KCG Sep26 issue

The Kansas City

GARDENER September 2026 | kcgmag.com

Heliopsis Butterfly Senses The Healthy Gardener Rose of Sharon Night Blooming Garden

editor’s notes

The Kansas City

GARDENER Independently owned and operated since 1996 PUBLISHER Michael Cavanaugh EDITOR Elizabeth Cavanaugh CONTRIBUTORS Natalie Carmolli Melissa Cotton Markis Hill Jesse Kirk Lenora Larson Anthony Reardon Corinda Stallbaumer Janie Watts Anne Wildeboor DISTRIBUTION Publishers Delivery Solutions, Inc. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISTRIBUTE the magazine at your place of business, please contact Mike Cavanaugh at mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 NEED MORE MAGAZINES? mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 CONTACT US P.O. Box 8725 Prairie Village, KS 66208 913-648-4728 ADVERTISING Mike Cavanaugh at mike@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728

Autumn arrives

I

t is a late summer morning, and with a cup of coffee, I wander to the screened gazebo situated in the backyard. Surrounded by tall evergreens and mature shrubs—a sanctuary of sorts—it’s an ideal location to ease into the day. Not far behind is Louie my ginger cat who joins me to watch backyard wildlife.

The mourning doves are at the bird feeder, a female cardinal sits atop the shepherds hook, a lone hummingbird visits lantana, and a Monarch butterfly quickly flutters through the garden. There are a couple of blue jays screaming about who knows what, while the cicadas turn up the volume on their summer song. Hmm, I thought this was going to be a more peaceful experience.

Nonetheless, a variety of backyard birds take turns at the feeder creating a birdwatcher’s dream scene, for human and feline.

As the cicadas and blue jays take a breather, there is a familiar sound off in the distance. Ah yes, that’s the sound of the high school marching band practicing new formations and learning new music for the upcoming school year. Memories rush in

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trees and shrubs offer one more performance—a color palette of golden yellow, burnt orange, cinnamon red, and every shade of brown.

Celebrate fall’s arrival. Let’s take another opportunity to dance in the garden. Gather neighbors and friends for a little social time. You’ll be glad you did.

I’ll see you in the garden!

In this issue

QUESTIONS ABOUT EDITORIAL AND SUBSCRIPTIONS Elizabeth Cavanaugh elizabeth@kcgmag.com 913-648-4728 HOW TO SUBSCRIBE See details on page 23.

… back to school, packing lunches, early morning practice, late night homework, buzzing carpool … those were busy, fun-filled days, with a little angst sprinkled in.

I suppose that phrase is applicable to gardening as well. Busy, fun-filled days, with a little angst sprinkled in. Mr. Gardener and I have endured little angst about the garden this summer. Other than a few boxwood shrubs that didn’t survive the March weather event, our complaints have been minimal.

Even rain amounts have been up to par. And all the little native plants added this season have needed minimal supplemental water.

As much as I previously have described my affection for the summer season, I must admit that the promise of fall brings a smile. The cicada summer song fades, and the angle of the sun allows a new spot in the living room where sunlight lingers for Louie. The lightning bugs have disappeared and the crickets quiet. Gradually, temperatures will dip cooler signaling a significant shift in the landscape. Then comes the autumn color leaf parade, where

September 2026 | kcgmag.com 4 6 8 10 12 14

Ask the Experts Butterfly Senses The Healthy Gardener Rose of Sharon Heliopsis Yellow canopy, early fall color?

16 18 20 21 22 23

Night Blooming Garden Rose Report Hasta Luego Monarchs Upcoming Garden Events Garden Calendar Plant Geek Saturday

About the cover: Heliopsis ‘Tuscan Gold’ is a bright blooming garden staple that continues to shine through fall. Read the complete plant profile starting on page 12.

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September 2026 | kcgmag.com

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The Kansas City Gardener | September 2026

3

IT’S STILL HOT—WHY IS MY TREE CHANGING COLOR Question: My tree has already started turning colors, like it is fall.

I thought this was supposed to happen when temperatures get cold.

Why is it turning now?

Markis’ Answer: There could be two reasons for this early color change. One reason for this physiological response is that your tree or plant is under extreme stress. This could be from high temperatures, intense sunlight, lack of water, or too much water. Highly stressed plants are often more susceptible to diseases and pest feeding. This stress will compound in the plant as more years pass, until it has completely depleted its stored energy reserves and dies.

Another reason your tree or plant could be turning colors is from herbicide drift. Herbicide drift symptoms take many forms depending on the chemical, concentration, and the quantity of the drift. Other than the deformities of leaf and stem material, plants can also turn colors.

Herbicide drift from ALS Inhibitors can cause foliage to turn yellow, red, pink, or purple. They destroy the chlorophyll in the cells, only leaving behind the carotenoids and anthocyanins that give leaves their fall color.

VEGETABLE GARDEN OPTIONS Question: With fall vegetable gardening upon us, I’m wondering if there are any plants that I can plant now to leave in the ground and harvest throughout the winter.

Is this possible?

Anthony’s Answer: Cleaning out plant debris in vegetable beds at the end of autumn is important. Doing so, gardeners not only get a head

Photos by Markis Hill.

Ask the Experts

Dogwood with herbicide damage

Turnips

Aster

start on next year but also remove overwintering sites for insect infestations and plant diseases that could impact the next growing season. Exposed to the cold winter elements, their populations or presence are likely to be significantly lowered.

However, if your garden has not observed significant infestations this year, a fall eradication step may not be necessary. Instead, you could consider keeping some crops in the garden that are likely to hold through winter. These can include carrots, kale, cabbage, turnips, green onions, spinach, and leeks. Just note that, now in September, you may not have enough growing season left to get some of these plants to a harvestable state if you do not already have them in the ground and growing. Sowing long-developing crops at this time is not recommended.

Rather, if you’ve waited too long into the month to plant and already have some growing, you could consider staggering their harvest into winter.

Just note, if a particularly harsh deep freeze comes through, they may succumb to the environment

regardless. In that case, instead of a harvest, you will have organic matter and nutrients for your soil.

feed those late-season pollinators.

They went to seed, and now I have them all over in places I didn’t want them. What should I do?

Markis’ Answer: Remove them. It is important to have some food source for pollinators late in the growing season. However, your flower bed is still yours to control.

When we think of native spaces, we picture a diverse prairie that seems to live in harmony. But that is far from the truth. These plants have adapted to compete with other aggressive plants for resources.

One of these adaptations is to seed in abundance. This increases the likelihood that the next generation will grow and continue the genetic line.

With these aggressive adaptations, we will need to serve as the referees in these spaces. That means cutting back anything that gets too tall or lies on top of other plants.

It means pulling out plants that are escaping containment. And it also means deadheading, or reducing seed heads, at the end of the season.

Remember to leave some stems for nesting bees.

COLD FRAME CONSTRUCTED, NOW WHAT Question: I’ve decided that this is the year I’m using a cold frame for my raised bed! I’ve built the old windows into a box structure, but now I’m questioning how to work with it. Any tips?

