Events

Look at what is happening around Kansas City 

If you’d like to list plants sales, gardening related meetings, classes and workshops, send details with contact information to elizabeth@kcgmag.com. Deadline for publishing in the May issue is April 15. This is a FREE listing.

 

The Garden Club of Shawnee
Thurs, Apr 9, 7p; at Shawnee Town, 1929 Town Hall, 11600 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS. Our program will be “Hummingbirds–Jewels in Your Garden” presented by Ann Tanner, JOCO Extension Master Naturalist. We will serve drinks and snacks, and great door prizes will be given away. As always, visitors are welcome! Learn about us at gardenclubofshawnee.org and our Facebook page.

Greater Kansas City Iris Society
Mon, Apr 13; gather 6:30p; Meeting 7-9p; at Trailside Center, 9901 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO. Program: Preparing and Grooming Iris for Show and Iris Artistic Designs. Join us to learn the basics of how to enter named iris specimens in an Iris Show, and the Artistic Design Division for our judged Spring Show on May 16.

Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society
Sun, Apr 19, 1:30-3:30p; at the Trailside Center, 9901 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO. This month’s program will spotlight the fascinating world of Euphorbias and how they differ from true cacti. Members and guests are encouraged to bring a favorite Euphorbia and join the conversation about care, growth habits, and the incredible diversity within this vast group of succulents. All welcome; refreshments served. 

Kansas City North Garden Club
Wednesdays in April, 10:30a-noon; at Kansas City North Community Center, 3930 NE Antioch Rd, KCMO 64117. Join us each Wednesday where we will plant seeds, maintain the raised beds and wildflower gardens, DIY craft projects, and hear from special guests from MU Extension and Platte County Master Gardeners. Contact Kendra Beaver, 816-513-7740; kendra.beaver@kcmo.org

Leawood Garden Club
Tues, Apr 28, 10:30a; at Colonial Church, 7039 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS 66208. Program: “FOUR SEASONS OF BIRDS AND PLANTS IN KANSAS CITY” By Elizabeth Stoakes – Starts at Noon. She will discuss why native plants are vital to birds and offer hints for successful wildlife gardening. She will showcase a selection of attractive native species that thrive in KC while providing food and shelter for birds and insects. Hint: it’s not all about seeds! She will also introduce some fascinating birds beyond our typical “feeder friends” and provide handouts and garden plans to help you create and enjoy your own “bird bonanza”.

Leavenworth County Master Gardeners Club Meeting / Advanced Training
Wed, Apr 8, 11a; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048.Kansas City Rose Society Consulting Rosarian, Corinda Stallbaumer, will share “For the Love of Roses”: tips on placement, care and resources for flourishing roses in your garden. FREE. Visitors are welcome. For more info contact Leavenworth Co Extension office at 913-364-5700.

Raytown Garden Club
Tues, Apr 7, 10a; at Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church, 6429 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO 64133. The program will be “Beautifying and Updating our Raytown Parks” presented by Dave Turner, Raytown Parks Director. Guest are always welcome. For more information about our club, check out our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RaytownGardenClub

SYMPOSIUMS | SHOWS | SALES AND MORE

Orchid Delirium
Through Apr 19; at Powell Gardens, 1609 NW US Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO 64061. Orchid Delirium returns to Powell Gardens this spring, inviting guests into a world where orchids take center stage. See more details and purchase tickets at powellgardens.org.

