Events

CLUB MEETINGS

Kansas City Cactus & Succulent Society
Sun, May 19, 1:30-3:30p; at Trailside Center, 9901 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO. Join us for an instructional program on transplanting/repotting our plants as they come out of dormancy or require fresh soil and a new pot. We’ll also learn more about staging our plants for the best look possible. And, don’t forget our June 15  plant sale: we’ll start the planning process. Refreshments will be served and everyone is invited to attend.

Leavenworth County Master Gardeners
Wed, May 8, 11a; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Now is the time to plan your garden and prepare for a bountiful harvest that will come this summer. Canning is a great option for preserving your harvest and customizing food to your palette and taste. Megan Gilliland, co-owner of Next to Nature Farm, will be our guest speaker. She will talk about how to preserve fresh foods into delicious treats that will last all year long. The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact the Leavenworth County extension office at 913-364-5700.

MoKan Daylily Club
Sat, Jun 1; at Asbury United Methodist Church, 5400 W 75th St, Prairie Village. The meeting starts at 10:30a with a meet and greet, followed by a pot luck lunch, presentation and short business meeting. The guest speaker is Betsy Betros, speaking about spiders in the garden. Guests are welcome to attend. Questions about the club or June 1 meeting can be emailed to [email protected].

Orchid Society of Greater Kansas City
Sun, May 19, 1:30p; at Merriam Community Center, 6040 Slater St, Merriam, KS. Will have Brandon Tam via Zoom, from the Huntington Orchid Collection, presenting his adventures in South America hunting for the rare Selenipedium orchid. The public is welcome. www.osgkc.org and on Facebook.

Raytown Garden Club
Tues, May 7, 10a; at Connection Point Church, 10500 E 350 Hwy, Raytown, MO 64138. Program will be “Cemetery Gardens Bring Beauty, Peace and Serenity to Visitors” presented by Allison Paddock, Genealogist serving on the Board of Trustees for Elmwood Cemetery. Guests are always welcome. For more information please check out our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/RaytownGardenClub 

Spring Studio Sale
The From the Summer’s Garden spring studio sale, “Back in Your Own Backyard,” is scheduled for Thursdays through Sundays from May 2 through June 16. Hours are 10a to 5p. The address is 8601 Barkley St, Overland Park, KS 66212.

Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale
Fri, May 3, 9a-5p, and Sat, May 4, 9a-2p; at Wildcat Room of the Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1208 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. There will be vegetables, fruits, herbs, perennials, and annuals for sale. Cash, checks, and debit/credit cards accepted.

Plant Sale
Fri, May 3, 9a-4p, and Sat, May 4, 9a-2p; at 1200 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS 66112. Sponsored by Wyandotte County Master Gardeners.

Liberty’s Home & Garden Club Annual Community Plant Share
Sat, May 4, 8a-noon; at the Rotary Plaza in downtown Liberty, Missouri, (100 West Franklin St). We invite you to stop by for free plants to add to your garden.

Garden Treasures Sale
Sat, May 4, 9a-5p; at 12201 Aberdeen Rd, Leawood, KS. A Faith Missions benefit for women and children in Rwanda and Uganda. Plants, pots, tools, décor and free hot dogs!

Olathe Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale
Tues, May 7, 4-7p; Wed, May 8, 8a-12p; at 18505 W 114th St, Olathe, KS 66061. Come get some great new plants for your outdoor and indoor spaces while helping us raise money – this is our annual fundraiser for all of our philanthropic and educational activities throughout the year! *Credit & Electronic Payments Accepted in addition to cash/check!* You may find perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables, flowers, pollinator-friendly plants, shade plants, sun-loving plants, house plants, and artisan-made garden decor! Come meet the members of Kansas’ oldest garden club; established in 1929. Plant love and knowledge will be freely shared!

Native Plant Sale
Sat, May 11, 10a-2p; at Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO. Presented by GrowNative (www.grownative.org) and Missouri Prairie Foundation (www.moprairie.org).

Monarch Watch Spring Open House and Plant Fundraiser
Sat, May 11, 8a-2p; at Monarch Watch, KU West Campus, Lawrence, Kansas. We will have thousands of plants available and all are ideal for starting butterfly gardens or adding to established gardens and can contribute to the health of monarch and pollinator populations. Our Spring Open House & Plant Fundraiser will be primarily an outdoor event and there will be tours of our gardens, games, activities, monarch butterflies, caterpillars, and lots of butterfly plants for your own garden! Online ordering of plants will be available in advance (mid-to-late April) and details are posted. https://monarchwatch.org/events 

MGGKC Dig and Divide Fundraiser
Sat, May 11, 9a-2:30p; at Young School (next to Restore), 505 North Dodgion, Independence, MO 64050. Join the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City for a dig and divide fundraiser. Perennials, houseplants, and herbs grown by Extension Master Gardeners will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit MGGKC. EMGs will be on hand to answer gardening questions. Get a start on your spring planting now.

