HOLLY
To view additional images of Holly varieties, visit the online version of the December 2017 issue at KCGMAG.com.
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Editor’s Choice: Lantana
Lantana: The Bold and the Beautiful Much of our landscape consists of trees and shrubs, both evergreen and deciduous. Of course, there are plenty of perennials too. Then in strategic locations, we use bold annuals to add that important wow factor. These annuals just don’t look good one day, they must be impressive any time of day, every day! This
Read moreTrees at Linda Hall Library
A Kansas City Treasure The Arboretum at Linda Hall Library is home to hundreds of majestic trees, including several Greater Kansas City Champion Trees. The library was established in 1946 through the philanthropy of Linda (1859-1938) and Herbert Hall (1858-1941). Some of the larger trees were growing here when the library was established, as they were part of the Hall’s
Read moreDaylilies
Summer Garden Delights When daylilies are mentioned, many people picture the orange daylilies from their childhood. These “ditch lilies” as they were called, could be seen in the ditches of rural areas, along streams and around many rural and city homes. Even today, ditch lilies still thrive in these locations. Today, daylilies offer a rainbow of color combinations and a
Read moreButterfly Bush
Ambrosia for butterflies, blooming shrub for the garden Can you guess which plant tops the list of “Best Plants for a Butterfly Garden”? Its name is a huge hint. Of course, Butterfly Bush Buddleia (also Buddleja) reigns Number One. This sun-loving shrub produces nectar-filled blooms that always seem to be the most popular among butterflies. If by chance there might
Read moreSummer Emeralds
Summer Emeralds By Tom Schroeder Photos courtesy of Tom Schroeder. Visiting your flowers this summer are the green gems of the native bee world, the Metallic Green Sweat Bees. These harmless, quarter to half inch, bees live out their entire lives in your yard and need your help to survive. They will provide not only pollinating services but beauty and
Read moreHOSTA
Hosta–still king of shade plants and easy for every gardener to grow Why Hostas Hostas continue to reign as the king of shade plants. In fact, they remain the top selling perennial in the country, surpassing the ever-popular daylily by a factor of two in sales volume. Hostas tolerate shade where many plants do not. But why are hostas so
Read moreKENTUCKY WISTERIA
Kentucky Wisteria merits space in midwest gardens Wisteria is a genus that can be divisive in the plant world. Their unmistakable blooms can transport you to another land, filled with afternoon tea and romantic whimsy. In the wrong location, wisteria’s long, rambling vines will transport you to the Little Shop of Horrors. Wisteria is a member of the pea family (Fabaceae).
Read moreParade of Top Ten Newcomers
Annuals to covet and grow Impatiens ‘SunPatiens Compact Tropical Rose’ Can you believe ‘SunPatiens’ are celebrating their 10 year anniversary? Ten years of rollicking good fun, phenomenal new introductions, and, in effect, turning the impatiens world on its ear from Day 1. New for 2017 is ‘SunPatiens Compact Tropical Rose’, the first of the compact ‘SunPatiens’ to offer variegated yellow/green
Read moreWildflower of the Year
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
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