KCG Oct19

The Kansas City

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

October 2019

Top Trees for Spectacular Fall Color

When it’s a Good Year for Plums Inspiration for Fall Containers Rose Report: Time to Winterize the Plants Ask the Experts: mulch mowing, Johnsongrass, tomato issues and more

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FALL IS THE TIME FOR PLANTING. Clean the air. Conserve energy. Provide habitats.

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The Kansas City Gardener | October 2019

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The Kansas City

editor’s notes

GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening

Independently owned and operated since 1996 Publisher Michael Cavanaugh Editor Elizabeth Cavanaugh Contributors Abby Byrd Nik and Theresa Hiremath Ken O’Dell Dennis Patton Judy Penner Tamra Reall Ed Reese Chelsea Didde Rice Phil Roudebush Denise Sullivan Scott Woodbury Distribution Publishers Delivery Solutions, Inc.

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P.O. Box 8725 Prairie Village, KS 66208 Phone: 913-648-4728 For advertising information contact Michael Cavanaugh at mike@kcgmag.com Submit editorial questions to Elizabeth Cavanaugh at elizabeth@kcgmag.com

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Time in my generous garden

A

s I stroll the garden in early morning light, I am especially captivated by our maturing collection. Even while summer-like temperatures continue as fall approaches, the foliage among varied plants adds to the visual delight. The signature luminescent yellow-green center of ‘Guacamole’ hosta leaves contrast well planted in front of pyramid ‘Green Mountain’ boxwood. The entire bed is bordered with liriope, donning spears of light purple flowers, that will eventually transition to black berries. This combination of textures and range of green color produces an attractive display, year after year.

The newly planted perennial bed has been at hit – with us and passersby, too. Daylilies, salvia, Russian sage, speedwell, coneflower, blackeyed Susan, and St. John’s Wort bloomed amazingly, prompting comments from neighbors. “Hey, when you’re done, come do my garden!” Little do they know that I’ll never be done. In fact, after my stroll, much needed maintenance is required.

At this writing, it is crunch time!

These are the crucial days prior to hitting the print deadline for the current issue and finishing preparations for a muchneeded vacation. In our typical divideand-conquer fashion, and armed with our assignments, Mr. Gardener and I were busy bees.

Top on my list was writing this column, though, for some reason, inspiration was lacking. It is my habit when faced with this challenge, I head out to the garden.

This is the place to unload, to empty out all of the obstacles living rent free in my head.

The timing was perfect. Sorely lacking general maintenance and attention, I amble out to the debris field I call my garden. There are weeds to pull, sticks to pick up, and minor pruning to accomplish. And since it’s been a couple of weeks

since we’ve seen significant rainfall, I ought to water as well.

With pruners in hand, the cat weaving between my ankles, and the distant sound of the high school marching band, it struck me. A eureka moment.

The garden is generous.

Whether intentionally seeking, or free of expectations, my garden moves me, shapes my attitude, and soothes my soul.

Any amount of time is time well spent in the garden. How about you? Does your garden influence you in a measureable way?

Share your garden experiences. I would love to hear from you.

I’ll see you in the garden!

In this issue October 2019 • Vol. 24 No. 10 Ask the Experts ........................ 6 Year of the Pumpkin ................. 7 A Good Year for Plums ............ 8 Kaw Valley Farm Tour .............. 9 Plants on Your Plate - Apples .... 10 Rose Report ............................ 11 Bold and Beautiful Vines .......... 12 Kids Ask Dr. Bug ..................... 13 Top Trees for Color .................. 14 Fall Guests at Feeders .............. 16

about the cover ...

WyCo EMG presentations ....... 17 Inspiration for Fall Containers ... 18 Birds and Halloween ............... 19 Powell Gardens Events ............. 20 Upcoming Events ..................... 22 Discovery Center Events ........... 22 Garden Calendar .................... 26 Pets and Plants ........................ 27 Hotlines .................................. 27 Subscribe ................................ 27

These are the leaves of a gingko tree transitioning in fall. Learn more about this tree and others that create a gorgeous fall color canopy.

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© 2019, The Scotts Company, LLC. All rights reserved

Fall in love with your garden, all over again.

It’s time to revisit the garden with fall plantings. Don’t forget to nourish

with Osmocote® Smart-Release® Plant Food. It will feed your plants essential nutrients consistently and continuously throughout the autumn season.

When perfection matters, why trust anything else?

The Kansas City Gardener | October 2019

5

Ask the Experts Gardeners have plenty of questions about soil and plant issues, DENNIS PATTON answers a few of them here.

MULCH MOWING VS COLLECTING FALL LEAVES Question: I am getting ready for the leaves to drop from my trees. You have written about mowing the leaves back into the lawn to reduce raking and disposal. Can you give me an overview of this practice? I want to be prepared.

Answer: The process is called mulch mowing. It works by mowing and chopping a small volume of fallen leaves which filter back into the turf. Mow the lawn each time you see a light layer of leaves on it. Do this repeatedly. Research shows that you can mow up to eight inches of leaves back into the lawn. After the leaves are chopped, they eventually break down into rich compost helping to improve the soil.

Here is the key for me. When I mow, if I look back and I see mostly lawn with a few leaves, then life is good and I keep mowing.

But if I look back and I see more leaves than turf, then I know I need to collect. If the leaves start to pile up, first mow the lawn without the bagging attachment. Then make a second pass with the bagger. If you mow with the bag first, most mowers just suck up the leaves.

Mowing without the bag will chop the leaves and reduce the volume.

HOW TO GET RID OF JOHNSONGRASS Question: I have identified a weed in my newly sodded lawn called Johnsongrass. It is coarse and a fast grower. How do I get rid of this grassy weed?

Answer: Johnsongrass is listed as a noxious weed in both Kansas

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Septoria leaf spot

and Missouri. That means this perennial grassy weed is deemed to be the greatest threat to native plant populations and agricultural crops.

Since it is a perennial grass, pre-emergent products that control crabgrass and other annual grasses do not have an effect. It comes back each year from a coarse rhizome. You have two options. One is to hand dig, carefully picking out the rhizome and discarding.

Each broken piece of rhizome can sprout and grow, so be sure to get it all. Two is to treat with a herbicide using glyphosate (Roundup).

Keep in mind this product will also kill your desirable grass. It takes repeated treatments due to the perennial rhizomes. The best bet might be to combine both options.

ONGOING TOMATO ISSUES Question: I keep having issues with my tomatoes. The plants grow, but as the season progresses the bottom leaves turn yellow. By the end of the season, the plants look straggly and stop producing tomatoes. What can I do to prevent this?

Answer: Sounds like you have either one or both common foliar tomato diseases, either early blight or Septoria leaf spot. Both cause the leaves to drop from the bottom up. The issue arises when moisture collects on the foliage. I don’t have a magic answer. Hopefully breeders will find resistant tomato varieties in the future, but for now, there are some cultural practices to follow.

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These practices start this fall by cleaning up the garden. The spores overwinter on tomato debris so be sure to clear out all the old growth.

Next spring, when planting try these practices: increase the spacing between plants, mulch around plants to reduce spores splashing onto the lower foliage, avoid overhead watering, and cage or stake the plants.

Another great tip is to remove the lower foliage up to a height of a foot or so as the plants establish in late spring. This helps reduce disease spores from hitting the lower leaves. Once the foliage is infected, it travels up the plant. Preventative fungicide sprays using chlorothalonil is effective, or as an organic option try copper formulations.

SWEET POTATO (VINE) OPTIONS Question: I have used ornamental sweet potato vines for years in my containers. I found a big, fleshy sweet potato when cleaning out the pots. Can I save the potato to plant again next year? If not, can I eat it?

Answer: Great questions. Let’s begin with overwintering. The ornamental varieties of sweet potato usually do not have the keeping power of a traditional sweet potato.

However, if you want to try to overwinter, go ahead. Dig up the tuber, remove the soil and let air dry for a couple of weeks in a warm, dry location. Once cured, store in a cool, dry area. If the tuber keeps until next spring, you can try to sprout the tuber and plant. Sprout by using the childhood trick of toothpicks and water. The shoots can be broken off, rooted in soil and then planted. Or simply plant the tuber when the soils warm in May. As for eating, well from what I understand you will need a lot of butter and cheese. Ornamental varieties usually have a mealy tex-

ture and lack the sweet flavor of a traditional sweet potato.

FERTILIZER WITHOUT USING MATH Question: I do not understand lawn fertilizers. I am trying to follow the Extension recommendations for fall fertilization but I DON’T do math. I buy lawn fertilizer and follow the recommended directions on the bag but I was told that it might not be enough. Your information says to apply 1 to 1 ½ pounds of nitrogen fertilizer in September and November. Please tell me how to make fall fertilization simple for the math-challenged. Don’t explain how to calculate the percentages as I get lost. Just tell me how to make the information on the bag work for me!

Answer: Okay, I have my marching orders. Let me start by helping you determine the type of fertilizer to purchase. Buy one with the first number, nitrogen, as high as possible and the second and third number as close to zero as possible.

It does not matter what brand.

Now just a little math so hang with me. These bagged products are formulated to apply the ¾ to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet when applied at the labeled rates. If you applied an application in September and November, you would have roughly 2 pounds. But to get closer to the 3 pounds by our fall recommendation, instead of two applications make another in October. The three applications will get you close to the recommended 3 pounds. There you go no math. Just count to 3 and do a little reading.

Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.

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Year of the Pumpkin

F

or many, pumpkins are associated with autumn, sweet desserts, and holiday festivities.

