KCG Oct25 issue by The Kansas City Gardener

GARDENER

Independently owned and operated since 1996

PUBLISHER

Michael Cavanaugh

EDITOR

Elizabeth Cavanaugh

CONTRIBUTORS

Amy Albright

Melissa Cotton

Theresa Enderle

Markis Hill

Susan Mertz

Judy Penner

Tamra Reall

Anthony Reardon

Scott Woodbury

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Garden journal entry

Writing this essay usually starts with a spark, a glint of an idea. Most of the time there is plenty to talk about, and yet there are times when I draw a blank. Not even a sprout of an idea or phrase as a jumping off point.

If I say out loud that I’m struggling to land on a topic, Mr. Gardener will offer his suggestions—to prime the pump. After a series of recommendations from him (a man with no shortage of ideas), I ask, “Why don’t you write a column, notes from the publisher?” And then we laugh and laugh. Without pulling back the curtain any further, I’ll simply say that Mr. Gardener is frequently helpful when I’m stuck.

This month he reminded me of the number of times we saw butterflies this season. Not early summer like I expected, but rather in late summer, early autumn. Especially in the perennial bed where three butterfly bushes were planted in spring. The decision to install Buddleia Pugster Blue® Butterfly Bush was Mr. Gardener’s idea after seeing this plant perform particularly well in harsh locations where there was no apparent irrigation. (Drought toler-

ant? Yes, please.) Additionally, he liked the tight growth habit and the way it bloomed all the way to first frost. When much of the late summer garden looks weary and spent, new blooms refresh the view.

The Proven Winners website describes Pugster Blue with having sturdy stems for better winter hardiness, producing full-sized flowers on a compact, dwarf frame. Appealing true-blue flowers add hard-tofind color to any type of garden or landscape. The website name is trueblue but to me it looks dark purple almost a blackberry color. No matter the color, butterflies were drawn to it. In fact, for several days, a large number of common buckeye butterflies stayed to feed on the prolific blooms—a first sighting for me.

Planted in late spring, all three have performed beautifully. We will keep a close eye on them and report back next summer as to how they survived a Midwest winter.

Did you experience something in your garden this season that was extraordinary? Was there a particular plant that surprised you? Drop me a note; let me know about your garden encounters.

For now, it’s time to anticipate sweater weather, roast pumpkin seeds, and find that recipe for mulled cider. We’ll stroll the neighborhood admiring fall colors, eat too much Halloween candy, and celebrate the first cold snap that encourages flies, mosquitoes, and their swarming cousins to retreat to their winter habitat.

As the garden begins to slow down, let us take time to do the same. Let’s be gentle with ourselves and each other. Be kind. Love freely. You might be the best part of someone’s day.

I’ll see you in the garden!

This is the time to get your lawn in shape with grass seed and fertilizer. We also carry Lawn & Garden supplies, pet supplies and bird seed. Fall clean up is upon us: Chain Saws, Hedge Clippers, Leaf Blowers and Mowers in stock now! All equipment assembled, serviced and ready to go when you buy it.

Ask the Experts

Mulching with 2-4 inches of wood mulch helps controls weeds.

PREVENTING WEEDS

Question: I had weeds in my flower bed last winter. How do I prevent that from happening this year?

Markis’ Answer: Besides mulching with 2-4 inches of wood mulch, you can use pre-emergent herbicides. These herbicides kill emerging seedlings as they push out from the soil. Some products only kill broadleaf seedlings, others target only grasses, and others target all emerging seedlings. You must read the entire label to see which product will control your target species, the PPE needed, and instructions on how to apply.

LIVING MULCH EXPLAINED

Question: I saw something about living or green mulch on social media. What are those, and will they work in my yard?

Markis’ Answer: Living mulches can be a great way to get the benefits of mulching while also looking more natural. Living mulch can be ground cover plants or crops that benefit the soil through nutrient cycling, erosion control, biomass accumulation, or weed suppression. These plants include grasses, sedges, woody vines, and small shrubs. In areas with elevated nutrient levels, this could be a solution to remedy the high levels. You will need to use

an appropriate plant option for your situation.

PROTECT PLANTS FROM WEATHER EXTREMES

Question: There will be a night when we get freezing temperatures before returning to moderate temperatures. I don’t want my flowers to die from that short freeze. How do I protect my flowers from frost?

Markis’ Answer: The fall season can have varying weather extremes. Even after an acute freeze, the weather can return to frost-free nights. Many landscape perennial plants can withstand one or two frost nights without completely dying, going dormant, or even showing signs of cold injury. Those plants will not need any protection. However, for the more tender plants, it would benefit them to cover them for the night with a frost blanket, sheet, or something equivalent. Structures can also be built to protect from the cold and extend your season. Cold frames, grow tunnels, or floating row covers can be used effectively and built affordably.

COMPOSTING IN WINTER

Question: I’m new to composting and unsure what to do with my pile during the winter. Are winter maintenance and summer maintenance different? Also, I just cleared my garden plants. Can these be added to the compost now?

Anthony’s Answer: As many experienced composters may know, composting relies on managing internal heat, which “cooks” compost by supporting the different levels of

microorganisms that break it down. With that in mind, it makes sense to be concerned about winter composting, when cold weather slows the heating process. The good news is that winter compost management is not much different from management during the growing season. The process will just be slower. So how should you manage it? The same way you would in the summer, with more attention to moisture and a little less consideration to turning. Winter winds can easily dry out a pile, so check it frequently to ensure essential moisture isn’t lost. Ideally, the pile will retain the texture of a damp sponge. The caveat to this is that if it is freezing outside, avoid adding water until the next mild temperature period comes around. Turning should be done less frequently in the winter to prevent compost piles from losing internal heat. The outsides of piles will also likely be frozen, so waiting for a mild day to turn can be beneficial.

You can add garden plants to your pile now, depending on the pile size you would like to maintain. The more material in the pile, the more insulated and active the center. The most significant caveat to consider is whether the plants incorporated are pest- and disease-free, a feature difficult to find in many plants by the end of a growing season.

