billy Joe Tatum’s Wild Foods Cookbook and Field Guide, among others.

For a list of books or other references contact Dr. Nadia NavarreteTindall at Navarrete-tindalln@lincolnu.edu or via Facebook “Native Plants and More.”

These as well as other native edible woody and herbaceous plants can be seen at Lincoln University campus as part of the FINCA project. (A finca is a small farm in El Salvador and at Lincoln it is the acronym of Families Integrating Nature, Conservation and Agriculture.) This project funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is helping to increase awareness about common but overlooked native edibles in Missouri.

edible species used by Northern Plains Native Americans showed that wild plums had high dietary fiber content, vitamin C and vitamin K. American plums should be harvested when they are red, they can be left sitting on the kitchen counter for 2 or 3 days before using fresh or for recipes. They should be soft but not mushy and can be used raw or cooked. Tartness varies from tree to tree. The following wild plum jam recipe has been tested at Lincoln University. Wild plums can be used in any jam or jelly recipe

Directions Choose soft and red plums.

Immerse plums in boiling water to loosen skin for one minute or less. Use a tomato juicer or food mill to separate pulp from skin and seeds.

Boil wild plum pulp with sugar and cinnamon sticks for an hour or so.

Stir and check the mixture constantly to avoid burning.

The jam will be ready when it sticks to a wooden spoon. Preserve or use immediately.

Dr. Nadia Navarrete-Tindall is a Native Plant Specialist and Educator at Lincoln University. She offers educational workshops and other training about native edible plants and other topics on native plants.

She can be reached by email at navarrete-tindalln@lincolnu.edu and on her Facebook page “Native Plants and More.”

Puddle Jumping Water Garden Tour The Puddle Jumping Water Garden Tour is in full swing, with 5 tours still to come. Remember we have divided and hybridized our tour to run 6 Saturdays around the 5-County area and Lawrence, KS; with each individual tour having ponds in relative proximity. Garden trains will be running on tours 2 and 3, July 10th and July 24th to entertain adults and children alike. The lilies and Lotus will be blooming in all their glory and hungry Koi can’t wait to perform.

The fun continues at contractor-sponsored night parties from 6 to 10pm. Free to the public, these

night parties showcase over-thetop ponds with additional night lighting at all heights to capture the magic of sundown beside the ponds. Tour # 2 in Jackson County will have a string quartet and light refreshments to enhance your touring experience. Tour # 3 in Johnson County will have a Jazz Band and refreshments to give you an unforgettable evening under the stars. The annual Water Garden Tours are the only fundraiser for the Greater KC Water Garden Society. Tour tickets are available at retail stores now. For more information visit kcwatergardens.com.

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15

Indoor Gardening: Countertop Microgreens

A

s a firm believer that anyone can grow their own food, there is no debating it requires a certain degree of time, planning and patience. I often get questions like, “What’s something I can start growing that’s easy and doesn’t require much experience?”

My gut reaction is typically to pick leafy greens like lettuce or kale that don’t go through a flowering cycle and have limited needs for space, nutrition and light intensity – something of a “fire and forget.” While these vegetables aren’t particularly complicated to grow, there is a waiting period of nearly a month before you’ll have anything to harvest. If you’re looking for a quick, short-term win to build your gardening confidence or if you’ve got an impatient 7-year-old chomping at the bit to taste the fruits of his/her labor, you might be counting time in days rather than weeks or months.

What I tend to overlook when responding to the “what should I grow” inquiry, is that plants like lettuce are actually edible far before their leaves are fully developed. In this immature form, they are referred to as microgreens and can pack a ton of nutritional content. The exciting part – they’re typically harvested within 9 to 14 days of planting! Add that they can be grown in a simple tray on your countertop with nothing more than the regular light bulbs in your ceiling, and it begs the questions, “why am I not growing these already?”

It’s not just lettuce and kale, though. Other plants that also perform great as microgreens include broccoli, basil, cilantro, arugula, mustard greens, radish, beets, chard and spinach, each possessing their own unique flavor and nutritional value. Note that there are a handful of plants like tomatoes, peppers and eggplants who contain toxins in their leaves and stems. You’ll

want to be careful to avoid these, although you’ll never see them marketed as seeds specifically to be grown as “microgreens.”