JoCoEMG Public Tour
May 17 and 18. Six private gardens will be opened to the public during the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Master Gardener Public Tour. This year the tour includes a bonus stop of a Demonstration Garden with educational stations and our garden-themed hand-crafted boutique shopping. Kansas City’s premier garden tour is an opportunity to get up close and view some of the most beautiful private gardens in Kansas City. Each garden is owned and maintained by an Extension Master Gardener. The gardens are selected for their individual qualities and personalities, with something for everyone. Photography is encouraged. Electronic tickets will be available to purchase online on our website, www.johnson.k-state.edu. Paper tickets will be available ONLY at the Extension Office. Tickets are $30.00.

IPM–Just the Basics
Tues, May 14, 2-3p; at KC Public Library – Sugar Creek Branch, 102 South Sterling Ave, Sugar Creek, MO 64054. Join an Extension Master Gardener from Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City as they discuss the basics of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management. IPM can be applied to both agricultural and non-agricultural settings, such as the home, garden, and workplace. Learn research-based, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. Understanding pests will help you choose from available pest control methods to manage damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. This event is free of charge. Please register at https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/mu-extension-way/event-management/event

Lawrence Native Plant Sale
Sat, May 18, 10a-1p; at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1011 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044. Grassland Heritage Foundation native plant sale.

Native Plant Sale
Sat, May 18, 8a-noon; at Lenexa Farmers Market, 17201 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66219. Discover a vibrant variety of landscaping options. Browse grasses, flowers, and other plants from local vendors. For information, lenexa.com/farmersmarket.

Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Plant Sale 
Mon, May 20, 9a-2p; at Blue Springs Historical Society and Museum, 101 SW 15th St, Blue Springs, MO 64105. MGGKC annual spring plant sale.

Native Plant Sale
Sat, Jun 1, 9:30a-2:30p (while supplies last); at Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2110 Harper, Lawrence, KS 66046. Hosted by Douglas Co Extension Master Gardeners. Preorder Bloom Boxes by May 25 for pick up day of sale. Or purchase individual plants day of sale. All plants are grown locally without pesticides, 13 new varieties. Bloom Box details found at dgemgks.com

Heartland Hosta & Shade Plant Society Annual Spring Plant Sale
Sat, Jun 1, 9a-2p; at Woods Chapel Community of Christ Church, 500 NE Woods Chapel Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064. The sale features over 1200 plants including 68 varieties of Hosta and plenty of shade/part shade perennials! Prices start at $10 and we have all sizes of Hosta from mini to giant to suit all size gardens. This sale is open to the public. Sale list with pictures & descriptions will be available on the club web site prior to the sale. For more information please visit www.HeartlandHosta.club or the Facebook page www.Facebook.com/HeartlandHostaandShadePlantSociety/.

Kansas City Rose Show
Sat, Jun 1; at the Loose Park Garden Center, 51st St and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. As usual, the show is free and open to all rose growers with assistance provided for first time exhibitors. There will be Classes for live blooms and rose photographs. Entries will be accepted from 8-11a. Visit www.kansascityrosesociety.org for the Show handbook with Class lists and Show rules. Also find links to tips on how to grow and show prize-winning roses there.

Kansas City Rose Society Rose Day
Sun, Jun 2, 1-5pm in the Loose Park Rose Garden. You can view the results of the Rose Show with hundreds of blue ribbons winners and beautiful silver trophies in the Garden Center. In the Rose Garden you can enjoy many family activities, live entertainment, and an afternoon of beauty in this world-renowned rose garden.

The Union Hill 29th Annual Garden Tour
Sun, Jun 2, 10a-3p; at 31st and Grand, Union Hill Neighborhood, Kansas City, MO 64108. The tour begins downtown at 31st and Grand then follows a walking path through this charming, historic neighborhood. Attendees will receive a map and guide to the gardens on the tour. There will also be live music, two food trucks, two lectures by Master Gardener Virginia Murray, as well as an activity map for the young and young of heart. Extension Master Gardeners will be at 3005 DeGroff Way to answer gardening questions and share information about Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the tour for $15. Advance purchase tickets are just $10 through the Union Hill Garden Tour Facebook page: @UnionHillGardenTour or by visiting unionhillkc.com. All proceeds help with restoration of Union Hill Cemetery and to beautify the public spaces in the neighborhood.