Finally, if you are particularly passionate about maintaining compost activity in winter, you can look into insulation methods. This includes wrapping with tarps and installing windbreaks. Otherwise, trust that the compost will keep composting – slowly.

ANTHONY REARDON | Horticulture Agents | MARKIS HILL

Anthony and Markis are the horticulture agents for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension, each specializing in edible crops and ornamentals, respectively. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson. ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.

BOTANIC GARDEN LECTURE

Explore

Nov.

Kids Ask Dr. Bug Night Shift: Solving After-Dark Arthropod Mysteries

What kinds of insects come out at night?

Lots of insects and other arthropods are nocturnal, meaning they’re active after dark. Crickets and katydids sing loudly to attract mates, while spiders build sticky webs to catch prey. Moths flutter around porch lights and white night-blooming flowers, and some beetles and caterpillars feed under the cover of darkness. Even wolf spiders roam the ground in search of a meal. Most of these creatures are trying to stay safe from predators while they eat, hunt, or find a mate. So next time you step outside at night, remember: the garden’s still awake, you just have to know where to look.

Why do some insects make so much noise at night?

It’s mostly about communication. Male crickets and katydids rub their wings together, a behavior called stridulation, to attract females and warn off other males. Each species has its own “song,” which can be used to tell them apart. Tree crickets even chirp faster or slower depending on the temperature. (Fun fact: Count their chirps for 15 seconds, then add 37 to estimate the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit!)

These insects prefer cooler nighttime hours, and the darkness helps protect them from predators while they make their music.

What’s the creepiest thing I might find at night?

That depends on what gives you the heebie-jeebies! Some people are startled by spiders, especially

Spiders spin these sticky masterpieces at night to catch moths, mosquitoes, and more. Who’s your favorite nighttime hunter?

when they’re building huge webs across paths. Others might be surprised by big, fast-moving beetles or the twinkle of spider eyes in the grass. One of the most bizarre nighttime critters is the female bagworm larva, which isn’t scary-looking, but builds a “costume” from tiny leaves or sticks, and carries it around like armor. Caddisfly larva do the same with sticks, leaves, or pebbles under water!

How can I find insects in the dark without scaring them away?

Great question! First, let your eyes adjust and use a dim flashlight. Hold it next to your nose and scan slowly across the ground or plants. You’re looking for clues:

• Sounds like chirping crickets or buzzing wings.

• Eye shine, especially from wolf spiders. Their eyes can reflect

green or blue in your flashlight beam!

• Webs that reflect light. Look for large, round orb webs made by garden spiders.

• Movement near lights. Moths, beetles, and lacewings are often drawn to porch lights.

• Slime trails on sidewalks left by snails and slugs, or chewed leaves from caterpillar munching.

If you’re patient and quiet, you might spot insects doing things you’d never see during the day.

Is it okay to be a little creeped out by bugs?

Totally! It’s normal to feel nervous around things that move quickly or look strange. But the more you learn about insects and other arthropods, the more you realize how fascinating and important they are. Spi-

Image: Hans Toom

ders catch pests, crickets feed birds, and bees, butterflies, moths and beetles help pollinate flowers. Even the “weird” ones have essential stories to tell.

Backyard science quests for curious kids (and grown-ups too!)

Night Shift Challenge: Ready to go undercover and explore your yard at night? Here’s how:

1. Gear up: Flashlight, notebook, and maybe a friend or grown-up.

2. Pick your place: Garden, park edge, sidewalk, or a porch light area.

3. Collect evidence:

° What do you hear?

° What webs or insects can you spot?

° Any glowing eyes or insects flying near light?

° Any slimy trails or chewed leaves in the morning?

4. Report your findings: Sketch what you saw or write a mini detective report. Download the printable Night Shift Detective challenge page here: https://bit.ly/KADBnightbugs

Watch the Kids Ask Dr. Bug video series: https://bit.ly/KADBvideos

Send your questions: https://bit.ly/KidsAskDrBug

Play the firefly-catching game: https://bit.ly/CatchFireflies

Share feedback (we’d love to hear from you!): https://bit.ly/KidsAskDrBugSurvey

Dr. Tamra Reall (@MUExtBugN Garden) is the horticulture specialist for MU Extension–Urban West Region. For free, research-based gardening tips, call 816-833-TREE (8733), email mggkc.hotline@gmail.com, or visit www.extension.missouri.edu.

TAMRA REALL Horticulture Specialist

We have nets in many sizes, fall food for your ﬁsh, deicers and air pumps.

We have the friendliest and most knowledgeable staff.

Check our website and Facebook for more information.

Missouri Wildflowers Nursery

573-496-3492

www.mowildflowers.net mowldflrs@socket.net 9814 Pleasant Hill Rd Jefferson City MO 65109

We’re open year round at the nursery, weekdays 9 - 5, and weekends through October 12.

Thank you everyone for using native plants in your landscaping efforts. Your native gardens and meadow plantings are producing nectar, pollen, seeds, and leaves that are feeding your local ecosystem.

* You’re helping monarch butterflies to make the long trip to Mexico.

* You’re helping birds fledge their young.

* You’re using plants that have purpose.

Please spread the word!

And a shout out to these organizations for all they do in Missouri to promote native plants.

Grow Native!, grownative.org

Missouri Prairie Foundation, mopraire.org

Deep Roots KC, deeproots.org

Scenic & Nature Photography

Are you an amateur photographer eager to take professional-looking shots?

Discover helpful tips as you explore exposure, depth of field, and simple close-up techniques. Capture stunning images that make your friends say, “wow!”

Joe pye is easily one of my favorite plants. It has billowing pink blooms in mid to late summer, on top of showy towering stems of purple, red, or Jello salad green. Joe pye is equally a butterfly and gardener magnet.

Its versatility is a huge plus, as you can grow it in sun or shade, wet or dry. Most people find it easy to grow, though it may be a bit too easy for some, because it can spread around from seed. To keep it from spreading, gardeners often cut the seed heads off to keep it from going to seed (dead-heading). Fortunately, it’s a great foliage plant, even when it’s not in bloom, and it responds well to pruning. Because it’s a bird magnet, other gardeners keep the seedheads on for the birds to forage on.

