KCG Mar22

The Kansas City

GARDENER March 2022 | kcgmag.com

New Perennial Varieties

Dividing Perennials | Last Chance for Winter Pruning Garden Calendar | Rose Report | Defining the Butterfly Garden

editor’s notes

The Kansas City

GARDENER Independently owned and operated since 1996 EDITOR Elizabeth Cavanaugh CONTRIBUTORS Laura Dickinson Sean Holland Lenora Larson Jason Mispagel Dennis Patton Tamra Reall Denise Sullivan Scott Vogt 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 EDITORIAL Elizabeth Cavanaugh elizabeth@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 HOW TO SUBSCRIBE See details on page 27.

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

W

Playing by the rules

e have few rules around the homestead. Now that the kids are up and out, it’s just Mr. Gardener and me, plus pets. So really there is no need to set curfew. You have a choice on when to get chores done. There is no time limit on how long you can spend in the shower.

These days many of our socalled rules are implied. If leaving the house, leave a note as to your whereabouts. Yes, we still use paper and pencil. Refrain from using kitchen towels to clean your shoes, no matter how handy it might be.

Ask someone before feeding the dog; she gladly will eat two servings. And please, for the love of all that is holy, don’t let the cat out after 7 p.m.

As we age though, more rules come into play, especially if home alone. For example, if you need to climb a ladder, crank up the chain saw, or use a sledgehammer, it’s preferred that you wait. Critically important to the success of any project is the presence of a human being with a phone capable of dialing 911. High-wire acts without a net are strickly prohibited.

Since we are in the midst of winter and there are no plans requiring power tools or large machinery, the chances of hazardous happenings are slim. However, the time is right, especially on an unusually warm winter day, to wander

the garden and accomplish a few little tasks.

One of those warm-weather days appeared midweek recently, and I decided to follow Lenora Larson’s lead when she wrote in an email to me, “I get out in the garden every day!” With her words ringing in my head, I was inspired to get out to the garden. Then I remembered reading Scott Woodbury’s article appearing in this issue, “Last Chance for Winter Pruning.” More inspiration. My Japanese maple has needed attention for a while.

Wait! Is pruning this tree allowed this time of year? Am I breaking any pruning rules? Nope.

I double checked and confirmed that it is okay to prune this maple in winter when the tree is dormant.

We’re all clear.

So I grabbed the gloves and pruners, and got to work. The maple is planted at the edge of the deck, and the deck elevation makes it easy to reach one side. The rest of the canopy is more difficult, so a ladder is needed. (You can see where this is headed.)

Not too long into my pruning project, I hear Mr. Gardener shouting, “There you are on the ladder!

Looks like you’re breaking the rules this time.”

You see, he wasn’t home when I began this pruning chore. What started out as tackling a few little tasks, grew into a larger undertak-

ing. There I was home alone, on a ladder, in my slippers no less. And where was my phone? In the house.

BUSTED! In an effort to explain (perhaps justify is a more suitable word), I admitted my slip-up. Smiling all the while, Mr. Gardener stood shaking his head knowing full well how alike we are. Chores need doing, and when the conditions—weather, mood, and energy level—are ideal, we both are full steam ahead.

Maybe, before starting the engine and shifting into gear, we should pause for a minute. Give thought to what is ahead, what you can see and what might be hidden.

That bit of breathing space just might save a life.

I’ll see you in the garden!

In this issue

March 2022 | kcgmag.com 4 Kids Ask Dr. Bug 6 Ask the Experts 8 Plants on Your Plate—Celery 10 Defining the Butterfly Garden 12 Indoor Gardening—Fuel the Flavor 14 New Perennial Varieties 16 Last Chance for Winter Pruning 18 Dividing Perennials 20 Cactus & Succulent Conference

22 Rose Report 22 Paola Plant Sale 24 Upcoming Garden Events 25 Douglas County EMG Show 25 Meet Extension Master Gardener Susan Rendall 26 Garden Calendar 27 Subscribe 27 Hotlines

About the cover: Baptisia ‘Burgundy Blast’ is new on the gardening scene this spring. Learn more about this perennial and others beginning on page 14. Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens.

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March 2022 | kcgmag.com

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The Kansas City Gardener | October 2020

3

Kids Ask Dr. Bug

about the curious things found in the garden Why didn’t all the insects die in the winter?

There is a lot to cover with this question: insect life cycles, migration, niches, and survival strategies.

Just like the larger animal wildlife we have in the Midwest – squirrels,

March 2022 | kcgmag.com

way than other animals to get oxygen throughout their bodies that works because of their small size and wouldn’t work if they were bigger. Larger animals breathe air into their lungs, and then their blood carries oxygen throughout

Next time there is snow, look closely for tiny, jumping black specks. These are springtails, called snow fleas, that are only found when there is snow on the ground. rabbits, eagles, foxes, bears, turtles, and many more – insects survive the bitter cold using many of the same strategies that bigger animals use: find shelter, store food or fat stores, or hibernate/diapause.

You won’t find insects flying around when it is much below 40oF as they are cold-blooded, and they aren’t able to move when it is cold, with a few exceptions. Some insects complete their life cycle each year with the seasons and die in late autumn. We may only see certain life stages, such as the adults flying around in the summer. However, they overwinter in protected places as eggs, nymphs, larvae, pupae, or adults. The protected places may be in the ground, under leaf litter, under tree bark, or in your house, depending on

TAMRA REALL Horticulture Specialist 4

the insect, what their needs are, and how they have evolved to live in the environment. Some insects can’t overwinter here because it is too cold for them, but the species can survive in warmer states. So those insects may migrate to Mis-

(Image: BlenderTime from Pixabay)

Bugs creep me out! Why should I be nice to them?

Alien-looking bodies, freaky behaviors, found nearly everywhere especially when you are least expecting it, disease vectors, six legs, camouflage, metamorphosis – these are reasons why insects have been the main characters of some horror movies and nightmares. The unknown and unfamiliar can make things seem scary. Sometimes the battle is very real such as when termites infest a home or insect pests devour crops. However, their strange characteristics are also why insects and other arthropods are so fascinating and a source of inspiration. We have so much to learn from them! In fact, scientists and engineers study insects to help us develop new technologies, such as energy efficiency, flying and wingfolding behaviors, antibacterial strategies, material strengthening abilities, rough terrain maneuverability, and visual processing and guidance for self-driving cars. Insects are an essential part of the ecosystem as well. Insects are hugely responsible for the pollination of most plants so plants can reproduce which also provides food for us and other animals. Insects themselves are a source of food for many animals. Insects break down dead plant and animal matter which cycles nutrients.

Insects play an important role in many parts of our lives even though we don’t think about or realize it.

While I’ve listed a lot of things that insects do for us, perhaps this shouldn’t be the most important reason to be nice to them. As fellow species on this planet, we should be willing to share the space and be stewards in those areas we can help.

Instead of disgust, we could look at the complexity of insects with awe and appreciation.

souri when it warms up. Some insects, like honey bees, store food in their hive and huddle together to stay warm during the cold months.

A unique strategy used by some insects, such as the snow flea, to survive freezing temperatures is by adding an antifreeze effect to their bodies to prevent them from freezing. In fact, warm temperatures may be what does them in.

the body. Insects do not have lungs or veins. Oxygen enters their body through holes in their abdomen called spiracles and then travels through tiny tubes called the trachea. Higher oxygen concentrations might make it possible for air to travel farther, and insects could then be larger… but then they might not fit into all those nooks and crannies as easily!

Why are insects so small?

There are a lot of advantages to being small: fitting into small spaces, fitting more individuals into larger spaces, less food required to survive, and large predators are less likely to see you. Insects benefit from these characteristics to inhabit almost every habitat on earth.

Additionally, they have a different

Do you have questions about bugs found in your garden for Dr. Bug? Send them to ReallT@ Missouri.edu or bit.ly/KidsAskDrBug. Include your name and age. To help me learn what you learn from this monthly column, would you please consider filling out this survey: bit.ly/KidsAskDrBugSurvey. Thank you!

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.

The Kansas City Gardener | March 2022

5

Ask the Experts POTATO PLANTING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Question: I am new to gardening and want to grow potatoes. I have heard the flavor is better than those from the grocery store.

Can you give me a quick rundown on planting potatoes?

Answer: Potatoes are a fun crop to grow. When digging at harvest time, there is a surprise with every turn of the shovel. Potatoes are a cool-season crop planted in mid to late March. St. Patrick’s Day is the traditional planting day. Harvest in June when the foliage browns.