Tulip Fest 
Apr 1-29; at Paula’s Petals, 33607 E 199th St (2nd entrance off the main road), Pleasant Hill, MO 64080. Come and see the beauty of spring! With over 10.5k spring bulbs planted it’s bound to be a beautiful spring. This is a month long Tulip festival. Pre-order spring bulbs as you walk the gardens. Flowers will be pre-picked for purchase. www.paulas-petals.com

Easter Weekend at Vinland Valley Nursery
Apr 4, 9a-5p and Apr 5, 11a-4p; at 1606 N 600 Rd, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Join us for a weekend of spring fun! Activities are self-guided, some are free, and you can walk-in any time during regular hours. We’ll also have everything you need for beautiful easter baskets—moss, bows, gardening goodies, small plants, and baskets! Hens & Chicks are buy-one-get-one-free all weekend. vinlandvalleynursery.com

Eat Local & Organic Expo 
Sat, Apr 4, 9a-1p; at Lenexa Old Town Activity Center, 9301 Pflumm Rd, Lenexa, KS 66215. Kick off farmers market season at the Eat Local & Organic Expo! Shop with more than 30 KC Food Circle farmers who pledge to meet high standards for growing plants and mushrooms, beekeeping and raising animals. Sign up for weekly farm shares, buy transplants for your garden and get the freshest early spring products our region has to offer! Learn more at; https://thefoodcircle.org/eat-local-organic-expo-2/

Deep Roots Native Plant Sale
Sat, Apr 11, 10a-2p; at Anita Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, KCMO 64110. deeprootskc.org. Contact Missouri Wildflowers Nursery, www.mowildflowers.net, 573-496-3492, mowldflrs@socket.net, at least 5 days before, and they will bring your purchased plants. 

Healthy Yards Expo
Sat, Apr 11, 9a-2p; at the Shawnee Civic Centre, Shawnee, KS. Learn simple, eco-friendly lawn and garden practices through educational seminars, expert advice, and interactive activities. Features local vendors, nonprofits, free soil testing for Johnson County residents, kids’ activities, and resources to help protect water, soil, and the environment while creating a healthy yard. FREE family-friendly event.

40th Annual African Violet Show & Sale
Sat, Apr 11, 9a-2:30p; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st St and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64112. NO ADMISSION FEE. Sho-Me African Violet Club; “Reflections of Violets”

Overland Park Farmers Market Opening
Apr 18. Saturdays in April and May at Matt Ross Community Center. Visit our new location at Clock Tower Landing starting Jun 6.

Earth Day Celebration
Sat, Apr 18, 10a-2p; at Lakeside Nature Center, 4701 E Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64132. Celebrate Earth Day with information about the wildlife of Swope Park, learn about preservation, explore the forest, pond, and marsh around the property, plus arts and crafts. Explore nature in the city and learn what you can do to support native wildlife in our area. Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Children’s Program will be teaching children how native plants support biodiversity and children will participate in an activity to pot a native plant in a decorated container to take home. For more information visit https://lakesidenaturecenter.org/event/earth-day-a-native-wildlife-event-2/

Earth Day Event
Wed, Apr 22, 6:30-8:30p; at Green Street Event Center, 209 SE Green St, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063. Join Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City for an Earth Day Celebration. Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs) will make seed bombs using native seeds and offer a demonstration on planting natives in containers. There will be children’s pollinator activities with pollinator plants and wildlife coloring pages. A library display will feature children’s gardening education on pollinators. EMGs will also have MU Extension publications, handouts, and free seeds. Sylvia Bailey Community gardeners and representatives from the Train Depot Pollinator gardens will share their experiences growing natives and pollinator plants. For more information, visit https://cityofls.net/green-street/events. Free event. Children must be supervised by a parent or adult.

Paola Spring Plant Sale
Apr 23, 24, 25, INDOOR SHOPPING at the Miami County Fairgrounds Bldg #2, 401 Wallace Park Dr, Paola, KS. Thurs 9a-6p, Fri 9a-5p, and Sat 9a-1p. The sale will feature pesticide-free locally grown plants. In addition to the usual selection of butterfly host plants, pollinator flowers and native perennials, there will be ornamental annuals, perennials, herbs, succulents, hanging baskets, and veggies. Extension Master Gardeners, including butterfly expert Lenora Larson, will be on hand to assist shoppers throughout the sale. Credit Cards welcome!  More info at www.maraisdescygnes.ksu.edu. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mdcemg or call the office: 913-294-4306.