Anthony’s Answer: With your cold frame already built and installed, the hardest part is behind you! Remember that cold frames are entirely dependent on the environment. On chilly days, they’re your best friend. On abnormally warm days, they’ll cook your whole garden in hours. Stay diligent in monitoring the weather, opening and closing the cold frame as needed, and not forgetting about airflow, and you’ll be in good shape. Warm winter days need ventilation too!

OH NO, BABY ASTERS EVERYWHERE Question: I left an aster plant in my garden bed last year to help

MARKIS HILL | Horticulture Agents | ANTHONY REARDON Markis Hill and Anthony Reardon are the horticulture agents for K-State Extension Johnson County, each specializing in ornamentals and edible crops, respectively. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.k-state. edu, or call our Garden Hotline at 913-715-7050.

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September 2026 | kcgmag.com

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The Kansas City Gardener | September 2026

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Photos by Lenora Larson.

Each Gray Hairstreak antenna has over 16,000 olfactory sensors for smelling host plants and pheromones. The multi-tasking antennae are also navigational tools since they contain a circadian clock, use the sun as a compass, and sense the earth’s magnetic field.

This Pipevine Swallowtail caterpillar tastes and smells chemicals with minute hairs scattered across its body, and passes this knowledge on to the adult butterfly during metamorphosis.

The Painted Lady’s compound eye contains over 10,000 individual eyes that allow it to see 360 degrees without turning its head. It is actually tasting the flower with its feet rather than with its tongue.

Butterfly Senses

Perception is Reality Since other organisms may have very different senses from humans, they may experience the world quite differently from us. An unbiased human could conclude that a butterfly’s perceptions of their environment are more “true” than a human’s since they have many senses that we lack. And their perceptions consist of molecular objectivity rather than including subjective opinions.

Sight Have you ever tried to sneak up on a butterfly? Adult butterflies have protruding compound eyes with 360-degree range of vision, which means that they can simultaneously see and react to objects coming from in-front, above, below, behind, and both sides. And their little brains can process up to 34,000 visual images simultaneously. Unlike humans, butterflies can see polarized light and the full spectrum of visible light from infra-red to ultra-violet.

However, objects appear as mosaics because they can’t focus their thou-

sands of individual eyes (ommatidia) to create a single image. Beyond 10 or 12 feet, the near-sighted butterflies see only a gray blur, so wise butterfly gardeners place nectar-rich flowers in large blocks rather than as individual dots of color.

Odors, Taste, and Sounds While humans rely primarily on vision, odor detection dominates the insect world. Even as caterpillars, butterflies constantly sense aromas via olfactory receptors on specialized hairs scattered over their little bodies. Memories of these host plant and predator aromas persist through metamorphosis to be used by the adult butterfly. A keen sense of smell is also necessary for reproduction as species-specific aromas (pheromones) are emitted by males to attract and arouse the ladies. In addition, adult butterflies use olfactory receptors on their antennae to find their host plants by smell. When plants breathe, they emit their specific plant molecules into the atmosphere. For example, when a female monarch’s antennae

LENORA LARSON Butterfly Maven 6

September 2026 | kcgmag.com

detect milkweed molecules floating in the air, she follows them to the source such as a common milkweed plant in order to lay her eggs. Surprisingly, males also search for their host plants, but it’s to establish territories around the plants that are sure to attract their species’ ladies. Before laying eggs, a female confirms the host plant’s identity by taste with chemical receptors on her feet. If the plant molecule and her chemical receptors do not lock together, her body will not release the eggs.

Butterflies have excellent hearing with sounds being detected by an eardrum-like organ on each forewing. They are warned of approaching predators by low frequency sounds like the beating of a bird’s wings or the crunch of approaching footsteps. However, since butterflies are nectar generalists, they do not focus on specific floral colors, aromas or tastes.

Time and Place Many species of flowers bloom and/or release nectar only at a spe-

cific time of day. Butterflies have circadian clocks in both their brain and antennae to sense and remember that time for efficient flower visitations. Butterflies can remember the optimal time for each flower they visit and even sense and remember the duration of time necessary before returning to a flower that has refilled its nectaries! For direction, they use the sun as a compass. For location, even non-migratory species of butterflies can detect and navigate by the earth’s magnetic field as though they have a built-in GPS. Summary Butterflies see with compound eyes, hear with their wings, smell with their antennae, and taste with their feet. And their sensory capabilities are managed with a pinhead-size brain. They have many senses that humans lack such as seeing polarized, ultra violet and infra-red light, and detecting the earth’s magnetic field. Conversely, the only human sense that butterflies lack is a sense of humor!

Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardener, Idalia Butterfly Society and Kansas Native Plant Society member, Lenora Larson gardens and hosts butterflies in the cruel winds and clay soil of Paola, Kansas. She may be contacted at lenora.longlips@gmail.com.

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The Kansas City Gardener | September 2026

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The Healthy Gardener

Getting in the Zone: Finding Your Flow in the Garden

S

ummer often brings a change in routine. Many of us spend more time outside gardening, swimming, tackling projects, or enjoying time with family and friends.

When we do activities that we really enjoy, we sometimes find ourselves in a state called “flow.”

Flow, sometimes called “being in the zone,” was first researched by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in the 1970s. Flow occurs when we become fully focused on what we are doing. We are most likely to experience it when an activity is enjoyable and slightly challenging.

When people are in a flow state, they may lose track of time, feel highly focused, and stay fully present in the moment.

Research shows that flow can benefit our mental and physical wellbeing. It may help improve mood, reduce stress, and increase feelings of joy and energy. It can also help us build skills and feel more connected to what we are doing.

As you read this, think about a time you experienced flow. What were you doing? How did you feel?

Gardening is one activity that naturally helps many people enter this state. When we garden, we use many of our senses at once. We feel the soil, smell the plants, hear the birds and the wind, and watch the earth change around us. Gardening can help us slow down, focus on the present moment, and feel connected to nature.

However, when we become deeply focused on gardening or any

other activity, it also can be easy to overdo it. Have you ever lost track of time while pulling weeds, planting flowers, or working on an outdoor project? Sometimes, before we know it, hours have passed, and we may have forgotten to drink water, eat a snack, or reapply sunscreen.

Some people naturally push themselves too hard, while others may need motivation to get started.

And there are plenty in between. No matter which group we fall into, pacing ourselves is important.

MELISSA COTTON Field Specialist 8

September 2026 | kcgmag.com

Try setting small goals and taking regular breaks to check in with your body. If you often lose track of time, consider setting an alarm to remind you to rest, drink water, or cool off in the shade. During hot summer months, it is especially important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from too much sun exposure. Paying attention to signs of fatigue, dizziness, or overheating can help prevent more serious health problems.

Here are a few simple ways to stay safe and avoid burnout while

gardening: • Working during cooler hours • Wearing a hat • Taking stretch breaks • Alternating heavy and light tasks • Sitting while weeding • Taking shade breaks Like many things in life, gardening is healthiest when we find balance. Taking care of ourselves while doing what we love helps us continue enjoying gardening for years to come.