Purchase ‘seed’ potatoes from a garden center. These tubers are smaller with two or three eyes and where the growth will sprout. Plant the seed piece in a trench about 4 inches deep. New potato tubers grow along the stem of the plant. As the top growth develops, mound the soil up the vine in April and May to a depth of about 10 inches. The potatoes grow in this soft, mounded soil area.

Potatoes grow best with even moisture and cooler spring weather. White and red potato varieties grow best in our climate. Novelty varieties like blue and russets tend to be a little fussier in our soils and weather. There is nothing better than a freshly dug potato with a bit of salt, pepper, and butter. K-State Extension has an excellent fact sheet: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu. edu/pubs/MF488.pdf.

MY HOUSEPLANT NEEDS A REFRESH Question: I have a large overgrown schefflera that is getting tall and leggy. The lower leaves have dropped off. Is there a way I can rejuvenate this houseplant?

Answer: There are two options.

One is easy-peasy and the other a little more complicated. My preferred method is to trim it back, just like rejuvenating an overgrown shrub. Cut the entire plant back to within about 6 to 8 inches from the base of the plant. After removing

Harvesting potatoes is fun, with a surprise in every turn of the shovel.

These are Jubilee Yellow tomatoes, indeterminate. the growth, the energy used to feed the plant will be transferred to the cut area. New buds will develop in about a month or so, and growth will start just below the cut. Usually, two or three shoots will grow.

Under good conditions, you will have a bushy healthy plant by the end of summer. The better the light source, the more vigorous the plant will grow.

The second option is a process called air layering. This is more complicated but does allow you to root the upper growth. After the layering process, you will still need to rejuvenate as recommended above. Simply enter ‘air layering houseplants’ in your search engine and you will find all the informa-

DENNIS PATTON Horticulture Agent 6

March 2022 | kcgmag.com

tion needed for this method.

UNDERSTAND TOMATO DIFFERENCES BEFORE SELECTION Question: There are a lot of different types of tomatoes to grow. What is the difference in their growth habits, and which is best for my garden?

Answer: Tomatoes are often classified as determinate, semideterminate, or indeterminate. Determinate plants produce one large crop and virtually nothing thereafter. They are favored by commercial growers wanting to harvest the fruit in one picking. Mature plants are smaller than other types and planted closer together to get the most tomatoes in a small space. Pri-

Taylor Juniper has a narrow growth habit. mo Red is a variety that is strongly determinate.

Indeterminate plants are the traditional tomatoes grown in the home garden as they never stop growing and producing. They produce fruit throughout the season unless disease stops production or until frost kills the plant. They require support as they reach six feet tall when staked or caged.

Semi-determinate plants are more compact than indeterminate types but can produce fruit throughout the season. Most of the varieties available to home gardeners are either indeterminate or semi-determinate. Gardeners with limited space will prefer indeterminate or semi-determinate types to stretch out the harvest season.

GROWING TOMATOES: FEAST OR FAMINE Question: Why does it seem like my tomato harvest is either feast or famine? Why can’t I just pick an even amount throughout the summer?

Answer: You are not alone.

Most tomato growers suffer from the same issue. Either you have them running out of your ears or go weeks without any.

As noted in the above question, the right type of vine tomatoes can produce throughout the sum-

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.

mer. Once the flower is fertilized, it takes 6 to 8 weeks for the fruit to mature and ripen. The main reason for the ebb and flow of tomatoes is they are somewhat finicky about pollination. Tomatoes are less likely to set fruit when night temperatures remain above 75 degrees and day temperatures are above 95°F. Hot, dry winds make the situation worse. Conversely, when the temps dip below 60 degrees in the spring, it becomes difficult for the fruit to set.

The roller coaster weather patterns in KC greatly affect the yield of tomatoes. Not only does the temperature wreak havoc, but so does our culture. Uneven moisture, foliar diseases, and other factors also come into play. So, why do we bother? Well, you know the answer to that question. Did someone say BLTs? ISO NARROW EVERGREENS Question: I would like to plant a narrow evergreen screen. Height is not an issue. I am having a difficult time finding plants staying under 3 to 5 feet wide.

Answer: Finding narrow, upright evergreens is a challenge for

two reasons. One, we are not in evergreen country, and two, most plants’ growth habits are equal in height and width.

I can think of a couple of options. The most common problem solver for a narrow space is an arborvitae. Emerald Green Arborvitae, Thuga occidentalis ‘Smaragd,’ is about 3 feet wide and 15 feet tall. This stovepipe shape works well. The drawback to this plant is drought tolerance. Even moisture is ideal for best growth. Extreme heat and drought will quickly kill this shrub. If you plant, be sure to water throughout the year, even when established.

The other good choice is Taylor Juniper, Juniperus virginiana ‘Taylor,’ about 3 feet wide and reaching 25 to 30 feet in height. Junipers are highly drought tolerant and would be a better choice when height is not a factor.

Emerald Green is very common on the market and is less expensive to purchase than Taylor, which is more difficult to locate in garden centers. The other downside to both shrubs is bagworms can kill the shrub, so be sure to treat them yearly. Hope this helps.

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The Kansas City Gardener | March 2022

7

PLANTS ON YOUR PLATE Celery grown in California, Florida and, ironically, Michigan where it made its debut in the early 1800s.

Widely recognized as one of the healthiest snacks available, celery is a great source of fiber, which is especially impressive given the vegetable’s low-calorie count. This makes it a great choice for those concerned with losing weight or maintaining healthy digestion. Celery is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and potassium. Celery is also rich in antioxidants such as lunularin, bergapten, and phthalides,

which aid in blood pressure regulation and the prevention of heart disease.

When shopping, choose celery with firm stalks with bright green leaves that have a fresh aroma.

Celery will keep up to two weeks wrapped in plastic in the crisper drawer. While firm, crispy celery is most desired for crudité and salads, if it starts to get limp, it can still be used in cooked dishes, or even chopped and frozen for later use.

The salad recipe below is a tasty combination of colors, textures, and flavors.

Apple and Celery Salad Makes 8 servings

T

his month’s spotlight is on another vegetable that many of us reach for all year round for its continuous availability. It is a staple item on vegetable trays, adds a distinctive crunch to salads, and is a common sauté item in the beginning of many soup recipes. It’s also one of my favorite quick snacks to dip in some peanut butter. By now you have probably guessed that I am talking about celery.

Celery is a member of the Umbelliferae family that grew wild in the Mediterranean region thousands of years ago, and was mentioned in Chinese writings as early as 5 AD. The wild form of celery, also known as smallage, was initially used as medicine, though gained popularity as a food source in the 16th century in northern Europe. A popular variety in Asia is leaf celery, which has tender stems

that are somewhat reminiscent of wild celery. It wasn’t until the 18th century that celery was refined and cultivated to resemble the vegetable that we recognize today. Pascal is the most common variety with the tight, straight, sturdy bunches that children like to fill with peanut butter. Celeriac, or celery root, is another variety that is grown for both the stalks and the bulbous root that resembles a turnip.

Celery leaves have a stronger flavor than the stalk and are often dried, which intensifies the flavor. Celery seeds are also used for their flavoring capability alone and ground with salt as celery salt. One celery seed is about the size of the period at the end of this sentence, and one ounce of celery seeds can grow one acre of celery, producing 32,000 to 42,000 celery plants. In the United States, most celery is

DENISE SULLIVAN Nutrition Ninja 8

March 2022 | kcgmag.com

INGREDIENTS 2 cups chopped apples (about 4 medium) 1 cup chopped celery ½ cup raisins ½ cup chopped walnuts ¼ cup vanilla yogurt 2 Tablespoons orange juice ½ teaspoon cinnamon • Wash hands and work surfaces. Wash apples and celery stalks.

• In a large bowl, combine apples, celery, raisins, and walnuts.

• In a small bowl combine yogurt, orange juice and cinnamon; stir to combine.

• Pour dressing over apple and celery mixture and mix well.

Chill 30 minutes before serving.

NUTRITION INFORMATION Calories: 110, Total Fat: 1.5g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Sodium: 17mg, Carbohydrates: 24g, Fiber: 3.5g, Protein: 1.5g Recipe adapted from MyPlate Kitchen, analyzed by verywellfit.com

Denise Sullivan (@MUExtJacksonCo) is a Nutrition and Health Education Specialist for MU Extension in Jackson County. For research based nutrition and food safety information and programs, call 816-4825850 or visit https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/urban-west-region.

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The Kansas City Gardener | March 2022

9

Defining the Butterfly Garden

Y

Understanding a Butterfly’s Life Butterflies live their lives in four stages. The egg contains the genetic material, comparable to a plant’s seed. Caterpillars hatch from the eggs and are the only stage that eats. The chrysalis is primarily a chamber for metamorphosis as the caterpillar’s body dissolves into soup and the molecules are repur-

posed as wings, genitalia, a tongue, etc. The adult butterfly’s sole purpose is reproduction, so they die after a few weeks of mating and laying eggs.

