The Kansas City
GARDENER
Independently owned and operated since 1996
PUBLISHER
Michael Cavanaugh
EDITOR
Elizabeth Cavanaugh
CONTRIBUTORS
Amy Albright
Jerry Dreyer
Markis Hill
Lenora Larson
Mark Raduziner
Tamra Reall
Anthony Reardon
Elizabeth Stoakes
Ginny Varraveto
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
QUESTIONS ABOUT EDITORIAL AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
Elizabeth Cavanaugh elizabeth@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE
See details on page 23.
Spring garden
These are the heady days of spring. This spring especially, we are enthralled by all that is growing in the garden. We are driven to spend every possible moment in the garden to observe and salute the amazing blessings that surround us. It can take your breath away. The lush new growth on trees, blossoms gleaming with color, combined with the fragrance of spring, it is heady, indeed.
If I had to choose one plant from my garden that has kept me captivated all season, it would be my peonies. After the daffodil, hellebore and lungwort, and other early-spring bloomers, the peonies take center stage. With more than a dozen plants of differing cultivars, all have delivered stellar blooms. The neighborhood walkers slow while passing, enchanted by the color, size, and number of flowers. This is nature at work, creating art in the landscape.
Mr. Gardener and I have added a few spring plantings, mostly filler perennials and annuals. Those are the plants that fill a section just right for “a fern here and a fern there.” Or “we’ve got room for a couple of coreopsis.” And new to the garden
is ‘Little Redhead’ Spigelia marilandica. It was an impulse purchase, catching my attention at the garden center. I’ll report back whether it makes the team {grin}. The containers on the front porch are simple. One upright Kimberly Queen fern, and the other holds a combination of pink caladium and creeping Jenny. Also, Mr. Gardener grew zinnias from seed again this year, and all were ready for containers and into the garden. Solomon Seal has been on his wish list which were purchased and planted. The gardens have not looked so lush.
Left undone is the plan to replace two pyramid-style boxwoods at the street edge of the garden. Over the years, the boxwoods have been damaged by dog urine from which they will not recover. We will likely use decorative containers that will tolerate Midwest winters (and dogs), and then fill them seasonally. This is the entrance to the garden, so it must be welcoming. Report more later.
Soon spring will give way to summer and the garden will transform once again. The spring-blooming trees, shrubs, and perennials will fade into the background, and the plants
ready for a warmer, sunnier performance come into focus. In my garden it is coneflower, black-eyed Susan, obedient plant, daylilies, and more. What stands out in your garden in summer? Are there particular plants that will bloom from summer through to first frost? And in between, the differences in texture and color among the foliage gets my attention.
Let me know how your garden grows, and what you look forward to in summer.
I’ll see you in the garden!
Chemical Solutions
Sometimes if a pond has a lot of algae or weeds the only solution is to treat with chemicals. Before we treat with any kind of chemical we will come out and identify the algae or weed so we can customize your treatment to treat that specific pest. We do biological treatments at the same time as our chemical treatments as these help prevent new blooms of algae or weeds.
• Clearer Water
• Cleaner Water
• Less Muck
• Help reduce algae and weed growth
• Healthier environment for fish and helps prevent fish kills
• Helps biological and chemical treatments to be more effective!
Pond and Lake Management
Biological Treatments
Our biological treatments are a NATURAL way we help create the perfect pond for you to enjoy without the use of chemicals. Biological products are our first line of defense in the prevention of unwanted pests such as algae, weeds, and muck BEFORE they become a problem. We recommend doing these in the spring before the warmer weather to get the best results and to help in avoiding the use of chemical solutions.
Manual Removal
Along with our biological and chemical treatment solutions there may be instances where we would recommend manual removal through the use of a special amphibious machine. By removing the biomass of weeds before applying treatments, we significantly reduce the quantity of chemicals needed. Other cases require application first to make mechanical removal more effective and efficient.
Ask the Experts
Question: Every year my vegetable garden seems to get overrun by bindweed no matter what I do. Do you have any advice for controlling it? I really hate using chemicals. Should I just admit defeat?
Anthony’s Answer: The biggest factor to keep in mind when controlling bindweed is that you are not just killing or removing a surface plant; you are attempting to eradicate a system of underground carbohydrate reserves that can sprout up within 20 feet of any singular plant. Moreover, every time it sprouts up, those same
carbohydrate reserves lend more resilience to the plant roots further down the line. Control can be tricky at best and maddening at worst. Nevertheless, a few smothering options exist for you. These include extra deep mulch on top of four layers of cardboard, a thick annual rye cover crop (not allowing it to go to seed), and heavy tarping materials such as pond liner, black plastic, and fabric mulches. Unfortunately, none of these options lends much leeway to simultaneously planting and maintaining a vegetable garden. You can, however, attempt interplant-
ing with the mulching and tarping options, while watching your soil moisture and temperature. Then, watch the soil exposure areas for any emerging bindweed, and stay on top of it.
PLANTS THAT FALL OVER
Question: I got a plant from the nursery last month and planted it in my garden. It is now very tall and flopping over. Do you have any advice to make it more manageable?
Markis’ Answer: Some of our most attractive summer blooming plants can get tall and flop over, especially on windy or rainy days. Seeing a plant that you may have spent money on start to establish, then immediately flop over, can be frustrating. If this is an herbaceous, or non-woody, plant, there is an easy fix. Give it a nice prune. Chop up to 1/3 of the top growth off. This encourages more lateral branching and will give a more bush-like appearance. This can be done multiple times throughout the growing season to keep plants manageable. Don’t prune perennials during flowering, as some of them won’t put out another flower. Annuals, on the other hand, can be pruned multiple times and still produce blooms.
HARVEST HERBS FOR BEST FLAVOR
Question: It seems that at this time of year, my herb garden grows vigorously, but the flavor of the plants then quickly declines. Am I doing something wrong?
Anthony’s Answer: It is important to remember with herbs that the specific oils that make them desirable are only as abundant as their ability
to concentrate within the plant, and young leaves are more chemically active than old ones. While bigger, bushier plants may look great, this may also dilute those desirable traits in some plants. Regularly harvesting to keep herbs compact helps immensely with this, relegating their desirable oils to a smaller, younger surface area. Otherwise, watch for bolting! Like spinach becoming too bitter when it flowers, so will your basil and other herbs.
POWDERY MILDEW
Question: My plants are getting these white spots on the leaves. They look very unsightly, and it looks like it is spreading to the other plants. How do I get rid of them?
Markis’ Answer: What you are looking at is the start of powdery mildew. This is a fungus that gets on the leaves and creates a white powdery look. This will not cause the plant to die, and there is not any remedy to get rid of it once it has infected the plant. However, this is a stressor on the plant that slows the growth or reduces the flowering potential. Conditions that favor powdery mildew for most species are humid areas with reduced airflow. This can be in the middle of a bush or in a bed of densely planted annuals. Selectively pruning to increase airflow will mitigate the impact, but some species of powdery mildew don’t even need high humidity conditions to infect a plant. Powdery mildew is species-specific; the mildew on zinnias does not infect lilac shrubs. The best defense against powdery mildew is choosing plants that are resistant or tolerant of the fungus.
ANTHONY REARDON | Horticulture Agents | MARKIS HILL
Anthony and Markis are the horticulture agents for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension, each specializing in edible crops and ornamentals, respectively. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson. ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.
When herbs like basil bolt, the desirable flavor tends to diminish.
Bindweed
Powdery mildew on leaves
BINDWEED CONTROL
Missouri Wildflowers Nursery
573-496-3492, fax: 573-496-3003
www.mowildflowers.net
mowldflrs@socket.net
9814 Pleasant Hill Rd Jefferson City MO 65109
We’ll be back in September to the KC area for more native plant sales. Watch for our ads here, on our website, and social media.
Thank You for using native plants in your landscapig endeavors.
Thank You for helping wildlife through your use of native plants.
Thank You for supporting native plant nurseries with your purchases. It helps them grow.
DAY TRIP! The Nursery is open year round at our Brazito location (address above), 9 to 5 weekdays Weekends now through July 6 and Aug. 30 through Oct. 12. Saturdays 9 to 5, Sundays noon to 5.