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.

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The Kansas City Gardener | September 2026

9

Paraplu Pink Ink

Paraplu Violet

Paraplu Pure White

Paraplu Red

A guide to selecting, planting, and growing Rose of Sharon

I

f your summers are long, hot, and occasionally dry, Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) might already be your favorite shrub. And if it’s not, it should be. Also known as althea, this hardy hibiscus cranks out big, tropical-looking blooms on a plant that laughs off heat, drought, and hungry deer. When everything else in the yard is wilting through August, Rose of Sharon is just getting warmed up.

Selecting the right Rose of Sharon Not all Rose of Sharon are created equal, so it pays to know what to look for. First, consider habit.

Older varieties tend to grow lumpy and unruly, so seek out newer selections bred for a tidier, more elegant shape—ideally one that grows taller than wide so it fits into borders and hedges without sprawling. Second,

look at flower color. Newer varieties have moved past the muddy tones of older cultivars, toward more saturated hues. Third, think about flower size. Bigger blooms mean more impact, and more nectar traffic from hummingbirds and butterflies.

The Paraplu® series from Proven Winners® ColorChoice® checks all three boxes. Selected specifically for colorful, oversized flowers on refined, taller-than-wide habits, these beauties offer a bloom for nearly every palette. Paraplu Red® is the closest to red the species has ever come. Paraplu Violet® blooms in a purple-blue that practically glows, Paraplu Pink Ink® pairs white petals with a dark pink tie-dyed center, and Paraplu® Pure White lights up evening gardens after sundown.

Planting for success Rose of Sharon asks for two

NATALIE CARMOLLI Shrub Expert 10

September 2026 | kcgmag.com

things: full sun and well-drained soil. Give it at least six hours of direct sunlight a day and it will reward you with nonstop blooms. It isn’t fussy about soil type or pH, and it handles clay better than most flowering shrubs, welcome news for gardeners dealing with heavy ground.

Planting is simple. Dig a hole wider than the container and just as deep, set the shrub so the top of the root ball sits level with the soil, backfill, and water thoroughly.

Spring and fall are both fine times to plant. Finish with a layer of mulch to hold moisture and keep roots cooler through those scorching afternoons.

Growing and care Water regularly during the first year while roots establish. After that, Rose of Sharon is remarkably drought tolerant and seldom needs supplemental water. A dose of bal-

anced fertilizer each spring keeps blooms coming strong.

Here’s the best part: no pruning required. Rose of Sharon maintain their elegant shape naturally. There’s no deadheading, no babying, no drama. Just weeks and weeks of fun and fabulous hibiscus flowers feeding the pollinators while you sip something cold in the shade.

Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, Rose of Sharon thrives in winters that bring chilling cold or barely a frost.

Look for Paraplu and other Proven Winners ColorChoice Rose of Sharon in the distinctive white container at your local garden center, and get ready for the toughest tropical show in town.

Scan the QR code here to find the perfect Rose of Sharon for your garden.

Natalie is rooted in horticulture, having worked in the family floral business until college, where she earned her degree in fine and theatrical arts. Now, an avid gardener, writer, and public speaker for Spring Meadow Nursery, Natalie delights in sharing her expertise and enthusiasm about the art of gardening, using Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs.

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11

Heliopsis

a plant profile

A

North American native prairie plant, Heliopsis helianthoides, thrives in heat, drought, and even heavy clay soils, making it an excellent choice for tough garden situations.

Common names for this herbaceous perennial in the aster family are False Sunflower and Oxeye Sunflower.

It grows easily in dry areas, edges of woods, roadsides, railroads, fields, and waste places; also in prairies, thickets, and open woodlands.

If chosen for the home landscape, gardeners will find that Heliopsis is not fussy. It fits effortlessly into a wide range of landscape designs while attracting a steady stream of pollinators.

Heliopsis can be grown in either full sun or part shade, but it performs much better in full sun. Growth will be strongest in soil with average fertility and moisture. No serious insect or disease problems.

A long known great garden plant with good manners and a long flowering season, also makes a great cut flower. An application of fertilizer or compost on garden beds and regular fertilization of plants in pots will help ensure the best possible performance.

Deadheading spent flower heads will extend the flowering time and prevent self-seeding, however it is not strictly necessary for a long bloom season.

Winter mulch can reduce heaving that can occur with perennials from the freeze/thaw cycles of winter.

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September 2026 | kcgmag.com

low flowers have multiple layers of overlapping petals. Mounded.

‘Rays for Days’ New in garden centers this year.

Large, fully double flowers are golden yellow. Tall stems and a Zinnialike appearance make them a perfect cut flower selection. Excellent heat and drought tolerance.

‘Forged in Fire’

Coming to garden centers next year.

Rays for Days Heliopsis helianthoides The true native grows 2 to 4 feet tall, spaced 18 to 30 inches apart, golden yellow blooms June through September.

‘Touch of Blush’ 18-20 inches tall, greenish-white leaves with dark green veins, new foliage has pink tinges, golden yellow flowers.

‘Tuscan Sun’ Compact, up to 18 inches, bright golden yellow flowers, orange gold center, disease resistant, good for containers.

‘Tuscan Gold’ Forms compact, upright habit with dark green leaves, grows to 24 to 32 inches tall.

‘Bleeding Hearts’ Black stems, deep green leaves with bronze highlights, new flowers emerge intense orange red and mature to golden orange with red centers, taller plant suitable for middle or back of the garden.

‘Bit of Honey’ Grows to 2 feet tall, 3-3½” wide flowers are fully semi-double with multiple rows of golden yellow petals surrounding gold cones, greenish-white leaves with deep green veining, more compact than ‘Tuscan Gold’ and ‘Tuscan Sun.’ ‘Touch of Blush’ Pink tones that appears on new foliage, accenting nicely with the bright white variegation. Grows 18 to 20 inches tall. Semi double yel-

Semi-double blooms with dark burgundy-to-orange eyes, mildewresistant foliage, and a dense, upright habit. Its striking color shift and pollinator-friendly form add bold texture to gardens. 32-36 inches tall.

At a Glance

Zones: 4-9 Plant Type: Perennial Light Requirement: Part Sun to Sun Bloom Time: Summer, Fall Water: Average Soil: Average Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Birds Maintenance: Easy Uses: Border, Cut Flower, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point, Container

Heliopsis helianthoides

Bit of Honey

Bleeding Hearts

All photos courtesy of Proven Winners, except the one above labeled Heliopsis helianthoides courtesy of Missouri Wildflowers Nursery.

Tuscan Sun

Touch of Blush

Tuscan Gold

Forged in Fire The Kansas City Gardener | September 2026

13

Yellow canopy, early fall color; What’s going on?

A

lmost daily I get called out to look at pin oaks or maples with thinning canopies, reduced growth and off colored foliage. Immediately I know I’m going to be looking for a couple of common culprits.