Flowers alone do not meet a butterfly’s needs. First, the children must be fed and each butterfly species’ caterpillar eats a different plant. For instance, Monarch caterpillars eat only Milkweeds and

Zebra Swallowtails eat only Pawpaw leaves. A butterfly garden must also provide habitats such as sunny areas, shelter from rain and wind, puddling spots and safe places to over-winter. (Because most butterflies spend the winter in your garden, you should not thoroughly clean-up in fall.) And a true Butterfly Garden avoids all insecticides.

Photos by Lenora Larson.

ou have beautiful flowers blooming late-March through mid-November. Do you have a butterfly garden? It depends. The North American Butterfly Association, the organization that certifies butterfly gardens, provides a definition that will clarify: A butterfly garden contains the resources that sustain all four stages of the butterfly’s life.

The side view of a Great Spangled Fritillary shows off its spangles.

They find Butterfly Bush nectar irresistible.

To have a resident breeding population, you must have violets since that is the only plant that the caterpillars can eat. Violets are a beautiful ground cover!

The very common Great Spangled Fritillaries have up to a 4” wingspan, larger than Monarchs. This male is nectaring on native Butterfly Weed.

Native Common Milkweed is a favorite “Nectar Bar”.

LENORA LARSON Butterfly Maven 10

March 2022 | kcgmag.com

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.

Only Native Plants?

Our native butterflies evolved with native plants: however, there is no scientific evidence that “being native” is necessary. Adult butterflies are pragmatic generalists, using any flowers that have a flat spot for landing, rich nectar and shallow nectaries. Many ornamental plants meet these criteria with the advantage that they bloom for months rather than days. Instead of solely focusing on whether a flower is a native, consider whether the plant is a sterile hybrid, which would be useless to pollinators.

Host plants contain the necessary molecules to trigger egglaying and caterpillar feeding. If non-native plants contain these necessary molecules they may be eaten, sometimes even preferred!

For instance, native Golden Alexanders is in the carrot family and sometimes eaten, but Black Swallowtails overwhelmingly prefer non-native members of the carrot family such as Parsley, Fennel and Dill.

The Universal Threat: Insecticides Experienced Butterfly Garden-

ers understand that the word “insecticide” literally means “insect killer”. They do not personally use insecticides, yet insecticide use is so pervasive in our cityscapes that it’s hard to avoid. Purchased plants may contain spray residues and systemic insecticides. If neighbors are spraying their vegetable gardens, the insecticides may drift into your yard. If you employ a lawn service that uses a grub control, you are putting your butterflies at risk. Do not believe the claims by mosquito sprayers that their products only kill mosquitoes. Yes, their Pyrethrin is organic because it is derived from Chrysanthemums.

However, “organic” has nothing to do with whether a chemical kills insects. Many roving butterflies are poisoned before they ever get to your yard.

But we can’t give up! Having both flowers and host plants allows the establishment of resident breeding populations of butterflies that may be less exposed to clouds of insecticides than those wandering, usually in search of their host plant.

And imagine a roving butterfly’s joy when it finds your haven in the concrete jungle!

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The Kansas City Gardener | March 2022

11

Indoor Gardening: Fuel the Flavor

O

f all the benefits to growing your own food, one of the most enjoyable might also happen to be the most consequential – flavor! If you haven’t personally experienced the difference between store-bought and homegrown fruits and vegetables, I’d highly recommend it. Be prepared, though, because that bland carrot you usually dunk in ranch to make palatable will now carry a bold sweetness that holds its own against any party dip. The reason?

Homegrown food tends to be much more nutrient-dense.

Fortunately, sensations that get our taste buds tingling don’t have to come from high fructose corn syrup, salt or additives concocted in a lab. Fresh, nutrient-dense food can provide the same sort of flavor satisfaction while simultaneously fueling our bodies. The more nutrition packed into each lettuce leaf, the more flavorful it is, and the more we want to eat another.

Whether we realize it or not, our brains have evolved to reward us for putting high levels of nutrition in our body by telling us they taste good. The danger, of course, is that food manufacturers have taken the same concept and replicated those desirable flavors in food that’s simply not good for us.

No wonder so many of us struggle to maintain consistent, healthy eating habits. If the carrot that’s supposed to be “healthy” for us doesn’t contain enough energysupplying nutrition, it doesn’t taste good. How do we react? We turn to something that does taste good.

We add a sugary sauce, pull out the salt shaker, or just scrap the veggies altogether and buy a frozen pizza.

It’s important to pause for a moment, before we continue, to add the caveat that not all store-bought produce is lacking in nutrition.

There are great, locally sourced,

organic options available at most major supermarkets. Yes, the prices tend to be a bit higher, but you get the nutrition (and flavor) you pay for. Similarly, while growing in your home provides total control over what’s being fed to your plants and the ability to grow year-round, it’s absolutely possible to grow food that doesn’t stack up to what can be found in a store.

Where the wheels start to come off in the quest for flavorful produce is in the actual delivery of nutrients to the plant. It’s easy to think, “I’ve got the perfect soil blend with all the right ingredients, now I just need to water it,” or, “I’ve mixed up a batch of nutrient solution in the proper proportions, now I just need to add it to my reservoir.” There’s one crucial step that should always

ents from reaching the plant.

The pH level that provides access to the widest range of both macro and micro-nutrients in soil is typically 6.0 to 7.0. In hydroponics, it’s 5.5 to 6.5. As a comparison, city water can often be upwards of 8.0 to 9.0. That’s not just a significant deviation from the ideal, it’s the point at which almost half of the nutrients our plants require become

Avoiding the latter scenario starts with understanding the nutritional needs of your particular plant. What levels of primary nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium does it require during its different stages of growth? What are its requirements for secondary nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium and sulfur? Regardless of your growing methodology, attaining the proper soil, dry amendments and/or liquid fertilizer to meet those needs should be your starting point to producing nutrient-rich food. These items are readily available at your local garden shop.

occur before watering or feeding your plants, that’s to check the pH of your water or nutrient solution.

This can be performed with inexpensive disposable test strips or inexpensive waterproof meters. pH, or Potential of Hydrogen, is the scale used to identify the level of a solution’s acidity, ranging from 0 to 14 with 0 being extremely acidic and 14 being the least acidic or a strong base. A pH value of 7, that of distilled water, is a perfectly neutral balance of acid and base.

If the pH is outside of a specified range, it can limit, and sometimes completely prevent, certain nutri-

completely unavailable. If you find yourself in a situation where your water or nutrient solution is outside of the acceptable range, pH up or pH down solutions can be purchased. These are essentially strong bases (pH up) and strong acids (pH down) that can be mixed into your water to increase or decrease the pH. By identifying the correct nutrient mix for your edible plants of choice, along with the proper pH, you’ve now created a recipe to grow flavorful, nutrient-rich food from the comfort of your own home, all year-round.

JASON MISPAGEL Indoor Gardener 12

March 2022 | kcgmag.com

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.

TREES WORK

health for your

Feeling tired?

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Spending time in nature, conservation areas, woods, backyards, and urban parks may ease stress levels.

Getting away from busy schedules allows people to connect with nature and themselves in a way that brings calm and a sense of well-being.

Taking a nature walk may increase attention spans and creative problem-solving skills by as much as 50 percent.

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The Kansas City Gardener | March 2022

13

variegated Hosta with blue leaves and wide, cream yellow margins.

For a fun, less traditional Hosta ‘Miss America’ is tricolored, with green margins, white centers, and streaks of light green throughout the foliage.

Sunny gardens aren’t complete without a planting of Veronica, or Speedwell. Sci-Fi fans will rejoice in planting the newer varieties ‘Blue Skywalker’, ‘Purple Leia’

Heuchera ‘Mahogany Monster’ and ‘Lavender Lightsaber’. These varieties top out around 30 inches and keep a tidy mound. The flower spikes add narrow height to perennial gardens and will rebloom if spent spikes are sheared off after blooming. Veronica are deer resistant and can tolerate some drought conditions but would prefer regular watering.

Echinacea lovers will enjoy the recently released Kismet Series. Kismet is more compact than traditional native Echinacea, with an average size of 18 inches tall and wide. Available in five colors, mixed together they look best in larger plantings and provide a long

SEAN HOLLAND Perennials Manager 14

March 2022 | kcgmag.com

bloom time, continuing from June until frost in most cases.