At the Nursery only, quart pots are $6.95 and small pots are $3.50, if you pick the plants.
Kids Ask Dr. Bug Secrets, Disguises,
and
Crimes in the garden
While you’re out hiking or riding your bike, insects are buzzing, hiding, hatching, munching—and sometimes glowing. If you slow down and look closely, you’ll start to notice clues: a curled leaf, a chewed stem, a weird bump, or even a flash of light in the grass. What’s going on? This month’s questions dig into the secrets insects don’t want you to know.
What are butterflies and moths doing in my garden?
You might think they’re just floating around looking pretty, occasionally landing on a flower to sip nectar—but most butterflies and moths are on a mission: to find food, find a mate, and lay eggs. Females use their antennae and feet to find just the right kind of plant. Then, they tuck a few tiny eggs on the underside of a leaf where predators won’t easily see them.
Look under milkweed leaves for monarch eggs (they look like tiny white footballs), or check dill, parsley, and fennel for black swallowtail caterpillars. Caterpillars spend their days eating and hiding so they can grow fast and transform. By the time you find one, it may only have a few more days before forming a chrysalis and changing into an adult.
Can bugs dress up?
Oh yes! Here are some of my favorite insect disguises.
• Walking sticks are insects that pretend to be sticks. They look like a stick and act like a stick. How does a stick act? They
sway in the wind. So, the walkingsticks “sway” as they slowly walk to avoid getting eaten.
• Bird poop mimics like certain swallowtail caterpillars look so much like a splatter, predators usually skip them!
• Some caterpillars, like the spicebush swallowtail, have giant fake “eye spots” on their backs to look like a snake. If a bird gets too close, they rear up and try to scare it off. If they need to appear even more convincingly, they stick out their osmeterium—an expandable orange, stinky, gland that looks a lot like a snake tongue!
These camouflage tricks help insects survive long enough to grow up, transform, and lay eggs of their own.
Who ate my plant?
Oh no! Sorry to hear about your plant. To find this answer, we have to ask questions, observe, and learn more about the kinds of things that
eat plants like yours. In other words, you need to become a Bug Detective (see below)! And this is something all the readers of this column can do!
BUG DETECTIVES WANTED! Insects leave behind clues like tiny garden crimes—can you crack the case? If you spot chewed leaves, strange lumps, or squiggly lines, it’s time to investigate:
• Ragged holes or missing chunks? Beetles or caterpillars may be the culprits.
• Squiggly tunnels inside a leaf?
That’s a leaf miner larva at work.
• Tiny black dots? That’s frass (aka bug poop) and it means someone’s been snacking.
• Clusters of bugs or shiny eggs? Look out for aphids, squash bugs, or other suspects. Grab a notebook or phone and write down what you see:
• What kind of plant is it?
• What’s the damage like?
• Are there insects, eggs, frass, or weird plant growths nearby?
• Who is the culprit?
Use a hand lens, take photos, or make a sketch. Some bugs hide during the day, so a flashlight and nighttime check can reveal sneaky visitors. You can even keep a Bug Detective Journal and solve a new mystery each week.
Need help cracking the case? You (or your adult) can contact your local Extension Master Gardener Hotline. In Kansas City, Missouri, you can reach them here: https://mggkc.org/public-education/hotline/.
Bonus Fun:
• Count how many kinds of bug disguises you can find in your yard.
• Look under five different leaves and see who’s hiding.
• Sit outside after dark and see who glows, hums, or clicks.
Want to share your detective story, photo, or drawing? Send it to me—and maybe you will be featured in a future Kids Ask Dr. Bug column!
~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~
Check out the Kids Ask Dr. Bug video series: https://bit.ly/KADBvideos
Questions for Dr. Bug? Send them to https://bit.ly/KidsAskDrBug Play the catching fireflies game: https://bit.ly/CatchFireflies
Consider sharing feedback by filling out this brief 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.extension.missouri.edu.
To avoid being eaten, this caterpillar is camouflaged as bird poo.
TAMRA REALL Horticulture Specialist
Photo credit to Jose Castillo via Pexels.
Grow Naturally For Healthier Soil & Plants
Rewilding an effort to increase biodiversity and restore the natural processes of an ecosystem
The rewilding movement currently afoot in Great Britain is an exercise in letting go of conventional farming and landscaping techniques that have been chugging away unchallenged for centuries.
Trusted and organized methods of row-cropping and animal husbandry are being left (by a few) to rust in the field, in favor of freeranging animals and plants that have broken free from restrictive pens and hedges. Pigs are allowed to root through fields and even front lawns, and the soil they stir up sprouts new seedlings dispersed by wind, water, birds, and mammals. Brush-eating livestock keep the land open by preventing many trees and shrubs from dominating the landscape. Shrubs spread from hedgerows and gardens, taking on organic shapes across the landscape in response to elevation, contour, and soil moisture patterns,
rather than straight lines from a farmer’s seeder or a designer’s pen.
In other words, plants, especially native plants, are migrating from cultivation and are finding the right places to thrive in nature, all on their own. You know the saying—right plant, right place—only those decisions aren’t entirely human choices anymore. With rewilding, design (if you can call it that) happens naturally, responding to more earthly pressures like geography, fire, weather patterns, and wildlife.
Obviously, these transformations are happening at large scale, on family farms, and roomy country estates. It’s no surprise that these few and privileged landowners are encountering a rejuvenation of wildlife and natural ecosystems. What’s not so obvious are the emerging opportunities for education and eco-tourism. Isabella Tree outlines her experiences tinkering with the family farm in her book, Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm. Her story is compelling.
Some landowners (farmers) celebrate these changes to tradition that are welcoming wildlife back to the land. These land managers seem to have threaded the needle, conducting ecological restoration while also raising livestock to earn a living. Others, however, are talking (over neatly trimmed hedges) in protest, stating that rewilding will lead to reduced food production and undermine farming culture. At this point, few have gone down this path, so I doubt production has waned.
Like rewilding on large properties with Tamworth pigs and Highland cattle in the United Kingdom, wilding with wildflowers on a small scale (at home) in the United States is gaining popularity. Every day homeowners are root ing out turf in favor of planting native grasses, sedges, and wildflowers. After all, we live in a region once dominated by prairie; what better ecosystem to emulate? Like rewilding a large farm, wilding in suburbia begins by letting go of geometry in favor of the shapes, lines, and contours reflected in nature. It also involves well-made plans, intentional plant choices, and a gardener to keep it from being taken over by trees and invasive plants.
To be honest, a few are. But most have thoughtful stewards, busy clipping flopping vegetation, tidying meandering pathways, and mowed grass borders and removing invasive honeysuckle. They also take breaks on a garden bench to watch bees gather pollen. They gather dandelion greens for soup, plums for jam, and persimmons for pudding. They are intimately involved in the outdoors. Speaking from experience, I and other gardeners I know find ourselves a bit obsessed with the many tasks and wonders that come with tending a wild garden. We endure sore muscles and cracked fingertips because wild gardens give our scattered and unpredictable lives direction and meaning.
To some people, prairie and other native gardens seem random, chaotic, and unintentional. As if the yard was neglected and forgotten.
To those who create and experience a wilded garden, the evidence for why we do it becomes more obvious and compelling as we transform more of it. More native plants mean more butterflies and baby birds; more poppy mallow means more bumblebees; more hummingbirds staking claim on blazing star; more zebra swallowtails on paw paw; more prowling dragonflies and owls circling above; and everything else that is supported by rewarded, native gardens. I’m not opposed to straight lines and rectangles in the garden, it’s when they become barriers that can’t be crossed that bothers me. May your wilding endeavors be as open and fruitful as they possibly can be. Happy gardening y’all!
Scott Woodbury was the horticulturist at Shaw Nature Reserve for 30 years and stepped down from that position in June 2022. He continues to work on contract for Shaw Nature Reserve to carry out native landscaping education and has launched his own business called Cacalia: Native Garden Design and Wilding. Find suppliers of native plants, seeds, and services at the Grow Native! Resource Guide: www.moprairie.org.
SCOTT WOODBURY Horticulturist
Terri Sebben’s garden
Nathan Pate’s garden
Photos by Scott Woodbury.