Iron chlorosis is especially common in pin oaks and river birch growing throughout the region. Our soil usually contains adequate iron.

The problem is that much of the Kansas City area has naturally alkaline soils with a high pH. As soil pH increases, iron becomes chemically bound within the soil and is no longer available for uptake by tree roots.

Without enough available iron, trees cannot produce chlorophyll efficiently. The result is the classic symptom of interveinal chlorosis, where the leaf tissue turns yellow while the veins remain green. As the condition progresses, annual growth slows, leaves become smaller, and branches may begin to die back.

Many homeowners ask whether they can simply lower the soil pH. While that is technically possible in a garden bed or vegetable plot, it is generally impractical to permanently change the chemistry of the large volume of native soil occupied by an established shade tree. For mature landscape trees, trunk injection of chelated iron has become the standard, delivering iron directly into the tree’s vascular system where it will be available to developing foliage.

Because the underlying soil chemistry remains unchanged, iron

injections should be viewed as a long-term management practice rather than a permanent cure. In my experience, a fall application of chelated iron typically provides three to five years of improved canopy color and vigor before retreatment may be necessary. For many mature pin oaks, this is a practical and effective way to maintain tree health and appearance without attempting to alter the chemistry of the surrounding native soil.

While chlorosis is one of the most common causes of canopy decline in pin oaks, it is certainly not the only one.

Trees often reveal their symptoms in the canopy, but the cause frequently lies below ground.

JESSE KIRK Master Arborist 14

September 2026 | kcgmag.com

One of the first places I look when a tree exhibits thinning foliage, reduced growth, branch dieback, or unusually early fall color is the root flare. Root defects, soil compaction, and construction damage can all limit a tree’s ability to move water and nutrients, producing symptoms that are easily mistaken for nutrient deficiencies.

One of the most common root problems begins at planting.

Trees installed too deeply or repeatedly covered with excessive mulch often develop roots above the natural root flare. Because these upper layers of soil provide better oxygen exchange, moisture, and readily available nutrients, new roots begin growing where resources are op-

timal. As both the trunk and these misplaced roots increase in diameter, they begin pressing against one another. Eventually, the roots constrict the tree’s vascular tissue, restricting the movement of water and carbohydrates between the roots and canopy. This condition, known as stem girdling roots, often develops slowly over many years before symptoms become obvious.

Fortunately, these problems are much easier to correct while a tree is still young.

If a recently planted tree has been installed too deeply, the correction is often straightforward. Carefully excavate the soil around the base of the trunk until you locate the first major buttress roots. If you discover small roots circling the trunk or crossing over other roots, they can often be removed with nothing more than a hammer and sharp chisel before they have an opportunity to enlarge and become problematic.

As trees mature, correction becomes more difficult. Using an AirSpade, arborists can safely excavate soil away from the base of the tree using compressed air without damaging healthy roots. This exposes the buried root flare and allows the root system to be inspected for stem girdling roots, planting defects, and other root issues that would otherwise remain hidden beneath the soil surface.

As we move into late summer and fall, now is an excellent time to evaluate the health of your landscape trees. Iron injections performed in

Jesse Kirk is District Manager for Wellnitz Tree Care and a Registered Consulting Arborist and ISA Board Certified Master Arborist. A graduate of Kansas State University, he specializes in professional tree management, plant health care, and arboricultural consulting. Email him at Jkirk@wellnitztreecare.com or call 913-350-0050.

late fall allow the tree to utilize the treatment as growth resumes the following spring. Likewise, corrective AirSpade work is often best completed after the hottest part of the summer has passed, reducing stress associated with root pruning while allowing the tree to recover during cooler weather.

If your tree is showing signs of decline this fall, ask yourself a few questions: • Does the trunk widen naturally at grade, or does it disappear into the soil like a telephone pole?

• Has there been trenching, grading, or construction nearby in

the last decade?

• Is the canopy becoming yellower, thinner or developing fall color earlier than similar trees nearby?

The answers to these questions can provide valuable clues about what’s happening below ground and help determine the most appropriate course of action.

Healthy trees don’t happen by accident. They result from understanding how trees grow, recognizing problems early, and making informed management decisions before small issues become major ones.

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Greater Kansas City Dahlia Society announces 2026 show schedule: Aug. 21-22 Missouri State Fair • Sept. 4-5 Powell Gardens Oct. 2-3 Suburban Lawn & Garden (135th & Wornall Rd, KCMO) For more information on shows or regular meetings held at the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Center, visit our website www.kcdahlia.org; Or email: greaterkcdahlia@gmail.com.

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816-483-0908 | missouriorganic.com The Kansas City Gardener | September 2026

15

Night Blooming Garden

plants to appreciate when the sun goes down

S

eptember can be a beautiful time in Kansas City. The days are still warm but nights are usually a little cooler and very pleasant. Sitting out on your patio, with a beverage of choice, enjoying the quiet and the beauty of all your hard work in the garden. You might be wondering how to enjoy the garden in the dark? That’s where picking plants for a night blooming garden comes into play. When selecting plants for night time interest I think of anything really with a white or light colored bloom or leaf.

What will the moonlight illuminate or bring brightness to in the dark?

White, silver, pale yellow, even pale pink can work. What plants only bloom in the dark? In addition, anything that has a fragrance that I can enjoy while sitting near it is a bonus.

Here are a few of my favorites for you to try.

The Moonflower (Ipomoea alba) is the most obvious choice to start with. A member of the morning glory family. I would definitely characterize it as a vine, sometimes growing six to ten feet in a season.

So a trellis or cage is essential for it to climb on. It has large, round flat white flowers, around four to six inches in diameter. They open once the sun goes down and close when the sun hits them in the morning. A major bonus is its lovely fragrance perfumes the night air.

Nicotiana alata or the Jasmine Flowering Tobacco is a large plant that needs a good amount of space.

Getting three to four feet tall and two feet wide in a season of growth.

The leaves are large and oblong but

Moonflower

Nicotiana alata

Heliotrope

Caladium Moonlight

Cleome

Angel’s Trumpet

the blooms are airy white trumpets that dance gracefully. They too have a sweet fragrance and are a favorite of moths who enjoy their nectar in the night. The Tobacco Hornworm or Tomato Hornworm feeds on Nicotiana, forms its cocoon and be-

comes the Sphinx Moth. Nicotiana sylvestris or the Woodland Tobacco is an even larger species. Great for the back of the border tucked in between other large plants. Same delicate, tubular white flowers.

Heliotrope is one of my favorites

for herb garden containers. It has a sublime sweet, almond scent that is just spectacular. I have had better luck with it in containers than in the ground. It wants to dry out between waterings, so well-drained soil, not bone dry. There are purple, lavender

ANNE WILDEBOOR Horticulturist 16

September 2026 | kcgmag.com

Anne Wildeboor, is long-time horticulturist at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. She loves sharing her passion for plants with the public and working alongside dedicated staff and volunteers.

and white varieties. For the glow in the moonlight, try the white variety.