Bleeding Heart is commonly found in traditional shade woodland gardens and rarely found in sunnier areas. Proven Winners recently released a fern-leaf/alpine type, ‘Pink Diamonds’, that can tolerate more sun than the traditional varieties. The grower states that it can handle full sun (six or more hours of direct light), but it

Girl’. Both ‘Ultraviolet’ and ‘Uptown Girl’ are resistant to powdery mildew and produce a nice plant at 32 inches tall and wide. Mixing varieties of Tall Phlox together make a nice blend of color during the hot summer months.

Russian Sage is a great choice for gardeners who love a lowmaintenance long bloomer in the landscape. However, the species Perovskia atriplicifolia has the Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

very year, gardeners and green industry professionals are bombarded with advertisements for tons of new plants. At times, it may seem like growers and breeders just keep renaming the old varieties to boost their sales, but many of the new perennials are bred for desired improvements.

Admittedly, I am a skeptic when it comes to the “latest and greatest” plants that vendors boast about.

However, there improvements in plant breeding that have resulted in boosted disease resistance, better blooms, or more controlled growth habits.

For those gardeners that love to plant natives and cultivars of natives, Amsonia ‘String Theory’ is a must. Great for partly sunny areas that can’t accommodate the species A. hubrechtii, ‘String Theory’ will max out at 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide and boasts the same blue spring blooms and stunning golden fall color.

Another native cultivar available this season is ‘Burgundy Blast’ Baptisia. Also known as False Indigo, Baptisia is a woody shrub substitute for the landscape. This variety blooms with dark purple flowers in the springtime in full sun to part shade, and spends the rest of the season showing off its beautiful, unique foliage.

For part shade and dappled light, consider ‘Evening Gown’ and ‘Mahogany Monster’ Heuchera.

‘Evening Gown’ stays smaller and has darker foliage, while ‘Mahogany Monster’ would be better suited for a little more space so to show off its giant red foliage.

In areas of dappled light and full shade, Hostas are always the favorite among gardeners. ‘Hope Springs Eternal’ is a medium sized,

Photo courtesy of Walter Gardens.

E

New Perennial Varieties for Spring 2022

Hosta ‘Miss America’ can tolerate some afternoon shade.

Keep in mind that Bleeding Hearts generally go dormant after their spring bloom, so be sure to place it with companion plants that will persist and the show through the rest of the summer.

Gardeners often utilize Tall Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) to get height and mid-late summer color in the landscape; the one big drawback is its susceptibility to foliar diseases. ‘Ultraviolet’ boasts brilliant, purple blooms and is an improved version of the old favorite ‘Nicky’. If you prefer a less brilliant color, ‘Uptown Girl’ is a pale version of the favorite ‘Glamour

tendency to overgrow and spread.

‘Sage Advice’ keeps a nice 36 by 36 inch mound and blooms all summer with dark purple flowers. It is a decent replacement for the gardener who likes the look of Lavender but doesn’t want to spend the time and effort to keep it going through our Kansas City climate.

When assessing the landscape this spring, some gardeners may need to replace plants that didn’t make it through the winter, while others may be considering new plantings altogether. In either case, one or more of these new varieties may be the perfect plant for your situation!

Sean Holland is Perennials Manager at Suburban Lawn & Garden, 135th and Wornall location, in Kansas City, Missouri. You may reach him at seanh@suburbanlg.com.

Above: Heuchera ‘Evening Gown’

Below: Echinacea Kismet Intense Orange Veronica ‘Blue Skywalker’

Above: Dicentra ‘Dink Diamonds’

Below: Veronica ‘Purple Leia’ Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens.

Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens.

Perovskia ‘Sage Advice’

Photo courtesy of Terra Nova Nursery.

Phlox paniculata ‘Glamour Girl’ Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens.

Hosta ‘Hope Springs Eternal’

Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens.

Photo courtesy of Terra Nova Nursery.

Baptisia ‘Burgundy Blast’ Phlox paniculata ‘Uptown Girl’

Phlox ‘Ultraviolet’

Above: Amsonia ‘String Theory’

Below: Echinacea Kismet Yellow

The Kansas City Gardener | March 2022

15

Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens.

Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens.

Last Chance for Winter Pruning

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much about pruning. You have to visualize what the branch structure will look like without one or the other crossed branch. Which looks better in your head? At this point, remind yourself that you can’t put the branch back on the plant after it is cut. So think carefully, take your time (leave it for another day) and make the right decision. When it’s

ing in the direction of the area you want to fill. If one side is pointing toward the house, prune the leader on that side off.

Ideally, you want to prune when trees are young – two to five years old is ideal. Do not prune newly planted trees for a year or two. Let them get established, even if you want to shape them right

the main trunk and only partially (5 to 10% through). The second cut should be directly above the first, cutting the rest of the way through, until the branch comes free. The third and final cut is close to the main branch, but not too close.

Identify the branch collar (slightly swollen area at the base of the branch you are cutting) and prune

Photos by Scott Woodbury.

y favorite winter activity, besides going for long walks through the woods, is pruning trees and shrubs. March is the last month to do it before they leaf out in April. Why prune before leaf-out? It’s easy to see the branching structure, and safer in terms of disease spread. Oaks, for instance, must be pruned either when dor-

Well-pruned Redbud tree. mant in winter or after the seasonal growth spurt is complete (usually after July 1). Pruning oaks during the early growing season creates seeping wounds that may invite deadly pathogens into the tree.

There are many branch issues to look for and resolve (also called corrective pruning). First is crossing or rubbing branches. These are branches that cross each other close enough to rub off the outer bark layer. You can tell where rubbing occurs because it looks like a worn-out leather shoe – shiny and the worse for wear. One of the branches needs to go, so prune out the one that does not fill the space properly. This can be an easy decision when one branch points toward the house or back into the center of the plant. Take that one.

But what if they both point outward and it’s not so obvious? In this case, save the branch that fills the space better. Huh? This is what I like so

Sharp hand pruners make quick work of pruning. a toss-up, you can’t go wrong either way.

Next is multiple leaders on a tree. A leader is the singular, and usually central, branch that grows faster and taller than all the rest.

It is what forms the often massive trunk on old trees. At times there are two or three branches competing for the same place at the top. This is not good, because they usually grow to have narrow and weak branch angles. ‘Bradford’ pears are notorious for this.

They grow for ten or fifteen years, produce multiple leaders, and then one suddenly breaks off in strong wind. One landed on my car years ago! Pruning trees with multiple leaders is usually easy when they are young. Save the leader that looks the most robust or is point-

SCOTT WOODBURY Horticulturist 16

March 2022 | kcgmag.com

away. Don’t be tempted, because trees develop stronger and thicker trunks when they are allowed to establish a strong root system first.

When it gets too old, climbing the tree can be cumbersome and dangerous. If you have a double leader on an old tree, hire a qualified arborist to safely help you out.

Be careful when pruning branches that are more than an inch in diameter or more than three feet long, because they could come down and break something, like you. They also can come down with a long ugly bark tear. Always make three cuts on branches like these. The first cut should be from below to prevent a bark tear. Make the undercut several inches away from

just outside it. The branch collar produces growth hormones that stimulate new tissue that closes over the wound. Never paint or tar over cuts because this may encourage rot.

Perhaps it’s obvious to prune out dead branches, although dead branches aren’t always easy to identify. They are brittle and small ones snap off when bent. They tend to have peeling bark or no bark at all. Old-dead branches are more obvious and they may have already partially fallen. Scout for and remove large dead branches because they can damage houses, vehicles, and people. Pole saw blades with a hooked tip work well for pulling/ breaking small dead branches from the tree. Always wear protective eyewear and a helmet when pruning overhead. If high branches require a chainsaw, consult an arborist.

Limbing-up lower branches on established trees is a technique

Horticulturist Scott Woodbury is the Curator of the Whitmore Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, Missouri, 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 suppliers of native plants and seeds at www.grownative.org, Resource Guide.

for allowing more sunlight to get to plants growing beneath. This can be done on large or medium trees to improve the performance of perennials, grasses, ferns, shrubs, and small flowering trees. You may need a pole saw to remove high branches. Always use very sharp saw blades to make the cut quick, easy, and safe.

Keep in mind that branches that stray into walkways, parking areas, and buildings require removal.

Branches rubbing on a building can cause significant damage to gutters, windows, shingles, and siding.

Finally there is branch thinning, when there are so many branches that the plant looks like a witch’s broom. Remember the tree in Harry Potter – the one Ron Weasley’s dad’s car fell into. That’s an extreme example of a densely branched tree. Water sprouts that emerge from plant stems and suckers come from the ground. These branches are usually small, numerous, and overly vigorous. They also make the plant look chaotic or lop-sided in winter, because too many branches can clutter and hide the main branching structure.