Rose Report Reliable Rose Rhetoric, and tips for June
While not every rose grower is online, many of us have turned into “internet rosarians.” During the pandemic, the number of rose growers grew exponentially, as did the sources of online information.
An amazing number of “experts” have recently emerged in the online rose world—some self-declared, some appointed by a social media platform (because they post often), and some reliable and knowledgeable rosarians who simply use the internet to share their knowledge. We all know “not to believe everything on the internet” and that adage certainly applies to the rose world as well.
New internet rose suppliers are appearing out of nowhere. Our traditional rose suppliers have weathered tough years and undergone many changes. In the meantime, over two dozen new suppliers have popped up, some with amazingly beautiful websites and knowledgeable social media savvy. However, a few have
turned out to be less than ethical and reliable.
We can’t ever beat a local garden center where you can see your purchase and know exactly what you are buying. Unfortunately, they are not able to stock the hundreds of varieties on the market, so you may have to seek an online source. After you have found the rose of your dreams, do an internet review search on the supplier. Most rose suppliers have at least a few negative reviews, but you will quickly be able to assess whether the supplier is honest, dependable, and how they manage errors. If you use Facebook, there are dedicated groups that share feedback on suppliers. Some Facebook groups feature unboxing videos that allow you to view what to expect from the supplier. Own-root suppliers often ship small roses that will do well with proper care, but if you’re expecting a large plant like you see in the garden center, you might be disappointed.
It’s a tough challenge to sort out
JERRY DREYER
all the sources of rose growing advice. YouTube offers many reliable channels, including our local expert Judy Penner. Other well-recognized channels on YouTube include Paul Zimmerman, Frasier Valley Rose Farm and Rose Geeks.
We are proud of the Kansas City Rose Society website www.kansascityrosesociety.org which is packed with growing information, a rose library and more. Both Paul Zimmerman and Frasier Valley Rose Farm offer reliable websites, as well as the American Rose Society at www. rose.org.
It would take a short book to discuss all the social media outlets that can be explored. All the sources previously mentioned are active on Facebook, Instagram, and other outlets. Rose Geeks also offers discussion groups on a wide range of topics via Facebook Messenger. Great caution needs to be taken on information posted in most groups. As everybody can post, their “expertise” is wide-ranging.
Rosarians enjoy Teresa Byington who hosts the RoseChat podcast available on streaming platforms. She has a wide range of guests who keep listeners up to date on what’s new and different in the rose world.
HelpMeFind.com is a one-stop source of great descriptions, photos, sources (and much more) for roses, clematis, and peonies.
Some final words of advice— check your sources and confirm your “new” information with an experienced rosarian. There are strong opinions offered by contributors that may/may not be best for you and your garden. Just as there are many roads to Rome, there are many different approaches to raising beautiful roses.
June Rose Tips
There’s still time to plant new roses….just be sure to keep them properly watered. As the month progresses, check out discounts at garden centers. If you haven’t fertilized your existing roses yet, be sure to get that in your schedule. Regular watering of at least an inch a week is important if Mother Nature doesn’t provide.
Be aware of disease/insect concerns and implement whatever approach you have planned. If you don’t have a control program, research to determine a strategy you are comfortable to use in your garden.
After the first blooms faded, cut back those spent flowers to encourage faster re-bloom.
Kansas City Rose Society Consulting Rosarians are ready to help at RoseHelp@KCRoseSociety.org.
Jerry Dreyer is a Consulting Rosarian with the Kansas City and American Rose Societies. He has grown roses over 10 years each in Iowa, Minnesota and Kansas. Besides growing roses, he enjoys rose photography, competing in rose shows, grooming at the Loose Park garden, and hybridizing new roses.
Crown Prince Margareta American Pillar
Photos by Jerry Dreyer.
Succulents
Low maintenance, year round
Succulents have a special ability to conserve water in their stems and leaves contributing to their unique looks. This also aids in making them easy plants to grow, maintain and admire. A major benefit: low maintenance.
The difference between a succulent and a cactus? Cactus (Cactaceae) are succulents that sport areoles—cushiony, round structures from which spines, new growth and flowers emerge. Succulents don’t have areoles. They do have the thick stems, roots and/or leaves, all of which can store water during drought.
There are thousands of succulent species throughout the world. Succulents can be found in a range a few miles from the Arctic circle to the southernmost tip of South America. The very common Yellow Prickly pear cactus, Opuntia humifusa, reaches from deep into Mexico and back up to the most northern edges of Canada. To clarify, a cactus is a succulent, but not all succulents are cactus. True cacti are only found in the Americas. Only one tiny variety of cactus lives outside the Americas, and it is found in Madagascar and South Africa.
Most cactus and succulents prefer dry conditions, though they do
require water especially during the summer. During the winter, if plants are kept in a cool bright area, they may only need a little water every couple of months. Cacti can stay dry from November to March in a cool spot, never under 30°F. Fertilize only during the summer growing months with a low nitrogen product. Give them a well-draining, gritty potting mix to guarantee a “drench and drain” when watering. Mixes heavy in pumice are good for most succulents, though some, like hoyas, prefer more soil than pumice in the mix.
With summer now upon us, succulents do especially well when moved outdoors here in the Midwest. When moving plants out of the house after winter, do not place them directly into full sun so as not to sunburn the tissue. Filtered sun works best for the first couple of weeks, then gradually move the plants into a sunnier spot. While cacti can handle a transition into several hours of full sun, most succulents prefer a more dappled sun exposure. It’s important to experiment with your specific lighting conditions: succulents such as Aloe and Haworthia prefer shadier conditions; Agave and Echeveria can handle sunnier spots. Eagle-eye your plants for the first couple of days after putting them outdoors to
MARK RADUZINER
catch any that may be getting sunburned. Also, if there are long, cool rainy periods and you know a plant is especially sensitive to overwatering, set it in a dry place until sunny weather returns.
You can create additional cactus plants, or save one that’s been overwatered, by cutting off a healthy piece of the plant and allowing it to ‘scab’ over for several days. (Spring is the perfect time for this, but plant cuttings taken in the fall can often be left to callous over until the following spring. Keep the area cool and ventilated.) Plant the cutting in your gritty potting mix and wait, watering only when the first 1/3 of potting mix is dry. Succulents can also produce “pups” that grow around the mother plant. Pull or cut off the pups and their roots to add to a new pot. Familiar succulents that reproduce this way include Sempervivum (hen and chicks) and many cacti. The plant known as mother-of-thousands, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, derives its species name from the Chinese words kalan chau, meaning “that which falls and grows,” a nod to its prolific production of plantlets that form on the edges of the leaves.
Choose the right pottery
Although one’s choice of a pot is personal, cacti and succulents don’t
enjoy being too wet. Unglazed pottery such as terra cotta will allow your plant’s roots to breathe. And water will evaporate more easily, potentially leading to a stronger and healthier plant.
Join the club
Shake up your gardening senses and try a succulent plant this year. With so many shapes, sizes, colors—there is a perfect plant for everyone. Join us for more information and attend our upcoming show to see just how diverse, yet accommodating succulents can be. Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society meets on the third Sunday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Trailside Center, 99th and Holmes in Kansas City. The group will host its annual Show and Sale on Sat., June 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Show opens at 10 a.m.) and Sun., June 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Elks Lodge, 515 East 99th Street, Kansas City, MO. For more information, check out our website: kccactus.com. Join our Facebook page: The Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society.
Nothing is as rewarding as finding a bud popping out of your cactus on a bleak day in January.
Mark Raduziner, coordinator of publicity for the Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society, has grown and collected cacti and succulents for more than 40 years. He currently owns more than 300 individual plants, all of which he moves outdoors in May and returns them indoors in October.
Cactus Enthusiast
Hens and Chicks
Echinocereus subinermis Aloe
Dorstenia crispa Haworthia
Agave victoria-regineae Echinocereus tubiflora
Phedimus spurious stonecrop sedum Astrophytum
Opuntia humifusa Agave
Peanut Cactus Cereus forbesii ‘spiralis’
Kalanchoe daigremontiana Easter Cactus
Succulent collection
Photo courtesy of Missouri Wildflower Nursery.