By happy accident this year I had to sub a caladium that was out of stock. I was looking for a white variety to go in a shady area by the old visitors center. I opted for ‘Moonlight’, thinking the name sounded like it would fit the bill. Boy did it, it is stunning in the shade. Truly, its large, all-white leaves just glow. The leaves are not as thick as normal caladiums, which makes them almost translucent when the light hits them.

They would be spectacular in a night garden with the moonlight hitting them.

Cleome hassleriana or Spider Flower is an exotic looking annual that self sows and can make a return in subsequent years. I do enjoy the exotic, large fireworks blooms. I don’t always enjoy where they seed themselves, the sticky leaves or the little pokey thorns. They do have a place in certain gardens, and the white ones especially a place in the night blooming garden. I would just

make sure the plant fits your space and theme. Also remembering any plant not in its intended place is a weed and can go.

The Angel’s Trumpet or Jimonsweed (Datura) is a large, almost shrub-like plant in form. Datura wrightii has six- to eight-inch white trumpet shaped blossoms that open at night. They are dramatic and gorgeous. They also have a lovely sweet fragrance. All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. So use caution if that is a concern for you.

They are great plants for full sun, in the corner of the landscape. They almost can create a little bookend to beds, softening corners or tapering lines.

I challenge you to think about your garden spaces in all types of light. The bright afternoon sun or the light of the moon. You should make your garden spaces functional for all of your needs. For those late summer nights on the deck or porch, your garden can still bring you beauty and joy.

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The Kansas City Gardener | September 2026

17

Rose Report pruning vs grooming, events, and resources

I

t’s September and hopefully the weather will become more bearable! This long hot summer has been really hard on our roses. While the roses love the heat, they require a lot more care, especially water, since they are very thirsty plants. Also, the nasty bugs seem to do better in long hot summers. But don’t despair, the roses will come back if you pamper them a little.

While reading an article by Howard Walter (Rosarian Ramblings), about the difference between pruning and grooming for fall blooms, he makes this statement. “It’s mostly a matter of degree. Pruning generally means more severe cutting back of rose canes; grooming is commonly accepted as removal of twiggy growth and trimming back to healthy bud eyes.” His recommendation was “In the fall GROOM bushes so that the strength and vigor of the plant can be concentrated for good bloom production.” When learning from my mentor, Charlie Anctil, he always groomed as well as pruned.

He told me to “look at the bush and make it as pretty as it can be.”

So, this is the time of our season to prepare the bushes for the fall “flush.” If you haven’t been giving the bushes at least 1 inch of water a week, make sure you start. Water at the base. If you haven’t been feeding the roses during the heat, do so now.

If you have been noticing disease or insect damage, address it now. The roses will reward you with beautiful blooms that challenge the beauty of the spring blooms if the weather

Marilyn Monroe Tea Rose, one of my favorites

The ugly Japanese Beetles continue to devour roses in Kansas City.

holds and the bushes are happy. I have always commented that roses tell the same story. “I’m hungry, I’m thirsty, I’m cold!” Don’t need to worry about cold for a while, so enjoy the cooler weather when you can be out in the garden.

I recommend a visit to the Laura Conyers Rose garden when the groomers are working. They have a wealth of knowledge on what has worked this summer and their plan for the fall season. Also note the events below to check out the garden. Even better, join the Kansas City Rose Society and become a groomer. Training is available. The best way to learn is to help someone who has a lot of experience.

Do you have issues with your roses? Solutions and advice regarding many common problems are found in documentaries on the Kan-

sas City Rose Society website and the American Rose Society website.

Provided is a list of resources. There are many articles about diseases, insects, fertilizers, and general care.

Also consider local consulting Rosarians who are just an email away: Ask A Rose Expert, rosehelp@kcrosesociety.org.

CORINDA STALLBAUMER Consulting Rosarian 18

September 2026 | kcgmag.com

Upcoming Events Jazz in the Roses Sun., Sept. 13, 5-7 p.m.

Loose Park Rose Garden 5200 Wornall Rd. An evening of Jazz in Loose Park, in the Laura Conyers Smith Rose Garden. Bring your chairs, blankets and picnics. Children’s art projects will entertain the kids as we all spend a magical, musical night in the Rose Garden. Free and open to the public.

Wine & Roses Thurs, Sept. 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

This elegant garden party helps fund the maintenance and preservation of our beloved garden for generations to come. The evening will feature a rose-inspired celebration with passed hors d’oeuvres, wine, live classical music performed and the beauty of the magnificent Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden—the star of the evening while enjoying Kansas City’s rich jazz history. Tickets may be purchased at Wine & Roses—Kansas City Rose Society.

Resources

• American Rose Society www.rose.org

• Kansas City Rose Society www.kansascityrosesociety.org • Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden www.kansascityrosesociety.org/ our-garden-kansas-city-rosesociety-laura-conyers-smithmunicipal-rose-garden For help with specific questions • Ask A Rose Expert rosehelp@kcrosesociety.org For help in St. Joseph contact • Moffet Nursery where the knowledge of the late Charlie Anctil continues.

(816) 233-1223

Corinda Stallbaumer is an American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian and a Buchanan County Missouri Master Gardener. A native of Kansas City and a graduate of KU. Her philosophy is the same for roses as it was for her career in information systems; never stop learning!

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

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Missouri Prairie Foundation Native Plant Sale at Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City MO 64110. September 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.moprairie.org.

Shawnee Indian Mission Foundation - Fall Native Plant Sale at Shawnee Indian Mission, 3403 W. 53rd St, Fairway KS 66205.

September 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. shawneeindianmission.org Platte Land Trust Native Plant Sale at Backyard Bird Center, 6212 NW Barry Rd. KC MO 64154. October 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.plattelandtrust.org.

Deep Roots native plant sale at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center, 11902 Lowell Avenue. Overland Park, KS 66213. October 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., deeprootskc.org.

We’re open weekdays, year-round at the nursery (9814 address above) and weekends now until October 11.

 1725 M e rri a m La n e, Ka n sa s Cit y, KS 66016 • I -35 & L A M A R

The Kansas City Gardener | September 2026

19

Hasta Luego Monarchs

Pollinator Prairie, Olathe Learn About Monarchs and Their Fragile Ecosystem Saturday, September 26, 9am – 1pm Photo by Jamie Watts.

W

Entrance to Pollinator Prairie Photos bottom by Betsy Betros.

ould you like to learn more about monarch butterflies and how to support their fragile ecosystem? Then join us at the 12th annual Hasta Luego Monarchs event where we say “see you later” as the monarchs make their journey back south.

This is a free event with fun for the whole family. Hosted by the Johnson County K-State Extension Master Naturalists, there will be booths where you can learn about monarchs, native pollinator plants, bird nesting boxes, nighttime light pollution and more. There also will be games and crafts for kids. You won’t want to miss this fun event packed with great information.