Pruning sprouts away is like chis-

eling a piece of art from wood or stone. With each sprout and sucker pruned, the view to the beautiful branches inside comes into view.

Seasoned pruners intentionally open up views (holes) to the main trunk so that it may be viewed even in summer, when fully leafed out.

Prune small sprouts (under ½ inch in diameter) with sharp hand pruners. Larger branches require a hand saw or lopper.

Overly dense branches are common on plants growing in full sun, especially on hawthorn, redbud, dogwood, and viburnum. When young, they require pruning for several years, before they simmer down. Usually after 7 to 10 years, water sprouts and suckers slow down significantly or entirely. At this point, plants are established and more mature. Speaking of which, I have been pruning, feeding, and watering my young one (his name is Milo) for fifteen years and he still requires much corrective pruning. My final word is that, like child-rearing, pruning requires much practice and patience. In the end, one hopes, it will result in a thing of beauty, resilience, and character. Happy pruning ya’ll.

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17

Dividing Perennials

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n his column Friel World appearing in Green Profit magazine, John Friel wrote, “A perennial border is evolution on fast-forward, a watercolor in the rain, changing weekly as various species segue in and out of bloom – and yearly as its constituents dominate or yield, flourish or succumb, according to their natures.”

Friel perfectly describes a native perennial border. Each plant grows according to its nature. Some are spreaders while others stay put or fade with competition. To keep all these plants happy and harmoniously growing together, a few plants may need to be thinned from time to time, or divided so that they don’t dominate other species.

When to Divide Your Perennials As we move into spring, March and April are the best months to begin dividing perennials. You can divide in August and September, but excess growth and heat may hinder success. Any type of disturbance to the root system can be stressful for perennials. Dividing during times with cool, moist conditions will reduce shock. Another thing to keep in mind is that native grasses will not start to actively grow until soil temperatures reach at least 60 degrees. Grasses are often the last plants I divide in the spring. It’s a good idea to wait until they are starting to show signs of life.

Which Plants to Divide • Yarrow • Asters • Coral bells • Joe Pye weed • Gayfeathers • Monarda • Rudbeckia • Coreopsis • Spiderwort • Sneezeweed • Goldenrod • Purple Coneflower varieties • Ironweed • Sunflowers After several seasons of growth, native grasses often form a “donut”. The center dies back while the active growth continues around the outer edges.

• Switchgrass

The prairie perennial bed at our front entrance sign will benefit from division of plants, especially the grasses and asters.

• Little Bluestem • Big Bluestem • Indiangrass • Sideoats • Blue Grama How to Divide Perennials Dig the Clump After you have identified the plants that need to be divided, the next step is to dig the entire clump out of the ground. If the soil is dry, it is beneficial to water the area a few days ahead of time to soften the soil. Well-established grasses can be challenging to dig, but it is important to work at it until it is completely removed. Grasses are resilient and can take much abuse in this division process. I have even worked at removal with a pick axe.

Remove the clump or clumps from the hole and set it aside. Brush off excess soil to reveal the growing points.

Separate the growing points/ crowns and replant Some plants are easier to pull apart than others. For instance, asters are easier to pull apart than switchgrass. Usually, I break these clumps into 4, 8 or 16 pieces with a

SCOTT VOGT Horticulturist 18

March 2022 | kcgmag.com

pruner, lopper, shovel or axe. Each clump needs to have a few leaves or healthy growing points and roots in order to grow. Then, replant the divisions as soon as possible so the roots don’t dry out. I put them back into the same hole from which they were removed. Plant at the same depth as before and water well.

Cover any bare soil with mulch to help conserve moisture while your new divisions become established.

The leftover plants can be shared with friends or composted.

Water well Reestablish these divisions as you would any newly planted perennial. Water daily, or every other day depending on the weather, for the first two weeks. Once you see new growth, reduce water frequency to every other day or every three days.

You have removed much of the supporting root system, so it will take at least a season to get that back. Also, I would not fertilize the new transplants, because this will encourage top growth that is not sustainable with the new root system.

Which Plants to NOT Divide While most perennials ben-

This switchgrass would benefit from being divided too. efit from being divided every few years, there are a few perennials with deep taproots that are better left alone. You will be more successful planting new seedlings than trying to dig these plants out of the ground. In my experience, it is easier to start with a plant than to remove these plants. Too much damage is inflicted on the taproot. Avoid dividing these varieties: • Wild Indigo (Baptisia sp.)

• Compass Plant • Butterfly weed (Asclepias) • Coneflowers (Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea paradoxa) At the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, we have divided and transplanted hundreds of plants over the years and I don’t believe we have ever lost one. Native perennials are resilient and begin to recover from being transplanted in about a week.

They may look stunted or peaked the first year, but they will really come to life the next year. As you begin your garden planning in the next few weeks, go out and identify a few plants that would benefit from a fresh start.

Scott Vogt is Executive Director at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston, KS, where he has worked with native plant displays, consultations, designs and education since 1997. He is an author of numerous articles and a frequent contributor to the Arboretum’s weekly blog, ‘Prairie Notes’. He has worked to expand FloraKansas Native Plant Days, the largest native plant sale in the state (April, September). Learn more at www.dyckarboretum.org, Facebook, and Instagram.

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19

Cactus and Succulent Conference Coming to Kansas City in June

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March 2022 | kcgmag.com

Conference sponsor, the KCCSS, install the Cactus & Succulent Educational Garden at Loose Park.

Photo courtesy of Judy Pigue.

Judy Pigue’s hardy cactus and succulent garden will be the Conference field trip.

Photo courtesy of KCCSS.

Photo courtesy of Judy Pigue.

A

fter a two-year delay forced by the pandemic, the 17th biennial Mid-States Cactus and Succulent Conference will occur this June 9 – 12 in Independence, Missouri. This conference moves among various cities in the Midwest where it is hosted by a Cactus and Succulent Society of America affiliate club. It takes place on alternate years to the CSSA national convention. The last time the Mid-States Conference came to the Kansas City area was 10 years ago, so it is a rare opportunity for local residents, and a great way for travelers to combine their love of cacti and succulents with visiting Kansas City and Independence, which are both places that have a lot of attractions to offer visitors.

This spring’s conference is being hosted by the non-profit Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society, which has been a part of the region’s gardening scene for over 40 years. Many area residents are already familiar with this club’s sales and shows. Like gardeners eager for the return of spring, the KCCSS has been busy preparing for this inperson event after the long winter of the pandemic. Neighboring MidIowa and River City Cactus and Succulent Societies in Des Moines and Omaha are also lending a hand to make the first Mid-States Conference in four years a fun weekend for everyone.

Eight well-known experts in the field will give presentations throughout the weekend to Conference registrants. These entertaining speakers will cover a variety of topics Friday through Sunday morning with something for everyone – from particular plant families to exotic habitats, from growing techniques to classification taxonomy.

Additionally, eight plant and artisan pottery vendors will provide a sale that is open to the public with no charge for admission Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shoppers can expect unusual plants not typically seen at big box nurseries. A raffle for early admission to the sale is always a

Club member’s snapshot from Conference speaker Guillermo Rivera’s guided tour of Argentina. popular activity among conferencegoers. Early June is a good time to buy and transplant most cacti and succulents. Of course, there is variety among different types of plants regarding their care, with summer growers requiring different watering, feeding, and lighting throughout the year than winter growers.

Fortunately, novices and seasoned collectors alike have the benefit of talking directly to the growers and Cactus and Succulent Society members.

All Conference activities and

the public sale will take place at the Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center in Independence with the exception of a field trip to a Society member’s outdoor hardy cactus and succulent garden. Conference attendees look forward to plenty of socializing with like-minded aficionados at an opening reception, banquet, rare plant auction, and silent auction. Many out-of-town attendees are expected, and the host Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center is offering a special room rate for those who want to stay

close to the action.

Those interested in the registering for the Conference or just attending the sale can find out more information at the Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society’s website: kccactus.com. This website has a printable, mail-in registration form for the Conference with individual day, banquet, and full conference options. KCCSS members are looking forward to seeing their old friends and making new ones from across the Midwest and around the country.

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21

Rose Report New experts sharing what to do in the rose garden Consulting Rosarians Here for You Did you know that there is a team of Consulting Rosarians (CR) in the Kansas City area ready to answer your rose gardening questions? The American Rose Society provides training and certification to volunteers interested in sharing their love and knowledge of rose gardening with their community.

Certified CRs must attend a series of rose gardening classes, pass a test, and complete continuing education classes on a regular basis. The Kansas City Rose Society CRs give rose garden talks and tours, make videos, provide content for the KCRS web page www.kansascityrosesociety.org, and answer questions through the Ask a Rosarian email hotline at kcrosehelp@gmail. com. This year the CRs will take turns writing this monthly rose report.