I find the height and scale useful at the back of the flower border. Purple Joe pye (Eutrochium purpureum) tops out at about 4 to 5 feet, spotted Joe pye (Eutrochium maculatum) is 6-7, and hollow stem Joe pye (Eupatorium fistulosum) can reach a whopping 8 feet or more; jumpn’ Joe pye! Large masses of them quickly fill big spaces and reach up high to fill views out the kitchen or bathroom window.

But don’t be intimidated by their towering size. A single plant in a small garden can work well with the plants around them because it fills vertical space, like a city skyscraper. Though it’s a clump-forming plant, you may have to divide it every year or two, to limit its horizontal spread. Your friends and neighbors will love you when you show up with a grocery sack full of roots to share in late winter.

Jump’n Joe Pyes

Most cultivars are 1 to 2 feet shorter than the species, and are a bit slower to spread horizontally. They include ‘Euphoria Ruby’ (purple Joe pye), ‘Gateway’ (spotted Joe pye), and ‘Jojo’ (hollow stem Joe pye), to name a few. There are others worth considering like ‘little Joe’ (Eutrochium dubium, Coastal Plain Joe Pye), which is native in the eastern United States.

The other things I love about Joe Pye plants are that they stand straight and tall, even in shade—there is never a flopper. On top of those tall, colorful, slender stems are perched the most incredible globes of mauve or rose pink florets that transform into clouds of silver or straw-colored seedheads. Coastal Plain Joe pye has the smallest flower heads, at 6 inches wide. Purple and spotted Joe pye can be 12 inches wide, and hollow stemmed Joe pye can reach more than 15 inches across.

Horticulturist

If you’re confused by Joe pye’s scientific name(s), here is an explanation. Not too long ago, the scientific name Eupatorium, got switched to Eutrochium for all of the species that have whorled leaf arrangements. The ones with opposite leaves remain in the genus Eupatorium. Since we’re talking about leaf texture and big, bold plants, I have to mention boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatium

This opposite and hairy-leaved wetland species is overlooked because of its size, but like Joe pye, it stands out (and up) among the crowd. Most interesting are the bold, opposite, strappy leaves that fuse together at the stem (perfo-

liate), adding a significant splash of texture. Its flowers are whitish and attractive to pollinators. If you need something tall in the shade or sun, Joe pye is a plant for you. If you have a wet spot in the yard or need something tall in a sunken rain garden, Joe pye is a plant for you. If your garden is flat and in need of bold contrast, Joe pye is a plant for you. If you need a great plant to fuel monarch butterflies as they work their way south for the winter, Joe pye is a plant for you. So what are you waiting for? Grab a Joe pye and make a statement in your piece of planet Earth. I guarantee it will get noticed, possibly even from outer space. Happy gardening!

Scott Woodbury was the horticulturist at Shaw Nature Reserve for 30 years and stepped down from that position in June 2022. He continues to work on contract for Shaw Nature Reserve to carry out native landscaping education and has launched his own business called Cacalia: Native Garden Design and Wilding. Find suppliers of Joe pye and many other native species to enrich your landscaping for years to come at grownative.org.

SCOTT WOODBURY

Photos by Scott Woodbury.

Pumpkin

Peaceful

Blessing Abound • Boys Grow • Bridging The Gap • Citizens’ Climate Lobby • City of Mission - PRT • Clement Waters • Climate Action KC • Compost Collective KC • Crafted • Cromwell

Solar • Evergy • Extension Master Naturalists • GFL • Green Utopia KC • Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City • Habitat Restore • Johnson County Extension Master Naturalists • Johnson County Library • Julia Sevin • KC Can Compost • Magpie • Marais des Cygnes NWR • Missouri Prairie Foundation • Otto’s Environmental Improvements LLC • Partners in Care Dentistry • Platte Land Trust • Plug In America • Re.Use.Full • Ripple

Glass • Scraps KC • Secure e-Cycle • Sierra Club Kanza Group (KC & Eastern KS) • Stitching Change INC • Suds Refillery • Sweet Prairie Honey • The Resilient Activist • Waste Management • WaterOne •

Perennials with Staying Power

Spring brings cabin-fever-afflicted gardeners to the greenhouses in droves. Desperate for color after the long winter, many of them pass by plants without flowers in favor of irresistible springblooming perennials like false indigo, phlox, and columbine. But when you fast-forward to July and August, those blooms are a distant memory, and it’s too hot to venture outside, let alone to plant. It’s easy to understand why late-season plants are frequently overlooked, leading to lateseason gardens that can seem tired. Early autumn is an excellent time to notice the plants that look their best in late summer and see where color can be added to set the scene for cool fall days on the patio. Perennials planted in fall have time to establish roots and settle in before winter, giving them a head start for the next year.

Willowleaf sunflower (Helianthus salicifolius) is a heat-tolerant Kansas/Missouri native that blooms with sunny yellow daisies in late summer. A host plant to the silvery checkerspot butterfly and food source for songbirds, this plant grows up to 6’ tall and can spread. Gardeners with limited space can plant the compact selection called ‘Autumn Gold.’ The rounded form of this selection gives this perennial a shrub-like appearance during spring and summer, and in fall they are completely covered with golden-

yellow flowers until hard frost.

False sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) is another late-summer color powerhouse with yellow daisy-like blooms that provide songbird food. This Kansas/Missouri native can grow up to 6’ and tolerates light shade. Remove spent flowers to extend bloom season, but allow some seed to fall to encourage seedlings to grow and replace the short-lived perennial parents. Stems may be cut back by 1/3 to 1/2 in late May to reduce overall plant height while preserving fall bloom. For the smaller garden, plant the native selection

AMY ALBRIGHT Grower/Designer

Heliopsis ‘Summer Sun’, which tops out at about 2’ high and wide.