Watering: The Key to Success
Summer is heating up, and knowing when and how to water means lush green plants and colorful flowers. Attentive watering will establish good disease- and pest-resistance and set plants up for long-term resilience to temperature extremes and drought. Watering perennial plants properly the first year is more important than fertilizing.
Except for succulent plants, which store water in their leaves and stems, drought-tolerant plants are able to endure dry periods because their roots are deep in the ground where soil moisture can be found even when rain has not fallen for weeks. This is why it takes weeks, months, and, in the case of large trees, even years to become self-sustaining—even prairie natives, grasses, and other drought-tolerant plants require some assistance during tough
times until they are fully mature.
Landscape plants have different needs from turf grass. Sprinkler systems are designed to water the shallow root system of a lawn rather than landscape plantings, which need deep watering to encourage more extensive root growth. Plant roots will follow the moisture, and when that moisture is limited to the first few inches of soil they won’t find the store deeper down.
Perennial garden beds establish best with about two inches of water one to three times per week, depending on soil quality, wind, and heat. An oscillating sprinkler or soaker hose works well for deep watering beds. A rain gauge can track how much moisture sprinklers and rainfall are providing.
New plantings of shrubs and container-sized trees will do best when
water is allowed to slowly soak in around the roots for 15 to 20 minutes, one to three times each week, during the growing season. For groups of shrubs, arrange a soaker hose around the base of each plant to leave in place for the season. This makes watering more convenient!
Large balled-and-burlapped trees are easiest to water with a slow trickle from the end of a hose for 20 to 30 minutes, one to three times per week. Where water must be hauled, use tree bags or buckets with small holes that can be hand-filled and left to slowly drain above root balls. Since the amount of water is limited by the container size, more frequent filling may be necessary to provide ample moisture.
Hand watering is best left for small garden areas and container plants, which normally require daily
watering in summer.
During periods of extreme drought, even long-established trees and landscapes will need supplemental water. Drought can also occur during the cold winter months when evergreen plant foliage is especially vulnerable. Water on days when winter temperatures rise above freezing to give plants extra support when snow is in short supply.
Keep in mind that too much water can exacerbate areas already challenged with less-than-ideal drainage. When planting large shrubs and trees in unfamiliar ground, it’s a good idea to dig a hole the size of the root ball and fill it with water to test drainage. If the water drains in fewer than three hours, the drainage is excellent, and plants suited for dry locations will perform well. If the water takes from three to 12 hours to drain, then the drainage is adequate for most landscape plants. If it takes more than 12 hours, then plants suited to wet conditions should be selected.
Plant material should always be planted so the soil surface inside the container is level with the surrounding ground. Where settling may occur or where clay soil causes water to drain more slowly, plant the root ball slightly above grade to keep the stems and trunk clear of soil and excess moisture.
The best way to gauge moisture levels throughout the garden is to simply stick your fingers in the dirt! Watch foliage for wilting or any change in color that might indicate too little water (browning) or too much (yellowing) and adjust accordingly. If you are unsure, contact your local nursery and ask for advice.
Amy Albright and her husband, Doug Davison, own Vinland Valley Nursery, a full service organic nursery and greenhouse that includes a huge selection of native plants and features a U-pick flower garden, workshops and a garden shop just south of Lawrence, KS. Their team includes experienced landscapers, plant growers, and artists, including their three daughters who grew up in the business.
BLUE SPRINGS
Westlake, 1205 N 7 Hwy
Westlake, 918 SW 7 Hwy
BONNER SPRINGS
Westlake, 626 S 130th St
FAIRWAY
Hen House, 2724 W 53rd St
INDEPENDENCE
Westlake, 415 E 24 Hwy
KANSAS CITY, KS
Hen House, 8120 Parallel Pkwy
KANSAS CITY, MO
Planter’s Seed Company, 513 E Walnut
Soil Service Garden Center, 7130 Troost
Suburban L & G, 4 W 135th St
The Greater Kansas City Water Garden Society Presents 2025 Aquatic Frolic Tour
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Rain or Shine
June 28 Tour #1, Kansas South, I-70 to Louisburg July 12 Tour #2, Kansas and Missouri North of I-70
July 19 Tour #3, Lawrence, KS, Franklin & Douglas Counties
Aug 2 Tour #4,
Sutherlands, 311 W 72nd St
Westlake, 1000 Westport Rd
Westlake, 5009 NE Vivion Rd
Westlake, 6201 Independence Ave
Westlake, 104 W 63rd St
Westlake, 9715 N Ash Ave
LEAWOOD
Hen House, 11721 Roe Ave
LEE’S SUMMIT
Randy’s Lakeview Nursery, 1820 NE County Park Rd
Westlake, 103 S M-291 Hwy
Westlake, 444 SW Ward Rd
Westlake, 3511 SW Market St
LENEXA
Hen House, 15000 W 87th Pkwy
Suburban L & G, 9275 Dunraven St
Westlake, 15225 W 87th Pkwy
Westlake, 10080 Chestnut St
LIBERTY
Family Tree Nursery, 830 W Liberty
LOUISBURG
Swan’s Water Gardens, 4385 W 247th St
N KANSAS CITY, MO
KC Pond, 1557 Swift
OLATHE
Hen House, 13600 Blackbob Rd
Sutherlands, 16665 W 151st St
Westlake, 1185 W Santa Fe
OVERLAND PARK
Family Tree Nursery, 8424 Farley
Hen House, 11930 College Blvd
Hen House, 6900 W 135th St
Suburban L & G, 10501 Roe Ave
Westlake, 9301 Santa Fe Dr
Westlake, 11200 Antioch Rd
Westlake, 6327 W 119th St Westlake, 7821 W 151st St
PRAIRIE VILLAGE
Hen House, 4050 W 83rd St
Hen House, 6950 Mission Ln Westlake, 4049 Sommerset
RAYMORE
Creekside Market, 800 E Walnut St
RAYTOWN
Westlake, 10130 E 350 Hwy
SHAWNEE
Earl May Garden Center, 21700 Midland Dr
Family Tree Nursery, 7036 Nieman Rd Westlake, 12230 W 63rd St
SMITHVILLE
Pack’s Hardware, 116 N US Hwy 169
LAWRENCE
Westlake, 601 Kasold Dr Westlake, 711 W 23rd St
Botanical Dreams, 612 N 2nd St
OTTAWA
The Wet Lilies
Sparrow Stories
Backyard birders consider them voracious freeloaders. Bluebird stewards remove them from nestboxes. Birdwatchers dismiss them as “trash birds”, a case study in 19th-century wildlife mismanagement. Who is the much-maligned (but resilient) House Sparrow! These tame, gregarious “little brown birds” surround us. Though plainly dressed, they have undoubtedly sparked many a birder’s obsession. It’s delightful to hear flocks calling from dense shrubs at sundown, and observe their interactions. (Males with the largest black bibs dominate others; males monopolize feeders in winter, but females become assertive in spring and summer.) While plentiful, their numbers have declined by 80% within 50 years. How did they successfully colonize North America?
House Sparrows attached themselves to people approximately 11,000 years ago, when agriculture and permanent settlements in the Middle East provided abundant food and nest sites. Recent studies identified two genes that allowed House
Sparrows to exploit crops more efficiently than other birds. The first created larger, stouter bills and skulls suitable for cracking grains such as corn and wheat. The second enabled them to produce amylase enzymes to digest starches. Adult birds mostly ate grain, but fed their chicks insects, providing pest control and encouraging tolerance as farming spread throughout Europe and Asia.
House Sparrows weren’t immediately prolific in the New World. Legend has it that every House Sparrow in America originated from 8 pairs imported from England and released in 1851. These “pioneers” actually expired quickly. By 1853, 125 more were liberated and thrived in and around New York City. Linden moth and cankerworm caterpillars were defoliating trees, and the sparrows were meant to control them. They also provided a “taste of home” for European immigrants.