If your goal is to keep things as simple as possible, there are starter kits readily available from companies like Hamama that include everything you need to grow in one box. They include a tray, instructions and seed “mats” that have been pre-filled with seeds of various types. It’s clean, efficient, and only requires the grower to fill the tray with water at the beginning and then mist the tiny sprouts once they emerge. You’re harvesting in less than 2 weeks and ready to throw another seed mat into the tray.

If you’re looking for a project with slightly more human-plant interaction, you can purchase a package of seeds from your local garden center along with a bit of potting soil and a tray with no drainage holes. Moisten the soil and spread it evenly across the bottom of the

JASON MISPAGEL Indoor Gardener 16

July 2021 | kcgmag.com

tray. Heavily sprinkle your seeds across the top of the soil and mist with water. Keep the temperature around 70°F and spray with water to keep the soil moist but not soggy for 1 to 2 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed one or two sets of “true leaves” that look like miniature versions of what you’d see on an adult version of the plant, they are ready to harvest. Use a sharp pair of garden scissors or snips to cut the seedlings just above the soil.

Eat them as a garnish, a topping on your salad or sandwich, blended into a smoothie or cooked into a stir fry.

If you want to add a little more complexity, there are a few tricks to speeding up the process and improving the flavor and nutritional content of your microgreens. First, if your environment is on the cooler side, you can employ a seedling heat mat to increase the speed of germination and growth. Similarly, environments with low levels of

humidity can reduce germination speed. Adding a humidity dome over the tray can temporarily boost humidity, but be sure to remove it immediately once you see the first green sprout emerge to avoid mold or plants with leggy stems that can’t support themselves.

To boost growth rates, place an LED or T5 fluorescent light just a few inches from the top of the plants that runs for 12-16 hours per day. Use a bulb that doesn’t put off too much heat and make sure your space is well ventilated to avoid cooking the tender seedlings. You can also speed things along by mixing an organic fertilizer into your water at half-strength when spraying your plants.

Regardless of whether you’re just looking for a quick family project or you want to produce a constant stream of crunchy, flavorful goodness for your meals, microgreens are the definition of instant garden gratification.

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

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The Water Garden Society of Greater Kansas City Presents

Puddle Jumping Water Garden Tour 2021 28th Annual Tour, Don’t Miss the 5 remaining Saturdays Plan your personal driving Water Garden Tour on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., highlighting locations around the entire metro including Lawrence, KS. A new feature for 2021 is the addition of unique builder-sponsored garden parties from 6 to 10 p.m. with lite refreshments and night lighting for a magical view of Water Gardens.

Tours are on the following Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Rain or Shine Tour # 2 Tour # 3 Tour # 4 Tour # 5 Tour # 6

July 10, Central KC and Northern Jackson County, MO July 24, Central Johnson County, KS August 7, Southern Johnson County, KS August 21, Lawrence, KS September 11, Northern KCMO, Wyandotte County, KS and Leavenworth, KS

Tickets are $20 for a season pass for all 6 Water Garden Tours and $5 for individual tours. Children under 14 attend free. Proceeds benefit the building and maintenance of restorative and educational water gardens for schools, nature centers and other non-profits.

Treat yourself to a summer of beauty and fun! To purchase tickets NOW through Eventbrite, visit kcwatergardens.com/tour.

The following retail businesses have 2021 Water Garden Tour Books & Season Passes Blue Parkway Bait – Dog Supplies & Feed Kansas City, MO

Hen House Markets All Locations

Soil Service Nursery Kansas City, MO

Wild Bird House Independence, MO

Clinton Parkway Nursery Lawrence, KS

House of Rocks Kansas City, KS

Suburban Lawn & Garden Martin City, Lenexa & Overland Park

Earl May Garden Center Shawnee, KS

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Van Liew’s Home & Garden Kansas City, MO

Family Tree Nursery Liberty, MO, Overland Park & Shawnee, KS

Randy’s Lakeview Nursery Lee’s Summit, MO

Westlake Hardware Most stores in Kansas & Missouri

The Kansas City Gardener | July 2021

17

Seeing Shabby Songbirds?

Fancy feathers return after molt

H

ave you ever looked out your window into your yard while watching your feeders and thought: what in the world is that funny looking red bird with a lizard head, or a black head with no feathers? Oh my gosh, what happened to my cardinal? Why is he bald? Where is his snazzy mohawk?

The funky headed cardinal is most likely undergoing what is known as molting and what you see is the black skin underneath his feathers. Most wild birds molt heavily in the spring and fall; between seasons they continuously replace old or lost feathers. This process is more obvious just after nesting is complete, and before the next migration cycle begins. This helps the birds time their new feather growth to avoid other periods of high energy demands.