Leavenworth County Historical Society Garden Tour
Sat, Jun 15, 10a-4p. Tickets $20. www.leavenworthhistory.org; 913-682-7759

31st Annual Greater Kansas City Water Garden Society
“Wings Over Water Gardens” Tour
Four Saturdays in July and August, highlighting various locations around the entire metropolitan area. Included with the tour will be plein-air artists demonstrating and displaying the art of nature at many sites and will conclude with a local business- sponsored evening garden party. Eventbrite will begin selling tickets May 1st and tour books and tickets will be available at area garden centers June 1st. Wings Over Water Gardens celebrates the beauty and symmetry of nature in all her glory. Moving water in streams, bubblers and waterfalls attract a myriad of magical creatures; from butterflies to dragon flies, and honeybees to humming birds. All the elusive garden fairies come out to play when there is water. Gorgeous Lotus, swaying in the breeze and a kaleidoscope of colorful water lilies complete the attraction of pollinators to these thriving ecosystems. Come celebrate with our annual public tour on July 13th and 20th and in August on the 3rd and 10th. Tickets are $10 for adults and children under 14 attend free. Sites are open from 9am to 5pm. Evening garden parties are free events and demonstrate how water features change under the stars. Builders will be present to answer your questions. Proceeds from the tour benefit construction and maintenance of educational water gardens for schools, nature centers, and other non-profit agencies. Tour one Saturday, or all four for the same price. The Greater KC Water Garden Society has built over 60 water features to date. Follow us on Facebook or visit our website Kcwatergardens.com.

MOMGA’24 Headed to St Joseph
The Northwest Missouri Master Gardeners will host the 2024 Missouri Master Gardener Conference Sep 27-29. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Doug Tallamy, acclaimed author and advocate that we can all take an active role in stopping the decline in pollinators and wildlife populations by planting native plants to create a Homegrown National Park. The conference will offer a wide variety of classes, workshops, and tours. The conference will play host to the Vendor’s Marketplace which will run Saturday and Sunday. There also will be the popular raffle and silent auction offerings. Registration now open, and you’ll want to reserve your spot early. Be sure to check back often at momga.org/momga-conference for the latest information and ‘like’ the conference Facebook page, MOMGA’24.

Wake Up Your Garden
Sat, May 4, 9-11a; at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, 1401 Northwest Park Road, Blue Springs, MO 64015. As the threat of frost disappears, let’s get our gardens ready for another growing season! Join Extension Master Gardeners at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center for this informational and hands on learning day focused on identifying early spring blooms, removing common weeds and pollinator friendly practices. Free to the public. Aged 12 and over please. To register and for all questions, email [email protected].

Butterfly Survey Training and Blooket Trivia Game–In person event
Sat, May 4, 2:30-4:30p; at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, 1401 Northwest Park Road, Blue Springs, MO 64015. Burr Oak Woods Nature Center and Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City (MGGKC) invites you to The Sixth Annual Missouri Butterfly Monitoring Network training for the Kansas City area. Missouri Department of Conservation Naturalist Lisa Richner will present a slide show of 25 common species of butterflies, and you will learn how butterfly surveys are conducted and recorded. Test your new knowledge with a fun, online version of the Wild About Pollinators Blooket trivia game. After this indoor clinic, you will be invited to join a mock butterfly survey in the gardens around the nature center. This walking activity will be approximately half a mile in distance. Using the Pollard Base website, you will learn how to enter the data you have collected during the survey. Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs) will be available from 1:30 pm- 4:30 pm with information about using native plants to attract butterflies to your garden and to take questions for the MGGKC Gardening Hotline.This event is open to adults and children aged 14 and up. Registration is required through Burr Oak Woods Nature Center at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/198712 

Butterfly Survey Training and Blooket Trivia Game–Virtual event
Sat, May 4, 2:30-3:15p; Presented by Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. In this virtual clinic, Missouri Department of Conservation Naturalist Lisa Richner will present a slide show of 25 common species of butterflies, and you will learn how butterfly surveys are conducted and recorded. Test your new knowledge with a fun, online version of the Wild About Pollinators Blooket trivia game. Play individually on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. No account or login is necessary to join the game. This event is open to adults and children aged 10 and up. Registration is required through Burr Oak Woods Nature Center at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/198713

Blooming Blue Springs-Gardening in Extreme Conditions
Sat, May 4, 9-11a; Blue Springs Historical Museum and Garden, 101 Southwest 15th Street, Blue Springs, MO 64015. Because Midwestern weather conditions are some of the harshest in the world, gardeners must be prepared for whatever Mother Nature might throw at them. Through both presentation and hands-on participation, Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs) will share research-based information and techniques you can use to help your plants survive and thrive in extremes of heat and cold and during wet and drought conditions. This event is free of charge. Please register at https://extension.missouri.edu/events/blooming-blue-springs-managing-your-garden-in-extreme-conditions-cold-heat-and-drought

Buds and Bloom for Spring–Contained Excitement 
Thurs, May 9, 11:30a; at Wyandotte County, Kansas, Extension Office Sunflower Room, 1208 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Presented by Jean Tinberg and Lynn Wild, Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners. An informative and in-depth class on Spring container gardening will feature floral and vegetable container planting using basic design principles, encompassing the art of color as well as container selection and placement. Pre-registration is not required. A $10 fee, cash or check, will be payable at the door.