Pumpkins and other crops in the Cucurbitaceae family originated in Central America, where Native Americans would either roast and consume strips of pumpkin flesh, or dry the skins and weave them into mats. When European colonists arrived in the Americas, they prepared a dish believed to be a precursor of modern pumpkin pie. They cut the top off the pumpkin, removed the seeds, and filled the inside with milk, spices, and honey before baking it over hot ashes.

The popular tradition of pumpkin carving was derived from an Irish custom of carving jack-o’-lanterns out of turnips and potatoes, and placing an ember inside to ward off evil spirits. When Irish immigrants arrived in America in the 1800s, they brought this custom with them and applied it to pumpkins.

Pumpkin ‘New England Pie’

Photo courtesy of American Meadows.

Today, pumpkins are a staple for fall decorations and recipes.

Eating pumpkin provides numerous health benefits: they are high in fiber, potassium, iron, and vitamins A, B and C while being low in calories, fat, and sodium.

Pumpkin is excellent in baked goods, soups, casseroles, pasta, and sauces. Cook with pumpkin throughout the year to support heart health and healthy blood pressure.

The National Garden Bureau offers this information and more at https://ngb.org/year-of-thePumpkin/.

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The Kansas City Gardener | October 2019

7

When it’s a Good Year for Plums

W

hen it’s a good year for edible fruits in the garden, grazers show up, lips smacking. This year was no exception. The year 2019 has happened to be a good year for serviceberry, gooseberry, golden currant, elderberry, chokeberry, persimmon, pawpaw and plums. To begin with, a box turtle circled the goose plum (Prunus munsoniana) grove in the Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve, eating fallen plums that the yellow jackets hadn’t yet found. Meanwhile, I picked plums neatly off the tree, keeping an eye to the ground for that little moving speed bump, preparing for our annual native edibles class.

I circled around the same grove thinking about the sour plum sauce I would soon be spooning over vanilla ice cream and pancakes.

A few weeks later, I noticed that raccoons helped themselves in the pawpaw (Asimina triloba) patch. The scene was a mess of broken branch tips where the tasty fruits grow. I’m glad I don’t have a pawpaw patch outside my bedroom window because raccoons are noisy creatures. Even so, I managed to collect enough fruit for a batch or two of pawpaw ice cream. My colleague Jen Sieradzki gave me a copy of the recipe from Andrew Moore’s book, Pawpaw.

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Photos by Scott Woodbury.

Native plant guru, SCOTT WOODBURY describes the benefits for critters and humans feasting on native edibles.

Turtle eating wild plum.

Thanks to this year’s unusual steady rains, serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), gooseberry (Ribes missouriense), golden currant (Ribes odoratum), and black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) produced abundant fruit. In early summer I was eating at a favorite restaurant where I noticed a row of sidewalk tables located squarely under a row of serviceberry trees.

The chairs were full of customers, the trees full of robins, and the purple stains on the sidewalk left me wondering about best street tree practices. On the way out we grabbed a handful of ripe berries to nibble on the walk to the car.

Serviceberries are best eaten fresh off the tree. Usually there are enough for birds and people to share. Not so for gooseberries and

Treat your birds and we’ll treat you when you stop in the store in October!

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currants. The birds usually devour them before I get a chance to pick any. Cover them with bird netting while the fruits are plump, but still green, and then harvest the fruits when they ripen soft and dark.

They both are sharply tart, but with sugar make a nice jelly. Or, try bottling them whole to serve later over shortcake. Black chokeberry is a prolific fruiter and makes a decent jam, though it has a slightly unpleasant aftertaste.

Elderberry fruit is inedible raw, but ferments into a delicious wine, if you have the patience for this sort of thing. I’ve made three batches but had success only once.

Elderberry flowers, on the other hand, are relatively easy to turn into cordial or syrup that can be added to ice-cold sparkling water

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A Foley’s food mill makes short work of separating pulp from seeds and skins. Use it on fresh persimmons and pawpaw and freeze the pulp in one-cup measures. It lasts frozen for three years. When processing plums, simmer the fruits in water for 10 minutes to soften, reserving the water and then run fruits through the food mill. I make the plum sauce by adding sugar to taste and some of the reserve water to get the right consistency, like applesauce.

Pawpaw fruit or bubbly wine for a tasty summertime refresher. Syrup and juice can also be made from the juice of the berries. To learn how, check out the River Cottage Handbook #2 on preserves by Pam Corbin.

Lastly my favorite, persimmons (Diospyros virginiana) can be transformed into pudding, which is really just a moist cake that is slowbaked in a steam bath. Persimmons must be harvested when they fall to the ground. Any sooner and you will regret putting one to your lips.

You don’t need to wait until frost, because some persimmons ripen in early September, well before frost, while others ripen in October after first frost. To learn how to make this mouth-watering desert, check out

Fields of Greens, a vegetarian cookbook by Annie Somerville. I guarantee that if you have never eaten a baked persimmon concoction that you truly enjoyed, you will fall in love with this one. Bon appetit!

Horticulturist Scott Woodbury is the Curator of the Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO, where he has worked with native plant propagation, design, and education for 28 years. He also is an advisor to the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native! program. Find suppliers of native plants providing edibles for people, and native plant services at www. grownative.org, Resource Guide.

he Kaw Valley region offers a wealth of sights, tastes and traditions. The farm tour provides fun and interactive farm experiences, supports local farms and introduces individuals of all ages to the many faces of agriculture in the Kaw Valley.

Have breakfast on a farm, discover unique artisans, nurseries and greenhouses, pumpkin patches and wines produced at local vineyards. Pet a friendly alpaca, meet a horse that paints or chat with a chicken. The Kaw Valley Farm Tour is the perfect event for friends and families, and a great way to make connections between the farmers in the fields and the foods on our tables.

Gather friends, fill up a car, locate farms on the map and decide which route you want to take! Pick and choose whichever farms you want to visit. Tickets

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are $10 per car load and good for both days. Tour hours are from 9am-6pm on Saturday and and 10am-5pm Sunday of Farm Tour weekend.

Farmers offer their farms as tour stops. They will have guided tours of their individual farms and will be available to talk to you about their farm practices.

You are responsible for transportation between farms. Many will have educational displays and most will have farm products for sale.

We have everything from alpacas to zucchinis–check out the farms list and ticket purchases at kawvalleyfarmtour.org.

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www.missouriorganic.com The Kansas City Gardener | October 2019

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Plants on Your Plate – Apples DENISE SULLIVAN talks about nutritious food and preparing healthy meals, including seasonal tasty apples.

A

pple harvest always signifies autumn at my house.

I have many fond memories – as a child and as an adult – that line up with apple harvest.

Growing up in south-central Kansas, our prolific Jonathan apple trees were always ready to pick around the time of the Kansas State Fair in September, and my brothers and friends would load up their pockets while they were loading up livestock to go to the fair.

Depending on the variety and location across Missouri, apples ripen as early as July, but I always seem to associate apple picking

with my daughter’s late September birthday. We often convinced her to opt for apple crisp or apple dumplings instead of birthday cake.

Apples, like many fruits, are a good source of vitamin C, potassium and fiber. The antioxidant properties of Vitamin C help to reduce your risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Vitamin C also helps in reducing bruising, aids in wound healing and helps in overall skin and gum health. Potassium is an important mineral in regulating blood pressure. Apples contain both soluble and insoluble fiber,

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Need a speaker for your church, civic group or garden club? The Johnson County Extension Speakers’ Bureau have the speakers you are looking for on just about any topic like environmentally safe lawn care, or perennial flower gardening.

We can adapt to meet your group’s needs, from a short 20-minute presentation to a longer format, if needed. While there are no fees for a volunteer speaker, a donation to Extension or the chosen volunteer organization is appreciated.

To schedule a speaker for your group, please contact the office. For more information on this service, call 913-715-7000.

Apple Stuffed Squash Calories: 150, Total Fat: 4 g, Saturated Fat: 0 g, Cholesterol: 2 mg, Sodium: 10mg, Total Carbohydrate: 32 g, Dietary Fiber: 5 g, Total Sugars: 7 g

2 acorn squash, washed & cut in half 1 tablespoon margarine 2 apples, chopped (try Braeburn and Granny Smith for color) 1 tablespoon brown sugar ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, toasted

1. Cut squash into halves and remove seeds.

2. Melt butter in a separate bowl in the microwave. Mix in apples, sugar, and spices.

3. Spoon apple filling into each squash half. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes or until squash is tender. Remove cover and sprinkle with walnuts and return to oven for 5 minutes.

Makes 4 servings.

Recipe adapted from the USDA Mixing Bowl.

which is beneficial in controlling cholesterol as well as digestive and bowel health.

Some of the more common fall apple varieties for our region are Braeburn, Fuji, Granny Smith and Winesap. When selecting Braeburn apples, look for large, firm red fruit. These apples have a well-balanced flavor and are best for fresh eating. While Fuji apples might not always be the most attractive red apple, they are very sweet and juicy, making them a great choice for fresh eating.

The ever-popular green Granny Smith apple is known for its firm, crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor and is good for fresh eating, salads or processing. Winesap apples are considered by some people to be the red equivalent to

Granny Smiths, as they are equally crisp and tart, making them good choices for fresh eating, salads or processing.

While most people tend to think of apples as a snack, salad or dessert ingredient, the recipe below pairs up with another fall favorite of mine, squash, for a tasty side dish. Since the oven is hot, go ahead and bake some herb seasoned chicken or turkey to serve with it.

Denise Sullivan (@MUExtJackson Co) is a Nutrition and Health Education Specialist for MU Extension in Jackson County. For research-based nutrition and food safety information and programs, call 816-482-5850 or visit www. extension2.missouri.edu.

Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City

Gardeners’ Gathering “Gardening for the Birds and Bats”

Thursday October 17th 6:30 pm-8 pm

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Information available at: mggkc.org

Rose Report: Time to Protect the Roses Local rose expert, JUDY PENNER reminds rose growers of the final tasks necessary to prepare plants for winter.

W

hen fall comes, and the fertilizing and pruning of spring and summer have come to an end, the rose garden rewards us, with one last bounty of beautiful blooms and healthy canes. Cooler temperatures will encourage larger blooms, vivid colors, and luscious green foliage.

Though the fall season is lovely and time for a wellearned rest, there is still the need to finish the rose season by preparing your precious plants for the harshness of coming winter weather.

Many of the modern roses are derived from species that are native to milder climates. They do not possess the hereditary qualifications to withstand extreme temperatures. Therefore, it is necessary for gardeners to harden and protect their bushes before winter arrives.

How to harden roses properly for winter Hardening roses is achieved by discontinuing heavy feeding, reduced watering, and suspend deadheading the plants, which will slow down growth going into the winter. This process will discourage late development of tender growth that can be damaged easily by winter weather.

There are two factors that can encourage late growth, however, that you have no control over.

Heavy fall rains and abnormally high temperatures.

Winter protection begins during the growing season.

Healthy, diseasefree leaves are an integral part of the success of the roses going through winter.

Blackspot in particular, is very hard on the vitality of a rose bush. Plants should hold onto their leaves throughout the summer and well into the winter, free of fungus and disease. The more leaves on the bush, the more energy the roots can store giving strength to the plant. Healthy bushes that are properly hardened can withstand severe temperatures much better than diseased plants.

Fertilizing should be stopped 60 days before the first anticipated freeze, which typically is between October 30th and mid-November.

This means that the last fertilization should be done in mid to late August. Any later will encourage new growth that will be more susceptible to frost.

Reduced watering at this time is helpful. However, if the weather is too dry, by all means, water your roses (about a third the amount

usually watered in the summer months).

Dead-heading should be held to a minimum. Allowing the last spent blooms to remain in the late fall. Leaving as much foliage and cane length on the bush as possible.

A strong healthy bush will survive winter much better than a heavily pruned rose bush.

Sanitation and spraying for disease and insects should be included in the fall rose care program.

Clean the rose beds by picking out blackspot leaves. This is critical in reducing overwintering diseases.

Spraying a fungicide and insecticide one last time before covering the roses with mulch will reduce disease spores overwintering in the soil.

The most common and simplest means of winter protection is to

mound mulch around each bush about 10-12 inches high. Fresh mulch should be used for this purpose. Don’t remove the mulch from between the bushes for mounding the rose bushes, as this will expose roots and subject them to freezing.

If you are interested in learning more about fall rose care and a chance to win one of many gardening prizes, there will be a workshop beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 5th at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, Missouri 64112 (just south of the Country Club Plaza).

Remember to stop and smell the roses!

Judy Penner is Expert Rosarian at Loose Park, Kansas City, Mo. You may reach her at judy.penner@ kcmo.org.

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The Kansas City Gardener | October 2019

11

Bold and Beautiful Vines Local plantsman and top-notch tree expert, KEN O’DELL tells of the characteristics and habits of two favorite vines.

Photos by Ken O’Dell.

I

have been in love with vines all of my life. We have several species of vines that grow native and naturally in Kansas and Missouri. These vines are charming, beautiful and bold as well as tough, hardy and long lived.

Virginia Creeper is perhaps the most noticeable and recognizable of all native vines in our area.

It makes a bold statement when growing on a brick wall, over a stone fence, or on the trunk of a tree. Light green leaves emerge mixed with faint purple colors and change to dark green in mid to late spring. Each leaf is made up of five leaflets with each saw-toothed leaflet measuring 5 or 6 inches long and the entire palm-shaped leaf 6 to 8 inches across at maturity.

Autumn leaf colors are spectacular with colors of purplish to crimson

Virginia creeper in mid summer

Virginia creeper in early October

Leaves and flowers of Marine Ivy

red. Insignificant light greenish to white flowers are usually hidden by the leaves. Blue-black 1/4-inch berries are relished by the birds.

The scientific name for Virginia Creeper is Parthenocissus quinquefolia. Parthenocissus means virgin ivy in Greek. Quinquefolia means five leaflets referring to the palm

shaped leaves. Virginia Creeper is a vigorous vine growing to 30 feet.

It does best in full sun or dappled shade. This impressive vine is frequently used as a ground cover.

Marine Ivy aka Sorrell vine is a rarely seen unique native vine with succulent lush leaves of a slight grey-green coloring. A slow growing vine to 30 feet, it will always make visitors look twice to see what the heck it is. Each leaf has three uniquely shaped or oddly shaped leaflets. Interesting tiny flowers that produce colorful pea size fruit of green to red to black. The scientific name is Cissus trifoliata. If you have one of these you will get many “WOWS” from onlookers.

If after reading this article you are so inspired to plant one of these vines in your landscape, start by visiting your local nursery. If it’s not in stock, they might be able to order it for you. Another option is to google the scientific name and see if you can mail order. If you still have trouble locating one of these special plants, contact me via email at ken@springvalleynursery. com. I do not sell plants but can guide you to one of these rare vines.

Ken O’Dell is the Kansas City Regional Leader of the Kansas Native Plant Society and a long time volunteer at the Overland Park Arboretum.

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Kids Ask Dr. Bug Are scorpions dangerous?

Amariton, 6 Scorpions are fascinating animals, but you will want to keep your distance because they can have a painful sting. While they are venomous, scorpions are rarely deadly. Scorpions are closely related to spiders – they have 8 legs and 2 main body parts (compared to an insect’s 3 main parts). They have pincers in the front and a tail with a stinger often held over the body. Scorpions hide during the day but hunt at night. Some people even keep them as pets.

We have one wild type of scorpion found in Missouri called the striped scorpion.

How far can roaches crawl?

Ramiyah, 8 Flat-bodied cockroaches are able to move quickly and stealthily through buildings. I don’t know how far an individual roach will travel in a day, but roaches are known for being able to get through small holes and cracks, feeding on bits of food whether in the trash or on your table which is why we have to worry about them as they can spread germs.

Where do bed bugs come from?

Olivia, 8 The apple seed sized, wingless bugs that used to only appear in the nursery rhyme, “Goodnight.

Sleep tight. Don’t let the bed bugs

Photo by Opoterser.

Home to more than plants, kids ask DR. TAMRA REALL about the curious and scarier things found in the garden.

Wolf spider eyes by Opoterser bite!” have made a comeback in the United States. These bugs that can bite you while you sleep are ninja masters and, if you happen to be wherever they are, they may try to hitch a ride to your house to stay. Fortunately, they do not cause any diseases, but they bite and are expensive to get rid of so it is important to not bring them home.

If you stay at a hotel or friends house, check the mattress and room for bugs or signs of bugs, and run your things through a dryer when you get home to kill any bugs that may have come along.

How many eyes do spiders have?

Noah, 9 Many spiders have 8 eyes, but some have only 2, 4 or 6. One kind of spider living in a cave doesn’t

have any eyes at all. Sometimes spider eyes are arranged in a single row, and sometimes they are in multiple rows. Spider eyes have different purposes, too. Some

eyes just see light and dark, some see color, some can see far away while others can only see closeup. Because most spiders hunt in the dark, they have a special iridescent layer called tapeta, like cats. So, if you point a flashlight outside at eye-level, you may see many little glowing lights shining back at you – those are spiders!

Even though they may seem scary, please remember that spiders are amazing and helpful and let them share your garden.

Dr. Tamra Reall (@MUExtBugN Garden) is the new 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.

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The Kansas City Gardener | October 2019

13

Top Trees for Spectacular Fall Color Now that fall has arrived, CHELSEA DIDDE RICE suggests trees to plant now that will add fall color for years to come.

F

all is the season of abundance!

With bountiful garden harvests, renewed energy and a reprieve from the summer heat, we should all take a moment to appreciate these months. And while Kansas City may not rival the renowned fall foliage displays of New England, there’s something to be said for a good old Midwestern fall with its colorful trees that set the stage for days of pumpkin carving, chili making and cozy sweaters. But how do we know which trees produce which fall colors, and what varieties thrive in our growing zone? Just you wait! I’ve rounded up a handful of the most popular and recommended trees for the Kansas City area when it comes to brilliant fall foliage.

First of all, it’s worth mentioning that for certain varieties, foliage color ultimately depends on a number of environmental factors. Bright, sunny days and cooler nights provide the ideal conditions for vivid hues because these weather conditions develop sugars within the plants and the natural pigments in the foliage. As the temperatures drop, the green chlorophyll in the leaves disappears, revealing the usually-unseen colors we associate with fall and love so much. If the conditions in your landscape or area differ from the norm, you may experience different colors.

All of the trees you will read about here are on the K-State Research and Extension, Johnson County Extension Master Gardener list of Recommended Landscape Trees for Metropolitan Kansas City.

We’ll start out with a champion of fall foliage, the maple. Among the approximately 128 species of maples, there are quite a few that 14

October 2019 | kcgmag.com

are suited to our Midwestern climate and also produce top-notch fall foliage. First off is the sugar maple, a large, slow-growing shade tree that’s heat tolerant and has brilliant orange, red, or yellow fall coloring that’ll make a big statement in your yard. You might find it interesting that sugar maples are one of the main varieties used in creating maple syrup.

is perfect for adding to an existing landscape, like I did, as long as it gets at least part sun and is somewhat protected from scorching late afternoon rays. During the summer, the red color may fade to green, depending on the variety. I chose the variety ‘Bloodgood’ because it stays a dark reddish-purple during the summer and provides a muchneeded red component to contrast

Bonfire Sugar Maple However, it takes quite a bit of sap to make a small amount of syrup!