Helen’s flower (Helenium autumnale) is another fall favorite with clusters of 2” daisy-like flowers with bright yellow rays and dome-like yellow center disks on 3-5’ tall plants. Flowers appear late summer to autumn—sometimes until first frost. Mariachi™ ‘Bandera’ is a compact, 12-18” selection with brick-red blooms and bright golden halos. Frequently used by renowned landscape designer Piet Oudolf, this plant is a must-have for the late summer and fall perennial bed.

Hardy blue mist flower (Conoclinium coelestinum) is one of the best perennials for fall color and ease of care. Intense purple-blue flowers are surrounded by glossy green foliage, which turns scarlet in fall. It grows vigorously around other perennials and shrubs without crowding them out, and offers pollinators a much-needed late-season food source. Unwanted volunteers are easily removed.

Asters are the backbone of the fall garden with a wide variety of colors and heights. Kansas/Missouri natives and native selections abound, all providing pollinators with valuable nectar, and many species host pearl crescent butterfly caterpillars.

New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is the tallest, growing 5-6’ high. A showy display of violet-pink flowers in late August

lasts through frost, and height can be controlled by cutting plants back by half in mid-June.

Two recommended selections by Mt. Cuba Center are Symphyotrichum novae-angliae ‘Purple Dome’ and Symphyotrichum laeve ‘Bluebird’. Their size and compact habit make them ideal for smaller gardens, and their high-quality pollen provides good food for butterflies, bees, and other wildlife.

Dwarf New York aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii) varieties ‘Alert’ and ‘Wood’s Purple’ are eastern natives that thrive in small gardens and attract loads of butterflies and bees.

‘Snow Flurry’ Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) thrives in dry, sandy soils, producing a storm of small white flowers in late summer and early fall. The parent species is native to the northeastern United States and occurs in prairies, dry rocky woods, pastures, and railroad and roadside right-of-ways. ‘Snow Flurry’ is a prostrate cultivar of unknown origin and recommended by the Mt. Cuba Center as a valuable native selection. It makes a wonderful tumbling edge along stone walls and raised beds.

Fall is an excellent time to add perennials. However, inventory at your favorite nursery might be low this time of year. Don’t be discouraged. Simply keep a wish list handy when planning for spring planting!

Amy Albright and her husband, Doug Davison, own Vinland Valley Nursery, a full service organic nursery and greenhouse that includes a huge selection of native plants and features a U-pick flower garden, workshops and a garden shop just south of Lawrence, KS. Their team includes experienced landscapers, plant growers, and artists, including their three daughters who grew up in the business.

Willowleaf Sunflower

Aster ‘Wood’s Purple’

Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Photo courtesy of iNaturalist.

‘Autumn Gold’

‘Summer Sun’

Blue Mist Flower

‘Bluebird’

False Sunflower

‘Helen’s Flower’

New England Aster

Aster ‘Alert’

‘Mariachi Bandera’

‘Purple Dome’

‘Snow Flurry’ Heath Aster

Photo courtesy of Monrovia.

Photo courtesy of Mt. Cuba Center.

Photo courtesy of Vinland Valley Nursery.

Photo courtesy of American Meadows.

Photo courtesy of Mt. Cuba Center. Photo courtesy of Mt. Cuba Center.

Photo courtesy of Mt. Cuba Center.

Photo courtesy of Missouri Wildflower Nursery.

Photo courtesy of Vinland Valley Nursery.

Photo courtesy of US Perennials.

Photo courtesy of Rare Roots.

The Healthy Gardener Garden to Pantry: Preserving the Last of the Season

If your summer garden was successful, you may have faced a decision about what to do with all that produce. Even if your fresh garden bounty is slowing down, fall crops like apples, squash, peppers, and root vegetables are still coming in. Now is the perfect time to think about preserving the extras from your garden so that you can enjoy them all year long.

Food preservation extends the shelf life of your homegrown foods, reduces waste, and allows you to control the contents of your food. The three most common methods are canning, freezing, and dehydrating.

Canning

Always follow tested recipes exactly as written when home canning food. Only tested recipes, combined with the proper canning method, ensure that food reaches the temperatures needed to destroy botulism and other harmful bacteria.

There are two approved methods for canning foods:

• Boiling Water Bath Canning or Steam Canning – for high acid foods such as applesauce, salsa, pickles, and jams. Tested recipes in this category ensure acidity is high enough to prevent bacteria growth when jars are processed at 212°F.

• Pressure Canning – for low acid foods like green beans, carrots, meat, and soups. Pressure canning reaches 240°F,

Preserving food takes planning and practice, but it is one way that you can enjoy your harvest year round.

which is the only way to safely destroy botulism spores and store these foods at room temperature.

Tips for success:

1. Always follow tested recipes exactly as written.

2. Use quality jars and lids.

3. Allow plenty of time – canning requires focus and attention.

4. Can only what you can eat within a year, as quality declines after this point.

5. Find a class near you! MU Extension offers in-person workshops in partnership with MidContinent Public Library.

Freezing

Freezing is a simple and budget-friendly way to preserve your food. Many vegetables benefit from

MELISSA COTTON Field Specialist

blanching before freezing, while fruits may need treatments to lock in color and texture.

Tips for success:

1. Use airtight, freezer-safe bags or containers.

2. Lower your freezer by 10 degrees the day before freezing large quantities.

3. Freeze in amounts you will use in one setting to avoid repeated thawing.

Dehydration

Drying food is one of the oldest food preservation methods, and very little storage space is needed.

Tips for success:

1. Ensure food is fully dried before packaging to avoid mold growth.

2. Properly dried vegetables should be brittle; fruit should be pliable but not sticky.

USE TRUSTED RESOURCES AND TESTED RECIPES

When it comes to preservation, especially canning, following tested recipes and safe practices is essential. Outdated or unverified methods found in books, blogs, or social media may increase your risk of foodborne illness. Reliable resources include:

• Your state’s Extension programs and guide sheets, for example:

°Univ. of Missouri Extension extension.missouri.edu

°K-State Extension

ksre.k-state.edu

• United States Department of Agriculture

• The National Center for Home Food Preservation (University of Georgia)

• Ball Blue Book of Canning and Preserving

Retire recipes and information older than 2009, as safety guidelines were updated at that time.