Monarchs are amazing creatures that make a multi-generational journey from Mexico to the northern United States and Canada, then back to their over-wintering grounds in Mexico. Females lay their eggs on milkweed, usually on the underneath side of the leaves. So, when your lawn care professional (or you) sprays for weeds, leave that milkweed alone! It is precious food and habitat for monarchs. The eggs transform into caterpillars (larvae) which then eat the milkweed. And yes, that’s all a monarch caterpillar will eat. They then transform into a chrysalis also known as a pupa. After about 10 days a beautiful monarch butterfly emerges. This is a

Male Monarch on milkweed

Monarch caterpillar

very high-level overview but you can learn much more at our event.

For example, do you know that each generation of monarchs only live about one month except the last generation that journeys back south? That generation lives about 6 months! How amazing is that?

The location for this event is the Pollinator Prairie which is a native plant green space that has been years in the making. What started as a Superfund site, the Pollinator Prairie was installed in 2012 and has truly blossomed into a gem in Olathe. Years of planning and prep

JANIE WATTS Extension Master Naturalist 20

September 2026 | kcgmag.com

work went into making this a beautiful space for the community to enjoy. The space is maintained by the Johnson County K-State Extension Master Naturalists. In fact, volunteer master naturalists spent almost 1,300 hours carefully tending to the native pollinator plant gardens in 2025 alone. The Hasta Luego Monarchs event is a wonderful opportunity to check out the native gardens.

You’ll find great planting ideas for your own green space that support pollinators, monarchs and more.

Each of us plays a critical role in supporting our natural ecosystem.

This event offers opportunities to learn what you can do to help. Hasta Luego Monarchs is a free family friendly event that is open to the public and will be held rain or shine at the Pollinator Prairie located at 320 South Blake Street, Olathe on Saturday, September 26 from 9am – 1pm. Street parking is available. The entrance to the park is on the northeast side. You’ll find an ADA compliant walkway winding through the native pollinator gardens. And, there is a wheelchair/walker friendly driveway and sidewalk near the main entrance to the park.

For more information on Hasta Luego Monarchs or Pollinator Prairie, visit johnson.k-state.edu or call the Johnson County K-State Extension office at 913-715-7000. We hope to see you there!

Janie Watts spent 30 years in the financial services industry prior to becoming a master naturalist. Her love of the Flint Hills, native forests and streams fueled this passion for the outdoors. Janie became a Johnson County K-State Extension Master Naturalist in 2021. She focuses her efforts on wild bird monitoring, and collecting and dispersing native seeds.

Upcoming Garden Events CLUB MEETINGS Garden Club of Shawnee Thurs, Sep 3, 7p; at Shawnee Town, 1929 Town Hall, 11600 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS. Our program will be “Demystifying Pruning: When, Why, and How” presented by Nancy Chapman, JOCO Extension Master Gardener and Extension Master Naturalist. This will be our Fall Plant, Seed, and Bulb exchange. Bring a plant and take a plant. We will serve drinks and snacks, and great door prizes will be given away. As always, visitors are welcome! You can also learn about us at our website gardenclubofshawnee.org and our Facebook page.

Heartland Hosta and Shade Plant Society Sat, Sep 12; at the Woods Chapel Community of Christ Church, 500 NE Woods Chapel Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064. Hospitality at 9:30a, brief meeting and speaker 10a-12p. Guests are welcome.

Idalia Society Sat, Sep 12, 5p; at Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St, Overland Park, KS 66204. Program: “Insect Wings: Flights of Fancy” by Dr Gregory Zolnerowich of KSU. He’ll discuss evolutionary advances in insect wings as well as how insects use their wings for communication and defensive tactics such as camouflage, mimicry, absorbing sound, and startle displays. He’s also bringing some fascinating specimens; arrive early to enjoy these!

Doors open at 5p for light refreshments and social time. Program begins PROMPTLY at 5:45p. Don’t miss our FINAL Idalia Society meeting! FREE and open to all. Bring a friend! Questions? Please call/ text 816-283-6258, or email us at idaliasociety@ yahoo.com. Facebook: Idalia Society of MidAmerican Lepidopterists.

Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society Sun, Sep 20, 1:30-3:30p; at Trailside Center, 9901 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO. “Cactus Cuisine: Cooking with Cactus” We don’t only grow them, we eat them, too. Learn how and which plants make a delicious meal. We’ll also learn the best photography tips for showing off our cactus and succulent plants. The public is invited; refreshments will be served.

Raytown Garden Club Tues, Sep 1, 10a; at Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church, 6429 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO. The program will be “Growing Trees as Mother Earth Intended,” presented by Matt Evans, Ryan Lawn & Tree, Certified Master Arborist. Guest are always welcome. For more information www.facebook. com/RaytownGardenClub

TOURS | PLANT SALES | MORE Food Forest Open House Thur, Sep 3, 10a-noon. Housed at the Stu Shafer Open Petal Farm at JCCC, JCCC Open Petal Farm, N Campus Dr, Overland Park, KS 66210. Visit the Food Forest during its Open House where visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the concepts that drive a successful food forest and explore the various concepts put into action by volunteers.

See full article about Food Forest at KCGMAG. COM. RSVPs are encouraged. The Food Forest is also open to the public anytime during daylight hours.

Forest Forms Now through Sep 30; at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. An artful exploration of nature’s lines, rhythm and movement.

Dahlia Shows Greater Kansas City Dahlia Society announces 2026 show schedule: Sep 4-5 Powell Gardens • Oct 2-3 Suburban Lawn & Garden (135th & Wornall Rd, KCMO) For more information on shows or regular meetings held at the Anita B Gorman Conservation Center, visit www.kcdahlia.org; email: greaterkcdahlia@gmail.com.

Native Plant Sale Sat, Sep 5, 8a-noon; at Lenexa Farmers Market, 17201 W 87th St. Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66219. Fall is a smart time to plant native perennials to set them up for healthy spring growth. Get advice from area nurseries on how to pick easy-care, pollinatorfriendly plants. For more information, lenexa.com/ nativeplantsale.

Old Settlers Community Flower Show Fri and Sat, Sep 10-12, hosted by Olathe Garden & Civic Club *Free & Open to the Public both entries and viewing* *NEW Location* The Flexbox Theater at the Olathe Downtown Public Library, 260 E Santa Fe St, Olathe, KS 66061. Entries accepted: Thur 9/10 5-7p, Fri 9/11 9-10a (Note: Entries must be picked up Sat 9/12 at 4p) Show Open for Viewing: Fri 9/11 1:30-5:30p, Sat 9/12 10a-4p. Entries will be accepted from amateur (non-commercial) gardening enthusiasts. Look at the beauties in your garden, arrange them to fit a floral design class or just clip them and show them off as specimens!

Bring them to the Flexbox Theater space in the Olathe Downtown Public Library and we’ll help you get entered, or just come by to see all the beautiful entries! For a copy of the official 2026 show schedule contact Cheryl Graan: cgraan@gmail.com.

Missouri Prairie Foundation Native Plant Sale Sat, Sep 12, 10a-2p; at Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost, Kansas City, MO. www.moprairie.org.