Recommended varieties of sugar maple include Fall Fiesta, Caddo, Bonfire, Oregon Trail, Autumn Splendor and John Pair.

If you don’t have room for a tree that’ll eventually reach 50 feet or more, like a sugar maple, turn to the small and graceful Japanese maple. With leaves that say “hello” to spring and “goodbye” to fall in crimson splendor, this maple is sure to catch your eye in the landscape.

At about 10-15 feet tall and wide, it

areas of blue, green and yellow in my landscape.

There are several other maples that are ideal for the Midwest if you’re searching for fall color and need something in between the size of a small Japanese maple and large sugar maple. These varieties include: Shantung, Norway, Hedge, Trident and Amur.

For a unique russet-red colored display on fine, needle-like foliage, check out the bald cypress. This pyramidal coniferous giant looks similar to a needled evergreen

but loses its thin leaves each fall, after developing small purplishgreen cones that dangle among the branches. It’s a good choice for swampy or poorly drained areas which is why it’s often grown near ponds and streams, but it can also thrive in drier soil if given a chance to adapt.

Like the ginkgo tree, which I’ll mention next, bald cypress trees can live for hundreds of years which creates an opportunity for us to plant a tree for the future. One of my favorite quotes is an old Greek proverb which says, “A society grows great when old men [and women] plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”

If we all thought about future generations or the future owners of our homes when designing landscaping (and making other decisions), we’d all benefit!

One of my favorite trees overall, and a great choice for yellow fall foliage, is the ginkgo biloba.

Golden fan-shaped leaves turn from their signature light green color to a glowing yellow before the entire tree’s leaves drop within a few hours or days of each other, making clean up simple! This tree’s appearance only improves with age and since it’s less commonly planted than the maple, it’ll give your landscape a fresh, unique aspect.

As I learned in grade school, leaves from ginkgo trees have been found in fossils dating back 270 million years, qualifying it as a living fossil. In fact, its resiliency was demonstrated when several ginkgo trees within a mile of the 1945 Hiroshima atom bomb explosion were among the few living things to survive the catastrophe. Almost all other animals and plants in the blast area were killed, but the gink-

When Chelsea Didde Rice isn’t at work as a senior communications specialist, she’s an avid gardener who enjoys teaching people how easy it can be to garden.

Photo courtesy of Monrovia.

Shantung Maple

Bald Cypress

Fall Fiesta

Autumn Splendor

John Pair Maple

Ginkgo

Bloodgood Photo courtesy of Grimms Gardens.

Bloodgood

Bald Cypress Photo courtesy of National Garden Bureau.

and a leaf. After all, the best way to know how a tree will look in the fall is to see it already growing in your own neighborhood. So get out there and enjoy the season — it only lasts a few short weeks!

If you haven’t already, take a moment to look up your local research and extension office and familiarize yourself with the services offered, including gardening hotline phone numbers, articles and free events. These offices are great resources for unbiased, sciencebased knowledge and are often partially funded by your tax dollars, so use them! Many times they’ve done much of the research on which plants do and do not thrive in your area.

gos suffered only minor damage and currently thrive in the area. The moral of the story? If you plant a ginkgo tree in an area it likes, you can count on glorious fall displays for decades to come, no matter what nature (or mankind) throws at it.

Helpful hint: When planting a ginkgo tree, be aware that trees are either male or female and it’s important to select only male trees because the females emit a putrid smell when they drop seeds.

Nobody wants a nasty smell ruining their fall vibes and pumpkin spice latte!

Finally, don’t be shy if you see a particularly spectacular tree in a neighbor’s yard. Take a picture, make a note, and ask them what type it is next time you see them! If they aren’t sure, the knowledgeable folks at your local garden center can often help narrow down the variety with a description, photo

Ginkgo The Kansas City Gardener | October 2019

15

Fall Changes to Guests at Feeders Local birding expert, THERESA HIREMATH talks about bird migration and the variety of birds coming and going.

A

utumn can be a beautiful time of year in your yard, as temperatures cool and leaves change color and fall from the trees and shrubs. Plants aren’t the only things that change this time of year, some of your birds do, too!

Molting for most backyard birds begins soon after nesting season ends. Molting is the process of replacing old, possibly worn out feathers with new ones. Some birds molt all their feathers at one time, while others replace just some of their feathers. Cardinals and Blue Jays sometimes molt all their head feathers at one time, and they look very strange until the new feathers grow in.

The American Goldfinch’s molt produces one of the most dramatic changes in coloration to our feeder birds. After molting, the brilliant

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Brown Creeper

yellow and black male goldfinch sports more modest olive-green plumage and he looks very similar to the female until he gets his bright yellow plumage again in the spring.

After Cardinals molt, their new feathers have tips that are gray-

ish in color. Over the wintertime, these gray tips wear off, leaving the bright red color to help attract a mate in spring. While Cardinals are present in our area throughout the year, they tend to flock together more in the winter and are less territorial.

In addition to color changes due to molting, fall migration will also bring a change to the species of birds at your birdfeeders. Orioles are one of the first feeder birds to migrate, and they usually aren’t seen in our area past late August.

By the end of October, ruby throated hummingbirds have finished migrating through our area, and if you were lucky enough to have them at your feeders, you will

also no longer see Indigo Buntings, Rose Breasted Grosbeaks, or Summer Tanagers.

As some of our birds migrate out, others migrate in! You can look forward to seeing some of my favorite new fall arrivals: DarkEyed Juncos, White throated, white crowned and fox sparrows, brown creepers, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, and some years, red-breasted nuthatches. House wrens migrate away yet the Carolina wrens stay year around.

Male juncos are small, round, dark grey birds with a white belly.

They are sometimes referred to as a ‘snowbird’ because they hearken the arrival of winter. Once you see them, you know winter is not far

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Carolina Wren behind! Although they will come to feeders, mine typically hang out together in small flocks on the ground.

The easiest way to identify the white throated sparrow, of course, is the white patch on the throat of this otherwise small, brown bird.

They also have black and white stripes on their crown and yellow color between their eyes. The white crowned sparrow has a white crown, with black stripes next to the white of the crown. They have a slightly larger brown body with a gray belly and prefer to hang out in small flocks. The fox sparrow is also a larger sparrow with a rusty colored rump and tail feathers along and a breast that is heavily streaked with triangular spots.

My brown creeper rarely visits my feeders, so I look for him scaling my tree trunks. He hops around on the trunk, from the bottom of the tree to the top, looking in the bark crevices for morsels. Then he flies back to the bottom and starts all over again. He’s a small round bird, mostly brown on his back with a white belly, and a slightly curved bill.

Last year, we were lucky to have had an irruption of red-breasted nuthatches, and so many visited my feeders! They are smaller than the white-breasted nuthatch and have a brownish red belly. They quickly dash into feeders, grab a seed, and fly off the devour it, returning multiple times.

The male yellow-bellied sapsucker is black and white like many woodpeckers, but he has a faintly yellow belly, and a bright red chin.

Distinctions between black and white colors are softer than other local woodpeckers. You can spot him clinging to tree trunks, as he drills holes in trees and laps up the sap.

To attract these birds, use a high fat, high protein blend in your feeders, throw some hulled millet on the ground or in a ground feeder for the juncos and sparrows, and keep your suet feeder full. You’ll be rewarded with many visits from the birds of the season!

If you would like more information about fall migration, we are always happy to talk about the birds. You can also get more information and view additional images of these birds and many others at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website, https://www.birds.cornell. edu.

Nik and Theresa Hiremath own and operate Wild Birds Unlimited of Leawood at 11711 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas. Contact them at 913-491-4887.

Join Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners for these presentations Kansas City Butterflies Thursday, October 3, 2019, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Betsy Betros, author of A Photographic Field Guide to the Butterflies in the Kansas City Region has compiled an extensive and impressive field guide of butterflies in the Kansas City region. Not only is she very familiar with our butterflies, but she is also knowledgeable about how to attract these beauties to our gardens, and chock-full of information about naming system, range, flight times, and habitat.

Plants that Add Interest in the Winter Thursday, November 7, 2019, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Does the winter and its gloominess get you down? Come learn from Lynn Loughary, K-State Research & Extension Horticulture Agent, about the many plants that will add interest to your landscape, particularly in the winter months.

These presentations sponsored by the Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners, will be held in the Sunflower Room of the Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1208 North 79th Street, Kansas City, Kansas. Registration is not required. Fee: $5.00 (waived for certified master gardeners). Please call 913-299-9300 if you need further information.

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The Kansas City Gardener | October 2019

17

Inspiration for Fall Containers ABBY BYRD offers tips for creating a colorful outdoor space and what is needed for it to thrive.

A

s fond as I am over the containers I’ve nurtured and grown all summer, the second autumn arrives, I get the itch to transform the tropical looking creations over to all things fall. After all, the dozens of pumpkins lining my porch steps need appropriate décor to surround them, right? Whether you’re starting over from scratch or tweaking your current plantings, the options for fall containers go far beyond mums and pansies.

Like any container, building with the “thriller, filler, spiller” design in mind still applies. Decide whether your pot will be viewed from all sides or just from one direction. Your height should be placed either in the middle of the container if it’s going to be viewed from all sides or toward the back if your container is going against

the house. Some thriller options for fall that I love are grasses like purple fountain grass or ornamental millet. Their purple or chartreuse blades combined with their assorted plumes make the perfect statement for fall.