Over a one year period, every single feather is replaced with a new one for most birds. Daily activities such as rubbing against trees, or branches or bushes, preening, flying and dust bathing all create harsh conditions and subject feathers to friction that causes wear. The keratin also weakens as the feathers age. Once the feathers have grown in, they cannot be repaired if they are worn or become damaged. As they age, the quills loosen in the shafts, the feathers fall out, which then stimulates new feather growth.

On most birds, nearby feathers on the body overlap so the bird is not completely bald, but the bird may look scruffy and have indistinct markings until molting is complete.

Cardinals, Blue Jays, Grackles and Red winged Blackbirds tend to have more instances of complete head and neck molting than most other species.

Molts often provide a new look to the bird’s plumage-new colors

or patterns that can help indicate a birds age, sex or the season of the years. This is especially obvious with our American Goldfinches which transition to the beautiful bright yellow plumage in the spring which we all look forward to, and return to drab olive green/brown shades in the fall. This also serves to help protect them from predators as they will blend better into the surrounding foliage during the winter months. Your goldfinches did not all permanently abandon you in the winter, they just switched to more neutrally camouflaged garments and colors.

Feathers are complex amazing structures, and they have many important functions just like hair and fur on mammals. A feather is a ‘dead’ structure, similar to hair

HEATHER CWACH Birding Expert 18

July 2021 | kcgmag.com

or nails in humans and made of the same basic ingredient, the protein beta-keratin. They do not continually grow like hair and nails. They serve a purpose, like to insulate to maintain body temperature and protect birds from the elements (like cold, heat and water). Feathers play an important role in aerodynamics and flying. They are used for camouflage, display during courtship, demonstrations and territoriality, and they indicate sexual dimorphism (differences between the male and females). Molted feathers can frequently be found incorporated into nests as lining material, and have a surprising diversity of colors, sizes, functions and forms.

It is illegal however to collect and possess feathers of North American birds without a permit for most of

us according to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Some birds, like our beloved chickadees, hummingbirds, thrushes and woodpeckers, acquire their adult plumage in a single year. Others, like Bald Eagles, take up to five years to reach full adult plumage and their signature white heads and tails. Birds like buntings, tanagers, and warblers, molt all their feathers after nesting and assume their basic plumage. Then, before the next breeding season, they have a partial molt of head and body feathers which gives the males their bright fancy clothes to attract the ladies.

Studies show that many birds with brighter plumage have better breeding success. Females typically do not molt into bright plumage, but they do go through a molt as all birds replace all their feathers over the course of a year.

It requires a large amount of energy and nutrition to build new feathers. During molting times, there is an increased demand for protein, calcium, and iron. For many of our North American songbirds, that time of year is July and early August. Some birds will become less active, and quieter as they do not want to attract extra attention to themselves. They may seek safe shelter in your bird friendly habitat garden bushes or shrubs.

Many of your songbirds may become more elusive and shy until the molt is complete. It can be very stressful and onerous on the bird’s bodily resources. You might not hear your cardinals singing their charming song quite as boisterously or frequently and your yard may seem very quiet. Given some time and ample reliable resources, your songbirds will return to flashing their bright feathered finery and adding symphony to your yard very soon.

Avid birder, Heather Cwach is a Certified Bird Feeding Specialist and Assistant Manager at Wild Birds Unlimited of Leawood at 11711 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas. You may reach her at 913-491-4887.

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19

Sponsored by the Marais des Cygnes Extension District Master Gardeners

‘A September to Remember’ Garden Tour September 10 & 11

A

re you ready to venture out?

Take a drive through the countryside to explore six unique, diverse Miami County gardens. Relaxing, stimulating, inspiring!

Three gardens are featured here and three more will be featured in the August edition. Mark your calendar!

Hart’s Daylilies / Thin Wallet Ranch Lois and Bill Hart, Owners Lois and Bill carved out a few acres for their homestead and gardens amid a forest of native trees.

Unwind throughout this parklike setting with a meandering creek, the headwaters of the Marais des Cygnes River. Over 50 years ago, the property was a dairy farm, leaving a legacy of compost.

Lois began her gardening endeavors planting a few daylilies upon the advice of a friend who said they were low maintenance.

Boom! Lois is a renowned daylily collector, grower and publicist.