The unregulated “heyday” of the House Sparrow lasted 25 years. They were enthusiastically introduced throughout the U.S. and east-
ern Canada. They arrived in Missouri (St. Louis) in 1870, and colonized western cities by 1874. Enterprising dealers sold sparrows, and private citizens trapped and transplanted them. By 1880, farmers realized (too late!) that they ate more grain than insects. Huge urban roosts soiled streets and buildings. Naturalists confirmed that House Sparrows harmed native birds already declining from hunting, egg collecting, and habitat loss. They dominated large territories and aggressively attacked native nestlings, eggs, and adults, in pursuit of nesting areas and food. House Sparrows matured quickly, raising multiple broods annually. While a “Sparrow War” over these issues raged between scientists, states like Illinois quickly amended laws to encourage their extermination. One bounty program paid 2 cents for each House Sparrow head surrendered to authorities. Over 400,000 birds were killed in a single winter in 1892, but a report concluded “the frisky bird seems more numerous than ever” (some native sparrows were also sacrificed). By the 1900s, authorities conceded
that House Sparrows were here to stay, and control, not eradication, was feasible. Populations declined naturally as horses gave way to cars and tractors.
Now, as then, vigilance minimizes House Sparrow impacts. Their nests and eggs may be legally destroyed. Place nestboxes at a distance from buildings (House Sparrows prefer human company), and monitor them closely. House Sparrows often reuse nests; favored locations on signs, buildings, etc., may require physical blockades to prevent their return. Avoid offering preferred foods such as bread, cracked corn, or any feed containing oats, red millet, or wheat.
House Sparrows aren’t malicious; like all wildlife, they’re merely trying to survive in an increasingly challenging environment. They’ve taught researchers much about wild bird behavior and ecology. Let’s enjoy them as part of our rich diversity of North American species, while also supporting our native birds. Keep your eye on the sparrow(s)!
Elizabeth Stoakes is a past President of Burroughs Audubon Society in Kansas City and has been birding for over 25 years. Please contact BAS via mail@burroughs.org or text/call 816-795-8177 with any birding questions.
ELIZABETH STOAKES
Female House Sparrow building nest.
Male House Sparrow feathers nest.
Photos by Jill Bell.
Why Do People Love Butterflies?
Most Americans dislike insects. Yet butterflies are insects; they have threesegmented bodies, six legs and compound eyes. But we thrill at the sight of a butterfly fluttering through our gardens and nectaring on flowers. Why the exception to the near-universal disdain? First, butterflies are harmless: they don’t bite or sting or spread diseases. They gently glide through the air so we aren’t startled by an encounter. And their beauty is undeniable. Plus they perform valuable contributions to the environment. Adult butterflies have no vices, only virtues.
The Pleasure of Beauty
We respond to the beautiful colors and patterns of their proportionally large scale-covered wings. Most of the pigments are from plants that were eaten by the caterpillar and stored in its body for use by the adult. Surprisingly, some of the most brilliant colors are not pigments! Just as droplets of water act as a prism, refracting sunlight to create rainbows, some wing-scales refract the
sunlight into iridescent, shimmering blues, greens and violets. Butterflies truly are flying rainbows!
As Food
Butterflies, especially the caterpillars, are a significant link in the food chain for other animals. Moth caterpillars are an even more important food source than butterflies because of their numbers, gregarious habits and palatability. Although over 80% of the Lepidoptera species are moths, butterflies survive in disproportionate numbers because many butterfly caterpillars evolved to become poisonous by eating toxic plants or with camouflaged bodies to deter predators.
As Pollinators
Bees are highly motivated to serve as the most effective and numerous pollinators because they forage for nectar and pollen to feed themselves and their children, the larvae. Adult butterflies aren’t similarly motivated to tirelessly visit flowers because they don’t feed their children and they don’t have mouths so they
People love the beauty of butterflies, like this Zebra Swallowtail. They are valuable pollinators although they are not flower faithful like bees.
can’t eat pollen. But they do have a tongue and most species sip nectar for moisture and energy. I liken flowers to a singles bar that serves adult beverages to lusty bachelors and lovely ladies as they search for love. As the butterfly bar-hops from flower to flower, pollen is picked up and transferred to the next bloom.
Symbols of Hope
Butterflies have served as powerful symbols of hope in many cultures for thousands of years. Partly because of their compelling beauty, but also because their biology, the metamorphosis from crawling humble caterpillar into the beautiful winged adult, dramatically demonstrates the positive power of change. Butterfly symbolism persists in the 20th century and many festivals celebrate them as the souls of deceased
loved ones. Butterflies are also indicators of environmental health. The presence of healthy populations of butterflies may signal that an ecological balance exists between flora and fauna, prey and predator.
Spread the Love
What can you do to help butterflies? Simply provide a welcoming garden with the requirements for all four stages of each species’ life cycle. That includes the unique host plants for the egg and caterpillar, undisturbed shelter for the chrysalids and adults and nectar-rich flowers from March through October. Above all, NO INSECTICIDES. The butterflies and other pollinators will thank you as they bring joy and hope to your garden. Whether as a beacon of hope or proof of a healthy garden, we need butterflies in our lives.
LENORA LARSON Butterfly Maven
Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardener, Idalia Butterfly Society and Kansas Native Plant Society member, Lenora Larson gardens and hosts butterflies in the cruel winds and clay soil of Paola, Kansas. She may be contacted at lenora.longlips@gmail.com.
Many butterfly gardeners love the caterpillars even more than the adults! And predators delight in munching on butterfly caterpillars like this beautiful Cloudless Sulphur.
Photos by Lenora Larson.
Invitation to Wonders of Discovery, a celebration at the Pollinator Prairie
Gardeners know that attracting pollinators to the garden helps plants thrive.
But did you know that pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bites of food you eat?
According to the Pollinator Partnership, most flowering plants need help with pollination to produce seeds and fruit. By transferring pollen from plant to plant, pollinators fertilize flowers so they can grow into the wide variety of fruits, nuts, and seeds that we enjoy. Next time you bite into a blueberry or savor the taste of tomato sauce on your pizza, remember to thank the pollinators.
People need pollinators, but have you considered that pollinators need people too? There is so much to discover about these fascinating creatures and our important connection with them.
As part of National Pollinator Week, the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Master Naturalists invite the public to celebrate and learn about pollinators together at the annual “Wonders of Discovery” event on Friday, June 20th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event takes place at Pollinator Prairie, located at 320 S. Blake Street in Olathe, Kansas. Interactive booths feature engaging
information and fun activities for the whole family.
Exhibits such as “Plant with Purpose” and “Gardening for Nature” highlight how people can play an important role in supporting pollinators. Habitat loss is a major reason for pollinator decline. Native plants provide the food and habitat that pollinators need to complete their lifecycles. Planting native plants in your yard or container garden and encouraging your neighborhood or city to plant natives in public spaces are critical steps to rebuilding essential habitat.
The Pollinator Prairie is a prime example of successful habitat gar-
dening and a great place to get inspired. The site consists of an entry garden and four primary gardens, each dedicated to a different type of pollinator—birds, butterflies, bees, and monarchs. In addition, two new projects, a native bee ground-nesting area and native bee sanctuary, were installed in 2024. These areas were designed specifically to support a wider variety of native bees—there are more than 400 different kinds of native bees in Kansas.
At “Wonders of Discovery” you can learn more about native bees as well as how to appreciate less familiar but no less fascinating pollinators such as bats and moths.
“Pollinator Cultural Connections,” is this year’s theme for National Pollinator week. It is an invitation, “to appreciate the essential role pollinators play in creating and expressing human culture, in all forms.” Attending “Wonders of Discovery” is a chance to experience the joy of connecting with pollinators and the amazing plants they rely on and learn together with people who are working to protect them. We hope to see you at the Pollinator Prairie on Friday, June 20th, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. The event is family-friendly, free and open to the public.
To learn more about the “Wonders of Discovery” event or the Pollinator Prairie, go to the Pollinator Prairie – Olathe KS page on Facebook or the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension website (tinyurl.com/wonders-of-discovery-2025).
Ginny Varraveto is a Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Master Naturalist and a volunteer with the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Deep Roots KC’s Nature Advisors Program. She aspires to improve the health of people and the planet by empowering others to take action.
GINNY VARRAVETO Master Naturalist
Monarchs feeding on butterfly milkweed.