We hope you enjoy hearing from a variety of rose experts with different voices and rose interests.

March in the Rose Garden There are two main projects to complete in your garden this month. The first is to make sure that your roses are well watered. It is important that roses awaken from dormancy with plenty of water in the soil to begin the process of moving stored nutrients up into the plant to start new growth. This winter has been abnormally dry. The rule of thumb is that plants (all plants, not just roses) should get an inch of rain or a foot of snow each month through the winter to maintain good soil moisture. So, get out the hoses and water on a mild day early in March if we haven’t had sufficient rain or snow.

The other rose gardening task to complete in March is transplanting roses. You probably noticed a few bushes last summer that seemed to be languishing from too much shade or crowding. Or maybe you see an empty space that would look much better with one of those roses currently on the other side of the yard. Roses are transplanted while they are

still dormant so it is less of a shock to their system. Here are the steps to transplanting a rose.

1. Dig the hole in the new place first. This minimizes the amount of time the transplanted bush is out of the ground. Dig a generous hole, about 2 ft wide and 2 ft deep. You can’t tell how big the roots of the bush will be and you need to start with big enough hole so you aren’t frantically enlarging it later.

2. Dig up your bush.

Start wide and work your way in toward the center until you find the roots. Try to keep as much soil around the root ball as possible, and gently carry it to its new location.

3. Place the bush carefully into its new hole. Resist the urge to add a lot of soil amendments. A small amount of compost might be helpful if the soil is very poor, but too much amendment will prevent water movement and discourage the roots from growing into their new environment.

4. Water well. Use your shovel to poke around the root ball to make sure there are no air pockets. Maintain even water through out the spring but don’t over water. Remember that healthy roots need equal amounts of water and air.

5. Make a mound of mulch or compost around the crown of the plant. This will conserve water and moderate temperature until the roots can get re-established. Start to pull the mulch back when you see new green growth on the branch tips in the spring.

Following these simple steps will minimize trauma to your bush and get it off to a good start in the new growing season. It will reward your efforts with beautiful blooms before you know it. And, always remember to stop and smell the roses!

For more details, and photos of the transplanting process go to the Kansas City Rose Society webpage on transplanting roses (https://www.kansascityrosesociety.org/transplanting-roses.html).

LAURA DICKINSON , Consulting Rosarian Laura Dickinson is an American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian and is Vice-President of the Kansas City Rose Society. Laura is retired from a career in science education and program management. She can be reached at the Ask a Rosarian hotline, kcrosehelp@gmail.com.

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March 2022 | kcgmag.com

PLANT SALE IN PAOLA

Eco-friendly plants for garden sustainability Gardening for the bees, birds, and other wildlife continues to be an essential trend, so the annual Paola Plant Sale will be featuring native plants, butterfly host plants and pollinator plants, in addition to the ever-popular annuals, perennials, veggies, hanging baskets and combo planters. This year’s sale will also feature many trees, in a size that will fit in your car and be easy to plant.

Butterfly expert Lenora Larson will be on hand during the sale to answer questions and guide shoppers toward the best selections.

The sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 29, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, in the parking lot in front of the Extension Office at 913 N. Pearl (Old KC Road) in Paola.

The timing of the sale is perfect for home gardeners who are ready to get outside and begin working in their 2022 gardens. The plants are grown by local growers who do not use harmful chemicals, including Neonicotinoids. As always, Paola Plant Sale shoppers can be confident their eco-conscious purchases are safe for beneficial insects, and appropriate for our Midwestern clay soil and unpredictable weather conditions.

Natives and Host Plants Steal the Show “We’ll have many different varieties of Milkweed to host your Monarchs,” says plant sale co-chair Lenora Larson, “and Swallowtail

Lenora Larson (left) educating a shopper. host plants such as Spicebush, Pawpaws, Dutchman’s Pipe Vines, and so much more.”

In addition to butterfly host and pollinator plants, shoppers will also find other native plants and perennials; colorful annuals for containers and bedding; tropicals and succulents; herbs and vegetable transplants for unbeatable homegrown taste; and gorgeous hanging baskets and planters for instant beauty and Mother’s Day gifts.

For more information contact the MdC Extension Office at 913-294-4306. Visit the website at www.maraisdescygnes.ksu.edu and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mdcemg.

MISSED AN ISSUE? Annuals • Hanging Baskets • Patio Pots • Vegetable Starts Succulents • Herbs • Tropicals • Perennials • Shrubs Bulk Seed • Garden Décor • Statuary • Compost

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Meet us at one of these locations in the KC area. Give us your order by Tuesday before a sale, and we will bring it to the location.

Burr Oak Woods Nature Center Native Plant Sale at 1401 NW Park Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64015: March 12, 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. &

Naturescaping Workshop (816-228-3766 to register for free workshop): March 12, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Missouri Prairie Foundation Native Plant Sale at Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City MO 64110.

Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Deep Roots Native Plant Sale at Prairie Village Swimming Pool Parking Lot, 7711 Delmar Street, Prairie Village KS 66208. April 23, 10a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shawnee Indian Mission Foundation - Native Plant Sale at 3403 W. 53rd St, Fairway KS 66205. Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Native Plant Sale by Burroughs Audubon at 6212 NW Barry Rd. KC MO 64154. Backyard Bird Center 816-746-1113. Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Missouri Prairie Foundation Native Plant Sale at Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City MO 64110.

Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Kansas City Gardener | March 2022

23

Upcoming Garden Events Garden Club of Shawnee Meeting Thurs, Mar 3, 7-8:30p, at Shawnee Town 1929 Town Hall, 11501 W 57th St, Shawnee, KS 66203. Our topic will be Winter Sowing. We’ll have snacks and door prizes.

Artful Gardens: Orchid Delirium Thurs, Mar 3 (7-8:30p Zoom) & Thurs, Mar 10 (6-8p) Instructor: Donna Houtteman. $80 | Members receive 10% off.

Virtual and Powell Gardens. Painting with plants! The garden as a gallery! The elements and principles of design are consistently evident not only in the visual arts but also in garden design. Join “Docent Donna” Houttemen for a new series exploring gardens in the visual arts and connections to Powell Gardens. This two-part series starts with a 90-minute virtual presentation via Zoom focused on orchids in national, regional, and local works of art. The second part of the series is an after-hours tour of the Orchid Delirium Exhibition, complete with snacks and a drink.

URL: https://25043p.blackbaudhosting. com/25043p/Artful-Gardens-OrchidDelirium Leavenworth County Master Gardeners Wed, Mar 9, 11a; at Riverfront Community Center; 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. The March program is “Starting Seeds Indoors.” The presentation will be given by Jacob Thomas. Jacob and his family own and operate JET produce in Leavenworth, where they sell home raised vegetables, bedding plants, eggs, chicken, beef and lamb. The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700.

Flower, Home & Garden Show Sat, Mar 12, 10a-4p; at Heritage Event & Arts Center, 109 Delaware St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. FREE admission. Leavenworth County Master Gardeners will be making presentations throughout the event.

Join us and enter to win GRAND PRIZE– Complimentary lodging plus 2 tickets to the St. Louis Botanical Gardens. Show features flowers, plants, home decor and garden equipment.

Douglas County Master Gardeners Garden Show Sat, Mar 12, 9am-3p; at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Lawrence. “Gardening for a Sustainable Future” show includes expert speakers, educational booths, a bird house and feeder building workshop, a garage sale filled with garden related items, outdoor craft items, vendors, food trucks, and raffle items. If you love all things botanical and meeting fellow gardeners, this is the event for you!

Native Plant Sale Sat, Mar 12, 1-4p; at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64015; 816228-3766. Walk-in (public) Beautify your landscape with some of Missouri’s best natural resources, native plants! Missouri Wildflower Nursery, and City Roots will be on site with native plant for sale while supplies last.

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March 2022 | kcgmag.com

Orchid Delirium Mar 9-27, Wed – Sun | 9a – 5p; at Powell Gardens. Included with general admission.

Tickets: www.powellgardens.org/orchid.

Orchid Delirium, a new exhibition at Powell Gardens, draws inspiration from the Victorian-era fascination with the flower that led to a collecting hysteria appropriately named Orchidelirium. The exhibition showcases select blooms from a 600-piece orchid collection (43 of which have protected conservation status in the wild), cared for right here at Powell Gardens. Orchid Delirium highlights the natural habitats in which the flowers are traditionally found and invokes the feeling of being immersed in a lush tropical greenhouse. The exhibition marks the opening of Powell Gardens’ spring season allowing Garden-goers to enjoy an indoor tropical oasis, where the vibrant colors of the collection collide with rich history to put the awe in education.