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My absolute favorite filler in fall containers is ornamental kale and cabbage. It adds such an interesting texture and visual appeal.

I especially love those that have purples and pinks in their leaves.

Their color tends to intensify as the season grows cooler, and they can easily withstand a frost and may even make the transition to Thanksgiving and winter containers. Another great filler that can double as a thriller based on your pot size is celosia. It comes in a variety of foliage colors ranging from fuchsia to deep purple to green. Their blooms are unique in shape and texture. Other fillers that can add some pizzazz are ornamental peppers, marigolds, snapdragons, etc.

Fill the edges or front of your containers with spillers to give the effect of fullness and maturity.

Blooming spillers like petunias can add even more color. You may also opt for foliage spillers like creeping jenny or potato vine. If you have containers from summer, you may want to save some of the spillers that are already established.

Another option I enjoy using is trailing sedums like Angelina and Blue Spruce. I also like to tuck in some pansies and dusty miller toward the end to fill in any holes around the edges.

Once the plant material feels right to you, it’s time for some fun fall embellishments. To add to the wow factor, twigs and logs

such as curly willow stems or birch logs can be pushed in amongst the thrillers and fillers. I usually recommend odd numbers of any particular stem to keep balance. Also, consider staggering the heights.

Another easy, very natural addition could be pumpkins and gourds.

Fortunately, both pumpkins and gourds come in all shapes, colors, textures, and sizes, so you can find something appropriate for your container. Carve out a spot between plants to place pumpkins and gourds, and you may even want to sprinkle some pea gravel over the soil where it will rest to help keep the bottom from rotting before its time.

Once your container is planted, be sure to water thoroughly then check for water daily for the first week or so to get an idea of how often it dries out. Do not water if the feel moist. Most of these fall annuals enjoy a lot of sunshine and thrive in our cooler fall temperatures. Our average first frost here in Kansas City is in late October.

Some of these plants can handle some frost but will not tolerate a hard freeze. It’s best to either cover or bring the containers in on nights where a frost is forecasted to prolong the life of your fall container.

Abby Byrd serves as the Greenhouse Coordinator at Colonial Gardens, Blue Springs, Mo., and teaches workshops and painting classes at the garden center.

Birds and Halloween ED REESE discusses habits and characteristics of crows and ravens.

B

irds have been part of the Halloween tradition for a long time – even before the demonic few from Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” in 1963!

The birds most commonly shown are crows and ravens, which are members of the corvidae family.

This family of birds makes up

American Crow a variety of passerines including jackdaws, rooks, crows, ravens, magpies, jays, choughs, and nutcrackers.

Even though the “black birds” in this family have a role in the dark side of Halloween, folklore often represents corvids as clever and even mystical animals.

Crows and ravens share the same genus – Corvus – and with jackdaws makes up a third of all of the family members. They are considered the most intelligent of the birds and among the most intelligent of all animals having dem-

onstrated self-awareness in mirror tests (European Magpies) and tool making ability (crows, rooks) – skills until recently regarded as solely the province of humans and a few other higher mammals.

Crows most likely became part of the tradition due to a number of their habits, including their feeding habits. Crows are large and black with a “caw caw” sound that it often considered grating compared with the melodic sounds of other passerines. This shrill call has an unsettling sound to many who hear it in gray autumn skies. These birds are scavengers, like vultures and condors, and this plays into the macabre of Halloween.

Ravens are found in the same genus and share some similar traits. They are meat eaters like their cousins are black and have a similar shape. They are larger than crows and unlike crows, they are more solitary in nature while crows are much more gregarious!

Being larger they have a deeper but similar caw sound. It was the poem by Edgar Allen Poe, “The Raven,” that may have led to the association of ravens and hence crows at Halloween. The narrator in the poem calls the raven a thing of evil and a prophet, suggesting a connection with the supernatural.

Special thanks to Susan Orosz.

Ed and Karen Reese own and operate Wild Bird House, Overland Park, KS. Contact them at 913341-0700.

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Garden for the October

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Magazine archives

• Find a Professional for the next project • See where to pick up the current issue • Weather report and planting dates • Look for garden clubs • Upcoming events

Properly Dispose Hazardous Products

I

f you’re cleaning out the garden shed or garage, and it’s time to dispose of old herbicides, fertilizers, stains and paints, what do you do with them?

There are regional household hazardous waste collection facilities and are available for residents to safely dispose their household hazardous waste. A list of these locations, along with directions and hours of operation, is available on the Mid-America Regional Council web site (http://www.marc.org/Environment/SolidWaste/HHW/hhwfacilities.htm). Here’s an abbreviated list for easy reference. Many of these locations operate by appointment only, so be sure to give them a call first.

In Missouri: Kansas City: 4707 Deramus; 816-513-8400 Lee’s Summit: 2101 SE Hamblen Road; 816-969-1805 In Kansas: Wyandotte County: 2443 S. 88th Street; 913-573-5400 Olathe: 1420 S. Robinson; 913-971-9311 Johnson County: Mission; 913-715-6900 Leavenworth County: 24967 136th St., Leavenworth; 913-727-2858 Miami County: 327th Street and Hospital Drive; 913-294-4117

HUGE PEONY SALE

by Heartland Peony Society www.peonies.org

Saturday, October 12 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or until sold out) NEW LOCATION: 75th & Nall Ave.

Asbury United Methodist Church 5400 W. 75th St., LOWER LEVEL, Prairie Village, KS 66208

Featuring “Lemon Chiffon”, a sought-after yellow beauty and an extensive selection of choice, hard-to-find colors, Japanese tree peonies, and a wonderful selection of Herbaceous and Intersectional peonies.

The Kansas City Gardener | October 2019

19

Let’s Head Out to Powell Gardens in October Friday, October 4 | 8:30-10:30 p.m. $45 (Members receive 10% off) Cocktails and Constellations: Host: Jill Silva Join us for an evening of star gazing and grazing in the Gardens that features the expertise of Kansas City Skyentist Patrick Hess. This event features an exploration of the night sky with moon showers, planets, and a cocktail class by Till Vodka, a Kansas farm-to-cocktail purveyor, and Boozy Botanicals, a KC-based organic cocktail mixer featuring herbs, flowers and other herbal essences. A hearty snack platter by Vaughn Good of Fox and Pearl accompanies the beverages.

This event is a 21 and older experience only. Advance registration is required. Rain Date is October

18. Please reserve your space before September 30. Register at: https://25043p.blackbaudhosting. com/25043p/cocktails-and-constellations-moon-showers-and-planets Saturday, October 5 | 2-4 p.m. $45 (Members receive 10% off) Reflections of Fall: Design Workshop Instructor: David Breedlove Learn the art of decorating with gourds, pumpkins, and dried natural materials and get design inspiration for making gorgeous seasonal displays for your home from an expert. Participants will gather ideas and will make a fall seasonal container (made out of a pumpkin) to display indoors or out.

A simple container and all materi-

Save 15%

on ALL Bagged Seed and Nuts* *Valid only at the Leawood, KS Wild Birds Unlimited location.

Not valid on previous purchases, or with any other discounts.

Valid Oct. 4-15, 2019.

als are included (container can be slipped inside a more substantial decorative planter or vessel at your home). Instructor David Breedlove is the mastermind behind creative design for the four annual Powell Gardens festivals. Please dress to get a little messy for this festive and creative experience. Advance registration is required. Reserve your space by September 30. Register at: https://25043p.blackbaudhosting. com/25043p/reflections-of-falldesign-workshop Sunday, October 6 | 2 p.m.

Free with Festival Admission Drop-in Tour: The Beauty of Fall Have you ever noticed that plants “past their prime” are often just like people–at their most beautiful phase in life? Join docent Bob Kendrick for a tour that explores the beauty in plants as they prepare for winter. Learn which varieties are show stoppers in the fall season. This seasonal tour will allow you to consider the end of the season in a whole new light. Meet in the Grand Hall.

Sunday, October 6 | 2-4 p.m.

Free with Festival Admission Meet the Artists: Craig Auge & Lorie Kellogg Celebrate the exhibition Micro/ Macro: Works by Craig Auge and Lorie Kellogg and investigate firsthand the unique processes

and inspiration for their works.

Refreshments provided.

Friday, October 11 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $35 (includes a box lunch) SAGES: Forest Therapy Workshop Instructor: Michael Beezhold

Learn about the general principles and health and wellness benefits behind Shinrin-Yoku, or the Japanese practice of experiencing the forest and its health benefits.