Photo credit to Dyck Arboretum.
Enright Gardens
Upcoming Garden Events
Greater Kansas City Iris Society
Mon, Jun 9, Gather 6:30p, Meeting 7-9p; at Trailside Center, 9901 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO. Speaker: Our own Dr Jim Waddick presenting a program on Beardless Water Iris. He has traveled to a number of different countries, collecting uncommon Iris species. He was awarded the British Iris Society’s Foster Memorial Plaque in 2014 for “achievements and assiduous efforts in collecting and hybridizing irises.” He will share some of his extensive knowledge of the Genus Iris.
Heartland Hosta and Shade Plant Society
Sat, Sep 13, Hospitality at 9:30a brief meeting, speaker 10a-12p; at the Woods Chapel Community of Christ Church, 500 NE Woods Chapel Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064. Guests are welcome.
Idalia Butterfly Society
Sat, Jun 14, 5p; at Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St, Overland Park, KS 66204. Program: “Butterfly Festival Adventures.” Located in the beautiful, biodiverse Rio Grande Valley, Mission, Texas has been called the “Butterfly Capital of the USA.” The National Butterfly Center in Mission has hosted the Texas Butterfly Festival for almost 30 years. This program will explore the history and the experience of attending this festival. Carole Tomlinson, avid gardener and butterfly enthusiast, has participated THREE times in the last ten years and is excited to attend again in 2025! She says this is an essential journey for any butterfly lover. Doors open at 5p for light refreshments and social time; program begins at 5:45p following a brief “business and announcements” session. FREE and open to all. Bring a friend! Questions? Please call/text 816-283-6258, or email us at idaliasociety@yahoo.com. Also, look for us on Facebook at Idalia Society of Mid-American Lepidopterists.
Leavenworth County Master Gardeners
Wed, Jun 11, 11a; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Dan Heryer from Compost Collective KC will share the basics, valuable impacts of composting and how converting food waste into a nutrient-rich compost helps to replenish soil. The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more info contact Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700.
Raytown Garden Club
Tues, Jun 3, 10a; at Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church, 6429 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO 64133. Program will be “Bringing Joy and Beauty to Our Gardens with Hyper Tufa”, presented by Keith Wheeler, longtime member of the Kansas City Hosta & Native Plant Societies. Guests are always welcome. For more information please check out our Facebook page: https:// www.facebook.com/RaytownGardenClub.
Kansas City Rose Day Sun, Jun 1, 1-4p; at Laura Conyers Smith Rose Garden in Loose Park. View the results of the Rose Show in the Garden Center with hundreds of blue-ribbon winners and gleaming trophies. In the garden, enjoy family activities, live entertainment, and an afternoon of beauty in this world-renowned rose garden. Free to everyone. Visit www.kansascityrosesociety.org for further information.
Fox Hollow Festival Sun, Jun 1, 12-5p (12-2:30p for MGGKC activities); at Lakeside Nature Center, 4701 East Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64132. Enjoy an afternoon filled with fun activities for all ages. Attendance is free with optional items for sale. Proceeds go to Friends of Fox Hollow for trail maintenance and improvements. To enhance your experience, you’re encouraged to bring a folding chair, hat, bug spray and a refillable cup. We will have free cold drinks. This is a dog friendly event. Dogs must be on a leash and are not permitted inside the building. Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Children’s Programs will be presenting “Pollinators: Not Just Bees and Butterflies.” Children can learn about other living and non-living ways plants are pollinated, and discover these pollinators work by day and night. There will be an experiment using an insect to pollinate paper flowers and learn ways to help pollinators in their own home and community. MGGKC activities will be 12-2:30p. From 2:30 to 5p, enjoy festival activities such as food trucks, live music, and adult beverages. For more info visit https://lakesidenaturecenter.org/event/fox-hollow-fest-2/
Join us for the ultimate Garden Party as we toast 150 years of K-State Gardens! Fri, Jun 6, 6:30p; at the Gardens, 1500 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS. The Board of Directors of the Kansas State University Gardens is presenting events to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Gardens which are located on the KSU campus! This milestone celebration promises an unforgettable evening of fun and festivity–all in support of the beloved Gardens we cherish. Help us to make history together! (Event is better suited for adults) Register online by Fri, May 30 at k-state.edu/celebrate.
MGGKC Garden Tour
Jun 6 and 7, 9a-4p; Lee’s Summit. Join MU Extension Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City (MGGKC) for our 2025 Garden Tour. We are featuring seven beautiful gardens in Lee’s Summit. The gardens–Viva Vegetables, Naturally Natives, Tree Tales, Cul-de-Sac Creations, Suburban Sanctuary, Lakeside Lessons, and Artistic Designs, provide unique experiences to delight both experienced and novice gardeners. Visitors will be inspired by the blending of art, native plants, vegetables mingled with traditional plantings, environmentally friendly gardening practices, secluded spaces, and plant
specimens not always seen in residential settings. Tickets are $20 per person (children 12 and under attend free of charge) and can be bought online, in person, and at select retailers. For online tickets please use the following link: https://form.jotform.com/250194247684059. Tickets may be picked up at the “Will Call” table at Garden 1, Viva Vegetables. The address for Viva Vegetables “Will Call” will be included with your purchase receipt. On-site credit card and debit purchases may be made at Gardens 1, Viva Vegetables, and Garden 7, Artistic Designs. Cash purchases available at all gardens. Visit mggkc.org/our-projects/garden-tour/ for complete details.
Heartland Hosta & Shade Plant Society
Annual Spring Plant Sale
Sat, Jun 7, 9am-2pm; at Woods Chapel Community of Christ Church, 500 NE Woods Chapel Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064. The sale features over 1200 plants including 68 varieties of Hosta and plenty of shade/part shade perennials! Prices start at $10 and we have all sizes of Hosta from mini to giant to suit all size gardens. This sale is open to the public. Sale list with pictures and descriptions will be available on the club website prior to the sale. For more information please visit www.HeartlandHosta.club or the Facebook page www.Facebook.com/HeartlandHostaandShadePlantSociety/.
Northeastern Kansas Beekeepers Association Funday Expo
Sat, Jun 7, 8a-6p; at Douglas County Fairgrounds, Lawrence, KS, 2120 Harper St, Lawrence, KS 66046. Funday is an exciting annual event for beekeepers in the Midwest. This fun learning opportunity is for beekeepers with all levels of experience. There will be national and local speakers, a swarm demo with a bee beard competition, a marking the queen activity, inhive demos, honey and wax workshops. Sessions include gardening for wildlife, designing a honey house, winter preparations, and swarm management. Also included is lunch, honey ice cream, vendors, silent auction, and more. There will also be a queen rearing workshop for the first 25 participants to contact Joli Winer at 913-593-3562. New this year is a photography contest and decorative hive painting competition. To learn more and to register visit www. nekba.org.
Free Flower and Train Tour
Sat, Jun 14, 9a-5p; at 1503 Ensley Circle, Raymore, MO. We have six Garden trains that run through the entire back yard, KOI pond with two water falls, we planted over 1,000 plants that will be in full bloom. You will not want to miss this tour.
Deep Roots Habitat Garden Tour and Native Plant Sale
Sat, Jun 14. Habitat Garden Tour: 9a-2p in Waldo, MO. Register at www.deeproots.org. Experience a diverse range of native plant gardens grown by Kansas City area residents. Meet
other native gardeners and wildlife supporters and find inspiration and information to grow your own habitat garden. Native Plant Sale: 10a-2p at the Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Place your Pre-Orders today with vendors today for pick up at our Sat, Jun 14 sale at the Anita B Gorman Discovery Center! Vendors include City Roots Nursery, Sow Wild Natives, and Missouri Wildflower Nursery. Visit www. deeproots.org for more information.
Garden Sampler Tour
Sat, Jun 14, 9a-5p, Rain or Shine. Visit https:// gardenclubofshawnee.org for latest information regarding Club and tour event.
Grow Your Knowledge: Gardening Tips & Hands-On Fun for Kids!