Visitors can expect to learn about one of the most numerous flowering plant species through educational programs, interpretation, and curated tours. Come for the stunning display and leave with a deeper understanding of why the beauty of this plant has enamored humankind for centuries. #WFPowell Work from Powell Gardens Mar 9-27, Wed – Fri | 9a-noon; Visitor Center’s Perennial Lounge, Grand Hall and Terraces. Included in general admission. Wednesday through Friday, Powell Gardens invites those working remote to #WFPowell. All visitors who purchase a general admission ticket between the hours of 9a and noon will receive a free cold-brew and an Orchid Delirium souvenir. While working from Powell Gardens, visitors can enjoy pastries available for purchase in the Marketplace, tour the tropical oasis that is Orchid Delirium and take walking meetings while strolling throughout the grounds. Wi-Fi is complementary for all guests and available in the Visitor Center’s Terraces, Perennial Lounge and Grand Hall. Visit, plugin and break from the monotony of remote work by enjoying a different office setting away from home at Powell Gardens.

Photographer-Only Hours Saturdays, Mar 12, 19 & 26 | 8-9a. Price: $15 | $5 for members. Location: Powell Gardens Conservatory Mar 12: http://25043p.blackbaudhosting.com/25043p/ tickets?tab=2&txobjid=e38f94a9-020a4688-95a9-197f0e955712 Mar 19: http://25043p.blackbaudhosting.com/25043p/ tickets?tab=3&txobjid=c48237e2-c2d2476f-8bcb-a268405cb8ad Mar 26: http://25043p.blackbaudhosting.com/25043p/ tickets?tab=2&txobjid=3e6317b9-af0f443b-857a-50580a6282eb Are you a photographer or member of a local photography club interested in visiting and photographing the amazing orchids featured in Orchid Delirium when the exhibition is closed to the public? Purchase a ticket to visit Powell Gardens before public hours any Saturday throughout March.

Those with these special tickets will gain early access prior to the exhibit opening

from 8-9a, allowing you to enjoy the exhibition in near solitude. Photographing the orchids and their companion plants is the perfect way to sharpen and flex those macro skills. Get up close and personal to this special collection that boasts of color and fun textures. Please contact exhibitions@ powellgardens.org for group rates if you are planning to visit with a club.

Orchid Symposium Sat, Mar 19, 10a-4p; at Powell Gardens. Instructors: Caitlin Eckard, Brent Tucker, and Carol Gravens. $75 | Members receive 10% off. Join Powell Gardens to celebrate our first annual Orchid Delirium Exhibition with an Orchid Symposium. You will enjoy presentations about a variety of topics: the history of Orchidelirium with Education Manager, Caitlin Eckard, Top 10 Orchids for the Home with Master Gardener Carol Gravens via Zoom, and Paphiopedilum: An Introduction and Culture with Lead Horticulturalist Brent Tucker. A boxed lunch and non-alcoholic beverage are included with your ticket. Attendees will also take home their very own.

URL: http://25043p.blackbaudhosting.com/25043p/ tickets?tab=3&txobjid=651db738-1b8d43f3-bb4f-3ad3315d227e KC Cactus and Succulent Society Club Meeting Sun, Mar 20, 1:30-4p; in the Trailside Center at 9901 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO. Visitors are welcome to attend. Coming June 9-12 is the Mid-States Cactus and Succulent Conference, including an 8-vendor sale that Friday and Saturday. See our website: www.kccactus.com or visit us on Facebook for information on the KCCSS and the upcoming conference and sale.

Orchid Thief Book Club Sat, Mar 26, 10-11a; at Powell Gardens. $25 Members receive 10% off. Join Education Manager, Caitlin Eckard, to discuss Susan Orlean’s book, The Orchid Thief. This fascinating first-hand account explores the eccentric world of orchid fanatics in Florida. Immerse yourself in the text and discuss with other readers before viewing Orchid Delirium at Powell Gardens. Book club attendees will enjoy light snacks and drinks and can view the Orchid Delirium exhibition after the session.

URL: https://25043p.blackbaudhosting. com/25043p/page.aspx?pid=213&tab= 2&txobjid=1f7668d8-11f9-49d8-b2227b400a3d7acd.

Tree Keepers Apr 19-21, 9a-1:30p; Heartland Tree Alliance is offering a 3-day in-person learning opportunity at George Owens Nature Park. Great course for anyone wanting to learn more about shade and ornamental trees. Learn about soils, biology, selection, pruning, ID, and planting. Classroom and hands-on learning taught by Chuck Conner with MDC. Must register in advance, $50 fee. https://tinyurl.com/motk2022 or call Sarah 816-561-1086.

Paola Plant Sale Apr 28, 29, 30; in the Extension Office parking lot, 913 N Pearl, Paola, KS 66071.

Sponsored by the Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardeners (MdC EMGs).

Mark your calendars now!

Moonlight On the Veranda Fri, Apr 29, 5-8p; at Greenwood Vintage Market, 502 W Main St, Greenwood, MO 64034 (Lower Level). $10, Advance tickets required. A garden filled, limited entry event and first dibs on all the wonderful decor, furniture, beautiful plants and more before the general public. All tickets come with a gift bag and entry into a grand prize giveaway. Ticket sales through Apr 25 unless sold out. For tickets, go to facebook. com/GreenwoodVintageMarket/events/, the link to the tickets is in the event.

On the Veranda Garden Show Sat, Apr 30, 9a-4p; at Greenwood Vintage Market (Lower Level) Free Admission: A show for garden lovers. Come shop wonderful garden decor, outdoor furniture, plants and more! 816-537-7172 Uptown Garden Faire Sat, Apr 30, 8a-2p; at 211 W Truman Rd, Independence, MO 64050. Celebrate Arbor Day and Spring at the Garden Faire and Market with food, giveaways, and raffles.

Plants, gardenalia, plantiques, garden art, and much more for sale by local vendors.

For more information, 816-797-8711 or 816-325-7843.

Olathe Garden & Civic Club’s Annual Plant Sale Tues, May 3, 4-7p and Wed, May 4, 8a12p; at 18505 W 114th St, Olathe, KS. *Credit & Electronic Payments Accepted in addition to cash/check!* Come get some great new plants for your outdoor and indoor spaces while helping us raise money; this is our annual fundraiser for all of our philanthropic and educational activities throughout the year! You may find: perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables, flowers, pollinator-friendly plants, shade plants, sun-loving plants, house plants, and even garden art! Come meet the members of Kansas’s oldest garden club; established in 1929. Plant love and knowledge will be freely shared!

Promote plant sales, club meetings, classes, and other gardening events for FREE! Send details to: elizabeth@kcgmag.com.

Deadline for publishing in the April issue is March 5.

DOUGLAS COUNTY EXTENSION MASTER GARDENERS 2022 GARDEN SHOW

Meet Extension Master Gardener, Susan Rendall

Sat, March 12 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

D

ouglas County Extension Master Gardeners will present Gardening for A Sustainable Future on Saturday, March 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds at 2110 Harper Street, in Lawrence, Kansas. This premiere garden show features expert speakers, educational booths, workshops, and a garage sale filled with garden-related items, as well as vendors and food trucks.

Environmentalist and sustainability expert Jonathan Porritt reminds us that, “The future will be green, or not at all.” Heeding that wisdom, the Douglas County KState Extension Master Gardeners have assembled an array of experiences designed to share the many ways each of us can improve the world around us by incorporating sustainable practices into our gardens. One part of supporting sustainability will be using QR codes to provide information at booths and presentations. Instructions on how to access materials using the QR codes will be provided.

Educational booths will provide guidance and expert advice on a variety of garden topics. Visitors will learn how to garden with children, utilize native plants, identify beneficial insects, grow vegetables and clean their tools! There will be opportunities to research your garden problems, tour a hoop house and relax with yoga.

Speakers will present throughout the day. Topics include: Garden Design, Gardening for Pollinators, Composting and Mulching, Vegetable Gardening and Bee Pollinators, and a Square Foot Gardening presentation in our new hoop house. Speakers will begin at 9:30 and continue on the hour. The last

presentation will be at 1:30 p.m.

For a hands-on experience, sign up for a workshop. Projects include creating a wine bottle bird feeder, pie pan garden art flowers, or scrap-wood bird houses. The root view micro garden project is particularly well suited for kids as it allows them to watch their plants root and grow. All abilities are welcome. There is a material fee for these take home projects. Details and registration information can be found at https://dgemgks.com.