Commonly known as “forest bathing,” this health practice has been growing since the 1980s in Japan and more recently in the United States. This talk is presented by Michael Beezhold, Forest Therapy Guide in Training, as certified

Top Soil • Mulch • River Rock • Sand • Gravel Fireplace Materials • New & Used Brick • Pavers

More Than 35 Years of Expertise in Every Bag! There is a difference in seed blends and your birds know it!

of Leawood, KS

Locally Owned and Proudly serving Kansas City for 31 years 11711 Roe Avenue (NE corner 119th and Roe) • 913-491-4887 Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun noon-4pm www.wbu.com/kansascity

Join us at www.facebook.com/wbuleawoodks

BIRDSEED • FEEDERS • BIRDBATHS • OPTICS • GARDEN ACCENTS

20

October 2019 | kcgmag.com

9108 W. 57th Merriam, KS 66203 (1 blk E. of Merriam Dr.) Hrs: Mon.–Fri. 7am–4:30pm • Sat. 8am–12pm

913-432-8092

by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Mr. Beezhold has an MS in Forestry, has worked previously at the Missouri Department of Conservation Discovery Center in Kansas City, and was the Manager of the Lenexa, KS Rain to Recreation program preserving and restoring the City’s natural resources. Following the talk, stay for short walk and a healthy box lunch and to explore the beauty of Powell Gardens to feed your body and soul. Advance registration is required. Please reserve your space by October 7. Register at: https://25043p.blackbaudhosting. com/25043p/sages-forest-therapyworkshop Saturday, October 12 | 1-4 p.m. $15 (Powell Member 10%) Nature Hike Instructors: Terry Davis, Mary Smead, Patti Hickman, Donna Lowry Spend some time discovering an often hidden aspect of Powell Gardens, the three-mile Byron C. Shutz Nature Trail that traverses acres of forest, remnant prairie, and pondscape. Learn about the history of the land, some spotlighted species along the trail and enjoy a seasonal fall hike. Please dress for the weather, wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes (the trail can be muddy in places if the ground is wet) and bring water and snacks. This is a moderately strenuous hike – walking over rough ground is part of the experience.

Space is limited and advance reservations are required. Open to those 12 years and older. Note that this hike is weather dependent and we will communicate to attendees the morning of if we need to cancel due to rain. Advance registration is required. Please reserve your space by October 7. Register at: https://25043p. blackbaudhosting.com/25043p/ tickets?tab=2&txobjid=14079e1a3dce-4cf1-a767-3b7957ebcbce October 12 & 13 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Festival Admission Applies Fall Fling – Beer Garden Grab your drinking glass and revel in the whimsy of Wonderland, with live music and libations. Play croquet with flamingos, take on the challenge of chess and throw a game of corn hole! Beer, wine and themed cocktails available for purchase while you take a break from

your journey through the Looking Glass.

Saturday, October 19 | noon-4 p.m.

Free with Festival Admission Family Frolic: Mad Scientist Get in the Halloween spirit for this mad-science experience.

Arrive in costume and embark on a spooky (but kid-friendly) jour-

ney through our gardens for an experience filled with explosions, potions, and eerie creatures. Kids will enjoy free garden-themed Halloween treats, a performance by Mad Science, and our mad scientist costume contest.

Sunday, October 20 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Festival Admission Applies

Dog’s Day Out Join us for this special day allowing visitors to bring their furry friends for a stroll through designated areas of the Garden.

Dogs must have current vaccinations and remain on a leash at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pooch. www.powellgardens.org

Take the guesswork out of fertilizing

By Dennis L. Patton, M.S., County Horticulture Agent, K-State Research and Extension/Johnson County

I’m often asked, “Why should I get a soil test?” The first key to lawn and garden success is knowing soil fertility.

A soil test reveals the baseline nutritional values of your soil. A test can determine the type and amounts of fertilizer needed for optimal plant health. A good soil test also determines the pH level of the soil so corrections can be made.

Soil fertility is something that cannot be seen, felt or guessed. It varies from one yard to the next. In many cases the test shows that too many nutrients have been applied and additional chemical elements such as phosphorous and potassium may be harmful.

Phosphorous and potassium levels build up in KC soils. Excess can harm growth, or worse, leach out and pollute streams and lakes. Many garden resources recommend a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-5. Long term use of these products can lead to chemical buildup. Soil testing takes the guesswork out of fertilizing.

A common misbelief is that our local soils need lime. Lime raises the pH, and most KC soils

already have high levels. A simple soil test will determine soil pH. You’ll then learn the correct treatment options, saving you money.

Extension recommends a soil test every three to five years. All local extension offices provide soil testing services. Soil samples brought or mailed to the Johnson County Extension office are sent to the Soil Testing Laboratory at Kansas State University in Manhattan. I analyze the lab results and write a personalized recommendation.

Your report is usually mailed to you in two to three weeks.

Soil amendments made this fall will help you get a jump-start next spring. Save yourself time and money by getting your soil tested today.

It all starts with a soil test!

If you crave a spring green lawn, fertilize this fall • November fertilization is critical to your lawn’s health • Applying just the right kind and amount of fertilizer saves you money and protects our water quality

Start your lawn and garden off right!

Johnson County Residents, get one FREE soil test.

Learn more at johnson.k-state.edu | 913.715.7000

• JoCo Residents: Get one free soil test and a personalized recommendation for your lawn or garden Funding provided by the Johnson County Stormwater Management Program. Limit one per Johnson County household.

Johnson County

In pa r t n e r sh i p to ge t h e r

The Kansas City Gardener | October 2019

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Happenings at the Discovery Center Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110 816-759-7300 www.mdc.mo.gov/discoverycenter For more information email discoverycenter@mdc.mo.gov Fall Fiber Fest September 28 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10am-2:30pm There are many native plants whose fiber can be used to weave rope or cordage. We will experiment with this primitive technology to make ropes and bracelets by braiding fibers of cedar, dogbane, cattails, rattlesnake master and yucca. In a wilderness survival situation this new-found skill will enable you to make fishing lines, bows and arrows and shelters.

May the Forage Be With You October 5 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10am-2:30pm Fall is the finest time to forage for fruits of the forest. Come experience our harvest table of wild mushrooms, hickory nuts, walnuts and fruits like pawpaws and persimmons. There will be taste tests and a few wild recipes to sample.

Fall Mushrooms October 12 ∙ Saturday ∙10-10:30am, 11:30am-Noon or 1-1:30pm Fall is one of the best times to hunt for mushrooms in the Midwest. Join members of the Kansas City chapter of the Missouri Mycological Society on hikes around the Discovery Center for a mushroom hunt! Learn how and when mushrooms grow, ID trees associated with certain mushrooms and get tips for mushroom hunting on your own. Mushrooms will be on display in the lobby (possibly even some fresh ones from the Discovery Center!) along with a mushroom themed craft and tips on the best tools, books and groups to get started with.

HOWLoween October 18 ∙ Friday ∙ 6-9pm HOWLoween is back and we want you to join the fun! Discovering nature’s creepy creatures is just part of the nighttime fun. Take a hike on the Wild Side Walk to get up close with some of Missouri’s nocturnal wildlife. Kids will have a howling good time exploring nature stations like Track or Treat, The Bone Yard, The Bat Cave and much more. It will be a howling fun, free and unforgettable event for the entire family.

Special Notice: No Programming October 19 ∙ Saturday The Discovery Center will not have a program on October 19. The Kansas City Marathon route will make getting to us a bit challenging, but the building will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. as usual. Swing by, cheer on your favorite runner then come take a relaxing stroll through the gardens or check out the live animals on display. Gardens and trails will be open during daylight hours.

Watersheds of Missouri October 26 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10-11:30am or 12:30-2pm The watersheds in Missouri provide us with valuable habitat for native migrating birds and other animals. Come learn about the watersheds and waterways in our part of the state through the building of a foil watershed, participating in stream table activities and taking a hike to view our pond and surrounding habitat at the Discovery Center.

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October 2019 | kcgmag.com

Upcoming Garden Events places to go, things to do, people to see

Club Meetings African Violets of GKC Tues, Oct 8, 6-8pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Membership. What the judges are looking for in a show plant and how they are scored. Visitors welcome. 816-513-8590 Bonsai Society of GKC Sat, Oct 12, 9am-12pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Workshop. www.bsgkc.org; 816513-8590.

Garden Club of Shawnee Thurs, Oct 3, 7pm; at the Town Hall at Shawnee Town 1929, 11600 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS. Our grant recipients will give presentations on the projects they have done over the summer with the money they received from the club. Our proceeds from our biennial garden tour fund our grant program. This will also be our fall plant, seed and bulb exchange.

Guests are welcome, and we will serve snacks, drinks and hand out door prizes. Please visit our website gardenclubofshawnee.org and our Facebook page for information about our club.

Greater KC Dahlia Society Sun, Oct 20, 1-3pm; the Fern Room at Loose Park Garden, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Show award winners will be recognized. We will also have a demonstration on how to store dahlia tubers over winter.

Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group Wed, Oct 9, noon; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Facebook: check us out at Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group. Friends and visitors are always welcome.

Questions: Call Lynn at 816-3085450.

Greater Kansas City Gardeners of America Mon, Oct 7, 6pm; at Loose Park, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City,

MO. Refreshments will be served.

Membership Heart of America Gesneriad Society Fri, Oct 18, 1-4pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Sale only.

Sat, Oct 19, 9am-4pm; Show and Sale.

Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society Sun, Oct 20, 1:30-4pm; at the Loose Park Garden Center, 51st St and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Visitors are welcome! For information on the Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society, call 816-444-9321 or visit our website: kccactus.com.

Kansas City Garden Club Mon, Oct. 7, 10am; at Loose Park Garden Center Building, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO 64112. Our program is “Great Trees of the Kansas City Region and Where to See Them” by Jim Earnest, Overland Park Arboretum member. Jim will show several photos of rare and champion trees, and give interesting details about them. Iva Stribling, club member, will present “Helpful Tips” for your autumn gardening. Bring a sack lunch and join us after the meeting for drinks and desserts furnished by the club. 913-341-7555 Kansas City Rose Society Sat, Oct 5, 10am; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st St and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Fall rose care demonstration. All are welcome.

Leavenworth County Master Gardeners Wed, Oct 9, 11am; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Lenora Larson, owner of Long Lips Farm and a Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardener, will present “The No-Sow Garden.” Self-sowing flowers take responsibility for their own procreation and return to your garden year after year without replanting. Learn which flowers are candidates and the horticultural

techniques. The meeting is free.