Sat, Jun 14, 8-11:30a; at The Gardens at Unity Village, 150 B Colbern Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO. Step into a century of history and nostalgia at The Gardens at Unity Village Produce Market. Nestled behind the iconic three-story barn, three cultivated acres yield a bounty of freshly harvested fruits and vegetables. Volunteers from the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City will be on hand to share expert, research-based gardening knowledge with the community. Children can take part in a hands-on educational activity, discovering the wonders of gardening and plant life. This free event welcomes all ages, and no registration is required.
Produce Market at The Gardens at Unity Village Sat, Jun 14, 8-11:30a; at Unity Village, 150B Northwest Colbern Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086. Step into a century of history and nostalgia at The Gardens at Unity Village Produce Market. Nestled behind the iconic three-story barn, three cultivated acres yield a bounty of freshly harvested fruits and vegetables. Volunteers from the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City will be on hand to share expert, research-based gardening knowledge with the community. Children can take part in a handson educational activity, discovering the wonders of gardening and plant life. Free event.
George Owens Nature Park Native Plant Academy
Sat, Jun 14, Class 3: Native Flowers and Prairie Ecosystems. This 9-month course will deepen your knowledge about the native plants of Missouri as you network with other gardening enthusiasts through class and field work. Class work includes lectures, readings and a research project. Field work involves the creation of a community native plant garden and educational materials that will be used in the park. All classes are on Saturdays, 1-3p and designed for gardeners and naturalists 16 years and older. Limited to 35 seats. Cost: $50.00 per class. Price includes all materials. How to register: Follow the link below or call the George Owens Nature Park front desk at 816-325-7115, Tues–Sat, 9a5p. Credit/ Debit card only. https://webtrac.indepmo.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?di
Upcoming Garden Events
splay=detail&module=AR&type=YOUTH,WE LL,TRIPS,THEAT,SPORT,SPCEV,NATUR,IU M,FMLY,CLUBS,AQUAT,ADULT,ADAPT,60 %2B&_csrf_token=bH6G706T0U6V3N40393 B2S4G5B5X5G566H5F5S5F6T6Z6W4K6L51 1E004A5A541F4W5O556H1W5J4E516E025 O614S6G07703X54501I685P54691K5S4L5B 4R005P4S5S
Community garden Tuesday Talks Tues, Jun 17, 6:30-7:30p; at Harmon Park, W 77th Pl & Delmar St, Prairie Village, KS 66208. The Prairie Village Community Gardens and the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Office are partnering to offer a series of monthly educational garden workshops. These sessions will be held on the third Tues of every month from April through Sept. In case of inclement weather, the workshops will take place at the Harmon Park Pavilion. All are welcome to attend these free workshops. Bring your lawn chairs and notebooks!
Summer Solstice Fairy Garden Day
Fri, Jun 20; at Vinland Valley, 1606 N 600 Rd, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Celebrate the first day of summer with a day of fairy garden activities! Explore the fairy garden, make a fairy puppet, complete a fairy scavenger hunt, plant a fairy garden planter, and shop for supplies for your home fairy garden. vinlandvalleynursery.com 785-594-2966
Summer Nights in the Greenhouse Jun 20, Jul 18, Aug 15; at Vinland Valley, 1606 N 600 Rd, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Join us and stay late third Fridays in June, July and August for evening shopping, mocktails, and relaxation. vinlandvalleynursery.com; 785-594-2966
Cactus and Succulent Show and Sale
Sat, Jun 21, 9a-4p (Show opens at 10a) and Sun, Jun 22, 10a-3p; at the Elks Lodge, 515 East 99th St, Kansas City, MO. Presented by the Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society. For more information, check out our website: kccactus.com and our Facebook page: The Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society.
Daylily Open Garden Tour
Fri, Jul 4 and Sat, Jul 5, 9a-1p; at Hart’s Daylilies, 7460 W 255th, Louisburg, KS. Celebrating 33 years. Pre-orders taken for August delivery. Over 700 varieties to choose from. Call or text 816/769-4600 for more information.
Garden Railroad Tour
Sat, Jul 12, 8a-4p; Sat, Jul 26, 8a-4p; and Sat, Aug 23, 8a-4p. Adults and kids are invited to tour a variety of unique train gardens at homes in the greater Kansas City area. They are like a miniature world with model trains running through garden landscaping, with small houses and buildings, trees, plants, water features, bridges and tunnels. The admission for this selfguided tour is $10 per car which includes seeing all the gardens on tour. The host, MO-KAN Garden Railroaders will donate 50 percent of
the proceeds to Harvesters. For tickets and tour guide, go to www.mokangardenrailroaders.org.
George Owens Nature Park Native Plant Academy
Sat, Jul 12, Class 4: Native vs. Invasive Species. This 9-month course will deepen your knowledge about the native plants of Missouri as you network with other gardening enthusiasts through class and field work. Class work includes lectures, readings and a research project. Field work involves the creation of a community native plant garden and educational materials that will be used in the park. All classes are on Saturdays, 1-3p and designed for gardeners and naturalists 16 years and older. Limited to 35 seats. Cost: $50.00 per class. Price includes all materials. How to register: Follow the link below or call the George Owens Nature Park front desk at 816-325-7115, Tues–Sat, 9a-5p. Credit/ Debit card only. https://webtrac.indepmo.org/ wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?display=det ail&module=AR&type=YOUTH,WELL,TR IPS,THEAT,SPORT,SPCEV,NATUR,IUM,F MLY,CLUBS,AQUAT,ADULT,ADAPT,60% 2B&_csrf_token=bH6G706T0U6V3N40393B 2S4G5B5X5G566H5F5S5F6T6Z6W4K6L511 E004A5A541F4W5O556H1W5J4E516E025O 614S6G07703X54501I685P54691K5S4L5B4R 005P4S5S
Gladstone Children’s Garden Day
Sat, Jul 12, 9a-12p; at Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum, 4109 NE Pleasant Valley Rd, Gladstone, MO 64119. Young children and their parents can experience visiting an active vegetable garden, take part in garden-themed activities, participate in a scavenger hunt for garden items from bugs to vegetables and flowers. They can experience MU Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs) digging potatoes and leave with a sack filled with potatoes, onions, turnips and other vegetables that may be ready for harvest at the time. Extension Master Gardeners will also be on hand to answer any gardening questions. Families welcome, children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult
Bug Extravaganza
Sat, Jul 19, 10a-2p; at Lakeside Nature Center, 4701 E Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64132. Join Lakeside Nature Center for this native wildlife event and observe a working beehive and a caterpillar zoo. There will be information tables that feature insect life cycles, supporting pollinator species and insect predators. MU Extension Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Children’s Programs will be presenting “Flower Power.” Children will learn about the anatomy of flowers. They will discover plants can self-pollinate, cross-pollinate and that some true self-pollinators don’t need pollinators at all. Learn how and why flowers are pollinated, and what happens afterwards. For more information visit https://lakesidenaturecenter.org/
Miami County Fall Garden Tour Sep 5-6, 9a-5p. “A September to Remember”,
sponsored by the Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardeners returns. Five country gardens near Paola and Louisburg are showcased, including a certified butterfly and pollinator garden, a restored prairie, a high tunnel and herb garden, a container and art display, and an extensive cutting garden. The $20 ticket is good for both days and can be purchased at your first garden stop or at the Paola Extension Office. Watch for our ad with a map and descriptive articles in the July and August issues of the Kansas City Gardener. More information will be available on www.facebook.com/mdcemg, www.maraisdescygnes.ksu.edu or call our Paola Extension Office 913-294-4306.
CLASSES | WORKSHOPS
Summer Youth Gardening Program
Univ of Missouri Extension Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City is conducting a summer gardening program for youth ages 9-13. In the Garden ‘N Grow Program, youths learn not only vegetable gardening, but also “cultivate” other science, math, and language arts skills and have fun! The goals of this program are to experience the fun of gardening, to enjoy a feeling of success, and to have the satisfaction of sharing harvested food with family and/or local food banks. Program will be held on Mondays and Thursdays from 9-11a, from Jun 2 thru Aug 14 at Fairview Christian in Gladstone. Registration is required—NO Walk-ins. There is a supply fee of $45 payable by check or cash at the first week of Garden N Grow. For more information contact Debbie Johnson, Extension Master Gardener at djw603@gmail.com or Cass Sullivan, Extension Master Gardener at cass.sullivan301@ gmail.com.