Preserving food takes planning and practice, but it is one way that you can enjoy your harvest yearround. Start small, use tested recipes, and build your skills over time. Scan this QR code for more detailed information and step-by-step guides.

Melissa Cotton is a Field Specialist in Nutrition and Health Education with the University of Missouri Extension. She offers programming related to healthy aging, chronic disease prevention and management, and overall wellness in the Kansas City area. Email her at cottonmr@missouri.edu for more information.

The journey to Cathy and Dan Barnett’s secret garden is along a stone pathway, past the garden with David Austin roses, noticeably gorgeous and in bloom. The path curves and at the entrance is an arch with fragrant honeysuckle. And the magical view to the secret garden opens up.

At first, the garden seemed a surprising contrast to Cathy Barnett’s very public life and career as an actor. Then, I remember she has been creating magic on stage all her life. As a child, singing and dancing on a neighbor’s deck and in school productions. As an adult, in feature films and on stage. Currently, she is performing at the New Theatre and Restaurant with Barry Williams in ALONE

A Secret Garden

TOGETHER. When the holidays come around, playing Maxine in MAXINE’S CHRISTMAS CAROL at Union Station is one of her favorite roles.

As a young girl, Barnett read The Secret Garden.

Magic is always pushing and drawing and making things out of nothing. Everything is made out of magic, leaves and trees, flowers and birds, badger and foxes and squirrels and people. So it must be all around us. In this garden – in all places. (The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett, 1911)

Of course, as an adult she created a magical place at home.

The focal point of Barnett’s secret garden is a tall, narrow house that was once a display prop in an antique store. Ivy growing on the wall of the neighbor’s garage is the backdrop. One of the walls of the enclosed space is Barnett’s detached garage. Another wall is a fence screened with trees that have been kept pollarded. The shabby chic setting is home to wicker and metal furniture, much loved crystals, angels, iron work, and concrete architectural sculpture. Beloved treasures that really serve no other purpose are some of Barnett’s favorite things in her secret garden.

A favorite perennial is Honeybells hosta (Hosta x plantaginea ‘Honeybells’) since the rabbits and slugs leave it alone. A hypericum

nestled in the base of a mature Tardiva hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Tardiva’) is a favorite combination. And a concrete trough made by a neighbor is filled with garden art, annuals, and perennials.

A secret garden doesn’t have to be a large space. Just add a few plants and treasures to help slow down the pace and create a magical space in your garden. It could be an inviting nook with a bench and containers overflowing with seasonal plants. A pathway with colorful hand blown glass balls hanging from an arch. Solar tea lights on the branches of a tree. Strategically placed small trees and large shrubs can help with a sense of enclosure. Just don’t forget the treasures to bring in your own style and magic.

Spanning nearly 3 decades in the horticulture industry and public gardening community, Susan is happily retired. Married, with grown children and grandchildren, Susan and her husband love to travel and want to see the world. Or, as much of the world as is covered by their frequent flyer miles. As long as there is a garden or two included in each vacation spot, her suitcase and camera bag are packed.

SUSAN MERTZ Plantswoman

Photo by Susan Mertz.

Photo by Elle Marie Photography.

Photo by The Bold Americana.

Photo by Susan Mertz.

Mizzou Botanic Garden Lecture scheduled for November 13

Hurricane Helene ravaged the mountains of western North Carolina, including the 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate on Sept. 24, 2024. That didn’t leave much time for Bill Quade, director of Gardens and Grounds, and his crew to transform the swampy, debris-strewn mess into the magical place that guests visit during the winter holidays to experience the estate for the first time or as part of longstanding traditions. But recover, they did, and the season opened on schedule Nov. 2.

Quade is coming to Mizzou to share this story and more about maintaining the gardens and grounds surrounding the largest private home in the United States. Join Mizzou Botanic Garden for an engaging evening at 6:30 p.m. on November 13, 2025, at Bush Auditorium in Cornell Hall, University of Missouri, Columbia.

The Biltmore Estate is known for its grand holiday traditions. Under Quade’s direction, the team oversaw 50 decorated trees, 2,800 feet of garlands, 200 wreaths, and more than 45,000 lights. The incredible work of so many people help shape the holiday season for travelers and locals.

Quade started at Biltmore Estate in 1998 and in addition to “outdoor work,” Biltmore has offered him the opportunity to engage in his passion for history. “Biltmore is still privately owned. We preserve the estate and maintain it so that what the family historically intended is still there. I love it that what I’m doing now connects to its future.” The estate, which was built by the Vanderbilt family, still has traditions in the home thanks to Quade.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Bill Quade about the Biltmore and how he managed its remarkable recovery. This a free event and open to the public. (See our ad on page 5.)

Locally owned & operated by Drew & Megan Diekmann

Love Wild Birds? Leave the Leaves!

Hands blistered after raking your lawn? Consider this: people buy leaf litter for exotic reptile, amphibian, and insect enclosures. A one-gallon bag of Texas Live Oak leaf litter is currently available online for $15.99 before shipping and taxes. Another seller offers 55-60 premium magnolia leaves allegedly picked directly from the tree for $17.95, while 10 cashew leaves are going for $10.99. What the buyers of leaves know that we may not are the many benefits of leaf litter, which include providing cover, moisture, and helping sustain populations of invertebrates that serve as food for their resident animals. If leaf litter is worth purchasing for captive frogs, geckos, and giant hissing cockroaches, imagine the benefits of this organic resource in its natural setting for our native wildlife.

Wild birds could use a helping hand right now. In 2019, the journal Science reported a precipitous decline in bird populations in the United States and Canada, down roughly 30% over 50 years, and recent studies show the trend is continuing. That’s nearly three billion fewer birds now than in 1970. The number is staggering, and begs a response. While the challenge may feel overwhelming, each one of us has the power to help reverse the alarming decline in bird numbers. What can we do? In addition to following Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Seven Simple Actions to Help Birds, one thing every homeowner can do to help birds immediately takes little to no effort: stop raking and bagging leaves.