Join us for Monarch Watch’s Fall Open House Sat, Sep 12, 9a-2p; Monarch Watch, KU West Campus, 2021 Constant Ave, Lawrence, KS 66047.

We’ll be celebrating the arrival of migrating monarchs coming from the north at Foley Hall. Free, family-friendly, and mainly outdoors event, with activities for both children and adults. Stop by to learn about how to create Monarch Waystations (habitats that support monarchs and other pollinators) and see the magnificent butterfly and pollinator garden created and maintained by the Douglas County Master Gardeners. Tours of our gardens, numerous educational activities, tagging demonstrations, games, monarch butterflies, caterpillars, and butterfly host plants available in limited quantities for fall planting. https://monarchwatch.org/events Urban Grown Tour Sun, Sep 13, 10a-4p. This year’s tour features 15 farms and gardens across the Kansas City Metro and aims to connect to the community with the folks who grow their food. You can learn more about the tour here: https://www.cultivatekc.org/ urban-grown-tour/.

Free Train and Flower + Koi Fish Tour Sat, Sep 19, 9a-5p; at 1503 Ensley Circle, Raymore, MO. You will not want to miss this. We were told our yard is better than Walt Disney World.

Butterfly Garden Open House Sat, Sep 19, noon-3p; at 500 Eisenhower Rd, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Leavenworth County Master Gardeners are hosting an Open House at their Butterfly Garden. Join us as we follow the migration of the Monarch Butterflies on their journey to Mexico. Learn about Monarch Way Stations and the life cycle of the Monarch Butterfly. There will be crafts and activities for children. If available, we will tag and release Monarch Butterflies. Free and open to the public. For more information 913-364-5700.

Gesneriad Flower Show Sep 25, 8a–4p (Entries and Judging), and Sep 26, 9a-2p (Show and Sale open to the public); at Overland Park Christian Church, 7600 W 75th St, Overland Park, KS. Heart of America Gesneriad Society, a chapter of The Gesneriad Society, Inc, Presents A Judged Flower Show “America, Land of Gesneriads.” Contact Linda Hall for entries: lhall@ grm.net. Admission to the Show and Sale is Free.

Shawnee Indian Mission Foundation Native Plant Sale Sat, Sep 26, 9a-1p; at 3403 W 53rd St, Fairway, KS. shawneeindianmission.org 2026 MOMGA State Conference Oct 2-3. Join Master Gardeners and gardening enthusiasts from across Missouri for the Official 2026 Missouri Master Gardener State Conference, hosted by the Missouri Master Gardener Association (MOMGA). Open to Master Gardeners and the public. For just $45, you will enjoy two days of expert-led gardening education, practical take-home ideas, and opportunities to connect with gardeners from across the state. All details found at MOMGA website: https://www.momga.org/2026-state-conference * Join our Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City {MGGKC} Watch Party Sat, Oct 3, 9a-3:30p; at Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110; $45 per person conference pass.

Please register at The MOMGA website: https:// www.momga.org/2026-state-conference Kaw Valley Farm Tour 22nd Annual Oct 3-4. Get tickets and plan your adventure at: kawvalleyfarmtour.org Platte Land Trust Native Plant Sale Sat, Oct 3, 10a-2p; at Backyard Bird Center, 6212 NW Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO 64154. www. plattelandtrust.org Deep Roots Native Plant Sale Sat, Oct 3, 10a-2p; at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center, 11902 Lowell Ave, Overland Park, KS 66213. deeprootskc.org Environmental Fair Sat, Oct 17, 9a-noon; at Powell Community Center, 6200 Martway, Mission, KS. See ad with details page 11. missionks.org/gogreen.

Houseplant Palooza Symposium Sat, Oct 17, 9a-4p; at Fulkerson Center, Missouri Western State University St Joseph, MO. Presented

by Northwest Missouri Master Gardeners. Learn how to be successful growing your indoor plants from preparing them for winter, propagation, succulents, and houseplant bonsai. Speakers are professionals in the field including keynote speaker, Darryl Cheng author of “The New Plant Parent” and “The New Plant Collector” who will discuss

“An engineer’s approach to houseplant care.”

Tickets are $54 including lunch and a plant to take home. Register at https://nwmomastergardeners.org

CLASSES Beekeeping Classes Starting Sep 2 at Johnson County Community College. If you’re curious about the buzzy pollinators of the world, these courses are sure to hit the sweet spot. Come discover the secrets of the beehive with like-minded enthusiasts! Questions? 913-469-2323. JCCC.EDU/WDCE Classes at Arnold’s Prairie Greenhouse & More 1430 Hwy 58, LeRoy, KS 66857. All Saturdays in Sep. 9/5 at 9a: Fall Vegetable Gardening; 9/5 at 11a: Fall Planter Workshop; 9/19 at 9a: All About Cover Crops; 9/19 at 11a: Planting & Growing Garlic; 9/19 at 1p: Phantastic Philodendrons; 9/26 at 9a: Plant Fall Bulbs for Spring Beauty; 9/26 at 11a: Planting & Growing Peonies. Please contact Arnold’s Prairie for more details and cost for each class. 620-964-2423, or grow@arnoldsprairie.com.

Perennials, Everything You Want to Know Thur, Sep 3, 11:30a; at Sunflower Room, Extension Office, 1216 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Sponsored by Wyandotte County KS Extension Master Gardeners. Brooke Ohlde, K-State Extension Horticulture Agent, River Valley District will present a class on perennials. Perennials are a great way to add long-lasting color and interest to your landscape throughout every season. In this class, you’ll learn about the life of a perennial plant. We’ll see how plants grow throughout the nursery production process before being planted in your home garden.

Other topics include how to plant, water, divide, and maintain perennials for years of success. You’ll also learn how to choose the right plant for the right place and avoid common growing problems. Preregistration is not required. A $10 class fee will be collected at the door (cash or check accepted).

Questions? Call 913-299-9300.

Fall Garden Planning for Spring Success Thurs, Sep 10, 6:30p; at Basehor Community Library, 1400, 158th St, Basehor, KS 66007. Leavenworth County Master Gardeners Meaghan Bircher and Anne Rielly will discuss planning your garden for next year. Come learn and talk with other gardeners about planning now to have the most success with next year’s garden. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Leavenworth County K-State extension office at 913-364-5700.

Harvesting & Drying Herbs Thurs, Sep 17, 7p; at Leavenworth Public Library, 417 Spruce St, Leavenworth, KS. Join Leavenworth County Master Gardeners Dianne Scott and Michaela Bremser as they discuss different kinds of herbs; their uses for cooking, uses for teas and medicinal use. They will discuss how to harvest fresh herbs for immediate use and how to preserve them.

The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Leavenworth County K-State extension office at 913-364-5700.

List garden events, club meetings, plant sales, and more for FREE! Send details to: elizabeth@kcgmag.com.

Deadline for the October issue is September 7.

The Kansas City Gardener | September 2026

21

GARDEN CALENDAR

September list of what to do in the garden.