Garden Jargon Thurs, Jun 12, 6:30p; at Basehor Community Library, 1400 158th St, Basehor, KS 66007. Master Gardeners Duane Horne, Pat Matthews and Linda Forsberg invite you to join them for an informational presentation covering several gardening terms (“Garden Jargon”) used by gardeners and how understanding their meaning can help you have a more successful garden. Subjects will include: the different types of gardeners; where to find online help with gardening questions; the different life cycles of flowering plants; understanding what is in a bag of fertilizer and choosing the best fertilizer for your garden. Also, companion gardening; preparing the soil; the different types of tomatoes; proper pruning methods. Questions will definitely be encouraged. The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. More information contact Leavenworth County Extension office at 913364-5700.
Bucket Gardening in Small Spaces
Thurs, Jun 26, 7p; Leavenworth Public Library, 417 Spruce St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Have you always wanted a garden but have been limited on space or time? Bucket gardening is a great way to grow your favorite herbs and veg-
gies with a minimal amount of space and effort. Growing in buckets also keeps weeds and pests to a minimum. Just water regularly and make sure your buckets are in a sunny location. You can harvest your crops all the way to the first frost for many types of plants. Come to our presentation with Master Gardener, Dianne Scott, to learn how to set up your own bucket garden! The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700.
Be a Part of Something
Blooming: Become a University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener!
Do you love gardening and want to share your passion with others? Become an Extension Master Gardener and join a vibrant community dedicated to learning and teaching the best practices in horticulture.
The MU Extension Master Gardener program offers:
* In-depth training: Gain knowledge from MU Extension experts through a 16-week course covering various aspects of gardening, from soil health to plant science.
* Flexible learning: Attend online sessions on Thursdays (9AM-12 PM) starting August 7th, with optional in-person field trips for hands-on experience.
* Make a difference: Volunteer your newfound expertise on exciting local projects like community gardens, children’s programs, and the MGGKC Gardening Hotline, helping others become better gardeners.
* Grow as a gardener: Gain ongoing support and learning opportunities through continued education and a network of passionate individuals. Limited spots available! Apply before August 7th.
Cost: $200 (scholarships are available upon request)
Application: https://web.cvent.com/ event/464c82fd-bcc5-4ea0-9e09-c29abd689a39/regProcessStep1
More information: https://extension. missouri.edu/events/2025-extensionmaster-gardener-training-kansas-city-mo
Contact Info: Molly Baurain (mbaurain@missouri.edu) or Dr. Tamra Reall (reallt@missouri.edu)
Don’t miss this chance to cultivate your knowledge and help your community bloom!
GARDEN CALENDAR
June list of what to do in the garden.
VEGETABLES AND FRUITS
• Plant squash, cucumbers, sweet corn, green beans, and other summer vegetables.
• Conserve moisture and control weeds with mulch.
• Harvest spring vegetables until the end of the season, then remove.
• Pinch herbs to keep bushy and fresh with new growth.
• Watch for the development of squash bugs as they multiply rapidly; control as needed.
• Treat tomato leaf disease with a fungicide if needed.
• Apply one inch of water per week if there is no rain.
• Continue a regular fruit disease and insect control program.
• Fertilize strawberries regularly to promote new growth.
• Renovate June bearing strawberry beds.
• Treat peach trees for borers.
• Remove sucker growth from the base of trees and along branches.
• Turn the compost pile and keep it moist to hasten breakdown.
FLOWERS
• Pinch chrysanthemum tips for the development of bushier plants.
• Remove spent flower blossoms to keep the plant flowering.
• Remove flower stalks from peonies and irises.
• Fertilize roses and trim spent blossoms.
• Check plants for insects.
• Remove dead foliage from spring bulbs.
• Water and fertilize container plantings regularly to encourage growth and flowering.
• Maintain a 2 to 3-inch mulch layer to reduce moisture loss, control weeds, and preserve excellent soil.
• Apply one inch of water per week if there is no rain.
LAWNS
• Mow bluegrass and tall fescue 3 to 3½-inches high to improve drought stress.
• Avoid fertilizing tall fescue and bluegrass during summer.
• Mow Zoysia to a height of 1 to 2 inches all season.
• Fertilize Zoysia with high nitrogen fertilizer such as 27-3-3 one to two more times this summer.
• Repair dead spots and bare areas in Zoysia by sodding or plugging.
• Core aerate Zoysia to control thatch and improve water and nutrient uptake.
• Spot treat for summer broadleaf weeds.
• Fertilize naturally by letting grass clippings fall.
• Water the turf sparingly to increase drought tolerance during the heat of summer.
• Begin grub treatments with preventive-type insecticides.
• Keep the mower blade sharp for a clean cut.
TREES AND SHRUBS
• Check for bagworms and control.
• Prune elongated “candles” of new growth on pines and spruces to shape/control size.
• Prune spring flowering shrubs.
• Water newly planted trees and shrubs.
• Check for spider mite damage by shaking branches over white paper. Mites look like tiny dots.
• Clip hedges to maintain shape.
• Maintain a mulch ring around young trees and shrubs.
• Prune dead or damaged limbs to correct structure and maintain health.
HOUSEPLANTS
• Water and fertilize regularly to promote summer growth.
• Repot overgrown plants, shifting up to a one-inch larger pot.
• Rotate pots to provide sunlight on all sides, producing a balanced plant.
• Prune and shape plants.
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. Markis Hill 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.
Happy Hour with Cara at Waldo Greenhouse
Call to schedule your small group appointment and spend from 6 to 8pm learning anything you want!
Landscaping • Planters • Above-ground planter boxes Houseplants • Growing seeds • and more
Bring wine and snacks.
Have the greenhouse to yourselves with Cara!
Annual flowers • Perennials • Vegetable starters • Herbs
Shrubs & trees • House plants • Large variety of bulbs
Large selection of pottery • Re-potting service
Microgreens & seeds • Fresh Amish produce & local honey
436 W. 85th St., Kansas City, MO 816-444-7661 waldogreenhousekc@gmail.com facebook.com/waldogreenhousekc
Hotlines for Gardeners
Extension Master Gardeners are ready to answer all your gardening questions.
CASS COUNTY
816-380-8194; Wed, 9am-noon; casscomg@gmail.com
DOUGLAS COUNTY
785-843-7058; dgcogardenhotline@gmail.com; Mon, Wed, Fri, 1-4pm
GREATER KANSAS CITY MISSOURI AREA
816-833-8733 (TREE); Mon-Fri, 9am-noon; mggkc.hotline@gmail.com
JOHNSON COUNTY, KS
913-715-7050; Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm; garden.help@jocogov.org
JOHNSON COUNTY, MO
660-747-3193; Wed, 9am-noon
LEAVENWORTH COUNTY
913-364-5700; Leave a message. A Master Gardener will contact you.
MIAMI COUNTY & LINN COUNTY
913-294-4306; Thurs, 8am-noon
WYANDOTTE COUNTY
913-299-9300; Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm
QUESTIONS ABOUT ROSES?
Ask a Rosarian; rosehelp@kcrosesociety.org; www.kansascityrosesociety.org
Seasonal Landscape Care
Spring Clean-Up to Fall Leaves Pruning & Groundcover Taming Mulch Installation Curb Appeal & Home Prep Drainage Solutions Sod Installation
Contact us today and let’s
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
For convenient mail delivery, complete the form below and send with your check for $38.00. You will receive a one-year subscription.
Name:
State, Zip:
E-mail: Where did you pick up The Kansas City Gardener?
Please enclose your check payable to The Kansas City Gardener and mail with this form to: P.O. Box 8725, Prairie Village, KS 66208
Blooms
Stop in at any of our locations for a huge selection of hanging baskets & pots overflowing with colorful annual blossoms... it’s sure to bring joy to your porch or patio.
Bring the relaxing ambiance of cooling water to your outdoor living space with a fountain. Choose from traditional or contemporary styles in many sizes and prices.
Tree & Shrub Sale
Select nursery stock is on sale now through June 15th. Shop early for the best selection. Learn more at SuburbanLG.com