Our garage sale is the perfect way to practice sustainability by recycling and reusing gardening equipment and décor. Proceeds from the garage sale, and our everpopular raffle support ongoing programs and activities for Douglas County K-State Extension Master Gardeners.

This year, as an added bonus, we have invited local businesses to share their expertise and garden products. Joining us are: Jungle House, Clinton Parkway Garden Center, Vinland Valley Garden Center, Forest Keepers, AAA Fencing, Low Maintenance Landscape, Kansas Plant Farm. Wildfire Metal and Anderson Rentals. Our business partners will have staff on hand to respond to your gardening needs.

Uptown Coffee and JBs Tacos will provide refreshments through their food trucks.

This event is free and open to the public. Please note we will be following covid guidelines established by Douglas County Health department and in effect at the time of the event. For additional information go to our website: https:// dgemgks.com or follow us on facebook.com/douglascountymastergardeners.

What first drew you to the hobby of gardening: I started gardening at my mother’s knee.

When I was in the first grade, I had short rows of my own flowers to plant and care for.

How long have you been an Extension Master Gardener and why did you join: I became a Douglas County Master Gardener in 2008 after participating in the same program in Wisconsin for three years. I joined to share my love of gardening and educate others about growing plants.

Most valuable information learned: Patience with the gardening process and being open to each individual’s gardening experiences and desires to help them grow.

Favorite tool: Inexpensive, nine-inch scissors for deadheading, digging out weeds in nonrocky soil, cutting bunches of dried stems, and pinching back a fistful of perennials.

Favorite plants: Lilies, daylilies, clematis, Mexican sunflowers, and working with all kinds of native trees and shrubs.

What’s your specialty: Designing and creating color combinations that showcase groupings of plants for year-round interest.

For example, at the entrance to the Lied Center, I designed the circle garden with native perennials and my husband Doug now maintains it.

What are you passionate about: How humans can have a positive effect on the environment in the ways they support plants and pollinators. And of course, my husband Doug who does all the watering, digging, and mulching and takes care of the lawn at our home garden.

What challenges do you face in your garden: Japanese beetles have ruined many flushes of rose blooms. Voles have eaten most of the 300 bulbs that I planted in fall 2020 that were supposed to bloom last spring.

What is the best advice to share with fellow gardeners: Get to know your space, microclimates, and soils and educate yourself about the right plants in your conditions. Then learn by experimenting in your own garden.

The Kansas City Gardener | March 2022

25

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

LAWN

• Spot spray for dandelions, henbit, and chickweed.

• Apply crabgrass preventers in late March through mid-April for best results.

• Seed thin areas in bluegrass and tall fescue lawns.

• Fertilize bluegrass and tall fescue if no fall applications were made.

• Tune-up lawn mowers for the season.

• Sharpen blades for a quality cut.

• Lower mowing height about ½-inch to remove winter debris, do not scalp.

• Take a soil test to determine fertility needs.

FLOWERS

• Plant pansies, snapdragons, calendulas and other cool-loving annuals.

• Clean up perennial beds by cutting back foliage and removing the winter mulch layer.

• Take a soil test if not taken in the last five years.

• Prepare soil for annual planting by adding compost or other organic matter.

• Fertilize gardens with a balanced fertilizer as growth begins.

• Start seeds under lights indoors for transplanting to the garden.

• Cut ornamental grasses back to within 3 to 5 inches of the ground.

• Remove winter mulch from roses and prune as needed, late month.

MY GARDEN • • • •

• Plant new roses.

• Start dividing and planting perennials.

• Fertilize spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips and daffodils as they emerge.

• Cut seed pods from spent bulbs.

• Control iris borers by destroying old foliage before new growth begins.

• Unwrap mail-order plants. Keep cool and moist until planting.

• Protect our beneficial insects. Delay clean up until a week of 50-degree temps.

VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

• Prepare soil for spring planting.

• Take a soil test if needed.

• Fertilize garden soil before planting with 1 pound of 10-10-10 per 100 square feet.

• Plant potatoes, peas, onions, lettuce, and other salad crops.

• Plant asparagus, rhubarb, and strawberries.

• Plant broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage in late March.

• Start seeds of tomatoes, peppers, and other warm-season vegetables.

• Sharpen garden tools and repair.

• Apply dormant oil to fruit plantings to reduce scale and mite insects.

• Make a fungicide application to control peach leaf curl before growth begins.

• Prune fruit trees, grapes, raspberries, and blackberries.

• Remove mulch from strawberries when growth begins.

• Turn the compost pile.

TREES AND SHRUBS

• Prune trees, except birch and maple which are best pruned after leaf out.

• Prune spring-flowering shrubs after they bloom.

• Mulch tree and shrub plantings up to 4 inches deep.

• Keep mulch away from the trunks of trees.

Don’t volcano mulch!

• Fertilize young trees and shrubs.

• Plant new trees and shrubs.

• Remove tree wraps from young trees for summer growth.

• Rake and clean ground cover plantings.

HOUSEPLANTS

• Fertilize houseplants to encourage rapid spring and summer growth.

• Repot crowded plants in a 1-inch larger pot.

• Shape plants by pruning and trimming.

• Remove winter dust from leaves with a damp cloth or by placing in a warm shower.

• Check for insects.

• Take cuttings or divide overgrown plants.

(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.

26

March 2022 | kcgmag.com

JOHNSON COUNTY TOPSOIL & LANDSCAPE MATERIALS, LLC

Now Hiring for Spring

TOPSOIL • GARDEN MIXES BULK MULCH • FLAGSTONE WALLSTONE • BOULDERS RIVER GRAVEL • WATER GARDEN ROCK

913-681-2629 2 BLOCKS WEST OF US69 ON 199TH ST.

STILWELL, KS WWW.JOHNSONCOUNTYTOPSOIL.COM

Beat the rush!

Get your mowers and equipment in for a SPRING TUNE UP before March 1st!

Tune ups include changing the oil and filter, replace spark plug, air filter and sharpening blades.

Mowers, Blowers, Hedge Clippers and Chain Saws are in stock now! All equipment assembled, serviced and ready to go when you buy it.

Nothing goes out of here in a box!

We service what we sell and more!

Mowing • Trimming

We are looking for friendly, enthusiastic people to fill positions at our Lenexa, Overland Park, So. Kansas City retail locations and our growing farm in Edgerton, Kansas.

Cashiers Phone Operators Hardgoods Sales Plant Sales Merchandising Receiving Clerk Marketing Associate Human Resources Generalist

Planting • Mulching Seeding • Aeration Fertilization • Clean Up

We also carry Lawn & Garden supplies, pet supplies and bird seed.

Northland Feed

4807 N. Brighton, KCMO • www.mowerpartskc.com 816-452-8393 • Mon.-Fri. 9-6 • Sat. 9-4

Serving the Northland for 40 years

Barclay Berberian 913-208-5941 LawnsByBarclay.com

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

Fax resume to 816-941-3838 Email resume to suburban@suburbanlg.com Apply in person at our Corporate office.

13635 Wyandotte // Kansas City, MO 64145 Questions? Contact Human Resources at 816-941-4700.

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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?

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

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

WYANDOTTE COUNTY

913-299-9300; Mon, Wed, Fri, 9am-4pm Ask a Rosarian; kcrosehelp@gmail.com; www.kansascityrosesociety.org

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

July

2015

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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:

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

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

QUESTIONS ABOUT ROSES?

Truck Drivers, (CDL & non-CDL) Equipment Operators Landscape Maintenance Trimming, Mowing, Planting Horticulturist Grow Farm Labor

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 | March 2022

27

Spring Starts Here Pansies

Plant a Tree

The Greenest Way to go Green

Bring color to your landscape with spring blooming Royal Raindrops Crab or Prairie Fire Crab. Or check out our early season selection of freshly dug trees arriving from our own local farms.

Many on SALE 20-40% off starting March 19th

Primroses

Ranunculus

Sprouted Bulbs

Spring is here now, and you’re invited to visit, no matter what the weather outside.

Breathe in the aromas and colors of Spring right now at all three Suburban locations. Pansies and violas available from late February. Ranunculus, primroses, sprouted tulips and hyacinths are ready March 7th. Bring color to your yard or porch pots now with these cool weather bloomers.

Our Professional Potting Soil and Compost are now OMRI certified organic!

BULK MULCH Best Quality Best Prices Java Brown • Dakota Black Hardwood Mulch • Sedona Red Cypress • Pine Bark Nuggets Estate Mulch • Cedar Mulch Order in store, by phone or online.

28

March 2022 | kcgmag.com

105th & Roe (913) 649-8700

K-7 & Prairie Star Pkwy (913) 897-5100

135th & Wornall (816) 942-2921

#suburbanlg // suburbanlg.com