Leave the leaves? But … they’re litter, aren’t they? The word is right there in the name! According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, litter as it

refers to leaves has its origin in the Latin word lectus, which means a bed to lie upon. This definition of litter therefore has nothing to do with trash and everything to do with a place for rest and renewal. Imagine Queen Cleopatra lounging in her chamber on a warm Egyptian afternoon or being ferried outdoors upon the shoulders of four strong men. Whether resting in the palace or being transported to the Nile, her litter provides benefits. So does the leaf litter in our yards.

For us humans, the advantages of leaving the leaves are compelling. Time spent raking drops to zero or close to it. Leaf bags? Don’t need them. Gloves and rakes purchased: dramatically fewer. No more blisters, aches, and pains from raking. Less stirring up of allergens. Leaf blowers can sit the season out. And think of the hours you’ll free up! What could you do with the time and money saved?

For our yards, leaf litter is a natural slow-release fertilizer. It helps prevent erosion and can serve as mulch, keeping soil warm and thwarting the growth of weeds. Compost is improved by nutrients in the leaves themselves as well as the organisms

leaves attract. As leaf litter decomposes it helps aerate soil, increasing the availability of water to plants and animals.

How does leaf litter help birds? What we find beneath trees might more accurately be called tree litter. Twigs, fruit, nuts, and bark also drop from trees to join autumns’ leaves in providing nutrients and moisture essential for a multitude of life. Fallen leaves hide nut stashes, provide material to line nests, and offer cover throughout the year. Nuts, seeds and fruits among the fallen leaves are food for many animals. Invertebrates, insects and spiders living in leaf litter contribute to nature’s buffet for wildlife, including groundforaging birds like towhees and sparrows scratching through leaves in search of their preferred foods.

Leaf litter feeds birds directly, and indirectly as well. Leaves left in place transform rather than disappear. Small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and carnivorous insects like wolf spiders dine along with birds in the mostly dry top layer. Moist, compacted middle-layer leaves begin decomposing with help from earthworms, bacteria, tiny insects like springtails, and many fungi. The resulting nutrient-rich humus nourishes new plant life, continuing the cycle. Throughout the process, leaf litter provides shelter, food, and moisture to countless organisms which in turn improve the health of the entire ecosystem.

Have you ever wondered how insects seem to appear on the first warm day of spring? It’s no mystery: they’ve been there all along.

Eggs and larvae that survive overwintering in leaf litter become the caterpillars, insects and spiders many birds need to feed their young. Even seed-eating Northern cardinals and nectar-loving hummingbirds, for example, feed their young insects which provide higher levels of protein and fat to help them grow. Because of this feeding behavior, a ready supply of insects is especially important in the spring and summer months when nests are nurseries for a new generation of birds.

The benefits of leaving the leaves are many, as we’ve seen. What concerns might make us hesitate to skip or reduce raking? In natural habitats leaf litter is part of the system. In our cultivated yards, maybe a neighbor doesn’t want leaves blowing into their yard, or you might wonder if a layer of leaves could threaten the health of grass or gardens you’ve worked hard to maintain. The solution is almost as easy as not raking at all: gather leaves into a few piles in a little-used or hidden part of the yard. Wet them down if necessary to help keep them from blowing away. Maybe a neighbor is interested in taking some of your leaves for compost, too. If you must bag leaves, a community mulch site is much preferred to landfills, where they take up precious space and contribute to the production of methane, a greenhouse gas.

And finally, if you’re feeling nostalgic about the fun of jumping into a pile of leaves, go ahead and rake some up and play for an afternoon. After all, one benefit of fallen leaves is the pleasure we take in seeing them mark a change of seasons. When playtime is over, instead of bagging them, leave those leaves. The birds will thank you.

Theresa Enderle is a Missouri Master Naturalist (Osage Trails Chapter), BirdSafeKC surveyor, and currently serves on the Missouri River Bird Observatory’s Board of Directors. She’s passionate about protecting birds from window collisions. Her phone is filled with photos of her grandchildren, flowers, insects, plants, and animals.

THERESA ENDERLE

Master Naturalist

Fox Sparrow forages in fallen leaves

Upcoming Garden Events

CLUB

Garden Club of Shawnee

Thurs, Oct 2, 7p; at Shawnee Town 1929 Town Hall, 11600 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS. Grant recipients will tell us about the projects they used their grant money for and how their projects served to educate and beautify our community. These grants are funded by our biennial Garden Sampler Tours. As always, we’ll have snacks and door prizes. Visitors are welcome!

Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society

Sun, Oct 19, 1:30p; at 2501 NW Platte Rd, Riverside, MO 64150. Club members and all interested are invited to join us at Larry’s Nursery for a tour, discussion and purchases of cactus and succulent plants grown and sold at the nursery.

Kansas City Garden Club

Mon, Oct 6, 10a; at Ward Parkway Presbyterian Church, 7406 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 66114, park in north lot. Program is Leslie Nemitoff, Johnson County Master Gardener speaking on “Overwintering Plants: To Be or Not To Be.” Leslie is a long-time, experienced gardener growing annuals, perennials, fruit and vegetables on her 1/4 acre Gardner, KS lot with all the usual KS plant growing challenges. She is also an active board member of Kansas City Community Gardens. Visitors welcome. 913636-4956.

Leawood Garden Club

Tues, Oct 28, club meeting 10:30a, program begins at Noon; Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS 66206. Program: “The Fall Finale: Plants That Save Their Best For Last!” By Erin Busenhart. She talks about great ways to bring color and interest to your fall landscape. With 30 years of horticulture experience, Erin Busenhart is a seasoned expert in Kansas City gardening.

Leavenworth County Master Gardeners

Wed, Oct 8, 11a; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Gardening advocate and award-winning gardening expert, Kevin Nelson, will discuss Gardening as We Age - Adjusting Personal Expectations, Tools and Strategies to best meet the needs of not only the garden, but the gardener! Meeting is free. Visitors welcome. More information contact Leavenworth County Extension at 913-364-5700.