Spring Plant Sale
Apr 24-26; at the Overland Park Arboretum Botanical Gardens Plant Sale. Johnson County Extension EMGs will be on hand to assist and answer questions. A fundraiser for: Friends of the Arboretum. Members shop a day early on Thurs, Apr 23. arbplantsale.org  

Thyme for Kids Plant Sale
Apr 24-25; at Cornerstones of Care Ozanam Campus Greenhouse, 421 E 137th St, KCMO 64145. Fri 9a-6p, Sat 9a-4p. Stock up on plants for your home and garden, while helping children grow and thrive. Questions: Stephanie at Stefanie.caravella@cornerstonesofcare.org; cornerstonesofcare.org/plantsale 

Raytown Garden Club Annual Plant and Bake Sale
Sat, Apr 25, 8a-12p; at 8701 E Gregory, Raytown, MO 64133. Annual plant, Garden Art, and Bake Sale. Annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, natives, and garden art. All grown, made, and baked by members. Mother’s Day is coming!

Open Gardens Day Wornall House Museum
Sat, Apr 25, 9a-noon; at 6115 Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Free native plants and vegetable plants for visitors. Extensive Missouri native garden. Charming enclosed kitchen garden. Flowers, evergreens and flowering shrubs suited to our weather. Master Gardeners will be on site to answer your garden questions.

Spring Fling
Sat, Apr 25, 12-3p; at Swope Park Bandstand. All ages. Free. Celebrate our parks and our planet. Enjoy an afternoon of educational performances, hands-on learning experiences, a fashion show and more. Kansas City Parks & Recreation

Native Plant Sale
Sat, Apr 25, 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 more information, lenexa.com/nativeplantsale.

Wy Co EMG Annual Plant Sale
May 1, 9a-5p, and May 2, 9a-2p; at the Wildcat Room of the Wy Co Extension Office, 1200 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS 66112. Tomatoes, peppers, herbs, berries, hanging baskets, annual flowers, and perennial flowers available. 913-299-9300; wyandotte.ksu.edu 

Heartland Peony Society – Spring Bus Trip
Sat, May 2, 7:30a-7p. Departing/Returning Leawood, KS bus trip to three gardens and two nurseries in Manhattan and Topeka, KS. $75 per person all-inclusive including donuts for breakfast, a box Lunch, Snacks and drinks. Space is limited; contact Bucky Will at buckywill@gmail.com with questions.

Central MO Master Gardener Plant Sale
May 2 and 3, Sat 8a-1p; Sun 12-3p; at Master Gardener Greenhouses, 810 Sandstone, Jefferson City, MO. Central Missouri Master Gardeners annual Plant Sale is our biggest fundraiser for the organization. We are selling plants, including tomatoes, peppers and hanging baskets, grown in our greenhouses by master gardeners. We also have perennials, including natives, donated by our members for sale. It is a weekend long event at our greenhouses. Prices vary starting from $4. We have three greenhouses full of tomatoes, annuals, vegetables and herbs. Greenhouses located in North Jefferson City by the dog park. Service dogs are welcome, but we ask that you leave pets at home or in the dog park.

Liberty’s Town and Country Garden Club Annual Plant Share
Sat, May 2, 8a-noon, at Rotary Plaza, downtown Liberty (100 W Franklin). We invite you to stop by for free garden plants from our members. We encourage you to share your own plants if you wish. No early birds please.