LAWN

• Seed bluegrass or tall fescue lawns early in the month for best results.

• Sod new lawns or dead spots for quick recovery.

• Renovate bluegrass or tall fescue by verticutting then overseeding.

• Only overseed with recommended rates for best longevity.

• Core aerate cool-season turf to aid in root development and thatch breakdown.

• Fertilize cool-season grasses with high-nitrogen sources of fertilizer.

• Mow turf at least 3 inches. Sharpen the mower blade for a clean cut.

• Remember to blow your grass clippings back into your lawn instead of letting them run down the storm drain.

• Continue to mow Zoysia, but do not fertilize or aerate this late in the season.

FLOWERS

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

• Dig, divide, or plant peonies.

• Divide perennials, especially spring bloomers.

• Remove seed heads from perennials to prevent reseeding in the garden.

• Plant chrysanthemums for fall color.

• Dig gladiolus as the foliage begins to yellow and air-dry before storing for winter.

• Clean up garden areas to reduce insects and disease as plants die back for winter.

• Enrich the soil by adding organic matter such as compost.

• Soil test for the next growing season.

VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

• Continue to harvest vegetables.

•P ick apples and pears and store them in a cool place to extend freshness.

•H arvest pumpkins when the flesh is completely orange. Avoid carrying by the stem.

•H arvest winter squash when the rind cannot be punctured with your fingernail.

• Plant lettuce, spinach, and radishes for fall harvest.

• Remove weeds from garden plantings before they go to seed.

•D ig tender herbs from the garden and place them in pots for indoor use this winter.

• Remove small tomatoes to increase the late development of more mature fruits.

• Spade or till garden plots incorporating fallen leaves or grass clippings to improve soil quality.

• Plant garlic cloves for next year’s crop.

TREES AND SHRUBS

• Plant trees and shrubs, deciduous and evergreen.

• Prune broken and dead branches from trees.

• Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs to ensure spring flowers.

• Handpick bagworms to reduce a problem infestation next year.

• Keep fallen leaves out of the storm drain to protect our waterways.

HOUSE PLANTS

• Bring tropical/non-hardy plants in before temperatures drop into the 50s.

• Clean and wash before moving indoors to reduce insects. They could be hiding in the potting soil.

• Fertilize before winter conditions arrive and growth slows.

• Force poinsettias into Christmas bloom by starting dark treatment.

K-State Extension Johnson County 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 and Anthony Reardon are the horticulture agents for K-State Extension Johnson County, each specializing in ornamentals and edible crops, respectively. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.k-state.edu, or call our Garden Hotline at 913-715-7050.

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September 2026 | kcgmag.com

The Plants are Where It’s At! Plant Geek Saturday October 10, 9a to 3:30p

T

his year’s Plant Geek Saturday has speakers focused on discussing the best of the best from Chicago Botanic Garden’s exhaustive plant trials, fall-planted spring bulbs, and an underused, long-lived type of iris that more of us should be growing in our gardens.

The mantra of Plant Geek Saturday organizers is “the plants are where it’s at.” It is presented by Gardeners Connect, a gardening education nonprofit whose mission is to educate and inspire members of our community to become more complete gardeners.

On Saturday, October 10, the event will be presented in the same science lecture hall at Rockhurst University where the spring Kansas City Garden Symposium has been presented. The cost will be $99, which includes lunch and snacks at breaks. The event starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. Register at GardenersConnect.org.

Set to talk about the best from Chicago Botanic Garden’s plant trials is Justin Lombardoni. He is the ornamental plant breeder at the Chicago Botanic Garden. His program focuses on introducing herbaceous perennial cultivars, primarily through interspecific hybridization.

He also works closely with the Chicago Botanic Garden’s plant evaluation program, utilizing its expertise and germplasm to further breeding efforts. He earned his bachelor of science degree in plant sciences at Cornell University and his doctorate in plant breeding and genomics at Rutgers University. He has written for Greenhouse Grower magazine and other publications.

The spring bulb discussion will be led by Claire Krofft. She is a senior horticulturist at the Missouri Botanical Garden. She has worked in public horticulture since graduating with her masters of science degree in horticulture from Auburn University in 2020.

Claire is the horticulturist for the Samuel and Heckman Bulb Gardens and Sachs Museum Landscape and an avid bulb enthusiast. She is also responsible for maintaining the outdoor aquatic displays in the garden.

Spuria irises are what Jim Hedgecock of Comanche Acres Iris Gardens near Gower, Mo., will be talking about. For many years, he has spearheaded the effort to get gardeners to grow more spurias.

Spurias are a type of beardless iris. The most common irises in our gardens are tall bearded irises. We are familiar with the tall bearded irises, with standards that stick up and other petals that drape, the falls.

Bearded irises have fluffy “beards” at the top of each fall. Not so with spurias, but that isn’t the only difference. Come to learn more from Jim. Hedgecock has hybridized irises for more 46 years. His ‘Wichita Lineman’ spuria iris won the America Iris Society’s Eric Nies Medal in 2025 for best spuria iris. Nearly two dozen other of the spuria irises he has created have been awarded the American Iris Society’s Award of Merit or Honorable Mention. His 8-acre operation is home to about 100,000 iris plants.

He is an emeritus judge for the American Iris Society. He also has been president of the national Spuria Iris Society.

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

CASS COUNTY 816-380-8194; Wed, 9am-noon; casscomg@gmail.com DOUGLAS COUNTY 785-843-7058; dgcogardenhotline@gmail.com; Mon, Wed, Fri, 1-4pm GREATER KANSAS CITY MISSOURI AREA 816-833-8733 (TREE); Mon-Fri, 9am-noon; mggkc.hotline@gmail.com JOHNSON COUNTY, KS 913-715-7050; Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm; garden.help@jocogov.org JOHNSON COUNTY, MO 660-747-3193; Wed, 9am-noon LEAVENWORTH COUNTY 913-364-5700; Leave a message. A Master Gardener will contact you.

MIAMI COUNTY & LINN COUNTY 913-294-4306; Apr 1 thru Oct 1; Thurs, 8am-noon WYANDOTTE COUNTY 913-299-9300; Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm QUESTIONS ABOUT ROSES? Ask a Rose Expert; rosehelp@kcrosesociety.org; www.kansascityrosesociety.org

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

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

The Kansas City Gardener | September 2026

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Fall Tree

SALE

Hello Mums We have a huge selection of fall mums and cool-weather annuals ready to refresh your pots and flower beds with bold seasonal color. Specialty pumpkins and gourds arriving mid September as well.

Up to 50% off select maples, crab apples, oaks and more during our annual Fall Tree Sale.

For the best selection shop in-store or online at SuburbanLG.com.

Fall Blooming Perennials Heliopsis, Asters, Helianthus and more bring a fresh burst of color to the landscape right when the season starts to wind down. Plant now and enjoy the show every fall for years to come.

105th & Roe (913) 649-8700 24

S U B U R B A N LG . C O M

September 2026 | kcgmag.com

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

135th & Wornall (816) 942-2921