The Kansas City
editor’s notes
GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening
One spring day in February
Independently owned and operated since 1996 Publisher Michael Cavanaugh Editor Elizabeth Cavanaugh Contributors Judy Aull Nik and Theresa Hiremath Lala Kumar Lenora Larson Susan Mertz Nadia Navarrete-Tindall Dennis Patton Judy Penner Scott Woodbury Distribution Publishers Delivery Solutions, Inc.
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March 2017 | kcgmag.com
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t the start, you should know that I’m writing this with spring in the air. It’s February 23rd and the expected high temperature is 78°. Hasn’t this been the craziest season? If it wasn’t for the calendar, I’d swear it’s spring. There have been an unexpected number of days this month where the temperature has above normal; sometimes 30 degrees higher than normal. Such is the unpredictable nature of weather in the Midwest. Precipitation levels have been measured at the “hardly any” mark on my rain gauge. It’s so dry, that there have been warnings about cranking up the grill. These conditions–dry, warm and windy–have me hauling the sprinkler around the yard in my flip-flops and short sleeves. On the other hand, it sure beats Yak Trax and ice melt. Some take advantage now to finish a few garden chores leftover from fall, then to get a head start on a new project. Experienced gardeners know to stay away from heavy duty gardening, and to ignore the balmy seduction. The irresistible weather revs our gardening engines, even when we know more winter is yet to come.
For me, other than picking up sticks, I’m locked indoors and sitting on my hands until the “all clear,” which comes somewhere around April 15 (the last chance for frost). Temptation is everywhere. I made a trip to Soil Service recently, to replenish their supply of magazines. I knew it would be a challenge to walk in and walk out, so I intentionally left my wallet in the car. Smart move! Like a kid who’s headed in to the candy store and told “just look”, the struggle was real. The attraction was palpable even from the parking lot. The smell of fresh potting soil had a hold on me. The plants were whispering my name. I had to stay strong. So I came up with a strategy: simply walk in, drop the magazines, and run out. Well, that seems rude, and not like me at all. I probably ought to chat for a minute with the friendly folks working. So I modified my strategy, shared conversation about the weather (of course) and left
empty-handed. Mission accomplished. Distractions keep me otherwise busy–like filing my taxes on time, painting my office, and finishing the crotchet project I started months ago. Any gardening that goes on here will be in the form of maintenance and planning. For instance, we need a sketch of landscaping around the new patio/firepit. The project is nearing completion, and, it’s too soon to plant. However, it is the ideal time to prep the site and make decisions about what to plant where. That way when to gun goes off to start the race, I’ll be several lengths ahead. For now it is all about the gratitude. We are thankful that we’ve had a reprive from icy conditions when travel and mobility are concerns. How wonderful to roam about in the garden and know that in a few weeks we’ll appreciate many days of spring. I’ll see you in the garden!
In this issue March 2017 • Vol. 22 No. 3 Baltimore Oriole ...................... 6 Healthy Yard Expo ................... 8 Ask the Experts ........................ 10 ‘Butterbird’ Garden .................. 12 Spring Soil Testing ................... 14 ‘Butterbird’ Garden .................. 12 Spring Gardening Symposium ... 15 Pansies ................................... 16 Native Gardener’s New Year .... 18 Growing Gladiolus .................. 19
about the cover ...
Should You be a Butterfly Gardener .................... 20 Native Wild Leeks .................... 22 Spring Grass Seeding .............. 23 Rose Report ............................ 24 Inspired at Chanticleer ............. 24 Upcoming Events ..................... 26 Garden Calendar .................... 30 Subscribe ................................ 31 Professional’s Corner ................ 31
Pansies are a wonderful cool season plant, that fill containers with color while we await spring’s arrival. See more starting on page 16.
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