Visitors are welcome. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094.

Leawood Garden Club Tues, Oct 22, 10:30am; at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS. At about noon, William Roth Gibson, co-owner of Green Thumb Gardens, will present “Landscaping with Natives.”

The meeting and our membership are open to everyone and guests are most welcome. Please come and enjoy a potluck luncheon. For more information, please visit our website www.leawood.org/committees/lgc or send an email to leawoodgardenclub@gmail.com.

Lee’s Summit Garden Club Tues, Oct 8, 7pm; at Winterset Clubhouse, 2505 Wintercreek Dr, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081. Subject: Dahlias presented by Bernard Lohkamp. Everyone is welcome.

Refreshments are always served.

Let’s promote education in horticulture, participate in community projects and promote conservation.

Call 816-914-3970 if you have questions.

Mid America Begonia Society Fri, Oct 18, 1-4pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Sale only.

Sat, Oct 19, 9am-4pm; Show and Sale.

Mo Kan Daylily Society Sat, Oct 12, 10:30am-1:30pm; at Loose Park Garden Center. A Potluck lunch will be served at 11am with the meeting to follow.

We are privileged to have daylily hybridizer Eric Simpson from Blue Ridge Daylilies located in the mountains of North Carolina.

He will talk about his hybridizing efforts and then following there will be an auction of several of his Daylily introductions.

Orchid Society of Greater Kansas City Sun, Oct 13. Beginners Group for new growers 1:30-2:15pm.

General meeting and presentation at 2:15pm. Speaker at 3pm. Ribbon Judging of locally-grown orchids. at the Lenexa Senior Center, 13420 Oak St. Peter T. Lin, Diamond Orchids. Peter will be speaking about growing Dendrobiums. He is a nationally recognized expert grower and hybridizer from

Southern California, and will be bringing plants to sell. Come join the fun. Open to the public. For more on the KC Orchid Society: www.osgkc.org. And find us on Facebook.

Overland Park Gardeners of America Mon, Oct 21 **note 3rd Monday of month, 7pm; in the Heritage Room at Colonial Church, 71st & Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS. Exchange Night! We will be exchanging seeds, plants, bulbs, garden magazines and experiences from this growing season. Visitors always welcome. Come and get to know us. Refreshments at 7, meeting starts at 7:30pm. Call Karen, 785-224-7279 for more information.

Raytown Garden Club Tues, Oct 1, 10am; at Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church, 6429 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO. We will have a brief presentation at the beginning of the meeting entitled “Bufflehead Ducks”. Our program PowerPoint and lecture is entitled “Planting Mushrooms”, presented by Alix Daniels, Native Plant Specialist for the Missouri Department of Conservation and President of the KC Chapter of the Mycological Society. Refreshments will be served, and visitors are always welcome! Please come meet our group, we would love to get to know you! Check out our Facebook page at Raytown Garden Club or visit our website at https:// sites.google.com/site/fgcmwestcentral/clubs/raytown

T

Shawnee Indian Mission 33rd Annual Fall Festival October 11-13

he Shawnee Indian Mission will kick off its 33rd annual fall festival from 6-9 p.m. Friday with a free bluegrass concert, and burgers, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks for sale. The main festival events—10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday— also are free to attend and great fun for all ages. (Suggested donation to the Shawnee Indian Mission Foundation of $2.00 per adult goes to support this National Historic Landmark, which was the first to be named a Kansas State Historic Site).

New this year is a Native American Showcase PowWow. Men and women dancers will compete in full, colorful regalia on Saturday, with finals on Sunday at 1 p.m. The whole family will enjoy live music and living history demonstrations, such as a blacksmith, outdoor cooking over a wood fire, a cider press, log sawing, the Missouri Town Dancers, and demonstrations of old-style rifle firing. For the children, there are supervised games and activities of the 1800’s, pony rides, wagon rides, and Boy Scout rope climbing. For purchase, find a wide range of products from local artisans and lots to eat from KC food trucks and tents. The Johnson County Extension Master Gardeners will have gardening tips and display the historical gardens they plant and maintain at the Mission.

This festival makes enduring memories for everyone, including children who came with their parents years ago, and who now bring their own children to learn about local history and, most important, have a very good time. All events at the Mission, 3403 West 53rd St., Fairway, KS. Information: www.simfoundation.org or 913-262-0867.

BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR SPACES THAT ARE

Uniquely Yours

Sho Me African Violets Oct 11, 11am-1pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Visitors welcome.

2019 American Violet Convention (DVD) Water Garden Society of Greater Kansas City Tues, Oct 15, 5:30pm for snacks and socializing, meeting at 6:30pm; at Our Lady of Sorrows Church lower level meeting room at 2552 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108. Carolyn Payne/Tile Artist, (http://www.paynecreations.com) will be our featured guest speaker to discuss her signature style of ceramic glazing that blends impressionistic painting and stain glass characteristics. Our meetings are (continued on page 24)

It’s that time again to schedule fall pond maintenance and netting.

Monthly and Seasonal Maintenance Pond and Water Feature Designs, Installation, Repairs and Maintenance Wendy Hix 913.481.5416 • Tate Foster 913.406.6804

www.hixandsonaquatics.com The Kansas City Gardener | October 2019

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Autumn Fires

Upcoming Garden Events places to go, things to do, people to see

Robert Louis Stevenson In the other gardens And all up in the vale, From the autumn bonfires See the smoke trail!

Pleasant summer over, And all the summer flowers, The red fire blazes, The grey smoke towers.

Sing a song of seasons!

Something bright in all!

Flowers in the summer, Fires in the fall!

From A Poem for Every Day of the Year

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October 2019 | kcgmag.com

(continued from page 23)

open to the public and I think you will find Carolyn’s work amazing!

There is plenty of free parking behind the church.

Events, Lectures & Classes October Fall Parade of Homes Kicks off Sep 28 Sep 28-Oct 13. The Parade features homes by some of the area’s finest builders and includes townhomes, villas and single-family homes with a variety of floor plans featuring the latest design trends. Presented twice a year by the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (HBA), the Kansas City Parade of Homes is the second largest in the United States. All homes open daily from 11am-6pm, free admission. Free Parade guides will be available for pickup at the HBA (I-435 & Holmes) the week prior and at all Parade homes during the event. Download a user-friendly mobile app at KCParadeofHomes. com.

Soil Health Equals Human Health Tues, Oct 1, 4pm; Lansing Community Library, 730 Terrace, Suite 1, Lansing, KS 66043. How do we become more resilient to modern day stress? How do we make our garden ecosystem more resilient? Come learn how our digestion and the plants digestion depend on nurturing the symbiotic relationship between human and microbes.

Loretta Craig, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, will be the speaker. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094.

Advanced Beekeeping – Pests and Diseases Wed, Oct 2, 6:30-8:30pm; at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. Explore the greatest challenges in today’s beekeeping world. You will do an in-depth study and review of bee-

keeping diseases and pests. Learn how to identify pests and diseases in the early stages and the best practices for treatment alternatives.

In addition, review new regulations and laws that impact our bees. Fee: $29. To enroll go to https://ce.jccc. edu or call 913-469-2323.

Kansas City Butterflies Thurs, Oct 3, 11:30am-1pm; at Sunflower Room of the Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1208 North 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Kansas City Butterflies: Betsy Betros, author of A Photographic Field Guide to the Butterflies in the Kansas City Region has compiled an extensive and impressive field guide of butterflies in the Kansas City region. Not only is she very familiar with our butterflies, but she is also knowledgeable about how to attract these beauties to our gardens, and chock-full of information about naming system, range, flight times, habitat.

Join her in this class sponsored by the Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners. Registration is not required. Fee: $5.00 (waived for certified master gardeners).

Please call 913-299-9300 if you need further information.

Fall Festival Fri, Oct 4, 9am-5pm and Sat, Oct 5, 9am-4pm; at Swan’s Water Gardens, 4385 W 247th St, Louisburg, KS. Our annual Fall festivities are just around the corner! Bring friends and family to spend the day touring the gardens, fill up on free lunch and enjoy cooler weather and time outdoors.

We will have a new selection of plants and retail items specific to the Fall season. You will leave inspired for the new season ahead!

Phone: 913-837-3510 Kaw Valley Farm Tour Oct 5-6. For more information, visit www.kawvalleyfarmtour.org.

Soil Health Equals Human Health Wed, Oct 9, 7pm; at Basehor Community Library, 1400 158th St, Basehor, KS 66007. How do

we become more resilient to modern day stress? How do we make our garden ecosystem more resilient? Come learn how our digestion and the plants digestion depend on nurturing the symbiotic relationship between human and microbes.

Loretta Craig, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, will be the speaker. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094.

Huge Peony Sale Sat, Oct 12, 9am-3pm or until sold out; at NEW LOCATION: Asbury United Methodist Church, 75th and Nall Ave, Prairie Village, KS. Featuring ‘Lemon Chiffon,’ a sought-after yellow beauty and an extensive selection of choice, hardto-find colors, Japanese tree peonies, and a wonderful selection of Herbaceous and Intersectional peonies. By Heartland Peony Society; www.peonies.org.

Pruning for Beginners Tues, Oct 15, 5:30-7:30 pm; at Clay Woods Park, Liberty MO. Heartland Tree Alliance will offer basic tree pruning course for shade and ornamental trees utilizing hands-on and teacher instruction.

All tools provided, must register in advance, space limited. https:// tinyurl.com/pruneliberty or call Sarah 816-561-1086.

Gardeners’ Gathering Thurs, Oct 17, 6:30-8pm; at Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, 4801 Rockhill Rd, Kansas City, MO. Presented by Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City.