Olathe Garden & Civic Club: Meeting & Floral Design Class

Tues, Oct 21, 1-2:30p; at Grace United Methodist Church, 11485 S Ridgeview Rd, Olathe, KS 66061. **Free & Open to the Public** Join us for a special meeting featuring Kokedama and pumpkin planter design demonstrations by guest speaker Beth Gillis.

Raytown Garden Club

In Oct, A Special 75th Anniversary Celebration and Installation of our incoming officers is planned for RGC Members and their invited Guests. Open meetings will resume in Novem-

ber when our program will be a Round Table Discussion by several of our RGC members on the topic “The Hits & Misses in our 2025 Gardens.” We always welcome visitors to our open meetings. For more information please check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/RaytownGardenClub

FESTIVALS

Prairie Village Tree Board Fall Tree Seminar – “What’s Bugging My Trees?” Wed, Oct 1, 7-8:30p; at Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, Rosewood A room, 9101 Nall Ave, Prairie Village, KS 66207. The Prairie Village Tree Board is hosting its popular annual Fall Tree Seminar featuring a moderated panel of experts from the Kansas Forest Service, Johnson County Extension Master Naturalists and Arbor Masters Tree Service. This year’s topic is tree pests and diseases. Prepare for a lively discussion; bring your questions and notebooks.

Prairie Pumpkin Fest

Oct 3, 4 & 5; at Arnold’s Prairie Greenhouse & More, 1430 Hwy 58, LeRoy, KS 66857. Pumpkin Patch, Pumpkin Decorating, Hayrides and more. Follow us on Facebook. 620-964-2423

Kaw Valley Farm Tour & Harvest Party

Oct 3, 4 & 5. The Fri, Oct 3 Harvest Party marks the start of the Kaw Valley Farm Tour, which will take place on Sat, Oct 4, and Sun, Oct 5, and features 33 farms and cultural heritage sites throughout the Kaw River valley. vinlandvalleynursery.com. 785-594-2966

Haunted Forest at Vinland Valley Nursery

Sat, Oct 4, 11, 18, & 25, open until 8; at 1606 N 600 Rd, Baldwin City, KS 66006. The haunting continues the first full weekend in Oct with daytime walks during regular business hours. We stay open late on Sat nights in Oct for extraspooky nighttime exploration and surprises.

Gardening from the Ground Up

Thurs, Oct 9, 6:30p; Basehor Community Library, 1400 158th St, Basehor, KS 66007. If you are wanting to start a new flower garden or choosing to plant in an area that had previously been used as a garden, you won’t want to miss this presentation! Master Gardeners Ernie May and Sheila Bloom will be discussing planning, preparing and weighing the options for a new garden, regardless of the size. Come join others and enjoy this very informational powerpoint presentation and informal discussion. Bring your questions! The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact Leavenworth County Extension at 913-364-5700.

Fall Fest

Oct 10-11; at Paula’s Petals, 33607 E 199th St, Pleasant Hill, MO. Florist. Greenhouse. Flower farm. Join us for our first annual Fall Fest. There will be several vendors selling handmade items. Mums, bulbs and pumpkins will also be available along with so much more. Redeem your petals too. www.paulas-petals.com, call or text

for more information 816-929-0522, or visit us on Facebook.

Houseplants: What You Need to Know about, Choosing, Caring, and Overwintering Thurs, Oct 16, 7p; at Leavenworth Public Library, 417 Spruce St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. There is nothing quite so disappointing as watching a cherished houseplant slowly dying and not knowing why. If you can relate to such an experience, please bring your questions and join Master Gardener, Cara Kruid, as she discusses how to select and care for houseplants, including the process of transitioning plants from outside to indoors for the winter.” The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact the Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700.

School’s Out, Let’s Paint Pumpkins

Thurs-Fri, Oct 16-17. Vinland Valley Nursery, 1606 N 600 Rd, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Join us at the nursery when school is out to paint pumpkins, make leaf masks, and plant a Halloween terrarium. Walk in anytime Oct 16 and 17 during regular business hours. vinlandvalleynursery.com

Environmental Fair

Sat, Oct 18, 9a-noon; at Powell Community Center, 6200 Mission, KS. Free admission. Over 50 exhibitors. Come learn about ways you can help our environment. missionks.org/gogreen

Clinton, MO Wine Stroll

Sat, Oct 18. Enjoy a day of sipping and strolling through the charming Downtown Clinton Historic Square. Local businesses will host a variety of Missouri wineries and distilleries. There will also be vendors, food trucks and live music! VIP tickets are $45 with early admission at 1p and General Admission tickets will be $25 from 2 until 5p. Ticket sales start Sept 22. Watch for the Event Brite link and additional event details on the Clinton, MO Wine Stroll Facebook page.

Fall Resource Fair at the KCK Farmers Market

Sat, Oct 25, 8a-noon; at 501 Minnesota Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101. Free hot soup. Vendors. Community resources. Pumpkin painting. Mobile Library. $10 Food vouchers. Blood pressure checks.

Heartland Peony Society Sale

Sat, Nov 8, 9:30a-3p; at Asbury United Methodist Church (75th & Nall). Get ready to enhance your garden with some stunning new additions at the Heartland Peony Society biennial sale. The sale will continue until all our roots are gone, so be sure to arrive early! This year, you can grab a special variety value pack featuring three distinct peonies. We’ll also have a wide selection of rare, hard-to-find colors and a wonderful collection of both Herbaceous and Intersectional varieties.

Mizzou Botanic Garden Lecture Thurs, Nov 13, 6:30p; at Cornell Hall, Bush

Auditorium, 700 Tiger Ave, Columbia, MO. Mizzou will be hosting a lecture featuring Bill Quade, Director of Gardens and Grounds and will be speaking about the miraculous recovery of the Biltmore Estate following Hurricane Helene. He will also be discussing what it takes to maintain the grounds of the largest private home in the United States. The lecture is free and open to the public. Questions, contact Karlan Seville, 573-882-3290.

