Plains coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria) is the Kansas Native Plant Society 2017 Wildflower of the Year (WOY). Plains coreopsis is 2 to 4 feet tall with many yellow and reddish brown terminal flowers blooming June through September. Leaves are divided, narrowly linear and oppositely arranged on the stem. This species is found in damp disturbed areas, roadside ditches and low, sandy
Read moreJudy Penner, local expert rosarian, provides list of roses that perform well in our area and are available locally. Tahitian Sunset, an apricot blend Hybrid Tea Memorial Day, a medium pink Hybrid Tea Livin’ Easy, an orange blend Floribunda Day Breaker, an apricot blend Floribunda Elina, a light yellow Hybrid Tea Gold Medal, a medium yellow Hybrid Tea Strike It Rich, a yellow blend Grandiflora Double Delight,
Read morePansies are such a friendly-faced flower! But until the 19th century most people considered them a weed. Today, pansies are a hybrid plant cultivated from those wildflowers in Europe and western Asia. Much of the collection and cultivation of pansies can be attributed to plantsmen and women in the UK and Europe more than 200 years ago. For example, Lady
Read moreHummingbirds will like new list of recommended flowers as much as humans Prairie Star Flower list reveals latest recommended flowers for Kansas By Mary Lou Peter After years of sometimes-harsh tests, the winners have emerged: Kansas State University has unveiled its latest list of recommended annual flowers, including a sweet treat for hummingbirds and a vine that sports purple foliage with
Read moreAll-America Selections, the only non-profit trialing organization for plants that demonstrate great garden performance throughout North America, presents 11 exciting new AAS Winners for the 2017 garden season. We’re featuring the flowers this month, the vegetables in the March issue. Each of the following varieties was trialed in North America by professional, independent, volunteer judges during one growing season. Each
Read moreGrowing Vegetables in Containers Millions of Americans plant vegetable gardens. But oftentimes we hear comments such as, “I don’t have room,” or, “It is just too much work to combat our local soils.” If you are one of those people who can’t see the forest for the trees then I have the solution for you — containers. Container gardens for
Read moreDolce® Blackcurrant Coral Bells Heuchera hybrid Type: Perennial to zone 4 Sun/Shade: Will perform well in sun or shade in Northern climates, but will do best in shade in Southern climates. Height: The foliage is 8 to 12 inches tall, with flower spikes a foot or more taller than the foliage. Spacing: 16 to 20 inches apart Habit: Mounded, used
Read moreThese days it seems that our living spaces are getting smaller whether by desire or necessity. Yet we still want to add green life into our homes. It’s a good thing then there are small plants that can fill any small spot in your home. With a little digging you can find a world of small plants from a micro
Read moreCheerful Winter Bloomers By Jan Vinyard Isn’t it hard for gardeners to be without bloom in the garden? You bet it is! The answer to that issue is to find things that bloom at unusual times, such as in winter. IN THE WINTER? That’s right! Our Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) has been blooming during all of these nice winter days.
Read moreFavorite Festive Flower When our children were young, we established a family tradition of shopping for a live Christmas tree. Also on the list of holiday décor was a wreath for the door, garland for the fireplace mantle, and an amaryllis or two for seasonal indoor color. Naturally, any excursion that concluded with hot chocolate was enough motivation for kids.
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