Topic: Gardening for the Birds and Bats. Free and open to the public.

Gardening Basics for Fall Thurs, Oct 17, 7pm; at Leavenworth Public Library, 417 Spruce St,

Leavenworth, KS 66048. Anne Reilly and Meaghan Bircher, both Leavenworth County Master Gardeners, will discuss getting your garden and lawn ready for fall. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913-2404094.

NATIONALLY AWARD WINNING SPECIAL EVENT

African Violet Show and Sale Sat, Oct 26, 9am-3pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st St and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Show and Sale by African Violet Society of Greater Kansas City.

October 5 · Saturday · 4-8pm

Owls and Bats Sat, Oct 26, 9am-3pm; at Wild Birds Unlimited of Leawood, 11711 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS 66211. Operation Wildlife will be here with owls and bats. Come visit and learn about these fascinating animals. 913 491-4887; www.wbu. com/kansascity

November Plants that Add Interest in the Winter Thurs, Nov 7, 11:30am-1pm; at the Sunflower Room, Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1208 North 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Does the winter and its gloominess get you down? Come learn from Lynn Loughary, K-State Research & Extension Horticulture Agent, about the many plants that will add interest to your landscape, particularly in the winter months.

This presentation, sponsored by the Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners. Registration is not required. Fee: $5.00 (waived for certified master gardeners).

Please call 913-299-9300 if you need further information.

More events are posted on our website, KCGMAG.COM, click on “Events.”

On the trail performance of Superheroes and the Curse of the Alien Invaders Some of the most popular superheroes take on invasive plant species that are taking over Missouri landscapes.

If you listen carefully, you may hear the incredible story of the war between the Superheroes and the Alien Invaders! Meet the Incredible Hulk, Batman, Aqua Girl, Spiderman, Captain Marvel and even Superman along the trail as they battle against the Alien Invaders of Burr Oak Woods!

Activities, crafts, prizes and refreshments included!

Experts will also be available to discuss some of these troublesome exotic species. There will be something for everyone!

Registration is not necessary, but you may pick up tickets for your selected time at the nature center prior to OR on the day of the performance. Performances begin approximately every 15 minutes.

Each will last 45 minutes. Tickets are limited.

Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center 1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs, MO 64015 816-228-3766 www.mdc.mo.gov/burroakwoods For more information email burr.oak@mdc.mo.gov

Now Hiring for Fall

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

Cashiers - Lenexa Heavy Equipment Mechanic Diesel Mechanic Customer Service Assistance

Truck Drivers (Non-CDL) Equip. Operators - Yardwaste Lawn Maintenance Trimming, Mowing, Planting Tree Planting Crews

Promote club meetings, classes, seminars, plant sales, regional conferences and other gardening events for FREE! Send details to:

elizabeth@kcgmag.com

Deadline for publishing in the November issue is October 5.

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.

The Kansas City Gardener | October 2019

25

October

garden calendar

n LAWN

• Mowing heights for bluegrass and tall fescue in the fall is 2 ½ to 3 inches.

• Core aerate to help loosen heavy clay soils and break down thatch.

• Fertilize now if not already done so once this fall.

• Control dandelions, henbit and chickweed in the fall. Treat as needed.

• Sharpen mower blade after every 10 hours of use to get a clean cut.

• Rake leaves as they fall to avoid winter suffocation of turf.

• Mulch mow leaves back into the lawn if debris is not covering the surface.

n FLOWERS

• Plant tulips, daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs.

• Clean up faded annuals.

• Trim perennial stems to tidy garden and keep disease, insects in check.

• Plant bulbs in pots to force winter blooming.

• Dig tender bulbs such as gladiolas and cannas. Store in a cool, dry place over the winter.

• Update your garden journal with successes and failures while fresh in your mind.

• Take advantage of fall sales and plant new perennials.

• Divide overgrown perennials.

n TREES AND SHRUBS

• Plant new trees and shrubs.

• Water establishing plants during dry spells.

• Transplant seedlings of trees and shrubs once dormant.

• Prune damaged and dead wood from trees and shrubs.

• Wrap the bases of young trees and shrubs to protect from rabbits.

• Rake leaves and compost or use as garden mulch.

• Remove tree stakes if in place longer than one year.

n VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

• Store unused seeds in a cool, dry location.

• Pick up and discard fallen fruit to reduce disease and insects for next year.

• Plant garlic in the fall to get a jump over spring planted garlic.

• Dig sweet potatoes and cure for 1-2 weeks in a warm location then store for winter.

• Harvest and roast peanuts.

• Harvest apples and pears. Store for winter use.

• Store winter squash and pumpkins in a cool, dry place.

• Till garden soil to help control insects and disease next spring.

• Make notes of successes and failures.

• Test soil and make improvements.

n HOUSEPLANTS

• Begin long night treatments for poinsettia re-blooming.

• Check plants for insects and treat as needed.

• Wash dust from leaves by placing in a shower or wiping with a damp, soft cloth.

• Reduce or stop fertilization over the winter months.

• Keep plants away from hot and cold drafts of winter.

n MISCELLANEOUS

• Drain and store garden hoses and sprinklers for winter.

• Spruce up the compost pile for winter by adding new materials promoting decomposition.

• Clean, sharpen and oil garden tools for winter storage.

Johnson County K-State Research and Extension recommends environmentally-friendly gardening practices. This starts by identifying and monitoring problems. Cultural practices and controls are the best approach for a healthy garden. If needed, use physical, biological or chemical controls. Always consider the least toxic approach first. Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension.

For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.

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October 2019 | kcgmag.com

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Pets and Plants: Castor Bean

By Phil Roudebush, DVM, DACVIM

T

he castor oil plant, Ricinus communis, is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family that is native to the Mediterranean basin and Africa, and has been introduced around the world as an ornamental perennial shrub that can reach the size of a small tree – cultivars of the plant are commonly found in Midwestern landscapes.

Common names include castor bean, castor oil plant, African coffee tree, Mexico weed, mole bean, wonder tree and Palma Christa (palm of Christ). The seed of the castor oil plant is the castor bean, which, despite its name, is not a true bean. The seeds are grown commercially for castor oil and ornamental purposes (jewelry).

Ricin is a highly poisonous cellular toxin (toxalbumin) found in all parts of the castor oil plant with highest levels in the seeds (castor beans). Ricin is poisonous if inhaled, injected or ingested,

loss of appetite and lethargy are usually observed if the seeds are eaten. Decontamination, gastrointestinal protectants and supportive care are the usual treatment measures. More serious problems arise if ricin is absorbed and spreads to other organs. Ricin has received recent attention in the news because of efforts by disgruntled people to poison public officials via the mail with powder from ground castor beans or more concentrated sources. Bottom line: keep castor beans out of reach of pets and children. and causes cell death by inhibiting protein synthesis. Poisoning most often occurs in dogs or cats when they ingest or chew the seeds – severity of clinical signs increases if the seed is chewed, broken or damaged, which releases more of the toxic compound. Ornamental sources of seeds such as jewelry

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GAR G A RENEDREN E R N D E D R A G ER Beyon 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

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

for the Octobe

Phil Roudebush is a retired veterinarian and specialist in small animal internal medicine. He was an adjunct faculty member in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University and is now an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in Buncombe County, North Carolina. He can be reached at philroudebush@gmail.com.

Hotlines for Gardeners

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

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are also common causes of poisoning in pet animals.

Because ricin is a general toxin affecting many different cells in the body, multiple organ systems can be affected and symptoms are difficult to treat since there is not a specific antidote. Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody feces,

July

Extension Master Gardeners are ready to answer your gardening questions.

CASS COUNTY

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

2015

DOUGLAS COUNTY

785-843-7058; mastergardener@douglas-county.com; Mon-Fri, 1-4pm

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: City, State, Zip:

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

Phone:

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY

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

MIAMI COUNTY

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

913-364-5700; Apr thru Sep, Mon 10am-4pm, Thurs 10am-4pm 913-294-4306; Thurs, 9am-noon

WYANDOTTE COUNTY

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

QUESTIONS ABOUT ROSES?

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

The Kansas City Gardener is published monthly Jan. through Dec.

The Kansas City Gardener | October 2019

27

Fall Color Fall Decor Supplies NOW AT ALL 3 STORES • Corn Stalks

Photo: Pumpkin Hypericum

Plant It Now

Tree & Shrub Sale

*

NOW - 11/24/19

• Indian Corn • Pie Pumpkins • Specialty Gourds • Much more!

*Large trees on sale at our 135th & Wornall and K7 & Prairie Star Pkwy locations. While supplies last.

Fetured image: Pumpkin Hypericum 2 Gal. $29.99.

Pumpkin Patch

Free Balloon Art Up, Up, & Away is back for another fun October! Bring the whole family and go home with a unique balloon creation.

WEEKENDS IN OCTOBER 11:00am - 5:00pm Martin City Location Only

Oct. 6th // 12-4pm // Martin City Oct. 12th // 11-3pm // Lenexa

• Pick Your Own Pumpkins

Oct. 19th // 11-3pm // Martin City

• FREE Baby Pumpkins For The Kids

Oct. 20th // 12-4pm // Lenexa

• FREE Hayrides

Oct. 20th // 12-4pm // Martin City

• FREE Popcorn

Oct. 26th // 11-3pm // Martin City

• FREE Face Painting

Oct. 27th // 11-3pm // Lenexa

105th & Roe (913) 649-8700

28

October 2019 | kcgmag.com

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

135th & Wornall (816) 942-2921

#suburbanlg // suburbanlg.com