What are Nativars and are They Better?
I have had very heated discussions over the use of nativars with my purest friends in the native plant community. They prefer to use only true from seed native plants in their gardens, but I think selected varieties can be combined with true natives. It is worth digging into. So, what are nativars? Nativar is […]
Plant of the Week: Purple Coneflower
Purple coneflowers are the bloomiest plants in summer, attracting many pollinators. Their tall stems are great for cutting and add height to the garden. Nearing the end of the gardening year, coneflowers are not in bloom, but their seedheads offer a plethora of uses in the garden and home. Echinacea, or coneflower, is native to […]
Planning Next Year’s Vegetable Garden
This year has seen many new gardeners as people run to find things to do while quarantined. I have seen a run on seed sales, and tons of new questions on all kinds of garden problems, from insects to picking times, to diseases, and more. As we wind down this year, we need to begin […]
14 Common Butterflies of Northeast Kansas
Butterflies are one of the most looked for insects in the landscape, Their colors and flight patterns are observed by amateurs, professionals, and children alike. Everyone loves butterflies. I have a number of field guides for butterflies and for caterpillars, but none that show both caterpillars and butterflies together. There is a decided lack of […]
Perennials for Butterfly Habitats
Perennials can be the backbone of anyone’s garden – they certainly are for mine. I choose perennials that bloom in succession, support native insect populations, are pretty, and attract lots of butterflies! Despite living in Zone 5 in Northeast Kansas, where the weather is constantly changing, I have a very diverse garden. So what are […]
Top Plants for Bees/Butterflies: June-July
Seems everywhere I go these days I hear about pollinator gardens, bee-friendly plants, and bee gardens. Everyone is finally getting into planting for bees and butterflies and not just to make their home look nice. Although it is easy to do both, have a nice looking landscape and have pollinator friendly gardens. So what pants […]
Six Perennials for Tough Conditions
Summer is here and the heat is on! Over the course of the last two summers I have noticed the good and the bad of perennials in my gardens. I don’t have an irrigation system, and I rarely water after planting, even when it gets hot. My plants seem to perform in the heat, really […]