MGGKC Dig & Divide Plant & Garage Sale
Sat, May 2, 9a-3p; at 501 N Dodgion St (Next to ReStore), Independence, MO 64050. Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City invite you to our HUGE Plant/Garage Sale event. We will offer perennials, annuals, vegetables, herbs, and houseplants for sale. MGGKC will also have garden items like pots and gardening tools, plus additional garage sale items specially chosen by Extension Master Gardeners. Take a break from shopping and attend our free class “Dividing Perennials” at 11:30a to learn how to divide perennials to encourage vigor and free garden expansion. Proceeds from this fundraiser support our local gardening projects and educational outreach programs that help Kansas City learn to grow. For more information contact mggkc.fundraiser@gmail.com

Platte County Master Gardeners Plant Sale
Sat, May 2, 9a-3p and Sun, May 3, noon-3p; at Northland Career Center, 1801 N Branch St, Platte City, MO. Directions at: www.plattecountymastergardeners.org. Proceeds benefit the MU Extension Master Gardeners of Platte County. 1000s of Native, Annual & Perennial Plants, Herbs, Tomatoes and Peppers. E-mail plattemgs@gmail.com; Facebook — Platte Co Master Gardeners

Olathe Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale
Tues, May 5, 4-7p and Wed, May 6, 8a-12; at 18505 W 114th St, Olathe, KS 66061. *Credit and Electronic Payments Accepted in addition to cash/check!* 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. You may find perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables, flowers, pollinator-friendly plants, shade plants, sun-loving plants, house plants, and local artisan-made garden decor. Come meet the members of Kansas’ oldest garden club; established in 1929. Plant love and knowledge will be freely shared! 

Spring Open House and Plant Fundraiser
Sat, May 9, 8a-2p; at Monarch Watch, KU West Campus, Lawrence, KS. Join us for Monarch Watch’s Spring Open House & Plant Fundraiser! Looking for plants for your spring garden? Our Plant Fundraiser will have dozens of species available, including milkweeds, host and nectar plants for native butterflies, and other annuals and perennials. These plants support monarch and pollinator populations as well as add beauty and function to garden spaces. Other activities during our Open House will include garden tours, games, arts and crafts, monarch butterflies and caterpillars, and more. This will primarily be an outdoor event. Online plant ordering will be available in advance in April, and more details will be posted soon on our events page. Thank you for your interest and support! https://monarchwatch.org/events

Habitat Garden Tours 
May 9, Jun 6, Jul 11, Oct 3. Highlighting Kansas City residents who understand why what you plant matters. These events are an opportunity for Deep Roots to recognize the native gardeners in different neighborhoods of Kansas City and showcase their beautiful gardens. The goals are to inspire locals to plant native, share knowledge on gardening maintenance and design strategies, and strengthen the native gardening community by bringing them together for a morning of plant talk, sunshine and laughter. See more at: www.deeproots.org/habitatgardens 

Spring Iris Show
Sat, May 16; at Colonial Church, 7039 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS. Presented by Greater Kansas City Iris Society. Anyone may enter the Horticultural Division, with the correct American Iris Society approved name of a variety. Artistic arrangements can entered using unnamed iris as the dominant flowers in the design. Set up and entries: 8a, Judging starts 10:30a; Iris Show 12-4p. For complete Show Schedule, contact Carolyn Ash, Carolyn.Ash7@gmail.com. Mark your calendars for our Public Iris Sale later in the year, Aug 22, at the same location.

Native Plant Sale
Sat, May 23, 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 more information, lenexa.com/nativeplantsale.

Sedgwick County Garden Tour
Fri, Jun 5, 9a-5p; Sat, Jun 6, 9a-5p; Sun, Jun 7, 12-4p. Six gardens throughout Sedgwick County will be available for the public to view. Tickets are $10 and are available at the gardens, at Sedgwick County Extension office, 7001 W 21st St, Wichita, KS 67205 or online sedgwick.k-state.edu; 316-660-0100

Railroading in the Gardens
Sat, Jun 6, and Sun, Jun 7, 10a-4p. Visit the 2026 Garden Railroad Tour consisting of ten train gardens at homes in the Kansas City area. See how gardening and model trains blend together in a creative and colorful way. Each garden railroad is different and unique with the trains running among a variety of plants and landscaping in a miniature world of trees, bridges, tunnels, houses and water features. Hosted by MO-KAN Garden Railroaders, the admission cost for this self-guided tour is $15 a car to see all the gardens for both days. This event is always fun for both adults and kids, with partial proceeds going to Harvesters. For details, tickets and tour guide, go to www.mokangardenrailroaders.org.