Watkin’s Woolen Mill Spring on the Farm
Sat, May 11, Noon-4p; at Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site, 26600 Park Road North, Lawson, MO 64062. Come celebrate the arrival of spring at Watkins Farm. Enjoy a day filled with fun and learning. Witness 1870s sheep shearing, stroll through the heirloom garden being prepared for spring planting, and learn about woodstove cooking, toy making and more. The Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City will be giving garden tours, providing information about seed saving, and having a fun activity for children. Free to the public. Family friendly. For more information call 816-580-3387 or visit mostateparks.com

Everything I Learned From a Tomato—the Taste of Summer with Sky Kurlbaum
Tues, May 14, 7-8p; at Merriam Community Center, Kessler/Loomis Rooms, 6040 Slater, Merriam, KS 66202. Part of the Gardeners Connect Member Supported Free Speaker Series. Free. Open to the public. No Reservations required.

Native Bees
Thurs, May 16, 10a; held in the Sunflower Room, Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1208 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Presented by Kristen Manion, current Education Specialist at the Mr. & Mrs. F.L. Schlagle Library and Environmental Learning Center in Wyandotte County, Kansas. She received her Master of Science degree from Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden in 2021 and wrote her thesis on native, ground-nesting bees found in the prairie. Pollinators are seeing striking declines worldwide due to direct and indirect human activities. Among the most well-known pollinators is the honeybee, which pollinates many crops and is responsible for the commercial honey industry. However, honeybees are not native pollinators in North America but are native to Eurasia. Over 80% of all native plants (and many crops!) are pollinated by bees that are native to North America. In this talk, she will explain the difference between native bees and honeybees, go over the many different families of North American bees, how native bees help native plants, and what you can do to help protect native bees. Pre-registration is not required. A $10 class fee, payable by cash or check, will be collected at the door.

Fourth Fridays Art Walk
Fri, May 24, 5-8p; Downtown Lee’s Summit, near intersection of Southwest Third St and Southwest Main St, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081. Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street presents Fourth Fridays Art Walk. The Art Walk showcases local artists, live music performances, along with participating shops and restaurants. The theme for May is “Art Grows Here.” The Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City will provide a Children’s Activity called “Plant Parts” with vegetable art printing. The Gardens of Unity Village will provide the produce for this art activity. The Gardening Hotline and “Helping You Learn to Grow” brochures will be available for adults. Free to the public. Children welcome with adult supervision.

Love Your Soil Celebration 
Sat, Jun 1, 9a-12p; Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, 1401 Northwest Park Road, Blue Springs, MO 64015. What do you know about soil, how to care for it, and its importance to our daily lives? Join Burr Oak Woods Naturalist, Jada Tressler, for a program on composting and vermiculture (composting with worms). Extension Master Gardeners from MGGKC will take your questions on soil and provide research-based information on how to care for the soil on your property. There will also be a children’s program table, educational table, and demonstrations on composting. For more information contact Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City at [email protected]. Free to the public. Children welcome with adult supervision. Registration at the door on the day of event.

Fox Hollow Festival
Sun, Jun 2, 11a-3p; Lakeside Nature Center, 4701 East Gregory Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64132. Free and family friendly. Fox Hollow Festival is an event to promote local trails. Come out and enjoy guided hikes, make crafts, buy cool merchandise, try your luck with a raffle and listen to some live music! There will be native plants for sale as well. Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Children’s Programs will be presenting “Pollinators: Not Just Bees and Butterflies.” Children can learn about other living and non-living ways plants are pollinated, and discover these pollinators work by day and night. There will be an experiment using an insect to pollinate paper flowers and learn ways to help pollinators in their own home and community. For more information visit https://lakesidenaturecenter.org/event/fox-hollow-fest-2/

12 Months of Color in your Garden
Thurs, Jun 6, 11:30a; held in the Sunflower Room at the Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1208 N 79th Street, Kansas City, KS. Presented by Anne Wildeboor, Horticulturalist at the Overland Park Arboretum. Pre-registration is not required. A $10 class fee, payable by cash or check, will be collected at the door.

The Gardens at Unity Village Farmer’s Market
Sat, Jun 22, 8a-noon; at Unity Village, 150B Northwest Colbern Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086. Experience a century of history and nostalgia in the barn and gardens at The Gardens of Unity Village Farmer’s Market. Three cultivated acres behind the 3-story barn provide freshly harvested vegetables and fruits. The Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City will have a composting display and demonstration. There will also be a fun children’s activity called “Composting Basics.”  Children will learn about the different phases of composting, and how non-living and living organisms work together to make it happen. Free to the public, children welcome when accompanied by an adult.