Over 900 varieties grace her gardens. See the bones of a comprehensive propagating and labeling system. Lois has been honored nationally by having a daylily named after her.

The love of daylilies expanded to gardens of a myriad of plants.

Lois says she’s tried growing about every possible plant! Behold countless lilium lilies, hydrangeas, hibiscus, clematis. Have you ever seen a leatherwood tree?

Artworks galore are scattered throughout, colorful balls and Lois’s own stained glass stepping stones and benches. So serene.

Turtle Run Laraine and Allen Crawford, Owners Laraine’s favorite animal has always been the turtle. Imagine her delight when she and Allen discovered they had moved to an Ornate Box Turtle sanctuary habitat. The Ornate Box Turtle is the state reptile of Kansas. Hidden in each garden is at least one concrete turtle

20

July 2021 | kcgmag.com

areas with a surprising diversity of plant species, a tiered garden on a slope, a bog garden near the stream running through their property and the addition of a Biblical garden and butterfly/pollinator garden in sunny areas.

Laraine has a been a Master Gardener for over 15 years. She starts hundreds of plants in her greenhouse each year. Allen is her partner in planning and executing the garden design and builds most of the hardscape and art. Enjoy!

Hart’s Daylilies are quite the spectacle in July.

There are turtles, concrete and live, hidden in Laraine’s gardens. and sometimes a live one. Can you spot them?

These gardens advance wildlife habitat, native plants and is pesticide free. They are certified as Backyard Habitat, Pollinator Gar-

den and Monarch Waystation gardens.

Laraine and Allen met the challenges of creating colorful and varied gardens amongst deep shade and steep terrain. Explore shaded

Whispering Elm Farm Melissa and Colin McDonald, Owners Melissa and Colin and family moved to the country to further cultivate their calling to promote health and healing for themselves and others. They practice sustainable farming, growing organic medicinal and culinary herbs and vegetables.

Melissa is a certified master herbalist and naturopath. Whispering Elm Farm has evolved into a certified organic medicinal herb and elderberry farm and a holistic, educational retreat.

Peruse the medicinal herb garden with signs identifying traditional uses and benefits of the herbs.

Their specialty is elderberries, and you’ll find an orchard of around 1,400 elderberry bushes. Elderberries are high in vitamins and have been used to support the immune system, reduce inflammation, support eye and brain health, and reduce asthma and allergy symptoms.

See the famous “Hillsdale ducks,” bee hives and a high tunnel.

Find peace and tranquility here.

Tickets are $15 and will be for sale at each garden (cash or check only) and are good for both days.

You can start your tour at any garden.

A map will be available in this publication’s September issue, which comes out in late August.

See www.facebook.com/mdcemg or www.maraisdescygnes.ksu.edu for updates.

Rose Report

LET US HELP KEEP THE BEAUTY GOING

Kansas City Rose Society Announces New QR Coding Project in Loose Park’s Rose Garden!

T

he Kansas City Rose Society, celebrating 90 years of supporting the internationally acclaimed Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden in Loose Park, is thrilled to announce an exciting addition to the Rose Garden. With generous funding from The Sherman Family Foundation, the KCRS created a Rose Library website, featuring all rose varieties in the Garden by name, color, and classification, along with photographs and interesting American Rose Society information and notes. While you can find this library at kcrsroselibrary.com, visitors to the Garden may also access it by using their phones to scan the new QR code stickers that are placed on every sign in the Rose Garden. Each rose has a unique code that will access a page about that particular rose. In addition to a written summary of each rose’s history, visitors may listen to an audio narrative about each rose.

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MISSING AN ISSUE? FIND BACK ISSUES AT KCGMAG.COM less hours and significant resources to launch this project. Thank you Kansas City Rose Society for your years of support to the Garden, and thank you KCRS QR committee for your talent and dedication to this exciting project that visitors to the Rose Garden will enjoy for years to come.

Remember to stop and smell the roses!

JUDY PENNER Expert Rosarian

Judy Penner is Expert Rosarian at Loose Park, Kansas City, MO. Reach her at judyssecretgardens @gmail.com.

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21

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

Lawn

• Mow bluegrass and tall fescue around 3 to 3 1/2 inches.

• Mow zoysia at 1 1/2 inches.

• Fertilize zoysia to encourage summer growth with a high nitrogen fertilizer.

• Let grass clippings fall to return nutrients to soil and grass.