CLASSES

Pull Out Your Comforters and Blankets and Let’s Put Your Garden to Bed

Thurs, Oct 2, 11:30a; at the Sunflower Room of the Extension Office, 1208 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Jean Tinberg, Wy Co EMG, who has been gardening most of her life, will provide a complete step-by-step presentation on preparing your garden for a long winter nap. Her home gardens are certified with both local and national Monarch Watch. She has been a certified extension master gardener since 2020. Sponsored by the Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners. Pre-registration is not required. A $10 class fee, payable by cash or check, collected at the door. Questions? Call 913-299-9300.

Planting & Forcing Bulbs

Sat, Oct 11, 1p; at Vinland Valley Nursery, 1606 N 600 Rd, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Learn all about fall planted bulbs. We will take a trip out to one of the VVN flower beds for a lesson in how to plant bulbs in the ground, then return to the workshop to learn how to force bulbs in pots. You will leave with the knowledge you need to plant bulbs confidently plus your own potted tulip or narcissus bulb prepared for forcing. $40 per person. Register online at vinlandvalleynursery.com.

Walnut Ink Making

Sat, Oct 11, 1p; at Vinland Valley Nursery, 1606 N 600 Rd, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Learn how to make walnut ink for calligraphy or fine art. Together we will forage for walnuts, then gather in the workshop to go through the process of making ink step-by-step. You will leave with a jar of walnut ink and all the info you need to make your own at home. $25 per person. Register online at vinlandvalleynursery.com.

Seed Saving

Sat, Oct 18, 1p; at Vinland Valley Nursery, 1606 N 600 Rd, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Learn the basics of annual and perennial seed saving this fall! VVN staff will lead you through the process step by step–locating seeds on plants, harvesting, processing, and storing. You will leave with the knowledge you need to harvest seeds from many perennial and annual plants, plus three packs of seeds that you have processed yourself. $35/person. Register online at vinlandvalleynursery.com.

List garden events for FREE! Send details to elizabeth@kcgmag.com Deadline for the November issue is October 10.

GARDEN CALENDAR

October list of what to do in the garden.

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 the 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 leaf debris will not cover the surface.

FLOWERS

• Plant tulips, daffodils, and other spring flowering bulbs.

• Clean up faded annuals.

• Trim perennial stems to tidy garden and keep diseases and 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.

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 them from rabbits.

• Rake leaves and compost or use as garden mulch.

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

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 them for 1-2 weeks in a warm location, then store them 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 diseases next spring.

• Make notes of successes and failures.

• Test soil and make improvements.

HOUSEPLANTS

• Begin long night treatments for poinsettia re-blooming.

• Check plants for insects and treat them as needed.

• Wash dust from leaves by placing them 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.

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

Winterizing roses is a very important step for maintaining healthy roses. Here are some easy guidelines to successfully protect roses going into our Midwest winters.

Fertilization—The last application of fertilizer should have been given by the end of August.

Spraying—If you spray your roses for insects and disease then continue spraying throughout October. Many insects and diseases are still affecting roses in the fall, and the foliage should be healthy going into the winter.

Pruning—You should have

October Rose Report

stopped deadheading roses in MidSeptember. This allows the rose to stop producing blooms and concentrate on producing rose hips which will slow down overall growth and signal that it is time to begin dormancy.

Pruning roses back to 2 ½ feet in late October keeps the canes from whipping in the winter wind and makes spring clean-up easier. Climbing roses should be tied to a structure and no pruning is required.

Sanitation—Clean all the diseased and dead leaves out of the rose beds. Also remove any diseased leaves from the roses. The diseased leaves carry spores that can over-

JUDY PENNER Rose Garden Consultant

Hotlines for Gardeners

Extension Master Gardeners are ready to answer all your gardening questions.

CASS COUNTY

816-380-8194; Wed, 9am-noon; casscomg@gmail.com

DOUGLAS COUNTY

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

GREATER KANSAS CITY MISSOURI AREA

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

JOHNSON COUNTY, KS

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

JOHNSON COUNTY, MO

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

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY

winter and infect the new growth in the spring.

Mulching—The end of October to mid-November is a good time frame for mulching roses. Place 6-8 inches of compost at the base of the rose to protect the bud union of grafted roses from freezing temperatures. Mulch all roses including climbers.

Watering—Continue watering in October if rain is sparse, to provide one inch of water a week.

Remember—In the spring when planting roses, it is best to plant the bud union of grafted roses 2 inches below the soil surface. This gives the

rose extra winter protection. Remember to stop and smell the roses! Roses in the Laura Conyers Smith Memorial Rose Garden will continue to bloom until a hard freeze, so come visit and enjoy the last of the season’s blooms. Information on all aspects of rose care can be found at www. KansasCityRoseSociety.org under the Grow Roses tab. Ask rose questions by clicking on Ask an Expert on the webpage, or email our Consulting Rosarians at RoseHelp@KCRoseSociety.org. Follow us at Kansas City Rose Society on Facebook or @kansascityrosesociety on Instagram.

Judy Penner is an American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian and Professional Rosarian since 1987. She has a Rose Garden Consulting business and can be contacted at judyssecretgardens@gmail.com.

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

MIAMI COUNTY & LINN COUNTY

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

WYANDOTTE COUNTY

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

QUESTIONS ABOUT ROSES?

Ask a Rosarian; rosehelp@kcrosesociety.org; www.kansascityrosesociety.org

For convenient mail delivery, complete the form below and send with your check for $38.00. You will receive a one-year subscription.

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

Fall Fest Suburban

Every Saturday & Sunday in October! 11-3pm

While dreaming up your fall garden, stick around for free activities* the whole family will love — it’s fall fun you won’t want to miss!

Visit suburbanlg.com/fallfest for more info.

*Activities subject to location

Fresh Fall Blooms

Now haunting the aisles

Spooky

Decor

We have a spirited variety of spooky Halloween decor ready to outfit your haunt, inside and out.

Transition your landscape into fall with a wide selection of vibrant ornamental vegetables, mums, pansies and other cool-weather loving annuals.