Beekeeper’s FunDay
Sat, Jun 6, 8a-5p; at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St, Lawrence, KS 66046. The Northeast Kansas Beekeepers Association announces its Beekeeping FunDay! Cost is $50 includes lunch, beverages, and honey ice cream. Vendors available for purchasing beekeeping related equipment. A silent auction will also be included to raise youth and veteran scholarships. For more information or to register visit http://www.nekba.org/bee-funday.html

Union Hill Neighborhood Garden Tour
Sun, Jun 7, 10a-3p. Save the date; details to come.

JoCo EMG Garden Tour
Jun 12 and 13. Early Bird Ticket Sales open online on Mar 15. Questions? Contact us at 913-715-7050 or garden.help@jocogov.org.

CLASSES | WORKSHOPS 

Growing Tomatoes
Thurs, Apr 2, 6:30-7:30p; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS 66047. Learn how to grow a great tomato whether it be a cherry or a beefsteak, in the ground, or in a container. Free. Space is limited. Please RSVP by calling 785-842-3081.

Garden Design 101
Sat, Apr 4, 1p; at Vinland Valley Nursery, 1606 N 600 Rd, Baldwin City, KS 66006. At this workshop, you will learn some tips and tricks for making any landscape look professionally designed and maintained – perfect timing for spring planting! Come with an idea of a new or existing area you would like to design and VVN staff will guide you through the process from start to finish. You will leave with new knowledge, a landscape template tool, and a garden design. $40 per person. 785-594-2966; vinlandvalleynursery.com

Creating a Pollinator Garden 101
Thurs, Apr 9, 6:30-7:30p; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS 66047. Learn what it takes to create a garden that the bees and butterflies will love. Free. Space is limited. RSVP by calling 785-842-3081.

Vermicomposting 
Thurs, Apr 9, 6:30p; at Basehor Community Library, 1400 158th St, Basehor, KS 66007.Leavenworth Co Master Gardener, Mary Eberst, invites you to join this fun Q&A presentation, addressing several basic materials you will need, the pros and cons of vermicomposting, as well as common mistakes beginners make and how to avoid them! Vermicomposting is an eco-friendly, “cold” composting process that uses specialized worms to rapidly convert kitchen scraps, paper, and cardboard into nutrient-rich organic fertilizer (worm castings). It is an efficient, low-odor method for indoor or small-space composting, producing high-quality soil amendments in 8-12 weeks. Class free; visitors are welcome. For information: Leavenworth County Extension office at 913-364-5700.

Ensure Roses Flourish with Ease
Sat, Apr 11, 9:30-11a; at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS. Consulting Rosarian Lauren English will guide you on fertilization, watering and pruning to get your plants blooming at their best. FREE

Gardening As We Age
Sat, Apr 11, 11a-12:30p; at Vinland Valley Nursery, 1606 N 600 Rd, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Learn how to make adjustments to your mindset, your garden, your body, and your tools to keep you in the garden as long as you want to be. Presented by Douglas County Master Gardener Kevin Nelson, this free event is in conjunction with Be Well Baldwin City, a month-long celebration of health and wellness. 785-594-2966; vinlandvalleynursery.com

Top 10 Annuals & Perennials
Thurs, Apr 16, 6:30-7:30p; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS 66047. Learn about some of our favorite annuals and perennials and how to incorporate them into your landscape. Free. Space is limited. Please RSVP by calling 785-842-3081

Eco-Landscaping Courses
Starting May 13; at Johnson County Community College. Ready to dig into sustainable gardening? Discover how to transform your own yard into an eco-friendly, low-maintenance haven that attracts pollinators and helps the planet thrive. No application process—Just sign up and show up. Go to: jccc.edu/wdce; Questions? 913-469-2323