• Look for summer diseases such as brown patch.

• Watch for grubs. Apply insecticide in late July or early August if needed.

• Sharpen mower blades for a clean cut.

• Replace lawn mower air filter and change lawn mower oil per owner’s manual.

• Prepare to control perennial grassy weeds such as zoysia, fescue, and nimblewill.

• Take a soil test to prepare for fall lawn renovation.

• Water deeply and less often for deep roots and a healthy lawn.

Vegetables and Fruits

• Watch for foliar disease development on lower tomato leaves and treat with a fungicide.

• Spray sweet corn to control corn earworms as silks emerge.

• Be on the lookout for pests of the garden and control.

• Remove old raspberry canes after harvest.

• Harvest the fruits of your labor and enjoy.

Trees and Shrubs

• Water newly planted shrubs and young trees (planted within the last three to five years) during dry weather.

• Keep plants mulched to conserve moisture and cool roots.

• Remove sucker growth from the base of trees and along branches.

• Prune diseased, dead, or hazardous limbs.

Flowers

• Control weed growth to preserve water and nutrients.

• Fertilize vegetables to encourage plant development.

• Prepare for fall gardening. Plant potatoes, broccoli, and other fall crops.

• Remove faded flowers from annuals to stimulate more buds and prevent perennials from reseeding.

• Keep gardens well mulched to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

• Cut fresh bouquets for enjoyment on hot summer days.

• Lightly fertilize annuals to promote growth.

• Dig, divide, and replant crowded irises.

• Dig, divide and replant daylilies.

• Fertilize roses for fall blossoms.

• Fertilize and water container gardens.

• Complete the final pinching of chrysanthemum tips for bushier plants.

Houseplants

• Water and fertilize on a regular basis to promote summer growth.

• Repot overgrown plants, shifting up to a 1 inch larger pot.

• Rotate pots to provide sunlight on all sides, which produces a balanced plant.

• Prune and shape plants.

Miscellaneous

• Water weekly by deeply soaking the soil.

Use surface irrigation and avoid watering late at night to help reduce disease development.

• Take photos of gardens. Make notes about what’s working in the garden to help with future planning.

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.

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July 2021 | kcgmag.com

Apply now for Johnson County K-State Extension Master Gardener program

I

f you enjoy gardening, working with others and having fun while sharing your passion, then the Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program may be just the opportunity for you. Applications are now being accepted for the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Master Gardener Class of 2021 training program. The application deadline is July 15, 2021.

Training sessions are Tuesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. and Thursday afternoon from 1 to 4, September 2 through December 16. Classes will be held conducted at the Johnson County Extension office, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite 1500 in Olathe.

There is a $125 administration fee for those accepted into the class.

Class members must be Johnson County residents.

Applicants are selected on the basis of gardening and volunteering experience, ability to attend training sessions and volunteer activities, and, most importantly, willingness to commit long term to the annual requirement of volunteer service.

Gardeners who join the program bring many different experience levels and interests to the program.

If you are a novice gardener, do not let the title of Extension Master Gardener intimidate you. Your love of gardening and passion for sharing your garden experience is the basis for success.

The EMG program, sponsored

by K-State Research and Exten-

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

CASS COUNTY

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

DOUGLAS COUNTY

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

GREATER KANSAS CITY MISSOURI AREA

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

JOHNSON COUNTY, KS

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

sion, is designed to teach area gardeners about horticulture and give them the opportunity to share their knowledge through various gardening-related volunteer projects. Applicants who are selected will re-

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

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

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

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY

Phone:

MIAMI COUNTY & LINN COUNTY

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

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

WYANDOTTE COUNTY

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

QUESTIONS ABOUT ROSES?

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

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

July

2015

r Garden

for the Octobe

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

Name: Address:

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

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

JOHNSON COUNTY, MO

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

ceive intensive horticulture-related training from university and industry experts. In return, newly-trained recruits will be required to volunteer a minimum of time each year.

EMG volunteers get involved in a variety of projects, including maintaining demonstration gardens, staffing a gardening hotline and giving presentations through the speakers’ bureau. Youth programs are also another avenue for volunteer participation.

If you are interested in applying for the program or would like more information, please contact Johnson County Extension at (913) 715-7000 or visit www.johnson.kstate.edu and click on the Extension Master Gardener link for details.

City, State, Zip:

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

The Kansas City Gardener | July 2021

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July 2021 | kcgmag.com